TPT-January-2015

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Industry News
24 January 2015
ASTM Paul Finn Memorial Award
JOHN Kurdziel, PE, chief engineer
for Advanced Drainage Systems
(ADS), has been presented with the
American Society of Testing & Materials
(ASTM) Paul Finn Memorial Award, for
technical excellence in plastic pipe. He
received the honour in recognition of
his development of ASTM testing and
manufacturing standards for corrugated
polyethylene and polypropylene pipe.
“John has made a strong impact in
moving the industry forward,” stated Joe
Chlapaty, chairman and chief executive
officer of ADS. “His work with ASTM
and many other organisations has been
exceptional. His years of participation
have led to many new standards that
make it easy to specify long-life products
and instil confidence in their use. John
was the principle author for many
ASTM storm sewer, sanitary sewer and
recycled standards.”
Among other industry honours, Mr
Kurdziel has previously won the ASTM
Spangler Award for technical excellence
in concrete pipe, and the ASTM Award
of Merit, the highest society award
given by ASTM. He has also been
appointed chairman for ASTM F17.65,
Land Drainage Subcommittee. This
subcommittee controls all the standards
for agricultural drainage products, septic
leach field pipe and chambers, including
the StormTech product line, pavement
underdrains, mine leachate and
collection systems, and all polyethylene
resins used for storm drainage products.
ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
Piping Systems was formed in 1973
and now has around 520 members
participating on 18 technical
subcommittees, which are responsible
for 180 approved standards. These
standards are referenced in many
plumbing and building codes, and
ensure quality and performance for the
plastic pipe industry.
Founded in 1966, ADS produces
corrugated plastic pipe, and is known
for its storm water and sanitary sewer
management pipe and products.
The company has 58 domestic and
international manufacturing plants and
28 distribution centres. ADS products
include N-12® corrugated HDPE pipe,
SaniTite® HP pipe and fittings, and other
storm water system components such
as StormTech® storm water chambers,
InsertaTee® fittings, and various
geotextiles.
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc –
USA
Email:
Website:
John Kurdziel (right) receives the Paul Finn
Memorial Award from Tom Walsh, chairman
of ASTM F17