Regional Networking Event in Baltimore Draws Enthusiastic Crowd of Pile Drivers

November 20, 2023

Contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, engineers, and other friends of the pile driving industry in and around Maryland gathered for The Maryland Mixer at Crooked Crab Brewing in Odenton on November 16th, the third PDCA regional reception of 2023. The regional receptions have been an ongoing program of the organization, designed to provide members with localized networking and social engagement opportunities in areas around the U.S. where an existing PDCA Chapter does not exist, but there is a high concentration of companies that are involved in the pile driving industry.

From 5:30-7:30 PM, attendees enjoyed complimentary pizza, wings, beer, and more while they reconnected with friends, business associates, and new industry connections. PDCA president Brian Heck, along with PDCA staff, were on -hand to deliver a short program where they encouraged attendees to consider establishing a formal chapter, similar to the previously operational PDCA Mid-Atlantic Chapter which served the region for several years before it closed.

Fortuitously, the inaugural PDCA Engineers Driven Pile Institute, had just completed its two-day run at a nearby convention center, and a handful of participants in that program ventured down the road to Crooked Crab to attend the social with the large group of piling industry professionals from Maryland.

The Maryland Mixer was a huge success, thanks to the generosity of several event sponsors, including 'Drive 'Em Deep' Sponsor APE-American Piledriving Equipment, Inc., which due to a last-minute cancelation, was not able to attend. PDCA thanks these event sponsors:

APE-American Piledriving Equipment
American Equipment & Foundation, Co.
Clydesdale Steel
Dissen & Juhn Company
Geoquip
Kokosing Construction Company, Inc.
Pile Solution

See who was SPOTTED at the The Maryland Mixer:

EDPI Seminar Delivers Two Days of Pile Driving Education From Expert Panel

November 17, 2023

The inaugural PDCA Engineers Driven Pile Institute (EDPI) has concluded, and pile driving and engineering professionals from around the country are returning to their offices with new insights on selecting appropriate pile types, evaluating equipment, understanding key specifications, and 15.5 PDH credits. An expert panel delivered attendees a rigorous, two-day workshop designed to enhance their understanding of pile driving, beyond an entry level.

The noteworthy presenters included, Jerry DiMaggio, PE, D.GE, a senior principal civil engineer with Applied Research Associates. Also sharing industry knowledge and perspectives were Pat Hannigan, PE president emeritus and Van Komurka, PE, D.GE, a senior engineer; both with GRL Engineers, Inc.

The event took place at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport on November 15-16. By many accounts, the seminar was a unique opportunity to learn about design methods, inspection procedures, and more. The objective of the program was to ensure that professionals are equipped with the knowledge to stay competitive.

PDCA thanks the 35 attendees, many of whom traveled great distances to participate, for being part of the inaugural EDPI class. Additionally, PDCA salutes event sponsors D.W. Kozera, Inc., The PDCA South Carolina Chapter, and GRL Engineers, Inc. for generously sponsoring the program.


(L-R): Jerry DiMaggio, Van Komurka	Pat Hannigan presents one of several segments

The inaugural class with the presenters of the PDCA Engineers Driven Pile Institute

Citadel Cadet Awarded, Expert Presents, '24 Officers Named at SC Event

November 13, 2023

Charleston, SC (November 9, 2023): The South Carolina Chapter of PDCA names Cadet Caden Leckelt as 2023 recipient of the prestigious "Mac" Nigels Scholarship. A Junior at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, he currently carries a 3.90 GPA as a Civil Engineering Major and expects to graduate in Spring 2025. Mr. Leckelt comes to The Citadel from Oak Harbor, WA; as a student, he is a Gold Star Recipient, a member of ASCE, and a member of the Boxing Club. Several of his classmates attended the award ceremony at the 4th Quarter Dinner Meeting of the PDCA South Carlina Chapter, which presents the award. New in 2023, the amount awarded for the Nigel's Scholarship was raised to $2,500.

During a special segment of the final 2023 meeting for the SC Chapter, board member Scott Nigels and son of the late McLeod "Mac" Creighton Nigels introduced Cadet Leckelt to attendees and presented him the award consisting of a commemorative plaque and the monetary gift. The annual scholarship dates back to 2007 and is presented in the name of "Mac" Nigels who was a highly respected civil engineer in Charleston following his 1955 graduation from The Citadel.

Other awards presented during the final 2023 meeting of the PDCA South Carolina Chapter were the Harry Robbins Chapter Awards, an initiative of outgoing president John King, who has prioritized recognizing people in the regional pile driving industry who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the Chapter through volunteering their time, talent, and/or treasure, over the years. The final recipients of the 2023 Robbins Awards were Koppers' retirees Eddie Miller and Roger Adkins, and Kay Shealy (retired) from Pile Drivers, Inc.

Dr. John Ryan presents the Chapter a technical program
entitled 'Axial Load Limits on Prestress Concrete Piles'

Chapter members elected a slate of officers to lead Chapter activities in 2024. The following individuals assume their new offices, effective January 1st: