Research Director for the TTC Erez Allouche said “This visit is another step in the strengthening of US-China collaborative research in the area of Trenchless Technology and critical underground infrastructure issues, an initiative that is actively promoted by the Pipeline Division of the American Society of Civil Engineering.

“TTC representatives are scheduled to present two technical papers at the International Conference on Pipelines and Trenchless Technology to be held in Wuhan, China this fall, which will continue fostering our growing ties with China’s pipeline and utility construction industry.

The delegation from CPP included its President Zhao Yujian, Assistant President Gao Zetao, Director of Foreign Affairs Ma Chunqing, Manager of Pipeline Inspection Cao Chongzhen, and Engineer – Foreign Affairs Zhang Yongxin.

One of the group’s primary objectives was to find possible opportunities to build long-term technical and business co-operation with Louisiana Tech and the TTC, especially as it pertains to Trenchless Technology applications in petroleum pipelines.

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“Our guests from China were impressed with the breadth of the underground technology being developed at Louisiana Tech, as well as the scope of the TTC’s outreach,” said Stan Napper, Dean of Tech’s College of Engineering and Science. “TTC faculty and staff are working directly with the cities of New York (a Times Square project), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver and many others as well as local projects with many cities in Louisiana.”

During their visit, CPP leaders heard presentation from Dr Allouche and Administrative Director of the TTC Rob McKim, and took a tour of Louisiana Tech and TTC laboratory facilities.

Founded in 1973, CPP is the only transnational company in China that specialises in engineering prospecting, consulting, designs, procurement, construction and management of long-transport pipeline, auxiliary facilities, medium and large storage tank, electric power, and communications.

CPP has designed, constructed and completed, in the Chinese market, more than 30,000 km of heavy caliber and long-distance pipelines for transport of various medium, such as oil, gas, pulp solution, and product oil.

“The opportunity for co-operation with one of the world’s largest pipeline engineering organisations is exciting for the TTC, Louisiana Tech, and the State of Louisiana,” said Mr McKim.

“Collaboration with CPP opens many doors for our students, researchers, and local industry. Louisiana has one of the most active pipeline industries in the US and we can all benefit mutually from this connection.”

Both Dr Allouche and Mr McKim have been invited to visit the home office of the CPP in Langfang City, China to further advance this relationship.

Louisiana Tech’s Trenchless Technology Center promotes research, development and technology transfer in the Trenchless Technology industry, and educates engineers, contractors, and government agencies about the availability and capability of trenchless methods for the solution of complex underground infrastructure problems.