Testing
The purchaser shall specify in the contract documents which structures or components of structures are to be tested. If a proof test of a structure or a component of a structure is specified,...
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
The contract between the purchaser and the supplier shall state the responsibilities of each party and the conditions under which the work will be accepted or rejected....
Microtunneling Equipment
A discussion of microtunneling equipment in the context of the design aspects of a microtunneling project is applicable only to the extent that the engineer must set forth in the contract...
Contract Documents
As with any civil works project, the bid and contract documents prepared by the owner and the engineer should provide the contractor with the necessary information to prepare bids, to...
Field Aspects
As soon as practical after their arrival at the project site, all pipes, fittings, and appurtenances should be thoroughly checked for compliance with the contract documents and accepted...
Microtunneling Operation
The shaft should provide safe working conditions and fully support the ground. Jacking and receiving shaft support system and sizes are typically determined by the contractor. See Chapter...
Submittals
The contractor should submit the items listed in the specifications for review and acceptance by the engineer. The submittals are generally divided into preconstruction and postconstruction...
Shafts/Temporary Structures
Shafts should be of a size to accommodate the equipment and pipe selected and to allow for safe working practices. If the shaft must accommodate the permanent works, it is the contractor's...
Regulations
The contractor should meet federal, state, and local regulations. The contractor is responsible for jobsite safety....
Instrumentation and Monitoring
A detailed plan for monitoring possible ground surface movements caused by the microtunneling operations should be prepared. The plan is typically prepared by the engineer in consultation...
Restoration and Cleanup
The contractor should be responsible for site restoration and keeping the construction site clean, neat, and orderly at all times....
Measurement and Payment
The owner shall establish a bid schedule to obtain pricing for all work associated with the microtunneling installation. This bid schedule provides the bidders the opportunity to establish...
Failure of a Large Circular Excavation
A circular excavation, 117 feet (36 m) in diameter by 90 feet (27 m) deep, was designed by an experienced engineering firm and construction was performed by an experienced contractor....
Good Clients, Good Procurements, and the Importance of Quality Work
This fourth article in the Business of Geotechnics series addresses a number of topics related to engineering and consulting (E&C) firm clients and obtaining work from them. The...
Subcontractor Alleges Fraud for Scope Reduction on DOT Contract
A contractor that reduces a subcontractor's scope of work is well within its rights if the contract explicitly allows the change....
Design-Build Contract Complexities
There are many approaches or options that an owner may pursue in acquiring facilities. Depending on the owner's objectives, the DB project approach may offer unique benefits,...
Project Definition and Conceptual Design
In order to select a DB contractor, the owner must define its requirements for project implementation and for the completed project. These requirements are typically incorporated into...
Preparing the Request for Proposals
Discussions with experienced DB contractors indicate that one of the most important aspects (if not the most important aspect) of a successful DB project is proper planning prior to issuing...
General Terms and Conditions
DB commercial contract terms can differ from conventional design-bid-build project terms, depending primarily on the owner's objectives, the level of risk that is to be assigned...
Specifications for Design-Build Projects
This chapter discusses the various specifications that come with a design-build project, including owner-generated specifications and contractor-generated specifications....
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