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ti <br />A GEOTECHNtCAL ENGINEERING <br />REPORT [S SUBJECT TO <br />MISINTERPRETATION <br />Costly problems can occur when other design profes- <br />sionals develop 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 othec appropriate design profes- <br />sionals to explain relevant geotechnical findings and to <br />review the adequacy of their plans and specifications <br />relative to 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 />lassembled by site personnel) and laboratory evaluation <br />of field samples. Only Final boring logs customarily are <br />included in geotechnical engineering reports. These lags <br />should not under any circumstances be redrawn For inclusion in <br />architectural or other design drawings. because drafters <br />may commit errors or omissions in the transfer process. <br />Although photographic reproduction eliminates this <br />problem, it does nothing [o minimize the possibility of <br />contrac*,ors misinterpreting the logs during bid prepara- <br />tion. When this occurs. delays, disoutes 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 their use. <br />Those who do not provide such access may proceed un- <br />der the mistaken impression chat simp4y disclaiming re- <br />sponsibility For the accuracy of subsurface information <br />always insulates them From attendant liability Providing <br />the best available information to contractors helps pre- <br />ventcostly construction problems and the adversaria{ <br />attitudes which aggravate them to disproportionate <br />scale. <br />READ RESPONSIBILITY <br />CLAUSES CLOSELY <br />Because geotechnical engineering is based extensively <br />on judgment and opinion. it is Ear 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 [his problem. geotechnical <br />engineers have developed model clauses for use En writ- <br />ten transmittals. These are not exculpatoryd"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 />co appear in your geotechnical engineering report, and <br />you are encouraged to read them closely. Your geo- <br />technical engineer wilt 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 direcrory <br />PuoGshe! 6y <br />. ~~~ <br />A~G:A?SCN GF sGL AND FGUNDAi1CN ENG~NEEkS <br />8811 Coie<ville Rcad/Suite 22; <br />silver Spnng, *~tarviand 2D91D <br />30U`,65-27,3 <br />Furnished by: <br />~3nbex~ a~a~ ~~~ntia~~~ <br />GGNSUITING GcGTECHNIG.~I. =NGINc.PS ANO MATEnIAI.'c~ i dJG <br />P. 9. Box ?986 214 3odo Drive <br />Grand Junction,CO 31,i7Z .Durance, CO 31361 <br />- alp-24;-6;'70 9j0-2CO"70ac <br />?. 7. Sox 0045 <br />t1ontrose. CO 31;102 <br />a~p_24o-?i~4 <br />