Main UIC Conference Program
We understand your time is valuable and UIC has designed the majority of the program to be fast-paced, in convenient 30-minute or 1-hour increments, ensuring that you can maximize your learning experience and smoothly and continuously advance through all sessions on your agenda. The 2025 Underground Infrastructure Conference features 90 comprehensive training sessions totalling 54.5 hours. The program qualifies for Professional Development Hours (PDS), which are reviewed and granted by the University of Texas at Arlington.
Exhibits:
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (lunch 12-1:15); and 3 – 5 p.m. Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – Noon.
For your convenience, you may view the program by day or by the track name.
It is important to note, track names, times and presenters are subject to change. Updates will always be posted online. UIC is not responsible for presenter or session cancellation.
TRACK I=Sewer
8-8:25
Evaluation of Volatile Organic Compounds During CIPP: Critical Role of Resin Liners, Curing Methods
Speaker: Parisa Beigvand and Sevda Jannatdoust, Graduate Research Assistants, University of Texas-Arlington
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing VOC emissions during the CIPP process, specifically the roles of different resin liners and curing methods.
8:30-8:55
Utilizing MOP 145 Design for the Front Street Interceptor CIPP Rehabilitation Project
Speakers: Andrew Costa, Vice President-Sales, Insituform Technologies; Chris Macey, Vice President-Americas Conveyance, AECOM
Learn about the new ASCE MOP 144 manual for CIPP design, how it differs from conventional designs via ASTM F1216 and wRC SRM, and how those modern designs positively impacted this project.
9-9:55
Update on Health, Safety Concerns Regarding CIPP Styrenated Resins
Speaker: Dennis Pivin, Director-Health, Safety & Environmental, NASSCO
Get a better understanding of how the various government agencies are approaching the topic of styrene in a variety of industries, as well as a high-level overview of current research on the subject.
10-10:30
Woodson Village Water & Wastewater Rehabilitation
Speaker: Marty Paris, Senior Vice President, Kimley-Horn
Provide lessons learned during design and construction related to the capabilities and limitations of pipe bursting and horizontal directional drilling in crowded residential neighborhoods.
1:30-1:55
Back River Outfall Interceptor Rehab – An Open Discussion
Speakers: Linda Cassel, Project Manager; Bill Grubbs, Engineering Manager, Boyer Inc.
Gain insight into the engineering necessary to complete the design of the diversion structure, vent chambers, and the structural rehabilitation of a large-diameter structural rehabilitation such as BROI.
2-2:25
Lessons Learned During Trenchless Planning, Design & Construction
Speaker: Kim Hanson, Senior Associate, Hazen and Sawyer
Hear short, easy-to-understand project examples and learn how to incorporate improved design and construction techniques into future projects.
2:30-3
Seeing the Light: Practical Approaches to UV-Cured and Reinforced CIPP Lining Design
Speaker: Jeff Maier, Associate Vice President, Dewberry Engineers Inc.
A detailed look into CIPP liner design methodologies and specification considerations specific to UV-cured and reinforced CIPP systems, from an in-the-field project engineering and contractor perspective.
TRACK II=Water
8-8:25
MICP Technology Success: Navigating Pipe Deflection Challenges in Wichita Botanica Gardens Rehabilitation Project
Speakers: Sina Davina, Research & Development Engineer; Eric Hayes, Chief Engineer; Tony Lane, Business Development Manager, SippTech LLC
Learn how MICP technology navigates complex pipe deflections in Wichita’s Botanica Gardens. Gain insights into innovative solutions for infrastructure challenges.
8:30-8:55
From Dust to Gold: Pipe Reaming Renaissance in El Dorado, Kansas
Speakers: Diego Medrano, Project Engineer; Michael Salinas, P.E., Project Manager, Garver
Learn from this case study about the importance of upfront planning, as well as flexibility during construction execution. It will also increase awareness as ground movement is present when upsizing pipe.
9-9:25
The Perfect Fit? Unraveling FFRP’s Close- and Loose-Fit Showdown
Speaker: Chris MacDonald, President, CPM Pipelines
Choosing loose-fit or close-fit FFRP depends on project needs. Close-fit designs offer larger diameters and benefits: improved flow, longer life, ability to span holes in host pipes, and prevention of external intrusion.
