Geotechnical Peeves and Preferences
Geotechnical Peeves and Preferences
(OP)
Those of you who procure geotechnical services; what is your biggest peeve with geotechnical engineers? Also, what do you like most about your preferred geotechnical consultant?





RE: Geotechnical Peeves and Preferences
RE: Geotechnical Peeves and Preferences
My second biggest peeve is reports for the same site changing over time. I.e. first phase, scarify the soil and build on grade. Second phase, over excavate 5 ft. of soil and replace with imported material.
RE: Geotechnical Peeves and Preferences
I see soils related stuff sometimes carried out to 3 or 4 decimal places in recommendations.
When doing lab testing for geotechnical work (consolidation, triaxial shear, direct shear, etc.) measurements are made very accurately (consol for instance...0.0001") for the purposes of plotting appropriate curves and picking up nuances of the soil. This is appropriate.
When recommendations are given for expected strengths, settlements, etc., we should be dealing with fractions of an inch at best. 2nd decimal place accuracy for expected settlement is absurd.
RE: Geotechnical Peeves and Preferences
"We may have missed something, if you pay us more, we can tell you more."
Trouble is, the foundation design team had to make hard design decisions based on this "weasel worded" report.
www.SlideRuleEra.net
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Geotechnical Peeves and Preferences
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Geotechnical Peeves and Preferences
Occasionally, we'll get a report in that says the investigation was to see if the soil was adequate to support the structure, and they conclude, that yes, it is adequate only to complete the structure, but neglect to give an allowable bearing.
Some plusses that are really not required but sure come in handy: Showing exactly where the site is (as opposed to just locating borings on a site plan). If there's anything that can't be excavated with heavy equipment, pointing that out for those of us that don't discern it from the other information reported. If depth of footings can vary, showing allowable bearing as a function of depth, rather than just at a preferred depth.
RE: Geotechnical Peeves and Preferences