#4 - Case History - Compromise Must be a Part of Your Business Strategy
From GBA Podcast by Geoprofessional Business Association
April 28, 2026 · 16 min
About this episode
The episode discusses a geotechnical engineering case history where compromise played a crucial role in avoiding litigation during construction challenges.
GBA Case History Series – Case History #4 - Compromise Must be a Part of Your Business Strategy Summary The Member Firm performed a geotechnical engineering study for a major structure and recommended drilled shafts that would require permanent casing. The drilled-shaft constructor offered an innovative “value-engineered” approach to remove the casing and save money. Unfortunately, construction problems developed and resolution required extensive investigation, testing, redesign, and big dollars. Surprisingly, by sharing responsibility and costs, litigation was avoided. 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 throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/ SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing…
People in this episode
Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, Abi Corbett
Topics covered
- geotechnical engineering
- business strategy
- construction problems
- value engineering
- compromise in business
Keywords
- geotechnical engineering
- drilled shafts
- construction problems
- value engineering
- business strategy
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: JLT Consultants, SME
Places: Boise, Idaho, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
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