http://www.fas3.org/
Florida Association of Soil Stabilization Specialist > Home
2014-06-02T15:00:00.05Z
© 2014
http://www.fas3.org/about-fas3/news-and-events/13127-fas3-elects-new-officers-for-2015-17.html
FAS3 Elects New Officers for 2015-17
2014-12-15T00:00:00.05Z
Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists
<p>The election of officers was conducted at the Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists' General Membership meeting in December.</p>
<p>The new FAS3 officers for the two-year term of 2015-17 are as follows:</p>
<p><strong>President</strong> - Frank Vitale<br /><strong>Vice President</strong> - Ted Smith<br /><strong>Secretary</strong> - Jim Collier<br /><strong>Treasurer</strong> - Chad Dudeck</p>
<p>Vitale, who spent the last two years as FAS3's Secretary, succeeds George Sinn, Jr., P.E., whose term as President had expired.</p>
<p>"I want to thank all members for allowing me the privilege of serving the organization for the past two years," said Sinn, Jr. "There still is a lot of work to do in our industry, but the changes we've discussed as an organization will benefit both the members and the general public to a great degree. To keep this initiative going we need the continued support of all members at all levels. Therefore, I wish that all members will work with Frank the way you have worked with me."</p>
<p>Collier succeeds Vitale as Secretary. Smith and Dudeck were re-elected in their roles of Vice President and Treasurer, respectively. </p>
2014-12-15T00:00:00.05Z
http://www.fas3.org/about-fas3/press-release/861-local-geologist-recruited-as-expert-sinkhole-advisor-in-china.html
Local Geologist Recruited as Expert Sinkhole Advisor in China
2014-09-17T13:58:26.05Z
Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists
<p><strong>Local Geologist Recruited as Expert Sinkhole Advisor in China</strong></p>
<p><strong>CHINA</strong> - Florida may be regarded as a haven for sinkholes, but a professional geologist based out of the Sunshine State was recently called upon to offer his sinkhole expertise to another sinkhole-prone area across the globe.</p>
<p><img style="margin: 10px; float: right;" src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/press_release/3532/ted_1410978871.jpg" alt="" width="169" height="300" /></p>
<p>Ted Smith, P.G. C.P.G, of Earth & Water Resources, LLC was recently recruited by the International Executive Service Corps (IESC); a Washington D.C based international development non-profit organization to serve as a volunteer expert advisor to local government in China (iesc.org). IESC deploys consultants and volunteer experts to developing countries to provide managerial and technical expertise to private enterprises, emerging industries, financial institutions, and governments. Their continuing mission statement is “Prosperity & Stability through Private Enterprise.”</p>
<p>Mr. Smith, who is an active board and general member of the Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists (FAS3), spent two weeks (July 18 through Aug. 2) in China, dividing his time between Zibo City, Zichuan District in Shandong and the city of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province.</p>
<p><br />His responsibilities consisted of the following:</p>
<p>· Advising local government officials on various issues regarding land subsidence problems associated with former coal, iron and clay mining sites.</p>
<p>· Provided advice and consultation regarding ground water contamination issues associated with former mine sites.</p>
<p>· Advising local government on modern industry standards and practices for land restoration and reclamation.</p>
<p>· Discussed regulatory framework for mine design, permitting and reclamation, as well as management of ground water resources.</p>
<p><img style="float: right;" src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/press_release/3532/sinkhole-2_1410979029.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Mr. Smith also gave a presentation to government officials on the investigation and remediation of ground subsidence problems associated with sinkhole development in Florida, with particular emphasis on a paper he published on the 2006 Scott Lake sinkhole in Lakeland, Florida.</p>
<p>“Like Florida, China is also greatly affected by sinkholes and land subsidence problems causing damage to buildings, infrastructure and disruption to local populations," said Smith. "It was a great honor to be called upon to serve as an expert advisor in China. While I was able to offer my expertise and answer many of their questions regarding sinkholes and land subsidence issues, I also learned a great deal about their society and culture – knowledge which I can apply to my own practice and share with my FAS3 colleagues."</p>
<p><img style="margin: 10px auto; display: block;" src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/press_release/3532/sinkhole-1_1410978998.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="102" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>For media inquiries related to Mr. Smith and the expertise he volunteered in China as it related to sinkholes, please contact Jim Flynn at 352-523-4987 or via e-mail at Communications@FAS3.org. We encourage you to also visit FAS3.org to learn more about our organization.</p>
<p><br /><br /><br /></p>
<p><em>FAS3 is an association of engineers, geologists, contractors and suppliers concerned with the ethical investigation, planning, design and remediation of sinkholes and sinkhole damaged properties.</em></p>
<p><em>FAS3 was formed in 2006 to:</em></p>
<p><em>Set standards for conduct, workmanship and business practices for those involved in the profession.</em></p>
<p><br /><em>Improve and develop knowledge of new ideas and methodologies of subsurface grouting, foundation stabilization and related testing and to share that knowledge with other professionals and interested parties.</em></p>
<p><br /><em>Improve the understanding of sinkhole formation, investigation, evaluation, and remediation by educating the public, government bodies and other interested parties.</em></p>
<p><br /><em>Encourage, fund, and participate in the practical application of research related to subsurface grouting, underpinning and foundation stabilization work, including providing educational opportunities for members of the organization, governmental officials, and the general public.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
2014-09-17T13:58:26.05Z
http://www.fas3.org/about-fas3/press-release/828-fas3-to-offer-sinkhole-101-ce-class-at-sebc-in-orlando-on-july-24.html
FAS3 to Offer Sinkhole 101 CE Class at SEBC in Orlando on July 24
2014-07-16T12:25:40.05Z
Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists
<p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">July 17, 2014</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"> </span></strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />FAS3 to Offer Sinkhole 101 CE Class at the Southeastern Builders Conference in Orlando</span><br /></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Orlando, FLA. - </span></strong><span style="font-size: medium;">A plethora of Floridians have questions about sinkholes. One particular industry will have the opportunity to have their sinkhole questions answered by the professionals at an annual conference next week.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">Builders will bring their sinkhole concerns/inquiries to the "Sinkhole 101" continuing education class being offered by the Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists (FAS<sup style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">3</span></sup>) at the Southeastern Builders Expo and Conference in Orlando.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">The "Sinkhole 101" CE class (1 hour of General) will be presented by sinkhole experts and FAS<sup style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">3</span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;"> members Larry Madrid, MSC, D. GE, P.E. and Jim Collier from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center West Building Hall (206B) on Thursday, July 24.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">Assessing, stabilizing and repairing homes and commercial structures affected by sinkholes has become a billion dollar industry in Florida. There are thousands of insurance claims each year and the inventory of affected structures is in the tens of thousands. So if a builder hasn't come across a sinkhole yet in their business, they will soon, making this CE class one all builders, whether they be remodelers, architects, contractors, developers or others, should attend.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">I</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">n this course, participants will learn the basics, including what a sinkhole is and where they are being encountered. In addition, participants will learn about the two main methods of stabilization, the requirements for cosmetic repairs and industry trends.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sebcshow.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">The SEBC Expo and Conference</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"> will be held from July 24-25. The SEBC is sponsored by the Florida Home Builders Association and entering its 36th year.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For media requests related to an interest in attending the Sinkhole 101 CE Class at the SEBC, or the expertise offered by the Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists (FAS</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">3</span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;">), or to request an interview with a FAS</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">3</span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;"> engineer, geologist, foundation contractor, or supplier, please contact Jim Flynn at 352-523-4987 or via e-mail at </span></span><a href="http://www.teambasementsystems.com/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/WW63Y2JR/Communications@FAS3.org"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">Communications@FAS3.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">. We encourage you to also visit </span><a href="http://www.fas3.org/"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">FAS3.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"> to learn more about our organization. </span></strong></p>
