TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY
Another example graphic - Lateral Junction CIP Repair Credit ISTT
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What next for trenchless
Trenchless technologies continue to evolve, but I have often wondered “how do we create pipes and particularly sewers that will last 2,000 years?” This is because that is how long complete sewer network replacement will take in many countries at current levels of investment. One answer that is emerging is the potential use of ‘autonomous robotics’ for inspection and repair. The concept is for robots deployed within networks that can navigate themselves around the pipework, conduct inspections and decide when to effect pro-active repairs to defects using novel materials. The UK’s long-term ‘Pipebots’ research programme, mentioned in Drain Traders May 2025 report on IKT’s AI, Drones, Sensors and Robots Conference, is taking such technology forward to practical application.
Whilst, the use of AI for coding pipe damage in CCTV surveys has been slowly transforming aspects of trenchless condition assessment and autonomous robots represent perhaps the most sophisticated blending of AI with technology, we are seeing wider application of AI across the industry. We will see greater use of AI for collection and interpretation of data, for site investigation and for condition assessment and for linking these in the selection of trenchless technology.
Let’s not forget the benefits of trenchless technologies
Cost savings and convenience have traditionally been main drivers of the development and application of trenchless technologies, but other benefits are emerging.
An increasingly important one was summed up by a head of customer services from a UK utility who, when presenting at a UKSTT No Dig Roadshow, expressed their thanks and appreciation to the audience. This was for reducing the number of customer complaints their department had to deal with each time a trenchless solution was used instead of opencut in a street.
Various calculations for carbon footprint have been available for some years, but they are rarely or inconsistently applied by network owners or the supply chain for trenchless applications. So, an interesting development to look out for, that UKSTT is watching, is an ‘all consequences calculator’ being developed by the University of Birmingham. This is intended to bring together in one calculation the relative benefits of different options by taking into account carbon, cost, time, disruption, complaints and other factors.
ISTT promotes such benefits and is looking to signpost the tools for 8 | July 2025 |
draintraderltd.com
calculating carbon and other factors.
Using the resource for staff development and sector recruitment
At UKSTT, we have adopted the ISTT listing of trenchless technologies as the fundamental reference to guide our planning of the programmes for our annual conference, the regional No Dig Roadshow conferences, the biennial No Dig Live event and our Masterclasses. This will ensure they reflect the full scope of trenchless technologies – across the three categories of inspection/ assessment, rehabilitation and new installation.
The need to recruit professionals into utilities and their supply chains is urgent and universal, and UKSTT has realised that it is not just ‘young professionals’ but recruits of all ages that benefit from a fuller understanding of trenchless technologies. Hence, we have recently begun a ‘New to Trenchless Industry Network’ initiative for recruits of all ages and have been explaining three ISTT technology categories in turn in our initial meetings. Each meeting comprises a summary of technologies in one of the categories, followed by in depth explanations of several of the technologies.
What next for the ISTT website – signposting standards, guidance and training
Having updated the technologies list ISTT has further plans for including signposting to where relevant standards and guidance exist around the world and, and complimentary to this, where relevant training is available worldwide.
ISTT and its 28 affiliated national societies are now populating the technology pages with links to their corporate members that are able to provide services relating to each of the technologies. And as the literature resources from trenchless events continue to grow new additions will be linked.
Evolving the trenchless technologies list – please let ISTT know if you think something is missing
The trenchless technology list is continually evolving. The ISTT Technical and Education Committee meets monthly and a major agenda item usually concerns updates and additions to the trenchless technologies’ listings.
If, when you have read the pages you have a comment or query, then please contact ISTT. However, one thing to be aware of is that ISTT reviews technologies at a worldwide level, so the terminology the used sometimes needs to be a compromise to reflect national and regional variations.
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