9:30-9:55
Water Pipe Bursting: New Way to Replace Aging Water Infrastructure in Fort Worth
Speakers: Max Aransen, Project Manager; Brian Avirett, Program Manager, Shield Engineering Group
Learn about an innovative approach to an age-old problem with aging water infrastructure that proved to be a cost-effective and efficient solution for replacing aging waterline.
10-10:30
Fiberglass: Revolutionizing Water Infrastructure Management
Speaker: Jeff Brown, Regional Sales Manager, NOV Fiber Glass Systems
Using fiberglass to hold buried air relief valve assemblies and allow for quicker access is proving to be a game-changer for many municipalities.
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1:30-2:25
Water Leaks and Corrosion Interference Currents
Speakers: Mike Ames, President, Corrground Consulting LLC; Mark Voigtsberger, President, Utility Testing and Geographic Systems LLC
City electrical facilities near water pipelines may be leaking stray electrical currents, causing accelerated corrosion and leaks. Here is how to find them and mitigate the interference.
TRACK III=Microtunneling/Tunnels
8-8:25
Trenchless Shore Approaches: Role of Pipe Jacking and Direct Pipe
Speaker: Gerhard Lang, Ph.D., Business Development Manager, Herrenknecht
Slurry microtunnelling methods like pipe jacking and Direct Pipe are common techniques for shore approaches in sensitive coastal surroundings. Learn about the latest innovations and project achievements.
8:30-8:55
Let’s Go Deeper: DWU’s Cedar Crest Water Line Replacement
Speakers: Justin Reeves, Vice President, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc.; Matthew Stevens, Senior Engineer, Dallas Water Utilities
Hear how accessibility, soils, and floodway challenges were identified and subsequently addressed in design of a deep tunnel design for a large-diameter water transmission line.
9-9:25
Saving Trees and Installing Tees (bases); Routing 4 Miles of 48-Inch Sewer Main though San Antonio Parks Trail System
Speakers: Gerardo Gomez, P.E., Manager-Engineering Pipelines, San Antonio Water System; Nathan Cobler, P.E., Kimley-Horn
Learn how SAWS and Kimley-Horn worked together to save trees while installing a 48-inch sewer main. Challenges included: a narrow construction corridor, deep sections with hard rock, heavy vegetation, city parks.
9:30-9:55
Constructing a 6m-Diameter, 1.6m-Long Tunnel with Twin Water Pipelines Underwater
Speakers: David Loh, Senior Deputy Director; Zhe Chen, Senior Engineer, PUB
Sharing of knowledge and experience for subsea tunnel/pipeline construction, and project and contract management experience.
10-10:30
Lessons Learned: Sanitary Sewer Project Converted to Pilot Tube Method
Speakers: Steve Matheny, P.E., Business Development Engineer, Logan Clay Products; Dan DiLegge, Owner, DVM Utilities
By reviewing the details and Lessons Learned, the change from open-cut installation to the Pilot Tube Method of guided boring was economically advantageous, avoided a great deal of collateral damage, and was more efficient.
1:30-1:55
Pipeline Integrity Management Applications Using High-Fidelity Fiber Optic Monitoring & Advanced Machine Learning 3.5
TRACK IV=Asset Management
8-8:55
Challenges of Developing Asset Management Plans (AMPs) for Small Utilities
Speakers: Wei Liao, Lead Research Engineer; Tom Iseley, P.E., Ph.D., Purdue University
Gain practical insights from Switz City’s case study, discover cost-effective strategies for developing AMPs, enhance skills through real-world examples.
9-9:25
The Data All Lives in a Yellow Submerged Thing: Corpus Christi Water Inspects 101-Mile Mary Rhodes Pipeline in Single Run
Speakers: Drew Molly, COO; Nick Winkelman, Director-Water Systems & Support Services, Corpus Christi Water; Jerry Snead, Vice President/South Central Conveyance, HDR Inc.
Become aware of the longest free-swimming inline leak inspection performed worldwide that delivered the right data to proactively identify steps needed to maintain pipeline reliability.
