Coronavirus Safety Best Practices
January 15, 2021
Coronavirus Safety Best Practices
PDCA members could be our best resource to determine what is working on the jobsite and in the office to combat the potential spread of the COVID 19 virus.
Please take the time to list your Coronavirus Safety Best Practices and post them to this blog. We are hoping this will serve as a resource for all PDCA members.
This blog is intended to provide PDCA members an opportunity to share their thoughts with their fellow members and is NOT intended to provide legal advice or serve as a fiinal source. In all cases where safety is involved employers must use their best efforts to provide for the safety and health of their employees.
Thank you for your interest and support. Please contact the PDCA office if you need any assistance.
PDCA Pursues Member Growth, Expanded Resources in '21
January 14, 2021
Gourgues, Moore Enact Ceremonial Gavel Exchange During Virtual Strategic Planning Meeting
Board of Directors participates in annual exercise through web conferenceThe annual Strategic Planning Meeting of the PDCA Executive Committee and Board was conducted through the Zoom platform over the course of two days in January 2021.
The organizational leadership set an ambitious agenda to pursue over the next twelve months which included new member development, expanded educational offerings (live, virtual, archived), and continued strengthening of the standing committees. President Kevin Gourgues (pictured, left) conducted the business of the assembly which included participating Board members from throughout the United States who attended virtually.
In addition to the regular business of the Board, the leadership addressed the results of a comprehensive Member survey which was conducted in the fall of 2020, discussed standing committee priorities and directed staff on carrying out portions of the member growth and expanded resources agenda.
The virtual platform enabled attendees to convene in small group sessions for brainstorming and other exercises. It also accommodated formal votes by the Board during the business portion of event. While consensus of PDCA is that a live meeting is preferable, ongoing health concerns necessitated that the event be held remotely. Participants indicated that the time spent was productive in advancing organizational obligations and goals.
As is customary during the annual PDCA Strategic Planning Meeting, Past President Jason Moore ceremoniously passed the gavel to President Kevin Gourgues. Vice President Brian Heck (pictured below) was in attendance as well. The three PDCA Executive Committee members participated in the event from the PDCA offices in Orange Park, Florida where the web conference originated.
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DOWNLOAD: Working Platforms Recommended Practices Guide
January 8, 2021
Working Platforms - Recommended Industry Practices
A collaboration of deep foundations industry partnters ADSC, DFI and PDCA
The industry-wide Working Platforms Working Group (WPWG), a collaboration of ADSC, Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), and the Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA), announces that the newly published Recommended Industry Practices for Safe Working Platforms for Construction Equipment guide is now available. This document is the product of several years of work and input from individuals and companies representing all facets of the foundation construction arena,
including safety specialists, contractors, engineers, and equipment manufacturers and suppliers. The purpose of the document is to present an administrative procedure to institutionalize a straightforward method that ensures safe Working Platforms are in place for foundation construction equipment. This document also serves as a suggested framework by which allocation of responsibility can be communicated and determined long before work is performed on the job site.PDCA extends its sincerest appreciation to the Working Platforms Working Group for their dedication, time, and effort, to produce this essential document. Their efforts will help make the deep foundation industry a safer place to work.
We also thank our partners, ADSC and DFI, for the significant contributions and support. It is genuinely appreciated.
PDCA members can download this vital publication from The PDCA Store free of charge. Click here to visit The PDCA Store, or click the image on your screen that depicts the guide book Please contact the PDCA office if you need any assistance logging into the website.
A Pile of News - January 2021
January 4, 2021
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Meet Kevin Gourgues, the 2021 PDCA President
December 29, 2020
New President Gourgues Prioritizes Member Input, Participation for 2021
Orange Park, FL (December 31, 2020): When asked his vision for PDCA in the New Year, deep foundations veteran Kevin Gourgues (pictured, right), who begins a one-year term as President of the Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA), definitively states that he will "give members a voice on what they want PDCA to accomplish." He adds "it's also important to increase PDCA membership, continue providing educational outreach and grow our library of technical resources."
With 25 years of diversified foundation construction experience under his belt, Mr. Gourgues currently serves as President of the Deep Foundations Group for Patriot Construction & Industrial, LLC (Patriot), a division he co-founded in 2018.
Prior to his 2018 election to the PDCA Board of Directors, Gourgues served both on the Board and as President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of PDCA. Summarizing his years of involvement in the specialty trade association, Kevin enthusiastically states, "PDCA has afforded me a voice in the pile driving industry but has also helped me develop new relationships and friendships with other contractors, vendors, and engineers all around North America."
A graduate of Louisiana State University, Gourgues holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology focused on Construction Management. Today, he resides in the Baton Rouge suburb of Plaquemine with his "beautiful wife of 18 years, Kelly" and teenage sons Brady and Benjamin.
Outside his professional career, Kevin's passion is being outdoors with his sons. "Hunting, fishing, and watching my boys compete in cattle sorting (horseback riding) ...however I just watch the cattle sorting, I am too old for horseback competition!"
(PHOTO): Joining Kevin Gourgues in PDCA leadership for 2021 are Vice President Brian Heck (pictured, middle), Past President Jason Moore (right), Treasurer Scott Webster and Secretary Kustaa Mansfield.
Become a PDCA Member for 2021
December 28, 2020
As a new year begins, make the resolution to support, promote and advocate for the driven pile as an effective and viable method of deep foundation construction and ground retention; after all, it has proven itself for literally centuries through safely and reliably supporting structures from ancient to modern times. As a member of PDCA, you strengthen the collective voice of hundreds of industry professionals throughout North America and the world who work tirelessly to maintain the driven pile's superiority as a deep foundation solution.
Membership in PDCA comes with a growing list of benefits. services and opportunities, including:
- Annual Conferences
- Educational Programs
- Trade Shows
- Project of the Year Awards program
- Connectivity between public sector, private owners
- Committee and industry leadership opportunities
- Safety discussions and resources
- Industry networking
- PileDriver magazine
- Annual Membership Directory
- Monthly e-Newsletter 'A Pile of News'
- Free and reduced rate advertising
- Industry and business marketing
- Constant Contact Partner Program (New!)
- Virtual Programming (New!)
- Up to Five (5) Names Listed from One (1) Contractor, Associate Membership (New!)
- and MANY more resources available
PDCA members are a diverse group which includes contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and geotechnical engineers. They install and support pilings made of timber, concrete and steel as well as sheeting and many aggregates. Membership options reflect the various disciplines. To review PDCA membership categories, dues rates and additional benefits, CLICK HERE to be redirected to our our Join PDCA page; your 2021 Membership Application awaits you! Thank you in advance for your support of PDCA.
PileDriver Magazine: Harry Robbins, A Career Story
December 24, 2020
Harry Robbins - Making a Difference for the Driven Pile Industry
By Mark HalsallFew people have had as big an impact on the Pile Driving Contractors Association as Harry Robbins. During his long and storied career in pile driving, Robbins has played a vital role in the success of PDCA as it's grown into a thriving national organization and was the driving force behind the establishment of its first local chapter in 2003.
Robbins has also been about as strong a proponent of the driven pile that you'll ever see in the industry. Just ask Jason Moore, the vice president and general manager of Palmetto Pile Driving in Charleston, S.C., who was mentored by Robbins. Click to read more in Issue #6, 2020 of PileDriver magazine.
PileDriver Magazine: Gwen Sanders, P.E., A Career Story
December 21, 2020
Gwen Sanders, P.E., Eustis Engineering
When we talk about equality in the workplace, conversations are often laden with stories of challenges overcome and ceilings broken through. Hardly ever do we hear stories where women are supported and nurtured throughout their careers without bias or backlash for being a woman in the first place.
Those stories are just as important to tell. Women who work in an inclusive environment have the kind of story other women need to hear in order to keep progressing in their own careers, knowing that equality is possible.
Gwen Sanders, P.E., the first woman to be president of Eustis Engineering, a regional Gulf Coast firm headquartered in New Orleans, has that kind of story. Click to read more in Issue #5 2020, PileDriver Magazine.
PileDriver Magazine: Issue #6, 2020
December 17, 2020
Click the image (left) to read the digital edition of PileDriver magazine Issue #6 of 2020.
In this issue, we provide you information about new PDCA member benefits as well as how to get more involved in PDCA committees. Also, learn about efforts in progress to establish new PDCA Chapters.
Check out a preview of what PDCA will offer at IFCEE, coming to Dallas May 10-14, 2021.
We are excited to provide you an important and timely update on working platform guidance; safety is a priority issue for us all.
A couple names you may know; pile driving industry veterans Jay Boyd and Harry Robbins sit down with our writers to share perspectives on deep foundation construction.
Don't miss a fascinating project story from Boston that details contributions from DuroTerra.
We are pleased to provide guidance on construction law issues such as Addressing the Risk of Third Party Claims and Contract Terms in the COVID Era.
There is a new installment to our mental health series that helps you understand how to avoid the tragedy of suicide in construction.
And don't miss the business article that explores a growing trend of military veterans transitioning to construction careers.
As we do in every issue, we are proud to feature profiles of some of our members; of course without members, PDCA doesn't exist. This time, you will meet Ford Pile Foundation, Junttan USA, ESC Steel and Earth, Inc.
Click here to read Issue #6 of PileDriver. As we move to the new year, please contact us with any content ideas you have for future magazine editions.
Outgoing PDCA President Moore Takes New Role for 2021
December 10, 2020
New PDCA Communications Committee Chair Jason Moore will lead PileDriver magazine development, Project of the Year Awards coordination, other external functions. Moore (pictured, far left) is shown with Past PDCA President Dave Chapman, former Communications Committee Chair Pollyanna Cunningham noted for her significant impact on the Association's public presence and current PDCA Treasurer Scott Webster.
Orange Park, FL (December 1, 2020): The Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA) announces a new Chairman to the Communications Committee; Jason Moore (right), who is the immediate Past President of PDCA, takes the helm of the standing committee that is responsible for overseeing the publication of PileDriver magazine six times each year and disseminating the annual Project of the Year awards program, among other organizational functions. These are important components of PDCA which enable deep foundation construction professionals from around the globe to engage in the organization and stay informed about the latest developments and trends in pile driving.
"At PDCA, we proudly advocate for the driven pile in all applications where it is effective," explained Moore. "Our product is manufactured in a controlled environment, installed with efficient equipment through a time tested process, and has inherent quality and integrity testing built into the cycle. That is the message we as an Association work to communicate throughout the industry and I am excited to provide it amplification through Committee channels."
Since 2015, Moore has served as VP/General Manager at Palmetto Pile Driving in Charleston, SC. There, he oversees an active concrete pile manufacturing and installation operation with a strong and loyal regional footprint. Prior to his position at Palmetto, the longtime Low Country resident spent 14 years working in precast concrete. A 2001 graduate of The Citadel, he lives in Charleston with his wife and three children.
Jason Moore receives the gavel, assumes PDCA Presidency from Scott Callaway in early 2020
