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A Pile of News - March 2021
March 1, 2021
Women In Construction: SHE 'Gets it Done' for Goettle
February 26, 2021
Heather Huth (left) and Regina Hartfiel (right) of Richard Goettle, Inc. at a Cincinnati, driven pile jobsite in January.
PDCA was fortunate to recently catch up with two women who deliver important and exemplary work product daily, for Contractor member Richard Goettle, Inc. When we found them, Regina Hartfiel and Heather Huth were on-location at the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati where they were building a new diversion chamber for the MSD Wet Weather Upgrade Project. Their scope involved both excavation and shoring.
A little background on the two deep foundations professionals: Regina Hartfiel began with Richard Goettle, Inc. as a Co-Op from the University of Cincinnati in 2009, this was a university-sanctioned program that enabled her to gain on-the-job experience in the construction field which she was pursuing. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering in 2012, Ms. Hartfiel transitioned to a full-time Project Manager with the Ohio contractor. Since that time, she has excelled in her profession and impacted numerous deep foundations projects from Florida to North Dakota.
"In my experience, Goettle has given me a level of confidence through assignment to a position or placement on a job that, never has being a woman, caused me any level of insecurity," says Regina. "As I progress and grow in my construction career, I feel as though my constant evolution as a professional is no different than that of any other young person who pursues excellence in a chosen discipline."
Heather Huth is nearing five years at Richard Goettle, Inc. where she delivers a reliable and timely work product as Estimating Coordinator. Prior to her 2016 start with the Cincinnati-based geo-construction company, she spent the earliest years of her career as an architectural representative with a nearby building supply company. Since then, she too has contributed to Richard Goettle, Inc. projects at the national level; her professional footprint covers a broad swath of states east of the Rocky Mountains.
Both women recognize that construction continues to be a male dominated industry. But a growing push from societal forces toward increased gender equity in the profession renders noticeable improvements on an almost yearly basis. And Heather and Regina are part of the movement that is impacting the face of construction; in addition to their days on the jobsites, they also play a big part in Goettle's ongoing Co-Op program. Those efforts involve individual outreach to students in Construction Management and Civil Engineering programs at higher education institutions in and around the Cincinnati area through campus visits, career fairs and other opportunities that arise. They note an increasing number of young women are pursuing these fields.
"The construction industry offers young people endless opportunities for a meaningful and oftentimes lucrative career," says Ms. Huth. "When I engage with students and other young people, especially young women, I find it very fulfilling to open their minds about the excitement, diversity and professional satisfaction they will encounter when they start a career in construction."
PDCA is proud to represent Regina and Heather as member-company employees.
Richard Goettle, Inc. celebrates 65 years in business in 2021. The construction industry, not to mention the professional workforce in general, looked much different back in 1956 when post-war demographics more women in largely in clerical and more often housewife roles. Times have changed dramatically since Goettle's early days and they are fortunate to hire from an expanded talent pool which has included professionals like Regina Hartfiel and Heather Huth.
A little background on the two deep foundations professionals: Regina Hartfiel began with Richard Goettle, Inc. as a Co-Op from the University of Cincinnati in 2009, this was a university-sanctioned program that enabled her to gain on-the-job experience in the construction field which she was pursuing. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering in 2012, Ms. Hartfiel transitioned to a full-time Project Manager with the Ohio contractor. Since that time, she has excelled in her profession and impacted numerous deep foundations projects from Florida to North Dakota.
"In my experience, Goettle has given me a level of confidence through assignment to a position or placement on a job that, never has being a woman, caused me any level of insecurity," says Regina. "As I progress and grow in my construction career, I feel as though my constant evolution as a professional is no different than that of any other young person who pursues excellence in a chosen discipline."
Heather Huth is nearing five years at Richard Goettle, Inc. where she delivers a reliable and timely work product as Estimating Coordinator. Prior to her 2016 start with the Cincinnati-based geo-construction company, she spent the earliest years of her career as an architectural representative with a nearby building supply company. Since then, she too has contributed to Richard Goettle, Inc. projects at the national level; her professional footprint covers a broad swath of states east of the Rocky Mountains.
