DELAWARE VALLEY GEO-INSTITUTEdvgi.org › Newsletters › 2020 01 DVGI January Newsletter...DELAWARE VALLEY GEO-INSTITUTE 2019-20 Board of Directors Chair Russ Preuss, P.E. Past Chair

DELAWARE VALLEY GEO-INSTITUTE

2019-20 Board of Directors

Chair Russ Preuss, P.E. Past Chair Archie Filshill, Ph.D. Vice-Chair Theresa Loux, Ph.D., P.E. Treasurer James M. Beideman, P.E. Secretary Eric Backlund, P.E. Newsletter Director Jeremy J. Brown, P.E. Web Advisor Robert Crawford, P.E. Academic Liaison Joseph Coe, Ph.D. ASCE Liaison James A. McKelvey III, P.E. At-Large Directors Jerry (Tse-Wei) Chen Conrad Cho, P.E. Board Advisors Robert M. Sabanas, P.E. William K. Petersen, P.E. Craig Calabria, Ph.D., P.E.

Inside this issue:

January 2020 Dinner Meeting……......1 November 2019 Dinner Meeting…......2 In Memory of Robert & Paula Koerner…………………………...3 Announcements ………………….......4-6 Member Spotlight………….….… ...7-9 Advertisements…………….……...10-11 Events and Conferences....................12 Sponsors and Universities...........13-17

January 2020 DVGI Dinner Meeting

The new Comcast Technology Center located in Philadelphia, PA, opened its doors in the summer of 2018. The structure is the tallest building in the City of Philadelphia at over 1,100 ft, and now the 13th tallest structure in North America. The foundation system for this building is a combination of drilled piers (commonly called caissons) and a mat foundation below the core of the building. The presentation will discuss the design of the foundation system and provides a summary of the geotechnical investigation, laboratory testing of soil and rock samples, engineering analysis, and observations made by the geotechnical consultant who was involved in the project throughout the investigation and construction process.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dan Marano has over 15 years of Geotechnical related design experience in the Philadelphia area. His experience includes the design of deep foundations, retaining walls, dams and ground improvement. He received his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Drexel University. Dan is now serving on the DFI2020 technical committee for their conference to be held at the National Harbor, Maryland.

We anticipate 1 PDH will be awarded for attendance.

SPEAKER: Dan Marano, P.E., Pennoni Associates, Philadelphia, PA 

TOPIC: Foundation Design for The Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia

DATE: Tuesday, January 21, 2020

LOCATION: Valley Forge Casino, Parkview Ballroom, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA

TIME: 5:30 PM Social Hour, 6:30 PM Dinner and

7:15 PM Presentation

***Registration and Payment Online at www.dvgi.org***

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November 2019 DVGI Dinner Meeting

 Design, Installation & Analysis of Column Supported Embankment Systems at I-295/I-76/Route 42 Direct Connection Contracts 1 & 2  

Brandon T. Buschmeier, P.E.

Director of Engineering & Regional Sales Manager, Menard USA

This presentation discussed the project background, site challenges, ground improvement design, analysis of load test data, and quality control measures implemented on the I-295/I-76/Route 42 Direct Connection project. Column supported embankment systems (CSES) were used to limit settlement and accelerate construction of large embankments bearing on compressible soils at the I-295/I-76/Route 42 Direct Connection project in Camden and Gloucester Counties in New Jersey. Due to the project size, traffic size, traffic flow, and safety concerns, expedited reconstruction of the existing roadway system is necessary: because of the soft soils present on site, the use of CSES allows for the schedule and performance criteria to be met. Due to traffic staging, the project has been split into multiple contracts, each of which contains various design areas.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Brandon T. Buschmeier, P.E., is the Director of Engineering / Regional Sales Manager at Menard USA, a company that is part of a global network of geotechnical resources and expertise. Mr. Buschmeier has designed inclusion-based foundation systems for a variety of projects including warehouses, roadway widenings and abutments, industrial and commercial buildings, and multi-family residences. He is a registered professional engineer in NJ, VA, MD, DE, DC, and PA, and has more than 10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and contracting. Mr. Buschmeier is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a BS in Civil Engineering, and is based out of Menard USA’s regional office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Brandon Buschmeier (Image Source: Russ Preuss)

