Join us for our June dinner meeting at Madeline's, with a presentation by Chris Woods, Vice-President of Business Development for Menard.
SCHEDULE:
- 5:30 p.m. - Cocktail hour
- 6:30 p.m. - Dinner
- 7:30 p.m. - Presentation
PRESENTATION: Ground Improvement: A Deeper Dive into Dynamic Compaction
Dynamic Compaction (DC) is a widely adopted ground improvement technique that enhances soil properties for construction on challenging sites. This method involves dropping heavy weights—typically 10–30 tons—from heights of 50–100 feet in a controlled grid pattern, generating compression and shear waves that densify loose or uncontrolled soils. DC is particularly effective for granular fills, loose sands, landfills, and debris fills, improving bearing capacity and reducing settlement to tolerable levels. Its advantages include enabling conventional shallow foundations, mitigating liquefaction risks, and avoiding hazardous waste exposure compared to undercut-and-replace strategies.
SPEAKER: Chris Woods, P.E., G.E., P.Eng., CEng MIEI, BC.GE, LEEDAP BD+C, F.ASCE.
Chris Woods is Vice-President of Business Development for the Pittsburgh-based design-build specialty contractor Menard USA. Prior to joining Menard, Chris spent thirteen years as the Vice President of a national dynamic compaction specialty contractor and another thirteen years as a geotechnical consultant practicing primarily in the Northeastern United States. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Degree from Purdue University and his Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering from Virginia Tech. He has over 25 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a particular specialization in ground improvement; he has additionally been involved with the design of shallow and deep foundation systems, evaluation of earth slope stability, design of retaining walls, geotechnical instrumentation monitoring, and extensive construction oversight. Chris is presently serving a three-year term on the Board of Trustees for the Academy of Geoprofessionals (AGP) and has been an active member of the ASCE and the Geo-Institute, serving as a member of the Geo-Strata Editorial Board since 2015, and presently as Vice Chair of the Soil Improvement Committee. Chris has also been involved in several initiatives with the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), including serving as the Chair of the Student Engagement Committee, serving on the Editorial Board for DFI Journal, and as Co-Technical Chair of the 2022 DFI International Conference. Chris is also an active member of the ASCE Foundation Standards Committee.