A Pile of News for You – December 2023

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A Pile of News: December 2023

A briefing on news and information from the pile driving contractors,

associated manufacturers, construction suppliers and affiliated engineers

who comprise PDCA.

By Matt Bisbee, PDCA

Originally sent Dec. 1, 2023

Top of the Pile –

New PDCA members in Q4 – Dozens of new members have joined PDCA in 2023, something we enthusiastically recognize quarterly in this space. While there is still one more month to go, as this is our last publication of 2023, we will begin the December Pile of News with a warm welcome to the following new and returning members:

Contractors: Cianbro Corp. in Baltimore, MD; Emeca SPE/USA in Laurel, DE; Kiewit in Omaha, NE; Semper Diving & Marine Corp. in Charlestown, MA; Wren Works in Poplar, WI
Associates: Energy Materials Company in Humble, TX; Foundation Equipment Services in Jacksonville, FL; Kingdom Pipe & Steel in Brenham, TX
Engineering Affiliates: Omega Trestle, LLC in Clearwater, FL; Professional Service Industries in Jefferson, LA
Students: N. Kalsariya of University of South Carolina and S. Biswas of Lamar University
Government: Jesse G. Rauser, P.E. of Louisiana Dept. of Transportation & Development

Welcome new member Wren Works, LLC

The PDCA Board of Directors moved to make the organization more accessible to the governmental and academic sectors to encourage their participation and unique perspectives in PDCA committees, publications, and educational offerings. Beginning Jan. 1, an Individual Membership for qualifying personnel from academia or government employment, is available at no cost.

Congratulations to the 2024 officers and BOD members who were elected to PDCA leadership.

IFCEE 2024 registration opens today! Secure your spot at the preeminent, triennial industry event with a large equipment show, coming to Dallas, May 7–10, 2024, with PDCA, ADSC, DFI and GeoInstitute.

From the Association & Chapters

Mark your calendars:

Dec. 14: PDCA Value Driven Webinar Series, FREE to members, 2–3 PM EST: An interactive presentation from Rick Marshall entitled Safe Working Platforms & Driven Pile Projects.
Jan. 2: The PDCA Project of the Year Awards Program opens for entries. Complete and return the entry (coming soon) form by April 5, 2024, for your project(s) in up to 9 categories: Land (3 levels), Marine (2 levels), Earth Retention (2 levels), Associate/Engineering Affiliate (1 level) and International (1 level).
Jan. 10: PDCA Libations with Leadership at Rosen Centre in Orlando, FL, 5:30–7:30 PM. The first regional reception of 2024, held in conjunction with the PDCA Board’s annual strategic planning. The FREE event is open to members and non-members, sponsorships are available.
Jan. 19: PDCA South Carolina Chapter Oyster Roast in Charleston, SC. It’s a celebrated tradition for East Coast pile drivers, but all industry practitioners are encouraged to attend this FREE family event at Palmetto Pile Driving. Fresh, steamed oysters prepared on site, other food options, spirits, a bonfire, indoor/outdoor accommodations, fellowship and more, thanks to wonderful sponsors.

News and PHOTOS from the PDCA Blog:

The PDCA Maryland Mixer elicits sentiments about “the band getting back together.” Attendees recall the days of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter during a generously sponsored reception in Odenton.
The Texas Chapter picks Condon Verble as 2024 president; Mickey Thatcher succeeds Verble as VP. Members discussed developing quality educational initiatives in the final 2023 meeting.
The PDCA Engineers Driven Pile Institute assembled deep foundations professionals in Baltimore to gain insights from renowned veterans Jerry DiMaggio, Pat Hannigan and Van Komurka.
The South Carolina Chapter gathers to celebrate scholarship winner Cadet Leckelt from The Citadel, recognize other awardees, hear a technical program, and elect new president Kent Parker and 2024 leadership.
The Gulf Coast Chapter hosts final 2023 meeting at Golden Nugget Casino in Biloxi, MS. Members pick 2024 officers, Tony Sepulvado, Scott Williams, Tyler Roberts and Beau Haydel.
The Northeast Chapter had their final meeting of 2023. Members and guests enjoyed networking, dinner and a tech presentation, followed by a casino night with no-cash gaming.
PDCA members played prominent roles in the DFI Annual Conference in Seattle. In addition to attendees, presenters and exhibitors, Katherine Petek was technical co-chair and Greg Canivan and Seth Hamblin chaired the Driven Pile Committee meeting.
The PDCA Communications Committee updates PDCA social media protocols to enhance the organization’s presence on LinkedIn. Chair Jason Moore and committee member Amy Christiani led efforts to establish a Style Guide and Submission Guidelines.

