The Winter months present significant challenges to that of landowners / developers – but none more than that of potential for slope failures. These geological occurrences can have devastating impacts on construction projects, leading to substantial financial losses, project delays, and safety hazards. Slope failures have become more prevalent with the recent record rainfall throughout California. Most of these failures are triggered by:
- Heavy Rainfall
- Outdated or improper construction methods,
- Weakened subsurface earth beneath the topsoil, and /or
- Construction activities that disturb the soil structure.
The consequences of slope failures can be catastrophic, leading to property and environmental damages, potential litigation between residents and builders, and, in worst-case scenarios, injury or loss of life. Key risks associated with slope failures include significant safety hazards to workers and residents, substantial financial implications due to repair and compensation costs, project delays that disrupt schedules as well as increase costs, and long-term environmental impacts such as soil erosion and loss of vegetation. Although slope failures pose a significant risk, they can be mitigated from happening. Some important areas to focus on to potential avoid slope failures from happening are: by “being quick and nimble” in the planning stages, applying value engineering throughout the design process, and implementing an effective team of Construction Management oversight and Geotech during remediation efforts.
Initial Steps for Slope Failure Remediation
An important first step in the process to remediate a slope failure is to integrate a competent Geotechnical Engineer to analyze existing geological conditions. A Geotech that is extremely familiar with the area’s soil is a huge “plus” to the project. A Civil Engineer will then be retained to coordinate with the Geotechnical Engineer to come up with an acceptable repair method and design to ensure the slope is not only stabilized, but constructed in a way where it will not fail again. This can either happen when a slope failure is imminent and yet to occur (this is the optimal situation), or after a slope failure has happened. Once this process is in motion, engaging with a Construction Management professional adept at Value Engineering – who can work with the Geotech and design team – to help identify and eliminate unnecessary costs while maintaining or improving functionality of the remediation all within a sound schedule for delivery.
Benefits of Value Engineering in Slope Remediation
The benefits of Value Engineering include:
- getting a clear understanding of the limitations of existing site conditions,
- cost and time effective solutions for slope stabilization by analyzing different design alternatives and construction methods,
- improved design through early identification and rectification of potential flaws,
- optimized grading methods, and identification of materials used to reduce costs, and
- significant risk reduction by proactively managing potential obstacles and implementing preventive measures.
Once the Value Engineering has taken place and a design is finalized and approved by the governing agency, it is time to generate a clear and concise scope of work and bid package that implements both design and existing site conditions. Engaging with an experienced and qualified contractor (or contractors) to perform the repairs is the next step.
Importance of Construction Management Oversight
An effective Construction Management oversight team is vital when executing the construction of the design of the slope remediation in the field, as well as ensuring the contractor(s) are adhering to said contract requirements. The benefits of a construction management oversight team is to include comprehensive planning and continued Value Engineering efforts throughout construction, stringent quality controls to ensure materials and methods meet required standards, specifications, and contract requirements, real-time monitoring of all construction activities, pay applications and cost control, and effective coordination with the owner and project team to enhance overall project success through seamless collaboration.
Conclusion
To summarize, slope failures pose significant risks to landowners and developers, but getting out in front of these issues (to prevent from happening or address what has already happened) is key to mitigating the risk exposures. Additionally, the integration of an experienced team (Geotech, Civil Engineers, and CM Oversight) that can add Value Engineering while effectively mitigating and managing risk, is a solid step in the right direction of eliminating the slope failure. Together, these elements enhance project safety, reduce costs, and minimize potential risks, ensuring the successful completion of the repairs and returning your property to its intended integrity.
For more information on how Murow Development Consultants can assist in the slope remediation efforts or planning on any of your projects, please contact our Director of Development Services, James Nelson at [email protected], or (509) 679-8337.
