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Osterberg Memorial Lecture

The annual Osterberg Memorial Lecture and Award was established by DFI Corporate Member Loadtest, in conjunction with the DFI Educational Trust, in honor of Dr. Jorj O. Osterberg, one of the true pioneers of geotechnical engineering. The Lecture and Award recognize innovations in the deep foundations construction related to engineering design, testing or education – all aspects of Dr. Osterberg’s lifelong contributions.

Dr. Jorj O. Osterberg

Dr. Osterberg has long been recognized for his innovations in soil sampling and testing (including his inventions: the Osterberg Sampler and the Osterberg Cell). Dr. Osterberg enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a teacher and consultant; he was Professor Emeritus of civil engineering, at Northwestern University.

The lecture is presented annually at the SuperPile conference or every third year at the International Foundations Conference & Equipment Expo (IFCEE). DFI provides an annual donation to the DFI Educational Trust General Fund from the proceeds of these conferences.

Osterberg Lecturers and Award Recipients

2024
John Wolosick, P.E., BC.GEProposed Modified Davisson Criteria to Evaluate the Ultimate and Safe Service Loads for Micropiles
2023
Paul W. Mayne, Ph.D., P.E.Application of Seismic Piezocone Soundings to Bi-Directional Load Test Response
2022
Harry PoulosFoundations for Tall Buildings – Design and Risk Reduction
2020-2021
Erik Loehr, Ph.D., P.E.The Considerable Benefits of Bi-directional Loading
2019
Samuel Paikowsky, Ph.D.Capacity Testing of Deep Foundations: Successes and Pitfalls
2018
John A. (Jack) Hayes, P. Eng., D.I.C.High-Capacity Load Testing
2017
Richard J. Finno, Ph.D., P.E., D.GELessons (Re)Learned from Geotechnical Failures
2016
David K. Crapps, Ph.D., P.E.Lessons Learned from Dr. Jorj O. Osterberg and His Inventions
2015
Frank RauscheLoad Testing of Deep Foundations: Developments, Applications, Results
2014
Dr. Kyle RollinsDeep Foundation Behavior in Liquefied Sands From Blast Liquefaction Testing
2013
Jean-Louis BriaudImpact Load Tests for Embassy Protection Against Terrorists
2012
Dr. Dan BrownExperiences with the Osterberg Cell Load Testing Method
2011
Dr. John H. SchmertmannThe “TROM” Method for the Most Economical Design and Construction of Non-Redundant Pile Foundations
2010
Dr. Bengt H. FelleniusRedesign Tests Save Costs and Time: A Case History
2009
Clyde Baker, Jr.Experiences with Jorj Osterberg and How He Revolutionized the Deep Foundations Industry