ADSC’s Training Programs Lead the Industry
by Mike Moore
ADSC Education and
Training Administrator

  ADSC: The International Association of Foundation Drilling continues to be the recognized leader in providing education and training programs as they relate to the drilled foundation industry. Recently, ADSC conducted two of its most popular classes offered to its members, Drill Rig Operators School

Participants at DROS take time to exchange ideas during lunch.

(DROS), and Supervisory Management Training Institute (SPTI); and The Micropile Design and Construction Seminar, which was provided for members and non-members of ADSC.

 DROS

   The DROS program is specific to the installation of drilled shafts and provides an experience similar to AMPIS (Anchor and Micropile Installation School), as students are taught the latest techniques, tools, and methods used today by the industry leaders. This course allows the student to gain knowledge on topics such as safety, tools, slurry, concrete placement, soil conditions, equipment, leadership development, and jobsite math. In addition, and what serves as the major attraction of the DROS program, is the unique opportunity it provides students to perform specific tasks as an operator. They spend time sitting in the operator’s seat, pulling levers and digging holes, on different drill rigs furnished by various manufacturers. This educational package of classroom and field experience, as it relates to the drill rig operator, is rewarding to the employer. The employee returns to the project with a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and duties required for the highest level of performance.

  On May 5-12, Ronnie Sisk and Larry Fowler of McKinney Drilling Company in Kernersville, North Carolina, graciously provided ADSC the facility for DROS. The coordination of the school was handled by ADSC Board Member and Education Committee Chairman, Tony Kraut, Watson Incorporated, and

Charlie Booth, American Equipment & Fabricating Corporation, provides details for the operation of a SoilMec Drill Rig for a DROS attendee.

ADSC Board Member and Governance Committee Chairman, Eric Reuther, Illini Drilled Foundations. seventeen students participated in the 6th DROS. The students came from all parts of the country, representing companies of all sizes. The student’s rig experience varied. there were some with several years experience, while others had little or no experience at all. By the program’s completion, each attendee had experience drilling with different equipment, operating under a variety of conditions, setting casing, changing tools, equipment maintenance, and participated in a drilling with a slurry demonstration, provided by Frank Wilson, KB International.

  The topics, instructors, and manufacturers represented were: ADSC Safety Committee Chairman Rick Marshall, Richard Goettle, Inc.; Drilling with Slurry, Max Holmes, Geo-Tech Services; Matching Tools to Ground Conditions, Robert Frost, TEREX Reedrill; Harris Wilson, Russo Corporation, Concrete Placement; Soil Borings, ADSC Treasurer, Dr. W. Tom Witherspoon, P.E., S&W Foundation Contractors; Tony Kraut, Hydraulic and Electric Maintenance; Carlos Maese, Human Dynamics, Leadership Development; Jobsite Math, John Matulia, Hayward Baker; Proper Tool Maintenance, Chris Thompson and Jeff Sager, Jeffrey Machine; and The Role of the Driller, Bill Powers, Hayes Drilling, Johnny Mays, McKinney Drilling Company; Kelly Tractor/IMT, Eben Erasmus and Bob Byrne; Bay Shore Systems, Dave Wright; Johnny Dobbins, The Russo Corporation; Watson Incorporated, Reggie Ackerman; and Equipment Corporation of America, SoilMec, Charlie Booth.

  "I learned a lot that I will take to work with me everyday." "It gave me a great deal of pride, understanding, respect, and most importantly passion for the industry and myself." These were comments that were made by DROS attendees.

  We wish to recognize our dedicated sponsors who supported this program: The Crosby Group, Skyline Steel, Voss Parts and Supply, Watson Incorporated, KB International, Bay Shore Systems, Pengo, Steel Pipe Fabricators, TEREX Reedrill, and Kelly Tractor/IMT.

SPTI

  SPTI provides a training program designed for Field Personnel for members of ADSC. It was held at the McKimmon Center on the campus of North

Jim Harmston, Harmston Consulting, shares his experiences of dealing with personnel at one of the SPTI sessions.

Carolina State University, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The purpose of SPTI is to enhance communication skills and provide an awareness and understanding of the challenges affecting the Field Manager, and their ability to perform at a higher level. In addition, this course details different job-site challenges, while broadening the attendee’s knowledge of drilled shafts and anchored earth retention systems, including anchors and micropiles. It provides the student with information and awareness which will increase their ability to manage the project, and the people responsible for it, with emphasis on quality assurance and quality control.

  Former ADSC Education Committee Chairman, Ben Dutton, Equipment Corporation of America, coordinated the SPTI program held on June 7-10. The attendees were provided a classroom environment to gain insight from leaders in the technologies of Drilled Shafts, Anchored Earth Retention Systems, and Micropiles. Topics included safety, installation methods, design, testing, materials, and company management. The class was comprised of sixteen attendees representing several states, including one representative from an ADSC member company in England. The diversity of the class provided interaction among the participants regarding the different technologies highlighted in this program. The class concluded with an Awards Dinner co-sponsored by Equipment Corporation of America.

  Classroom presenters included: ADSC Northeast Chapter President, Martin McDermott, McKinney Drilling Company; ADSC Board Member, Bill Heckman, Hayward Baker; Jim Harmston, Harmston Consulting Company; Dan Hood, Hi Caps; Jeff Goodwin, Foundation Testing Equipment; Rick Marshall, Richard Goettle, Inc.; ADSC Board Member and Micropile Committee Chairman, Allan Cadden, Schnabel Engineering; Terrence Lee, DSI; and Ben Dutton, Equipment Corporation of America.

  Attendees commented, "I enjoyed meeting drillers from all over the country, learning about their experiences, and hearing their stories." "The class was excellent, and the information I received is very useful."

Micropile Seminar

  A two day Micropile Design and Construction Seminar was held in Plymouth, Minnesota, on July 11-12. ADSC member, Roger Baldwin, Nicholson

Participants gather around SPTI Coordinator, Ben Dutton (third row center), Equipment Corporation of America.

Construction, served as the program coordinator. The event provided attendees the opportunity to learn what the industry experts are doing relative to Micropile Design, Construction, Specification, Materials, Testing, and Costing for today’s projects and materials used. It also provided awareness to owners, design engineers, and those in local and state government of the different micropile applications as they relate to specific projects, as case studies were part of the agenda. The panel discussions at the conclusion of each day provided a deeper understanding of the presented material, and provided opportunity to address specific questions and concerns. In addition to hearing presentations from the top Micropile engineers, the 85 attendees were able to view exhibits provided by 14 of the leading manufacturers, designers, and suppliers in the Micropile industry.

  The presenters at the Micropile Seminar were: Donald A. Bruce, Ph.D., CEng., LG, LEG, Geosystems, LP; Allen Cadden, P.E. and Jesús Gómez, Ph.D, P.E., Schnabel Engineering; Thomas D. Richards, Jr, P.E. and Roger Baldwin, P.E., Nicholson Construction; Mark R. Goudschaal, P.E., Schnabel Foundation Company; Tim J. Myers, Layne GeoConstruction; Richard D. Stehly, P.E., FACI and Gregory R. Reuter, P.E., P.G., American Engineering Testing, Inc.; Steve Jaques, CMR, LLC; Lowell Wenzel, Wenzel Engineering; John R. Wolosick, P.E., Hayward Baker; and Horst K. Aschenbroich, Con-Tech Systems.

  ADSC would especially like to thank our Co-Sponsors for the Micropile Seminar: Deep foundations Institute, International Society for Micropiles, Geo-

Exhibitors at the Micropile Seminar had the opportunity to display their latest products.

Institute and canadian Geotechnical Society.

  " The experience, knowledge, and networking ability ADSC provides through the many programs they offer has allowed me to have the success I currently enjoy. If not for the ADSC I would not be where I am today, and I look forward to the opportunities ADSC continues to provide," stated a recent program attendee.

Exhibitors included

Atlantic Drill
Baroid
Boart Longyear
Cetco
Con-Tech Systems
DSI
Hayward Baker
Pengo
SAS Stressteel
Schnabel Foundation
Service Engineers
TEI Rock Drills
Veit
Williams Form Engineering

  The success of ADSC’s education and training programs is directly attributed to the members who willingly volunteer and support the ADSC and its programs. It is through their efforts that these programs find their success. The ADSC Staff would like to express our appreciation to all those who make events like these possible. Upcoming events include the Slurry School, Anchored Earth Retention Seminar, and AMPIS. If you have any questions regarding these upcoming programs, or seek additional information, please visit www.adsc-iafd.com, or contact Mike Moore at mmoore@adsc-iafd.com.