The North American Society for Trenchless Technology Student Chapter at UT Arlington held its first meeting of 2012/2013 school year on Wednesday, September 19, at Room 228 of Engineering Research Building (ERB). More than 20 Civil Engineering students attended this meeting. The guest speaker was Mr. Mike Leathers, President -- Hanson Pressure Pipe, Hanson Pipe & Precast. Mr. Leathers introduced the students on how a prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) for water transmission applications is manufactured. Additionally, he presented design and manufacturing processes for other types of water transmission pipes, such as bar-wrapped concrete pipe, and welded steel pipe. The presentation was very well received, and was followed by a series of interesting questions by students who were enthusiastic to learn more about these types of pipes.

The North American Society for Trenchless Technology Student Chapter (NASTT) at UT Arlington was established in the Fall 2006. The objective of this chapter is to promote the knowledge of Trenchless Technology methods and its applications among the student community of UT Arlington. The society functions under the Construction Management & Engineering program at the Civil Engineering Department. Dr. Mohammad Najafi is the founder and the faculty advisor for the NASTT – UT Arlington Student Chapter. For more information on NASTT and its student chapters, visit www.nastt.org

At the conclusion of meeting, election of new officers was held. The new officers elected for 2012/2013 school year are:

• President: Siavash Ghasemi-Motlagh
• Vice President: Dana Bani-Hani
• Treasurer: Morris Layton
• Secretary: Mercy Tham