<p><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: medium;">FAS</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">3</span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;"> is an association of engineers, geologists, contractors and suppliers concerned with the ethical investigation, planning, design and remediation of sinkholes and sinkhole damaged properties. </span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: medium;">FAS</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">3</span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;"> was formed in 2006 to:</span></span></em></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Set standards for conduct, workmanship and business practices for those involved in the profession.</em></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><em>Improve and develop knowledge of new ideas and methodologies of subsurface grouting, foundation stabilization and related testing and to share that knowledge with other professionals and interested parties.</em></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><em>Improve the understanding of sinkhole formation, investigation, evaluation, and remediation by educating the public, government bodies and other interested parties.<br /><br /></em></li>
<li><em>Encourage, fund, and participate in the practical application of research related to subsurface grouting, underpinning and foundation stabilization work, including providing educational opportunities for members of the organization, governmental</em></li>
</ul>
2014-07-16T12:25:40.05Z
http://www.fas3.org/about-fas3/press-release/806-fas3-offers-sinkhole-expertise-to-media.html
FAS3 Offers Sinkhole Expertise to Media
2014-06-18T16:43:30.05Z
Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists
<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>June 18, 2014</strong></p>
<p><strong>TAMPA, FLA.</strong> - The rainy season is upon us in Florida, which likely means sinkholes will be, too.</p>
<p><img style="width: 429px; height: 196px; float: right; margin: 10px;" src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/press_release/3532/003_1403124793.JPG" alt="" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p>Reporters/media members wishing to consult and/or interview experts in the sinkhole repair industry will find what they're looking for in the Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists (FAS3), a respected, non-profit organization made up of Florida-based professional geologists, engineers, foundation contractors and suppliers.</p>
<p>While the organization is composed of potentially competing firms, each of FAS3's members joined the organization because of the belief that engineers, geologists and contractors involved in the sinkhole repair process should possess certain credentials and meet ethical standards set forth by this group of experts to further the best interest of the public and the industry.</p>
<p>FAS3, which was formed in 2006, offers free educational presentations to different associations around Florida. Now FAS3 is offering the media its perspective and/or general information/data related to sinkholes in Florida if and when a story warrants it.</p>
<p>"Members of our organization realize the hard work that goes into carrying out sinkhole investigations and remediation programs under tight deadlines, and getting the job done right," said FAS3 President George Sinn, P.E. "The media faces similar challenges, especially when sinkholes unexpectedly form and require reliable information be presented to the public on short notice. FAS3 wants to be more proactive in helping to accommodate the media with general questions, or phone and in-person interviews because we all share the same goal -- to educate and inform Florida residents on these important issues/incidents."</p>
<p>Not only does FAS3 have different entities available to offer expertise and perspective, including professionals that test the ground (engineers/geologists) and the ones that repair it (foundation contractors), the decision to consult "experts" outside of FAS3 can significantly increase the likelihood of getting bad information or pushing a particular company's agenda.</p>
<p>"FAS3's standards are high, but also reasonable," said Sinn. "While FAS3 has numerous members, there are manymore companies that have not met the criteria necessary to qualify for FAS3 membership. For example, of the 80-plus foundation contractors in Florida, less than 15 percent of them are members of FAS3. That's scary to the vulnerable people that could hire an unqualified contractor, or to reporters that unknowingly interview them. A plethora of property owners, insurance companies, banks, mortgage companies, real estate professionals and others recognize FAS3 as a legitimate authority in the sinkhole investigation and repair industry. We are confident the media will, too, and we encourage reporters to reach out to us as often as they need."</p>
<p>For media requests related to the expertise offered by the Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists (FAS3), or to request an interview with a FAS3 engineer, geologist, foundation contractor, or supplier, please contact Jim Flynn at 352-523-4987 or via e-mail at Communications@FAS3.org. We encourage you to also visit FAS3.org to learn more about our organization.</p>
<p>FAS3 is an association of engineers, geologists, contractors and suppliers concerned with the ethical investigation, planning, design and remediation of sinkholes and sinkhole damaged properties.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>FAS3 was formed in 2006 to:</em></p>
