DFI Special Session at International Bridge Conference More than 20 companies exhibited in the foundations area The Engineering Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP) presented its 2016 International Bridge Conference in National Harbor, Md., in June, after decades of hosting the conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., “The City of Bridges.” The event was very successful with over 1,250 attendees and a sold-out exhibition area. DFI partnered with ESWP and organized a special technical session on foundations and an area of the exhibition hall dedicated to foundations. The 2016 event was the first in what we hope will be an ongoing partnership between DFI, ESWP and the foundations industry to enhance the exposure and networking of geotechnical and foundation companies with the structural and bridge engineers and owners who attend this popular annual event. We thank Bubba Knight of Loadtest, who helped organize the foundation participation. The goal of the technical session was to present prominent bridge projects and design considerations that highlight how collaboration between structural, geotechnical and construction practitioners provides high-value foundation solutions and allows logistical, contractual, technical and changed conditions challenges to be met effectively on high-profile bridge projects. The session room was full of attendees, and interesting conversation and questions followed each presentation. Presenters prepared full technical papers, which will be available on the ESWP website, www.eswp.com, shortly. More information on accessing papers will be provided to DFI members once the proceedings are posted. The foundations area in the exhibit hall comprised a dedicated row of over 20 booths of companies with products and services related to foundations. By gathering all foundation-related booths in the same area, we were able to showcase technical capabilities and resources provided by our industry that promote quality, safety, sustainability and durability of bridge foundations while reducing project risk. The foundations area was well publicized and long- time exhibitors noted increased traffic and interaction. DFI and ESWP will partner again to organize the foundations area and another technical session on foundations for the 2017 conference to be held at the same location — Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., June 4-8, 2017. DFI members interested in participating are encouraged to contact Mary Ellen Bruce Large, DFI technical activities manager, at [email protected] for more information. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • JULY/AUG 2016 • 29 Bubba Knight of Loadtest helped organize the foundation participation that included an area of the exhibition hall dedicated to foundations
