DELAWARE VALLEY GEO-INSTITUTE 03 DVGI March Newsletter reduced.p… · April 16, 2020, Dinner...

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:

March 2020 Dinner Meeting……….....1 February 2020 Dinner Meeting……....2 Announcements ………………….......3-5 Member Spotlight………….….….....6-8 Project of the Year Submission…..9-11 Advertisements…………….………….12 Events and Conferences....................13 Sponsors and Universities...........14-17

March 2020 DVGI Dinner Meeting—Student Night

MEETING ABSTRACT:

DVGI Student Night will again be hosted by Villanova University. This year’s event will include a keynote address by past DVGI chair and indie-rock band Civil Discord’s guitarist Jay McKelvey, P.E., D.GE – Director of Geotechnical Design, Earth Engineering Inc. Following the keynote address there will be three short student presentations and the DVGI Scholarship award presentation. Our student presenters will be:

Zhuang Zhuo from Rowan University:

“A Methodology for Back-Calculating the Thermal Properties and Design of Thermally Insulated Flexible Pavement Structures”

Ali Al Saadi from the University of Delaware:

“Performance of a Geosynthetic-Encased Stone Column Bearing on a Non-Rigid Layer: Numerical Study”

Rui Liu from Rowan University:

“Experimental Characterization of Frozen Soil through Electrical Resistivity Measurement"

Due to the Student Night Format, no PDHs will be awarded for attendance.

SPEAKER: James A. McKelvey, P.E., D.GE – Director of Geotechnical Design, Earth Engineering Inc.

TOPIC: Student Night 2020 !!

DATE: Wednesday March 11, 2020

LOCATION: Villanova University, Connelly Center, 800 Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA

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

7:15 PM Presentation

February 2020 Joint DVGI-SEI Dinner Meeting

Structural Design for Multifamily Projects

Dave Brown – Vice President of CBG Building Company

This presentation discussed structural design for multifamily projects. Different design techniques including foundation improvements, podium design, and wood framing were presented. Specifically, the different types of podiums were reviewed: Concrete (PT and conventional), Steel/Concrete, Precast Plank, Composite (Hambro). Also the advantages/disadvantages of each, cost, and construction impact in this market were discussed.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dave started the Philadelphia office in 2017 and is currently responsible for all work in the greater Philadelphia area. His portfolio in this market includes: The Smith Valley Forge (320 units - $57M), Parkview at Oaklands (291 units - $52M), and 130 Monument (205 units - $41M). Dave is a 2009 graduate from Virginia Tech with a degree in Civil Engineering.

Dave Brown (Image Source: Russ Preuss)

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

March 11, 2020, Dinner Meeting: Student Night—Villanova University April 16, 2020, Dinner Meeting: ASCE Joint Meeting—Michael Senior,

Schnabel Engineering—Boundary Hydroelectric Dam Rock Stabilization May 19, 2020, Dinner Meeting: Willie NeSmith, Berkel—DFI Traveling

Lecture June 2020 (TBD): Golf Outing

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]

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

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

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

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Matthew Van Rensler, P.E. Duffield Associates

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…

Matthew is the Geotechnical Division Director at Duffield Associates, Inc. with its headquarters located in Wilmington, Delaware. He has nearly 20 years of civil and geotechnical experience. Both his undergraduate and graduate degrees are from Drexel University, and he earned his MBA from Goldey-Beacom College. Matthew is a licensed professional engineer in PA, NJ, DE and DC. During his career, Matthew has held a variety of roles from consulting engineer, construction project manager, and part-time instructor: all focused in the geotechnical field.

When not at work, Matthew is busy shuttling his two children to field hockey, swimming, lacrosse or spending time coaching little league baseball. Occasionally, he is home at the same time as his wife, Rebecca, in their Newark, DE residence. If he had free time, Matthew would be on a golf course, anywhere.

Q & A with Matt:

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

A: I never had a set plan to practice geotechnical engineering. It was through the Drexel Co-op program that I was first introduced to geotechnics at the former Woodward Clyde under the tutelage of John Volk and many other talented engineers. It was there where I saw that this could become the start of my career.

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

A: Drexel did an excellent job preparing students to enter the workforce. We were trained on resume writing, interviewing, etc. The Co-op program gave us a distinct advantage during the hiring process at the start of our careers.

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

A: I am an ‘ordained’ minister and available for weddings (just kidding).

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

A: While not unique to the geo-field, I would encourage them to find a position at a firm with a strong culture of mentorship. Geotechnical Engineering is a rare profession in that only true ‘time in the saddle’ will help you grow. A strong mentor can make sure that you are gaining the prerequisite experiences to become a successful engineer. Also, one should always keep their hardhat, boots and an extra pair of jeans in the trunk of their car!

Matt Van Rensler

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

A: (1) When you make a mistake, be the first to acknowledge it. (2) Be honest. It is always easier to remember the truth. (3) Take time to get to know your colleagues. They often have interesting life stories that will help you understand what makes them tick.

Q: What are your hopes for our industry?

A: I would like to see our industry improve our visibility and promote the important role we play on projects. The geotechnical engineer of record should have a place on the front page of all design drawings. Our profession is important and we can add great value. Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Philadelphia?

