On the Cover: Ticonic Bridge Replacement

Replacing a major bridge over Maine's flood-prone Kennebec River required more than a standard approach. In this issue's cover feature, PileDriver takes readers inside the $52.8-million Ticonic Bridge Replacement, where Cianbro Corporation developed an innovative overhead gantry and truss system to minimize risk, reduce environmental impact and keep work moving safely above the water. The article also highlights how driven piles played a critical role in supporting the temporary structures that made this ambitious build possible.

Five Decades in Deep Foundations:

Exclusive Interview with Wayne Waters

Read a special conversation with Wayne Waters, a founding leader of PDCA and past president whose 56-year career helped shape the modern driven pile industry. Waters reflects on growing up around cranes, building a family contracting business and the lessons he learned about leadership, safety and the value of community within PDCA. It's a thoughtful look at the people and perspective behind a lifetime in pile driving and a reminder of what makes this industry unique.

The Driven Pile Academy: 
A Landmark Hands-on Training Event

More than 300 industry professionals gathered in Southern Mississippi in November for PDCA's 2025 Driven Pile Academy  the most immersive hands-on training experience in the deep foundations sector. From safety planning and real-world field stations to cutting-edge equipment demonstrations and peer-to-peer collaboration, the Academy offered a rare opportunity to learn directly on the job site.

PDCA Member Profile:
Kingdom Pipe & Steel

This issue features a spotlight on Kingdom Pipe & Steel, a Texas-based, family-owned supplier providing structural pipe piling for driven pile foundations across the U.S. The article explores the company's focus on New Mill Secondary pipe as a cost-effective option for deep foundation projects, along with the values-driven approach that guides its relationships, customer service and growth as a newer PDCA associate member. 

Project Spotlight:
BWC Stockton Marine Oil Terminal

The BWC Stockton Marine Oil Terminal marks a major milestone as the first newly constructed greenfield marine oil terminal in California in more than three decades. Designed by Simpson Gumpertz & Heger and built by CS Marine Constructors Inc., the project showcases innovative pile-supported platforms, seismic resilience and precise execution within a narrow in-water construction window. With complex subsurface conditions and an aggressive schedule, the Stockton MOT sets a new benchmark for modern maritime infrastructure.

Project Spotlight: Rebuilding Terminal 5

Orion takes readers inside the modernization of Terminal 5 at the Port of Seattle, one of the most significant marine infrastructure projects in the Puget Sound region in recent years. Serving as both general contractor and marine foundation specialist, Orion tackled extensive demolition, dredging and deep foundation installation to strengthen the aging wharf and prepare it for larger vessels and increased cargo demands. With thousands of driven piles, complex underwater conditions and innovative solutions to unexpected challenges, the project demonstrates the scale and expertise required to rebuild critical waterfront facilities.

The 2026 Media Kit is Here!

Plan your year with the 2026 PDCA Media Kit, available online. Explore advertising opportunities across PileDriver magazine, the PDCA Membership Directory, e-newsletters and more and connect your brand with the driven pile industry's most engaged audience.

Are you interested in being interviewed or writing an article for PileDriver magazine? Editorial coverage is one of the FREE benefits of PDCA membership! The PDCA Communications Committee is always looking for companies, pile driving projects and industry stories to write about. To learn more or to ask about how you can join a PDCA Communications Committee call email matt@piledrivers.org.

A New Issue of PileDriver Magazine!

A new issue of PileDriver magazine is here packed with major marine and infrastructure projects, deep technical insight and perspectives from leaders shaping the future of the pile driving industry. From Navy waterfront construction to port expansions, testing innovation and iconic structures, this issue delivers real-world experience from the field.

On the Cover: Manson Construction Co.
at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach

A five-year, $154-million transformation at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach reshaped Anaheim Bay and redefined how civilian and Navy traffic safely coexist. In this in-depth cover story, Manson details the dredging of more than 1.4 million cubic yards of material, construction of a new public navigation channel and installation of an advanced 1,100-foot ammunition pier that now supports modern Pacific Fleet operations. The project modernized aging infrastructure while strengthening national security and public safety a rare blend of engineering precision and operational impact.