9:30-9:55
Measure Today, Secure Tomorrow: Ultrasound Scanning’s Role in Critical Pipeline Condition Data
Speaker: Chris McDowell, Vice President, CPM Pipelines
Learn how in-house ultrasound pipe wall scanning offers cost-effective condition assessment. Wall thickness data on critical pipelines enables crucial year-over-year degradation rate comparisons for informed maintenance.
10-10:30
EPA’s ‘Clean Watershed Needs Survey’ Results Compared to Field Surveys
Speaker: George Kurz, Consulting Engineer/Researcher, Sewer Capacity Management
Show how to easily access information for any of the 17,544 municipal sewer systems in the USA to determine the types and amounts of potential needs for each system.
1:30-1:55
Developing a Smart Virtual Assistant Tool for Sewer Asset Management
Speakers: Hossein Khaleghian, Chief Research Engineer; Yongwei Shan, Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University
Gain insights into innovative data integration and AI-driven tools for proactive sewer asset management, learning how these advancements can significantly reduce costs and enhance decision-making efficiency.
2-2:25
Airbus Multi-Sensor Autonomous Inspection Device Fire Line Leak Detection
Speaker: Timothy Andrews, Project Manager, PICA Corp.
The project highlights the limitations of above-ground leak detection methods in pipelines and emphasizes the importance of combining reported locations with further investigative techniques to pinpoint leaks efficiently.
2:30-3
NASSCO PACP: How can your city benefit?
Speakers: Nick Spano, President, Essential Equipment; Jerry Weimer, NASSCO Master Trainer, Jerry Weimer Consulting
Gain knowledge of the processes, costs and benefits of implementing PACP into your underground pipe rehabilitation process.
TRACK V=Utilities/Energy
8-8:55
Case Study: Cross-Bore Risk Mitigation for Telecom Installation in Fremont, Calif.
Speakers: Michael Wheeler, Market Segment Leader-Water/Wastewater; Paul Searle, Area Sales Leader, GPRS
What would you do if there were 10 ticking time bombs under your feet? GPRS will discuss how city officials discovered and remediated their cross-bore risk – before it endangered citizens.
9-9:55
Mythbusting: Investment vs. Benefits of Undergrounding Electric Facilities
Speakers: Mark Bridgers, Principal, Continuum Capital; Tziporah Feldman, Policy and Research Director, Scenic America
Explore successful undergrounding programs, refute the notion that undergrounding is too expensive, undergrounding true IRR, identify undergrounding best practices worldwide.
10-10:30
Managing Scaleup Challenges: Fiber Optic Deployment & Pipeline Integrity Monitoring Innovations for Long-Distance Pipelines
Speaker: Steven Koles, President & CEO, Hifi Engineering Inc.
Through case studies, learn about technology that successfully leverages HDS data to deliver accurate event detection, overcoming a multitude of practical challenges.
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1:30-1:55
Development and Application of Innervated Tubular Composite for Pipeline Rehabilitation
Speaker: Cory Kreutzer, Technical Director, IQ4H2 LLC
Provide a summary of the innovations and engineering methodology that forms the basis of a novel composite pipeline rehabilitation product for transmission and distribution scale applications.
2-2:25
Damaged Steel Pipelines: Composite Wrapping Method, Other System Components for Maintaining Operational Continuity
Speaker: Korcan Unal, Mechanical Pipeline Engineer, TANAP
Learn about innovative composite wrapping techniques for pipeline repair, focused on FRP materials, ensuring operational continuity, and understanding critical material properties and environmental interaction.
2:30-3
Post Hydrotest to Commissioning or Mothballing of Pipelines: Safe Alternative to Traditional Practices
Speaker: Kelly Baker, Business Development Manager, Zerust Oil & Gas
Delays in commissioning of new pipeline construction can be costly and damaging to hydrotested pipelines. Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors have proven to reduce risks and costs of pipeline layup. Learn how this simple process works.
TRACK VI=HDD
8-8:25
Intro to HDD Market & Role of HDDA
Speaker: Don Riggs
8:30-9:25
Swivels: Design, Care & Maintenance
Speakers: Jay Miller, Owner, JT Miller LLC; Pat Farrel, Commercial Director, Brewis Engineering; Paul Eberhardt, President, Western Rubber
Engineers and HDD contractors will learn what they need to know about pull-back swivels, mud swivels for rig and exit-side applications.
9:30-10:25
Increased Safety in HDD Installations Using Bore Planning
Speaker: Siggi Finnsson, Senior Product Manager, Digital Control Inc.
Enable the HDD contractor to see how to simplify common pre-bore or on-site decisions related to the safe navigation of the pilot bore.
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1:30-1:55
Subs, Cross-Over Adapters & Pipe Threads
Speakers: Jay Miller, Owner, JT Miller LLC; Grant Pettit, Director of Operations, TH Hill; Nels Wickander, President, Wickander & Assoc.
Learn the difference in material selection and design for various cross-over subs.
2-3
Drill Pipe Maintenance, Inspection & Repair
Speakers: Jay Miller, Owner, JT Miller LLC; Nels Wickander, President, Wickander & Assoc.; Roger Wellens, Consultant, Texas Steel Conversion
Contractors and engineers will learn the HDD industry best practices for keeping your drill string working in the best condition possible for longer useful life.
TRACK VII=HDD
8:30-8:55
Small Gyro for Small Rig
Speakers: Matthew Patterson, President; Dan Billig, EMEA Operations Director, Sharewell HDD
Hear about an interesting case study that highlights how new technologies can expand what can be done using HDD methods.
9-9:55
Slurry Microtunneling Methods and HDD: Alternatives and Complements
Speaker: Simon Herrenknecht, Head of Pipeline Business Division, Herrenknecht AG
Learn about the necessary equipment and technical solutions to master slurry microtunneling, including pipe jacking, Direct Pipe and E-Power Pipe.
10-10:30
Lowest Tooling Cost per Foot – Case Studies
Speakers: Michael Rybak, Vice President-Global Services; Brad Reinsel, US Area Director, Inrock
Learn how to save on the overall cost for your jobs and have higher profits.
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1:30-1:55
Drilling Mud, Additives, Solidification & Testing Equipment
Speakers: Eamon Oveissy, Business Development/Mud Engineer; Clint Pitman, Owner, Drilling Mud Direct
Drilling fluids lubricate and cool drilling equipment, facilitate cuttings removal, and stabilize boreholes. Together, HDD and effective drilling fluids enable efficient and environmentally responsible underground development.
2-2:25
Using Real-Time Drilling Data for Improved Risk Management
Speakers: Jeremy Groves, Senior Geotechnical Engineer; Pete Barlow, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, BGC Engineering LLC; Ali Bayat, Professor, University of Alberta
Learn about a number of applications and end uses that could significantly improve the approach to managing risk in HDD projects.
2:30-3
Benefits of Increased Rotary Speeds on Maxi HDD Drilling Units
Speaker: Richard Levings, Product Manager, American Augers
Explore the recent development of increased rotary speeds on maxi-HDD systems, new tools for these higher speeds, and which soil conditions are most favorable for these conditions.
Theater OR Safety Zone 11-12:30
Top Safety Leadership Answers Questions on Underground Safety
Speakers: Dennis Pivin, Director-Health, Safety & Environmental, NASSCO; Harry Miller, Vice President-Health, Safety & Environmental, SAK; Freddy Garcia, Vice President-Health, Safety & Environmental, Puris-Inliner
Learn the top 3 safety topics that are most critical to the underground infrastructure construction industry; how critical safety is to your business, and best practices that can add profit to your bottom line.
TRACK VIII=Sewer/Water
8-8:25
Critical Role of Documentation and Inspection in Construction Success
Speakers: Reyna Johnson, Associate/Team Lead; Kyle Griffith, EIT, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc.
Learn how effective documentation, field inspections, and quick responses can turn construction challenges into success.
8:30-8:55
Utility Contractor Goes Above and Beyond to Honor Pledge to City
Speakers: Carl Craigo, Utility Director, City of Midland (TX); Don Rigby, Director-Marketing & Education, Madewell Products Corp.
Learn how to resolve and budget for an urgent problem. To save a project, contractors need to get creative. When possible, specifying engineers need to know the 10-year history of a product/solution.
9-9:25
Construction Methods Driving Utility Design Along TxDOTs IH35 CapEx Central (LBL Section)
Speakers: Francisco Guerrero, Vice President; Lorraine Liu, Project Engineer, Pape Dawson Engineers
Present lessons learned and opportunities when working with a DOT road expansion project in a dense urban environment, and the role construction methods play in the design and decision making.
