In this issue:
- Geotechnical Engineer of Record Transfer of Responsibilities White Paper Released
- Thank you DFI: Success in San Jose!
- November EP Meetings
- SoCal Short Course: Updates to the California Building Code
- Loss Prevention Seminars - Technician & field staff training announced
- Update your address book
- Hollywood Project Spotlight: Digging deep for health
- CalGeo on campus
- NEW Scholarships for 2020!
- Win awards and accolades with our Outstanding Project Awards
- Welcome our New Members
- Upcoming Events - the e.Calendar
Geotechnical Engineer of Record Transfer of Responsibilities White Paper Released
In order to provide our members with up-to-date and useful information, our Technical Committee has revised the previous Transfer of Responsibilities guidelines and released a new, updated version.
Please download the guideline HERE. It can also be accessed under the CalGeo Tool Kit under the Quick Links on our website.
You will find a sample letter at the end of the document that you can use to send to your clients.

Thank you DFI: Success in San Jose
CalGeo was fortunate enough to be chosen as a recipient for this year's Deep Foundations Institute Traveling Lecturer. We decided to try out a new town and bring this special lecture to San Jose on October 23rd. We like to move our events around so that hopefully, once or twice a year, something is conveniently located near you.

If you were unable to attend but still interested in hearing Willie NeSmith's presentation on, "Design Methodologies of Cast-in-place piles", check out our Members Club website for the webinar recording and slides. Member login is required - if you need assistance with your login information, please e-mail Kelly Cabal.

We had a great turnout to this event and used the momentum to kick-off a new Bay Area Emerging Professionals Chapter that will meet every 2 months, on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Their next meeting is scheduled for November 19th and will be held at the Langan office in San Jose (see event description below). Join us for this first meeting for FREE! Meeting will include a casual dinner, discussion for the initial EP Chapter board members and duties as well as a presentation by Byrl Williams of Foundation Constructors.
Thank you to the Deep Foundations Institute for providing us with their 2019-2020 Traveling Lecturer, Willie NeSmith! For more information, please visit DFI.org
San Jose Geo-Professionals:
Join us again on November 14th with the ASCE Young Members Forum for a fun happy hour event!
Meet other young professionals in the area at Uproar Brewing Co. at 6pm - see you there!
November Emerging Professionals Meetings

Rockfall Mitigation, Presented by Dr. Marty Woodard, GSI (Geostabilization Inc.)
Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month for our Sacramento area Emerging Professionals Meeting. All geo-professionals welcome regardless of age or experience! This month its technically the 4th Wednesday but we'll let it slide...
Venue will rotate between the GEI office in Rancho Cordova and the North Natomas Library in Sacramento. This month the meeting will be at GEI's office in Rancho Cordova.
Cost: $20 Professionals, Students Free
Includes casual dinner and presentation
RSVP by Monday November 18th to: [email protected]

Speaker: Byrl Williams, Foundation Constructors, Chief Engineer
We are kicking off a new Bay Area EP group with meetings the 3rd Tuesday of every 2nd month (got that??). The first meeting will be Tuesday November 19th and the next meeting will be in January 2020 on the 21st.
CalGeo will host the first meeting by providing a casual dinner (join us, its free!). Moving forward the meeting will run similar to the Sacramento area Emerging Professional group at a cost of $20/professionals and free for students.
All ages welcome but talks will be geared to Emerging Professional and students looking to increase their knowledge in geotechnical engineering.
Cost: This first meeting will be sponsored by CalGeo and is FREE!
RSVP by Monday November 18th to: [email protected]
SoCal Short Course: 2019 California Building Code Update
AEG Inland Empire Chapter proudly invites scientists, design engineers, building officials, and students from throughout Southern California to the next edition of their Continuing Education Series.
This one day short course will consist of presentations and discussions regarding changes to the California Building Code (CBC), which incorporates the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with California Amendments. These changes become effective as of January, 2020. As with previous CBC versions, reports by Certified Engineering Geologists and Geotechnical Engineers regarding new development and upgrading of existing facilities involving essential facilities, particularly schools and hospitals, continue to be mandated.
Participants should be familiar with the following information PRIOR to the short course:
- California Geological Survey (CGS) Note 48 (Oct, 2013)
- 2019 California Building Code (CBC)
- 2019 California Administrative Code (CAC)
- California Geological Survey (CGS) SP 117A
- 2016 Next Generation Attenuation (NGA)-West 2
- ASCE 7-16 and Supplement 1
PROGRAM
Morning Session:
8:30-9:30: Registration 9:30-9:45: Opening/Welcome (AEG) 9:45-10:30: Overview of CGS School & Hospital Review Program and Updates to Note 48 (Olson-CGS) 10:30-10:45: Break 10:45-11:45: New/Updated ASCE 7-16/2019 CBC Seismic Provisions (Meneses-RMA) 11:45-12:15: Structural engineering perspective (Pearson-Brandow & Johnston) 12:15-1:00: Lunch
Afternoon Session:
1:00-2:00: Geology and Seismology Elements of CGS Review/Note 48 and 2019 CBC Provisions (Olson-CGS) 2:00-3:00: Review/Note 48 and 2019 CBC Provisions (White-CGS) 3:00-3:15: Break 3:15-4:00: Advanced ground motion issues/time history analysis (Meneses-RMA) 4:00-4:30: Panel Discussion/Questions
Date/Time: Saturday November 16, 2019, 8:30am-4:30pm
Location: Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA [Exit I-10 at White Ave./Exit I-210 at Fruit St.]
Fee: $185 (includes: morning-afternoon breaks, buffet lunch)
To Enroll: Online PRE-REGISTRATION PAYMENT IS $185 At Eventbrite.com– search for: AEG Inland Empire
Advance RSVP required for Onsite Registration, we take credit card, cash, or corporate check is $200 Questions? Email: [email protected]
Loss Prevention Seminars 2020: Technician & Field Staff Training - only held once a year!
Need PDH/CEU credits or extra training? Take advantage of the savings and register field staff, technicians and inspectors for our annual Loss Prevention Seminars held in both Northern and Southern California.
What is it?
Our Loss Prevention Seminars are geared towards field technicians of all experience levels, inspectors, staff engineers and staff geologists. These seminars will educate your staff and help them to do a better job in the field and therefore reduce the risk of mistakes and losses. That in turn, reduces liability and risk on every project.
Attendees will earn valuable Professional Development Hours (PDH) or CEU credits without losing time at the office. The Saturday morning course includes a full breakfast and 4-hours of practical training and skill development for technical and field personnel. Only held once-a-year and not to be missed!
When? Where?
DATES AND LOCATIONS HAVE CHANGED!!
NorCal: January 25th @ Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield (2200 The Courtyard)
SoCal: February 8th @ Residence Inn, Burbank (321 S Ikea Way)
Registration and payment MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE! If selecting pay by invoice, please ensure payment is post-dated at least 10-days in advance of the seminar date to ensure your spot.
Online registration will close 2-days before the seminar date, or when SOLD OUT!
Registration:
Save $20/pp by registering before December 31st. Early-bird price of only $130/pp!
As of Jan. 1st, 2020: $150 Members, $225 Non-members.
Click on the location links above for more details and registration forms.
Still not part of our exclusive Members Club? Join now with our trial membership and receive a FREE REGISTRATION to a Loss Prevention Seminar. Contact Kelly Cabal for more information.
Update your address book: Hayward Baker officially becomes Keller on January 1st
Keller’s geotechnical construction businesses in North America are joining together as one unified company, and rebranding to Keller, effective January 1, 2020.
“We have a very proud history of success and market leadership in North America,” explains James Hind, President, North America. “Combining our capabilities will strengthen our position and give us the platform for further growth and success into the next decade.”
One North American geotechnical specialist contractor branded Keller
Specifically, current North American companies Bencor, Case Atlantic, Case Foundation, Hayward Baker, HJ Foundation, Keller Canada, McKinney and Moretrench will be integrated into one company and rebranded to Keller.
The new company will bring benefits to both customers and Keller.
“Primarily we are making this change for our clients. Operating as one company in each local market, offering all products and services, we’ll be easier to understand and engage with,” explains James. “Clients can be confident they’re getting the best, most competitive solutions, especially when these involve multiple techniques.”
About Keller
Keller was founded in 1860 and is the largest geotechnical specialist contractor in the world with ongoing operations in over 40 countries across six continents. With a North American presence of over 70 years, Keller operates as the market leader with over 50 offices throughout the US and Canada.
Keller is the sole source for a complete geotechnical construction solution optimally designed to reduce clients’ risk. Web site address: www.kellerfoundations.com.
Other Affiliate News: Seequent Aquires GEOSLOPE
Seequent, a world leader in the development of geoscience analysis, modelling, and collaborative technologies, today announced that GEOSLOPE – a Canadian-based company that creates integrated, geotechnical analysis software – has become part of Seequent, offering additional innovative geoscience technology solutions.
GEOSLOPE is recognized worldwide by geotechnical engineers who use the GeoStudio suite for design, analysis, and decision making. The GeoStudio suite includes products for modelling slope stability, deformation, heat transfer and groundwater flow in soil and rock. The products are used in over 100 countries for analysing infrastructure projects including dams and levees, reinforced walls and slopes, open pit mines, and transportation.
Shaun Maloney, Chief Executive of Seequent, says: “We welcome the GEOSLOPE team to the Seequent family. Together, we are better equipped to deliver on our commitment to help mitigate and solve some of the world’s major civil, environmental and energy challenges.”
GEOSLOPE’S President, Paul Grunau, says: “Over the years, we have invested in the long-term growth of the company to develop a set of world-class solutions for geotechnical engineers. Joining Seequent presents the opportunity for greater integration of geotechnical analysis into the overall engineering and design workflow, thereby enabling our customers to more effectively analyse their problems and deliver better outcomes.”
Please note that all addresses, e-mails and contacts will be staying the same at GEOSLOPE!

