#111 - Case History - Incomplete Characterization of Site Conditions Costs Everyone!

GBA Case History Series – Case History #111 - Incomplete Characterization of Site Conditions Costs Everyone!

Summary

Working as an expert consultant, the member firm found evidence of incomplete geotechnical and environmental characterization of the subsurface conditions at a site adjacent to a river. Also disturbing were the stated findings of a third-party independent consultant

Our Hosts:

• Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

• Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

• Understand and consider the geologic setting before beginning a project.
• Complete investigations using methods appropriate for the site conditions. Standard split spoon sampling does not give appropriate data in soils with cobbles and gravel.
• Don’t skimp on lab tests.
• Be careful in statements regarding dewatering unless the designer has experience in this analysis.
• Local regulations may require specific environmental laboratory testing for a variety of reasons. Make sure the engineer understands all the requirements and completes appropriate sampling and testing especially if they are responsible for permitting.
• Train staff not to do work that is beyond their experience or expertise.
• Understand the Standard of Care.

Calls-to-action:

• Download Case History #111
• Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/
• An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms.
• Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.
• Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
• Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

• Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME.
• Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants
• Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC