Attendees Hear Program on Corrosion Protection at SC Chapter Meeting

May 9, 2025

Attendees of the May 8th, Quarterly Dinner Meeting of the PDCA South Carolina Chapter heard an enriching program about protecting concrete pile-based structures from corrosion, received updates on both Chapter and PDCA news, engaged in local networking with industry peers, and enjoyed a buffet dinner which featured what many consider 'Charleston's best fried chicken.' The second quarter meeting of the Chapter was held at the Town & Country Inn in Charleston; in the absence of Chapter President Kent Paker, VP Jordan Houston (pictured) stepped up to preside over the evening's proceedings.

The program opened when Houston stepped to the microphone to welcome attendees. He briefed the group on Chapter business and thanked event sponsors, Palmetto Pile Driving, Inc., Nucor Skyline, Gerdau, Koppers, Beacon Transportation and Van-Smith Concrete. He invited PDCA Executive Director Frank Peters to the podium who explained several PDCA initiatives that are underway in 2025, including a vibrations study, the DICEP technical conference coming to Orlando, FL in September, the Contractors Foundation Institute - Driven Pile Academy taking place in southern Mississippi in November, ongoing virtual programming, and more. Houston then introduced the evening's program speaker, Frank Dressman of Structural Tehnologies.

Mr. Dressman presented a program entitled: Corrosion Protection on New and Existing Concrete Pile Supported Structures Using Cathodic Protection Solutions. To further summarize his talk, cathodic protection systems have a history of success in providing corrosion protection for steel reinforcing in concrete contaminated with chlorides and carbonation. discussed available countermeasures for marine and upland structures through cathodic protection for significant long-term savings and increased asset availability. He also touched on various galvanic and Impressed Current (ICCP) Cathodic Protection systems available for use based on exposure conditions and deterioration levels, as well as, service life extension needs.

Once the program concluded, VP Houston thanked those who attended the quarterly dinner and reported that the Chapter will meet next quarter for dinner in the same location on August 14th.

Posted in Chapter News South Carolina.

South Carolina Chapter hears talk on groundworks technology

February 18, 2025

Coming off one of its most successful oyster roasts, to-date, the PDCA South Carolina Chapter returned to its regular business meeting format for its first dinner gathering of 2025. Members met on Thursday, February 13th in a familiar banquet room at the Town and Country Inn & Suites on Savannah Highway in Charleston where they engaged in an hour-long networking reception, followed by a business meeting.

President Kent Parker called the meeting to order shortly after 7:00 PM and sent attendees to the buffet line which featured a local-favorite fried chicken, among other dinner items. Once the meal was blessed, Parker gave announcements and opening remarks, handed the floor to a representative from the PDCA home offices to deliver an update from the organization about the recently concluded Annual Conference and future initiatives the organization is planning for 2025, and then introduced the evening's technical program.

Hailing from pile driving rig manufacturer Junttan, sales engineer Matt Eastburn was given the floor and would present Trimble Groundworks Innovation in the Pile Driving Industry. This was an overview of digital developments that are beneficial to driven pile contractors who use Junttan rigs equipped with Trimble groundworks technology which is said to enhance safety and efficiency in the workplace. Attending engineers were provided with one-hour PDH for attending the program.

After fielding questions from the audience, Eastburn concluded his presentation, Parker conducted a business card raffle, and the meeting came to an end. The PDCA South Carolina Chapter will be hosting additional membership meetings at the same Charleston facility in May, August, and November, this year. Watch your inbox for announcements of these coming events.

See who was SPOTTED at the South Carolina Chapter meeting in February...

Posted in Chapter News South Carolina.

Oyster Roast Tradition Continues in South Carolina; Chapter Event Coverage Here

January 20, 2025

For the 19th consecutive year, the PDCA South Carolina Chapter is thanking the pile driving community throughout Charleston and the greater southeastern U.S. for helping make its annual Oyster Roast a successful opportunity to advocate and celebrate driven pile construction. On Friday evening, January 17th, more than 100 people from the industry, as well as their friends and families, descended on the yard at Palmetto Pile Driving, Inc. on the north side of the City of Charleston to network with colleagues and competitors, and reunite with friends and associates.

Winter weather rarely impacts the popular social event held each January, and the 2025 event was no exception. It was expectedly a little chilly, but there was no wind or precipitation, making it enjoyable for most attendees. Two bonfires and an indoor shop provided perfect relief for those who needed a quick warm up throughout the night. If you were unable to attend this year, watch PDCA publications and your inbox for announcements of future events from the Chapter.

The annual Oyster Roast from the PDCA South Carolina Chapter is an ideal opportunity for the pile driving industry to gather in a family-friendly environment, inspired by the unique culture of the Lowcountry. In addition to numerous bushels of fresh oysters steamed on site by Jamie Westendorf of Charleston Outdoor Catering, other foods such as pulled pork, hot dogs, chili, desserts, and beverages to suit everyone's thirst were available to attendees. A large list of sponsors make this annual, destination event possible.

The PDCA South Carolina Chapter thanks the following contributors to the 2025 Oyster Roast: S&ME, Gerdau, Koppers, Terracon, Essve Tech, Meever USA, Russell Marine LLC, Nucor Skyline, Junttan, Pile Drivers, Inc., Soil Consultants, CNT Foundations, ECS Southeast LLC, Mammoth Carbon, The Hose Company, Triad Metals and Piling, Service Steel Warehouse, Cape Romain Contractors, Palmetto Pile Driving, Inc., SJ Hamill Construction Corp., Consolidated Pipe and Supply, Parker Marine Contracting Corp., American Piledriving Equipment (APE), Equipment Corporation of America (ECA), International Construction Equipment (ICE), Beacon Transportation, Van-Smith Concrete, Wire Products, United Rentals, Carter Lumber, and JMT.

See who was SPOTTED at the 2025 PDCA South Carolina Oyster Roast: