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.y <br />A GEOTECHNICAL ENGWEERiNG <br />REPORT [S SUBJECT TO <br />MISINTERPRETATION <br />Costly problems can occur when other design profes- <br />sionalsdevelop their plans based on misinterpretations <br />of a geotechnical engineering report. To help avoid <br />these problems, the geotechnical engineer should be <br />retained to work with other appropriate design profes- <br />sionals toexplain relevant geotechnical findings and to <br />review the adequacy of their plans and specifications <br />relative [o geotechnical issues. <br />BORING LOGS SHOULD NOT BE <br />SEPARATED FROM THE <br />ENGINEERING REPORT <br />Final boring logs are developed by geotechnical engi- <br />neers based upon [heir interpretation of field logs <br />)assembled by site personnel) and laboratory evaluation <br />of field samples. Only Final boring logs customarily are <br />included in geotechnical engineering reports. These logs <br />should not under any circumstances 6e redrawn for inclusion in <br />architectural or other design drawings, because drafters <br />may commit errors or omissions in the vansfer process. <br />Although photographic reproduction eliminates this <br />problem, it does nothing [o minimize the possibility of <br />contractors misinterpreting the logs during bid prepara- <br />tion. When this occurs. delays, disputes and unantici- <br />pated costs are the all-too-frequent result <br />To minimize the likelihood of boring log misinterpreta- <br />tion, give contractors ready access to the complete geotechnical <br />engineering report prepared or authorized for [heir use. <br />Those who do not provide such access may proceed un- <br />der the mistaken impression that simply disdalming re- <br />sponsibility For [he accuracy of subsurface information <br />always insulates them from attendant liability Providing <br />the best available information to contractors helps pre- <br />vent costly construction problems and the adversarial <br />attitudes.which aggravate them to disproportionate <br />scale. <br />READ RESPONSIB[LITY <br />CLAUSES CLOSELY <br />Because geotechnical engineering is based extensively <br />on judgment and opinion. it is far less exact than other <br />design disciplines. This situation has resulted in wholly <br />unwarranted claims being lodged against geotechnical <br />consultants. To help prevent this problem, geotechnical <br />engineers have developed model douses for use in writ- <br />ten transmittals. These are not exculpatory c`I"auses <br />designed to foist geotechnical engineers' liabilities onto <br />someone else. Rather, they are definitive clauses which <br />identify where geotechnical engineers' responsibilities <br />begin and end. Their use helps all parties involved rec- <br />ognize their individual responsibilities and take appro- <br />priate action. Some of these definitive clauses are likely <br />to appear in your geotechnical engineering report, and <br />you are encouraged to read them closely. Your geo- <br />technical engineer will be pleased to give full and frank <br />answers to your questions. <br />OTHER STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO <br />REDUCE RISK <br />Your consulting geotechnical engineer will be pleased to <br />discuss other techniques which can be employed to mit- <br />igate risk. In~addition, ASFE hag developed a variety of <br />materials which may be beneficial. Contact ASFE for a <br />complimentary copy of its publications directory. <br />Pubh~sfiai 6y <br />~~ <br />~SCC:Ai'1CN Cf SCL AND FCUNDATICN ENGINEERS <br />8811 Coiesville Rcad/Suite 225 <br />Silver Spring, Adarviand 20910 <br />301/565-2733 <br />Furnished by: <br />~.a~nber~ aa~~ ~5~ntia~e5 <br />CONSULTING GECTECHNICAL ENGINEERS AND h1ATEnIAL TES i dJG <br />? ~. aox ;°86 <br />Grand.Juncticn,i.D 31'-,02 <br />?70-245-5500 <br />?. 7. aox <br />Montrose, CO <br />a7D-24 <br />214 Bodo Drive <br />,Durango, CO 31;01 <br />a70-~ro-:Coc <br />-0045 <br />814112 <br />a_91 Cu <br />,~ <br />