Pile Dynamics, Inc. and GRL Engineers, Inc. will run a one-day 2026 “State of Practice” seminar focused on quality control for deep foundations, covering benefits, methods, interpretations, risks and implementation. The programme centres on modern testing and monitoring approaches for driven piles and drilled shafts, including practical guidance on data interpretation and risk management. Geotechnical practitioners can expect applied content directly relevant to foundation load testing, integrity assessment and construction QC procedures.

Helical piles are being positioned as an alternative to traditional drilled or spread concrete foundations for lattice and monopole communication towers, particularly where uplift, lateral loads and variable soils control design. Screw-in steel piles with helix plates can be installed with smaller rigs, generate minimal spoil, allow immediate loading and are removable at decommissioning, contrasting with large-diameter drilled shafts or pad-and-pier systems that require curing time and substantial excavation. The comparison focuses on sites with constrained access, weak or layered soils, and projects needing rapid deployment or future relocation.

Persimmon Homes has partnered with ground engineering technology firm Ecofill to re-use site-won excavated soils as engineered fill in adoptable roads, retaining walls, piling mats, embankments and trench backfills, displacing imported primary aggregates. Ecofill’s process allows classification and treatment of cohesive and granular arisings to meet highways and structural fill specifications, reducing soil sent to landfill and cutting lorry movements for aggregate haulage. The move signals wider potential for specification-compliant reuse of marginal soils on large housing schemes under UK earthworks and highway adoption standards.