Three Students Earn PDCA Pacific Coast Chapter Scholarships
December 7, 2020
Oakley, CA: PDCA Pacific Coast Chapter President Dermot Fallon announces that three students in California who are pursuing higher education in a construction field and have demonstrated an interest in the pile driving industry have each received a $1500 scholarship. The 2020 awardees are:
Erick Medina (pictured, left)
Erick is a first generation college student attending his third year at California State -Sacramento. He is pursuing a bachelors degree in Construction Management with a minor in Business Administration. During the summer of 2020, Erick completed an internship at Foundation Constructors Inc. in Oakley where learned to assist Project Managers with takeoffs, track jobsite materials and production. He says that the experience has provided him valuable perspective on the role of Project Managers in the pile driving industry and has prepared him for a future in deep foundation construction. As an intern, Erick visited several Foundation Constructors Inc. jobsites where he learned about the different pile types such as pipe piles. He also observed their safe installation. Erick says of his time at Foundation " I have found great interest in pile driving through this opportunity and I hope that with my degree in construction management and continued experience, I can continue to become a larger asset in the pile driving industry"
Connor Free (pictured, right)
Connor Free, first learned about the pile driving industry during a tour of the Balfour Beatty Transbay project in downtown San Francisco. This was a major, heavy civil project with dewatering, CIDH pile installation, excavation and shoring. Connor became genuinely interested in the complexities he observed at this jobsite and the experience ultimately lead him to study Engineering at California State University - Chico; he is currently a third year student at the school. In anticipation of an engineering degree, Connor aspires to influence the pile driving industry. Based on some of the ideas he shared in his scholarship application, he exhibits a vision that challenges the status quo; he suggests innovative pursuits toward new and faster means to drive piles. Also, he embraces the idea of joining with developers in constructing a machine that could drive two piles at once. An environmentally conscious student, Connor indicated support for cranes to burn greener fuels such as hydrogen, electricity or even plant based oils.
Za
nder Kuthe (pictured, left)
Zander Kuthe is a first year student at California State University - Fresno. In his application, Zander indicates that as a biology major he can "influence the pile driving industry by helping to find new ways to power pile driving rigs and other heavy civil machinery so they don't burn fossil fuel like diesel." Zander believes that reducing carbon emissions from pile driving equipment as well as expanding the use of natural resources, the construction industry can contribute to a necessary reduction in pollution. He is aspirational to become involved with equipment innovators who strive for cleaner, safer and more efficient construction equipment which will benefit future generations.
She's the First Female to Win South Carolina's 'Nigels Scholarship'
November 12, 2020Emma Larsen Earns Coveted Award; Thanks Members at South Carolina Chapter Event
Charleston, SC (November 12, 2020): The recipient of the the coveted "Mac" Nigels Scholarship is, for the first time in the history of the award, a female Cadet from The Citadel. Attendees at the PDCA of South Carolina Chapter's fourth quarter dinner meeting on November 12th heard an inspiring acceptance speech from Cadet Emma Larsen (pictured, center), who graciously thanked the Chapter for the honor. Each year, the Chapter presents this scholarship to a civil engineering student from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina who, according to his/her professors, demonstrates "strong character, integrity and exemplary grade point average."
Ms. Larsen, accompanied by Professor Simon Ghanat and others from Civil Engineering at The Citadel, is in her Junior year at the school where she is both a Dean's List qualifier and Regimental Leader. She stood alongside Chapter President Jason Moore (pictured, left) while Scott Nigels (pictured, right), son of the late McLeod "Mac" Creighton Nigels, presented the award consisting of a commemorative plaque and a $2000 monetary gift. The socially distanced and face-masked audience of PDCA members and others in the pile driving industry heartily applauded Ms. Larsen for this notable accomplishment.
Also from the PDCA of South Carolina Chapter's quarterly dinner meeting on November 11th, Dr. Guoming Lin, VP of Terracon Consultants in Savannah delivered a presentation on pile testing for the Kinder Morgan Elba Liquefaction Project. The event was limited to 60 attendees to comply with social distancing recommendations; the popular program reached capacity as contractors, engineers and suppliers from South Carolina and beyond arrived at the Town & Country Inn and Suites in North Charleston. See photos of attendees below, including the slide thanking the event sponsors:
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Gulf Coast Chapter Hosts Skeet Shoot
October 30, 2020Port Allen, LA (October 30, 2020): Members and friends of the Gulf Coast Chapter of PDCA gathered on October 30th at Bridgeview Gun Club for a competitive skeet shooting event, followed by the Fourth Quarter Chapter Meeting. This was the Chapter's lone, live event of 2020 due in large part to the health pandemic. Officials with the organization implemented COVID-19 safety protocols for the shoot and meeting.
The morning skeet shoot involved grouped teams of four which competed against one another. An awards ceremony and luncheon were available at the conclusion of the competition. Gulf Coast Chapter of PDCA members then met to discuss organizational matters.
