Research

CUIRE promotes strategic partnerships across the disciplines, and integrating a dynamic network of expertise to address

Underground Infrastructure issues.

Current Research Projects

• U.S.-China Workshop on Trenchless Technologies and Critical Underground Infrastructure Issues

The U.S.-China Workshop on Trenchless Technology and Critical Underground Infrastructure Technologies will be held at the China University of Geosciences (CUG) in Wuhan, in October 2007. The U.S. team includes well known researchers from major universities and research centers. This award will provide travel support for U.S. participation in the workshop, where researchers from both countries will review the state-of-the-art of critical underground techniques, the experiences in China to-date, and exchange ideas on development of research strategies. Dr. Mohammad Najafi, Director of the Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), will be the Principal Investigator (PI) on this project, assisted by several Co-PIs indicated in this proposal. The Chinese collaborators include: Dr. Baosong Ma, Professor of Civil Engineering (CUG), the foreign organizer of this unique workshop, Dr. Huiming Tang, Dean of College of Engineering (CUG), and Dr. Xiaoming Wu, Professor of Civil Engineering (CUG). Dr. Tang and Dr. Wu will assist Dr. Ma with logistics, coordination, publicity, and organization of Chinese contributions to the research agenda.

• Preparation of a Manual of Practice for Asset Management of Underground Infrastructure

The main objective of this project is to provide a comprehensive manual that can be used as a reference to municipalities and government agencies providing a practical guide to setup asset management strategies as well as a teaching material for conferences and workshops.

• Equipment & Facilities for Rapid Installation of Buried Innerduct Network for Utility Lines -- Phase II

Outside Plant Consulting

Services, Inc.

U.S. Department of Transportation

• Critical Action Plan for Securing a Sustainable Infrastructure in Michigan

  

   

  The main objectives of this project are:

   

  • Developments of facts on the state of the infrastructure in Michigan in terms of condition, inventory, management, and funding,
  • Preparation of fact sheets for politicians, public works officials, and the general public,
  • Identification of Michigan governmental and non-governmental resources that can be used in sustainable infrastructure management, and
  • Conducting educational/outreach activities for politicians, public works officials, and the general public.

• ASCE Manual of Practice for Pipe Ramming Projects

Pneumatic pipe ramming is a well-established trenchless methods that is widely used for the installation of steel pipes and casings.  Pipe ramming method is mainly used for the installation of utilities at road and railroad crossings.  This is an economical alternative to open trenching whereas it can reduce pavement damage, traffic disruptions and the social costs associated with pipeline installations. This manual of practice is being prepared to assist engineers, contractors and owners to design and execute pipe installation projects effectively, safely and in conformance with project requirements and site conditions.  The objective of this manual is to give a clear understanding of the method capabilities and limitations, to outline important design and construction considerations and to identify potential problems and prevention measures, thereby installing confidence in the appropriate use of the method.

• Survey of U.S. Large Sewer Infrastructure                                                       

This project includes preparation of a market study for large diameter culvert and sewer system in the United States.  

 A survey will be prepared and will be sent to U.S. cities, municipalities, sewer districts and DOT’s to verify state of their large diameter (more than 48 in.) gravity sewer and culverts. The information requested on the survey will include: ·      

·        Length

·       Age

·        Diameter

·        Types of materials

·        Types of defects

·        Methods of renewal used so far

·        Plans for renewal work for next three years

·        Budget for renewal work for next three years 

The survey will be administered by email, Website and followed up by phone calls to receive a maximum number of responses. A target response rate of 30% will be aimed.

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•  Establishing a Pathway for Achieving Water Utility Infrastructure Management Excellence                                                       

Buried Asset Management Institute -- International

BAMI-I

The primary objective of this project is to develop the foundation for the establishment of an asset management Center of excellence (AMCOE) to lead and support research, education, outreach and development of asset management practices. The secondary objective is to develop an integrated asset management (AM) based curriculum guidance document which will be made available to universities, colleges, junior colleges, professional/trade associations, leadership and job training programs, and water/wastewater utilities and agencies.

