DFI ACTIVITIES WPM: Brainstorming Breakouts Early every year, DFI’s Winter Planning Meeting provides a venue for trustees to think about the future and discuss other business, including the budget. In January, DFI’s trustees and the chairs of the 15 technical committees met at Marco Island, Fla. (The DFI Educational Trust Board met the day before, see p. 45.) At the meeting, participants took a fresh look at areas of continuing interest to DFI. All were assigned to breakout groups that addressed the four goals in DFI’s five-year strategic plan: globalization of the institute, revitalization of technical activities, engaging manufacturer/supplier members, and fostering involvement of younger members. The recommendations for accomplishing each goal were wide and varied, and many tasks were identified for implementation through 2019. The newest initiative to be strategized was the participation of the manufacturer/supplier members; following up on a roundtable discussion by this group during the Annual Conference in Phoenix last September. The breakout group discussed how these members are important to DFI, providing information about innovations in quality, safety, sustainability and durability. One suggestion was to introduce sessions or panel discussions on the future of the industry and requirements in particular sectors during seminars and conferences. The idea of an advisory committee comprised of these technology providers was also proposed. Another group looked at DFI’s technical committees, and focused on identifying potential new committee activities. They discussed publications, including the possibility of committee- generated white papers as well as papers for DFI’s Journal. Among other ideas was creating liaisons with organizations with similar committees, and seeking exposure at their conferences. Webinars, planned by technical committees, were also discussed. Younger members are always important to DFI, and this breakout group discussed many ideas, including a course aimed at young college professors, and providing volunteer speakers for universities. The group also talked about ways to incentivize employers to encourage younger employees to participate in DFI events. They proposed a definition of “younger” members as 35 years old or younger, or as having five years or less of experience. The breakout group also proposed a survey of younger engineers and their employers, if feasible, with the help of an expert. The breakout group on globalization focused on the exchange of information through regional chapters. The practice of regular Attendees at the WPM (photo by Herb Engler) Paul Axtell (Drilled Shaft Committee chair), Ed Laczynski (Tiebacks and Soil Nailing Committee), Kwabena Ofori-Awuah (Seismic and Lateral Loads Committee chair) and Emad Sharif from Dubai telephone/virtual meetings and using various media to enhance communication and disseminate information was explored. DFI is working with current regional chapters to enhance the benefits to members. Goals were set for increasing membership in each region, and new regions will be explored over the next five years. Those mentioned were Australasia, South America, Mexico and Sub- Saharan Africa. A task force was set up to determine the criteria required to embark on the formation of a regional chapter and to formalize a guidance document for the creation of chapters. DFI Board Meeting A principal subject of the board meeting was the project funding program. This is the third year DFI designated funds to the program where DFI technical committees submit proposals to conduct research projects that “support approved undertakings, those deemed useful toward advancing deep foundation technology.” This year 11 proposals were submitted. A panel reviewed and ranked them, recommending five projects for funding. The five were submitted by DFI committees on Soil Mixing, Driven Piles, Marine Foundations, Drilled Shafts/Seismic and Lateral Loads, and Deep Foundations for Landslides and Slope Stabilization. The trustees agreed to fund $100,000 towards four of these projects. Two of the five were contingent on separate funding from other groups, so the final projects will be announced in the next issue of this magazine. The WPM ended with a trustee meeting where the 2013 financials were reviewed, the 2014 budget was adopted, a new technical committee on subsurface characterization for deep foundations was approved, and future meetings were discussed. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2014 • 21
