2026 CGS-SOS Non-Destructive Evaluation of Deep Foundations Workshop
About this Event
This event offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of advanced evaluation techniques essential for modern civil engineering projects.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with experts and peers in the field while expanding your professional skills in a dynamic, collaborative environment!
This workshop aims to:
- Present the most common challenges in the construction of drilled shafts and deep foundations
- Discuss the role of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in enhancing quality control programs
- Introducing contractors, consultants and owners to fundamental concepts in NDT of concrete piles
Morning Sessions: Fundamentals and NDT Methods Overview
7:30 – 8:15 AM – Registration & Breakfast
8:15 – 8:30 AM – Welcome Attendees, Overview of workshop, Introduction of the speakers
Session 1: NDT Technologies and Principles (Speaker: Hamed Layssi & Fatemeh Valikhah; FPrimeC): 8:30 – 10:00 AM
- Defects in concrete piles – (anything that can go wrong will go wrong)
- The importance of Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) programs
- Introduction to most common NDT methods for deep foundations
- Recommendations for designers on including NDT program in deep foundation design from the beginning.
10:00 – 10:30 AM – Coffee Break
Session 2: Testing in Practice and Data Interpretation (Speaker: Ryan Allin; Pile Dynamics Inc.): 10:30 – 12:00 PM
- Capabilities, limitations, and selection of appropriate methods
- Challenges in data interpretation and reporting
- Case examples from recent projects
- Lessons learned from real projects
12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch Break
Afternoon Sessions – Construction, Ownership, and Decision-Making
Session 3: Construction Perspective – Quality Control (Speaker: Peter Faust; Malcolm): 1:00 – 2:00 PM
- What information is needed to evaluate the integrity of deep foundations?
- NDT test results indicate anomalies. Do we need to reject that element?
- Why should the designer or contractor be involved in the decision?
- How to manage delays due to re-testing or possible remediation?
- What are the most common corrective actions?
2:00 – 2:15 PM – Short Break
Session 4: Owner Perspective – NDT in Foundation Re-Use (Speaker: Tony Sangiuliano; MTO): 2:15 – 3:15 PM
- How can NDT be used for assessment of existing piles?
- Owner expectations for foundations – Dealing with extended service life
- Use of NDT data for risk mitigation and lifecycle management
- How can asset owners rely on NDT in foundation reuse projects?
- Case studies from large infrastructure projects showcasing the application of NDT methods in Foundation Re-Use
3:15 – 3:30 PM – Short Break
3:30 – 4:30 PM – Panel Discussion and Open Q&A (Moderator: Masoud Manzari, Hatch)
- How to align perspectives and expectations of different stakeholders involved in deep foundation testing
- How different sectors can collaborate to effectively use NDT program and results to improve deep foundation construction in major infrastructure projects
- Questions/answers/discussions from attendees
4:30 – 5:00 PM – Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways – Closing
Presenters Biographies
Ryan Allin joined Pile Dynamics, Inc in 2004 as a project engineer and has been integral in various testing, R&D, and educational efforts since. He has a BS in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University and has achieved Expert level on the PDCA/PDI Dynamic Measurement and Analysis Proficiency Test. After several years performing the entire range of deep foundation engineering services throughout the United States and in international offshore projects, Ryan is currently responsible for all PDI/GRL educational programs for foundation testing professionals. In that capacity he has lectured on numerous seminars, webinars and workshops on foundation testing and has co-authored papers on the subject.
Ryan is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Deep Foundations Industry and Pile Driving Contractors Association, and a registered professional engineer in Ohio, Kentucky, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Indiana.
Peter Faust - VP Business Development
Peter Faust has over 30 years of professional experience in the design and construction of foundations. He graduated from Technical University Graz in Austria with a Masters in Geotechnical Engineering. After being involved in project management and engineering of large and complex infrastructure projects in Asia and Europe he did join Malcolm in 2006. He is responsible for business development, strategic planning, managing corporate communications, and marketing. He serves as DFI’s Trustee and has also contributed to the efforts of EFFC and DFI publishing a series of guidelines about Tremie Concrete, Support Fluid and Working Platforms for Deep Foundations. He is also a member of the American Concrete Institute and serves in the ACI 336 committee.
Tony Sangiuliano
Tony is presently the Head of Foundations within the Structures Office at the MTO. Over his illustrious 38-year career at the Ministry he has provided technical support and direction in Foundation Engineering and Construction on numerous MTO projects including bridge foundations, embankments on soft ground, retaining walls and tunnels. Recognizing that success is achieved by partnering, Tony prides himself in working collaboratively and respectfully with external service providers, contractors and suppliers in the planning, designing, construction and maintenance of the highway infrastructure in Ontario.
Tony encourages innovation and seeks opportunity to develop, enhance and advance the Geotechnical Engineering practice. He has upgraded the technical standard at the MTO with his determination to invest in new technologies, materials and methodologies. He has engaged industry and academia to study and research new concepts and ideas. As a champion of infrastructure sustainability through smart investment decisions and innovation, MTO foundation and geotechnical work are being delivered more efficiently and cost effectively.
Hamed Layssi, Ph.D, P.Eng
Co-Founder, Managing Director, and structural engineer at FPrimeC Solutions Inc. with over 15 years of academic and industry experience in the inspection, testing and assessment of structural systems, in Canada. Dr. Layssi is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario and British Columbia, and holds a PhD from McGill University, Canada. Dr. Layssi is voting member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), ACI 228 “Non-destructive Testing of Concrete” Associate Committee Member, and Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Testing and Evaluation Committee. He is a guest member at the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CSI S6:19). He was among the top 150 researchers in Canada (Mitacs, 2018) and is the recipient of 2018 entrepreneurship award from the PEO, Ottawa Chapter.
Fatemeh Valikhah, PhD, PMP
Fatemeh is a Geo-Structural Engineering Specialist and Project Manager at FPrimeC Solutions Inc. She holds a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering and has over ten years of experience as a researcher, scholar, and engineering professional. Her expertise includes pile integrity testing and the condition assessment of deep foundations using nondestructive testing methods. Her work focuses on quality assurance, structural evaluation of deep foundation systems, and supporting engineering decisions through reliable test data. She is a member of the DFI Foundation Reuse Committee and the Testing and Evaluation Committee.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The objective is to bring together different stakeholders to share their experience and perspectives on deep foundation construction challenges and the role of non-destructive testing methods in addressing these challenges. Attendees most suitable for this workshop are:
- Owners
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Geo-Structural Engineers
- Contractors / QC Teams
Notes:
- No refund is possible from 72 hours to the start of the event.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 54.99 to CAD 2500.00
