Utility locating tools and GPR systems are vital pieces of equipment to aid contractors in mapping out buried utilities and underground obstacles. We asked experts from Subsite Electronics and Vermeer MV Solutions what to look for when choosing a utility locating tool or GPR system so that you can have the most accurate information the next time you dig.

GSSI has launched a new video series as part of their GPR training academy. The video series features short and informative videos focusing on individual product lines to help users through frequently asked questions.

GSSI has launched a new video series as part of their GPR training academy. The video series features short and informative videos focusing on individual product lines to help users through frequently asked questions.

CUES has developed a new lightweight, portable, wireless digital video inspection pole camera that can be operated by one person. The new QuickZoom III (QZIII) camera is designed to provide cable-free safe-viewing in industrial or environmental areas with no man entry. Perform swift inspections and surveys of pipelines, wet wells, manholes, sewer treatment plants, steam generators, tanks, vessels, and other areas that are difficult to reach. QZIII can also be used to locate lateral services or to identify blockages at manholes, access ports, or other entry points without entering the line or structure.

CUES has developed a new pipeline inspection tool designed to significantly reduce unplanned downtime. The CUES REDI (Remote Evaluation Diagnostic Inspection) Kit is the first pipeline inspection troubleshooting kit available on the market today designed to help diagnose electrical issues, allowing for quicker and more accurate troubleshooting and repairs of problems while in the field. The release of this new product reflects CUES continuing commitment to offer the best customer support services in the business.

Cansel, a software, hardware, and service provider to engineering, surveying, construction, architecture, government and printing industries announced today that it has acquired the precision location business of Trenchless Utility Equipment Inc. in Ontario and Alberta.  First established in 1992, Trenchless Utility Equipment Inc. was formed to specialize in the relatively new Horizontal Directional Drill Industry. Over the years the company has become a leader in protecting underground utility infrastructure. 

ICUEE, the International Construction & Utility Equipment Exposition, will take place October 1-3 in Louisville, Kentucky. ICUEE is the utility industry's largest trade show, covering 28+ acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, and bringing together more than 18,000 utility professionals every two years.

In August 2019, a small diameter Double Shield TBM made a big impact. The 2.46 m (8.07 ft) diameter Robbins machine completed 3,475 m (11,400 ft) of boring with no intermediate access, making it the longest rock tunnel ever bored by a Double Shield TBM under 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in diameter.

The resulting waste mud and fluids from the hydro excavation process can be effectively managed, making life easier for drilling operators and creating possible new revenue streams.

On May 23, 2019, a celebration was in order: The last of six 8.93 m (29.3 ft) diameter EPBs had completed excavation at Lot 4 of Mexico City's Tύnel Emisor Oriente (TEO), a feat marking the completion of ten years and 62.1 km (38.6 mi) of tunneling. "We are proud of having successfully finished the excavation, despite all the adversities we faced, such as large inflows of water, hydraulic loads and constant changes in geology. We solved these by adapting the excavation mode according to each type of geology found," said Hector Arturo Carrillo, Machinery Manager for Lot 4 contractor Carso Infraestructura y Construcción (CARSO).  

In April 2019, a Robbins 3.5-m (11.5-foot) diameter Main Beam TBM broke through into open space, completing its 2.8 km (1.7 mi) long tunnel. It was not the first time the machine had encountered open space: twice during tunnelling, the machine hit uncharted caverns, the largest of which measured a staggering 8,000 cubic metres (283,000 cubic feet) in size.  

Excavation of Turkey's longest water tunnel came to an end on December 18, 2018. To get there, a 5.56 m (18.2 ft) diameter Robbins Crossover (XRE) TBM and the contractor JV of Kolin/Limak had to overcome dozens of major fault zones and water pressures up to 26 bar. The completed national priority water line is set to go into operation in March 2019.