Steele Foundation’s Morgan Eddy Presents to WACEL

Steele Foundation Vice President and Partner Morgan Eddy, PE, MSc recently addressed members of the Washington Area Council of Engineering Laboratories (WACEL) at their January 22 meeting in Tysons Corner, VA. WACEL, a regional trade association for construction materials testing and inspection professionals, hosted the session as part of its continuing education series.

“Collaboration between expert building inspectors and licensed construction contractors is essential for keeping projects on track and the public safe,” said Eddy. “It was a pleasure to be a part of the WACEL educational event to share engineered foundation complexities and best practices.”

Eddy’s presentation, Sheeting, Shoring, and Underpinning Best Practices, covered technical and regulatory guidance for design-build projects in complex urban environments.

Drawing on case studies from Washington, DC, the session explored:

• The role of design-build contractors in managing site complexities, from soil pressures to adjacent structure stability
• Advanced testing and inspection protocols, including non-destructive testing, deflection monitoring, and tieback load testing
• Clear inspection scope definition to ensure accountability, quality, and safety
• Best practices for handling field-driven design changes without compromising specifications
• Collaborative problem-solving strategies that keep engineers, inspectors, and contractors aligned\

The presentation reinforced the importance of integrating testing and monitoring into every phase of construction, using tools such as inclinometers, real-time site cameras, and digital reporting to improve accuracy and responsiveness.

Real-world examples from projects such as the historic Howard Theatre underpinning and complex façade preservation at Martha’s Table demonstrated how inspection rigor, adaptive design, and clear communication can result in significant cost and time savings, while maintaining structural integrity. In addition to technical guidance, Eddy underscored the inspector’s role as a proactive partner — not just a compliance checkpoint — in preventing costly errors. “When inspectors are equipped with the right knowledge and authority, they help ensure every decision in the field supports safety, quality, and long-term performance,” he said.