EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Wrapping up IFCEE 2018
and Looking to the Future
The 2018 International Foundations Congress and Equipment
Expo (IFCEE) concluded on March 10 in Orlando,
Fla. PDCA was proud to have been a partner on the
Organizing Committee, which was established to organize, manage
and present this joint geotechnical and foundation engineering
and construction conference. Conference participants’ comments,
both during and after the show, were very positive with many
indicating the need and importance for this kind of conference,
which brings engineering and construction industry professionals
together at one time, under one roof, at one event.
The organizational process for IFCEE began with the first
committee meeting in Dallas, Texas in April 2016, a full two years
prior to the actual event. After completing PDCA’s third IFCEE as
a partner, I can confidently say that two years of planning is absolutely
required to present such an enormous, well executed international
event like this one.
IFCEE is a joint international event and takes the full cooperation,
involvement and commitment from each partner organization.
I want to thank the leadership of those organizations, which
includes the ADSC, Geo-Institute of the ASCE and DFI, as well
as the cooperating organizations.
Nearly 3,400 individuals attended IFCEE 2018, which not
only validates the need for this type of industry conference, but is
also an endorsement of the overall quality of IFCEE.
IFCEE featured some very special industry lectures, including
the inaugural PDCA E.A.L. Smith Award Lecture. PDCA
is very proud to have selected Bengt Fellenius, Dr.Tech, P.E.
as the first recipient of this prestigious PDCA award. Dr.
Fellenius’ presentation was titled, “Dynamic Testing Analysis –
A Retrospective.” He took the audience, which filled the Hilton’s
Grand Ballroom, from early pioneering studies in static and
dynamic testing through 60 years of dynamic testing progression
and refinement, leading ultimately to an indispensable practice of
piled foundation design.
Additionally, several short courses were presented, including
a packed room for a PDCA presentation on “Deep Foundations
QA/QC for Engineers, Contractors and Inspectors,” by Mohamad
Hussein (GRL Engineers) and Mike Justason (McMaster
University). Special events included a 90-minute panel presentation
on “Driven Piles: A Solution for Difficult Soil and Site Conditions.”
Mohamad Hussein, Dave Chapman (Blakeslee, Arpaia, Chapman)
and Mike Justason presented this program. Moderated by Gerry
McShane (Service Steel Warehouse), this special event also drew
a full crowd.
Of course, IFCEE would not be the well received, special event
it is without the excitement of the outdoor equipment expo and
indoor exhibit hall, both of which were sold out. IFCEE attendees
were able to get face-to-face and hands-on with the latest in equip-
By Stevan A. Hall, Executive Director, PDCA
Mark Skalny Photography
The exhibit areas at the Hilton Buena Vista
Palace prior to the start of IFCEE 2018
PILEDRIVER | 11