4:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Reducing Slope Instability Using Manufactured Turf/Earth Reinforcement Systems
Presented by Mr. Michael Jotzke, CPESC, with Western Green
BIO: Since starting his career in environmental engineering in 2008, Michael Jotzke has made a big difference in how we protect our environment and use green technology. He began by working for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, where for seven years, he played a key role in creating flood protection projects that helped keep communities safe. Michael then took his talents to the private sector, where he's been a Technical Manager for several companies, including East Coast Erosion Control, Gripple Inc., Geo Products, and Western Green. There, he's been behind the creation of hundreds of successful products that help control erosion and stabilize sites in eco-friendly ways. Apart from his work, Michael also leads important groups in the field. He's the technical chair of the Erosion Control Technology Council and helps direct a new nonprofit called the Environmentally Sustainable Materials Institute, pushing for better, greener materials in engineering.
ABSTRACT: This presentation analyzes Turf/Earth Reinforcement Mat Systems (TERMS) for mitigating shallow-plane slope instability by enhancing soil shear strength and stability. It examines slope stability through soil properties, water interactions, and safety factor modeling, demonstrating TERMS' effectiveness in reducing failure risks. A case study highlights real-world applications, such as roadside slopes and shorelines, showcasing TERMS as a reliable geotechnical solution.
5:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Introduction to Helical Piles
Presented by Dr. Howard A. Perko, P.E., with Magnum Piering, Inc.
BIO: Dr. Perko has 30+ years of professional engineering experience and holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical/Foundation Engineering specialization. He is a licensed professional engineer in 15 states, and his project experience includes foundations, earth dams, slope stability, excavation shoring, earth retention, underpinning, and dewatering systems. Dr. Perko has authored over 70 technical publications on topics including earth anchors, driven piles, shoring, rotary displacement piles, soil shear strength, underground corrosion, deep foundations, expansive soils, and extraterrestrial soil mechanics.
In addition to these technical articles, Dr. Perko was the lead author of AC358, the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Helical Piles. He was also the original author of all sections of the International Building Code relating to helical piles. Perhaps one of his more notable accomplishments is that he wrote the 530-page textbook, “Helical Piles: A Practical Guide to Design and Installation,” published in 2009 by Wiley International.
Dr. Perko's experience with helical pile design and installation started with one of the first commercial helical pile foundation quality assurance inspections in the Denver, CO area in 1994. Due to their speed of installation, versatility, and improved quality compared to small-diameter drilled shafts, helical piles became one of Dr. Perko's life interests. While at CTL|Thompson, Dr. Perko started the IAS-accredited helical pile test facility. He now serves as Director of Engineering to Magnum Piering, Inc., an Ohio-based helical pile manufacturer.
Dr. Perko is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Deep Foundations Institute. As a DFI member, he served 5 years as the secretary, 2 years as vice-chair, 4 years as chair of the Helical Tie-Backs and Foundations Committee. He is currently the Trustee Liaison to the Helical Tie-Backs and Foundations Committee and the Electric Power Transmission Structure Foundation Committee.
ABSTRACT: Dr. Perko will provide in-depth insights into the latest advancements in helical pile foundations. He will explore applications, construction techniques, and design principles to demonstrate how this technology optimizes contemporary foundation engineering.
