Thomas Richards to Deliver Lizzi Lecture at ISM’s 16th International Workshop on Micropiles

Tom Richards, Jr., P.E., BC.GE, Nicholson Construction Company, is presenting the 12th annual Lizzi Lecture at ISM’s 16th International Workshop on Micropiles in Valencia, Spain, from September 24-26, 2025.

His presentation, titled “You’ve Lost that Sinking Feeling: Nicholson Looks Back at Mandalay Bay Project,” highlights the lessons learned during the design and installation of micropiles to stop the extreme settlement of Mandalay Bay during its construction in the late 90s.

Richards is retired chief engineer now consultant at Nicholson Construction Company, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. For over 30 years at Nicholson, Richards led technical aspects of countless specialized geotechnical projects using micropiles, anchors, soil nails, diaphragm walls and all types of grouting techniques. His responsibilities included design, quality control, research, testing and instrumentation. His strength lies in his mastery and focus of the details, addressing each project challenge with patience and perseverance.

Richards has been an active member of numerous committees for Deep Foundations Institute, ADSC: the International Association of Foundation Drilling, Post Tensioning Institute, and American Society of Civil Engineers. He has contributed his significant technical knowledge to the advancement of guidance produced by federal agencies and industry groups. He is a member of The Moles, a U.S.-based fraternal organization for the heavy construction industry. In 2019, Richard’s was awarded DFI’s Distinguished Service Award, the highest individual honor the association presents, and he served as DFI’s 2021 Traveling Lecturer, presenting case histories to students and engineering societies around the U.S.

The workshop includes lectures, discussions, panel sessions on all aspects of micropile technology, and social events. The workshop also features the 10th Lizzi Scholarship and the 5th World Cup of Micropiles.