Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 2 June 2025
Awards Report
IPA Awards: Honoring Life-long Contributions to Press-in Engineering – A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
IPA Awards: Honoring Life-long Contributions to Press-in Engineering – A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
IPA Awards Committee
Recognizing Life-long Dedication to Press-in Engineering
The Lifelong Contribution Award is one of the most distinguished honors presented by the International Press-in Association (IPA). It recognizes individuals who have made sustained, transformative contributions to the advancement of press-in engineering. These contributions may include scientific research, planning, design, construction, equipment development, development of innovative applications of embedded structures, and leadership within the IPA itself.
In this issue, we feature the recipients of the 2024 Life-long Contribution Award, which was presented during the Third International Conference on Press-in Engineering (ICPE 2024). Their dedication has shaped the global press-in community and laid the foundation for future generations of engineers.
About the Life-long Contribution Award
The Lifelong Contribution Award is conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment and exceptional achievement in the field of press-in engineering. Nominees may be actively engaged in the field, retired, or recognized posthumously.
Applications are invited during designated periods announced by the IPA, and the award is presented by the IPA President at an appropriate event.
2024 Awardees at ICPE2024
The Lifelong Contribution Award has been conferred upon two individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment and exceptional achievement in the field of press-in engineering.
Dr. Osamu Kusakabe has significantly contributed to the internationalization of geotechnical engineering in Japan and Asia. As a key member of the IPA since its foundation in 2007, he served as President for the term 2016–2019 and is currently the Executive Director of the IPA.
During his presidency, he led a significant reorganization of the association’s structure, establishing the Steering Committee and five Standing Committees, and enhancing the framework for Technical Committees. He also initiated the first International Conference on Press-in Engineering in 2018, formalized the IPA Awards program, and contributed to a substantial expansion of the membership base.
His leadership in various organizations and teaching roles at several prestigious institutions has fostered young geotechnical engineers and greatly contributed to the field’s development.
Message from Dr. Kusakabe
“It was a great honor and pleasure for me to have received the Lifelong Contribution Award from International Press-in Association (IPA) at the time of 3rd International Conference on Press-in Engineering in July, 2024. Although my involvement with the IPA began from the time of its inauguration of IPA in 2007, I think that my major contribution to the IPA may be several initiatives during my time as the second IPA President from 2016 to 2019, including launching the quarterly Newsletter, International Conference of Press-in Engineering, forming Technical Committees and publishing the Handbook and Case History Volume. These initiatives have continued and expanded to date to serve as the major vehicles of IPA activities to achieve the main objective of the IPA, that is “dissemination of Press-in Technology worldwide”.
The year of 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the invention of the press-in machine in 1975. Over these 50 years, the family of press-in machines has been utilized in a number of construction projects and various disaster prevention projects, suggesting that possible aging effects may arise in the near future. The concept of lifetime management must be, therefore, introduced to design press-in structures and to monitor the performance of existing press-in structures. It is highly recommended to form a technical committee in the IPA to support the lifetime management in press-in projects, including establishing a database of existing press-in structures.
The Life-long Contribution Award was first presented in 2018. Previous recipients include:
These individuals have pioneered innovations, advanced global practices, and strengthened the foundation of press-in engineering.
Looking Ahead
The Life-long Contribution Award continues to inspire the press-in engineering community by celebrating careers dedicated to innovation, mentorship, and leadership. As the field evolves, recognizing such legacies is essential to sustaining a forward-looking community that values both tradition and progress.
We invite you to revisit the nomination guidelines and consider nominating individuals whose contributions deserve recognition in the years to come.
Further Information
The Lifelong Contribution Award is one of the most distinguished honors presented by the International Press-in Association (IPA). It recognizes individuals who have made sustained, transformative contributions to the advancement of press-in engineering. These contributions may include scientific research, planning, design, construction, equipment development, development of innovative applications of embedded structures, and leadership within the IPA itself.
In this issue, we feature the recipients of the 2024 Life-long Contribution Award, which was presented during the Third International Conference on Press-in Engineering (ICPE 2024). Their dedication has shaped the global press-in community and laid the foundation for future generations of engineers.
About the Life-long Contribution Award
The Lifelong Contribution Award is conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment and exceptional achievement in the field of press-in engineering. Nominees may be actively engaged in the field, retired, or recognized posthumously.
Applications are invited during designated periods announced by the IPA, and the award is presented by the IPA President at an appropriate event.
2024 Awardees at ICPE2024
The Lifelong Contribution Award has been conferred upon two individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment and exceptional achievement in the field of press-in engineering.
Dr. Osamu Kusakabe
Professor Emeritus, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Executive Director, IPA (Former President, Term 2016–2019)
Professor Emeritus, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Executive Director, IPA (Former President, Term 2016–2019)
Dr. Osamu Kusakabe (right), receiving the Award from Prof. Chun Fai Leung, then President of IPA, at ICPE2024.
Dr. Osamu Kusakabe has significantly contributed to the internationalization of geotechnical engineering in Japan and Asia. As a key member of the IPA since its foundation in 2007, he served as President for the term 2016–2019 and is currently the Executive Director of the IPA.
During his presidency, he led a significant reorganization of the association’s structure, establishing the Steering Committee and five Standing Committees, and enhancing the framework for Technical Committees. He also initiated the first International Conference on Press-in Engineering in 2018, formalized the IPA Awards program, and contributed to a substantial expansion of the membership base.
His leadership in various organizations and teaching roles at several prestigious institutions has fostered young geotechnical engineers and greatly contributed to the field’s development.
Message from Dr. Kusakabe
Dr. Kusakabe shared the following message upon receiving the award.
“It was a great honor and pleasure for me to have received the Lifelong Contribution Award from International Press-in Association (IPA) at the time of 3rd International Conference on Press-in Engineering in July, 2024. Although my involvement with the IPA began from the time of its inauguration of IPA in 2007, I think that my major contribution to the IPA may be several initiatives during my time as the second IPA President from 2016 to 2019, including launching the quarterly Newsletter, International Conference of Press-in Engineering, forming Technical Committees and publishing the Handbook and Case History Volume. These initiatives have continued and expanded to date to serve as the major vehicles of IPA activities to achieve the main objective of the IPA, that is “dissemination of Press-in Technology worldwide”.
The year of 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the invention of the press-in machine in 1975. Over these 50 years, the family of press-in machines has been utilized in a number of construction projects and various disaster prevention projects, suggesting that possible aging effects may arise in the near future. The concept of lifetime management must be, therefore, introduced to design press-in structures and to monitor the performance of existing press-in structures. It is highly recommended to form a technical committee in the IPA to support the lifetime management in press-in projects, including establishing a database of existing press-in structures.
The press-in technology is still in a stage of expansion both in geography and in generation. Recent experience of the press-in technology seminar in Tunisia has clearly demonstrated the need for further efforts of dissemination in Africa, also other regions such as South America and the Middle East. The number of IPA student member is gradually increasing. It is of vital importance to foster this young generation who have acquired the knowledge of press-in technology to solve global issues such as disaster mitigation and decarbonization. Further measures of encouragement for younger generation must be implemented.”
Prof. Tatsunori Matsumoto
Emeritus Professor, Kanazawa University /
Director, IPA (Former Vice President, Term 2019–2023)
Professor Tatsunori Matsumoto has made significant contributions to pile foundation engineering and geotechnical research. He joined the IPA in 2012, served on the Board of Directors, and was Vice President for the term 2019–2023.
He chaired the Research Committee for the term 2017–2018, and as Chair of the Organizing Committee, led the Second International Conference on Press-in Engineering in 2021 (ICPE2021), which attracted 59 papers and 430 participants. He also published Case History Volume I in 2019, showcasing global press-in piling projects.
Through his lectures and mentorship, Professor Matsumoto has actively disseminated press-in piling technology and mentored young geotechnical engineers, thereby significantly advancing the field and contributing to the IPA’s continued growth and global influence.
Message from Prof. Matsumoto
Prof. Tatsunori Matsumoto
Emeritus Professor, Kanazawa University /
Director, IPA (Former Vice President, Term 2019–2023)
Prof. Tatsunori Matsumoto (right), receiving the Award from Prof. Chun Fai Leung, then President of IPA, at ICPE2024.
Professor Tatsunori Matsumoto has made significant contributions to pile foundation engineering and geotechnical research. He joined the IPA in 2012, served on the Board of Directors, and was Vice President for the term 2019–2023.