Four Decades in Deep Foundations:

An Interview with Paul Bullock, PhD

From emergency work on the Tampa Skyway Bridge to offshore testing in the Middle East and global load-testing leadership at Fugro, Paul Bullock reflects on a career defined by technical rigor and real-world problem solving. He shares lessons on mentorship, pile testing evolution and why he believes AI may pose risks when engineering judgment is replaced by automation. A thoughtful, career-spanning conversation with one of the industry's most respected engineers. 

Supporting an Icon: Boh Bros. and the Caesars Superdome

More than 50 years after Boh Bros. drove the first test piles for the Superdome in 1970 and 50 years since the stadium officially opened in 1975 the New Orleans contractor remains closely connected to one of the most iconic structures in North American sports and entertainment. From original foundation work to recent multimillion-dollar renovations completed ahead of Super Bowl LIX, this feature traces Boh Bros.' multi-generation role in building, maintaining and modernizing the Superdome. 

Foundation Testing and Consulting:
Where Field Experience Meets Education

Founded by Casey Jones, Foundation Testing and Consulting delivers dynamic pile testing, integrity testing and drilled shaft evaluation across North America while also educating thousands through a rapidly growing YouTube channel. This feature explores how FTC blends hands-on construction-phase testing with data analytics and public education to close knowledge gaps between design and field performance. 

Trevcon Builds a Massive New Wharf
for Global Container Terminal

Working inside an active port with constant ship traffic, Trevcon constructed a 1,335-foot precast concrete wharf in the Port Jersey Channel to support the next generation of ultra-large container vessels. Nearly 700 concrete piles, complex sequencing, accelerated precast delivery and tight navigation constraints made this a standout marine construction effort where schedule pressure and precision installation went hand in hand. 

Technical Opinion: What Is Capacity?

After five decades of pile prediction surveys worldwide, Bengt H. Fellenius, Dr. Tech, challenges the industry's reliance on "capacity" as a design concept. Through real test data and prediction comparisons, he argues that settlement-based design not capacity should drive foundation engineering decisions. A thought-provoking technical piece that questions long-standing assumptions in practice. 

Turbidity Monitoring During Pile Driving: A NOAA Case Study

On a sensitive waterfront construction site in Newport, R.I., GZA GeoEnvironmental deployed automated, real-time turbidity monitoring to support NOAA's ship and supply facility relocation project. This case study explains how buoy-mounted sensors, real-time alerts and proactive maintenance helped ensure environmental compliance during active pile driving and what contractors should know about managing sensor performance in marine environments. 

The 2026 Media Kit is Here!

Plan your year with the 2026 PDCA Media Kit, now available online. Explore advertising opportunities across PileDriver magazine, the PDCA Membership Directory, e-newsletters and more and connect your brand with the driven pile industry's most engaged audience.

Are you interested in being interviewed or writing an article for PileDriver magazine? Editorial coverage is one of the FREE benefits of PDCA membership! The PDCA Communications Committee is always looking for companies, pile driving projects and industry stories to write about. To learn more or to ask about how you can join a PDCA Communications Committee call email matt@piledrivers.org.

A New Issue of PileDriver Magazine!

In PileDriver Issue 5 2025, explore three U.S. projects that showcase unique pile driving approaches and problem-solving in the field. Get an inside look at four PDCA member companies shaping the future of deep foundations, and discover a construction-specific charity that deserves a place on your giving list. Plus, learn about recent permitting changes in Miami-Dade County that directly affect pile driving contractors working in the region. You'll find all this and more in Issue 5 of #PileDriverMagazine!

Dive into 120 pages of industry insights, project stories and PDCA updates  available now!