<p><em>*Set standards for conduct, workmanship and business practices for those involved in the profession.</em></p>
<p><em>* Improve and develop knowledge of new ideas and methodologies of subsurface grouting, foundation stabilization and related testing and to share that knowledge with other professionals and interested parties.</em></p>
<p><em>* Improve the understanding of sinkhole formation, investigation, evaluation, and remediation by educating the public, government bodies and other interested parties.</em></p>
<p><em>* Encourage, fund, and participate in the practical application of research related to subsurface grouting, underpinning and foundation stabilization work, including providing educational opportunities for members of the organization, governmental officials, and the general public.</em></p>
2014-06-18T16:43:30.05Z
http://www.fas3.org/about-fas3/news-and-events/10744-the-permitting-of-foundation-restoration-plans.html
The Permitting of Foundation Restoration Plans
2012-09-20T00:00:00.05Z
Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists
<p><strong>What are Underpins?</strong></p>
<p>Underpins, commonly referred to as micropiles or mini-piles, are steel, hollow pipes which are advanced into the earth until a competent bearing strata is achieved. Underpins are typically less than five inches in diameter with a wall thickness ranging from 0.203 inches to 0.375 inches. Underpins are attached to the foundation of a structure wit a properly designed bracket system and the underpin pipe piles are advanced into the earth with either hydraulic rams or a rotary motor, depending on the underpin system being used. The 2007 Florida Building Code has defined Micropiles and Pile Foundations within Chapter 18, section 1808. The definition of underpins are used throughout the industry to date would be encompassed in these definitions.</p>
<p><strong>Why Permit Foundation Restoration Plans?</strong></p>
<p>Foundation Restoration Plans are construction documents which depict the manner in which an existing structure's foundation is to be restored/stabilized. Foundation restoration documents are to be designed by a licensed professionals in accordance with the 2007 Florida Building Code. Foundation restoration documents involving the use of underpins are typically designed to supplement and/or restore an existing foundation that has been affected by displacement.</p>
<p>Displacement could be the result of subsurface mechanism(s) or the result of original construction deficiencies with the foundation. In either case, the underpins are used to transfer the load of the structure from the soil beneath the foundation to a deeper end bearing stratum. The addition of these deep foundation load bearing components changes the manner in which the structure transfers and distributes loads.</p>
<p>It is therefore highly recommended that the development of foundation restoration place be designed by a qualified and licensed professional and that these place be submitted and permitted through the governing building department.</p>
<p><strong>What are the Different Approaches to Underpinning?</strong></p>
<p>Although underpins are typically used to life and re-level structures damaged by movement, there are three main approaches to underpinning. These approaches are <em>Stabilitive</em>, <em>Restorative</em>, and <em>Preventative</em>.</p>
<p>A <em>Stabilitive</em> approach is based on underpinning the load bearing components of the affected portion of the structure, which transfers the load from the problematic soils to the underpins though to an end bearing strata. This approach is not intended to achieve any life to the structure or intended to restore the structure to a pre-event state, solely prevent future movement or installed in a contingency capacity.</p>
<p>A <em>Restorative</em> approach is used to return the portion of the affected structure to a pre-event state by hydraulically lifting the structure. The restorative approach not only addresses the load bearing components of the structure but also addresses the floor slab in order to adequately support the structural system during the lifting phase.</p>
<p><br />The <em>Preventative</em> approach is incorporated when the threat of future displacement due to problematic soil conditions exists and the structure requires isolation from these problematic soils. In this case, the integrity of the entire structure is taken into consideration and all the loaded bearing components and non-bearing components are underpinned.</p>
<p><br />Each approach is governed by the subsurface mechanism affecting the structure, the existing conditions of the structure, and the extent of the displacement related to damage.</p>
<p><strong>What's Involved in Reviewing a Set of Foundation Restoration Plans?</strong></p>
<p>Reviewing a set of Foundation Restoration Plans will be similar to reviewing any standard set of construction/restoration documents. The Foundation Restoration Plan set could be divided into four sections.</p>
<p>The first section would be considered the General Plan Requirements, which should include all the information typical to a standard set of construction drawings, including the loading requirements, material strengths, and the name and sealed signature of the person responsible for preparing the construction documents.</p>
