Current Research Projects

  • U.S.-China Workshop on Trenchless Technologies and Critical Underground Infrastructure Issues
  • 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
    The objective of this unique project is to provide a cost-effective system (architecture, hardware, practices, etc.) for “buried” construction to facilitate future upgrades and maintenance activities, and encourage efficient joint buried construction practices. TOP

    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:

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

    1. Length
    2. Age
    3. Diameter
    4. Types of materials
    5. Types of defects
    6. Methods of renewal used so far
    7. Plans for renewal work for next three years
    8. 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. TOP

  •  Establishing a Pathway for Achieving Water Utility Infrastructure Management Excellence

    • 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. TOP

  • ASCE International Pipeline Conference, July 8-11, 2007, Boston       
  •   Use of Trenchless Technologies for a Comprehensive Asset Management of Culverts and Drainage Structures
  • An Asset Management Approach for Drainage Infrastructure & Culverts

Past Research Projects

  • Hydraulic Analysis of Roger's Creek Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) CIPP-Lined Culvert
  • ASCE Pipe Bursting Projects
    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. TOP
  •  Updating of Trenchless Permits: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)   
  • Buried Pipeline Performance Forecasting Using Neural Network Models 
  • ASCE Manual of Practice for Horizontal Auger Boring Projects
  • 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. TOP
  • 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. TOP
  • 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. TOP 

  • Field Evaluation of Trenchless Road Crossing Methods 
  • The Fiscal Impacts of Alternative Single-Family Housing Densities.
  • ASCE Emerging Concepts for the Design of Pipeline Renewal Systems .
  • 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. TOP
  • Underground Infrastructure Affect Human Health Executive Summary
  • Available Research Resources at the Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington