Vibra-Tech, Inc.
ShareMt. Holly, NJ 08060
Locations
Vibra-Tech, Inc.
GeoSonics, Inc.
GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech
GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech
Vibra-Tech, Inc.
GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech
GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech
Vibra-Tech, Inc.
GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech
GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech
GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech
GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech
GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Douglas Rudenko's Bio
Doug has worked for 29 years in the field of engineering seismology, specializing in the analysis of seismic effects from blasting, pile driving, dynamic compaction, seismic operations, traffic, and industrial vibrations. He has observed, recorded, and analyzed the effects of vibrations on various types of structures throughout the United States and abroad. Doug also completed many damage claim investigations regarding alleged damage to commercial and residential structures from various vibration sources as well as alleged damage to residential wells and aquifers resulting from blasting. He has provided expert testimony for environmental hearing boards, zoning boards, state and local regulatory agencies and various courts in the fields of blasting, geophysics, geology, and seismology with particular emphasis on blasting, and vibration standards, the effects of vibration on structures and construction materials, and the effects of vibration on commercial and domestic water supplies.
Doug has also been invited by MSHA, ISEE, Fire Marshalls Association, NSSGA, and commercial explosive companies to lecture blasters, engineers, and regulators on fundamental seismology, proper field practices for seismograph use, the effects of ground vibration and air overpressure on structures, and vibration control through blast design. He is also a member of the International Society of Explosive Engineers – Standards Committee. One of the tasks of this committee is to develop and update uniform and technically appropriate standards for blasting seismographs.
Some examples of hallmark projects that Mr. Rudenko has managed include:
Determining appropriate vibration criteria for frescos in the U.S. Capitol building utilizing ultra-sonic measurements and frequency response function techniques
Developing vibration criteria and implementing a monitoring plan for the historic lobby in the Alfred E. Smith Building such that demolition activity that included jack hammering of the upper floors in the structure could safely be completed
Developing vibration criteria and implementing a monitoring plan for the historic Davidson County Courthouse in Nashville, TN such that blasting activity for an underground parking garage located within 60 feet of the structure could safely be completed
Education:
B.S. – Geophysics, Pennsylvania State University, 1984
Continuing Education:
Short Course in Shallow Seismic Reflection Methods, EG & G Geometrics, Sunnyvale, CA; (June 1988)
Short Course in Ground Penetrating Radar, SoftEarth Associates, Inc., Downers Grove, IL; (September, 1990)
Research Workshop – Geophysical Characteristics of Contaminants in the Subsurface, Society of Exploration Geophysicists Annual Meeting, Houston, TX; (November, 1991)
Short Course – Introduction to Engineering & Environmental Geophysics, Bell West Geoservices, Inc., Hazleton, PA; (July, 1992)
Short Course – Controlled Blasting for Rock Slopes, Blast Dynamics, Inc. Reno, NV; (October, 1999)
Certification Program – Practical Blasting Fundamentals, International Society of Explosive Engineers, Allentown, PA; (April, 2000)
Short Course – Geotechnical Instrumentation for Field Measurements, University of Florida, Cocoa Beach, FL; (March, 2001)
Short Course – Air Quality Dispersion Modeling, NSSGA Environmental Health & Safety Forum, Phoenix, AZ (September, 2003)
Short Course – Structural Vibration Analysis, ASCE, St. Louis, MO; (October, 2004)
Applied Mechanics: Statics & Strength of Materials, Penn State University; (April – May, 2006)
Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring Bootcamp, ASCE, Cincinnati, OH; (Feb., 2010)
Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Structures, ASCE, Orlando, FL (Feb., 2011)
5th Soil Dynamics Short Course, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Wheeling, IL (Apr., 2013)
Professional Registration:
Certified Professional Geologist, American Institute of Professional Geologist, CPG-8690
Registered Geologist, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PG-730-G
Registered Geologist, Commonwealth of Kentucky, PG-856
Registered Geologist, State of Missouri, RG-0540
Registered Geologist, State of Illinois, 196-000198
Registered Geoscientist, State of Texas, 3744
Licensed Blaster, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, BL-0338
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, 40 Hr. Hazardous Waste Training
Professional Memberships:
American Institute of Professional Geologists
American Society of Civil Engineers
Society of Exploration Geophysicists (Member of the Executive Committee, Engineering and Groundwater 1988-1992; Member of the Near-Surface Geophysical Committee, 1993-2004)
Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (Founding Member)
Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists
International Society of Explosive Engineers (Member of the Blast Vibration and Seismograph Section; Member of the Standards Committee)
Association of Engineering Geologists
National Fire Protection Association (Member of the Technical Committee on Explosives)
Society of Mining Engineers
Professional Experience:
Doug is currently Vice President & Northeast Regional Manager for Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc. He is responsible for the direction and supervision of Vibra-Tech’s professional staff in six offices located in the Northeastern United States.
Doug is also a Senior Geophysicist and Manager of the Technical Services Group at the corporate headquarters of Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc. in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. As manager of this group, Doug directly oversees four full-time employees. His responsibilities include the management and planning of all geophysical investigations, including budgetary monitoring and major technical decisions, scheduling, and staff management. He is also responsible for reviewing technical calculations, drawings, figures, maps, and draft and final reports.
Doug has used a wide variety of geophysical techniques on various environmental and geotechnical projects throughout the Northeast. Projects he has managed include the use of geophysical techniques in dam site investigations; foundation studies for power plant facilities; subsurface investigations for highway and utility alignments; geophysical and geological investigations for mining, quarrying, and dredging operations; investigations of subsurface conditions related to new and existing landfill facilities; delineation of contamination plumes; detection of buried waste; and the use of geophysical techniques in mine subsidence, sinkhole, and tunnel investigations.
Doug is also responsible for the development and planning of all Iso-Seismic and Vibra-Map surveys performed by Vibra-Tech. The Iso-Seismic system is an array of 170 digital seismometers deployed around a quarry site to measure blast vibrations. The data is used to pinpoint chronic vibration areas around the quarry that may be related to the geology. Vibra-Map calculations are then employed to determine the proper firing time to use for a production blast in order to produce a vibration signal that minimizes structural response. Doug oversees the planning of these surveys, budgetary monitoring, scheduling and staff management, and review of final reports.
Other projects Doug has been responsible for include the development of a recording system, procedures, and analysis for several environmental impact studies involving the measurement and prediction of traffic vibrations on structures adjacent to proposed highway alignments.
Doug has also been involved in two different research projects sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. In 1985 he assisted with the collection and reduction of geophysical data for a mining research contract entitled “Geologic Factors Affecting Vibration from Surface Mine Blasting.” The aim of this study was to determine the effect of local geology on ground vibration and test methods of choosing the proper delay interval such that blast vibrations would destructively interfere.
In 1987, Doug was responsible for the acquisition and reduction of all geophysical data collected for a three-year research contract entitled “Design and Implementation of a Monitoring System to Detect Imminent Subsidence in the Anthracite Region of North Eastern Pennsylvania.” The goal of this study was to develop a geophysical method that could assess the condition of the subsurface prior to a subsidence event and use this relationship to understand the reaction of the subsurface preceding the subsidence. Seismic techniques were judged to be the most insensitive due to the urban nature of the sites and most closely related to the physical and material properties of the subsurface.
Publications:
“Monitoring and Advanced Evaluation Techniques for Aggregate Mining in Urban Settings” with Jeffery Straw, Proceedings of the 2011 Society of Mining Engineers Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2011).
“Particulate Matter as an Air Pollutant, Past, Present, and Future” with Jonathan Ferdinand, Proceedings of the 5th Biennial Blasting Vibration Technology Conference, Key West, FL (2004).
“The Court of Public Opinion: Winning Through Science” with Philip Berger, Jr., AggMan, Pages 47-49, February 2002.
“Blasting Near Domestic Water Supplies – Facts and Myths”, Proceedings of the 4th Biennial Blasting Vibration Technology Conference, Key West, FL (2002).
“Airblast – An Often Overlooked Cause of Structural Response”, Proceedings of the 10th Hi-Tech Seminar on Blasting Technology, Instrumentation and Explosives Applications, Nashville, TN (2001).
“Diagnosing and Solving Blasting Problems”, Aggregates Manager, Pages 25-30, July 2000.
