ISM-DFI-ADSC Micropile Short Course at Panamerican Conference Short course presenters: Dr. Jesús Gómez of GEI Consultants and John Wolosick of Keller International Society for Micropiles (ISM), with support of the joint DFI and ADSC Micropi le Committee, presented a one-day short course at the XVI Panamerican Confer- ence on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engi- neering “XXI Century: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges,” in Cancún, Mexico in Nov- ember. Walter Paniagua of Pilotec in Mexico City served as chair of this landmark event (see page 31). Long-standing ISM delegates, John Wolosick, P.E., D.GE, of Keller, and Jesús Gómez, Ph.D., of GEI Consultants, presented the short course covering all aspects of design and construction of micropiles for structural support and slope stabilization; sharing their knowledge and expertise to expand the use and understanding of micropile technology. Over 25 attendees participated in the course, which was presented in English and Spanish with simultaneous translation. The short course began with an overview of the state of micropile practices, highlighting the evolution of use and design of micropiles from their introduction in North America in 1980 as low-capacity foundation elements to today’s ultra-high load carrying elements sustaining hundreds of tons. Geotechnical aspects of micropile design were then presented, including presumptive bond strength values for design of micropiles in various geological formations and procedures for micropile design and verification under uplift, compression and lateral loads. Fundamental structural design processes and application of building codes were covered. Common micropile materials and equipment were presented including drilling and grouting equipment, casing, bars, corrosion protection, and grout materials used for micropile construction and hollow core bars. The importance of comprehensive inspection and quality control and assurance processes was emphasized including an outline of the critical elements of a QC program and considerations in design. Micropile testing and performance were discussed in detail, including typical procedures and equipment, strain gauges, acceptance criteria, and apparent elastic length. Lateral loading and group behavior of micropiles were discussed generally, highlighting the availability of design guides and available software packages. Innovative and challenging international micropile applications were presented, and a lively discussion was held. Parties interested in inviting a micropile short course may contact ISM, DFI and ADSC by emailing Mary Ellen Bruce Large, P.E., D.GE, DFI director of technical activities, at [email protected] . DEEP FOUNDATIONS • JAN/FEB 2020 • 33
