In this issue:
- Outstanding Project Awards: OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES
- EP Presentation: Is Dynamic Compaction Right for My Site?
- LRFD Short Course Series 2 Announced
- ASCE-GI Instrumentation Course
- CPT Q&A plus CPeT-IT demo with Dr. Robertson
- Press Release: Murray Engineers
- STUDENTS: $10k up for grabs!
- Looking for new hires? Use CalGeo's Career Center
- What the heck is going on with our Annual Conference?
- New Members - Welcome!
- Upcoming Events - the e.Calendar
Outstanding Project Awards - OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
We are now accepting applications for our Outstanding Project Awards for 2020. These awards will be presented at our Annual Conference April 28-30, 2021 (Virtually or in-person).
We can't let a year pass without recognizing all the hard work you put in each day on these amazing projects across California. I promise its not too much work... plus you get a big crystal trophy!

The deadline for submission is February 27th!
Winners will be able to present their outstanding projects to conference attendees and accept their medal and award. Winning projects will also be featured in our e.Geo newsletter with a short article and photo - OR submit your video presentation for a little more pizazz.
This is a great marketing opportunity to show your clients that you have been recognized by a committee of your peers for the outstanding work you performed.
Any projects conducted in the past 5-years are eligible. Three size categories (based on budget) are available in both PUBLIC and PRIVATE sectors.
Affiliate members can submit under our new Geo-Contractor Project Category!
Projects will be scored on:
- Innovation
- Difficulty of Investigation
- Design Team Interaction
- Social Impact
- Quality of Report
Download the rules and requirements here >>
Submit your application and fee online here >>
Documents and report can be e-mailed or uploaded to Dropbox by the deadline of February 27th, 2021. Please contact Kelly Cabal for more information.
Emerging Professional Presentation: Is Dynamic Compaction Right for My Site?
Presented by Chris Woods P.E., G.E., D.GE., LEEDAP BD+C, F.ASCE, Vice President at Densification, Inc.
Join us on February 11th at 12 noon PDT for this free emerging professional webinar sponsored by Densification.
Founded by Louis Menard in 1970, dynamic compaction has become one of the most versatile and cost-effective methods of ground improvement in the United States. Primarily applicable to granular soils, dynamic compaction has been proven to be equally as successful at improving urban fill materials, mine spoils, liquefiable sands, and collapsible soils. Additionally, the implementation of dynamic compaction programs where karst geology is encountered has allowed for high-energy weight drops to be performed across a given site to identify buried sinkholes.
This presentation will provide a brief history of ground improvement, will focus on the design and implementation of a dynamic compaction program, and provide general details about several sites, all with various characteristics, where dynamic compaction has been successfully implemented. Additionally, the various methods of post-improvement testing and evaluation that are currently being implemented throughout the United States will be discussed.
Register Now >>

Presentation will be recorded and available free to CalGeo members through our Online Learning Library.
LRFD Short Course Series 2 Announced
To assist CalGeo's membership and partners to better understand the benefits of and accept and implement a Load Resistance Factor Design approach, CalGeo has organized a webinar series on LRFD.
This is the second round of the LRFD Series. Participation in Series 1 is not required but would be helpful if you have no background in Load Resistance Factor Design.
The presenter of this series is Mr. Jerry A DiMaggio, PE, D.GE. Jerry has presented numerous webinars and live delivery training programs on LRFD during the past decade. He is internationally known and a certified master trainer. He has worked on approximately 1000 projects, in all 50 states and internationally. His technical specialty areas include design and construction of Geotechnical Features, risk management, forensics and dispute resolution.
Beginning on Thursday March 4th, 2021 participants will have access to a 90-minute webinar each week for four weeks. The webinar may be viewed live at the designated time or a recording watched at a more convenient time. The benefit of attending the live webinar is that participants may submit questions to the speaker for a short Q&A session at the end of the webinar. Sessions will be recorded and available to registrants for up to 60-days after the program conclusion.
Register Now for Series 2 >>

Program:
The topics for the four webinars included in Series 2 are:
- Drilled Shafts & Micropiles (March 4th)
- Cut Retaining Walls (March 11th)
- Ground Anchors & Ground Anchor Systems (March 18th)
- Shallow Foundations & Fill Retaining Walls (March 25th)
Cost:
$300 CalGeo Members, $550 Non-members. Participants of Series 1 SAVE $100!
Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring Workshop with ASCE Geo-Institute San Francisco
Save the date: February 9th & 16th, 12-1pm PDT. Registration is free!
San Francisco Geo-Institute (SFGI) will be hosting a virtual Instrumentation and Monitoring Workshop via Zoom. The workshop will be held across two one-hour sessions delivered on February 9th and 16th from 12 to 1 PM. The two-part workshop is intended to present perspectives from both academia and industry, with the first session delivered by Kenichi Soga (UC Berkeley) and the second session delivered by Paul Thurlow (Geo-Instruments). Workshop attendees will get an overview of geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques and case histories demonstrating the implementation of these techniques.
Session 1: “The Role of Distributed Sensing in Understanding the Engineering Performance of Geotechnical Structures” Presented by: Kenichi Soga
Engineering design limits are often based on strain and/or stress developing in the structure. For structures interacting with soil (e.g. underground infrastructure such as foundations, tunnels or pipelines), the ground loads are distributed spatially (i.e. not point loads) and hence the state of the structure will be better understood if the complete in situ strain regime (or displacement profile) is known. An innovative distributed fiber optic strain measurement system allows having thousands of “strain gauges” along a single cable connected to structures, embedded in soil or grouted into boreholes. Because of the simple and quick installation technique, distributed optical fiber sensing can be as practical as other conventional measurements. The talk will present several case studies that utilize distributed strain sensing to understand the engineering performance of piles and retaining walls. Engineering insights obtained from the data interpretation and numerical analysis are presented.
Session 2: “Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring – Current Trends” Presented by Paul Thurlow, Geo-Instruments
This session will provide an overview of some of the latest geotechnical and structural instrumentation techniques that enable safe, reliable and economic data capture. Using the Observational Method with instrumentation can provide efficient project delivery, value engineering and design verification. This presentation provides a unique insight into practical considerations such as planning, selection and delivery with real world examples of the above.
Registration is free, click HERE to register!
CPT Q&A Session and Software Demonstration with Dr. Peter K. Robertson
March 2, 2021 @ 12pm PST
Don't miss this opportunity to have your pressing CPT questions or software problems answered by the 'CPT Guru' himself, Dr. Peter Robertson.
Submit your questions ahead of time to: [email protected] for Dr. Robertson to address during this webinar. Of course, the Q&A feature of our webinar will be open during the session to any last minute queries.
Cost: $50 CalGeo Members, $100 Non-members
Register Now >>

Press Release: A Message from Andrew Murray at Murray Engineers
Happy New Year Dear Friends, Clients, and Colleagues.
2021 is going to bring so many welcome changes, but I’d like to personally be the one to announce to my beloved industry our company’s major news for 2021. As of January 1st, I have retired from day-to-day operations at Murray Engineers, Inc., with William P. Carter, PE, assuming the role of Managing Principal in my place. Although I am remaining as president and sole owner of the company for at least the near future (and I’ll continue to support GeoGirl in her exploits), Mr. Carter has assumed primary operational responsibilities.
For me, this is an emotional and bittersweet moment. I’ll miss so much about this company and the industry, but at 59 years of age and after 17 years at the helm of Murray Engineers, I am restless to try something new. Ideas for the future are certainly whirling in my head, but other than spending time nurturing our family’s newly acquired apple orchard (complete with tiny house) in Aptos, I have no definite plans. I’d love to stay in touch with you and hear any ideas you may have! Please reach out to me at [email protected] or 650-533-6191.
Thankfully, we have William Carter, who has been with Murray Engineers for 15 years and is well-prepared for this transition. In fact I have known for several years … even before Will knew it himself, that he could and should be our next leader. He possesses so many fine attributes and skills for the role, including a competitive drive, attention to detail, technical, operational, and financial acumen, sternness, loyalty, integrity, and empathy.
So I invite you to welcome Will as our managing principal. I could not think of a better person to assume this role and I have unwavering confidence that he will take this company to even greater heights.
Student Scholarships: $10k up for grabs, APPLY NOW!
We are giving out $10,000 in scholarship money this year. The MAIN CRITERIA is that you are a CalGeo student chapter member and involved! No official transcripts or huge application form - just a letter from your student chapter officer and some short questions. Here is the application form. Applications are due by February 28th and we will award the winners during our Annual Conference April 28-30, 2021 (Virtually or in-person).
