#89 - Case History - Don't Rush Go Along to Get Along. Don't Get Bullied

About this episode

The episode discusses a case history involving geotechnical engineering challenges and the consequences of not voicing concerns during construction.

GBA Case History Series – Case History #89 - Don't Rush Go Along to Get Along. Don't Get Bullied Summary A GBA Member Firm’s scope of services included a geotechnical engineering study and construction materials engineering and testing (COMET) services for a medical office building in area with old fill, expansive soil, and shale. During construction, the Member Firm was discouraged (“if we want your opinion we will ask for it”) from making suggestions and was only responsible “to enforce the plans and specifications as written and recommend alternative approaches only if specifically requested to do so.” A few months after construction ended, sidewalks began to move due to frost heave. The Member Firm and constructor in charge got the blame, which eventually led to mediation. The client’s former project engineer “spoke highly” of the Member Firm, which got them released from the litigation. 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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, Tim Rodriguez

Topics covered

• geotechnical engineering
• construction materials
• litigation
• frost heave
• project management

Keywords

• geotechnical engineering
• construction
• litigation
• frost heave
• engineering study

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: GBA, JLT Consultants, BSK Associates

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

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