You're at odds with geotechnical engineers on foundation materials. How do you find common ground?

Geotechnical engineering is a specialized field and provides a lot of data that allow structural engineers to finish a designs that suits the given site conditions. Often, on a project, structural engineer provides the locations of test sites and a list of all required site parameters long before the design process even begins. Required data include soil bearing capacity, subgrade modulus, expected settlement values for different types and sizes of foundations, dynamic properties of the soil to check foundation response with vibrating equipment etc. After obtaining the data, the structural engineer chooses the appropriate foundation system to support the equipment /plant facilities on recommendations from geotechnical specialists.

"It has come to my attention that a crucial parameter, the subgrade modulus calculation, is frequently omitted from geotechnical reports,most of reports lacking this essential information. While assumptions based on Soil Bearing Capacity (SBC) and settlement criteria are commonly made, I strongly advocate for the inclusion of subgrade modulus calculations in geotechnical reports to ensure a unified understanding among structural engineers and geotech engineers. By doing so, we can align our assumptions with those of the geotechnical engineers, fostering a more collaborative and accurate approach to foundation design.

Structural Engineering is a specialized field that focus on the design & physical integrity of structures, cost effectiveness, & safety of the project while geotechnical Engineer primary concern is the behavior of soil & rock beneath a structure. They provide data that helps SE complete design that comply with site requirements. So, when you find yourself at odds with geotechnical Engineer over choice of foundation materials. It's very crucial to know that you need each other. Therefore open effective communication channel that share data and concerns. Listen effectively to the geotechnical Engineer assessment of the site condition and their recommendations for foundation materials. This will pave way for collaborative problem solving.

Thank you for your insights on the relationship between geotechnical and structural engineering. As a structural engineer, I fully appreciate the crucial role that geotechnical assessments play in our designs. The variability in soil properties necessitates a larger Factor of Safety (FOS) for soil, and second opinions are prudent when discrepancies arise. Mutual respect and collaboration between our disciplines are essential. Geotechnical investigations must be thorough and transparent, and feedback from structural engineers during construction can enhance future practices. Successful projects depend on the synergy between geotechnical and structural engineers

This has been a grey area. The structural engineer should respect the geotechnical engineer. The structure rests on the ground and not vice versa. Geotechnical engineering should take precedence. Nothing more and nothing less. This is condition to the fact that Geotech is done properly and not hood winked as is the general case.

A discuss?o deve ser inclusiva pois todos os técnicos fazem parte das tarefas a serem realizadas no campo, pois as funda??es s?o a raiz de toda a constru??o e deve se tomar o mínimo de cuidado possível.

Open communication is the cornerstone of any construction project. If both engineers want what's best for the client, they would find a common ground.

initiate discussions to understand each other's perspectives and concerns, and share your knowledge and reasoning behind your preferred foundation materials to foster open communication.

En efecto, la comunicación entre ambos es ideal. Es fundamental considerar cada una de las recomendaciones y tener en cuenta que se hacen en beneficio del proyecto. Las propuestas deben ser argumentadas sin la intención de generar conflictos.

Desde os tempos remotos sem comunica??o n?o se vai a lugar algum. Com o conhecimento do terreno que se está pisando a chance de se chegar ao um denominador comum, e muito mais rápido de se chegar a uma resposta concreta. Com o conhecimento do solo através daquele que pode te dar melhor informa??es do terreno que se está pisando seria muito correto de se fazer o cálculo da estrutura ou seja num campo minado com um mapa seria muito mais fácil se livrar do perigo.

Compromise is crucial when resolving conflicts between engineering disciplines. After discussing technical aspects and understanding each other's concerns, explore alternative materials or design adjustments that meet both criteria. For instance, consider using different types of concrete or modifying the foundation layout to satisfy structural demands while being suitable for soil conditions. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt are essential to finding a mutually acceptable solution.

En la ingeniería, es común que se presenten varias soluciones para un solo problema. Al realizar un trabajo, no solo se debe escoger la solución que mejor se adapte al proyecto, sino también la que satisfaga la necesidad de manera eficiente y sea económicamente viable. Es fundamental buscar opciones que no afecten negativamente al beneficiario en términos económicos.

- Hybrid Solutions: Explore the possibility of using a combination of materials to leverage the strengths of each. For example, using a primary material with secondary reinforcements. - Risk Sharing: Agree on a shared approach to managing risks associated with the chosen materials. This might involve contingency plans or phased implementation to monitor performance. - Iterative Approach: Implement solutions in stages, allowing for regular review and adjustment based on observed performance and new insights. Clear Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication, ensuring that all concerns and suggestions are discussed and documented.

O compromisso e a vontade de se fazer algo correto, nos leva a ser mais flexível, e atender com mais clareza a demanda daquilo que se pede. E estamos cada vez aprendendo com as experiências dos nossos profissionais, E precisamos sempre chegar a uma solu??o que possa sempre nos dar a resposta certa, para aquilo que se pede.