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In Memory of Robert & Paula Koerner

  In December we learned of the passing of our friend Robert M. Koerner, Ph.D., P.E., NAE, Dist.M.ASCE and his wife Paula Koerner. Bob was a true friend and mentor to many of us in DVGI, willing to assist the program in any way he could. An amazing leader in the geotechnical engineering community, Bob served the industry for over 50 years. Locally, he served as the 1975 President of the ASCE Philadelphia Section as well as providing significant support to DVGI, including presenting at many of our dinner meetings. In fact, just last October Bob provided a great presentation at the Huesker/DVGI GeoForum.

With over 750 publications, including the first textbook on geosynthetics and his world-renowned textbook “Designing with Geosynthetics,” Bob’s technical contributions to the geotechnical engineering community are nothing short of amazing. A revered professor at Drexel University, Bob impacted the lives of many geotechnical engineers, always quick to provide insight and encouragement in the technical development of his students.

In his free time, Bob was an avid runner who completed 25 marathons. He probably kept himself amused during the marathons coming up with the solution of some geosynthetic problem or developing his next lecture. However, if you asked Bob what he did for fun, his response would be “tinkering in the GSI lab” or spending time with his dear Paula.

Bob and Paula are survived by Michael R. Koerner (and wife Mary), George R. Koerner (and wife Jamie), and Pauline Koerner Limberg (and husband Douglas), and their six cherished grandchildren. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Koerner family.

Robert M. Koerner (Image Source: Jay McKelvey)

Robert and Paula Koerner (Image Source: Jay McKelvey)

The Koerner Family (Image Source: Jay McKelvey)

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Upcoming Dates for 2020 Dinner Meetings and events are as follows:

January 21, 2020, Dinner Meeting: Dan Marano, Pennoni: Comcast Center February 20, 2020, Dinner Meeting: DVGI/SEI Joint Meeting—Speaker TBD March 11, 2020, Dinner Meeting: Student Night April 16, 2020, Dinner Meeting: ASCE Joint Meeting—Speaker TBD May 19, 2020, Dinner Meeting: Willie NeSmith, Berkel—DFI Traveling

Lecture

One PDH will be awarded for most dinner meetings that you attend.

If you are interested in presenting at one of our monthly meetings or have ideas about potential speakers, please get in touch with a DVGI board member.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

**DVGI PROJECT OF THE YEAR**

Inaugural DVGI Geotechnical Project of the Year Competition

Submissions accepted now through April 1, 2020

Project of the Year to be selected in May 2020

Projects to be featured in DVGI Newsletters

Visit dvgi.org to apply now!

Submit Applications to Theresa Loux at [email protected]

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chair Russ Preuss, P.E. ([email protected]) Past Chair Archie Filshill, Ph.D. ([email protected]) Vice-Chair Theresa Loux, Ph.D., P.E. ([email protected]) Treasurer James M. Beideman, P.E. ([email protected])

Secretary Eric Backlund, P.E. ([email protected]) Newsletter Director Jeremy Brown, P.E. ([email protected]) Web Advisor Robert Crawford, P.E. ([email protected]) Academic Liaison Joseph Coe, Ph.D. ([email protected]) ASCE Liaison James A. McKelvey III, P.E. ([email protected])

At-Large Directors Jerry (Tse-Wei) Chen ([email protected]) Conrad Cho, P.E. ([email protected]) Board Advisors William K. Petersen, P.E. ([email protected]) Craig Calabria, Ph.D., P.E. ([email protected]) Robert M. Sabanas, P.E. ([email protected])

2019-2020 Board of Directors

Top Row (L—R): J. McKelvey, R. Crawford, R. Preuss, E. Backlund, R. Sabanas, C. Calabria, Bottom Row (L—R): J. Brown, J. Beideman, T. Loux, A. Filshill, W. Petersen, Not Pictured: J. Chen, C. Cho, and J. Coe

