HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchimnowski letter 04.12.2023
April 12, 2023
Joshua Prust
Valdes Lawn Care & Snow Removal
9591 60th St. N.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Submitted by email: jprust@valdeslawn.com
CC: Joe@valdeslawn.com, ygonzalez@valdeslawn.com
Re: Project Location: 2815 Casco Pt., Orono, MN
Criterium File No.: 22-6589
Josh,
After preparing and sending a letter to you earlier this afternoon, I proceeded to evaluate the construction
progress photos that Lisa Thostenson sent to both you and me on Monday, April 10, 2023. Upon review
of this new evidence, it is my professional opinion that there are numerous, serious construction defects
on these walls. I have little confidence that the walls will perform long-term. It is likely that they will show
movement within the next several years.
Because of this newly available information, I am unable to objectively state or defend that the walls were
built properly. It is my professional opinion that the walls should be removed and properly rebuilt. The
rebuild should follow all design specifications and industry standards. Once approved, the layout should
not be altered.
Additionally, this is a life-safety issue for which all parties involved should be notified. Because I am
bound by a code of ethics which states that engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare
of the public in the performance of their professional duties, I do need to disclose these findings to the
City.
Some items I noted in the photos include:
1. Images 004 and 005 show the tieback installation holes that were dug into the hillside. It is not
possible to install the required 8-foot long deadmen or adequately compact the backfill soil using
this approach.
2. Images 001, 002 and 006 show that the deadmen are not 8 feet long as specified. It is the
deadmen that provide nearly all of the lateral support for these walls. The absence of these
members contributes to significant structural instability.
3. I do not see evidence of compaction equipment on site during construction. It could be that it is
out of view. Regardless, Image 002 shows the presence of voids under the tiebacks. These voids
prevent wall backfill from being adequately compacted.
I trusted your assurance, provided repeatedly to me, that although the layout was modified from the
engineered design you requested of me, the walls were otherwise built properly and per design
standards. Unfortunately, I have been provided photographic evidence that this is not the case. I have
worked hard to help you substantiate and defend the as-built conditions. I regret that I can no longer do
so.
As always, if additional documentation or information is made available for review, I reserve the right to
amend or add to the opinions and observations presented in this letter.
2815 Casco Pt., Orono, MN
April 12, 2023
Page | 2
Respectfully,
Paul Schimnowski, P.E.
License #40126 (MN)
Owner/President
SBN Services, LLC d/b/a
Criterium-Schimnowski Engineers
161 Dunbar Way, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Phone: (651) 779-7700
pschimno@criterium-schimnowski.com
www.criterium-schimnowski.com