The 2013 discussion, titled the Think Tank panel, featured Trevor Gosatti representing Australasia, Samuel Ariaratnam representing North America, Declan Downey representing the UK, Derek Choi representing China, Joop van Wamelen representing South Africa, Juan Guiterrez representing Colombia, and Wim Elzink representing the Netherlands.
To shape the session, the panellists met prior to the event and discussed what they believed to be key issues for their region. The issues were then framed into questions, and all No-Dig Down Under delegates were emailed a survey asking their opinions and input on the selected topics. Their responses were used as the basis of the talk, with audience members encouraged to ask questions and shape the discussion as it progressed.
ISTT involvement in ISO standards
Delegates responding to the survey were overwhelmingly in favour of this idea, with 89.4 per cent of respondents saying that the ISTT should be involved. Mr Choi said the one of the most frequent questions he is asked is where to get access to standards – particularly for installation projects, saying it is particularly hard for project planners and contractors to get budget approval if they can’t cite standards.
Mr Ariaratnam echoed this sentiment for the North American market, saying there was a lot of “cutting and pasting” of specifications in project planning. Currently in North America, project specifications depend on which municipality they are happening in so there is no uniform use of specifications across the US.
In South Africa, Mr van Wamelen said the South Africa Society for Trenchless Technology has been in favour of standardisation since its inception. He says standardisation is particularly important in developing countries where site operators may have poor technical skills. Holding the works to a certain standard ensures projects are held to the same quality level and outcome.
Which disciplines should ISO standards be developed for?
The most popular technique respondents were in favour of developing standards for was horizontal directional drilling (HDD). However, Mr Ariaratnam questioned how easy it would be to establish standards to this technique. While standards have been set up for rehabilitation technique families, the standard holds the refurbished pipe to certain structural and longevity standards. Holding a technique rather than a finished material to standards would be a complicated procedure.
Developing a cost model for trenchless
Several panellists noted they receive enquiries on how to cost for projects, and what fair rates are. The availability of approximation of costs for techniques is widely requested, however, there are many factors that feed into the availability of developing a base rate of cost, including union fees and other regulations. Additionally, trying to place a cost on simply the materials and installation/rehabilitation work detracts from the many cost-savings benefits Trenchless Technology offers –
such as reduced reinstatement costs, environmental protection and reduced costs to businesses.
Responses from delegates on developing a cost model included:
- Consult with municipal utilities to commission studies alongside appropriate consultants
- Bidding databases
- Creating a protocol for assessing social/environmental (indirect) costs, which would vary by country
- Involve specialist contractors who price jobs on a regular basis.
Accredited training courses
The issue of training was raised several times during the Think Tank panel. The main issue regarding lack of training was improper implementation of techniques, which results in poor perception from potential clients and the public on the effectiveness of that technique.
Accredited training would set a standard and ensure key competencies have been learned before various techniques are implemented.
Of the respondents, 77.3 per cent were in favour of accredited training being delivered by the ISTT in their country.
Session conclusion
The session brought to light many issues those in the trenchless industry currently face and gave Society Chairmen and Councillors an indication as to where work needs to be done in their country. If you feel passionately about any of the topics covered in the Think Tank panel, be sure to contact your local Councillor to voice your opinion. Visit astt.com.au for contact details.