Congratulations, Greg B., you are this month’s winner! Send an email to marian@piledrivers.org before the end of the month to claim your prize!

News from PDCA Companies

Acquisitions & expansions:

Russell Marine, LLC expands to the U.S. East Coast, with a new North Charleston, SC-based office. From there, senior project manager Sean Vandedrinck will lead on delivery of marine, upland piling and rail projects from Norfolk, VA, down to Tampa, FL, to include strategic jobs in the Upper Caribbean.
Foundation Constructors is strategically marketing piling and other services to grow business in Arizona and Nevada; the California contractor launched a great looking new website to help.
Seismic Surveys, LLC continues transition to a new partnership with Sauls Seismic. President Patrick Hastings, Jr. updates social media users about their growing Texas presence.

Giving back:

D.A. Collins Family of Companies completed its 30th year participating in the charitable Goblin Gallup in Glens Falls, NY. This year’s event raised funds for the Nepal Village Schools.
GROUP Contractors was the presenting sponsor for a TopGolf tournament supporting the procurement of teaching material and equipment for emergency department residents at a Baton Rouge hospital.
McCarthy Building Co. hosted its annual charity golf event, benefitting Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist.
Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction combats human trafficking, sextortion and abuse through its sponsorship of a Northern Utah educational initiative held at Weber State University.
CRW Engineering Group opens applications for the annual Engineering & Geomatics Scholarship, providing two Alaska students $2,500 to be awarded in spring 2024. The submission deadline is Dec. 31.

Recognitions:

Patriot Construction & Industrial earns national accolades for its commitment to the health and safety of its southern Louisiana-based team.
Sealevel Construction wins a spot on the LSU 100 list, recognizing alumni-owned businesses.
VEIT, a founding member of a partnership between Minnesota contractors and OSHA, dedicated to workers’ safety (CHASE), is honored for its 20 years of commitment and achievements.
Gerdau wins a second consecutive “Steelie Award.” The coveted honor from the World Steel Association lauds the international steel giant for its communications work on a sustainability initiative.
Giken earns the 2023 Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design.

Governmental relations:

Nucor has broken ground for the anticipated new steel sheet mill in Apple Grove, WV. Learn about the ceremonial event, which brought political heavyweights Gov. Justice, U.S. Sens. Manchin and Capito, and other high-profile parties.
Shannon & Wilson, Inc. performed subsurface exploration at an old mine and associate Matthew Grizzell was invited by the State of Colorado to contribute in a technical briefing to U.S. Interior Sec. Haaland and U.S. Rep. Peterson.
Tectonic crews built a new bridge traffic system on I-95 in Westport, CT; after a news conference unveiling it, company president Don Benvie, SVP Jeffrey Scala and Brian Mercure, P.E., stood for a photo with Gov. Lamont.
TRC Companies, Inc. is part of a USDOE-chosen consortium working to establish a new clean hydrogen hub in Appalachia. Company VP Denise Brinley attended a Morgantown, WV, event featuring U.S. Energy Sec. Granholm and U.S. Sen. Manchin, to celebrate the community’s selection as a hub.
Clydesdale Steel joined a small group of participants in the New Jersey capital to discuss needs and concerns in the burgeoning offshore wind industry with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and other stakeholders.