The Chapter thanks meeting sponsors Scott Equipment, American Piledriving Equipment (APE), Samuel, Juntaan and Madere & Sons Marine Rental, LLC.
Scenes from the event:
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 Premier Geotech and Testing preps for competition [Photo from Facebook] |
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 Cajun Industries shooters focus on clays |
 PDCA of the Gulf Coast held a Chapter meeting after lunch |
 Ardaman & Associates on the course |
 Get your PDCA camo hat at The PDCA Store! |
Pacific Coast Chapter "Annual Schloarship Shoot," April 17
February 21, 2020The Pile Driving Contractors Association, PDCA Pacific Coast Chapter's "10th Annual Scholarship Shoot" will be held Friday April 17, 2020, at Birds Landing Hunting Preserve, 2099 Collinsville Rd Birds Landing, CA.
Any companies and sponsors who would like to provide raffle prizes are appreciated.
We will have Spectacular Raffle Prizes including;
- Winchester SXP Max
- Beretta A300 12 Gauge Shotgun
- CZ 457 American 22 wmr Rifle
- Browning Buck Mark Camper 22 lr Pistol
Please bring with you:
- A Shot Gun
- A Bag or Vest to Carry Ammo
What We Provide:
-100 Targets and 100 Rounds of Ammo
- Ear and Eye Protection
- BBQ Tri Tip Lunch
To RVSP, contact Sarah McDaniel at Foundation Constructors, Inc. Office number (925) 754--6633, Fax (925) 625-5783 or email smcdaniel@foundationpile.com.
If you would like to be station sponsor please have your logo emailed to Sarah by March 20, 2020.
Registration starts at 8am and Shotgun start at 9am.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
New Chapter Officers in South Carolina
February 14, 2020Charleson, SC (February 13, 2020): A busy start to 2020 for the South Carolina Chapter of PDCA which recently hosted its largest Oyster Roast to date and is presently finalizing details for the March 19th Driven Pile Technical Seminar. Chapter members and guests gathered February 13th at the Town and Country Inn & Suites, Charleston for the first quartly dinner meeting of the year. The meeting began as voting members ratified the new slate of Chapter officers and directors. That list follows:
Executive Committee
- John King (Pile Drivers, Inc.) - Immediate Past President
- Jason Moore (Palmetto Pile Driving) - President
- Susheel Kolwalkar (The Insight Group) - Vice President
- Andrea Edwards (Koppers) - Secretary/Treasurer
- Kyle Jackson (Palmetto Pile Driving) - Asst. Secretary/Treasurer
- Jim Challenger (Nucor Skyline)
- Clif Hough (Cape Romain Contractors)
- Derrick Bellamy (HDR)
- Greg Canivan (S&ME)
- Scott Nigels (Palmetto Pile Driving)
- John Skinner (Parker Marine)
- Simon Ghanat (The Citadel)
Northeast Florida Pile Driving Industry Luncheon
February 10, 2020NE Florida Chapter Initiative: February '20 Industry Luncheon in Jacksonville
February 7, 2020
Jacksonville, FL: Buoyed by a strong construction sector in a rapidly growing area, the Pile Driving Contractors Association continues efforts to re-establish a Chapter presence in Northeast Florida. Identified as a 'Chapter Initiative,' the organization hosted local contractors, affiliated engineers, industry manufacturers, suppliers and distributors for a buffet luncheon at Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park hotel on Jacksonville's southside on Friday, Febrary 7, 2020. Attendees spent time networking prior to listening to a short presentation from PDCA Executive Director Frank Peters who discussed the value to the pile driving industry that an active, local chapter can provide. He indicated that while the PDCA national office is available to provide chapter infrastructure and support, it is important that a leadership team consisting of local practitioners in the industry assumes the role of directing chapter activity. Peters announced that PDCA will host the second 'Chapter Initiative' luncheon at the World Golf Hall of Fame banquet facility on May 19, 2020 in St. Augustine, FL. Registration for this event can be completed when you click here.
The February 7th event was made possible through sponsorships from Jacksonville pile hammer supplier and manufacturer PVE Equipment USA and industry supplier Equipment Corporation of America which maintains a large field operation in Green Cove Springs, FL.
A Pile of News - February 2020
February 3, 2020
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Pacific Coast Chapter Awards Four Scholarships
December 3, 2019December 2, 2019: The PDCA of the Pacific Coast Chapter awarded four $1,500 scholarships this year to the following students:
Seth Myhre A project engineer at Shimmick for the past three years, Myhre is studying for a degree in mechanical engineering at California State Chico with a GPA of 3.2.
Sam Follett, P.E. An engineer at Foundation Constructors Inc., Follet is returning to school to get his Masters in geotechnical engineering. In his essay, he says, "My experience working with a deep foundation contractor and my future graduate degree will allow me to design piles that are constructible. I understand the limitations that are presented by site conditions (soil, access, permitting) and necessary equipment to install various types of piles. I will be able to make sure that owners are able to pick foundation options that actually make sense. I will also be able to explain the benefits to owners that come with pile driving compared to other foundation options, such as increased material quality control, the ease of pile testing and ability to test increased amounts of piles at a time, and the schedule benefits compared to other foundation types."
