Who specifies the top of caissons?
Who specifies the top of caissons?
(OP)
With a structure entirely on drilled piers on a sloping site. Who is responsible for determining the top of the pier? The structural or the contractor?
Thanks
Thanks






RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
For the help and if the project was a simple slab on grade or flat it is a very simple addition or subtraction calculations based on the architects elevations. If the site is on a steep slope and we need to rely on the outside finish grade (Which has never been exact as long as i have been doing this). Then we are at risk for a caisson that is too high or too low.
Would you still specify the heights?
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
You may also need some CYA notes like "field coordinate" and/or "report actual elevations to structural engineer prior to construction" so that you can make sure you are OK with all of your design based on the actual site conditions. But I guess this would only affect your column height not much else.
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
You got the idea but the contractor wants the elevations and we are reluctant. We can easily provide the top of caissons with respect to the outside grade. This is basically a few additions or subtractions from our details. Most of the contractors we work with have no problem. We have done over 100 caisson projects, and this one wants us to provide this. If this is the industry standard then we will be more then happy to provide this but I could not find anything in writing who is suppose to do this.
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
This is exactly our position, but we were looking for some backup (paper) to explain to him that he needs to do this. We have provided all the details necessary for the contractor to do the math. I think he as never installed caissons before.
Thom
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
Is the top of the caisson going to extend above grade and serve as the column also? If not, and there will be a column and cap placed over top, then I wouldn't see a need be tied down to a specific elevation of the caisson...
Stick to your guns, he needs to field coordinate this, not you.
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
The contractor is probably trying put some of his responsibility onto your company. Then if something goes wrong, it's just a change order back to the owner.
RE: Who specifies the top of caissons?
Contractors wouldnt do that would they?