“An Analytical Approach for Diagnosing and Solving Blasting Complaints” Proceedings of the 9th Hi-Tech Seminar on Blasting Technology, Instrumentation and Explosives Applications, Orlando, FL (2001).
“Structural Response – The Primary Cause of Blasting Complaints”, Proceedings of the 3rd Biennial Blasting Vibration Technology Conference, Key West, FL (2000).
“Understanding Blast Vibrations – A Key to Gaining Control”, Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Blasting Vibration Technology Conference, Key West, FL (1998).
“Blast Vibrations – Planning for the Future”, Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Blasting Vibration Technology Conference, Key West, FL (1998).
“Engineering Geophysics for the Mining and Construction Industries”, Proceedings of 8th Hi-Tech Seminar on Blasting Technology, Instrumentation and Explosives Applications, Nashville, TN (1998).
“Optimizing Seismic Characterization of Longwall Coal Mine Overburden Using CAD and Computer-Enhanced Techniques: Case Study from Longwall Mining Operations, Western Maryland, USA” with K. Kluger Cohen and M.A. Trevits, Proceedings from the Third Canadian Conference on Computer Applications in the Mineral Industry, Montreal, Canada (1995).
“Concepts of Seismic Refraction Processing”, Special Compilation for Bobby Timmons used in ”Prospecting for Natural Aggregates: An Update; Rock Products, Pages 32-33, January, 1995.
“Seismic Refraction Technique Applied to Highway Design in a Strip Mined Area of Southwestern Pennsylvania” with W.M. Lorence, H.D. Ackermann, Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Highway Geology Symposium, Albany, NY (1991).
“P-wave and S-wave Velocity Measurements Related to Subsidence Over a Longwall Mine” with J.S. Walker, A.M. Richardson, H.D. Ackermann, and J.W. Reil, Proceedings of the 59th Annual Meeting of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Dallas, TX (1989).
“Use of Geophysical Methods in a Geotechnical Investigation” with K.H. Early, Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering, St. Louis, MO (1988).
Keith Pucalik 's Bio
Keith has over 40 years’ experience conducting hundreds of damage claim investigations for a wide variety of interested and affected parties, including quarry and coal mining operators, construction company engineers, general contractors, insurance companies and attorneys. He has conducted similar investigations on behalf of residential and commercial property owners.
Keith has given expert witness testimony in dozens of instances throughout Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania at hearings before arbitration panels, non-jury and juries. In addition, he has provided testimony in front of zoning commissions, township supervisors and planning commissions.
Education:
BS, Earth Science, Penn State University, 1977
Continuing Education:
MSHA: Miner Training for Surface Coal, Non-Metal, and Underground Operations
Professional Registration:
Licensed Blaster, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (BL #5357-A)
Certified Professional Geologist (#6387), September 1983
Registered Professional Geologist, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (#PG-000724-G), January 1995
Professional Memberships:
Member, International Society of Explosives Engineers; Education Committee, 2000 – 2005
President, Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Society of Explosives Engineers, 1989 – 1991; Secretary, 1993 – 2004
Member, PA Drill and Blasting Conference Planning Committee
Professional Experience:
Keith is currently Vice President and a Board of Directors Member of Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc. He is also a Regional Manager providing supervision for the Pittsburgh, Ohio and West Virginia offices. His experience in vibration and noise level measurement for blasting and construction activities provides a solid basis for performing Damage Claim Investigations.
During his career, Keith has given technical presentations at industry conferences and professional organizations and also conducted training seminars to individuals, small groups or corporations. Keith is the responsible organizer for an internal GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech annual training seminar referred to as the “Corporate Training and Information Meeting”.
Publications & Awards:
ISEE Education Committee: Co-author of movie, “Understanding Vibrations from Blasting”, 2004
Mid-Atlantic Chapter, ISEE, Dedication to Promoting Explosives Safety and Public Educational Issues, 2001
Matthew Pilz's Bio
Matt has over 20 years of experience as a vibration and acoustics consultant. He has conducted field vibration and acoustic monitoring for projects involving mining, construction and industrial settings. Matt has performed damage claim investigations, conducted public meeting, open houses and educational seminars regarding vibration and acoustics. He is regularly asked to provide public testimony for zoning and permit hearings and has established vibration monitoring and public relations programs for construction and quarry operations throughout the country.
