June 5, 2012

The largest of its kind trenchless technology show is being held in Niagara Falls, Ont. starting today.

Trenchless technology road show kicks off in Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS, ONT.

The underground infrastructure research international conference & trenchless technology road show opens today and will explore ideas on how to address Canada’s aging infrastructure challenges.

The largest of its kind in Canada, the show will serve as a forum for the integration of practice, research and education in pipeline and tunneling engineering. Leading experts from Austria, Canada, Holland, Iran, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the USA will discuss and share ideas on pipeline construction, repair, renovation, condition assessment, asset management, financing and education.

Event organizers Trenchless Technology and the Centre for the Advancement of Trenchless Technologies say it is being held at an important juncture for North American municipalities.

“It is estimated that the majority of our buried water and wastewater piping systems have exceeded their useful service life. The degradation of urban water and wastewater networks is a significant threat to the quality of life in our society,” said the organizers in a release.

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“Municipalities are increasingly aware that the infrastructure deficit is a looming challenge that will require creative approaches to manage and maintain water and wastewater systems. Trenchless technologies provide cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives to open-cut pipe replacement.”

Event highlights include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and more than a dozen technical sessions, workshops, short courses, and student activities.

The keynote speaker, Dr. John Gumbel, director, JG Pipeline Consultancy Ltd. and former technical director of Insituform Technologies, will share his insights on the need to unite the trenchless world by bridging the gap between industry, academic partnerships and the development of unified specifications between North America and Europe.

Over 40 exhibitors will showcase the latest technologies that can help to improve water and wastewater infrastructure while lowering construction costs and environmental footprint.

Live demonstrations will provide first-hand knowledge of trenchless technology applications that will range from subsurface utility locates and condition assessment to pipelines cleaning and rehabilitation.

The international conference & trenchless technology road show is being held at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, June 5 to 6.

Ontario Public Works Association, Ontario Concrete Pipe Association, the Water Institute, and National Research Council of Canada, are sponsoring or endorsing the event.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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