The ISTT, which was established in 1985, beginning with a one-time conference, has been instrumental in educating and promoting the benefits of Trenchless Technology around the globe for over 25 years. The members of the ESC are an important part to the board and help in running an efficient day-to-day society, and are empowered to act for the full Board.
When or how did you first become involved in the trenchless industry?
I first got involved in 1991, when the company I represented in Brazil (Vermeer) started doing business in the trenchless industry. Vermeer started producing pierce tools and directional drilling machines. I had the chance to bring the first directional drilling unit to the country, almost at the same time, Flow Mole was also bringing one unit through a contractor named COEST to work in gas, and I brought a unit for PASSARELLI to work in sewer, water, and telecommunications.
Which organisation are you from and how long have you been on the Executive Sub-Committee?
I’m partner of PELLA Construction, an old and traditional contractor with 30 years of experience, but I was also a distributor for 35 years through SOTENCO, which actually represents some products in other segments. This is my first term on the ESC which commenced at No-Dig 2010 in Singapore.
What has been the most memorable project you worked on?
Well, after so many years of countless experiences, each one richer than others, I’m actually very excited with a project that is going on right now, where all my experience in planning and production management is being applied for a trenchless job. We got a contract to be a ‘case’ regarding the difficulties we’ve experienced when dealing with infrastructure jobs, where variables are so many and out of control for the contractors involved, that planning is basically the key point to success and guarantees a profit. We will be changing 2 km of a potable water AC pipeline. This was meant to take 160 days, but with good planning, we will do it in 45 days.
What do you see as the most important role and/or responsibility of the ISTT?
It seems that number one is to update the trenchless community about what’s new and what has been done worldwide, and training is important. Training is as important at universities as it is for the day-today basis operations, and for certifying labourers and inspectors.
How do industry initiatives such as conferences and publications help you in promoting trenchless technology in your country?
It’s incredible the benefits of these activities, how easy is to make people, and I mean decision making people, understand the relevance of use of trenchless in tackling the actual challenges in huge cities around the world.
What are some of the main challenges your country is facing with Trenchless Technology and how do you think these can be overcome?
Brazil, and probably many other Third World Countries, are dealing with potable water supply and sewer collection and treatment. The cities grew up for decades without these services and now installing these pipelines in areas totally urbanised is the greatest challenge. Mainly in gravity sewer collection pipelines where 70 per cent of the network has 6 inch diameter going deeper, 5 feet or more, with lateral connections to be connected to these mains. It’s a big challenge really.
