Over the past ten years, there has been a dramatic decline in infrastructure spending, but that has changed with the investment of nearly $2 trillion into infrastructure. As local, state, and federal agencies plan projects, you can leverage cone penetration testing (CPT) to help contribute to the development of US-based infrastructure and increase your revenue.
The United States has a history of building its way to prosperity, with canals, railroads, and highways that served as pathways for people and commerce. Today, infrastructure includes high-speed internet networks, airports, ports, power grids, and other systems crucial to economic vitality. With major infrastructure projects planned across the nation, CPT can help to ensure those projects are done right and will be effective for years to come. Some of the benefits of using cone penetration testing with infrastructure development include:
- Identifying potential risks earlier rather than later.
- High resolution subsurface site characterization.
- Reduction in engineering safety factors on projects.
- Preventing unexpected delays while saving considerable time and money.
- Information that can be crucial when developing infrastructure projects that are high-risk or high impact.
By understanding the latest trends in US infrastructure development, you can identify opportunities to expand your business.
U.S.-based Infrastructure Trends in 2022
With an infrastructure score of C-minus, it is clear there is much work to be done to improve America’s aging infrastructure. Take bridges for example. The ASCE reports that 178 million trips per day are taken on bridges that are “structurally deficient.” Similarly, America’s “deteriorating roads are forcing the nation’s motorists to spend nearly $130 billion each year on extra vehicle repairs and operating costs.”
Climate change is also expected to significantly impact infrastructure. Weather can affect soil characteristics by causing things like erosion, which can significantly weaken currently built and future infrastructure projects. CPT can help with the design of infrastructure projects both onshore and nearshore which are particularly susceptible to these conditions.
The U.S. Congress and Biden Administration recognized America’s need for a significant infrastructure investment in passing the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” in 2021. Some $350 billion is allocated to highway programs alone through 2025. Another $17 billion is to be spent on improving port infrastructure and waterways. Many of these projects will require CPT testing and design before building new structures or improving older ones.
Improving Infrastructure Development with Cone Penetration Testing
CPT is an easy and accurate method of investigating sediment during the planning stages of infrastructure development. CPT data helps prevent future problems with dams, bridges, buildings, energy transmission lines, airports, and other infrastructure projects. Forward-thinking CPT investigations can prevent unexpected delays and saves considerable time and money in infrastructure development.
The future of the US infrastructure is bright. Vertek offers solutions that save thousands in subcontractor costs based on your scope of work. We work with various industries to improve their capabilities by offering our expertise in cone penetration testing for geotechnical engineering projects to enhance future structural projects. If you are new to CPT, or wanting to grow your existing CPT business, check out The Business of CPT.
As former CPT providers, we build systems that are easy to use, and built to last. Whether you need something smaller and modular, or a heavy-duty CPT truck, we have a solution for you.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and our solutions.
Vertek equipment is proudly designed, manufactured, and serviced in the United States. As former CPT providers, we know the importance of having reliable support while you are in the field, and it’s why we are always just a phone call away for the life of your equipment.