DFDTA
Deep Foundation Dynamic Testing
and Analysis Workshop
A career in geotechnical engineering often presents new and
exciting challenges on every project. Those who specialize
in deep foundation testing and analysis require additional
skill sets and knowledge to meet the often-challenging environment
of proper interpretation of data while meeting the timetable
requirements of construction projects. As an engineer gains more
experience in this field, the need for better understanding of theory
and proper analysis methods may become apparent. To facilitate
this, PDCA in partnership with Pile Dynamics, Inc. (PDI) hosts
the Deep Foundation Dynamic Testing and Analysis Workshop.
This workshop is hosted two to three times annually.
Traditionally, the Orlando workshop is held in early spring and the
Cleveland workshop is held in the fall. A third event is held where
demands require and in May 2018, a Canadian location was added.
This year, over 100 registrants attended the workshop between the
three locations.
The workshops and proficiency test are also conducted annually
in Europe and Asia, and have been offered in South America and
Australia as well. The test can also be taken individually in cooperation
with either PDCA or PDI. Each Workshop is geared towards
geotechnical, structural and construction engineers. Attendees
often include not only testers, but designers, owners, contractors
and other professionals involved in the design, construction and
specification of deep foundations.
The three-day event is broken into two unique sessions. Day
one includes an overview of non-destructive testing methods and
proper application, as well as a half day workshop on wave equation
analysis and the GRLWEAP software. The seminar is also
for those specifying the testing to gain a basic understanding for
assessing the results presented in reports and those needing a better
understanding of wave equation analysis methods for hammer
selection and/or drivability.
Days two and three focus on high strain dynamic testing
and cover theory, proper practices, acquiring good quality data,
assessing bearing capacity, driving stresses, hammer performance
and pile integrity as well as demonstrations of how to calculate
the pile capacity using the signal matching software, CAPWAP®.
Attendees improve their understanding, as well as share their experiences
with fellow testers, and leave with a better understanding
which translates to better testing services. Contractors and other
Top photo: kasto / 123RF PDCA photo
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