Tools for Evaluating and Selecting Trenchless Technologies

When it comes time for engineers and decision makers to select the proper construction method for installing, replacing or rehabilitating pipelines and manholes the choices can be overwhelming. There are more than 80 methods to choose from when trying to determine what action to take which can make a young engineers decision seem impossible. The time it would take to research all available alternatives and their parameters would be a never ending mission. To help shorten the time it would take to track down all of that information, the Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) has been developing tools to assist engineers with their decisions. The TTC developed the Trenchless Assessment Guide (TAG) in collaboration with the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) in 2006 and is currently developing the Trenchless Assessment Guide for Rehabilitation (TAG-R) while working closely with the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO). TAG-R features more than 60 methods that can be used for the rehabilitation and/or repair of common components found in the municipal pipeline distribution and collection systems including gravity sewers and drainage pipes, pressure pipes, laterals, manholes and vaults. To aid in the acceptance of trenchless technologies south of the border TAG has also been translated into Spanish. Furthermore, aiming at increasing accessibility to this valuable tool the TTC is currently developing a web-based version of TAG on the behalf of the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT), which we expect to launch in the Spring of 2008.