Ground Swell 1

[GoldDredger]

Here in Texas we have expansive soils, lots of clay. Under normal circumstances only the first foot or two of soil is affected seasonally, drying then re-moistened with the associated movement.

The last 2-3 years have been a record drought, where it's suspected the soil was dried out to a much greater depth. With the fair amount rain this year, many newly constructed sites are seeing considerable heave in the soil as the lower soils get moisture re-introduced.

On one site we designed, the foundation of the building was constructed with pier and beam, so the finished floor has remained stable. However all of the site concrete and grading outside the building is seeing considerable uplift, 1-2 feet in some cases.

As a result the many of the sidewalks have raised higher than design, and in some cases created problems at the interface between slab on grade and structural sidewalk (part of foundation) at the doorways. Not to mention that the drainage away from the building is supposed to be 2%, along with roof downspouts draining to grade. Well since the ground has heaved, in some cases now the drainage is back towards the building.

The geotech report really doesn't offer much by way of warning. As the site civil engineer we provide various grades and spot shots to be met. The contractor claims they installed it per design, but the ground then moved.

Who's to blame, or who's responsible?

 

[FlashSet]

Blame global warming, Bush, Congress, Obama...


Is there any mention of expansive soils in the GBR? Owner should pay contractor time and materials to replace the damaged concrete due to unforeseen weather related events. But really it depends on the contract.

 

[bimr]

The Owner is ultimately responsible unless you or the Contractor have taken on this responsibility by yourself.

If you are using the standard EJCDC General Conditions, it should have this phrase:

"Any apparent unexpected changes in groundwater or soil conditions at the Project Site during the course of the Work shall be reported to the Owner and then referred to the Owner’s geotechnical engineering resource for the Project. If such resource has not already been identified at the time of discovery of the change in groundwater or soil conditions, the Contractor shall notify the Owner of such change and inquire as to what geotechnical engineering resource the matter should be referred (and then make such reference)."

Pull out the Contract that you have and read it.

In addition, it is not good enough to just have a Contract, you should have also developed a relationship of trust and confidence with the Owner such that the Owner understands the skill and judgement that you possess and that you are using your best efforts to perform in an expeditious and economical manner consistent with the interests of the Owner.