click here to read the full issue Don't miss the latest edition of PileDriver magazine, coming soon to your mailbox. Never fear, it's available here in digital format, just click the image. Read about...     ON THE COVER... Clark Foundations, LLC had to overcome several challenges to successfully build a temporary support of excavation (SOE) system for The Stacks, a mixed-use development in Washington, D.C., that features three 14-story buildings and a combined 300,000 sq. ft., below grade garage. Clark designed and built the SOE system for the construction of the underground garage structure, with the overall depth ranging from 32 to 42 feet. Clark Foundations, LLC relied on a team of PDCA members including Equipment Corporation of America, Dawson Construction Plant, GeoQuip/HPSI, PILECO and Triad Metals to get the job done successfully. Read the article

Your Friendly Columnist, Dear Darling checks in to answer a reader

Reader Question: "Dear Darling: for those on the fence about involvement in an association and its value, what are your thoughts on the tangible and intangible gains? Any advice for someone who's joined and is considering the next best step?"

Guest columnist and past president of PDCA Buck Darling responds: "In my case monetary gain had little to do with my decision to join PDCA. There are more benefits than those that are calculable!"

Read what Buck has to say about how participating in industry associations have made his life better.

Interview: Justin Lijo, Trevcon Construction "I'm interested in marine construction... It's the uniqueness of every project and the challenges that we face working on the water. It's exciting that everything is different all the time." This year marks Justin Lijo's 20th anniversary with Trevcon Construction. Today, he's the company's chief estimator.  Read all about his career so far in this issue's Interview column.

Solutions to Your Workforce Issues

If you missed PDCA's Value Driven Webinar that featured a panel of five PDCA contractor members discussing their current workforce challenges and what their companies are doing to combat those concerns, don't skip this Q&A article.

From corporate culture, college recruitment, employee referral programs, safety and more, the panel consisting of Warren Baker from DFI Piling; Scott Callaway from Cajun Industries, LLC; Brooke Chitwood from Bowen Engineering Corp.; Brian Heck from Goettle; and Michael Wysockey from Thatcher Foundations covered a lot of ground. Learn strategies to help you and your business with staffing.

Foundations for Tomorrow

UBC Pile Drivers & Divers is training its members to be field-ready and future-proof. Did you know that contractors can suggest training courses if they see a knowledge gap in the field?  Read more

PDCA Toolbox Talk: Exclusion Zones

Exclusion zones are critical for pile driving safety. Exclusion zones identify restricted areas where high potential hazards are more likely to occur, shielding workers and bystanders from those threats. Read the article and see the Toolbox Talk in PileDriver, and don't forget to download the PDF from PDCA's website and use it with your crews.

DON'T FORGET! Registration for IFCEE 2024 is OPEN!

Still on the fence? Don't be! Join thousands of deep foundations professionals in Dallas, May 710, 2024. Register today!

(L-R) Ed Bisono and ASAP Group, Michael Simpson and Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering,
Clayton Signor and Texas Pile, are among 2023 Project of the Year Award winners which will be honored on May 10, 2024.

PDCA Texas Chapter members gathering for a November 2023 happy hour event in Houston

If you are attending IFCEE 2024 in May, plan to join the PDCA Texas Chapter for a FREE networking reception on May 8th in the Hyatt Regency Dallas - Cotton Bowl Room. The event runs from 5-7 PM and is open to all PDCA members.

Thanks to the following sponsors, happy hour food and beverages will be available: