No Dig Down Under conference schedule released

No-Dig Down Under 2023 will focus on the theme of better outcomes through trenchless. The conference program will allow attendees to learn from other leaders across the sector.

No-Dig Down Under is the southern hemisphere’s only large-scale conference and exhibition dedicated to trenchless technology. It has grown to become the world’s second-largest no-dig technology event, partnering with ASTT. It is now considered a ‘must-attend’ for all industry professionals.

The technical program will invite speakers from around Australia and the globe to present papers. The papers will cover topics such as case studies, new and emerging technologies, challenging projects and environments, industry skills and training, and risk management. Attending this conference allows you to claim CPD hours from Engineers Australia.

No-Dig Down Under 2023 offers three different streams, offering attendees plenty of options for high-impact presentations on trenchless technology. Here are some seminars that would suit you.

Can you GIS?

Utility Managers often seek more specific knowledge and skills to acquire actionable data to better manage critical asset infrastructure and networks. This usually involves collecting field data and verifying and validating attributes. They also conduct audits with condition assessments that underpin data for enterprise systems and Strategic Asset Management plans. However, accurately positioning above and below-ground network mapping can be challenging.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are frequently used to improve asset knowledge about location. These systems have revolutionised the way field service technicians operate. It enables the accurate location of assets and inputting of associated attributes into a database. This allows for effective management throughout the assets’ life cycle. However, technical tips and expertise are required to set up the equipment so that NON-GIS/NON-Surveyor field services teams can use GNSS to fix network errors.

Peter Terret, one of the world’s foremost experts in applying satellite location technology for professional users outside the spatial technologies field, will present at 11:30 am on Wednesday, 13 September.

Green HDD

The major challenges for future energy supply include developing sufficient pipeline capacity, a sustainable power grid, and protecting networks from environmental threats. To meet these challenges, smart trenchless installation methods are required for fast and safe installations. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is the preferred option for crossing obstacles and installing landfall solutions in sensitive coastal areas. It is an economic and industry-proven technology, provided the ground conditions allow for a safe drilling process.

With new environmental tasks, HDD is more important than ever to meet the demands of today’s construction projects, which are shifting towards alternative green fuels like hydrogen. A fully electric HDD Rig concept is an indispensable step towards the energy transition, enabling green energies in the drilling industry while minimising emissions. A directly electrically driven rig allows for green electricity use and ensures high efficiency without the losses associated with hydraulic concepts. Successful and eco-friendly execution of upcoming projects is of public interest and will benefit the entire industry.

With his extensive experience in the construction industry since 1993, Ben Hayes will commence his presentation at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, 13 September.

Inspecting Sydney pipes

Sydney Water (SW) used FELL to inspect the condition of various pipe types without interrupting their daily service. FELL accurately locates pipe wall defects within 1 meter of their actual location and estimates the defect’s leakage rate in litres per second (LPS). SW found that Delta and Trident accurately located defects in the pipe walls and estimated the leak size in LPS without relying on acoustics or closed-circuit television.

Paul Pasko from Electro Scan specialises in non-invasive pipe condition assessment and pipe rehabilitation featuring ‘no-dig’ tools. His presentation is scheduled for 9:10 am on Thursday, 14 September.

No-digging deeper underground

Brisbane’s oldest and largest sewer pipeline lies deep under the CBD. The S1 Main Sewer averages 1.5 meters in diameter. It stretches 12km from Toowong to the Eagle Farm pump station and is buried eight stories beneath the ground.

Built in 1915, the S1 serves over 750,000 people, carrying 60% of the city’s wastewater. The 100-year-old sewer required an upgrade. It involved rehabilitating a 5.7km section between James Street in Fortitude Valley and the Eagle Farm pump station.

Urban Utilities awarded the rehabilitation works to Interflow in 2015. Since then, Interflow has relined 40 individual pipeline sections (averaging 160m) using a spiral-wound lining system.

The upgrade of Brisbane’s oldest and largest pipeline, located below one of its busiest roads, presented one of Australia’s most challenging sewer upgrades. The increasing sewer depth required a robust relining solution to withstand the extra pressures.

Working with technology partner Sekisui Rib Loc Australia, Interflow developed an innovative way of reinforcing a spiral-wound liner with steel. The new solution, called RibSteel, involves clipping stainless steel strips into the outside of the PVC strip in the lined pipe, resulting in exceptional strength.

With 27 years of industry experience, Steven Latimer will present on this topic at 4:00 pm on Thursday, 14 September.

For more information about presentations at No-Dig Down Under, visit https://www.nodigdownunder.com/conference-program