I was a resident engineer on a Kiewit project some years ago. These guys were fanatics about safety. They were also great about nickle and diming on everything. In terms of quality they were above average. Let's face it, contractor's aren't saints and even the "best" will try to get away with anything they can.
Interesting article, but could it be a bit sour grapes? He said; she said? I think the truth is somewhere in between.
He's been an inspector for 10 years. "It's the worst I've been on - for inferior work," he said.
…that construction of the first pontoons was so shoddy, it undermines the structural integrity and safety of the new 520 bridge.
…he saw iron-workers mis-placing or using the wrong-sized rebar…Rebar not having the correct clearances, rebar being out of place, bars being missing…
…Kiewit routinely poured massive walls of concrete to form the pontoons when conditions should have prevented pouring. When conditions were too wet: "They pour in such heavy rains and standing water that that the cement is literally being washed out of the concrete…He said they also poured concrete when conditions were too cold and the re-bar was frozen.
A WSDOT internal document called a Risk Register and dated August 22, 2012, even says concrete cracking in pontoons is an issue is caused by Kiewit not following the plan for curing or hardening concrete - particularly during cold weather- and that it could potentially cost as much as $3 million.
A few times I went to write up non-compliances and I was actually reprimanded by my boss, our inspector said…The inspector says he was one of several inspectors ultimately laid off -- not fired. And he said he was told it was at Kiewit's demand because he wouldn't sign off on inferior work.
Kiewit spokesman Tom Janssen in an e-mail said, "while we take all claims very seriously, we cannot respond to vague, non-specific and unsubstantiated allegations."
However, many of the issues raised by the inspector are substantiated in a scathing internal audit produced by WSDOT's own Engineers…pattern of noncompliance and failure to implement corrective action" on the part of Kiewit…audit focused specifically on problems with concrete poured during cold weather and how concrete cured -- or hardened. Both affect how much the concrete will crack and according to what are called Crack Maps of the first pontoons -- all six experienced significant cracking.
Someone should be taken to task... starting with managers from WSDOT... sounds a lot more than 'sour grapes'...
Why the exterior surface of these pontoons is not covered with durable impermeable material (many choices are there), I believe that would extend the bridge service life pretty much!
I've worked in the bridge industry for many, many (and maybe another many) years. I've worked in construction early on and then as a structural bridge engineer. I've worked on DBB and DB projects alike. While the relationship with the contractor is always a bit tenuous and frought with bickering, I've never encountered a situation that reads like this. If things are going bad at the site, it's time to sit down with all parties involved and work out resolutions. Sticking your head in the sand (owner, contractor or inspector) will not solve anything and will likely make the situation worse.
No doubt there is more to the story that we don't know. But overall sounds like a failure to get all parties sat down and communicating on the issue of QA/QC and how to mitigate the matter going forward.
Regards,
Qshake
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dik - I said it could be sour grapes. Nevertheless, newspapers tend to sensationalize things. Obviously there is a problem but let's not jump to conclusions.
We don't know the whole story, only a media report based on allegations from someone who wants to remain anonymous. I have trouble believing that any contractor is "so big and powerful, WSDOT can't stand up to 'em." I also have trouble believing that any contractor would knowingly set themselves up for millions in lawsuits from the failure of a very significant public infrastructure project. If it's so bad, why won't the inspector put his name on his accusations? I always have problems with anonymous mud-slinging.
dik - I agree something is wrong. I hope FHWA investigates because they have the expertise and the ability to be objective. About a year ago there were allegations about an unsafe project in the east; FHWA was able to bring it under control.
I agree with the sentiment expressed by shobroco; no contractor - reputable contractor - is going to set himself up for a lawsuit or even the appearance of impropriety (lawyers are expensive even if you're innocent). However, even the best are going to "cheat" in some way shape or form unless the contractor is Joseph & Son.
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