Finding a middle ground often involves compromise. Discuss the pros and cons of various foundation materials and explore hybrid solutions that can meet the needs of both disciplines. For instance, combining shallow and deep foundations might address both soil stability concerns and structural load requirements.

Consult with third-party experts or consultants if disagreements persist, as their external opinions can provide unbiased insights and help mediate the discussion.

Claro, la consulta a expertos es muy valiosa, al igual que revisar las soluciones propuestas anteriormente por otros profesionales para el mismo problema. Es importante entender que no se trata de una competencia, sino de la búsqueda de la mejor solución.

Sometimes, reaching an agreement necessitates bringing in additional expertise. Consider consulting with other structural or geotechnical engineers who may offer fresh insights or alternative approaches. Industry specialists can provide a third-party perspective that respects both the structural requirements and the geotechnical constraints. This can help bridge the gap between conflicting opinions and lead to an innovative solution that all parties can concur on.

- External Experts: Bring in independent experts to provide unbiased opinions and recommendations on foundation materials. This can help bridge any knowledge gaps and provide a fresh perspective. - Peer Reviews: Engage in peer reviews where both parties present their findings and have them reviewed by a neutral third party. - Industry Standards: Consult industry standards and guidelines from recognized organizations to inform your discussions and decisions.

A consulta a especialista reflete que sempre precisamos de alguém que nos possa orientar a chegar a uma solu??o que atenda a todos os quesitos de uma solu??o viável que respeite os requisitos estruturais e as restri??es geotécnicas respeitando e inovando nas opini?es chegando ás solu??es do problema.

To find common ground with geotechnical engineers on foundation materials, start by establishing clear communication channels and defining shared project goals. Regular meetings and transparent data sharing ensure both teams are aligned. Collaborative analysis sessions and the use of shared software tools facilitate joint evaluation of alternative materials. Consulting external experts and conducting pilot tests provide unbiased insights and real-world performance data. Implementing a continuous feedback loop and addressing risks collaboratively help in refining choices. By fostering a culture of openness and compromise, a consensus can be achieved, leading to successful project outcomes.

En el mundo de la ingeniería, todo empieza con el dise?o de los componentes estructurales, evaluando su seguridad en diferentes escenarios. Pero en el caso de la geotecnia, la cosa se complica. A diferencia del dise?o estructural, donde elegimos los materiales, en la geotecnia nos adaptamos a lo que nos ofrecen el suelo, rocas e incluso la topografía del terreno. Aquí es donde entra la experiencia de los técnicos, que junto a su sentido común, son clave para tomar las decisiones finales sobre materiales y dise?o. En definitiva, el dise?o geotécnico es un proceso complejo que requiere un estudio detallado del terreno y la experiencia de profesionales para garantizar estructuras seguras y estables.

El análisis de suelo-estructura es ideal para este tipo de problemas. Tener una simulación lo más realista posible es primordial.

One thing I want t add about the joint analysis regarding the underground structure or simply foundation in tall building. both expert have to sit simultanesouly for the design of foundation.

Ter um profissional da área é melhor que improvisar um profissional que n?o entende muito bem, assim a colabora??o com outros profissionais de outras áreas é um caminho para resolver problemas tanto a nível da engenharia como noutros sectores

Stay updated with the latest advancements in both structural and geotechnical engineering. Attend cross-disciplinary workshops, seminars, and training sessions. By expanding our knowledge beyond our immediate field, we can better appreciate the constraints and innovations influencing our colleagues’ decisions.

- Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge on foundation materials through academic journals, industry publications, and conferences. - Joint Training Sessions: Organize or participate in workshops and training sessions together to learn about new materials, technologies, and methods. - Share Resources: Exchange articles, case studies, and research papers with the geotechnical engineers to ensure everyone has access to the latest information.

To me, the idea that the Geotech should do all the groundwork and the Structural must pick up at the concrete level is bizarre. This in most cases results in Geotech doing bad foundation all because structural guys may ship a request to a Geotech who sends back a report and somewhere in between important information, or concepts get lost. However, whenever differences arise, tech queries should be raised for the way forward.

I think as a Structural Engineer (or any other disciplines), always keep an open mind (or at least try the best to), be prepared to change your mind when the fact changes

Finding common ground with geotechnical engineers on foundation materials is not just about technical solutions—it’s about building relationships based on communication, respect, and shared goals. By working together, we can design foundations that not only support our structures but also foster a collaborative and innovative engineering environment.

If you have serious foundation issues, money and/or budget is going to drive the issue. Make sure the owner is fully aware of the options, as they may want to reconsider the location of their proposed project.

Como estudante finalista do curso de licenciatura em engenharia civil, dizer que s?o muitos os desafios na modelagem, simula??o e cálculo estrutural em funda??es pois devem ser tomadas todas as precau??es em todas as fazes também em escritório, assim como o campo