•  ASCE International Pipeline Conference, July 8-11, 2007, Boston                                

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• An Asset Management Approach for Drainage Infrastructure & Culverts                                                       

Current Projects

Completed Projects

Asset Management Pooled Fund

DVC Information Clearinghouse

FHWA Research & Development

Asset Mgmt Research from RiP Database

2006 Call for Pre-Proposals

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Past Research Projects

• Hydraulic Analysis of Roger's Creek Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) CIPP-Lined Culvert    

The overall approach for this project was to compare the hydraulic characteristics of the CIPP-lined and the host-CMP culverts.  First, we established the important geometric properties of the CIPP and CMP barrels including their Manning’s roughness.  Next, we compared the hydraulic performance of the Roger’s Creek culverts during projected 100 yr peak flow conditions (typical for design) in the creek.  Last, we evaluated how the geometric changes in the culvert (loss of cross sectional area and reduction in surface roughness) influence hydraulic performance of the barrel when flowing full under outlet control conditions. 

Pipe Bursting Projects provides the best and latest practices for the design and construction of pipelines using pipe bursting methods, with a special focus on building pipelines under roads, railroads, and streets. This new manual will be useful for new and experienced engineers as it covers both introductory and advanced topics, including history, recent innovations, documentation, typical applications, and terminology from the planning through construction phases. Utility owners, contractors, and any other professionals involved in pipeline construction will also benefit. Pipe Bursting Projects was prepared by the Pipe Bursting Task Force of the ASCE Committee on Trenchless Installation of Pipelines (TIPS), under supervision of the Pipeline Division.

• Updating of Trenchless Permits: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)                                                       

  

  

  • Objective: Creating proper and up-to-date trenchless design and construction permits for MDOT

  • Demand:

    • Installing new underground utility system has increased the necessity 

    • Environmental concerns

    • Social (indirect) costs

    • New safety regulations

    • Difficult underground conditions

    • New developments in equipments have increased for trenchless technology

  • Scope:

  • Analysis of trenchless installation in high-way right-of-way

  • Survey of new trenchless Installation Methods

  • Updating current MDOT permit documents

  • Training of MDOT inspection engineers in trenchless installations

  • Tasks:

    • Literature Research & Technology Review

    • Guideline Specifications

    • Permit Attachments Updating

    • Inspection Guide (Pamphlet)

    • Permit Application/ Design Review

    • Web-based Documentation

    • Training Preparation and Organization

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• Buried Pipeline Performance Forecasting Using Neural Network Models                                             

With an aging underground infrastructure, ever-encroaching population areas and increasing economic pressures, the burden on the municipal agencies to efficiently prioritize and maintain the rapidly deteriorating underground utilities is increasing. Accurate forecasting of pipeline performance is essential for prioritizing and risk management of the underground infrastructure. The essential function of a pipeline asset management system is to consider the pipeline maintenance and improvement needs and to arrive at the program of optimal rehabilitation, replacement, and maintenance. Hence, the development of a pipeline condition prediction model will be indispensable to the concerned authorities in prioritizing the care and rehabilitation of pipelines, and in pipeline asset planning and management. This research developed a prototype Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for predicting the condition of sewer pipes based on the historic condition assessment data. The neural network model was trained and tested with acquired field data. The developed model is intended to aid in identifying the distressed segments of the overall sewer pipeline network using a set of known input values. These can then be directed toward assessing and prioritizing the maintenance measures needed to prevent accelerated future distress and eventual failure of sewer pipes.

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• ASCE Manual of Practice for Horizontal Auger Boring Projects

Horizontal auger boring methods are among the most cost-effective and versatile techniques for installing steel casing pipe under roads and highways. This comprehensive manual covers the horizontal auger boring method, providing the instructions for a safe, productive, and efficient installation of pipelines for road crossings. The manual is divided into five sections; the first section is an introduction that includes history, recent innovations, applicable documents, typical applications, and a glossary of terms. The proceeding sections provide important information on the planning, design, pre-construction phase, and construction phases of the horizontal auger boring methods. The last section includes a list of references. New and experienced engineers, utility contractors, and other professionals working in pipeline construction will find this manual useful by providing introductory and advanced topics for safe, cost-effective, and productive design and construction of horizontal auger boring projects.