On the Cover: The Howard Frankland Bridge

Spanning Old Tampa Bay and connecting Tampa to St. Petersburg, the new Howard Frankland Bridge is a feat of pile driving precision and teamwork. Built by the Archer WesternTraylor Bros. JV, this project relied on more than 3,000 concrete piles and over 11,000 feet of new causeway  all while withstanding hurricanes, complex subsurface conditions and strict environmental protections.

Discover how innovative equipment, careful planning and unwavering collaboration kept this massive bridge project on schedule and on budget solidifying its place as one of the largest driven pile undertakings in Florida.

Innovation in the Marsh:
How Sealevel Construction built stability where there was none

Transforming wetlands into a foundation strong enough to support a 230-foot compressor station platform is no small feat but that's exactly what Sealevel Construction achieved for TC Energy's ELXP Compressor Station in Golden Meadow, La.

Working in soft, saturated terrain under rigorous environmental oversight, Sealevel installed 279 precast concrete piles  some up to 225 feet long while battling Hurricane Francine, pile heaving and shifting schedules. Despite the challenges, the team completed more than 46,000 man-hours of work safely and on time, delivering a resilient structure elevated 28 feet above grade.

Prestressed Concrete Sheet Piles:
A seawall built to withstand the elements

When storm damage took down the original seawall at Westgate Resort, East Coast Marine Construction & Design (ECMCD) was tasked with building a stronger, smarter replacement on an active public beach. The result: a 281-foot seawall reinforced with 25-foot prestressed concrete sheet piles, designed to endure Florida's harsh coastal environment and support a future 18-story development.

From engineering around limited site access and nesting sea turtles to restoring the beachfront after Hurricane Milton, ECMCD's crew combined precision, environmental care and technical mastery to complete the project on time, on budget and with a perfect safety record.

Interview: Leadership in the Field and at Home

From selling paper to leading a deep foundations company, Kelli Wilson has charted a bold, unconventional path in construction. As president and co-founder of American Shoring Inc., she shares candid insights about building a business alongside her husband, overcoming financial hurdles, balancing family life and creating more opportunities for women in the industry.

In this in-depth interview, Wilson opens up about lessons learned from tough contracts, the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and why she believes women bring unique strengths to construction management.

Helping Our Own: Construction Angels brings comfort and aid to families after tragedy

Every day, nearly three construction workers lose their lives on the job in the U.S. and Construction Angels is there to help the families left behind. Founded by Kristi Ronyak, this nonprofit has already provided nearly $1 million in direct financial aid and grief counselling to families in 33 states, thanks to the generosity and partnership of construction associations and companies across the country.

Through its A.N.G.E.L.S. values  Ambition, Nurture, Generosity, Efficient, Leadership and Service  the organization offers immediate assistance, ongoing support and scholarships that help children and spouses rebuild after loss.

Streamlining Coastal Resilience

Contractors working in South Florida's waterfront markets have reason to celebrate. Miami-Dade County has rolled out a sweeping reform of its seawall and bulkhead permitting process, cutting wait times from up to two years down to just 90 days.

Led by Commissioner Eileen Higgins, the initiative shifts approvals to technical experts, speeds up reviews and encourages innovation including 3D-printed seawalls and modular ecological designs that enhance coastal resilience and marine biodiversity. The result? A system that empowers contractors to work efficiently while building smarter, greener and more sustainable infrastructure.

The 2026 Media Kit is Here!

Plan your year with the 2026 PDCA Media Kit, now available online. Explore advertising opportunities across PileDriver magazine, the PDCA Membership Directory, e-newsletters and more and connect your brand with the driven pile industry's most engaged audience.

PDCA's Driven Pile Academy

It's back PDCA's revolutionary Driven Pile Academy.

Learn more about the program and register soon, as this hands-on training program has limited space remaining. Join us from Nov. 1113, 2025, in Port Bienville, Miss.

Are you interested in being interviewed or writing an article for PileDriver magazine? Editorial coverage is one of the FREE benefits of PDCA membership! The PDCA Communications Committee is always looking for companies, pile driving projects and industry stories to write about. To learn more or to ask about how you can join a PDCA Communications Committee call email matt@piledrivers.org.