TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES MANAGER MARY ELLEN BRUCE LARGE, P.E., D.GE Technical Activities Update New Women in Deep Foundations Committee DFI is pleased to announce that Helen Robinson, P.E., is the inaugural chair of the Women in Deep Foundations Committee. Robinson is a senior engineer in the geostructural group of Schnabel Engineering, West Chester, Pa., and serves as the executive editor of this publication. She has over 12 years of experience in design and construction of geotechnical engineering elements and deep foundation technologies. Robinson received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from Penn State University, and her projects have included stability analyses and design of embankments and rock slopes, earth retaining structures, deep foundations for transportation, commercial and residential buildings, and underpinning of existing structures. Robinson has a passion for industry-driven research, having conducted an extensive study on chemical grouts used for soil stabilization and permeation as well as lateral loading analyses for buckling of micropiles, among other endeavors. She also recently co-authored the new FHWA manual for soil nail wall design (GEC7). New Subsurface Characterization for Deep Foundations Committee DFI welcomes the inaugural chair of the new Subsurface Characterization for Deep Foundations Committee, Victor Donald, P.E., of Terracon Consultants. Donald is a professional engineer with 35 years of experience in private practice consulting special izing in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. He received his B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering from Louisiana State University in 1979 and 1981, respectively. Donald has a diverse background as a consulting geotechnical engineer, with a particular emphasis on site characterization aspects of geotechnical engineering and solid waste engineering. He is a senior principal with Terracon Consultants and the national director for its geotechnical services program. Donald works with Terracon’s operations personnel to enhance quality and client services for the over 400 geoprofessionals who work within the geotechnical service line. The committee aims to increase stakeholder awareness of the Victor Donald, new chair need to effectively manage ground risks through promoting the value of proper and adequate subsurface exploration, characterization and construction monitoring for informed design, improved constructability and bid economy. Mary Nodine, P.E., of GEI Consultants is the committee secretary. New Manufacturer, Supplier and Service Provider Committee Our first chair of the new DFI Manufacturer, Supplier and Service Provider Committee is Mark Bryant, E.I.T., product engineer for MacLean Power Systems (MPS) Civil Division. Bryant graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with B.S. in civil and environmental engineering. Prior to joining MPS Civil, Bryant was a consulting engineer providing geotechnical and construction materials testing services for clients throughout the Southeast. Bryant is a DFI corporate member and serves on the Helical Piles and Tiebacks Committee. The new committee hopes to create an opportunity for success for all by identifying stakeholder expectations and expanding exposure and technical and business development opportunities for all members. Herb Engler, of Penn State Fabricators, and Dan MacLean, of Con-Tech Systems, are serving as committee vice chair and secretary, respectively. Mark Bryant, new chair DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAY/JUNE 2015 • 97