<p>The next section would be the Floor Plan Requirements. This section should include a floor plan with dimensioned locations of the proposed foundation underpins. These underpins should be numbered and easily identified within the plans which should include, but be limited to, the recommended pile type, designated bearing stratum, and the center to the center spacing.</p>
<p>The final section should include any and all details necessary for the implementation of the proposed foundation restoration.</p>
<p>Included with this document, one should find an Underpin Plan Review Checklist which serves as a guide when reviewing a Foundation Restoration Plan set.</p>
<p>If you have any questions regarding any of the above mentioned materials, please do not hesitate to contact <a href="http://www.fas.org" target="_blank">FAS<sup>3</sup></a>.</p>
<p> </p>
2012-09-20T00:00:00.05Z
http://www.fas3.org/about-fas3/news-and-events/10742-successor-engineering.html
Successor Engineering
2009-05-20T00:00:00.05Z
Florida Association of Sinkhole Stabilization Specialists
<p>A successor engineer is an engineer who uses and/or relies upon the work, findings, and/or recommendations of a previous engineer. Within the state of Florida, licensed engineers are required to comply with Chapter 471 of the Florida Statutes as well as Chapter 61G15 of the Florida Administrative Code.</p>
<p>Before the successor engineer can take over a job from the original engineer of record, they must complete the following steps:</p>
<ul>
<li>The successor engineer is required to notify the original engineer of record, his/her successors, or assigns by certified letter clearly stating the successor's intention to use or reuse the original engineer's work.</li>
<li>The successor engineer should include in the certified letter that he/she will take all professional and legal responsibility for the documents which he/she signs and seals related to the adopted project.</li>
<li>The successor engineer must recreate all work done by the oiginal engineer of record (calculations, site visits, research, etc.) and provide documentation proving such if requested.</li>
</ul>
<p>After completing these steps, the successor engineer may reuse original drawings with proof of documentation of the successor engineer having rethought and reworked the entire design process and after removal of the original engineer's title block, signature, and seal. The successor engineer will be completely responsible for every piece of information being presented under their signed and sealed documents. It is unethical and impermissible for a successor engineer to take over a project without completing the steps listed above and punishable by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.</p>
<p>Regarding the issue of successor engineer, Chapter 471 states:</p>
<p>"<strong>Chapter 471.033(1) The following acts constitute grounds for which the disciplinary actions may be taken:</strong></p>
<p>(j) Affixing or permitting to be affixed his or her seal, name, or digital signature to any final drawings, specifications, plans, reports, or documents, that were not prepared by him or her or under his or her responsible supervision, direction, or control."<strong><br /></strong></p>
<p>And, Chapter 61G15 states:</p>
<p>"<strong>61G15.001 Procedures for a Successor Professional Engineer Adopting A His Own the Work of Another Engineer.</strong></p>
<p>(1) A successor professional engineer seeking to reuse already sealed contract documents under the successor professional engineer's seal must be able to document and produce upon request evidence that he has in fact recreated all the work done by the original professional engineer. In other words, calculations, site visits, research, and the like must be documented and produceable upon demand. Further, the successor professional engineer must take all professional and legal responsibility for the documents which he sealed and signed and can in no way exempt himself from such full responsibility. Plans need not be redrawn by the successor professional engineer; however justification for such action must be available through well kept and complete documentation on the part of the siccessor professional engineer as to his having rethought and reworked the entire design process. A successor professional engineer must use his owntitle block, seal, and signature and must remove the title block, seal, and signature of the original professional engineer before reusing any sealed contract documents.</p>
<p><br />(2) Prior to sealing and signing work a successor professional engineer shall be required to notify the original professional engineer, his successors, or assigns by certified letter to the last known address of the original professional engineer of the successor's intention to use or reuse the original professional engineer's work. The successor professional engineer will take full responsibility for the drawing as though they were the successor professional engineer's orignal product.</p>
<p><em>Specific Authority 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.033(1)(j), 471.005(6) FS. Hisotry-New 8-25-87, Amended 4-21-88, 8-3-88, Formerly 21H-27.001.</em>"</p>
<p>A copy of the Florida Administrative Code 61G15 can be found online <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App%20mode=Display%20Statute&URL=Ch0471/ch0471.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
2009-05-20T00:00:00.05Z