DFI ACTIVITIES Highlights of DFI India 2018 DFI India 2018: 8 Conference on Deep Foundation Technologies for Infrastructure Development in India was held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, near Ahmedabad, Gujarat from November 15-17, 2018. IIT Gandhinagar and the Ahmedabad chapter of the Indian Geotechnical Society were collaborators. Prof. Amit Prashant, professor at IIT Gandhinagar, served as the conference chair and Prof. Ajanta Sachan, associate professor at IIT Gandhinagar, and Ravikiran Vaidya, principal at GeoDynamics, served as the organizing secretaries for the conference. The conference featured three main events: th 1. A one-day workshop on November 15 on Ground Improve- ment Techniques — Column Supported Embankments and Soil Mixing 2. A two-day conference on November 16-17 to highlight four important aspects of quality foundation construction: • Deep Foundations in Infrastructure Projects — Owners Perspective • Geotechnical Investigation — Testing, Contractual and Reporting Requirements • Best Design Practices and New Technology Initiatives • Ground Improvement, Piling, and Deep Excavation and Support Technologies 3. An exhibition to showcase the latest technologies, equipment, testing and monitoring techniques, and special materials. The two-day conference was opened with an inaugural function on the morning of November 16 with statements from invited dignitaries. Narayan V. Nayak, Ph.D., principal advisor of Gammon India, was presented with the DFI of India 2018 Lifetime Contribution Award. Other highlights of the conference included 8 keynote lectures, 44 technical presentations, a student outreach program, the inauguration of a program for Women in Deep Foundations in India (WiDFI), a panel discussion by senior management officials from various stakeholders, and a cultural program and banquet dinner to close the conference. The introductory program for Women in Deep Foundations in India was successfully launched by Mary Ellen Large, director of technical activities at DFI; Lucky Nagarajan, geotechnical engineer/business development at Skyline Steel, USA; and Anjana Kadakia, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, senior principal and Mumbai office director at Thornton Tomasetti, USA. Kadakia spoke about her technical and professional journey and her experiences as a woman in the construction industry. Her presentation was aimed at starting a DFI of India conversation on inclusivity and diversity within the construction industry. Nagarajan will take a lead to interact with women throughout the geotechnical profession in India to involve them in DFI of India activities. The purpose of the student outreach initiative by DFI of India is to generate interest among students in geotechnical engineering. About 50 undergraduate and post-graduate students from various DEEP FOUNDATIONS • JAN/FEB 2019 • 23
