Para solucionar problemas de fundação, uma comunicação clara entre engenheiros estruturais e geotécnicos é essencial descrever detalhadamente o problema, incluindo sintomas observados e dados preliminares. Utilizar documentação visual, como fotos e diagramas, e apresente todos os dados técnicos relevantes, como resultados de ensaios de campo e análises de laboratório. Compartilhar o histórico do local e quaisquer problemas anteriores. Clarificar as expectativas do projeto e restrições de tempo ou custo. Promover um diálogo contínuo e aberto para assegurar soluções robustas e eficientes.

Los problemas geotécnicos ineludiblemente requieren INFORMACIÓN para poderse resolver, lo cual recae en estudios que suelen ser costosos y demandantes de tiempo. En mi experiencia recomiendo el uso de casos de estudio (experiencias anteriores, trabajos académicos o de investigación) que permitan demostrar al cliente el impacto de atender oportunamente la geotécnica, así como de no hacerlo. En gran medida, los problemas relacionados con la geotecnia del proyecto dependen en gran medida de la capacidad del consultor estructural de transmitir al cliente la necesidad de atender estudios o ensayos complementarios, es decir, el caso es dependiente de las habilidades blandas del consultor.

It is important to plan the work and start the geotechnical and geophysical investigation on time. It is important to ask the geotechnical engineer to prepare a desktop study based on the available data to understand site conditions, associated risks and costs. In some projects, I captured that the right decisions related to the foundation and ground improvement were not taken and or the work sequence was not right and it imposed risk and delay. In infrastructure projects, a code-compliant road design will never be safe unless there is a qualified geotechnical engineer to assess ground conditions, short and long-term settlement and angular distortion, and make the right recommendation, otherwise, you will have a major settlement.

To effectively convey intricate foundation issues to geotechnical engineers, I focus on clear, detailed communication supported by precise data. I compile site-specific information, such as soil test results, settlement observations, and load requirements, using visuals like borehole logs and 3D models to illustrate key concerns. For example, if excessive settlement near a column is observed, I’d explain, “We’re seeing 10mm differential settlement at X location, exceeding tolerance by Y%.” Collaborative discussions then explore solutions, such as soil stabilization or redesigning footings, ensuring clarity and alignment for effective problem-solving.

When facing intricate foundation issues, clear and detailed communication with geotechnical engineers is crucial. Start by providing a concise summary of the problem and its observed effects, supported by accurate site data such as soil properties, groundwater levels, and foundation loads. Use diagrams, photos, or sketches to visually represent the issue. Share any relevant site history, previous investigations, and construction details to give context. Clearly outline the challenges, constraints, and project goals, and encourage open dialogue to explore solutions. Being precise and collaborative ensures the geotechnical engineers have the information they need to address the problem effectively.