The 2025 PDCA Value Driven Webinar Series resumes on September 18th when two deep foundations professionals will present an insightful technical program on one of the hottest topics in the industry - ground improvement. You must register to ensure yourself access to this timely discussion featuring Gregory Canivan, PE, a technical principal at S&ME, Inc. in Charleston, SC and Dr. Armin Stuedlein, PE, a professor at Oregon State University in Covallis, OR. This virtual learning event is entitled, Driven Prefabricated Elements as Ground Improvement and Rigid Inclusions, and it takes place on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT. Qualified attendees will receive up to 1.0 hour PDH. Like many webinars offered at PDCA, this program is available at no cost to representatives of member companies; registration for non-members will require a $50 fee. Click the button at the bottom of the page to reserve your spot.

What you will hear from these subject matter experts:
This presentation explores the evolving role of driven prefabricated elements--such as traditional timber, pre-stressed concrete, and steel piles--for use as both ground improvement and rigid inclusions (RI) in support of shallow foundations. While rigid inclusions are traditionally associated with cast-in-place (CIP) elements, driven, prefabricated elements meet the same stiffness and performance criteria.

Building on the foundational work of DFI's Ground Improvement Committee, we expand the RI discussion to include open-market, driven element solutions that operate at the boundary of ground improvement and deep foundations. The session will clarify terminology, compare design methodologies, and present case examples highlighting performance, constructability, and the importance of load transfer platforms (LTPs).

Attendees will gain insight into how driven elements can provide viable, non-proprietary alternatives to RI systems and why these systems deserve broader recognition and consideration in geotechnical design practice.

Click the button below to register:

 

 

In a city rich in history, particularly historical structures, new construction often requires special consideration of local preservation efforts. In his presentation before the PDCA South Carolina Chapter at its August 14th dinner meeting, ICE-International Construction Equipment sales manager Rick Sadler explained an innovative method he has been testing that can lessen the impact of surface ground vibrations from a vibratory hammer, on nearby structures.

Entitled Case Studies on Trench Screening During Vibratory Pile Driving, Sadler's program detailed tests he has conducted on jobsites in four different cities where vibratory pile hammers were used. When he digs a shallow trench in the ground between an existing structure and ground where a pile will be installed with a vibratory hammer, his measurements show that surface ground vibrations created from a working hammer reach the structure with reduced severity after traveling through the trench filled with pliable matter like a foam element. Sadler explained to those assembled in Charleston, SC, that this method could be easily adapted and implemented to different urban construction jobsite conditions and reduce potential annoyance claims. 

It was the third, quarterly meeting for the PDCA South Carolina Chapter, held at the Town and Country Inn & Suites. The evening began with a social hour when attendees reconnected with industry colleagues and friends for networking and cocktails. Later, Chapter Vice President Jordan Houston, standing in for Chapter President Kent Parker, called the meeting to order. Following an invocation, members and guests visited the dinner buffet table, which included the traditional (and widely revered) fried chicken, among other selections.

Once the audience was seated, Houston began the business meeting, which included an update to members about Chapter affairs. He then introduced PDCA Executive Director Frank Peters, who brought the group several updates from PDCA. Peters shared with the members present, that PDCA is compiling member information to produce the 2026 Membership Directory. He stressed the importance that all members update their PDCA accounts. This, he explained means they should update not only their individual profiles, but also their organization profiles, to make sure that their company's listing publishes accurately in the annual resource book that circulates in January. He specifically asked that members check the appropriate boxes on their company profile to indicate what services they provide and what regions they serve. The deadline for all members to submit changes to their profiles is October 17, 2025. Before Peters left the podium, he asked all attendees to recognize Chapter Board Member Jason Moore for recently completing a four-year tenure as Chair of the PDCA Communications Committee, which was met with a hearty applause. The aforementioned presentation on Trench Screening concluded the evening's program.

The PDCA South Carolina Chapter meets for its fourth and final time in November when members gather to announce the winner(s) of the annual Mac Nigels Scholarship. The date for the event is November 20th at the Town and Country Inn & Suites. Details and registration will be available later this fall.