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• New Pipeline Technologies, Security, and Safety

Proceedings of the Pipelines 2003 International Conference on Pipeline Engineering and Construction, in Baltimore, Maryland, July 13-16, 2003

New Pipeline Technologies, Security, and Safety includes 200 papers, which were presented at the Pipelines 2003 International Conference on Pipeline Engineering and Construction, in Baltimore, Maryland, July 13-16, 2003. These Proceedings focused on application of existing and emerging technologies for asset management, condition assessment, pipeline renewal, pipeline protection, and safety and security concerns. In addition, other timely topics covered included: Geographic Information Systems; Hydraulic Modeling; Risk Assessment and Management; Fiber Optics in Utilities; Trenchless Technologies; Operation and Maintenance; Seismic Effects on Pipelines; Pipe Locating Technologies; Investigation Innovations; Freight Pipelines; and Emerging Technologies.

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• Analysis and Comparison of Traffic Disruption Using Open-Cut and Trenchless Methods of Pipe Installation.                                            

This project presents a comparison of traffic delays and related costs involved during utility construction using open-cut and trenchless methods. A case study of two sites involving utility construction is chosen and the traffic flow rate was measured. Depending on the type of pipe installation method used, the time lost and costs of delay were calculated. The same is repeated for the alternate method of pipe installation applying the same criteria. The time and cost parameters were compared against one another for a given site. These costs were added to the social costs and the actual cost of construction. The life-cycle costs are then analyzed and the best alternate for that particular site is derived, using the data from the case studies. The comparative curve gives an estimate of the general data for a range of utility construction. Based on the data from the case studies and literature review of similar existing studies, the information can be applied to a range of applications in utility construction.

• Effects of Renewing Underground Utilities in Better Use of Land      

  

  This project examined how renewal of old and deteriorating underground infrastructures will promote efficient and cost-effective use of land. The project included cost-benefit analysis of revitalizing old utilities and its impact to reduce sprawling. By preparing a guideline report, the project provided tools for appropriate decision making process for the state of Michigan.

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• Development of a Knowledge-Based Decision Matrix for Selection of Trenchless Technology Methods                                                             

  

  The main objective of this research is to provide a prototype decision support system (DSS) to aid in selection of an appropriate construction method for a new installation or renewal of existing underground pipelines. This prototype DSS introduces consistency to the decision-making process, and enables decision-makers to select a certain trenchless construction method to match the project conditions. The prioritizing module is based on the application of the knowledge–based (expert) systems, which combines the knowledge of the human experts and case studies with mathematical calculations to obtain the desired priorities. The DSS involves a relation database management system (RDBMS), a user-friendly interface, and an output module to interact with the end user. The developed relational database assists in identifying suitable trenchless construction techniques that considers the factors that account for technical, contractual and cost requirements of projects as well as user specified preferences. In case of having more than one suitable installation or rehabilitation method, DSS evaluates and ranks them and, accordingly, suggests the most suitable one.

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• Field Evaluation of Trenchless Road Crossing Methods   

  

  Ground displacements and borehole stability are always of prime concern during trenchless technology installations under pavements, and in close proximity to existing buried utilities and structures. Stable boreholes also relate to successful completion of the projects. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), University of Missouri -- Columbia, Michigan State University, and several industry participants have joined forces to conduct a research program to evaluate borehole stability. The objective of this research is to study the cavity expansion within the soil caused by pipe jacking, auger and guided boring and horizontal directional drilling methods. The soil displacement in the vicinity of the cutterhead, reamer and at the ground surface will be evaluated. To conduct the research, an actual field installation is underway at the University of Missouri’s Capsule Pipeline Research Center during the summer of 2002. In addition, an actual road crossing with pipe jacking method was closely monitored. The results of these unique field evaluations were incorporated in the MoDOT specifications and guidelines.

  

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• The Fiscal Impacts of Alternative Single-Family Housing Densities

  

   

  Across the nation, new residential development requires the construction of new infrastructure. However, financing the construction and maintenance of this infrastructure has become a contentious issue because of the various demands placed on local government budgets.  The objective of this study is to ascertain how costs for certain infrastructures vary with the density of single-family residential development. Specifically, it examines how capital and life-cycle costs for roads, and sewer and water lines vary with density. Only on-site costs are examined, that is, the costs for infrastructure located within subdivisions. We find that life-cycle costs for roads and sewer and water lines increase as density decreases. Annual user fees for sewer and water cover the annual life-cycle costs for these infrastructures at lot sizes less than one acre. We did not observe a relationship between annual life-cycle costs, expressed as a percent of revenues (the sum of property taxes and user fees for sewer and water), and density.

  Key words: housing density, infrastructure costs, and life-cycle costs

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• ASCE Emerging Concepts for the Design of Pipeline Renewal Systems    

  

  The Emerging Concepts for the Design of Pipeline Renewal Systems developed out of the efforts of the ASCE Task Committee authorized by the ASCE Pipeline Division’s Pipeline Infrastructure Committee (PINS). It includes previously published ASCE papers presenting this topic.

  During 1999 the PINS Committee formed the Task Committee for evaluating the current calculation methodologies for determining renewal liner design. It was determined by PINS Committee during the 1990's and culminating in 1997 that the calculation systems were conservative as employed. During January 1998, also an International Trenchless Technology Research Colloquium at Louisiana Tech University determined that a new calculation methodology should be developed.

  The commonly used “Fully Deteriorated” calculation system was based on the model used for trench installation of Fiberglass Pipe. The evaluation of this model was of prime concern to the Task Committee. It was quickly determined that the so-called “Fully Deteriorated” concept should be revised and basic fundamentals be researched, reviewed and incorporated into a proposed report. This task was completed and a synopsis is provided in this Committee Report.

  Several international and domestic experts directly or indirectly provided input that is shown in this report. An independent “Blue Ribbon Committee” selected by the Pipeline Division has reviewed the contents of this report to ensure an acceptable consensus of industry professionals working in the pipeline rehabilitation (renewal) area, i.e., research, design, and construction, is presented.

  Download Final Report (PDF Format)

   

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• ASCE Manual of Practice on Pipeline Design for Installation by Horizontal; Directional Drilling (HDD)

  Pipeline Design for Installation by Horizontal Directional Drilling addresses the design of major pipeline or duct segments to be installed by horizontal directional drilling (HDD). This Manual of Practice, which covers topics specifically related to HDD installation, was prepared by a committee of senior engineers who are leaders in the development of HDD techniques and practices. HDD is a trenchless excavation method that is accomplished in three phases and uses a specialized horizontal drilling rig with ancillary tools and equipment. This Manual is meant to be a guide for design engineers with previous experience and knowledge of the HDD installation process and pipeline design methods. Topics Include:• Predesign Surveys • Drilled Path Design • Pipe Design • Construction Impact • As-Built Documentation.

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• Underground Infrastructure Affect Human Health

  

  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  In 1992, 17 states reported 34 major water borne disease outbreaks affecting 17,000 people. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that more than one million Americans become ill each year from sanitary-sewer overflows (SSO’s). A 1999 study by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) indicates that the nation’s 500,000 miles of sewer lines average 33 years old. However, many cities are maintaining and operating a wastewater collection system with sections that are nearly 100 years old. Michigan is no exception with many cities which fall in this category. EPA estimates that there are at least 40,000 sanitary sewer overflows (SSO’s) per year, excluding basement backups. A 1984 Urban Institute study of urban infrastructure indicated that sewer backup rates tended to be highest in economically distressed municipalities, and are generally higher in communities with the oldest sewer systems. Sewer breaks are particularly associated with large, growing cities. According to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), by 2020 the average utility will spend three times as much on infrastructure replacement as it does today. Many of the underground utilities are outdated and rundown. The deterioration of utilities manifests itself in increased operating and maintenance costs, water losses, sewer overflows, frequent service disruptions and a reduced quality of water supply.

   

  The level of service to customers is negatively impacted by a reduction in the hydraulic capacity of a system due to root ingress, accumulation of obstructions discharged to the system (such as grease, rags, paper towels), and structural failures (such as line breaks and collapses). The poor performance of many sanitary sewer systems and resulting potential health and environmental risks highlight the need to increase regulatory oversight of management, operation, and maintenance of these systems. Improved system performance should:

   

• Reduce health and environmental risks by reducing SSO occurrences and improving treatment facility performance, and

   

• Provide added protection to the state’s collection system infrastructure by enhancing and maintaining system capacity, reducing equipment and operational failures and extending life of system components.

   

  By studying the nature of the problem in Michigan and reviewing all available resources, this paper highlights problems in Michigan, describes current Michigan policy, summarizes relevant research that evaluates or informs the problem and possible policy solutions, describes what other states are doing in the area, and outlines possible policy options for Michigan.

• Available Research Resources at the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington

  Air Quality Research Group	Construction Research Center	Center for Structural Engineering Research
  Geotechnical Engineering	Disaster Mitigation Group	Structural Simulation Laboratory

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