Education:
BA – Denison University, 1988
MBA – Robert Morris College, 1998
Continuing Education:
Re:Con – The Conference for Managing Blast-Associated Risk, 2012, 2016
International Society of Explosive Engineers, National Convention 1999-2016
State of Georgia Blasters Competency and Level Three Continuing Education Courses, 2008-2015
Campbell Scientific Training, 2011
State of Georgia Blasters Competency and Level Three Continuing Education Courses, Helen, GA, April 2008, September 2009
Blasting Analysis International, 10th High-Tech Seminar on State-of-the-Art Blasting Technology, Instrumentation and Explosives Applications, Nashville, TN, July 2001
Effective Drilling and Blasting Seminar, National Stone Association, 1992
Professional Memberships:
International Society of Explosive Engineers, 1991 – Present, Seismograph Committee Member
Georgia Construction Aggregate Association, 1999-Present
American Society of Civil Engineers, Affiliate Member 2011
Professional Experience:
Matt has worked for Vibra-Tech since 1999. Currently, he serves as Vice President & Regional Manager for Vibra-Tech in the Southeast. Matt is responsible for the planning and development of monitoring programs for clients and providing evaluation and review of measured levels. He is responsible for all Georgia area operations, Re:mote operations and serves as a Regional Manager for Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama operations. Matt has also served as a Vibra-Tech Board of Directors member since 2000.
Publications:
Georgia Construction Aggregate Association Management Workshop, Program Speaker-Vibration and Acoustics, Atlanta, GA 2014-2016
Program Speaker, State of Georgia Blasters Competency and Level Three Education Courses, Helen, GA 2008-2015
Managing Risk through Public Perception, State of Georgia Blasters Competency and Level Three Continuing Education Courses, Helen, GA 2011
Near Field Blasting, The Difference is in the Details, Georgia Construction Aggregate Association, Management Workshop Atlanta, GA 2011
Workshop Instructor, National Stone and Sand and Gravel Association, Drilling and Blasting Seminar, Atlanta, GA 2003
The Effects of Quarry Blasting, South Carolina Mining Association, Annual Meeting, Savannah, GA 2001
Seismic Monitoring and Control, International Society of Explosive Engineers, National Convention Meeting, Program Speaker for Blasters Training Weekend, Nashville, TN 1999
Phyllis Hasser 's Bio
Phyllis has over 25 years of experience with Vibra-Tech in Missouri and surrounding states. Over her career, Phyllis has consulted on various large-scale site developments, highway projects, levee repairs, mining operations and public works projects. Her experiences include providing expert testimony for public meetings, city council meetings and court cases. She also teaches classes in vibration monitoring for the Missouri and Kansas blasters’ licensing programs, as well as for state and local regulatory and enforcement personnel.
Education:
BS, Earth Sciences, University of Missouri – Kansas City, 1990
Continuing Education:
MLPA Blasters’ Certification Class, 1991
Efficient Blasting Techniques Seminar, 1992
International Society of Explosives Engineers, Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 – 2016; Explosives & Blasting Regulatory Conference, 2003, 2006
Professional Memberships:
International Society of Explosives Engineers, 1995 – Present; Board of Directors, 2006-2012; Public Education & Public Relations Committee Chair 2006-2012; Government Affairs Committee Member, 2010 – Present; Nominating Committee Member, 2014 – Present
Mississippi Valley Chapter Society of Explosives Engineers, 1992 – Present; Past President, Past Treasurer, current Newsletter Editor
Mid-America Blasting Conference, Co-organizer, 1998 – Present
Heartland Chapter Society of Explosives Engineers, 2011 – Present, current Newsletter Editor, current Board Member, current Past President
Professional Experience:
Phyllis began as a field representative in 1991, became the operations manager in 1996, and is now Vice President and Area Manager of Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc. in the Missouri office. She is also a member of Vibra-Tech’s Board of Directors.
Other
Ethan Huff's Bio
Ethan has worked for Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc. since 2005. He is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the Hazleton, Pennsylvania office including client development, field work, damage claim investigations, public relations, project bids and cost analysis. Ethan works directly with clients to generate proposals from leads and subsequently manage their projects.
