REV93499 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING REPORT ~~iore construction problems are caused by site subsur- face conditions than any ocher factor As troublesome as subsurface problems can be. their frequency and extent have been lessened considerably in recent years. due in large measure to programs and publications of ASFE/ The Association of Engineering Firms Practicing in [he Geosciences The following suggestions and observations are offered to help you reduce the geotechnical-related delays, cost-overruns and other costly headaches that can occur during a corstruction pro{ect A GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING REPORT IS BASED ON A UNIQUE SET OF PROJECT-SPECIFIC FACTORS A geotechnical engineering report is based on a subsur- face exploration plan designed [o incorporate a unique set of project-specific factors. These typically include: the general nature of the structure involved. its size and configuration: the location of the structure on the site and its orientation; physical concomitants such as access roads. parking lots, and underground utilities. and the level of additional risk which [he client assumed by virtue of limitations imposed upon the exploratory program. To help avoid costly problems, consult the geotechnical engineer to determine how any factors which change subsequent to the dace of the report may affect its recommendations. Unless your consulting geotechnical engineer indicates otherwise. your aeutechnical engineering report slwuld not be used: . ~l'hen [he nature of the proposed structure is changed. for example. if an office building will be erected instead of a parking garage. or if a refriger- ated warehouse will be built instead of an unre- frigerated one. • when the si ~ or configuration of the proposed structure is altered. • when the location or orientation of the proposed structure is modified. • ~ehen there is a change of ownership, or . for application to an adjacent site. Geotechnical enginens cannot accept rzsponsibility for problems which may develop if thzy are not consulted after factors consid- ered in thzir reports dzvefopment have changed. MOST GEOTECHNICAL "FINDINGS" ARE PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATES Site exploration identifies actual subsurface conditions only at those points where samples are taken, when they are taken. Data derived through sampling and sub- sequent laboratory testing are extrapolated by geo- technical engineers who then render an opinion about overall subsurface conditions. their likely reaction to proposed construction activity, and appropriate founda- tion design. Even under optimal circumstances actual conditions may differ From those inferred to exist, because no geotechnical engineer. no matter how quaiified, and no subsurface exploration program, no matter how comprehensive, can reveal what is hidden by earth. rock and time. The actual interface between mate- rials may be far more gradual or abrupt than a report indicates. Actual conditions in areas not sampled may differ from predictions. Nothing can be done to prevent the unanticivatzd, but steps can be taken to help minimice thzir impact. For this reason, most experienced owners rztain their geotzchnical consultants through the construction stage, to iden- tify variances. conduct additional tests which may be needed. and to recommend solutions to problems encountered on site. SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE Subsurface conditions may be modified by constantly- changing natural forces. Because a geotechnical engi- neering report is based on conditions which existed at [he time of subsurface exploration, consVUCtimt Recisions should not be based ~~n a geotechnical engineering report whose adequacy mau have Peen affected by time. Speak with the geo- technicalconsultant to learn if additidnal tests are advisable before construction starts. Construction operations at or adjacent to the site and natural events such as floods, earthquakes or ground- water fluctuarens may also affect subsurface conditions and. thus. the continuing adequacy of a geotechnical report. The geotechnical engineer should be keot apprised of any such events. and should be consulted to determine if additional tests are necessary GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES ARE PERFORMED FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES AND PERSONS Geotechnical engineers' reports are prepared to meet the specific needs of specific individuals. A report pre- pared for a consulting civil engineer may not be ade- quate for a construction contractor, or even some other consu{ting civil engineer. Unless indicated otherwise. this report was prepared expressly For the client involved and expressly for purposes indicated by the client. Use by any other persons for any purpose. or by the client for a different purpose. may result in problems. No indi- vidualother than the client should apply this report jor its intended purpose without first conferring with the geotechnical engineer. No person shottfd apply this report for any Durpase other than that originally contemplated without first conferring with the geotechnical engineer