from Maurice Bottiau, Franki Foundations Belgium. Potential topics include codes and specifications, design, construction, cont ract ing methods , mater ial s , construction equipment, quality assurance and control tools, safety, history of evolution of technology in various locations, quality and type of geotechnical informat ion, and sus tainabi l i ty. Representatives from each region will hold a working session at the DFI-EFFC Conference in Stockholm, Sweden in May 2014 to discuss these topics and identify common and diverging practices. The participants intend to present and debate the findings at a workshop to be organized at the next DFI Annual Conference in Atlanta, Ga., in October 2014. The outcomes of the project could include a summary of best practices and potential areas of research. Outreach and Working Groups DFI working groups provide forums for connecting owners and agencies with DFI members. The subject matters vary, but the goals are to share information, improve communication, align expectations, and define mutual benefits and goals…to find the common ground. DFI Seepage Control Working Group (SCWG) The DFI SCWG comprises DFI members and federal and state agency representatives allied in a forum that provides an oppor- tunity to discuss issues of mutual interest in the dam, levee and coastal restoration industries. Bill Empson from USACE Risk Management Center (RMC)-West-Denver Institute for Water Resources presented an overview of the new levee legislation. David Paul, lead civil engineer for the RMC, discussed the dam safety program and upcoming projects slated for design and construction. More information on this group’s activities is discussed on page 31. Electric System Foundation Design and Construction Forum A group of DFI members and utility owners met to discuss design and construction practices in the electric power system foundation industry. A number of different organizations provide guidance on foundation design, and often utilities adopt individual practices based on regional preferences. Much of the published guidance focuses on structural loading. This discussion forum is being developed to identify guidelines and align standards of practice for transmission structure foundations to improve overall design and construction in North America. A small working group was assembled, and initial tasks involve compiling and evaluating the scope and breadth of existing guidance. Energy Foundations Working Group Professor Guney Olgun provided an update on the work ongoing at Virginia Tech, and internationally, on energy foundations. Load test work at a field test site in Houston, Texas was just completed, and bridge deck deicing research continues to progress at the Blacksburg campus. Session reports from the international geothermal workshop held in Lausanne, Switzerland in March 2013 are being prepared for publication in the DFI Journal. Manufacturer and Supplier Roundtable Manufacturer and supplier members participated in an informal roundtable discussion aimed at exploring ways to expand benefits and technical roles in DFI’s activities. The group suggested and discussed several new opportunities to increase exposure, contacts, networking, as well as to showcase products, services and technical expertise. Additional meetings and conference calls will be organized to continue the discussion. Foundation Rig/Crane Operators and Inspectors Training Courses Roundtable As DFI expands its global reach, we receive requests for comprehensive training programs for foundation rig/crane operators and inspectors. An initial conversation was held to identify parties who may be interested in participating, such as manufacturers of specialty foundation equipment (rigs, plant, pumps, etc.) and service providers (testing companies, special materials and instrumentation, data recording systems, etc.). Discussions were initiated to define various potential processes for developing course cur r iculum and del ivery methods/schedules for courses worldwide. Further discussions will be held. Codes and Standards Committee The Codes and Standards Committee, chaired by Tom Gurtowski (Shannon and Wilson), is leading a multi-society effort for rewriting of Chapter 18 Foundations for the 2015 IBC Code Cycle (publication 2018). The initiative is supported by representa- tives from PDCA, GI, ASCE, ADSC, ASFE and others. Several independent review groups are working diligently on numerous sections. Plan To Attend March 19-20, 2014 Anchored Earth & Micropile Seminar Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, Seattle, Washington Visit www.adsc-iafd.com for details. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • NOV/DEC 2013 • 71 I DFI O T N A S D I N N U S T O I F T U E P T E E D
