If you haven't visited The PDCA Store, online at PileDrivers.org, stop by to see the logo merchandise that is available for you and crew. Some of the newest items that are for sale include stylish ladies business shirts (as pictured). There is a new windbreaker, perfect for spring weather. And we have redesigned the PDCA camo truckers hat to feature hunter orange lettering, perfect for your next outdoors adventure. Please note, many of these new items are presently available, but may not yet appear on the website. PDCA welcomes your call and/or email to submit an order. If you have a special item that you would like embroidered with the PDCA logo, we can do that too, again, contact us at (904) 215-4771.

The PDCA Store maintains variety of in-stock clothing items; including two different styles of t-shirts, jobsite appropriate safety green is among the color options. Additionally, another shirt that features the likeness of the American flag is a popular seller.

Don't stop at the t-shirts; other logo items including stainless steel mugs, a Nike gym bag, umbrellas, camo trucker hats, flashlights, golf shirts (various colors), and a limited edition 2019 PDCA Annual Conference coaster - consider a set of four! The PDCA Store also features a quarter-zip pullover (various colors) for your trip to the jobsite on a cool, early morning. There is also a button down denim, men's shirt with the inscription "A driven pile...is a tested pile...' embroidered across the yoke.

In addition to logo merchandise, you will also find educational materials for your company library. Three proprietary guides on Steel Sheet Piling techniques and best practices can also be purchased in either hard copy or electronic formats. The e-guides are available to PDCA members in good standing at no cost as a benefit of your membership.

While The PDCA Store is available online around the clock, watch future PDCA and Chapter events when this merchandise will be on display for in-person, live purchases. Happy shopping!



 

Maximize your PDCA Membership, Join a Standing Committee

If you are looking for more ways to get involved in PDCA and work with your peers on advancing the driven pile, you should consider joining one or more of PDCA's standing committees. There, you will have the opportunity to share your input on association initiatives, contribute talent to new and existing programs and establish yourself as a leader in a particular industry function.

PDCA standing committees meet on a monthly or as-needed basis; meetings are generally conducted through a web conference platform. Live committee meetings are scheduled each year as part of the PDCA Annual Conference. While there is no requirement to be on a committee, it is important that you understand committee involvement affords you direct access to association functionality. And the best part is, there is no application or wait-listing process to join one, simply contact the PDCA office at (904) 215-4771 or email info@piledrivers.org. Check the Events Calendar to learn of upcoming committee meetings.

PDCA's standing committees that are currently serving membership at the behest of the Board of Directors include:
1) Associate Member Council (Co-chairs Pollyanna Cunningham and Diane Fischer, pictured)
2) Chapters Committee
3) Communications Committee
4) Contracts and Risk Committee
5) Education Committee
6) Membership Committee
7) Safety and Environmental Committee
8) Steel Sheet Pile Committee
9) Technical Committee

We look forward to adding your name to one or more of the above committees' roster.


 

Legal Regimes for Addressing the Risk of Third Party Claims

Unique Legal Risk for Pile Drivers: Understanding Liability

By Jay Houghton, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
(Originally published in PileDriver magazine, Issue #6 - 2020)

Pile driving presents a unique set of legal risks. The uniqueness of those risks stems from two aspects of pile driving: (1) the geotechnical properties of each project site are unique to the project location; and (2) the effects of pile driving activity can sometimes impact the project's other construction activities and its surroundings.

Effectively managing the inherent third-party risks of pile driving begins with understanding the legal framework of third-party claims, which varies greatly from state to state (and, sometimes, county to county). This article will briefly analyze the legal landscape of third-party liability for pile drivers and outline how they must be factored into an effective risk management strategy.

As mentioned above, each state approaches the issue of liability in its own way, but they generally do so within one of three general frameworks. The most draconian approach to third party risks is one in which pile driving is classified, by default, as an ultra-hazardous activity similar to blasting with explosives. Louisiana, for instance, applies this doctrine of strict liability...CLICK HERE to continue reading in PileDriver magazine.

 

Gourgues, Moore Enact Ceremonial Gavel Exchange During Virtual Strategic Planning Meeting

Board of Directors participates in annual exercise through web conference

The 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.

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.