9:30-10:30
Preserving Casper’s Infrastructure: Large-Diameter Pipeline Trenchless Rehabilitation Project
Speaker: Mark Wade, President, Bluewater Solutions Group Inc.
Get a close-up look and understanding of how the City of Casper, WY, and its engineering and construction teams resolved a failing wastewater interceptor system on time and under budget.
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1:30-1:55
Pipe Bursting Success: Identify and Mitigate Risk
Speaker: Robert Morrow, President, Faction Fusion
Explore a dive into the different items that can make or break a pipe bursting project: pipe-up size, crossing utilities, soil conditions; how to evaluate and mitigate risk.
2-2:25
Advances in Remaining Useful Life Analysis for Large-Diameter Pipelines
Speaker: Veronica Alvarez, General Manager-US West, Redzone Robotics
Learn about industry concerns in regards to remaining useful life analysis in large-diameter pipelines.
2:30-3
Surviving Submittals
Speaker: Ashley Van Keer, EIT, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc.
Take a look at a few best practices and suggestions that will help even the most disorganized engineer prepare for submittal season.
TRACK IX=Sewer
8-8:25
Trying to Reason with the Hurricane Season
Speakers: Ted Jones, South Central Regional Manager, GeoTree Solutions; Justin Mouton, Business Development Director, PM Construction
Learn how to use a geopolymer spray-applied lining for cost-effective and speedy rehabilitation.
8:30-8:55
Settling Up Projects with More Bid Appeal for Contractors: Friendswood’s Trenchless Trio of Methods
Speakers: Maureen Carlin, Tunneling Infrastructure Practice Leader; Michael Salinas, Project Manager; Karina Diaz, Project Engineer, Garver
Gain knowledge and understanding on how municipal and private owners are permitting and bidding means and methods vs. prescriptive solutions to critical crossings.
9-9:25
Dead Run Force Main Rehabilitation
Speaker: Michael Gallo, Senior Civil Engineer. Greeley & Hansen
Learn how an established method can be used to rehabilitate an existing force main, and at the same time, demonstrate how to use an unconventional method of bypass pumping.
9:30-9:55
Responding to Increasing Wastewater Flows in Downtown Lubbock, TX
Speakers: Claire Yancey, Water/Wastewater Transmission & Utilities Engineer III; Robb Otey, Vice President/Principal, Freese & Nichols Inc.; Zoltan Fekete, Senior Civil Engineer, City of Lubbock
Learn how route selection and trenchless construction methods enable the City’s system to expand and improve, while reducing costs and minimizing public impacts.
10-10:30
Performance Evaluation of Embedded Stormwater Chambers Under Simulated Highway Truck Loads
Speakers: Kawalpreet Kaur, Graduate Research Assistant; Ehsan Rajaie, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Texas-Arlington /CUIRE; David Scott, Senior Manager, Xerxes
Understand the simulation of real-world loading scenarios of stormwater chambers in a controlled environment. Introduce the relevant ASTM standards, test setups, and FEM methods for chambers.
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1:30-1:55
Over the River and Through the… River
Speaker: Philip Wheat, Team Leader, Lockwood Andrews & Newnam Inc.
How do you cross a river with a pipeline? Explore the options of open-cut install, aerial crossing, and mitigating accelerated risks associated with the different BOTOC alternatives when working underwater.
2-2:25
Inflow and Infiltration Abatement in Sanitary Sewer Systems
Speaker: Vaughn O’Dea, Director, Epoxytec
Learn about I&I challenges in sewers, their financial impacts, and innovative solutions, like epoxy linings. Gain strategies for effective I&I abatement, balancing costs with infrastructure performance.
2:30-3
Over the River and Through the… River
Speaker: Philip Wheat, Team Leader, Lockwood Andrews & Newnam Inc.
How do you cross a river with a pipeline? Explore the options of open-cut install, aerial crossing, and mitigating accelerated risks associated with the different BOTOC alternatives when working underwater.
TRACK X=Emerging Technology
8-8:25
Unmanned Confined Space Inspections
Speaker: Ravi Maini, Director of Operations, Zentech Inc.