Anniversaries

Bechtel Corporation celebrates a big anniversary this year. However, company leadership is focused on imagining the next 125 years! Check out the company’s Impact Report, a publication featuring chair/CEO Brendan Bechtel and president/COO Craig Albert, which gives an overview of the impact the global builder has made on our society, while always keeping an eye on the future.

People on the Move

Transitions:

Will resumes his role as training and safety manager at Baker GCI in Baton Rouge, following a one-year sabbatical to Africa where he assisted native communities in developing trades programs .
Cameron Sunseri is the new sales rep for Associated Pile & Fitting, replacing the recently retired Judy Pomo. He started in June this year and splits time between the Carolinas and New Jersey.
Christine Fournier, a past contributor to PileDriver, joins CZM Foundation Equipment marketing.
Vivian Makar is a new piling sales rep at Service Steel Warehouse, serving the U.S. West Coast.
Ashleigh Hales, P.E., named new civil engineering manager at ESP Associates in Raleigh, NC.
Cameron Nations, P.E., was appointed VP of special projects at Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering, PLLC.

Recognitions:

Kyle Plaisance and Javier Granados from McCarthy deliver a report to the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region about the local contributions from the construction sector.
Cecil Smith of Scott Bridge Co. is a new inductee to the Alabama Road Builders Hall of Fame.
Anthony Fazzini and Brian Anderson each reach 45 years of employment with Bull Moose Tube; right behind them are Gerald Crocker and James Gooch who celebrate 40 years.
Joel Showalter, CPA, EVP/CFO at JD Fields, & Co., donated $25K to the Bloomsburg University Foundation; his employer matched the gift to serve as an investment in future business leaders.
Robert Griggs, chairman at St. Louis-based Trinity Products, champions a student venture program at Mizzou which had two students discuss their business initiative on a local radio program.
Andy Walters, Wisconsin regional manager at American Engineering Testing, Inc., has earned the Thomas Walther Distinguished Service Award from the ASCE Wisconsin Section.
Jerry Outlaw, a regional business development manager at Ardaman & Associates in Baton Rouge, was selected as the honoree for the ASCE Acadiana Branch Outreach Award.
Mary Beth Cline of S&ME, Inc. in Charleston, SC, was honored by the U.S. EPA for the local Magnolia Development she has managed since 2012.
Domonic Jones, P.E. of Thomas & Hutton, was selected to Charleston Regional Business Journal FortyUnder40; elsewhere, Katie McCoy was named ACEC South Carolina Future Leader.

In the News

Balfour Beatty U.S. is lauded for its work on the Harkers Island Bridge in coastal North Carolina. The ABC News 12 story is the latest to cover the project, previously featured in PileDriver.
Bowen Engineering had staff and equipment in a video from News 18 WLFI-TV serving Lafayette, IN, in a story about a local infrastructure improvement; watch Mayor Dennis cut the ribbon.
Cianbro built the iconic, Portland, ME, headquarters for WEX. A recent episode of the Maine Business Show originated from the building and featured Cianbro SVP Richard Brescia.
McCarthy Building Co. earns a spot on the Houston Business Journal “Best Places to Work.”
Orion Marine Group is featured in the FDOT District 5 newsletter, for its safe and successful work on Phase 1 for the high profile NASA Causeway Bridge Replacement at Cape Canaveral, FL.

Industry resources:

Construction Superintendent published an October article entitled “Construction Employment Rises in 43 States & D.C.” Thanks to Belin Wills at Aggregate Technologies, Inc. for the share.

On the Job

APC Construction, LLC successfully installed 12”x 55’ pipes for a new Caesars hotel in downtown NOLA, completing Phase 1. The work continues in 2024, but it’s unclear if it’ll be before or after Mardi Gras.

