Soil surprises drive change orders.
In this article
Soil types
Bearing.
Groundwater
Dewatering.
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Unsuitable soils
Removal.
Foundations
Recommendations.
Compaction
Testing.
A closer look
Estimators who skip the geotechnical report miss costs like over-excavation and dewatering. Reading it carefully protects margins.
Where to start
Make geotech review part of every bid checklist.
An example
An estimator noticed deep unsuitable soils in the report and priced over-excavation, avoiding a loss.
Common mistakes
Not reading, assuming good soil and ignoring groundwater.
What to track
Track soil-related change orders.
Questions to ask
Did we read the report? What risks exist? Are they priced?
Who owns it
Estimators review; superintendents plan site work accordingly.
Pricing and risk
Price what the report shows, list assumptions and include unit prices for over-excavation or rock. Clear assumptions make differing site condition claims easier to resolve.
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Frequently asked questions
What should contractors look for in a geotechnical report?
Soil types, groundwater levels, unsuitable materials, foundation recommendations, compaction requirements and site preparation.