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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING PROPOSAL 6. be More construction problems are caused by site subsur- READ GENERAL CONDITIONS face conditions than any other factor. As troublesome as CAREFULLY subsurface problems can be,their frequency and extent have been lessened considerably in recent years,due in Most geotechnical engineers include their standard gen- large measure to programs and publications of ASFE/ eral contract conditions in their proposals. The Association of Engineering Firms Practicing in the Geosciences. One of the general conditions most commonly employed may limit the geotechnical consultant's lia- The following suggestions and observations are offered bility to a fixed amount or the fee, whichever is higher. to help you reduce the geotechnical-related delays, Known as risk allocation or limitation of liability, this cost-overruns and other costly headaches that can approach helps prevent problems to begin with,and Loccur during a construction project. establishes a fair and reasonable framework for handling them should they arise. Your ASFE-member geo- HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS technical engineer can provide a document which explains this concept in detail. �+ If you have never before dealt with geotechnical issues, recognize that site exploration identifies actual subsur- Various other elements of general conditions delineate face conditions only at those points where samples are Your geotechnical consultant's responsibilities.These taken,at the time they are taken. The data derived are are used to help eliminate confusion and misunder- standings,and thereby help all parties recognize who is extrapolated by geotechnical engineers who then apply responsible for different tasks. their judgment to render an opinion about overall sub- surface conditions, their reaction to construction in all cases, read your geotechnical consultant's general activity,and appropriate foundation design. Even under conditions carefully. Speak with your consultant about optimal circumstances,actual conditions may differ any questions you may have. from those inferred to exist, because no geotechnical engineer, no matter how qualified, and no subsurface HAVE YOUR GEOTECHNICAL exploration program, no matter how comprehensive, can reveal what is hidden by earth, rock and time. None- CONSULTANT WORK WITH OTHER theless, steps can be taken to minimize risk. DESIGN PROFESSIONALS .. Most knowledgeable clients retain their geotechnical DEVELOP THE SUBSURFACE engineer to work with other project design professionals EXPLORATION PLAN WITH CARE who are affected by the geotechnical report. This per- mits a geotechnical engineer to explain report implica- tions to design professionals affected by them,and to quantities and locations of procedures used—in large review their plans and specifications to help assure that measure determines the effectiveness of the geo- geotechnical issues have been dealt with adequately.Al- technical engineer's report and the design based upon though some other design professionals may be familiar it. Because a comprehensive subsurface exploration pro - with geotechnical concerns, none knows as much about gram helps reduce uncertainties, it also helps minimize them as a competent geotechnical engineer. unanticipated conditions, the attendant risk of costly delays and disputes, and even the cost of foundation OBTAIN CONSTRUCTION construction. L Developing a proper subsurface exploration plan is a MONITORING SERVICES basic element of geotechnical design which should be Most experienced clients also retain their consulting accomplished jointly by the geotechnical engineer and geotechnical engineer to serve during the construction the client(or the client's professional representatives). phase of their projects. This permits the geotechnical This helps assure that the parties involved recognize engineer to be on hand quickly to evaluate unantici- r, mutual concerns, and that the client is aware of the pated conditions, to conduct additional tests if required, technical options available. If a client develops the subsurface and—when necessary—to recommend alternative exploration plan without the involvement of a geotechnical con- solutions to problems. in addition,the geotechnical sultant, the client assumes responsibility and liability for the consultant can monitor the geotechnical-related work plan's adequacy. performed by contractors. v L