A: My favorite activity is to pass on my love of all Philly sports to my children. These past several years have been very special to see their excitement and, unfortunately all too often, disappointment in our teams. It is important to me that they understand how passionate Philly fans can be and the expectation of ‘hustle’ and playing the game the right way.

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

A: Obviously solving an engineering problem is enjoyable, but it is even better when I am able to explain our work in a way that is understandable to non-engineers. Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

A: Communication. I have seen many projects with poor outcomes simply due to a lack of good communication. As geotechnical engineers we work with numbers, tables,

etc., but we can often forget the human element of our work. Most problems on projects are due to a lack of clear communication. In a digital age, it is important to stop and take the time to call someone instead of firing off an email. You would be surprised how many contentious situations can be resolved by either a phone call or an in-person meeting.

Q: What do you like most about Duffield?

A: Duffield Associates, Inc. is a women-owned business. We have many great women engineers and it is always something that women candidates mention to me at career fairs. I also enjoy how our firm engages in community outreach events such as blood drives,

Matt with the Lombardi Trophy

Con’t

Matt Van Rensler, P.E. Duffield Associates


MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

backpacks for the homeless, roadside clean ups, etc. Long gone are the days of coming to work and punching a clock in and out. Young professionals are often looking for a firm that can provide experiences and value to their surrounding communities.

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

A: I can’t say there is a single project that would be my favorite. Rather, I enjoy passing any of the many jobs I have been a part of, even if only I know it.

Con’t

Matt Van Rensler, P.E. Duffield Associates

(All images courtesy of M. Van Rensler)

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Matt and His Family

PROJECT OF THE YEAR SUBMISSION

Project: PennFirst

Client: Penn Medicine

Contractors: JPC Group, Inc.

Engineers: Peirce Engineering, Inc.—Design of Support of Excavation, Micropiles, Load Testing, Underpinning, and Rock Bolting; Langan—Project Geotechnical Engineer

Submitted By: Jennifer Peirce Brandt, P.E., Peirce Engineering, Inc.

We will continue to feature Project of the Year Submissions in upcoming issues of the Newsletter. Please contact any of the board members with any general comments or questions. Board member email addresses can be found on Page 4.


Project Description

Peirce Engineering, Inc. and JPC Group, Inc. formed one of the teams selected by the PennFirst Integrated Project Delivery Team during the pre-qualification process to bid on the excavation/shoring package in 2016. Following pre-construction meetings and multiple rounds of pricing, our team was selected. The state of the art, PennFirst Pavilion will house 500 patient rooms and 47 operating rooms over 17 floors and 1.5 million square feet. The geo-structural support systems are complete, but the building will not be open for patients until 2021.

The geo-structural portion of this $1.5 billion dollar project included the design and construction of temporary excavation support systems for the PennFirst Patient Pavilion at One Convention Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The shoring systems, for excavations up to 60-feet deep, consisted of a drilled-in wall line, double soldier beams with thru tieback connections at multiple levels. Along the north side of the project, adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, shoring systems included rock bolting and shotcrete, tied back soldier beams and timber lagging, and underpinning piers. In addition to the building excavation system, a three-stage, braced soldier beams and lagging system was designed for tunnel and water line reconstruction in and across 34th Street connecting the new pavilion to the existing hospital. Where large crane surcharges

were required adjacent to the 60-foot high sheeting walls, temporary 80-Ton design load compression micropiles were installed and static load tested to transfer the surcharge to bedrock below the adjacent building subgrade. Permanent geotechnical foundation work for this project included the design, installation, and testing of 95-Ton design load micropiles and 140-Kip design load tiedown anchors.

Martin and Nancy McDermott

Figure 1— Temporary Excavation Support: Tied Back Double Soldier Beams and Lagging

Geotechnical Challenges

The PennFirst project was a challenging geotechnical project located in an extremely busy urban area. In order to maintain emergency vehicle access to the hospitals and to maintain vehicular traffic on 34th Street, the tunnel was constructed in 3 stages, around existing utilities and overhead structures. The north side of the site offered a different set of challenges. Supporting the existing museum and its additions with different foundation types required 3 different systems. The historic, 1896 Harrison Rotunda’s spread footings were supported with rock bolts and shotcrete while the newer Cox Addition’s deeper pier foundations were supported by a combination of soldier beams and lagging and concrete underpinning piers. Limiting museum movement and vibrations and maintaining delivery access for exhibit pieces were major considerations.

This project incorporated the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach. The project team worked together side by side from the beginning of the design process. This new delivery approach was challenging for the support of excavation design and construction. The building was being designed simultaneously which required coordination and revisions for both the building footprint and depth of excavation. The excavation support system had to consider additional lateral forces resulting from installation of the precast structure.

Figure 2—Rock Bolting and Shotcrete at Historic Harrison Rotunda


PROJECT OF THE YEAR SUBMISSION Continued

Figure 3—Temporary Excavation and Utilities Support: Staged Tunnel and Sewer Construction Across 34th St. at HUP Emergency Room Access

PROJECT OF THE YEAR SUBMISSION Continued

Figure 4—Micropile 160 -on Static Load Test with Temporary Tiedown Anchors

Figure 5—Micropile Foundation Support for 550-Ton Capacity Hydraulic Crane Lowering Crawler Crane into 60-foot Deep Excavation

HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA

APRIL 22-24, 2020

EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

D V G I

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

L O C A L

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

Widener University

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