Blog

What is AIS & BABA Compliance and Why It Matters for Utility Access

Bingham & Taylor — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:41:49 GMT

For municipalities, utilities, and contractors, compliance with domestic manufacturing requirements is no longer an administrative formality; it is a core requirement for federal funding and successful project delivery. The American Iron and Steel (AIS) provision, established under the 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, and the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed in 2021 establish strict rules on how and where products must be manufactured. Non-compliance can jeopardize funding, create costly delays, and expose projects to long-term risks.

Longevity and Performance in Underground Utility Access Systems

Bingham & Taylor — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:37:22 GMT

Whether supporting water, gas, or sewer infrastructure, underground utility access systems play a critical role in protecting assets, enabling service, and ensuring long-term system reliability. These access points—often taken for granted—must perform under extreme environmental and mechanical pressures, year after year.

Cast Iron vs. Plastic: Choosing the Best Material for Underground Utility Projects

Bingham & Taylor — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:38:19 GMT

Choosing the right material for underground utility access products isn’t just about upfront costs—it’s about ensuring performance, safety, and long-term value. Whether you're designing infrastructure to last a century or seeking faster, lighter solutions that save on labor and handling, understanding the trade-offs between cast iron and various plastic materials is essential. At Bingham & Taylor, we offer both, with deep expertise to help guide the best fit for your project.

Smart Strategies for Selecting the Right Utility Access Materials

Bingham & Taylor — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:11:19 GMT

When it comes to underground utility access, material decisions can make or break your project's success.
Learn how smart material selection can help you streamline installation, support long-term performance, and meet the unique demands of your job site.

Cut Installation Costs and Improve Efficiency with the Right Utility Access Solutions

Bingham & Taylor — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:25:37 GMT

Labor and equipment costs are rising—installing smarter starts with the choices you make up front.

The Environmental Benefits of Recyclable Utility Materials

Bingham & Taylor — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:02:34 GMT

For more than a century, cast iron has set the standard for strength, durability, and longevity in underground utility systems. It remains the material of choice for critical access points like valve boxes, curb boxes, and meter lids—especially in high-traffic and heavy-load environments.

The Benefits of American-Made Cast Iron for Utility Infrastructure

Bingham & Taylor — Fri, 30 May 2025 19:22:14 GMT

H-20 Load Ratings Explained

Bingham & Taylor — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:48:51 GMT

Editor’s Note (April 2025):
This post replaces an earlier version with updated and more accurate information about H-20 load ratings and how they relate to plastic and cast iron products. We’ve clarified key test methods and industry terminology to better support your product decisions.

What is an H-20 Load Rating? You may have seen this term used to describe cast iron products—or applied to plastic, composite, or concrete components. Depending on the source, it might refer to a product rated for 16,000 lbs, 20,000 lbs, or even 40,000 lbs. But what does "H-20" actually mean?

Choosing the Right Material: Why ABS Plastic is a Smart, Safe, Lightweight Choice

Bingham & Taylor — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:13:04 GMT

A Long-Lasting, Lightweight, and Cost-Effective Solution, Especially When Strength, Safety, and Ease of Installation are Key

Made in America: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

Bingham & Taylor — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:51:28 GMT

Bingham & Taylor’s 175-Year Legacy Shields You from Tariffs, Supply Chain Disruptions, and Quality Concerns