PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE In the Spirit of Collaboration T his issue of Deep Foundations magazine features articles on the Rio Puerto Nueva-Bechara Industrial Canal, a unique foundation construction in Rotterdam and an article on the NYC subway system. Deep foundations challenges exist all over the world. Sharing these case histories is our way to share insight into unique ways to solve common problems in deep foundation construction. In December, DFI worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to facilitate a workshop addressing challenges with seepage and cut-off control projects on top-risk dams and levees in the U.S. (see article p. 17). The workshop was attended by an invited list of top experts and contractors from around the world, and key project management staff from USACE and the Bureau of Reclamation, FERC, TVA and NCRS. The challenges facing our nation’s dam infrastructure are immense. As an outcome from this meeting, DFI will be leading the industry in facilitating future seminars, workshops and training on the latest technology and best practice in seepage control and cut-off technology. This program highlights the potential and realizes the vision of what DFI is all about — providing an un-biased format to educate and help solve some of the biggest underground construction challenges facing us today. We are honored to be working with USACE on this program, and look forward to future collaboration with them and other organizations with this format of facilitation. Also at the end of 2011, I had the privilege of visiting our newly established India regional committee, and attending the annual meeting of the India Geotechnical Society (IGS). An open question at the meeting was whether the presence of DFI in India would be a challenge to IGS, or if DFI and IGS could work in collaboration. The issue culminated in an open forum discussion My last stop in 2011 was with our Middle East Committee in Dubai, who is working hard with American University to present a deep foundations seminar in March 2012. The James A. Morrison, P.E. President [email protected] conference agenda looks very strong, and we look forward to an excellent seminar, and a strong working relationship with American University. DFI will be leading the industry in facilitating future seminars, workshops and training on the latest technology and best practice in seepage control and cut-off technology. with me and the president of IGS addressing questions from conference attendees. By the end of the session, it was clear that DFI and IGS are very complimentary, and the opportunities for collaboration are immense. I share my sincere appreciation with Dr. Rama Krishna and our DFI India Committee, the IGS, and IGS president, Professor K.S. Rao. Collaborating with USACE, the India Geotechnical Society, and American Uni- versity represents what DFI is all about — providing an open forum for individuals and groups to learn, share and solve prob- lems facing the deep foundation industry today. And in the process, the deep foun- dations industry becomes a little stronger, and the world becomes a little smaller. Bermingham Innovation Award and OPA Deadlines DFI’s Bermingham Innovation Award April 15 is the deadline for nominations for a new award named for C. William Bermingham, DFI’s president 1986-87. The first winner will be announced at DFI’s 37th Annual October 16-19, 2012 in Houston, and receive $10,000. The Bermingham Award recognizes innovation in deep foundation technology. Nominees can include new practices in means and methods, design proce- dures, and innovations in equipment or materials. The nominees should also exhibit sustainability and must have been used in the past three years. The initial commercial application of the innovation can be no more than 10 years prior to the date of the submission. Outstanding Project Award The April 15 deadline also applies to OPA candidate projects. This process is starting earlier than usual to accommodate the jurors and to allow more time for winning project nominators to prepare the Deep Foundations magazine cover story. For more information and submission forms, please contact [email protected]. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2012 • 5
