#64 - Case History - Good communication is key to a successful project!

GBA Podcast

GBA Case History Series – Case History #64 - Good communication is key to a successful project!

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #64 where the GBA Member Firm's civil engineer client developed the geotechnical engineering scope of services for exploration on and around an existing landfill, without adequately conveying the project goals to the geotechnical engineer. The civil engineer then erred when transferring information from the member's report to a set of plans. Both the civil engineering firm and Member Firm settled the ensuing claim, but paid more than they believed was merited for their respective involvement.

Our Guest

Eric S. Steinhauser, P.E., Principal and Senior Vice President / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Eric earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University. For over 30 years he has been involved with the design, permitting, and construction of solid waste, remediation, geotechnical, and energy projects throughout New York, New England, and the mid-Atlantic states. Eric has published and presented papers, both nationally and internationally, on engineering topics including innovative uses of geosynthetics, in-situ geotechnical testing, LFG management, solid waste facility design and operations, stormwater management and erosion and sediment control, and bioreactor landfill design and operation.

Eric is a licensed Professional Engineer in 15 states, holds professional certifications in erosion and sediment control and stormwater quality, is a member of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics, is the President and New Hampshire representative for the Northeast Chapter of the International Erosion and Sediment Control Association, and is a member of New Hampshire Chapters of ASCE and NSPE and several Chapters of SWANA. Eric also serves on the City of Concord, NH Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and the New Hampshire Waste Management Council.

Topics for discussion include:

• Introduction to Eric Steinhauser, PE, PCESC, CPSWQ [1:16 min.]
• Case History 64 background and scope [1:58 min.]
• Site Location Technical issues, review with Eric Steinhauser [4:23 min.]
• Project contract background (limitation review) and implications through civil design [5:53 min.]
• Contractor change order claim, implicating Geotech firm [11:08 min.]
• Lessons Learned [12:50 min.]
• Conclusion – Thank you Eric!!! [36:31 min.]

Lessons Learned:

• Be Alert When Price Is Most Important to Your Client
• Perform a Complete Professional Service
• Encourage Effective Communication
• Conflicts are Often Contagious

Calls-to-action:

• Download Case History #64: https://www.geoprofessional.org/news/new-release-case-history-64/
• Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/
• An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms.
• Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.
• Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
• Contact us at [e-mail] with any podcast-related questions or comments

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

• Jennifer Sanborn, PE (host) – Project Director/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.
• Elizabeth Brown, PE - Geotechnical Services Manger/Atlas Technical Services
• Donald K. Blackburn, MBA – Business Manager/Blackburn Consulting
• Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.