Curtailing Changed Condition Claims in Temporary Shoring Design and Construction-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) describes how failures and costly claims tied to temporary shoring led it to overhaul its design and construction requirements in 2017.<br /><br />Previously, the PTC prescribed design requirements and geotechnical parameters, while contractors often gave shoring limited attention during bidding. Design reviews could become negotiations, and inspectors sometimes tolerated problems during construction. Shoring failures—including a bridge-wing failure and extensive soil-nail wall issues—resulted in urgent repairs and claims totaling tens of millions of dollars.<br /><br />The new approach makes shoring contractor-designed and performance-based. The PTC provides a limited geotechnical investigation and simplified data report, while requiring the contractor to characterize site conditions, conduct additional borings as needed, and have the work prepared and sealed by qualified professionals. The contractor is responsible for the system’s suitability and performance; the owner’s design review is limited and does not transfer that responsibility.<br /><br />The specification also requires a contractor-developed monitoring plan, with weekly measurements at minimum and defined thresholds for increased monitoring, stopping work, evaluation, and remediation. The PTC emphasizes educating project staff, clarifying the design-build process at project kickoff, and maintaining consistent oversight.<br /><br />A Southern Beltway project illustrates both the challenges and benefits. Construction problems included failing nail tests, collapsing holes, roadway cracking, and excessive wall deflection. Monitoring and documentation helped trigger a stop-work response and required the contractor to investigate the cause and develop a stronger repair. The work ultimately proceeded with a different shoring system.<br /><br />The PTC considers the approach successful, while acknowledging ongoing needs for education and vigilance. Owners must guide staff early and preserve the contractor’s responsibility for designing and delivering a safe, effective shoring system.

Keywords

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

temporary shoring

construction claims

geotechnical investigation

contractor-designed

performance-based specification

monitoring plan

soil-nail wall

shoring failure

design-build process