Both women recognize that construction continues to be a male dominated industry. But a growing push from societal forces toward increased gender equity in the profession renders noticeable improvements on an almost yearly basis. And Heather and Regina are part of the movement that is impacting the face of construction; in addition to their days on the jobsites, they also play a big part in Goettle's ongoing Co-Op program. Those efforts involve individual outreach to students in Construction Management and Civil Engineering programs at higher education institutions in and around the Cincinnati area through campus visits, career fairs and other opportunities that arise. They note an increasing number of young women are pursuing these fields.
"The construction industry offers young people endless opportunities for a meaningful and oftentimes lucrative career," says Ms. Huth. "When I engage with students and other young people, especially young women, I find it very fulfilling to open their minds about the excitement, diversity and professional satisfaction they will encounter when they start a career in construction."
PDCA is proud to represent Regina and Heather as member-company employees.
Richard Goettle, Inc. celebrates 65 years in business in 2021. The construction industry, not to mention the professional workforce in general, looked much different back in 1956 when post-war demographics more women in largely in clerical and more often housewife roles. Times have changed dramatically since Goettle's early days and they are fortunate to hire from an expanded talent pool which has included professionals like Regina Hartfiel and Heather Huth.
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In observance of Women in Construction Week March 7-13, 2021, PDCA thanks the many women contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers who lend their talent, perspective and expertise to the pile driving industry. You are of great value to not only your individual clients and employers, but to PDCA as well. Congratulations on all your professional accomplishments!First PileDriver of 2021 Now Available; Read it Here!
February 22, 2021
PDCA Proudly Introduces PileDriver magazine, Issue #1 2021
It's always an exciting day at PDCA when the latest PileDriver magazine is released; since phrases like 'hot of the presses' just don't apply in the world of digital publishing, we simply tell you that the full edition is now available and located HERE.
In this issue, you will find a plenty of material that addresses the many different facets of your deep foundations business. For starters, a new PDCA President delivers his first President's Message to membership. Get a detailed understanding of the vision that President Kevin Gourgues brings to the organization on Page 5. Then, on Page 9, Past President (2020) Jason Moore shares a parting note of thanks to you for the support you gave to PDCA in what was an irregular year.
Other features in this issue; two PDCA Committees get new Chairs, membership offers new benefits and the industry events calendar lists new opportunities for 2021.
In Pile Tips, Dan Seitz and Stephanie Turkot of GZA GeoEnvironmental present a fresh perspective on jobsite cleanliness and safety on Page 39. NCCCO representative Tara Whittington shares "Yes, OSHA Requires Dedicated Pile Driver Operators to be Certified," an important overview of an evolving consideration for contractors on Page 87. We are pleased to preview the newly-released "Recommended Industry Practices for Safe Working Platforms for Construction Equipment" by the Working Platforms Working Group which consists of representatives from PDCA, ADSC and DFI, on Page 42. And learn about an innovative and timely initiative of GeoEngineers which is addressing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout their national geotechnical engineering firm; see Page 92.
As in every issue, we bring you a Career Story, PDCA Member Profiles, Project Spotlights and two submissions on Construction Law.
Don't miss the touching tribute to the late Erich Pitz of McMullen & Pitz Construction Company; his colleagues fondly remember him as a talented construction professional, generous contributor to his Wisconsin community and valued mentor, teacher and friend to so many in the pile driving industry. See In Memoriam on Page 107.
To read the full, digital edition, CLICK HERE. And remember, PileDriver magazine encourages your submissions. If you have ideas about content for upcoming issues, please email matt@PileDrivers.org.
Can a Chapter Host Successful, Virtual Event? 85+ say 'Yes,' attend PDCA SC
February 18, 2021Virtual Quarterly Meeting Draws Big Crowd
The PDCA of South Carolina Chapter has been able to get an answer to a question shared by many in the construction association world; "can a Chapter that has a strong tradition of regular, live meetings host an event that is 100% virtual?" The question was answered with a resounding "yes" after the February 4th Quarterly Meeting of the Chapter.
