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UESI Pipelines 2026 Conference

Detroit, MI | –

Pre-Conference Workshops

*Note: Attendees must be registered for the Conference (full or daily) to be able to register for the pre-conference workshops.

**Note: All times listed below are EST. More details on the Pre-Conference Workshops will be revealed at a later time.

Saturday, August 1

8:00 am – 12:00 pm | 179 - Large Diameter Pipeline Forum: Demystifying Condition Assessment

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Large Diameter Pipeline Forum: Demystifying Condition Assessment (Owners Only) (Included with AM Session)

Presenters

  • Sonia Oton, HDR
  • William Elledge, DC Water
  • John Norton, PhD., PE; Great Lakes Water Authority; Director of Energy, Research, & Innovation

This workshop will focus on discussions of both proven, as well as new-to-market techniques for assessment of large diameter pressurized pipelines. A forum for utility representatives to learn about and discuss assessment methods and lessons learned from previous experiences.

The workshop structure will begin with opening remarks by facilitators Will Elledge, Director Engineering at DC Water and Sonia Oton, Regional Condition Assessment Leader at HDR. A technical discussion will then follow, beginning with low-resolution assessment tools and technologies, and progressing to higher resolution assessment tools and technologies: 

Following the presentations there will be discussions where panelists and attendees can pose questions about project experience and techniques. 

  • Pipe Assessment Presenters
    • Acquaint
    • APPIA
    • Insight Water Solutions
    • PICA
    • Rosen
    • Xylem (Pure Technologies)

The afternoon session will only be open to utility representatives. There will be a guided discussion amongst utility owners to openly discuss challenges they face in managing their buried pipelines.

The session will begin with a discussion on the morning presentations, what worked and what did not, what information is most relevant, and what topics utility owners want to learn more about. Participants will have the opportunity to give presentations and have discussions on various topics, as well as plan for future Large Diameter Pipeline Forums and collect feedback on what utility owners want to know or learn about.

This workshop will focus on collaborative learning amongst pipeline owners who are interested in beginning or actively engaged in proactive management of pressure pipelines. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to discuss technologies and approaches that are being used in an open forum and for owners to talk about their issues and lessons learned in a safe environment. This will be a great session for large diameter pipeline owners, engineers, vendors, contractors and academic researchers.        

Fee: EB: $275 | ADV: $300 | FIN: $350

8:00 am – 12:00 pm | 160 - Cathodic Protection and Coatings: Best Practices for Extending Pipeline Service Life and Performance

Presenters

  • Tim O'Toole, STI/SPFA (Primary Presenter)
  • Kyle Couture, P.E., M.ASCE, Marketing Services Manager, AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe
  • Clayton Simons, Assoc. DBIA, ASWP Territory Manager, AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe
  • David Tantalean, P.E., M.ASCE, Partner, Desert Pipe
  • Brett Simpson, P.E., M.ASCE, Principal Project Engineer, AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe
  • Cindy Patton, AMPP CIP Level II, Regional Sales Manager, USA Water/Wastewater, Henkel
  • Katie Duda, NACE Level 3 Certified Coating Inspector, Director of Industrial Products, Tnemec

Effective corrosion control is critical to the long-term reliability and performance of pipeline infrastructure. Two of the most widely implemented strategies—protective coatings and cathodic protection systems—serve as complementary measures to minimize corrosion risks and extend service life. This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of current practices, design considerations, and emerging technologies in these areas.

Industry experts representing pipeline fabrication, coating manufacturing, and cathodic protection system design will share their perspectives on the fundamentals, practical challenges, and lessons learned from real-world applications. Key topics will include:

  • Selection and application of protective coatings for varied environments
  • Integration of coatings with cathodic protection systems
  • Field testing, inspection, and maintenance strategies
  • Advances in materials and monitoring technologies
  • Case studies highlighting successes and pitfalls in corrosion control

Designed for engineers, owners, and operators, this interactive session will balance technical fundamentals with practical insights, offering attendees a deeper understanding of how coatings and cathodic protection systems work together to safeguard pipeline assets.

