A collaboration between the PDCA's Associate Member Council and Education Committees, each webinar will be presented in case study or educational format to a target audience of contractors, engineers, estimators, etc. The PDCA 2024 Value Driven Webinar Series will focus on driven pile case studies, technology updates, actual project conversion methods, job site safety, and much more to support those in the driven pile industry.

The webinar series is complimentary for PDCA Members. Non-PDCA Members are welcome and encouraged to attend; there is a nominal $50 registration fee for each session. An invoice will be sent separately when the registration confirmation is received.

February 8, 2024 | Solutions to Your Labor Challenges: What We’ve Learned
Warren Baker, DFI Piling; Scott Callaway, Cajun Industries; Brooke Chitwood, Bowen Engineering Corporation; Brian Heck, Richard Goettle, Inc.; Michael Wysockey, Thatcher Foundations 
Jill Harris, Lester Publications - Moderator
Summary: We hear it everywhere, and we hear it often: workforce concerns are top of mind throughout the construction industry. For contractors struggling with labor – recruiting, retaining, training, engaging – PDCA Communications Committee has assembled a panel of industry leaders to discuss their experiences and successes, such as the importance of culture and how to build it, intergenerational knowledge transfer, campus recruitment, multinational growth initiatives, how safety factors in and more. Designed to be a frank, informative discussion, attendees will hear first-hand how contractors across the U.S. and Canada have strategized to mitigate their labor woes.

April 11, 2024 | Maximizing Efficiency in Pile Driving Projects Amidst Skill Shortages: Strategies for Success
Greg Belpomme, Civil Construction Business Partner & Consultant, Heron Wolf
This presentation explores the challenges faced by the US pile driving construction industry due to skill shortages and presents strategies to maximize project efficiency despite workforce constraints. It delves into the impact of skill shortages on project timelines, labor costs, and quality and safety concerns. The presentation highlights the importance of training programs, collaboration, technology adoption, and efficient resource allocation. It emphasizes the need for continuous learning, building long-term relationships with skilled workers, and embracing diversity and inclusion in the workforce. By implementing these strategies, construction companies can overcome skill shortages and achieve successful project outcomes.

June 20, 2024 | Proper Equipment Maintenance 
Tom Dame, Hercules Machinery Corporation; Tom Heller, Liebherr USA, Co.; Allen Kadow, Tadano; Rick Sadler, International Construction Equipment
Summary: The importance of maintaining your pile driving equipment cannot be overstated. From the cranes & hammers, to dedicated rigs and mounts, down to the nuts & bolts, maintaining each piece will keep your equipment in top condition longer and improve job site safety. Hear directly from industry manufacturers on best practices, important things to check, and potential consequences of improper maintenance.


August 8, 2024 | Employee's Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Bill Heffernan, LCPC, CEAP, ScreenSafe
The construction trades have been the domain of confident, hardy individuals who take pride in their work, speak plainly, and do whatever is necessary to get the job done. This workplace culture does not leave much space for expressing emotions, uncertainty, fear, or vulnerability. This presentation discusses creating an environment that supports making healthy choices, practicing self-care, and watching out for co-workers using these practical tips and tactics to shift attitudes and responses.

By the end of this session attendees will:
• List three barriers to workers seeking help with mental health and substance use issues
• List three protective and three risk factors for suicide in the workplace
• Describe how to access the EAP/MAP available to work groups
• Discuss one possible intervention strategy to address mental health in your work groups

October 17, 2024 | Introduction to Sheet Pile Design: Concepts, Computation, and Tools
Dave Chapman, President, Blakeslee Arpaia Chapman
Summary: In this presentation, participants will be guided through the fundamentals of sheet pile design, starting with core concepts, and extending to practical computation methods. We will explore the basics of sheet pile design and the forces acting on retaining structures. Attendees will learn step-by-step techniques for designing cantilevered and anchored sheet pile walls by hand, employing methods like the Free Earth and Fixed Earth (Dr. Blum’s Equivalent Beam) approaches.

The session will include an introduction to L-Pile analysis and a discussion on software tools that streamline the design process. While the primary focus will be on sheeting in sand, the presentation will also address frequently asked questions, ensuring participants leave with a well-rounded understanding of sheet pile design principles. Whether you are new to the field or seeking to refresh your knowledge, this presentation offers valuable insights and practical guidance.

**December 12, 2024 | Introduction to Precast/Prestressed Concrete Driven Piles
Catrina Walter, P.E., M.ASCE, LPCI, PM, Ports & Marine Engineer, WSP
Roy Eriksson, P.E., FPCI, President/CEO, Eriksson Technologies, Inc.
Jim Parkins, P.E., VP & Director of Marketing, Concrete Technology Corporation
Justin Yard, Vice President of Sales, Gulf Coast Pre-Stress Partners, LTD & Texas Concrete Partners, L.P.
Summary: This course is an introduction to precast, prestressed concrete piles (PCP) for deep foundations. PCPs are the preferred choice for durable and resilient deep foundations in building, bridge, and marine applications. Attendees will learn about the raw materials and production process, handling and installation, and an overview of design considerations throughout the life cycle of PCPs. This course will also feature case studies illustrating the successful use of PCPs.

After completing the course, the attendee will be able to:

• • Recognize PCP applications for their future projects.
• • Understand the fabrication process of PCPs.
• • Identify key raw materials and concrete mix attributes.
• • Understand PCP handling, transportation, and installation considerations.
• • Define advantages of PCPs.
• • Understand basic structural design considerations through the life cycle of PCPs.
• • Access Precast, Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) resources for design of PCPs.

**Registration fees waived for PCI members. **