The International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Albert Shou Student Scholarship.
Supported annually by ASOE (Asoe Hose Manufacturing Inc., Jiangsu, China), the scholarship provides $10,000 to recognise outstanding student research that advances trenchless technology.
Kaho Fujii from Kyushu University in Japan received first place in the Albert Shou Student Scholarship competition and was awarded $4000.
Representing the Japan Society for Trenchless Technology (JSTT), Fujii’s paper, submitted under the technical category of New Installations, was titled Study on Structural Failure Characteristics Analysis of Deeply Buried Box.
The study used three-dimensional finite element modelling (3D FEM) to analyse how wall thickness, corner radii and overall geometry affect failure behaviour in deeply buried rectangular box jacking pipes. The findings offer practical design guidance aimed at improving the safety and reliability of propulsion square tubes in dense urban environments.
Second place and a $2000 prize went to Dongmin Xi of Southeast University, China. Representing the China Society for Trenchless Technology (CSTT), Xi’s paper, entered in the Rehabilitation category, was titled Predicting Traction Forces in Multi-bend Pipeline Rehabilitation.
The research introduced a validated theoretical model to predict the pulling forces involved when inserting multilayer composite liners through pipelines with multiple bends. Factors such as bend geometry, friction, bending stiffness and reverse tension were considered. The results provide useful guidance for planning safer and more cost-effective rehabilitation operations.
Third place, also awarded $2000, went to Niloy Paul from Louisiana Tech University in the United States. Representing the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT), Paul submitted a paper in the Rehabilitation category titled Performance Assessment of PVA Fibre Reinforced Slag Composite for SAPL.
The study assessed alkali-activated slag mortars reinforced with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres for use in spray-applied pipe lining (SAPL).
The results showed that PVA fibres reduced shrinkage and improved mechanical performance. The inclusion of silica fume enhanced workability, and ambient curing conditions met ASTM F3706 and TxDOT specifications. The research supports the use of more durable and sustainable materials in trenchless rehabilitation applications.
The awards will be presented at a gala dinner during the International No-Dig Vancouver/No-Dig North conference, taking place on 28 October 2025 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Canada.
For scholarship details and future submissions, contact ISTT at info@istt.com.
Do you have news for the international trenchless industry? Contact journalist Gerald Lynch at gerald.lynch@primecreative.com.au
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