Included for selected short course session: Entrance to selected short course, coffee breaks, lunch for full day course, and course materials. Short Course registration does not include entrance to exhibit areas, technical sessions, receptions, or conference proceedings.

Course Synopsis: This interactive course addresses the practical application of Load Resistance Factor Design principles for driven and drilled deep foundations based on the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bridge Design and Construction Specifications. The material presented represents good practice for all types of deep foundation projects, both public and private, for all infrastructure projects and industries.

Instructor: Jerry A. DiMaggio P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE, Applied Research Associates

Course Synopsis: GBA’s Executive Director will be the Master of Ceremonies for an entertaining four-part series focused on Ethics, Contract Review, Delivering the Client Experience, and Case Histories. These are the business fundamentals of professional geoprofessional consultants and topics that GBA excels in providing its members and the greater community. The key topics of the four parts of this course are: 1) the importance of engagement and culture in business conduct/ethics; 2) how thinking like a client can result in negotiating success; 3) proven methods of delivering an awesome client experience; and, 4) unique case histories summarizing the experiences of others and the most valuable lessons learned. 

Instructors: Various instructors, hosted by Joel Carson, Executive Director, GBA

Course Synopsis: This short course will present recent advances on landslide behavior, unsaturated soil mechanics, shear strength, two- and three-dimensional slope stability analyses, slope stabilization and analyses and the impact(s) of climate change on slope stability. These advances are contributing to a better understanding of landslide mechanisms and improved methods of analysis, hazard identification, risk assessment, and stabilization. The short course will focus on landslide triggering, stability analyses, and runout of the slide mass. This short course will first discuss the technical aspects of these topics and then illustrate the use of the technical information with a number of case histories.

Instructor(s): Dr. Timothy D. Stark, P.E., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Dr. Farshid Vahedifard, P.E., Mississippi State University; Dr. Daniel Pradel, P.E., G.E., D.GE, Ohio State University

Course Synopsis: This course provides an overview of common methods of QA/QC for Deep Foundations, and provides some perspectives on the value of QA/QC from design and construction points-of-view. The course includes a discussion on factors to consider during the design phase of a project, during installation, and post construction as well as a short specifications overview.  The course introduces the main methods for performing inspections and testing for driven piles, drilled shafts, and augercast piles, although many of the methods described also apply to other types of deep foundations. The effect of well-planned and well-executed QA/QC programs on the design and construction of more cost-effective, efficient, and reliable deep foundations will be discussed with experts in the area of deep foundations.

Instructor(s): Mohamad Hussein, P.E., GRL Engineers, Inc.; Mike Justason, P.Eng., McMaster University

Course Synopsis: This half day workshop — a partnership between ADSC, DFI, G-I, AND PDCA — will help build professional skills for women in the geotechnical engineering and foundations industry. Nancy Watt, a Second City Comedy Improv Conservatory graduate, will conduct a dynamic, camaraderie-filled, improv-based workshop on communication and negotiation skills...infused with one ton of laughter. Wendy Murphy will introduce the concept of developmental networks and conduct an interactive workshop exercise on mapping your own personal mentoring network. Industry representatives will present successful corporate initiatives in the deep foundations industry that actively support women and encourage professional development. The course will wrap up with a multidisciplinary panel of industry representatives discussing the importance of confidence as a professional woman and the significance of establishing, maintaining and growing confidence as a professional.

Instructor(s): Mary Ellen Bruce Large, P.E., D.GE, Deep Foundations Institute; Ms. Nancy Watt, Nancy Watt Communications; Dr. Wendy Macinkus Murphy, Babson College; industry representatives