Month Think Trenchless First: First National Trenchless Conference

Define trenchless technology

The United Kingdom Society for Trenchless Technology (UKSTT) defines Trenchless Technology as follows, “Trenchless Technology is the science of installing, repairing or renewing underground pipes, ducts and cables using techniques that minimise or eliminate the need for excavation.”

These techniques have multiple benefits over traditional open cut methods of installation, renewal or repair such as minimal environmental impacts, fewer disruptions, reduced total costs and safer working practices for all.

Role of UKSTT

UKSTT is a membership organisation, established in 1993 to promote the use of trenchless technology, largely for public benefit across the UK. The Lancashire-based organisation was formed after incorporating the UK-based members of ISTT and has continued to offer training and education across the civil engineering trenchless sector.

UKSTT’s range of trenchless solutions offer key advantages across inspection & detection, cleaning methods, renovation, new installations, and keyhole & other techniques. The target customer base includes: manufacturers, contractors, utility owners, students and service providers.

Exclusive conference announcement

We spoke to Lynn Maclachlan: Associate Director, who has some exciting news to share, “We are delighted to announce that we are running our first UKSTT National Trenchless Conference on the 11th June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Ansty Business Park in Coventry. Our members and non-members are both welcome to attend and we have an action-packed conference programme for the day.”

The programme sessions will be as follows:• Session 1: Trenchless - demonstrating the benefits• Session 2: Standards & Regulations - help or hindrance• Session 3: Recruitment into Trenchless - meeting demand• Session 4: Increasing Awareness of Trenchless Options• Session 5: Future Opportunities

The cost of the conference is £100 for members and £125 (plus VAT) for non-members and delegates will hear from senior representatives at UKSTT, IKT – Institute for Underground Technology, Picote Solutions, Morrison Water Services, SGN plus many more expert speakers.

Benefits of trenchless technology

The aim of this conference and future conferences is to raise the profile of trenchless technology, with its extensive societal, economic and environmental benefits such as:• Minimised environmental impact – this is the optimised choice for digging under rivers, creeks and any deemed ‘sensitive’ environmental area, therefore mitigating risks to local biodiversity on the water surface. Excavating and exposed open cuts can also cause substantial more air pollution than trenchless technology.• Reduced disruptions – trenchless technology can install new utility systems or repair existing ones with minimal noise or utility disruption. Open cut excavation would mean closing whole roads and creating diversions, which could lead to congestion, whereas trenchless technology carries out the same work without huge traffic infrastructure disruptions.• Cost-effective – though there are more expensive upfront costs with trenchless technology, in the long-run it saves costs on the avoidance of costly utility relocation and business downtime.• Safety at all costs – trenchless technology is safer than open trenches, with less soil moved, therefore avoiding landslides and unknown hazards in the soil.

Meeting the needs of a sustainability

UKSTT recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023 and remains a forerunner of environmental preservation with its innovative trenchless methods. Now moving into its fourth decade, UKSTT has achieved many milestones across its illustrious history, and today its top mission remains the same: to advance the science of practice of trenchless technology for the public benefit and to promote education, training, study and research in the practice and to publish the results.

With all eyes on the circular economy and the UK Government’s 2050 Net Zero targets, climate change and protecting local biodiversity are a priority for UKSTT moving forward. By putting itself in the centre of the action, UKSTT remains focused on promoting its cutting-edge technology for the benefit of the environment and everyone involved.

“UKSTT moved away from other organisations providing their secretariat services to being selfsufficient back in 2022.

“Moving forward, we will continue to find new ways to educate the UK and promote the use of trenchless technology rather than using opencut methods.”

To book onto the first UKSTT National Trenchless Conference, contact UKSTT below and become part of the growing trenchless technology conversation:M 07745 781500admin@ukstt.org.ukwww.ukstt.org.uk