Erick Medina A full-time college student at Sacramento State University pursing a degree in Construction Management, Medina is in his first year at Sac State. He earned a GPA of 3.3. One of Medina's goals is to be the first person in his family to earn a four-year college degree. He is a hard worker and has learned that teamwork in the workplace is one of the keys to success.
Russell "Teddy" Bruin One of the 2018 recipients of a PDCA scholarship, Bruin says he appreciated the support provided last year. He successfully completed his first year at Loyola University Chicago, where he is still pursuing a degree in environmental science. He was involved in several extracurricular collegiate activities along with having a solid academic year.
Sam Follett, P.E.
Seth Myhre
Erick Medina
New Chapter launched at The PDCA Florida Georgia Blitz
October 31, 2019PDCA Announces Northeast Florida Chapter Formation
Jacksonville, FL (10/31/2019): The new Northeast Florida Chapter of the Pile Driving Contractors Association is planning its first formal meeting scheduled for February 7th, 2020. The event will be a luncheon (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) at the Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park hotel (4812 Deer Lake Drive West); and in addition to discussion about the new Chapter formation, it will include a business-oriented program designed to benefit practitioners in the deep foundations industry. Pile driving contractors, geotechnical and structural engineers, and equipment suppliers and manufactures are encouraged to attend. This luncheon will require a nominal registration cost to attendees for the lunch.
The Northeast Florida Chapter initiative was introduced in Jacksonville during an October 30th social event hosted by PDCA for organization members and prospective members from throughout Florida and Georgia. Named The Florida-Georgia Blitz, It was held during Jacksonville's Florida-Georgia Week that precedes the annual rivalry college football game. Attendees were provided heavy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar at no cost, thanks to event sponsors CZM Foundation Equipment, Bridgestone HosePower, Nucor Skyline and USI Insurance. A notable attendee from USI was former Florida Gator inside linebacker Jason Wozniak who played under famed-coach Steve Spurrier in the early 1990's. Following an hour of social and networking time, the 45 people in attendance heard a brief program explaining the efforts toward local Chapter organization; this was welcome news to many in the local pile driving industry who were at the event.
If you are a Member of PDCA in the Northeast Florida region, or if you are a practitioner in deep foundation construction in this area, you are encouraged to Save the Date of February 7th, 2020 and plan to attend the inaugural meeting. Please contact PDCA at (904) 215-4771 or by email at info@piledrivers.org if you would like to join the mailing list for information about The PDCA Northeast Florida Chapter. PDCA looks forward to supporting its newest Northeast Florida Chapter.
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Capacity Attendance at Gulf Coast Chapter's Engineers Conference
October 25, 2019More than 110 practitioners in the deep foundations industry gathered in Prairieville, Louisiana on October 24th for a comprehensive, day-long professional development event designed to educate attendees on some of the newest and best practices for driven pile installations. The PDCA of the Gulf Coast organized the event, chaired by contractor member Michael Kelly, which the Chapter offers to educate professionals in the region every other year on the driven pile. All participants who completed the seminar were awarded 7 Professional Development Hours.
The 2019 PDCA Engineers Conference was co-sponsored by PDCA of the Gulf Coast and Nucor Skyline and consisted of seven different presentations. PDCA of the Gulf Coast Chapter President Travis Schonacher from Sealevel Construction opened and closed the program. The following agenda is a list of each presentation and session sponsor in the order they were provided to attendees:
Breakfast - Sponsored by PDCA
Vibration Monitoring Protocol per Purple Book by Joubert Harris, MS - LADOTD
Sponsored by Southern Earth Sciences
Experimental Study of Driven Pile Set-Up in Soft Clays by Chad Held, P.E. - Eustis Engineering
Sponsored by GRL Engineers
Efficient Structural Design of Precast Concrete Piles by John C. Ryan, Ph.D., PE - Ryan Structural Engineers, LLC
Sponsored by American Piledriving Equipment
Advanced Measurements/Pile Layout by Joey Coco, PE MBA - Forte & Tablada, Inc.
Sponsored by Sealevel Construction, Inc.
Lunch - Sponsored by LB Foster Company
Steel Coating and Application to Steel Piles by Marty Hall - Yellow Creek Coating Services
Sponsored by PDCA
Preserving Wood Pilings by Tim Carey - Lonza Group AG
Sponsored by Desoto Treated Materials
LAPELS Professionalism and Ethics by William Hyatt - LAPELS Board Investigator
Sponsored by Mississippi River Equipment
PDCA of the Gulf Coast Chapter thanks all attendees for participating in this highly successful event. The next gathering of the Chapter will be November 14th when it hosts its Fourth Quarter Dinner Meeting at Messina's in Kenner, LA.