Based on a widespread, positive response to the initial meeting announcement, then more than 85 participants accessing the two-hour meeting and technical presentation through the Zoom platform, it was clear that the paramount function of a Chapter executing meaningful engagement with its members is possible through a web-based format. While a live, in-person event which brings important networking and social interaction in addition to general meeting components and a presentation, is a preference for many who participate in Chapter functions, ongoing health concerns have forced the pivot. And South Carolina's PDCA Chapter has successfully pivoted.
The event took place from 3:00-5:00 PM EST on February 4, 2021. Using technical and organizational resources from the PDCA national office, Chapter President Jason Moore convened more than 85 Chapter members and other friends from the Southeastern U.S. region for a business meeting followed by a popular technical program (which provided PDH credit). Presenter Mohamad Hussein (pictured), EVP and Principal Engineer with GRL Engineers, gave a 90 minute program entitled Dynamic Pile Testing: Basic Principle, Capabilities and Effective Applications. Thanks to generous sponsorship, this program was offered to participants at no cost.
If you are involved in a PDCA Chapter and are interested in learning more about resources available to you to host a virtual program, please contact the PDCA offices.
IFCEE 2021 Registration Opens Monday, February 15th
February 11, 2021
Don't miss the biggest event in the deep foundation construction industry that only happens every three years; it's the International Foundations Conference and Equipment Expo or IFCEE, coming to Dallas, Texas May 10-14, 2021. PDCA and industry partners ADSC (The International Association of Foundation Drilling), DFI (Deep Foundations Institute) and G-I (Geo-Institute of American Society of Civil Engineers) have joined forces again to host the event, this year at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Dallas.
(Pictured, L-R: Dale Biggers, Inger Darling, Buck Darling, Larry Moore enjoy one of several social events during IFCEE 2018 in Orlando, FL.)
IFCEE is a technical conference and equipment show dedicated to the design and construction of foundation systems, using the latest geo-engineering and geo-construction technologies and practices. This one of a kind event will attract attendees from around the world, who will have access to various technical education programs and the world's largest equipment exposition dedicated solely to the deep foundations industry. For registration (opening Monday, February 15, 2021), information on exhibit sales and more about IFCEE 2021, please visit the website. See you in May!
First Installment of 2021 Education Webinar Series a Success
February 3, 2021
First program "Cone Penetration Testing and Pile Driving: A Great Combination," a success; next program April 6th
Presenters Gerald Verbeek, Technical Advisor CPT, Eijkelkamp North America and Derrick Dasenbrock, P.E., D.GE, F. ASCE, Geotechnical Engineer, FHWA Resource Center led an in-depth technical course for 70 attendees of PDCA's first webinar program of 2021. The two hour event took place on Tuesday, February 2nd from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST. It was FREE to PDCA members; several non-members who participated paid a nominal charge for the PDH eligible presentation.
"After the success of the webinars from the PDCA 2020 Annual Conference Webinar Series, we were (and are) hopeful that the success would continue into 2021," said Kathy Harper, Manager of Events and Education at PDCA. "We were very happy to receive better than expected registration numbers - and most of the registrants were able to participate in the full program. It goes to show that when you have interesting content and great presenters, that people want to attend and expand their knowledge. With a final attendance of 70 individuals a mix of contractors and engineers it really is setting a wonderful tone for the rest of the PDCA 2021 Education Webinar Series.
"The Series continue April 6th when Van E. Komurka, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE, Senior Engineer, GRL Engineers, Inc. presents "Components of Cost-Effective Driven-Pile Design and Installation" from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Registration is currently open, CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today.
"After the success of the webinars from the PDCA 2020 Annual Conference Webinar Series, we were (and are) hopeful that the success would continue into 2021," said Kathy Harper, Manager of Events and Education at PDCA. "We were very happy to receive better than expected registration numbers - and most of the registrants were able to participate in the full program. It goes to show that when you have interesting content and great presenters, that people want to attend and expand their knowledge. With a final attendance of 70 individuals a mix of contractors and engineers it really is setting a wonderful tone for the rest of the PDCA 2021 Education Webinar Series.
"The Series continue April 6th when Van E. Komurka, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE, Senior Engineer, GRL Engineers, Inc. presents "Components of Cost-Effective Driven-Pile Design and Installation" from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Registration is currently open, CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today.
A Pile of News - February 2021
February 1, 2021
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