Presentation Title:
Geotechnical Risk Allocation in Design-Build Foundations
Abstract:
Design-build contracts achieve cost and schedule efficiencies through collaborative risk mitigation between the owner, designer, and contractor. The contract allocates risk to the party best suited to manage it and allows latitude for innovative or proprietary designs provided the agreed performance metrics are maintained. Prescriptive contract requirements (e.g., the AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications) assure consistency while also necessarily curtailing possible areas of collaboration.
Using the Caltrans Design-Build program as a basis, this panel discussion explores the advantages and challenges arising from a range of contract provisions including:
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Addressing long-lead-time permits with progressive design-build;
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Requiring design to conform to state-specific geotechnical design manuals; and
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Allowances for identifying and mitigating lightly characterized soil parameters, such as corrosivity, that affect steel pile and driving arrangement selection.
The panel will be moderated by President/Founder Tom Farrell, PE, GE, of Farrell Design-Build. Panel members include a public agency/owner representative and CalGeo members representing various aspects of design-build projects: ENGEO Incorporated, geotechnical consultant; Condon-Johnson & Associates, geotechnical construction contractor; and Malcolm Drilling, experts in Specialty Foundations.