Education:
B.S. – Geography with a focus in Geographic Information Systems, Oklahoma State University , 2004
Professional Memberships:
International Society of Explosives Engineers – Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter, Treasurer
National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association, Young Leaders Member
Professional Experience:
Ethan has worked on blasting related damage claim investigations, public relations at mining operations, Vibra-Map and Iso-Seis studies, site attenuation studies and has implemented Re:mote Monitoring Systems for mining operations around the world. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Geography from Oklahoma State University. During his career at Vibra-Tech, Ethan has held many positions. Ethan was hired in 2005 as a Field Technician in the Fort Mill, South Carolina office. He was quickly promoted to Field Service Manager. Ethan relocated to the Hazleton, Pennsylvania office in 2011 as Project Manager before accepting the Area Manager position in 2013.
Geoffrey Rigsby 's Bio
Geoff has worked for Vibra-Tech, Inc. since 2006. He provides consulting services for the energy, mining, and construction industries throughout the western region. Geoff has experience providing expert testimony and conducting damage claim investigations related to blasting and seismic data acquisition. He has consulted on strengthening risk management strategies for heavy infrastructure, private development, seismic exploration, and mine permitting projects.
Education:
B.S. Geological Sciences – University of Missouri, 2005
Continuing Education:
Missouri S&T Blasters Training Seminar 2006
FHWA Highway Geophysics & NDE Conference 2006
PA Council of Professional Geologists Review Course 2007
Professional Memberships:
Society of Exploration Geophysicists 2013 – Present
International Society of Explosives Engineers 2006 – Present
Mississippi Valley Chapter – Board Member 2008
Heartland Chapter – Board Member 2009
National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association
Young Leaders Steering Committee Member 2013
Professional Experience:
Geoff is the Southwest Regional Manager for Vibra-Tech in Austin, Texas. He is responsible for directing and supervising the financial and operational performance of the region. Geoff manages a staff that provides monitoring and consulting services in 15 western states.
Geoff previously served as Technical Sales Coordinator where he supported all of the GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech regional offices, working to continuously improve market position and achieve financial growth by pursuing sales leads and perspective clients. He delivered presentations and proposals to assist clients in strengthening their risk management strategy. Geoff also worked to maintain key client relationships with regional and national accounts.
Geoff also worked to develop our Re:mote monitoring services by helping design new web-based data management features on special projects. These features have helped clients track specific aspects of the drilling and blasting program as defined by the end user. He continues to help clients institute best practices and assist in continuous improvement initiatives.
Prior to moving into the Technical Sales Coordinator position in 2010, Geoff served as a Geologist, managing regional mining and construction projects for the St. Louis office. With his background in geology and geophysics, Geoff helped expand the market for GeoSonics/Vibra-Tech’s geophysical imaging services in St. Louis.
Publications/Presentations/Seminar Instruction:
“Strategies for Reducing Neighbor Complaints” MinnBlast 2013 – Lake Superior Chapter ISEE
“Re:mote Monitoring Technology” 2011 Wisconsin Blasters Conference – Aggregate Producers of Wisconsin
“Best Practices for Managing Blast Associated Risks” 2011 – Great Lakes Chapter ISEE
“Increasing Efficiencies with Web-Based Data Management” 2011 – Lake Superior Chapter ISEE
Mark Trimble 's Bio
Mark’s geographic area of responsibility includes most of West Virginia, large parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia, and occasionally Pennsylvania and Tennessee. He specializes in blasting seismology and industrial seismology, has experience in forensic geology and investigation of the effects of geologic hazards and natural occurrences on man-made structures and landforms/features, and has researched the effects of vibration on buildings, groundwater and man-made structures.
In thousands of cases, Mark has inspected and documented conditions and defects in man-made structures and landforms, prior to and after vibration episodes from events such as blasting, pile driving, demolition and other vibration-producing operations. He has investigated hundreds of claims of damage to structures and landforms alleged to have resulted from vibration due to blasting, pile driving, compaction, equipment and/or machinery operation, and also from earth movement and other naturally occurring environmental forces. He has also conducted groundwater monitoring and investigations before, during and after vibration events.