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Upcoming GSI Webinars for 2020

(1.5 PDH each / upon completion of exam)

11:30 AM—1:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Topics, Dates and Registration at www.geosynthetic-institute.org/webinar.htm Cost: GSI Members $200; Nonmembers $250

ASCE/G-I Members: Read past and present issues of Geo-Strata magazine online at www.asce.org

HAVE DVGI PUBLISH YOUR ARTICLE, ADVERTISEMENT, OR JOB POSTING

Do you have an interesting article on a project or individual in your organization that you would like to have published in the DVGI newsletter?

Would you like to get the word out about a job opening, new venture, etc. to our membership via the newsletter?

Please submit your articles or news items for consideration in the next edition of the newsletter

or get in touch about our reasonably priced advertising by contacting Jeremy Brown ([email protected]).

Date GSI No. Title

January 22 W-20 Geosynthetic Drainage Materials: Applications, Design, Installation and Performance

February 19 W-18 Pond Liner Design and Performance

March 25 W-27 Stability Design of Landfill Cover Soils

April 22 W-9 Behavior and Analysis of Twenty Solid Waste Landfill Failures

May 20 W-23 Geotextile Filters; Concerns and Issues

June 24 W-15 In-Situ Stabilization of Soil Slopes Using Nailed (or Anchored) Geosynthetics

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Peirce Brandt, P.E. Peirce Engineering, Inc.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

We will continue to feature DVGI members in upcoming issues of the Newsletter. Please feel free to contact any of the board members with any general comments or member spotlight suggestions. Board member email addresses can be found on Page 5.

Continued on the following page…

Jennifer is a founder and principal of Peirce Engineering, Inc. located in Phoenixville, PA, with over 25 years experience in civil and geotechnical engineering projects. A Drexel dragon with dual degrees in civil and architectural engineering, Jennifer is a licensed professional engineer in PA, NJ, and DE. She is a member of the ASCE and DVGI and enjoys attending the monthly meetings when she isn’t running her 3 children to extracurricular activities. Jennifer and her husband, Drew, live in East Nantmeal, Chester County with their children. In her spare time, she coaches youth field hockey and is often on the sidelines cheering for her children as they all participate in youth football, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, and wrestling. Jennifer and her family enjoy long weekends hiking, swimming, and boating at their lake house in Laporte, Pennsylvania.

At Peirce Engineering, Inc. Jennifer works on the design of temporary and permanent excavation support systems, micropiles, underpinning, ground anchors, and temporary bridges. In addition to her engineering work, Jennifer is the Chief Operating Officer responsible for all other aspects of the business. Prior to working fulltime at Peirce Engineering, Inc., she worked for Urban Engineers in both the construction management and highway groups and at Associated Engineering Consultants.

Q & A with Jennifer:

Q: What got you first interested in the geo-world?

A: My father, John Peirce, was a huge influence on my career path. He is a great father and mentor. John’s passion for geotechnical engineering is contagious.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your Alma Mater?

A: I really can’t say enough good things about Drexel University. I was able to get a great education and gain sufficient work experience. I came away with multiple degrees and lifelong friends. It is great to go to a meeting or run into classmates working in the geotechnical industry.

Q: What is something about yourself that would surprise us?

A: I was a sophomore Co-op at Drexel, still in my teens, when we incorporated Peirce Engineering. I didn’t work

Jennifer Peirce Brandt

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full time there for several years, because I wanted to complete my degrees and gain my own work experience.  In addition to my engineering responsibilities, I do all the payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, insurance, HR, marketing, and everything else.

Q: What advice would you give to students studying a geo-profession?

A: Get out in the field. You need to see the project site and understand how things get built and how to read the drawings. It will make you a better designer.

Q: What are some career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

A: Listen! You may learn something. If you don’t know the answer on the spot, that is fine. Be honest. You can go back to the office and figure it out, even ask for help, and respond with the correct answer. Don’t be afraid to say no. If someone asks you to design something outside your expertise, it is ok to say no, thank you. Then learn how to do it!

