April 21, 2025
PileDriver Issue 2 2025 is Online |
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The second issue of #PileDriverMagazine for 2025 is available NOW and arriving in mailboxes all over the world. |
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Sealevel Construction's Work on the Bayou Chene Flood Control Structure |
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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. |
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Michael Jahnigen's Reflections from 50 Years in Pile Driving |
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"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. |
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Under the Hat™: Kiewit's Focus Supports Employees and Their Families |
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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. |
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PDCA's Best Annual Conference Yet |
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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. |
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PDCA's 2025 Media Kit Available Now! |
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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. |
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Posted in PileDriver Magazine.
February 6, 2025
PileDriver Issue 1 2025 is Online
Hot off the presses a new issue of PileDriver magazine is ready for you!
In this issue's cover story, read about Mason Construction, LLC's work on the DGD3 Sustainable Aviation Fuel Fractionation Project, helping to drive renewable energy forward with the Valero Port Arthur Refinery. Mason was the first contractor in the U.S. to perform a renewable energy project under new Inflation Reduction Act guidelines, and the piling team achieved their seemingly impossible goal of installing a "mile of pile" in a single shift. Read how they did it.
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In January 2025, Brian Heck officially handed the PDCA presidential gavel to incoming president Buck Darling. Brian served an unprecedented three years in the president's seat. To celebrate Brian's contributions to PDCA, he sat down with executive director Frank Peters for a special edition Interview column. Read about Brian's career, his day-to-day responsibilities at Goettle and what he views as PDCA's most important accomplishment during his presidential tenure.
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PDCA Member Spotlight:
Sargent Corporation
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A new PDCA contractor member as of 2024, Sargent Corporation is nearing its 100th year in business and is a cornerstone in Maine's heavy civil construction industry. The company says its story is about resilience, innovation and an unwavering commitment to its people.
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PDCA Toolbox Talk: Fall Protection
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As pile drivers, we know the risks that come with the job. Whether operating from manlifts or other at-height areas, working from heights is commonplace. The problem: falls are the number one cause of death in construction. The latest Toolbox Talk from the PDCA Safety & Environmental Committee provides tips, advice and talking points to discuss fall protection with your field crews.
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PDCA's 2025 Media Kit Available Now!
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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.
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Pile Driving Contractors Association
Pile Driving Contractors Association
Posted in PileDriver Magazine.
December 16, 2024
In this year's final issue of #PileDriverMagazine, read about projects completed by PDCA members in Texas, Utah, Florida and Maryland.
You'll also find a full preview including a schedule and speaker lineup of the PDCA 2025 Annual Conference. Register now if you haven't already! And if exhibiting at the trade show is in your marketing plans but you haven't signed up yet, act quickly. There are only a few booths left!
The following stories are also in #PileDriverMagazine, Issue #6-2024:
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Navy SEAL leader LT Jason Redman felt something was "off" during a 2007 mission in Iraq. What he brushed aside as fear turned out to be intuition, and his team was ambushed. In the middle of a gunfight, Redman was shot eight times, including his face.
Ninety-six hours later, he woke up in a hospital bed in Bethesda, Md. Doctors plied him with overwhelming information about his prognoses, and Redman overheard a nearby conversation full of pity for his situation.
He decided he wouldn't be a victim.
Read Redman's incredible story in PileDriver, and come to the PDCA 2025 Annual Conference to hear his keynote address, Five Principles of Elite Performance.
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Interview: Hilary Tigue, Power Engineering Construction
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Hilary Tigue has spent the entirety of her 22-year career at Power Engineering Construction in Alameda, Calif. In the latest Interview column for PileDriver magazine, Tigue talks about her career, the challenges of working on the water, and what keeps her engaged at Power Engineering Construction.
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PDCA Member: Semper Diving & Marine Corp.
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Semper Diving & Marine Corp. is a veteran-owned, Boston-based commercial diving and construction contractor, and will celebrate 20 years in business in 2025.
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PDCA Toolbox Talk: Power Moves
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In the pile driving industry, there's no room for error. Handling massive loads, navigating tight spaces and working on unpredictable ground make the job tough enough without adding extra risk.
In the latest In the latest Toolbox Talk from the PDCA Safety Committee, you'll find resources to share with your team about the safe operation of wheel loaders and forklifts on the job site.
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Strengthening the Workforce in Construction
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Struggling with recruitment? Greg Belpomme at Heron Wolf provides some insights about what your company needs to focus on to attract and retain the talent you need.
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PDCA's 2025 Media Kit Available Now!
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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.
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Posted in PileDriver Magazine.
