Ted and Mark recently returned to A.E from a 15-day fact-finding mission in China and Hong Kong. Their goal: to gather inspection and rehabilitation standards. Plus, investigate evolving techniques that could help form new approaches and add value to projects in Canada.

Their journey began at the 9th Annual International Conference on Pipelines and Trenchless Technology (ICPTT) in Ningbo (Zhejiang Province). At which point, Ted presented a technical paper regarding current state-of-the art inspection and rehabilitation techniques in the Toronto area. Afterwards, Mark and Ted discussed the ongoing plans for a Trenchless Technology Center of Excellence in Chang Zhou (Jiangsu Province) with conference convener, Professor Baosong Ma of China University of Geosciences.

Next up was a trip to Hong Kong. While there, Dr. King Wong provided a rundown on the latest activities at the International Institute of Utility Specialists. And Mark gladly accepted his new 5-year term as Vice President and Canadian representative on the Executive Committee of the Institute.

All told, Mark and Ted had meetings with nearly two-dozen contractors and suppliers. Topping things off, they also met with senior municipal drainage staff in Shenzhen (Guangdong Province), Xi’an (Shaanxi Province) and Shanghai. So after a very fruitful 4,200 km Chinese adventure, Mark and Ted flew home with a wealth of new and exciting ideas.
A.E