ATSE
Structural
- May 14, 2009
- 594
For a mid-size structure, are there published national standards for geotechnical engineering report content, along with subsurface exploration minimums and lab work minimums? Minimum subjects to address in report, number of borings or soundings, max boring spacing & depths, short list of ASTM tests (two ASTM D4318, three D2216, one D2844...).
Say, for a single story 40ft x 60ft masonry bldg with a steel roof. Moderate to high seismic. Some paving, some underground piping.
I am not looking for common sense or rules of thumb or general concepts - I have a dozen of these already.
Currently I use:
1. FHWA ED-88-053 (can't find an update to this oldie but goodie)
2. FHWA NHI-01-031 - Tables 2.2, 2.3
3. CGS Note 48 - for geohazards only, not a general resource
4. NAVFAC Vol I, Tables 6, 7.
FHWA documents are always useful, but of course usually not for buildings.
Most of my work is heavy civil municipal, where the buildings are a minor part of the scope. But sometimes there is just a masonry bldg with mechanical equipment and tanks, so the project managers think they can go to Walmart and pick up a geotech report for half price.
The geo work scope shows a couple of borings to 10ft and some lab testing. Better than nothing, but it gives me heartburn. Then we argue about risk and standard of care. For these small to mid-size projects, the firm usually spends less than 1% on the entire geotechnical scope.
Seems like a professional society like ASCE or industry/insurance association like ASFE (now GBA) would have something for non-transportation, non-military building work - I just can't find it.
Say, for a single story 40ft x 60ft masonry bldg with a steel roof. Moderate to high seismic. Some paving, some underground piping.
I am not looking for common sense or rules of thumb or general concepts - I have a dozen of these already.
Currently I use:
1. FHWA ED-88-053 (can't find an update to this oldie but goodie)
2. FHWA NHI-01-031 - Tables 2.2, 2.3
3. CGS Note 48 - for geohazards only, not a general resource
4. NAVFAC Vol I, Tables 6, 7.
FHWA documents are always useful, but of course usually not for buildings.
Most of my work is heavy civil municipal, where the buildings are a minor part of the scope. But sometimes there is just a masonry bldg with mechanical equipment and tanks, so the project managers think they can go to Walmart and pick up a geotech report for half price.
The geo work scope shows a couple of borings to 10ft and some lab testing. Better than nothing, but it gives me heartburn. Then we argue about risk and standard of care. For these small to mid-size projects, the firm usually spends less than 1% on the entire geotechnical scope.
Seems like a professional society like ASCE or industry/insurance association like ASFE (now GBA) would have something for non-transportation, non-military building work - I just can't find it.