He chaired the Research Committee for the term 2017–2018, and as Chair of the Organizing Committee, led the Second International Conference on Press-in Engineering in 2021 (ICPE2021), which attracted 59 papers and 430 participants. He also published Case History Volume I in 2019, showcasing global press-in piling projects.
Through his lectures and mentorship, Professor Matsumoto has actively disseminated press-in piling technology and mentored young geotechnical engineers, thereby significantly advancing the field and contributing to the IPA’s continued growth and global influence.
Message from Prof. Matsumoto
Professor Tatsunori Matsumoto shared the following message upon receiving the award.
“I am honored to receive the IPA Lifelong Contribution Award. This award motivates me to continue researching Press-in technology.
Press-in technology is an innovative method for installing steel sheet piles and steel pipe piles. It is spreading to many regions worldwide due to its environmental friendliness and high performance, even under challenging site conditions such as narrow space and low headroom.
However, the performance of the constructed piles, including their bearing characteristics and lateral resistance, does not seem to be sufficiently clarified. A comparison of the performance of piles constructed using Press-in technology and other methods, such as a vibratory hammer, will be beneficial to highlight the advantages of Press-in technology. Comparison of the pile penetration data and the performance of the pile constructed using Press-in technology should also be investigated further. If so, piles constructed using Press-in technology will receive greater reliability in pile design codes and standards.
“I am honored to receive the IPA Lifelong Contribution Award. This award motivates me to continue researching Press-in technology.
Press-in technology is an innovative method for installing steel sheet piles and steel pipe piles. It is spreading to many regions worldwide due to its environmental friendliness and high performance, even under challenging site conditions such as narrow space and low headroom.
However, the performance of the constructed piles, including their bearing characteristics and lateral resistance, does not seem to be sufficiently clarified. A comparison of the performance of piles constructed using Press-in technology and other methods, such as a vibratory hammer, will be beneficial to highlight the advantages of Press-in technology. Comparison of the pile penetration data and the performance of the pile constructed using Press-in technology should also be investigated further. If so, piles constructed using Press-in technology will receive greater reliability in pile design codes and standards.
My belief is that technical communication among pile engineers worldwide will efficiently enhance the current Press-in technology.”
Past Awardees: Continuing the LegacyThe Life-long Contribution Award was first presented in 2018. Previous recipients include:
- 2018
Mr. Akio Kitamura, Founder and Honorary Chairman, GIKEN LTD. (Former President and Chairman) / Founding Member and Honorary President, IPA
Late Mr. Yasuo Kakiuchi, Former Chairman and President, Kakiuchi Co., Ltd.
Mr. Takaharu Kakiuchi, Advisor, Kakiuchi Co., Ltd. (Former Chairman and President)
Dr. Malcolm Bolton, Emeritus Professor, The University of Cambridge / Former President, IPA (Term 2007–2015)
Late Mr. Yasuo Kakiuchi, Former Chairman and President, Kakiuchi Co., Ltd.
Mr. Takaharu Kakiuchi, Advisor, Kakiuchi Co., Ltd. (Former Chairman and President)
Dr. Malcolm Bolton, Emeritus Professor, The University of Cambridge / Former President, IPA (Term 2007–2015)
- 2021:
Dr. Masaaki Terashi, Corporate Adviser, GIKEN LTD. / Former Director, IPA
- 2024:
Dr. Osamu Kusakabe, Professor Emeritus, Tokyo Institute of Technology / Executive Director, IPA (Former President, Term 2016–2019)
Prof. Tatsunori Matsumoto, Emeritus Professor, Kanazawa University / Director, IPA (Former Vice President, Term 2019–2023)
Prof. Tatsunori Matsumoto, Emeritus Professor, Kanazawa University / Director, IPA (Former Vice President, Term 2019–2023)
These individuals have pioneered innovations, advanced global practices, and strengthened the foundation of press-in engineering.
Looking Ahead
The Life-long Contribution Award continues to inspire the press-in engineering community by celebrating careers dedicated to innovation, mentorship, and leadership. As the field evolves, recognizing such legacies is essential to sustaining a forward-looking community that values both tradition and progress.
We invite you to revisit the nomination guidelines and consider nominating individuals whose contributions deserve recognition in the years to come.
Further Information
- Complete list of recipients: https://www.press-in.org/en/page/award
- Award details and nomination form: https://www.press-in.org/en/page/award
- Contact: ipa.award@press-in.org
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