No Dig India Show 2024
14th International Conference & Exhibition on Trenchless Technology
Solutions for Water, Wastewater, Oil & Gas, Electricity & Telecommunication Utility Industry
18th & 19th November 2024
Panaji, Goa, INDIA
Why dig Trenches when there are better solutions
IndSTT is proud to present the rapporteur’s report on the show to provide the details about the show to interested stakeholders with intent to invite them to work with IndSTT in promoting Trenchless Engineering. The report provides the recommendations and IndSTT welcomes the industry stakeholders to consider these and work with it, so that the goals of technology promotion are achieved.
1. Show Overview
A Grand Annual International Show, dubbed ‘No Dig India Show 2013’ with the theme, 'Trenchless Application in Disaster Risk Reduction' and the sub-theme ‘Trenchless Operations Guidelines’ was organized by IndSTT at Conference Hall, National Agricultural Science Centre Complex, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Pusa, New Delhi (India). The three day show concluded successfully on 11th December 2013. The event, sponsored by Blue Whale Construction Technologies Pvt. Ltd as Main Sponsor; Gypsum Structural Pvt. Ltd., L R Sharma & Co., Urmi Trenchless Pvt. Ltd. and Vichitra Constructions Pvt. Ltd. as Sponsors, witnessed several activities during the show. Those included release of IndSTT publications, holding various presentations, and various trenchless equipment displays & live demonstrations and stand displays.
Event saw the release of following five Trenchless books providing guidelines on developing method statements, conducting adequate site investigations, third party inspection, project management and establishing arbitral procedures and dispute resolution systems to benefit delegates:
→ Manual of Site Investigations for Trenchless Projects
→ Manual of Standard Method Statements for Trenchless Projects
→ Manual of Trenchless Project Management
→ Third Party Inspection Manual
→ Trenchless Arbitral Procedures and Dispute Resolution Systems
Copies of these publications were provided to the registered delegates of the show. Other interested stakeholders can request for copies on payment of the applicable fee.
During the 3 day (9th-11th December 2013), sessions on various tracks dealing different aspects of Trenchless Engineering were held along with the equipment / machinery / product display and their live demonstrations. The workshop drew a wide array of participants from the public, private, business and civil society sectors in India and abroad. For list of participants please click here.
The show saw the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between IndSTT and International Institute of Utility Specialists and the results of the IndSTT academic initiative titled Connect with Trenchless Engineering.
The show provided several action points for IndSTT and the industry stakeholders to take the Trenchless Technology Applications to higher levels. Through the following sections the happenings of the show and the outcomes are discussed.
2. Inaugural Session
The show began with the lighting of the lamp by the distinguished guests. Mr. Chander Verma, Chairman IndSTT welcomed the guest and delivered inaugural speech. In the speech he invited the participants of the shows and presented an overview of the event. The guests of honour of the Inaugural session included Mr P P Shrivastav, former Member of the North Eastern Council (the Statutory Planning Body for the NE States) in the rank of Minister of State in Central Govt., CA Ashok Gadiya, Chancellor, Mewar University, Mr. R S Tyagi, Member Drainage, Delhi Jal Board, and Mr. Liu Rongzai, Group Chairman, Hauli Group, Hanlyma, China.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr P. P. Shrivastav. He emphasized the need for adoption of Trenchless Technology, the advanced and convenient technology as compared to the time-consuming cut-and-cover method of laying utilities across roads disrupting traffic for weeks, which is unacceptable in our fast-growing urban centres. He highlighted that Trenchless Technology is all the more relevant in hilly terrains where habitations are often interspersed by high-grounds and ridges, something very common in fast growing towns in the North-East and in the Himalayan belt. Strategically placed sensors, cameras etc. along service lines in the hills, can give early indication of ground-displacement, leakage or damage to the utilities. Such information is crucial in the hills where displacement of soil is a precursor of impending landslide disaster. He strongly advocated introduction of Trenchless Technology in hilly regions for two reasons; firstly to ensure that no human habitation remains deprived of civic utilities because of problematic terrain; and secondly to serve as a reliable Early-Warning System as part of pre-Disaster Risk Reduction strategy. Towards the application aspects, he mentioned that, one step that remains neglected, but is imperative, is mapping (and periodical updating) of all underground utilities in urban centres. The fact of life is that this is generally lacking even in modern cities on account of multiplicity of agencies involved and lack of inter-agency coordination. The result is that laying of a new utility by one agency results in unintended damage to the existing utilities of others. Based on the above he proposed a 2-pronged approached, firstly, training of engineers and others concerned with public utilities in human habitations and also those involved in Disaster Management, especially in the remote Disaster-prone Hill-States of the country; and secondly, a concerted drive to start mapping of existing underground utilities in the existing and growing towns. In the context of training, he referred to the admirable initiative of the NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) to organise the Great Shillong (1897) Earthquake Simulation Mega-Exercise in mid-February 2014 in the 8 North Eastern States jointly with the State DMAs for which training of different stakeholders has just commenced. He suggested adding-on of Trenchless Technology module, in the training programmes being conducted by NDMA in NE-States and its extension to other vulnerable disaster-prone States. Mr. Shrivastav, concluded by applauding the efforts of IndSTT in skill development in Trenchless Technology and wishing Prof. Niranjan Swarup and his colleagues all success in this endeavour.
CA Ashok Gadiya emphasized the need to develop skilled workforce in this sector and informed the delegates about the courses in Trenchless Technology started by Mewar University in association with CIDC and IndSTT. Mr. Gadia informed the audience about B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD programs in Trenchless Engineering that have been started from this academic session.
Addressing the audience Mr. R S Tyagi dealt with different aspect of trenchless engineering. Mr. Tyagi requested the society to enhance the inputs for the estimating engineers about the schedule of rates for Trenchless Technology for a more detailed analysis of project costs on a real-time basis. He highlighted that in their absence engineers are facing difficulties. In addition, he also suggested conducting R&D on developing smaller machines that could be operated in the narrow lanes of urban villages, as larger machines were unable to enter narrow lanes and works are suffering. He informed the audience that DJB is providing utility services to a very large number of urban villages and such equipment would be of immense help.
Mr. Liu Rongzai, Guest of Honor expressed his pleasure and happiness for being a part of ‘No Dig India Show 2013’. Mr. Rongzai further said that the friendship between the two nations i.e. India and China should grow multifold in trenchless sector as well, and his company Hanlyma would strive to provide all necessary assistance in this regard.
In his vote of thanks, the secretary, IndSTT, Dr. P.R. Swarup, conveyed his thanks to all the stakeholders who had supported the event and participated in the event. To the suggestions of Mr. Shrivastava, he indicated the interest of IndSTT in providing all the possible assistance in creating the DRR systems and related infrastructure. To the suggestions of Mr. Tyagi, he informed the audience about the plans of IndSTT for creating the web-based Rate Analysis System so that estimating engineers could access that and receive inputs for conducting rate valuation on a real-time basis. Dr. Swarup also emphasized about the importance of the evaluation of actual case stories and situations to enhance the available knowledge base and elaborate the references for detailed evaluations on Trenchless works and requested DJB to assist the Trenchless Stakeholders in such project case story evaluation and referencing activities. Dr. Swarup also proposed that Hanlyma may consider donating HDD machine for the training of operators. He mentioned that towards this end CIDC would provide required training space at its centre. It is heartening to inform that Mr. Rongzai consented to the request.
3. Technical Tracks
The show was structured into five tracks spread over three days. Each track was modeled on one of the guidelines released in the show and covered relevant presentations linked with the specific guideline. Day one covered the site investigation track. Day two covered method statement, and project management tracks. Day three covered third party inspection and dispute resolution tracks. Details of different tracks are provided hereafter.
After the inaugural, three sessions on the track ‘Site Investigations for Trenchless Projects’ were conducted on the first day. During these sessions it was emphasized that success of any trenchless project, apart from other factors, depends highly on the quality of site investigations. A good portion of investigation activities require specialized techniques and skilled technicians. Complete information about such techniques and necessary skill sets to perform investigation activities, at times, may not be available with the practicing trenchless stakeholders leading to incomplete or erroneous site investigations. This in turn may lead to a failed project or damaged utilities. To avoid such mistakes, basic details of the general site investigation processes must be available with the stakeholders. Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan Swarup gave an introductory account of the book “Manual of Site Investigations for Trenchless Projects" that provides necessary guidelines for gathering the information about trenchless project sites covering the generic work scopes of various trenchless techniques commonly in use. Various speakers who gave thought provoking presentation on the subject were Dr. Sanjay Rana, Director, Parsan Overseas (P) Limited, Mr. Ashish Soni, and Mr. Sumul Patel. Other presentations on the subject were of the B Tech students from Mewar University Mr. Hilal Ahmad Malik, Mr. Shahid Ahmad Bhat, Mr. Mukesh Kumavat and Mr. Devnarayan Gurjar.
On the second day, four sessions were conducted. The first two sessions were on the track ‘Planning Trenchless Projects’. During these sessions presentations on Pit Shoring, Pipeline Jacking Techniques, Microtunneling Project Management and Sewer Linings were made. Delivering the presentation Mr. Wolfgang Deusseb, Mr. Gaurav Aggarwal, Mr. Nick Subotsch and Mr. V. Nagarajan gave elaborative account of different trenchless techniques. Mewar University students Mr. Monu Dev and Mr. Manish Kumar Khatana also delivered a presentation on the subject. Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan Swarup delivering his presentation on subject gave detailed account of the book "Manual of Standard Method Statements for Trenchless Projects" that provides necessary guidelines for trenchless project supervision covering the generic work scopes of various trenchless techniques commonly in use.
The post lunch session on the second day was on the track ‘Managing Trenchless Projects’. Several presentations were made on the subject. Speakers highlighted that Trenchless projects require a life cycle project management approach to be successful. In all, there are six phases in any project life cycle-
Pre-project, Planning and Design, Contractor Selection, Mobilization, Site Works, and finally Project Closeout phase. Each of these phases has their own purposes and characteristics. In the first, the owner has to make certain pre-project decisions. In the second, planning and design of the project is carried out. Third & fourth phases are linked to contractor selection and mobilization activities. Fifth and sixth phases are linked to the physical operations at site or construction works and conclusion of project works. Each of these phases poses different risks, which, at times, are linked to the decisions taken in a previous phase and the mitigation at that stage might become an issue. It is therefore important that the project owners and planners must have a holistic approach in project management decisions. Presentations on the subject were made by Mr. Sunir Garg and Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan Swarup. Mewar University students Mr. Ashish Goel, Mr. Manoj Meena, Mr. Rais Ahmad Shah and Mr. Dilavar Ahmad Shah also gave interesting presentations.
On the third day, four sessions were conducted. The first two sessions were on the track ‘Inspecting Trenchless Projects’. Speakers elaborated the processes and needs for Third Party Inspection (TPI) activities for projects employing approved trenchless technology techniques. Trenchless technique applications are generally state-of-art, and the project owners or implementing agencies and service providers often lack the appropriate technical competencies necessary for inspection, monitoring, and review of such projects on a holistic basis leading to inferior project quality and therefore the importance of TPI for trenchless projects. The speakers who gave presentations in these sessions were Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan Swarup and students from Mewar University Mr. Gauri Shankar Soni, Mr. Khanaiya Lal Mali and Mr. Gaurav Singh. Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan Swarup speaking on the subject discussed the content of the book ‘Third Party Inspection Manual’, which aims at providing the procedures for TPI activities, qualification framework of inspectors, training and certification program for trenchless inspectors, standard inspection protocols and process, inspection reporting requirements, and finally procedures for auditing the reports and inspectors.
The post lunch session was on the track ‘Dispute Resolution in Trenchless Projects’. Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan Swarup in his presentation elaborated that risks of failure in trenchless construction activities, due to uncertainties involved, are extremely high. At times it can be due to an erroneous or incomplete contract condition or an error in judgment or any situation of force majeure. Any such occurrences may have contractual or financial implications leading to disputes. As the adjudicators or arbitrators may not be exposed to the technical intricacies involved in trenchless works, dispute resolution process may not be able to produce desired results. Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan Swarup during his presentation gave elaborative account of the manual ‘Trenchless Arbitral Procedures and Dispute Resolution Systems’ that aims to provide such inputs to assist the arbitrator on one hand and the project stakeholders on the other. Manual objective for arbitrators is to provide a framework for conducting the arbitral procedures, and for stakeholders to provide background for avoiding disputes.
4. Exhibition
The exhibition was a great success wherein 32 stands & open display space various trenchless equipment and products were displayed by the exhibitors. The exhibition was visited by numbers of visitors who got the first hand information and feel of different trenchless equipment and their usage. For list of exhibitors please click here.
5.Show Conclusion & Recommendations
The show concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants. Through the show IndSTT was successful in developing the recommendations for the action to be taken. The main action points are listed below;
→ Developing frameworks for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities in hills, urban areas, river beds, and other vulnerable regions through trenchless techniques through Standard Operating Systems for various techniques under different hazard scenarios in such areas.
→ Developing database of agencies involved in DRR activities in hills and urban areas.
→ Communicating and networking with agencies responsible for DRR activities in hills and urban areas.
→ Establishment of trenchless technology training centers in the hilly areas in association with the local institutions.
→ Training the operating engineers and executives responsible for management of utilities of vulnerable areas like hilly regions, urban areas near river beds etc.
→ Developing skilled workforce for the efficient management and installation of subsurface networks through trenchless techniques.
→ Conducting R&D on developing smaller machines that could be operated in the narrow lanes of urban villages.
→ Creating the web-based Rate Analysis System so that estimating engineers could access that and receive inputs for conducting rate valuation on a real-time basis.
→ Establishing training center at CIDC centers for the operators of the HDD machines in association with Hauli Group, Hanlyma, China.
6. Show Achievements
The most important achievement of the show was the release of the operating guidelines and the identification of the directions for future actions with regards to the application of Trenchless Technology towards DRR activities.
Another important achievement of the show was the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between International Institute of Utility Specialist (IIUS), Hong Kong and IndSTT. Under this MoC three distinct groups of individuals would be trained in the buried utility management activities. Such groups would be, the faculty or trainers proposed to be deployed for imparting onward training at the grass-root level, practicing engineers requiring enhancing their buried utility management skills, and fresh engineering professionals interested to pursue career in buried utility management sector. Training under this MoC is proposed to be imparted in India or Hong Kong, depending on the requirements of a specific training module.
Next major achievement of the show was that it provided platform to young skilled professionals to broaden their horizon that provided a major boost to the IndSTT’s efforts in promoting the trenchless under a major IndSTT initiative, Connect with Trenchless Engineering. Under the initiative engineering students were facilitated in making Technical Presentations, displaying Trenchless Posters, and Trenchless Models during the show. In all 13 students made their presentations, 4 students displayed their model, and 2 students displayed their posters. Efforts of students were lauded by the participants and some of these students were offered employment in the sector.
IndSTT is sure that these achievements will help to enhance the spread of trenchless and provide necessary support to stakeholders in realizing their objectives.