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• <br /> <br />A GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING <br />REPORT IS SUBJECT TO <br />MIS[NTERPRETATION <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 other 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 their interpretation of field logs <br />)assembled by site personnel) and laboratory evaluation <br />of field samples. Only final boring logs customarily are <br />induded in geotechnical engineering reports. These logs <br />should not under any circumstances be redrawn For indusion 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 to 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 thelikelihood of boring log misinterpreta- <br />tion, givecontractors ready access to the complete geotecknicat <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 that simply disdaiming 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 adversarial <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 far less exact than other <br />design disciplines. This situation has resulted in wholly <br />unwarranted daims being lodged against geotechnical <br />consultants. To help prevent this problem, geotechnical <br />engineers have developed model louses For use in writ- <br />ten transmittals. These are not exculpatory louses <br />designed to foist geotechnical engineers liabilities onto <br />someone else. Rather. they are definitive louses which <br />identify where geotechnical engineers responsibilities <br />begin and end. Their use helps atl parties involved rec- <br />ognize their individual responsibilities and take appro- <br />priate action. Some of these definitive louses are likely <br />to appear in your geotechnical engineering report. and <br />you are encouraged to read them dosely. Your geo- <br />technical engineer will be pleased [o 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 mio- <br />igate risk In addition, ASFE"has developed a variety of <br />materials which may be beneficial. Contact ASFE for a <br />complimentary copy of its publications directory. <br />Publisbe! by <br />E <br />ASSOCL471ENJ OF SOl AND r-0UNDATKN~! ENGNEEf2S <br />881 I Colesville Road/Suite 225 <br />Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 <br />301/565.2733 <br /> <br />Furnished by: <br />i ~.arrt~ert anb ~g~otiat>~g <br />f <br />'. CONSULTING GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS ANO MATERIAL TE: <br />.I Pr 0;, Box 39$6- -- ~ 214 Bodo Drive <br />rand Junction,CO 81502 Durango, CO 81301 <br />970'245-6506 970-259-5095 <br />P. 0. Box 0045 <br />Montrose, CO 81402 <br />970-249-2154 <br />