and designs become less efficient. One could argue that the designs are “safer,” but that may not be true when it is possible for a user to blindly follow a design guide with- out fully understanding the technology. Pearlman deeply enjoys working with a technology prior to its standardization and full industry endorsement. This allows him freedom to develop designs using engineering judgment and principles, and to create solutions that are lean and efficient. It is also more interesting and exciting than following a cookbook design procedure. Pearlman endeavors to work with newer techniques rather than mature technologies when practical. Mike Walker, from GEI Consultants, Inc., endorses Pearlman’s ingenuity: “I find that Seth can have a unique perspective and think outside the box. He encourages creative thinking within his organization and enjoys a mentoring role.” Current Focus In the fall of 2003, Pearlman became president of Menard USA, and is currently the CEO as well. Menard is part of the Soletanche Freyssinet Group and is a design-build specialty contractor with expertise in ground improvement, controlled modulus columns (CMCs), vibrocompaction and vibro stone columns. The company’s headquarters is in Carnegie, Pa., outside of Pitts- burgh, in a historical building constructed by the Masons in 1904. Although CMC technology had over 10 years of development in Europe prior to 2003, Menard has created its own market and application in the U.S. Pearlman describes a CMC as “almost a pile that is designed to work in ground improvement. The way you design it to interact with foundations is different, that’s what makes it fun.” He notes that the best agencies are still comfortable using CMCs on a design- build basis and there are many good markets for the technology. Frederic Masse, vice president of engineering at Menard, remarks, “I am very appreciative and grateful for the more than 10 years that Seth and I have worked together. He is by far the most creative engineer I know in the geo-structural world, and he has taught me to never take anything for granted and that there is always a better way.” Another of Pearlman’s main focuses is growing the industry. He believes we need to address the shortage of students entering geotechnical engineering, and encourages existing members of the profession to expand the talent pool by portraying their careers as exciting and glamorous. Pearlman recognizes that scholarships are extremely effective toward achieving this end. Menard has been working with CMU and the DFI Educational Trust to award scholarships to deserving students. Pearlman has also remained involved with CMU’s alumni association and has served on the advisory council for the civil engineering department for the past eight years. Pearlman is active in industry associ- ations including DFI, where he served as president from 2007 to 2009. He is also involved in ASCE, Geo-Institute, the Academy of Geo-Professionals, the Moles dean of the College of Engineering at CMU. “He is also a great mentor to young engineers and returns to campus on a regular basis to meet with students and to provide them with valuable career advice.” Awards and Future Work Enumerating Pearlman’s many awards is a feat unto itself. He received the Henry L. Michel Award for Research in Industry from ASCE in March 2014, and was part of Menard’s team winning the Innovation Award for Business Development. Other recognitions include the VINCI North American Region Innovation Award and the Innovation Prize for Reinforced Earth over CMCs. Pearlman also received the Outstanding Alumni Service Award from CMU’s department of civil and environ- mental engineering. Pearlman looks forward to the further growth of Menard and continuing to introduce CMC technology. The company now has over 100 full-time employees with satellite offices in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Wilmington, N.C., Charleston, S.C., Houston, Washington, D.C. and New Orleans. “Our alum, Seth Pearlman, has “We are proud of Pearlman’s professional accomplishments, including the model of service and commitment that he has demonstrated for our students and for all of us throughout his career.” and ACI. Pearlman served on ACI Com- mittee 544 and co-chaired the State-of-the- Art Report on Fiber Reinforced Concrete. “Seth Pearlman is an amazingly creative and highly competent engineer. My colleagues at CMU and I are very proud of his many innovations in geotechnical and foundation engineering,” says Jim Garrett, supported our department and the field financially, through personal gifts and the gifts of his time and talent in working to grow the DFI Educational Trust, which has benefitted students at Carnegie Me l l on, ” c omment s Da v e Dzombak, department head of civil and environmental engineering at CMU. “We are proud of Pearlman’s professional accomplishments, including the model of service and commi tment tha t he ha s demonstrated for our students and for all of us throughout his career.” Pearlman will continue to educate students as well as existing members of the profession on his design philosophy that “building codes are just a plateau, and remaining stagnant is a dangerous way to operate.” He remains committed to innovation, education and the future of engineering. Helen Robinson, P.E. 52 • DEEP FOUNDATIONS • NOV/DEC 2014
