EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE “W Landmarks: Significant Achievements that Changed the Industry As Jim points out in his President’s Message, ithout continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achieve- ment and success have no meaning.” These words, by Benjamin Franklin, resonate with me when I think about this special issue on Landmarks. There are five feature articles focused on technologies that made a difference in our industry. Some of the technologies took years to achieve widespread acceptance, while others were adopted more quickly, and most inspired new applications in geotechnical engineering and construction. As landmarks, they are all significant achievements. Two of the articles are on testing technologies – the O-cell test and dynamic foundation testing – that have changed industry practice. An article on the development of slurry walls in the U.S. segues to an article on how the acceptance of slurry walls inspired the development of hydrofraise, or hydromill, equipment. The final article is on the landmark technology of jet grouting, which in the 10 years since its introduction, has changed the deep foundations practice in many ways. I believe that DFI has played a part in delivering these important discoveries to the industry. By bringing together our members for networking, education, communications and collaboration, we help improve and extend knowledge of new ideas and practices of geotechnical design, construction and installation. Our shared common vision and con- sensus voice has influence on the continuous improvement of tech- nologies developed and applied in the industry. We applaud the landmark technologies covered in this issue and all of the significant achievements DFI members are making today to move the industry forward. Achievements at DFI As the industry moves forward, we move forward at DFI. After two years at the helm, Jim Morrison is passing the gavel to our incoming president, Bob Bittner. he had four objectives – maintaining a lean administrative machine, being international, training the next generation and creating synergy with other organizations. He gives DFI high grades for achieving the objectives. Theresa Rappaport Executive Director [email protected] Franklin’s quote is very apropos here as well. Under Jim’s leadership, DFI has seen continual growth and progress and he earns top grades for improvement, achievement and success. Thank you Jim, for your leadership, guidance and hard work in taking DFI to the next level. By bringing together our members for networking, education, communications and collaboration, we help improve and extend knowledge of new ideas and practices of geotechnical design, construction and installation. Special Issue — Lessons Learned Most people in the construction industry have taken part in a project from which they learned valuable lessons, some of which affected deep foundations practice. The May/June 2013 issue of Deep Foundations magazine will feature such projects. Readers are welcome to contact Executive Editor Virginia Fairweather ([email protected]) with candidate projects, or offers to write about lessons they’ve learned themselves during their careers. The November/December 2013 issue will repeat the focus on Landmarks, featuring technologies and projects that made a difference in the industry, and the people behind them. SuperPile 2013 — Save the Date Plan to come to Minneapolis May 15-16 for Super Pile. Seven DFI technical committees are cooperating on the 2013 SuperPile Conference. The two-day event will feature presentations from the committees on Driven Piles, Augered Cast-in-Place/Drilled Displacement Piles, Micropiles, Marine Foundations, Testing and Evaluation of Foundation Systems, Seismic Design, and Drilled Shafts. Hilton Minneapolis is the venue. Call 612-376-1000 and ask for the special DFI rate. Get updates and information on exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities at www.dfi.org/conferences.asp DEEP FOUNDATIONS • NOV/DEC 2012 • 7
