How to talk to a Geotechnical Engineer?

[sdz]

As a structural engineer I sometimes have to write a scope of work for a geotechnical investigation. Is there a publication anywhere that bridges the gap to show me how to specify clearly what i want?

 

[molerat2210]

Try the AIA standard contract documents. I believe there is a standard contract for geotechnical services. You could tailor it to get the information important to you.

 

[cvg]

I find the best method is to pick up the phone, call my favorite geotech and tell him I will meet him for lunch. He usually buys since I am asking him for a proposal. The scope of work is usually a joint effort with the geotech taking the lead...

 

[fattdad]

If the structural engineer prescribes a scope of work (number of borings, locations, depths) and some geotechnical abnormality or failure occurs, you (the structural) engineer will share in the liability. It's best to define the structural engineering objective that you need (i.e., foundation support, lateral earth pressures, site preparation and grading recommendations, etc.) and let the geotechnical engineer determine the appropriate field and laboratory program to accomplish the goal - whether that means 5 borings and 10 lab tests or 45 borings and 100 lab tests.

Just a few thoughts on the matter. . .

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[Patgeotech]

I tend to agree with CVG - meet to discuss requirements and what you need to satsfy your structural requirements. Often the geotech will know what tests work and what does not work for specific areas. The structural engineer often gets it wrong when specifying the geotech tests required (often jus 'cut and pasted' from a written specification) - just tell us what you need and shift the proposal writing onto the geotech guy. As fattdad said, why do you want to take the geotech liability on as well?

 

[apsix]

Try AS 1726—1993 Geotechnical site investigations

1 SCOPE This Standard sets out minimum requirements for a geotechnical site
investigation, as a component in the engineering design, construction, commissioning and
operation of civil engineering and building works.

 

[sdz]

apsix, thanks. That's a good start, especially the appendicies.