During the 21st International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ICSMGE 2026) in Vienna, EFFC made a strong contribution to the technical programme with three presentations covering the federation’s mission, sustainability and internationally recognised technical guidance. The presentations demonstrated EFFC’s leading role in promoting safe, innovative and sustainable geotechnical construction while fostering collaboration across the international geotechnical community.
The role and mission of EFFC in the geotechnical industry
Presenter: Fabrizio Leoni (EFFC President, Trevi SpA)
Fabrizio Leoni presented “The role and mission of the European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) in the geotechnical industry”. In his presentation, he highlighted the unique role of specialist geotechnical contractors in translating engineering designs into safe, practical and buildable foundation solutions while managing the uncertainties associated with ground conditions. He also explained the origins and development of EFFC, which has grown since its foundation in 1982 into a federation representing 14 national associations and more than 700 specialist contractors and associate members across Europe.
Looking ahead, Fabrizio outlined the key challenges facing the sector, including sustainability, health and safety, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and attracting the next generation of engineers. He emphasised that EFFC’s mission is to support the transition towards a more sustainable, collaborative and innovative geotechnical industry by developing practical guidance, promoting technical excellence and strengthening cooperation between contractors, designers, academia and institutions. The presentation also showcased the federation’s extensive technical working groups, its collaboration with DFI and its active contribution to the development of European standards and internationally recognised guidance documents.
Click here for the presentation of Paul Fabrizio Leonie.
The role of geotechnical contractors in driving sustainability
Presenter: Paul Vidil
Paul Vidil presented “The roles geotechnical contractors should play in influencing sustainability”, focusing on the unique position of specialist geotechnical contractors to make a significant contribution to more sustainable infrastructure projects. He explained how contractors can influence sustainability through optimisation of foundation solutions, performance-based design, the observational method, knowledge sharing and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
The presentation also emphasised the importance of guiding clients, educating young engineers, participating in standardisation activities and continuously collecting project data to improve future designs. The overall message was that geotechnical engineers and contractors have both the responsibility and the opportunity to actively shape a more sustainable construction industry.
Click here for the presentation of Paul Vidil.
EFFC/DFI Guidelines: practical support for international practice
Presenter: Karsten Beckhaus (Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH)
Karsten Beckhaus presented “Guideline work by EFFC and DFI – a practical supplement to normative regulations”. His presentation highlighted the successful collaboration between EFFC and the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) in developing internationally recognised guidance documents that complement existing standards and support best practice across the geotechnical sector.
The presentation provided an overview of the growing portfolio of EFFC/DFI guidelines, including:
- Working Platforms
- Tremie Concrete
- Support Fluids
- Watertightness of diaphragm walls
- Sustainability and the Carbon Calculator
- Non-Destructive Testing
In addition, Karsten outlined ongoing developments within the sustainability programme, including guidance on carbon reduction, circular economy, climate adaptation, resilience, water management and nature, as well as the redevelopment of the EFFC/DFI Carbon Calculator into a modern web-based application.
Click here for the presentation of Karsten Beckhaus.
Together, these presentations highlighted EFFC’s commitment to advancing the geotechnical industry through technical leadership, international collaboration and the development of practical guidance. By addressing key challenges such as sustainability, digitalisation and innovation, EFFC continues to support the industry in delivering safe, resilient and future-ready geotechnical solutions.