#98 - Case History - How Did That Get There?

GBA Case History Series – Case History #98 - How Did That Get There?

Summary

Member Firm provides geotechnical engineering services and CoMET for a new project on the site of an existing shopping center. CoMET services were provided “as needed” for demolition of the shopping center. A few years after the completion of construction, one of the three new retaining walls deflected significantly. Investigation of the backfill led to some surprises. On cue, the owner sued to reclaim the repair costs

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:

• Beyond the Go/No-go Analysis
• Quality Assurance Is Not Quality Control
• Defining Terms Is Essential
• No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
• Spot-checking Elevates Risk
• Reusing Existing Materials May Create Special Risks
• Constructors May Not Implement Adequate QC
• Effective CoMET Documentation Describes What Was and Was Not Observed
• Communication at All Levels Can Be Critical
• Rely on Experienced Legal Guidance
• “Agreeable” Experts Are Always Available
• Claims Are a Business Issue
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Works

Calls-to-action:

• Download Case History #98
• 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