Archive for March, 2011
Presentation on Helical Foundations and Tiebacks Given by Foundation Supportworks Engineer
Don Deardorff, P.E., Senior Application Engineer for Foundation Supportworks, recently presented at the Deep Foundation Institute (DFI) Helical Foundations and Tiebacks seminar in Dallas, TX. His research project, “A Comparison of Gear Motor Performance Curves for Helical Pile Installation,” documented the efficiencies of eight different drive-head motors at all ranges of differential pressure. 
The effects of varying equipment, flow rate, and hydraulic hose diameter were also observed in order to see what changes occurred in relation to torque and pressure. Based on his evaluations, Don was able to create motor specific torque versus differential pressure curves for Foundation Supportworks installing contractors to utilize during the installation of foundation stabilization systems. He concluded that the actual performance of a given drive-head motor during helical pile installation may not reflect the manufacturer’s stated performance data when criteria such as equipment, flow rate, and hose diameter are taken into account. The DFI event was attended by over 80 engineers, professors, and foundation repair contractors from all over the world. The Deep Foundations Institute is a non-profit association which promotes understanding and advancement of the deep foundations and excavations construction industry through conferences, publications, and community.
Engineering Seminar in Denver, CO Educates Design Professionals on Helical Foundation Systems
Complete Structural Systems, a division of Complete Basement Systems in Denver, CO, recently hosted a 5-hour engineering seminar for design professionals from across the state. Complete Structural Systems has been providing engineers, architects, general contractors and homeowners with foundation repair and stabilization solutions throughout Colorado for more than a decade. The seminar was held on March 10th, and attracted over 65 engineers looking to increase their understanding of deep foundation solutions, while also earning 5 professional development hours. 
Foundation Supportworks, a leading manufacturer and distributor of foundation stabilization equipment headquartered in Omaha, NE, was represented by their Director of Engineering, Jeff Kortan, PE. Jeff facilitated the event, which enabled attendees to ask questions and interact throughout the seminar. His presentation allowed the engineers in attendance to expand their knowledge about typical applications, design considerations, capacity calculations, and material selection for Foundation Supportworks helical foundation systems, helical soil nails, and push (resistance) pier systems.
Foundation Repair Contractors Join Together for a Networking Event About Production Management
More than 20 foundation repair contractors from across the United States gathered on March 2-3 in Omaha, NE to attend a networking event for Production Managers. The event included round table discussions, large group 
discussions, team building activities, networking opportunities and social interaction. Production managers from various foundation repair companies around the country helped set the agenda by determining which issues were most common in their day-to-day activities. Some topics discussed included: hiring new foreman and installers, training new hires, keeping employees motivated, setting goals, running effective meetings, and more. Some of the feedback from those who attended the event included: “The most valuable part of the event was to share what I know with the group and grow and learn from others on what I don’t know.” “The interaction with other managers was great. All of the ideas were great. A lot of the things I learned here can be easily implemented.” “Everyone in attendance has dealt with or is dealing with very similar issues. It makes the conversations and solutions much more pertinent.”
Foundation Supportworks Becomes a Registered Provider of Continuing Education Through NCEES RCEP
Foundation Supportworks was recently accepted as a registered continuing education provider through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying’s (NCEES) Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). The NCEES RCEP is a comprehensive registry of continuing education providers that have demonstrated adherence to high-quality, effective practices in the development and delivery of professional education activities for engineers. The purpose of the RCEP through NCEES is to:
• Promote quality and consistency in engineering continuing education and training.
• Measure and monitor providers of continuing education against established criteria.
• Recognize providers who adhere to effective practices.
• Provide a single source for licensee education recordkeeping.
Amanda Harrington, Director of Training and Development for Foundation Supportworks, said, “We are thrilled and honored that our educational offerings and practices have been recognized by NCEES RCEP as adhering to a high level of quality and standards. The goal of our coursework is to educate the engineering community on various deep foundation solutions that are available and how those solutions interface with structures in varying soil conditions. We are proud to have received this RCEP designation through NCEES.”
For information, dates and locations of upcoming engineering seminars offered by Foundation Supportworks, please visit Event Calendar under the About Us tab on the FSI website.