In 2018, DFI introduced the DFI Traveling Lecturer program to promote the field of geotechnical engineering and deep foundation construction by encouraging students to explore a career in the deep foundations industry, providing information on topics of interest to members of the industry, and raising awareness of how DFI and its activities support the industry. Each year, DFI selects a prominent industry expert as the DFI Traveling Lecturer to present a series of lectures to university students, professional groups, and industry associations.
Thomas D. Richards, Jr., P.E., D.GE, retired chief engineer and now consultant at Nicholson Construction Company, has been selected as the 2021-2022 DFI Traveling Lecturer. He is available, on request of DFI, to present lectures September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022.
For over 30 years at Nicholson, Richards dealt with technical aspects of a multitude of specialized geotechnical projects using micropiles, anchors, soil nails, diaphragm walls and numerous grouting techniques. Richards’ responsibilities included design, quality control, research, testing and instrumentation. He was active in numerous committees of DFI, ADSC, PTI and ASCE, leading to frequent commenting on FHWA and other industry documents. He is a past chair of DFI’s Micropile Committee and the Anchored Earth Retention Committee, and remains active on a few DFI and ADSC committees. He is also a member of The Moles. In 2019, Richards was awarded DFI’s Distinguished Service Award.
“Tom Richards’ 30-plus years of experience in the geotechnical construction industry and his dedicated involvement as a trustee and technical committee chair with DFI, make him an ideal traveling lecturer to represent the industry and the institute,” says Theresa Engler, DFI executive director. “Widely acknowledged as an expert in the field of micropiles and in the use of anchors for dam and earth support, he is always willing to share his knowledge with the deep foundations community.”
Following are the topics available for the 2021-2022 traveling lecturer series:
- Dam Anchors
- Current Rock Grouting Practice for Corps of Engineers (COE)
- Mandalay Bay Micropiles
- Intro to Diaphragm Walls
- Static Pile Load Tests: Rules, Do’s, Don’ts, Acceptance
- Working Platform Calculations – Lessons from Using FPS & BRE Methods
Learn more about the Traveling Lecturer program, request the Traveling Lecturer to speak at your event or nominate someone as a future Traveling Lecturer.
About Deep Foundations Institute (DFI)
DFI (www.dfi.org) is an international association of contractors, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, academics and owners in the deep foundations industry. Our multidisciplinary membership creates a consensus voice and a common vision for continual improvement in the planning, design and construction of deep foundations and excavations. We bring together members for networking, education, communication and collaboration. With our members, we promote the advancement of the deep foundations industry through technical committees, educational programs and conferences, publications, research, government relations and outreach. DFI has more than 4,000 members worldwide.
