406 SE EVERETT MALL WAY BASE FILE 2018-01-02 MF Import

most experienced owners retain their geotechnical consultant through the construction stage, to identify vari- ances, conduct additional tests which may be needed, and to recommend solu- tions to problems encountered on site. SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE subsurface conditions may be modified by constantly,-chariging natural forces. Because a geotechnical engineering report is based on conditions which existed at the time of subsurface explo- ration, construction decisions should not be based on a geotechnical engineer- ing report whose adequacy may have been affected by time. Please consult us to learn if additional tests are advisable before construction starts. Construction operations at or adjacent to the site and natural events such as floods, earthquakes or groundwater fluctuations may also affect subsurface conditions and thus, the continuing adequacy of a geotechnical report. The geotechnical engineer should be kept apprised of any such events, and should be consulted to determine if additional tests are necessary. & GMOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING REPORT IS SUBJECT TO MISINTERPRETATION Costly problems can occur when other design professionals develop their plans baaed on misinterpretations of a geotech- nical engineering report. To help avoid these problems, the geotechnical engi- neer should be retained to work with other appropriate design prcfessionals to explain .relevant geotechnical find- it,gs and to rec•iew the adequacy of their plans and specifications relative to geotechnical issues. BORING LOGS SHOULD NOT BE SEPARATED FROM WE ENGINEERING REPORT Final boring logs are developed by the geotechnical engineer based upon his interpretation of field logs (assembled by site personnel) and laboratory evaluation of field samples. only final boring logs customarily are included in geotechnical engineering reports. These logs should not be redrawn for inclusion in architectural or other design draw- ing, because drafters may commit errors or omissions in the transfer process. Although photographic reproduction elimi- nates this problem, it does nothing to minimize the possibility of contractors misinterpretating the logs during bid preparation. When this occurs, delays, disputes and unanticipated costs are the all -too -frequent result. To minimize the likelihood of boring log misinterprete..tion, give contractors ready access to the complete geotechni- cal engineering report. Those who do not provide such access may proceed under the mistaken impression that simply disclaiming responsibility for the accuracy of subsurface informati-o- always insulates them from attendant liability. Providing the best available information to contractors helps prevent costly construction problems and the adversarial attitudes which aggravate them to disproportionate scale. READ RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSES CLOSELY Because geotechnical engineering is based extensively on judgement and opinion, it is far less exact than other design disciplines. This situation has resulted in wholly unwarranted claims being lodged against geotechnical consultants. To help prevent this problem, geotechnical engineers have developed model clauses for use in written transmittals. These are not exculpatory clauses designed to foist the geotechnical engineer's liabilities onto someone else. Rather, they are definitive clauses which identify where the geotechnical engineer's respon sibilities begin and end. Their use helps all parties involved recognize their individual responsibilities and take appropriate action. Some of these definitive clauses are likely to appear in your geotechnical engineering report, and Lou are encouraged to read them closely. If you have questions, please contact us.