Learn how Zentech ZXR Technologies conducts unmanned tank and other confined space inspections, without the need for atmospheric testing, lighting, scaffolding, or the like. We reduce hazardous manhours for safer works.
8:30-8:55
3D Mapping of Subsurface Utilities
Speaker: Tom Cerchiara, Customer Solutions Manager, Pix4D
Gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in 3D mobile mapping techniques and their applications in the construction industry.
9-9:25
Revolutionizing Utility Data Management: Undermaps by Reveal
Speakers: Sam Wiffen, CEO, Reveal Infrastructure; Mark Congdon, SAM Engineering
Undermaps, by Reveal, combines all sources of utility data into one single source of truth to enhance infrastructure project workflows. Learn how it can reduce wasteful spending, damage and potential loss of life.
9:30-9:55
Optimizing Detention System Releases to Mitigate Localized Flooding Impact
Speaker: Jill Burdette, Director of Sales, IDEX Corporation
Learn how integrating detention pond data with collection system flow data optimizes the timing and volume of releases, lowering impacts to the collection system and corresponding threats of flooding and overflows.
10-10:30
Ice Pigging: Advanced Pipe-Cleaning Technology
Speaker: Paul Treloar, Head of Business Development, American Pipeline Solutions
Learn about a relatively new and advanced pipe-cleaning technology that has many benefits, over conventional techniques, such as no excavations, minimal downtime, no disinfection required, no risk of blockages, and more.
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1:30-2:25
Replacing Asbestos Cement Pipe by Close Tolerance Pipe Slurrification (CTPS)
Speakers: Andrew Costa, Vice President of Sales, Insituform Technologies; Michael Woodcock, General Manager, Portland Utilities Construction Company
Introduce and educate on one of the most innovative new processes in the trenchless industry, with wide-ranging implications for how we remediate underground AC pipe systems.
2:30-3
Extending Pipe Service Life Using BEM
Speaker: Martin Roubal, Director, Rock Solid
Demonstrate evaluation trials and provide a case study of the application of BEM supporting the use of coatings/linings used for renovations of piping systems.
TRACK XI=HDD
8-8:25
Effects of Power and Frequency on Penetration Range and Data Rates
Speaker: Amanda Hamm, Product Manager, Digital Control Incorporated
Be better prepared to identify environmental conditions and job-site requirements to select and configure HDD locating and GPR equipment for better outcomes.
8:30-9:25
Contractors Roundtable-All
9:30-10:30
Champlaign Hudson 10,400 LF of 20” Steel Casing HDDs with Zero Welding or
Pipe String-Out
Speaker: Bryan Swanson, Trenchless Outside Sales Representative, Northwest Pipe Company
Learn about dual 5,200 LF HDDs of 20” steel casing that were installed underneath the East River without a single weld to the 20” casing and without any pipe string out.
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1:30-1:55
Safest Solution for Crews Working Exit-Side HDD Operations
2-3
Contractors Roundtable-Telecom
TRACK XII-A=Energy Pipelines: Corrosion
8-8:25
Post Hydrotest to Commissioning or Mothballing of Pipelines: Safe Alternative to Traditional Practices
Speaker: Zerust Oil & Gas
Delays in commissioning of new pipeline construction can be costly and damaging to hydrotested pipelines. Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors have proven to reduce risks and costs of pipeline layup. Learn how this process works.
8:30-8:55
Navigating the Crowded and Electrified Underground: Advanced Detection of AC/DC Interferences for Sustainable Infrastructure
Speaker: GPT Industrial LLC
As demands increase on our utility grids, they consequently increase the complexity of maintaining underground utilities. This presentation explores the crucial role of monitoring technologies for your buried assets.
9-9:25
High-Performance Tubulars: Mechanical Pipe Joining System, Assembling Pipe Joints
9:30-9:55
TBD
10-10:30
TBD
TRACK XII-B=Energy Pipelines: Construction
8-9:25
Introductory Panel: Politics & Regulations
Moderator: Mike Reed, Editor-in-Chief, Pipeline & Gas Journal
Part 1
Speaker:
Rules and regulations continue to change, evolving at the federal and state levels. What can pipeline owning companies and contractors expect when planning for new projects, in both the near and long term?