This e-mail is also being sent to Student Chapter liaisons and advisors. Please aid your new chapter President in getting this information to us as soon as possible. Questions may be directed to: [email protected]
CalGeo's New Career Center Don't forget to visit our new Career Center for a list of current job postings in California. You can also post your resume on the site!
Get into Geotech! Want to hear from young professionals that chose Geotechnical Engineering? Visit our Career video site for testimonial videos and interviews. Share these videos on your chapter websites or with friends.
Looking for New Hires? Use CalGeo's Career Center
Some of our member firms are running ragged with loads of new work and struggling with employees working remotely or dealing with child-care issues. If you are in the market for some new staff, consider posting your positions on CalGeo's Career Center.
Check out our current postings plus more from ZipRecruiter here:
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FEATURED Geotechnical Engineer
Coastal Geologic Services, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Full-time
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Posted: Jan 29, 2021
Salary: $70,000.00 - $110,000.00 Annually
Application Deadline: N/A
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FEATURED Project Manager
Ross F. Carroll, Inc. - Oakdale, CA
Full-time
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Posted: Jan 7, 2021
Salary: null Weekly
Application Deadline: Jan 17, 2021
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FEATURED Senior Geotechnical Engineer
MatriScope Engineering Laboratories,Inc. - Sacramento, CA
Full-time
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Posted: Dec 11, 2020
Salary: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 Annually
Application Deadline: N/A
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FEATURED Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Slate Geotechnical Consultants - Oakland, CA
Full-time
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Posted: Nov 10, 2020
Salary: null Negotiable
Application Deadline: N/A
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What the heck is going on with our Annual Conference?
2020 was a tumultuous year for all of us, not to mention the sad cancellation of CalGeo's 50th Anniversary and conference in Squaw Valley.
We are currently under contract with the Hyatt Resort & Spa Indian Wells for April 28-30th, 2021. We are hoping for a miracle to get back to in-person meetings. If it is still unsafe to do so, we will be holding the BEST virtual conference you could possibly imagine.
Please save the date for April 28-30, 2021 to meet with us, either virtually or in-person. Registration will most likely be released in early March depending on the path we must take considering public health advisories at the time.
Thank you for your patience and support of CalGeo. We hope to get back to in-person events in 2021 as soon as possible and will be first to create a fun golf-tournament, reception or event to connect you with your peers.
Don't forget to apply for our Outstanding Project Awards. We still want to recognize all your hard work so please submit those projects!!
New Members - Welcome!
We are so happy to be expanding the CalGeo family... even outside of California! Please join me in welcoming our newest members:
Individual Members
Alireza Kordjazi RIZZO International Inc. James Morris Kleinschmidt Associates Cole Bales WSP David Jones San Francisco Department of Building Inspection
Affiliate Members
URETEK is the industry leader in rehabilitating roadways, runways and bridges using advanced soil stabilization and pavement lifting technology characterized by superior chemistry, innovative technique and extensive experience. Concrete or asphalt, roadways to runways, pavement will take a pounding. Over time, this pounding will lead to settled pavement, faulted joints, failed bride approaches, asphalt rutting & cracking, and failed overlays. We get failed roadway back to its intended grade and appearance by attacking and removing the underlying problem itself (which will almost always be water) versus just putting on a temporary band-aid. We keep customers from having to go with inefficient slab-jacking, ineffective overlays, and/or expensive rip-and-replace solutions. Our success comes from building a long-lasting, structurally sound pavement system foundation by truly improving and rehabilitating the load bearing capacity of the underlying soils. We do this through technology, chemistry, technique, and experience and we do it all with zero excavation and minimal downtime. We stress Preservation vs. Reconstruction – Preventive vs. Reactive.
The e.Calendar & Online Learning Events - The Geo-Calendar
All in-person events are cancelled for the immediate future due to COVID-19. We will notify you when we plan to hold an in-person event.
February 11, 2021: EP Webinar: Is Dynamic Compaction right for my site?
February 27, 2021: Outstanding Project Award Deadline for entries
February 28, 2021: Deadline for Student Scholarship Applications
March 2, 2021: NEW CPT Q&A and CPeT-IT demo with Dr. Robertson
March 4-25, 2021: LRFD Series 2 Short Course
March 25-27, 2021: Pacific Southwest ASCE Student Conference (Virtual), hosted by UCLA - CalGEo is excited to participate as a SILVER sponsor!
April 28-30, 2021: Save the date for CalGeo's Annual Conference! We are waiting and hoping for conditions to improve for an in-person event and are therefore delaying registration until February/March
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