Mark’s expertise includes operating seismographs and recording and interpreting seismic events, as well as operating and interpreting results from octave band analyzers and other precision sound measurement. He also identifies and expands applications for remote environmental monitoring (vibration, water, dust, sound, etc.) installations that use earth-orbiting satellites for operation and data transfer. Additionally, he does occasional field geology and hydrology.
Mark provides vibration consulting to mines, quarries, construction, and operations that use explosives and produce vibration, as well as to property/structure owners subjected to vibration.
Mark also has nearly 30 years of experience in expert legal testimony and has been involved in many cases resulting in a verdict for the defendant. His experience in construction, quarrying, and mining cases includes testimony on claimed damage to structures, water supplies, and other personal property, as well as the likelihood of the effects of environmental events on property.
As an Operation Engineer with Geophysical Service, Inc. (GSI) of Dallas, Texas, Mark operated seismographic equipment and conducted the collection, analysis and interpretation of seismic records used in prospecting for oil and gas.
Education:
BS, Geology, California University of Pennsylvania, 1979, with additional coursework in Management of Non-Renewable Resources
Many courses and seminars offered by professional societies, state and federal agencies, in physics, seismology, geology, blasting, etc., as well as classes at Permian Basin Graduate Center in Midland, Texas, West Virginia State College, and West Virginia University
Professional Registration:
Certified Professional Geologist #7609, American Institute of Professional Geologists
Licensed Professional Geologist #PG-002450-G (Pennsylvania)
Licensed Blaster, 1987 – 2004, and Certified Blaster, 1987 – 2002 (West Virginia)
Certified by the WVDEP as an instructor in the Blaster Certification Program and was an instructor in the first training session that led to the first class of certified blasters
Approved as a pre-blast inspector by WVDEP/Office of Explosives and Blasting
Professional Memberships:
Member, American Institute of Professional Geologists
Member, International Society of Explosives Engineers; elected director of the newly formed Mountaineer Chapter, 1995
Professional Experience:
Mark is currently Area Manager for the West Virginia office of Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc. His past experience has involved being a major contributor in developing the first blaster training program and training course for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), used for examination and licensing of blasters in West Virginia. He also participated with WVDEP in the legislative rule-making and policy-writing process for blasting and effects of blasting during creation of the Office of Explosives and Blasting within the Department of Environmental Protection in 1999. His further experience has involved him in blaster training for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. During the early 1990s he conducted vibration monitoring as part of the U.S. government’s nuclear test ban treaty verification project. Additional past work experience led him to be chosen to act as chaperone and consultant to a large delegation from the Petroleum Corporation of the People’s Republic of China (PCPRC), including the PCPRC’s vice president, offering instruction and advice during their six-week observation of geophysical exploration methods conducted by GSI in locations in Texas and New Mexico. Mark is a Cub Scout leader and BSA-certified instructor in shooting sports. He coached little league basketball and YMCA basketball for many years, and is a leader in a church youth organization involved in feeding the needy and repairing the homes of the low-income, handicapped, and otherwise disadvantaged.
Publications:
Authored “Basic Seismology for the Blaster”, which was used in a workshop as part of the Mine Blasting Safety and Application Seminar held in January 1989 at the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Mine Health and Safety academy in Beckley, West Virginia and presented at other gatherings across the nation
Authored many trade magazine articles, including regularly providing the guest editorial for Coal People Magazine’s annual special editions on blasting in the coal industry
Conducted a six-month research project in 2002 on the effects of close-in blasting (higher than typical vibration levels) on a residential structure and associated domestic water supply; presented results at various meetings, including blaster training classes, the Pennsylvania Drilling and Blasting Conference, and the Kentucky Blasting Conference
Michael Donahue's Bio
Mike has worked in Georgia and the Maryland area monitoring the ground vibration and airblast levels from multiple sources, and providing expert recording, review, and reporting of data for the construction and aggregates industries. Mike has extensive experience in pre-blast and post-blast inspections, vibration monitoring, sound monitoring, damage claim investigations, groundwater and surface water monitoring, and expert testimony.