Part 2
Speaker: Kenneth Medlock, Rice-Baker Institute
Discussion of impacts on the pipeline construction industry after the Nov. 2024 presidential and congressional elections. Other political fallout will be considered.
9:30-10:55
Contractors Panel: Changing Face of Pipeline Construction in Wake of Green Energy Initiatives, Modern Construction Challenges
Panelists give their perspectives on how they are modifying construction practices due to environmental challenges and pressures, and public concerns.
11-11:25
Hydrogen Construction Outlook: Challenges, Limitations, Potential
Speaker: Jeff Sutherland, Engineer, Baker Hughes
Building hydrogen pipelines is seen as an answer to alternative energy sources for oil and gas, but hydrogen as a fuel source is laden with challenges, such as construction costs and safety factors. This session explores the future of hydrogen initiatives.
1:30-3
Owners Panel: State of Construction Plans, Challenges and Capital Investment
Building energy product lines presents a litany of challenges. Working through the permitting and design processes are fraught with inhibitors, from regulatory, to anti-oil groups intent on blocking pipeline construction, as a way to end oil and gas consumption.
THEATER 11-12:30
HDD Hall of Fame Interactive Conversations
TRACK XIII=Sewer/Water
8-8:55
Harnessing the Power of AI to Enhance Pipeline Monitoring & Leak Detection
Speaker: Stuart Mitchell, President & CTO, PipeSense
Learn how advanced pipeline monitoring and leak detection technology can address pipeline issues and enable operators to remain compliant with incoming mandated regulation changes across the U.S.
9-9:30
Manhole Rehab that Matters
Speaker: Chris Welch, National Director-Water, Environmental & Flow Solutions, NOV Fiber Glass Systems
Learn the benefits of rehabilitation with FRP manhole inserts, tips on installation, and case history.
TRACK XIV=Sewer/Water
8-8:55
New Era of Utility Mapping: How AI is Redefining Infrastructure Projects & Subsurface Utility Ecosystem
Speaker: Raz Ezra, Vice President, 4M Analytics
Gain knowledge about AI in the context of construction & infrastructure projects; learn about the “Gold Window” for safety enhancement using AI for utility mapping and how to improve utility research using AI.
9-9:30
Scanning Critical Host Pipes through Carbon Fiber, CIPP & SIPP Applications Using BEM Technology
Speaker: Scott Dishon, Business Development, Elite Pipeline Services
Get an in-depth look at scanning through non-destructive pipe repairs and looking at results.
TRACK XV=Sewer/Water
8-8:25
Revolutionizing Asset Management with Digital Twins: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in the Oil, Gas & Utility Sectors
Speakers: Muhammad Sohail Abbas, Mechanical Engineer; Syed Mubashir Ahsan, Mechanical Engineer; Musharraf Qadir, Electrical Engineer, Pak Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO)
Discover how integrating digital twins, AI and ML, can revolutionize asset management, enhance safety and sustainability, and boost operational efficiency in the energy sectors. Transform your infrastructure strategies today.
8:30-9:30
Inspector and CM Workforce Development: Utilizing Human Factors Technologies to Drive Performance Improvements
Speakers: Daniel Lorenz, President and Founder; Harold Woods, Director of Strategic Outreach, Joe Knows Energy LLC
Gain understanding of what “Human Factors” are and how they can be applied to drive performance. Also, see practical applications and the results.
TRACK XVI=Pipeline Safety/SUE
8-8:25
Preventing Pipeline Damage: Contact 811
Speaker: James Prothro, Program Manager/Community Liaison, USDOT-Office of Pipeline Safety
New message strategies/approaches are needed to break free from the “that’s-the-way-we’ve-always-done-it” mindset. Leveraging various platforms, we educate about the importance of contacting 811, promoting safer excavation.
8:30-8:55
Opportunities for Physical Pipeline Barriers in the USA
Speaker: Luke Sperry, Applications Engineer, Seal for Life Industries
Learn about a simple technology used widely around the world to make damage prevention systems complement state One Call lines, and how urgently this is needed.
9-9:30
Promoting Safety, Collaboration by Contacting 811 to Prevent Damages to Underground Pipeline Facilities