Q: What are your hopes for our industry?

A: I hope that our industry continues to grow and that more and more women join our field. When I first started going to association meetings back in college, there would be one or two women besides myself. Now, when I look around an association meeting room I see more diversity. Women are commonly now running meetings and projects.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Philadelphia?

A: I love riding into the city and looking at boathouse row and the skyline. I enjoy going out for a nice meal and seeing a show or visiting a museum. I wish I could do it more often.

Q: What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?

A: I am lucky at Peirce Engineering that I get to work with my family every day. Yes, we do argue and fight most days, but I know they always have my back and they are great partners.

The Brandt Family

Con’t

Jennifer Peirce Brandt, P.E. Peirce Engineering, Inc.

Continued on the following page…

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

A: Work-life balance is the most challenging aspect for me. I am always trying to be Super Mom. Juggling the kids and their activities while also trying to be the best possible engineer is hard.

Q: What do you like most about Peirce Engineering?

A: I love working at Peirce Engineering. Owning my business gives me the flexibility to manage my schedule and projects. At Peirce Engineering, we work on many different types of projects. That variety keeps it exciting. One week I may be working on a sewer or bridge reconstruction and the next an excavation for a skyscraper like the Comcast Building while also squeezing in a few temporary truss bridge designs.

Q: What has been your favorite project at Peirce Engineering that you have been a part of?

A: There have been so many interesting projects that I have had the opportunity to work on. One of my favorites was the NJDOT Route 52 Causeway project: a two-mile long crossing of Great Egg Harbor between Somers Point and Ocean City, New Jersey. I designed 67 cofferdams for bridge pier and abutment construction while on my maternity leave.

Con’t

Jennifer Peirce Brandt, P.E. Peirce Engineering, Inc.

(All images courtesy of J. Brandt)

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

NJDOT Route 52 Causeway

PennFirst Project

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ADVERTISEMENT

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ADVERTISEMENT

Mid-Level Geotechnical Engineer Kleinfelder’s Exton office is seeking a creative, highly talented, experienced Midlevel Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing company. Our Exton office offers a wide range of challenging project work and a great opportunity to develop professionally. In this role, the ideal candidate will have the opportunity to work as part of a solid team while helping mentor more junior level team members. The position includes trouble shooting field issues, working on geotechnical calculations and analysis and report writing. To be successful in this role, it is crucial that the chosen candidate have the ability to organize priorities and multi-task effectively, a thirst to learn and achieve continuous improvement in a team environment, and a can-do attitude and problem-solving mindset. Daily activities include but are not limited to the basic components of the delivery of a fundamental geotechnical investigation including: organization and performance of the field investigation assignment of the appropriate lab testing performance of the associated engineering analyses under the PE’s guidance preparation of the geotechnical report ability to work with design teams to incorporate geotechnical aspects into site designs demonstrate experience with, or the ability to readily learn earthwork and foundation construction

observation Basic requirements: BS in Civil Engineering with EIT 5+ years of engineering consulting experience with a focus in geotechnical engineering (including site

grading, erosion / sedimentation control or stormwater management) 2+ years field experience (drilling, boring sampling, data collections) Strong verbal and written communication skills Regional geotechnical experience Ability to travel up to 25% to project sites and Kleinfelder offices Preferred requirements: Professional Engineer (PE) licensure MS in Geotechnical Engineering Construction experience Experience with CAD, gINT, Lpile, and SlopeW software Kleinfelder offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. Kleinfelder is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules). Please contact Jim Beideman, [email protected] or 610-594-1444 extension 109, for more information and to submit a resume.

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HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA

APRIL 22-24, 2020

EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

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D V G I

C O R P O R A T E S P O N S O R S

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D V G I

C O R P O R A T E S P O N S O R S

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D V G I

C O R P O R A T E S P O N S O R S

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D V G I

C O R P O R A T E S P O N S O R S

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L O C A L

U N I V E R S I T I E S

Widener University