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Appendix B <br /> Geotechnical Report Limitations and Guidelines for Use <br /> AET Project No. 22-00012 <br /> B.2.5 Most Geotechnical Findings Are Professional Opinions <br /> Site exploration identified subsurface conditions only at those points where subsurface tests are conducted or samples are <br /> taken. Geotechnical engineers review field and laboratory data and then apply their professional judgment to render an <br /> opinion about subsurface conditions throughout the site. Actual subsurface conditions may differ, sometimes significantly, <br /> from those indicated in your report. Retaining the geotechnical engineer who developed your report to provide construction <br /> observation is the most effective method of managing the risks associated with unanticipated conditions. <br /> B.2.6 A Report's Recommendations Are Not Final <br /> Do not overrely on the construction recommendations included in your report. Those recommendations are not final,because <br /> geotechnical engineers develop them principally from judgment and opinion. Geotechnical engineers can finalize their <br /> recommendations only by observing actual subsurface conditions revealed during construction. The geotechnical engineer <br /> who developed your report cannot assume responsibility or liability for the report's recommendations if that engineer does <br /> not perform construction observation. <br /> B.2.7 A Geotechnical Engineering Report Is Subject to Misinterpretation <br /> Other design team members' misinterpretation of geotechnical engineering reports has resulted in costly problems. Lower <br /> that risk by having your geotechnical engineer confer with appropriate members of the design team after submitting the <br /> report. Also retain your geotechnical engineer to review pertinent elements of the design team's plans and specifications. <br /> Contractors can also misinterpret a geotechnical engineering report. Reduce that risk by having your geotechnical engineer <br /> participate in prebid and preconstruction conferences,and by providing construction observation. <br /> B.2.8 Do Not Redraw the Engineer's Logs <br /> Geotechnical engineers prepare final boring and testing logs based upon their interpretation of field logs and laboratory data. <br /> To prevent errors or omissions,the logs included in a geotechnical engineering report should never be redrawn for inclusion <br /> in architectural or other design drawings. Only photographic or electronic reproduction is acceptable, but recognize that <br /> separating logs from the report can elevate risk. <br /> B.2.9 Give Contractors a Complete Report and Guidance <br /> Some owners and design professionals mistakenly believe they can make contractors liable for unanticipated subsurface <br /> conditions by limiting what they provide for bid preparation. To help prevent costly problems,give contractors the complete <br /> geotechnical engineering report,but preface it with a clearly written letter of transmittal. In the letter,advise contractors that <br /> the report was not prepared for purposes of bid development and that the report's accuracy is limited; encourage them to <br /> confer with the geotechnical engineer who prepared the report(a modest fee may be required) and/or to conduct additional <br /> study to obtain the specific types of information they need or prefer. A prebid conference can also be valuable. Be sure <br /> contractors have sufficient time to perform additional study. Only then might you be in a position to give contractors the best <br /> information available to you, while requiring them to at least share some of the financial responsibilities stemming from <br /> unanticipated conditions. <br /> B.2.10 Read Responsibility Provisions Closely <br /> Some clients,design professionals,and contractors do not recognize that geotechnical engineering is far less exact than other <br /> engineering disciplines. This lack of understanding has created unrealistic expectations that have led to disappointments, <br /> claims, and disputes. To help reduce the risk of such outcomes, geotechnical engineers commonly include a variety of <br /> explanatory provisions in their report. Sometimes labeled"limitations"many of these provisions indicate where geotechnical <br /> engineers'responsibilities begin and end,to help others recognize their own responsibilities and risks. Read these provisions <br /> closely. Ask questions. Your geotechnical engineer should respond fully and frankly. <br /> B.2.11 Geoenvironmental Concerns Are Not Covered <br /> The equipment,techniques, and personnel used to perform a geoenvironmental study differ significantly from those used to <br /> perform a geotechnical study. For that reason, a geotechnical engineering report does not usually relate any <br /> geoenvironmental findings,conclusions,or recommendations;e.g.,about the likelihood of encountering underground storage <br /> tanks or regulated contaminants. Unanticipated environmental problems have led to numerous project failures. If you have <br /> not yet obtained your own geoenvironmental information, ask your geotechnical consultant for risk management guidance. <br /> Do not rely on an environmental report prepared for someone else. <br /> Appendix B—Page 2 of 2 AMERICAN ENGINEERING TESTING,INC <br />