Education:
BS, Geology, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, 1997
MBA, Georgia State University, In Progress
Professional Memberships:
International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) – Potomac Chapter, President, 2015; Vice President, 2014; Board of Directors, 2010
Heavy Construction Contractors Association (HCCA), Regulatory Committee
Virginia Transportation and Construction Alliance (VTCA), Chairman of the Aggregates Operations Committee, 2014-2016
Professional Experience:
Mike is currently the Area Manager of the Maryland office of Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc. Working originally in the Atlanta office he completed pre-blast inspections, vibration monitoring, analysis and reporting. During his tenure within the Maryland office he has completed numerous projects in vibration evaluation for structures as well as mining and construction operations.
Publications:
National Utility Contractor’s Association – Blaster’s Education Seminar: Structural Conditions Commonly Blamed on Blasting, Roanoke, VA, 2009
International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) Potomac Chapter – Biennial Blaster’s Education Conference: Structural Conditions Commonly Blamed on Blasting, Hagerstown, MD, 2008
International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter – Thirteenth Pennsylvania Drilling and Blasting Conference: A Basic Review of Vibration and Vibration Characteristics, State College, PA, 2007
Vibra-Tech Biennial Blasting Technology Conference: Sound Monitoring Basics, Key Largo, FL, 2007
International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) Potomac Chapter – Biennial Blaster’s Education Conference: Record Keeping, Hagerstown, MD, 2006
National Stone Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) – Annual Automation Conference: Design & Execution: Using a Satellite Continuous Remote Monitoring Station to Acquire Data Needed for Operation and Environmental Compliance and Noise and Vibration Concerns, Fort Worth, TX, 2002
Mike Spors 's Bio
Mike has worked for Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc. since 2007. He provides vibration monitoring and consulting for mining and construction projects throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He also regularly conducts pre-blast and post-blast inspections, damage claim investigations, educates neighboring property owners on blasting and construction vibrations and trains clients on the proper setup and use of seismographs. In addition, Mike has assisted with and presented at numerous public permit application hearings, neighborhood meetings, open houses and has provided legal testimony as an expert witness.
Education:
BS – Electrical Engineering, San Diego State University, 2006
Professional Registration:
Registered as a Professional Engineer-In-Training (E.I.T.)
Illinois #061-033942Professional Memberships:
Board Member, International Society of Explosive Engineers (ISEE), Great Lakes Chapter (Chicago)
International Society of Explosive Engineers (ISEE), Lake Superior Chapter (Minnesota)
Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers (IAAP)
Aggregate Producers of Wisconsin (APW)
Iowa Limestone Producers Association (ILPA)
Indiana Mineral Aggregates Association (IMAA)
Professional Experience:
Mike is currently the Area Manager for the Chicago office, which services the Upper Midwest. He is responsible for all operations of the office. During his career at Vibra-Tech, Mike also held the Field Engineer position where he installed and maintained Re:moteTM seismograph stations, monitored vibration as well as collected and analyzed data to produce client reports. He has served as a vibration consultant for the aggregate and construction industries on a variety of large scale projects such as the reconstruction of Wacker Drive in Chicago, William Eckhardt Research Center at the University of Chicago, construction of the Epic Systems Corp. campus in Verona, Wisconsin and numerous high-rise construction projects.
Publications:
Re:Con 2016 – The Conference for Managing Blast-Associated Risk, Blasting Near Buried Pipelines, 2016
ISEE, Lake Superior Chapter, MinnBlast – Safety & Training Conference, Seismology 101, 2008 – Present
Wisconsin Department of Commerce – Blaster’s Conference, Seismology 101, 2009 & 2011
Todd Pester 's Bio
Todd provides vibration management and recording for blasting and construction projects. He has recorded multiple project vibration sources and completes pre- and post-inspections on structures.
Education:
Associate of Architectural Engineering, Owens Community College, 2004
Associate of Marketing and Sales, Owens Community College, 1997
Professional Memberships:
Ohio Aggregate & Industrial Mineral Association (OAIMA), Associate Director, 2017-2018
Michigan Aggregates Association (MAA)
Indiana Mineral Aggregates Association (IMAA), Associate Director, 2015-2016
Eagle Scout Award – 1991
Community Activities:
Board of Directors for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Putnam County, Vice President
Ottawa Glandorf Jaycees
Ottawa Cub Scouts Activities Coordinator
Professional Experience:
Todd is the Area Manager of the Ohio office of Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc. He manages and develops business in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. He started as a field technician with Vibra-Tech in 2007, and was promoted to area manager for the Ohio office.