INDUSTRY ARTICLES
To help you keep abreast of our ever-evolving industry, we will regularly consolidate and post technical design/construction and management-related articles, all written by widely recognized geo-industry researchers, designers, constructors, and consultants.
These articles have previously appeared in respected geo-industry publications, and/or were developed specifically under the auspices, and for the use of Pieresearch, and appear with the permission of the publications of record, Pieresearch and the authors.
Texas 10-Year Transportation Expansion Plan
Governor Abbott recently adopted TxDOT's 2023 Unified Transportation Program, advancing $85 billion in a 10-year statewide roadway construction plan. If you're planning to bid on one of these projects, let Pieresearch make sure your Transportation Project is Done Right!
New Samsung Semiconductor Plant in Texas
Work is underway at Samsung's new Semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas (just outside of Austin). The Taylor facility, expected to open in 2024, will boost the production of semiconductor solutions that will power next-generation technologies...
The Unibar Revolution
In drilled shaft construction, rebar cages are typically used to reinforce the shaft during excavation. The design of this cage is critically important to the stability of the cage and the success of the overall construction project. As a general rule, a rebar cage for a drilled shaft consists of longitudinal bars that are distributed with equal spacing along the perimeter of a cylinder...
The Standard of Care by Nelson Forensics
Forensic experts use their technical knowledge to investigate failures or performance problems in various types of structures, which may involve providing testimony on the findings of these investigations in a legal forum. When failures occur or defects are alleged in the built environment, forensic experts (commonly engineers and architects) often must determine the causes...
SEAoT interview with Pieresearch discussing Why Specifications Matter
SPECIFICATIONS MATTER: WHY STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCTS FOR EVERY PROJECT. If you’re a structural, civil, or geotechnical engineer in Texas, you probably know of Pieresearch®. Pieresearch® serves the deep foundation and earth retention industries, offering structural engineers rebar reinforcing alignment and centralizer products...
Pile Buck’s interview with Pieresearch
Pile Buck’s interview with Pieresearch®—designer and manufacturer of rebar reinforcing alignment products for the deep foundations industry...
The Use of Rebar Cages in Drilled Shaft Construction
In drilled shaft construction, rebar cages are typically used to reinforce the shaft during excavation. The design of this cage is critically important to the stability of the cage and the success of the overall construction project. As a general rule, a rebar cage for a drilled shaft consists of longitudinal bars that are distributed with equal spacing along the perimeter of a cylinder...
Adjustable Quick-Lock® Unibar® Centralizers for Single-Element Reinforcing
We have long known about the importance of proper alignment for reinforcing cages in drilled shaft construction. It is no less important to provide the same quality assurance for related deep foundation and earth support construction applications. In order to achieve proper design strength in any drilled and grouted hole the bar or tendon must be centered …
Ideas = Innovation
Stan Agee
“Ideas are responsible for the progression and prosperity of humans – without them we would still be living in prehistoric times.” – Sir Richard Branson. Everything begins with an idea. Some ideas are outlandish, others brilliant even transformational. But most ideas never see the light of day because people lack the courage, time or resources to put them into action. …
Construction Specifications – The Perils of Product Substitution
David A. Palmer and Timothy D. Howell, Attorneys at Law
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” Despite what Juliet told Romeo, a rose by another name may not always smell as sweet. We’ve all been there – faced with deciding whether to agree to a substitution that may be inferior.…
HOW’S THE WATER?
Stan Agee
“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” This 12th Century English homily presents a classic conundrum: Why won’t the horse drink the water? Not drinking is clearly self-destructive. Refusing water seems absurd. But let’s look at the situation from the horse’s point of view. If the horse has been led to the water …
SPALLING IS BAD, FALLING IS WORSE
Stewart M. Verhulst, M.S., P.E., RRC
Public safety is of paramount importance for engineers and architects designing buildings. Most design professionals are diligent in their pursuit of safe structures, carefully calculating the loading conditions, detailing connections and support conditions, and preparing their drawings and specifications. …
Do you have an article idea on an industry-related topic?