Ram Jack offers on-demand webcast on seismic effect on helical piles

Ada, Okla. — Ram Jack Systems Distribution sponsored a webcast for engineers featuring Amy B. Cerato, Ph.D., P.E., professor at the University of Oklahoma, who shared research findings regarding the seismic effect on helical piles. Ram Jack is one of the primary sponsors for the first-of-its-kind research, performed by Cerato through the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), utilizing the largest shake table in the world at University of California, San Diego.

The webcast, which is also available on-demand, allowed engineers and architects to earn a free Professional Development Hour (PDH). This is the second webcast Ram Jack has sponsored for engineers and architects to help them meet their continuing education requirements while learning about the theory and engineering of foundations using a steel helical pile system.

“Ram Jack is committed to the research and development, not only of our products but in pushing the industry and our understanding of the effects of natural forces on foundations,” stated Ram Jack Systems Distribution General Manager Scott Holland.

Director of Engineering Darin Willis, P.E. noted, “We have witnessed the tremendous damping effects that helical piles provide to a structure during a seismic event. Structures that we have underpinned and have experienced a seismic event have seen little to no structural damage in the area underpinned. This is one reason we are such strong proponents of Dr. Cerato’s research. Having the data and testing to support the damping effects we have seen to building officials across the US will push helical piles to the forefront of deep foundation systems specified in seismic areas. The seismic research on helical piles currently being performed will not only prove helical piles will save structures and money but most importantly lives. This is one reason we have also teamed up with DFI in sponsoring a scaled test with the University of Nevada, Reno. This testing will show the behavior of helical piles and concrete piers extending through a liquefaction zone during a seismic event.”

The webcast on July 19 hosted more than 800 engineers during the live event. At the conclusion of the presentation, Cerato fielded questions in real-time from engineers in attendance. With over 100 questions posed in the live Q&A module and limited time to answer them, Cerato and Darin Willis plan to respond to the questions in the coming months via an engineering newsletter.

“Engineers can subscribe to our newsletters for information from our webcasts, get details on presented case studies, or even register for this same webcast — which is now available on-demand for 12 months to engineers and architects as well as engineering and physics college students.” explained webcast organizer and Ram Jack Franchise Communications Director Hollie Kosemund.

Following the webcast, attendees were asked to rate the webcast. Over 98 percent of participants rated the webcast as Good or Excellent. When asked if the webcast “Met Expectations,” 98 percent responded, “Yes.”

For more information regarding the on-demand webcast to earn a PDH or to subscribe to the Ram Jack Engineer Newsletter, contact info@ramjack.com.