#3 - Case History - If Your Client Won't Listen...Get Out Your Checkbook

About this episode

The episode discusses a case history involving a geotechnical engineering study for a municipal wastewater treatment facility and the challenges faced due to ignored unfavorable foundation conditions.

GBA Case History Series – Case History #3 - If Your Client Won't Listen...Get Out Your Checkbook Summary The civil engineer retained the Member Firm to perform a geotechnical engineering study for a major municipal wastewater treatment facility but dictated a generalized scope despite a challenging site. After learning of unfavorable foundation conditions (near-surface rock), the civil engineer relocated a portion of the facility and directed the Member Firm to perform additional study but, against the firm’s recommendations, ignored the rock. The firm completed the additional study and the final report and construction began. Predictably, the Member Firm learned that the contractor had encountered rock and had submitted numerous change orders (CO) for rock excavation. Because the COs were rejected by the civil engineer, the contractor filed a claim for damages based on unforseen subsurface conditions. (Resolution was not reported.) Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/ JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations…

People in this episode

Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, Abi Corbett

Topics covered

• geotechnical engineering
• construction claims
• project management
• civil engineering
• subsurface conditions

Keywords

• geotechnical engineering
• civil engineering
• construction claims
• subsurface conditions
• change orders

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: JLT Consultants, SME

Places: Boise, Idaho, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

More episodes of GBA Podcast

• Geoprofessional Women's Group · June 2, 2026 · 1h 10m
• First Word - June 2026 · June 1, 2026 · 4 min
• Communication Basics: Intentional and Inclusive Communication · May 5, 2026 · 33 min
• First Word - May 2026 · May 2, 2026 · 8 min
• #4 - Case History - Compromise Must be a Part of Your Business Strategy · April 28, 2026 · 16 min
• #99 - Case History - How Did That Get There? · April 14, 2026 · 25 min