2026 DFI-PFSF Piling & Ground Improvement Conference Call for Abstracts

Submission Deadline: Monday, May 26, 2025

call for abstracts

Conference Co-Chairs Mark Johnson (PFSF, Piling & Foundation Specialists Federation) and Theresa Engler (DFI, Deep Foundations Institute) along with Program Chair Julian 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

  • Encompassing the human living environment in design and execution of ground engineering works (works in urban areas devoted to life and to work; safety interaction with inhabitants and commuters);
  • Embracing sustainability and reducing CO2 production in foundation design and execution (enhancement of equipment and electrical equipment; concrete mix design, cement type and geopolymer concrete; mix-in-place techniques instead of soil removal; geothermal foundations; minimising and management of spoil);
  • Recognizing the impact of digitalization on, and incorporating it into, foundation design and execution (artificial intelligence; construction data logging and management; recent developments in monitoring);
  • Re-using and strengthening existing foundations: evaluating geotechnical response and structural strength in view of design life; integrating existing and new foundations (design and technical challenges and advantages; codes and standards);
  • Minimizing the impact of foundation works in sensitive urban and / or natural environments (noise; vibrations; public interaction; underwater piling works);
  • Risk sharing with development of new sustainable foundation concepts; conflicts with existing codes and standards;
  • Broadening the scope of usual ground engineering techniques for special and non-classic applications (developments; case histories);
  • Reinventing our business and contractual environment, our procurement methods, our safety culture, and the way we deal with workforce development, diversity, regulations or standards.

Important Dates

Monday, May 26, 2025

Abstract Due

Monday, August 19, 2025

Draft Paper Due

Monday, December 22, 2025

Final Paper Due