PileDriver Issue 2 2025 is Online

The second issue of #PileDriverMagazine for 2025 is available NOW and arriving in mailboxes all over the world.

Located in Amelia, La., the Bayou Chene Flood Control Structure is deemed to be the largest flood gate of its kind in the world. The structure was designed and installed to combat backwater flooding from the Atchafalaya River. Prior to the installation of the permanent structure, government officials would employ local marine businesses to temporarily sink a barge in the waterway during seasons of anticipated flooding, costing millions of dollars each time.

Sealevel Construction was awarded the general contract to construct the new, permanent structure. Completed in 2022, the Bayou Chene Flood Control Structure eliminates the use of the temporary barge.

Find out how Sealevel self-performed about 95% of the construction work, which included timber piles, plumb and battered pipe piles and steel sheet piles.

Michael Jahnigen's Reflections from 50 Years in Pile Driving

"This may sound crazy, but why didn't we learn to keep the ambient sound up on job sites, so the pile driving was not so annoying?

"A lot of pile drivers say, 'Well, if they want to do auger cast, we'll just buy an auger cast machine,' even though most of them know that the driven pile is the better unit. I'm a pile driver because I believe the driven pile is the best that you can put in [the ground]. Why would you settle for something less? Why do we give it up? Why couldn't we have gone ahead and really fought, shown our strength to the industry? We gave up our market share too easily."

Michael Jahnigen retired in January 2025, and he shares his history, lessons learned, golden rule and more.

Under the Hat™: Kiewit's Focus Supports Employees and Their Families

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate in construction stood at 66 per 100,000 workers in 2021, significantly higher than the suicide rate among the general population.

However, the CDC points out that "workplaces can be important settings for suicide prevention" through the implementation of prevention-based programs, policies and practices. One example is the Under the Hat: Building Healthy Minds (UTH) program at Kiewit Corporation, one of North America's largest construction and engineering firms.

Launched in 2021, UTH is focused on improving the mental health of Kiewit's employees and their family members. Alicia Edsen, senior vice president at Kiewit, says the underlying premise is a recognition that Kiewit employees wear many hats at work, at home or in their communities and to provide them with comprehensive resources to help them manage mental health challenges.

PDCA's Best Annual Conference Yet

The PDCA 25th Annual Conference took place Feb. 46, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, and what an event it was! From record-setting attendance, passionate speakers and presenters, a buzzing exhibit hall and more, this event far exceeded our expectations and raised the bar for all future PDCA events.

Reminisce about our incredible week in the Lonestar State by flipping through the photo gallery in PileDriver magazine. 

PDCA's 2025 Media Kit Available Now! 

Still planning your 2025 marketing? Download PDCA's 2025 media kit to learn more about the advertising opportunities that will help you target the largest concentration of pile driving professionals anywhere in the world.  

Many prime positions are already sold out, but there are many opportunities available to put the spotlight on your products and services.