Geotechnical info on structural drawings 7

[Taro]

For building projects I work on, geotechnical requirements (subgrade compaction, slab base materials, etc.) are usually contained in a soils report that is not officially included in the contract documents that the contractor bids on. Because the soils report recommendations are not written in mandatory language and are not part of the contract documents, the architect sometimes asks that the information be shown on the structural drawings.

I try to resist this because I am not in responsible charge of the geotechnical engineer and do not want to assume liability for areas beyond my expertise. I suggest that the geotechnical engineer prepare drawings and/or specifications to be included in the contract documents. However, this usually does not seem to be included in the geotech's scope and the client does not want to pay for it.

Have others experienced this? How do you handle this?

 

[BigH]

DIk - if you present all the information of the factual nature, is that not what he needs? I do not think it is his "right" to be party too, at the time of tendering, recommendations and comments that may or may not be used or may be amended, etc. You are not withholding information from the contractor. He usually has the requirement to satisfy himself. He can hire a geotechnical engineer to review the factual data at the time of tender to see where the problems may lie. You are not hiding information, in my view, you are only keeping the background to the design process. But, you might be right - I'm not a lawyer.