Geotechnical - Foundation Design
Geotechnical - Foundation Design
(OP)
I have heard from several sources that a geotechnical engineering firm should not also provide structural foundation designs because of an inherent conflict of interest. I have not found any professional opinions on the topic. What are your thoughts?





RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
The most desired situation is for the structural and geotechnical engineer to work together on the foundation design. This scenario is realized in many larger companies that employ geotechs and structurals in house and have been established or known to be doing so.
For a company that is known to be mainly geotechnical, the liability issue is of concern if the structural foundations design is done by a staff member who is also grounded in structural design - wears two hats. You will need Professional liability insurance that endorses that you are also engaged in structural practice. In such a case you need to have someone that is experienced in this area of practice. You may also want to define your scope of work.
From a business point of view the question arises if the company is thought to be taking away work from their structural clients. This could cost you income.
There are other scenarios which I am sure others would address.
RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
To me, the idea that the Geotech does only the soils work and the Structural must pick up at the concrete is a bizarre thought process. I have been amazed at how the substructure is often treated like the superstructure, many times resulting in mediocre to terrible designs. I also understand the liability issues but, I have had a lot better success when I control the design.
Much of this I do blame upon Geotechs who cannot or will not provide decent data and seem to live in a world of very conservative recommendations. I will also put a bit upon the Structurals who seem to think that a number is all they need and the actual foundation elements apparently become trivial, in their mind.
In my present practice, If I know who the Structural is, I will tailor the report to deal with how that Structural will use the provided data. For example, In the case of Expansive Soils, I have modified recommendations for the mindsets of my local areas, the Colorado Springs, the Denver and a few other localities as I have observed some rather extraordinary practices.
In many situations, such as properly proportioning footings for longterm and differential settlement, accomplishing a piled raft, designing drilled or driven piling, the Geotech should have the knowledge to properly accomplish the substructure design and the Structural may assist with the elements which will connect to the superstructure.
RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
There is no reason that a Geotech shouldn't be able to do both.
RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
To put the blame largely on the shoulders of the geotech is fairly harsh. In my expierence structural engineers are so protective of their designs, the only information provided to the geotech is vague and limited. Many times, the structural engineer won't even provide load information. When loading information is provided, it's a wide range and no explanation is given as to why certian criteria are needed from an evaluation. It's a "shut up and give me my numbers" atitude.
If the structural and geotech would sit down and hash out the numbers needed and the reasons why, then perhaps the geotech wouldn't be so "conservative". Design's would be better, structures would be more econmical and owners would be happier.
RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
I see the case for practising within one's area of expertise to be the solution. If you've been fortunate to practice within a small firm where the entire substructure is the practice, you'll likely have the experise. If you've practiced with larger firms that tend to prefer a stronger expertise in specific areas, you'll be exposed to facets of the structural design, but not likely to gain the expertise to perform structural design unless you decide to change desks.
With respect to "poorly" designed substructures, the real solution lies with the owner/client and the "design team" communications, regardless whether the "design team" is a single entity or not.
RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
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RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
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RE: Geotechnical - Foundation Design
I have found that where the structural guys have been vague (happens a lot), as a geotech engineer one starts to lean on the conservative side in terms of bearing pressures, differential settlements, etc.
I always felt that it was a geotech's responsibility to provide as much foundation information as possible to assist the client. I 'pester' the structural guys for more information on the planned develoment. Not only did it make me feel like I had done my job to the best of my ability, but it also resulted in me getting further jobs from the same structural firm or client. Clear, concise and logical communication in a geotech report is the key.