Malcolm Drilling: Digging Deep for Health
Malcolm Drilling was contracted to design and construct the temporary support of excavation for the basement of the new Acute-Care Services Replacement Hospital Building at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. The design-build system for this new OSHPD structure consisted of 17,000 SF of shoring utilizing soldier beams, timber lagging, tiebacks, and the innovative re-use and retrofit of an existing permanent retaining wall. In addition to the temporary shoring, Malcolm Drilling was contracted to construct over 300 30" diameter CIDH piles, ranging from 78 to 98 feet in depth, for the tower's new foundation system. The complex sequence between demolition and excavation, restricted access, and the required installation methods were major challenges for the project.
To learn more about this project, please contact Casey Garneau

CalGeo on Campus: Fresno State BBQ
On September 19th, Blackburn's engineer Rob Sandquist represented CalGeo at Fresno State's Lyles College of Engineering (LCOE) annual Welcome Back BBQ & Industry Expo. Rob joined representatives of Fresno-area engineering and construction companies who shared advice to help students prepare for graduation and transition into their careers. The students were engaging and wanted to know how to get the most out of their engineering education to help them stand out in the job market. Rob recommended that the students participate in extra curricular actives like student chapters of CalGeo, APWA, and ASCE. Thanks Rob!
Want to support your local CalGeo Student Chapter?
Here are some things you can do to help build interest in our profession by engaging and supporting local student groups:
- Visit our Student Outreach page for info on donating to our student fund (supports scholarship, GeoWall teams and student attendance at our conference and events)
- Contact or donate to the student chapters directly using the links below:
Cal Poly Pomona: Sponsorship Request E-mail Student Chapter
Cal Poly SLO: Sponsorship Request E-mail Student Chapter
CSUS: Sponsorship Request E-mail Student Chapter
CSUF: Sponsorship Request E-mail Student Chapter
UCLA: Sponsorship Request E-mail Student Chapter
UCSD: Sponsorship Request E-mail Student Chapter
CalGeo has already pledged $500 to each of the student chapter's GeoWall teams, what will you pledge?
New Scholarships Announced for 2020!
We are very excited to announce that CalGeo has formed a new scholarship program to promote the study of geo-professions within our Student Chapters. We are planning to give out $10,000 this year to students involved in various CalGeo student chapters across the Golden State. Applications will be accepted until February 29, 2020 and awards presented at our Annual Conference April 22-24, 2020 in Lake Tahoe! *Attendance at the conference is not a requirement for award.
Download Scholarship Application

Want the recognition you deserve? Win big with our Outstanding Project Awards
We are now accepting applications for our Outstanding Project Awards for 2019. These awards will be presented at our Annual Conference and 50th Anniversary Celebration on April 24th, 2020 at the Project Award Luncheon at the Resort at Squaw Creek, Lake Tahoe. The deadline for submission is January 30th - get yours in before the end of the year!
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.
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.
Projects will be scored on:
- Innovation
- Difficulty of Investigation
- Design Team Interaction
- Social Impact
- Quality of Report
Download the application form 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 January 30, 2020. Please contact Kelly Cabal for more information.
Welcome CalGeo's Newest Members
We are pleased to welcome some new members to the CalGeo family this month:
Quantum Geotechnical
The e.Calendar & Upcoming Events - The Geo-Calendar
Quick Browse: SoCal events in ORANGE, NorCal events in GREEN
CalGeo Events:
November 8, 2019: CPT Bootcamp 1/2 day Short Course, Hyatt House, Pleasanton
November 16, 2019: 2019 Updates to the California Building Code, Sheraton Pomona Fairplex
November 19, 2019: Bay Area EP Chapter Meeting, San Jose
November 20, 2019: Sacramento EP Chapter Meeting, Sacramento
December 19th, 2019: Save the date for the Sacramento EP Holiday Party, Fox and Goose Pub, Sacramento
EVENT DETAILS RELEASED: SAVE THE DATE
January 25, 2020: NorCal Loss Prevention Seminar (Saturday 8am-12pm), Fairfield
February 8, 2020: SoCal Loss Prevention Seminar (Saturday 8am-12pm), Burbank
April 22-24, 2020: CalGeo's Annual Conference & 50th Anniversary! You don't want to miss this one. Cross your fingers for some good snow and skiing at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe
Other California Geo-professional Events:
November 5, 2019: ASCE Orange County Young Members Forum Educational Series, Anaheim
November 14, 2019: ASCE San Jose Young Members Forum Networking Social, San Jose
December 7, 2019: FREE USGS Training Course on SOSlope, Menlo Park
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