Fee: EB: $275 | ADV: $300 | FIN: $350

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 147 - Steel Penstocks in Practice: Revisions, Updates, and Industry Perspectives

Presenters

  • Kyle G. Couture, P.E., M.ASCE, AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company 
  • Robert Card, P.E., M.ASCE, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc.
  • John Bambei, Bambei Engineering Services, LLC
  • Bryan Hanson
  • Arne Nervik, Black & Veatch
  • Dennis Dechant, Dechant Infrastructure Services
  • Brent Keil, Northwest Pipe Company
  • Brett P Simpson, AMERICAN Spiralweld Pipe    

This 4-hour workshop introduces the Third Edition of ASCE MOP 79: Steel Penstocks, a widely recognized reference for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of steel penstocks. First published in 1993, MOP 79 has become a key standard nationally and internationally. The third edition reflects over four years of work by the ASCE Pipeline Division Task Committee, incorporating updated technical guidance, field experience, and advances in design and construction practices.

Speakers will review revisions and updates on topics including materials, design criteria, geological considerations, seismic design guidance, aboveground and buried conditions, tunnel liners, bifurcations, anchor blocks, appurtenances, corrosion prevention, welding, fabrication, installation, inspection, testing, start-up, documentation, certification, and maintenance. Design examples and lessons learned from the task committee will illustrate practical applications of the updated guidance.

A portion of the workshop will be interactive, allowing industry professionals to provide input on potential future revisions to ensure MOP 79 continues to meet evolving industry needs.

This workshop is ideal for engineers, designers, contractors, operators, fabricators, corrosion specialists, regulators, and academics involved in steel penstock projects or related hydraulic infrastructure. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the latest updates and practical strategies for applying MOP 79 in design, construction, and operational practice.

Fee: EB: $275 | ADV: $300 | FIN: $350

Sunday, August 2

8:00 am – 12:00 pm | 365 - Large Equipment Users Forum

Presenters

  • Shelly Hattan, PE, CCM, M. ASCE, Tarrant Regional Water District

This workshop will share knowledge about updates to key equipment. Speakers will include experts on large equipment and discussions of relevant standards and publications equipment. Other topics will include procurement and specifications. This session is intended for Owners, Manufacturers, and Engineers. 

Fee: EB: $275 | ADV: $300 | FIN: $350

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 238 - Collaborative Delivery - What Is It and Should You Be Using It

Presenters

  • Justin Sobol, Structural Technologies
  • William Elledge, DC Water
  • Emily Best, Structural Technologies
  • Anna Pridmore, Structural Technologies

The team of presenters will give a history of Collaborative Delivery and review how the industry has adopted it as the prominent form of delivery. Even if it has grown in popularity the question remains; is it the right method for you and your project? This workshop will review the various Collaborative Delivery methods, determine if your organization is ready to use Collaborative Delivery, and lastly give you the tools you need to determine which method is best for your project.

Topics include making sense of collaborative delivery options and how Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, Progressive DB, and Fixed-Price DB Differ. There will be a discussion on preparing and supporting a project for Collaborative Delivery success. Presenters will describe how the Collaborative Delivery approach aligns well with both new and existing infrastructure projects while building an understanding of how bringing together the owner, designer, contractor, key subcontractors and technology providers during project development creates success.

This is a great session for utility leaders, engineers, project managers, legal/contracts and procurement professionals, and O&M staff who have an interest in learning the fundamentals and implementation of Collaborative Delivery projects, with a focus on CMAR and progressive design-build. No previous experience necessary.

Fee: EB: $275 | ADV: $300 | FIN: $350

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 265 - ASCE 91- Structural Testing and Evaluation of Pipeline Systems (STEPS) Standard Publication Workshop

Presenters

  • Brad P. Wham, Ph.D., M.ASCE, University of Nevada, Reno
  • Craig A. Davis, Ph.D., P.E., ASCE, CA Davis Engineering
  • Jessica L. Ramos, EIT, M.ASCE, Jacobs Engineering
  • Sri Rajah, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE

This workshop will present and discuss ASCE/UESI 91, Structural Testing and Evaluation of Pipeline Systems (STEPS): Assessment for Earthquakes and Other Geohazards, the first Institute-specific standard developed by the Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) of ASCE. Scheduled for publication in the summer of 2026, ASCE 91 establishes consensus-based procedures for full-scale laboratory testing of pipes and pipeline components to evaluate seismic resilience and performance under geohazard loading. The standard defines experimental protocols for axial tension, axial compression, and transverse bending, and provides guidance for material characterization, specimen sizing, test setup, instrumentation, execution, and reporting. Test outcomes may be used to support classification of pipeline systems within seismic performance categories, including those presently under development by related ASCE/UESI committees. This workshop will provide an overview of the standard’s scope, intent, and applications, along with opportunities for discussion on implementation and future research needs.

Fee: EB: $275 | ADV: $300 | FIN: $350

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