Blue Iron Foundation & Shoring uses a PVE Equipment USA vibro for cofferdam sheet pile removal. The partnership between PDCA members also appeared when the contractor announced the first job for its new 170K lb., 1K+ HP, long-reach pile driving rig featuring a PVE Equipment hammer attachment.

CS Marine Constructors, Inc. has taken on a role in the Marine Improvement Project at the Port of Los Angeles. It’ll bring barges and cranes to help remove and repair timber and PS concrete piling.

Dissen & Juhn and its crew replaced a bulkhead and installed a floating dock for Annapolis, MD, and earned a kind endorsement of their job site etiquette from the waterfront neighbors.

Island Piling, Inc. receives a powerful endorsement from a Ft. Myers Beach, FL, homebuilder, for its work installing piling, complete with an on-site seismologist, for a new residential development.

Omega Foundation Services wins a $2.7M sheet piling project near Boutte, LA. Teams will also perform clearing, grubbing and bank stabilization for the Primrose Canal.

PRECO-MSE partnered with Kiewit to finish an important phase of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit improvement in the Canadian capital. Fittingly, the project team celebrated at a Senators hockey game. One social media user says a T-shirt produced for the event is “The best piling shirt I’ve seen!!!”

Special pile driving t-shirts commemorating PRECO-MSE/Kiewit job in Ottawa, QC

SUS crews work on Sparrows Point, MD, job, where their ICE-International Construction Equipment hammer stays busy, driving and pulling. See video of their crane barge passing under the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge as it is departs for another day on the waterfront job.

GeoQuip provided the HPSI hammer used to install JD Fields & Co. steel sheet pile for a 1,400-foot seawall at the Carbide Dock port facility in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Tadano marketing guru Patrick Snow is supposed to make company cranes look good. He delivered in a recent LinkedIn campaign for the crawler crane, where he shows machines on job sites using mounted American Piledriving Equipment, HPSI and ICE hammers!

ESP Associates, Inc. joined City of Charleston, SC, officials to break ground on the $72.6M Ashley River Crossing Project. The highly unique initiative features a 4,100-foot-long bridge helping connect Florida to Maine, in the East Coast Greenway. All of that is beyond its significant impact on local infrastructure.

GRL Engineers, Inc. is on the construction roster for the Downtown Tampa Interchange Project in Florida. The contractor shares photos of an ICE-International Construction Equipment hammer installing H-pile from JD Fields & Co.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles…Drones and Horses?

If a visit to the world-famous Flora-Bama is a holiday tradition in your family, your future holds a new and improved drive across the State Route 161 bridge in Orange Beach. Through a contract with ALDOT, Scott Bridge Co. will begin rebuilding the bridge once it is through the procurement process.

London Calling – Drone imagery is valuable to construction. Dawson Construction Plant in the UK shares an aerial view of its Milton Keynes factory. The drone pilot avoids flying 54 miles southeast, and clear of Buckingham Palace airspace because Dave Brown doesn’t want an angry call from King Charles.

Razing Arizona – Haley & Aldrich will lead a big clean-up under the tarmac at Arizona’s Kingman Municipal Airport. It involves evacuating 40,000 cubic yards of hazardous waste consisting of smelted airplanes that were decommissioned after aerial combat in WWII. H&A promises updates on this job.

Can this train take you to where the puck is going to be? The City of Edmonton has a new option for transportation to Oilers games. Bechtel president Darren Mort says a new transit system it built through a partnership “rivals other world-class cities.” The new development is worthy of a celly!

Let’s go bowling! AAC leader SMU plays tomorrow for a conference title and awaits its bowl game assignment. The Mustangs have dominated behind stars like JD Fields-sponsored WR Roderick Daniels, Jr.

Thanks for reading the final installment of A Pile of News for 2023, we will be back with more musings about members in January. Remember, keep sharing your news with us! We appreciate your support and participation in PDCA. Until January 2, 2024, we wish you a happy and safe Holiday Season.

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