Conference Co-Chairs Mark Johnson (PFSF, Piling & Foundation Specialists Federation) and Theresa Engler (DFI, Deep Foundations Institute) along with Program Chair Julien Seidel, Ph.D. (Foundation QA), invite you to submit an abstract for the 3rd PFSF/DFI Conference to be held in Sydney in May 2026.
This conference aims to advance knowledge and best practices in deep foundations, retention systems, and ground improvement. We welcome presentations showcasing innovations in construction equipment, insightful case studies with key lessons learned, discussions on working platform safety, and panel discussion proposals.
Presentation Themes
Topics and case studies, including (but not limited to):
- Developments, innovations and trends in: research; construction equipment, methods and materials (e.g., electrification, grout, concrete, etc.); code requirements; foundations for solar farms; safety
- Designing and constructing safely and effectively in urban environments, including working platforms
- Case Studies of successes or failures with lessons learned
- Ground improvement solutions for structural support and retention works
- Structural and geotechnical design and construction solutions to foundation problems
- Seismic design considerations (e.g., liquefaction, lateral spread, etc.)
- Instrumentation, load testing, non-destructive testing and short- and long-term monitoring
- Sustainability in planning, designing, contracting and construction (e.g., energy piles, equipment/material development, carbon savings, etc.)
- Construction installation data: using measurement while drilling (MWD) or pile driving monitoring for design and quality control/assurance, data management, data presentation, AI, etc.
- Managing risk in the industry: benefits and challenges of project delivery under different contract and finance models, effective specifications related to performance and materials, performance versus prescriptive specifications, etc.
- Deep foundations for cut/cover tunnels; Tunnel and deep foundation interaction
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday, May 26, 2025
Abstract Notification of Acceptance: Early June, 2025
Draft Papers Due: Monday, August 18, 2025
Draft Paper Notification of Acceptance: Mid-November 2025
Final Papers Due: Monday, December 22, 2025
For inquiries, contact:
Deep Foundations Institute
PFSF-DFI 2026
Tel: (973) 423-4030
Email: [email protected]