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responsibility or liability for problems that arise because the geotechnical conspicuously that you've included the material for information purposes
<br /> engineer was not informed about developments the engineer otherwise only.To avoid misunderstanding,you may also want to note that
<br /> would have considered. "informational purposes"means constructors have no right to rely on
<br /> the interpretations,opinions,conclusions,or recommendations in the
<br /> Most of the "Findings" Related in This Report report.Be certain that constructors know they may learn about specific
<br /> Are Professional Opinions project requirements,including options selected from the report,only
<br /> Before construction begins,geotechnical engineers explore a site's from the design drawings and specifications.Remind constructors
<br /> subsurface using various sampling and testing procedures.Geotechnical that they may perform their own studies if they want to,and be sure to
<br /> engineers can observe actual subsurface conditions only at those specific allow enough time to permit them to do so.Only then might you be in
<br /> locations where sampling and testing is performed.The data derived from a position to give constructors the information available to you,while
<br /> that sampling and testing were reviewed by your geotechnical engineer, requiring them to at least share some of the financial responsibilities
<br /> who then applied professional judgement to form opinions about stemming from unanticipated conditions.Conducting prebid and
<br /> subsurface conditions throughout the site.Actual sitewide-subsurface preconstruction conferences can also be valuable in this respect.
<br /> conditions may differ-maybe significantly-from those indicated in
<br /> this report.Confront that risk by retaining your geotechnical engineer Read Responsibility Provisions Closely
<br /> to serve on the design team through project completion to obtain Some client representatives,design professionals,and constructors do
<br /> informed guidance quickly,whenever needed. not realize that geotechnical engineering is far less exact than other
<br /> engineering disciplines.This happens in part because soil and rock on
<br /> This Report's Recommendations Are project sites are typically heterogeneous and not manufactured materials
<br /> Confirmation-Dependent with well-defined engineering properties like steel and concrete.That
<br /> The recommendations included in this report-including any options or lack of understanding has nurtured unrealistic expectations that have
<br /> alternatives-are confirmation-dependent.In other words,they are not resulted in disappointments,delays,cost overruns,claims,and disputes.
<br /> final,because the geotechnical engineer who developed them relied heavily To confront that risk,geotechnical engineers commonly include
<br /> on judgement and opinion to do so.Your geotechnical engineer can finalize explanatory provisions in their reports.Sometimes labeled"limitations,'
<br /> the recommendations only after observing actual subsurface conditions many of these provisions indicate where geotechnical engineers'
<br /> exposed during construction.If through observation your geotechnical responsibilities begin and end,to help others recognize their own
<br /> engineer confirms that the conditions assumed to exist actually do exist, responsibilities and risks.Read these provisions closely.Ask questions.
<br /> the recommendations can be relied upon,assuming no other changes have Your geotechnical engineer should respond fully and frankly.
<br /> occurred.The geotechnical engineer who prepared this report cannot assume
<br /> responsibility or liabilityfor confirmation-dependent recommendations fyou Geoenvironmental Concerns Are Not Covered
<br /> fail to retain that engineer to perform construction observation. The personnel,equipment,and techniques used to perform an
<br /> environmental study-e.g.,a"phase-one"or"phase-two"environmental
<br /> This Report Could Be Misinterpreted site assessment-differ significantly from those used to perform a
<br /> Other design professionals'misinterpretation of geotechnical- geotechnical-engineering study.For that reason,a geotechnical-engineering
<br /> engineering reports has resulted in costly problems.Confront that risk report does not usually provide environmental findings,conclusions,or
<br /> by having your geotechnical engineer serve as a continuing member of recommendations;e.g.,about the likelihood of encountering underground
<br /> the design team,to: storage tanks or regulated contaminants.Unanticipated subsurface
<br /> • confer with other design-team members; environmental problems have led to project failures.If you have not
<br /> • help develop specifications; obtained your own environmental information about the project site,
<br /> review pertinent elements of other design professionals'plans and ask your geotechnical consultant for a recommendation on how to find
<br /> specifications;and environmental risk-management guidance.
<br /> • be available whenever geotechnical-engineering guidance is needed.
<br /> Obtain Professional Assistance to Deal with
<br /> You should also confront the risk of constructors misinterpreting this Moisture Infiltration and Mold
<br /> report.Do so by retaining your geotechnical engineer to participate in While your geotechnical engineer may have addressed groundwater,
<br /> prebid and preconstruction conferences and to perform construction- water infiltration,or similar issues in this report,the engineer's
<br /> phase observations. services were not designed,conducted,or intended to prevent
<br /> migration of moisture-including water vapor-from the soil
<br /> Give Constructors a Complete Report and Guidance through building slabs and walls and into the building interior,where
<br /> Some owners and design professionals mistakenly believe they can shift it can cause mold growth and material-performance deficiencies.
<br /> unanticipated-subsurface-conditions liability to constructors by limiting Accordingly,proper implementation of the geotechnical engineer's
<br /> the information they provide for bid preparation.To help prevent recommendations will not of itself be sufficient to prevent
<br /> the costly,contentious problems this practice has caused,include the moisture infiltration.Confront the risk of moisture infiltration by
<br /> complete geotechnical-engineering report,along with any attachments including building-envelope or mold specialists on the design team.
<br /> or appendices,with your contract documents,but be certain to note Geotechnical engineers are not building-envelope or mold specialists.
<br /> GEOPROFESSIONAL
<br /> BUSINESS
<br /> SEA ASSOCIATION
<br /> Telephone:301/565-2733
<br /> e-mail:info@geoprofessional.org www.geoprofessional.org
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<br /> Any other firm,individual,or other entity that so uses this document without being a GBA member could be committing negligent or intentional(fraudulent)misrepresentation.
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