Mitigating Risk During Construction: Understanding and Managing Geotechnical Risk for Site...

New Site DevelopmentKICKING YOUR PROJECT OFF RIGHT AND MITIGATING RISKS ALONG THE WAY

PREPARED BY

Brian T. Nereson, PESENIOR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER

Suzanne L. Pisano, PE, LEED APDIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE

GEOINSIGHT.COM | 800.217.1953 | [email protected]

AgendaUnderstanding and

Managing Geotechnical Risk for Site Development

Understanding and Managing Hazardous Materials

During Renovation


What is Geotechnical Engineering?

Knowledge and understanding of the disciplines of rock and soil mechanics to investigation subsurface conditions.

A STRUCTURE IS ONLY A SOUND AS ITS FOUNDATION!


Educated in Civil Engineering

EDUCATED

Licensed by individual states to practice engineering as Professional Engineers

LICENSED

Frequently experience in environmental consulting and may hold other environmental-related licenses

EXPERIENCED

About Geotechnical Engineers:


The role of the geotechnical engineer is to design and oversee construction of:

• Foundations

• Earth Slopes

• Retaining Walls

• Embankments/Levees/Dams

• Tunnels

• Roadways

• Groundwater Management Systems

• Foundation Rehabilitation


“Geotechnical engineers ensure the long term stability of various structures and earthworks.”

- (Pile Buck Magazine)

“Geotechnical construction records show that ground conditions are often the cause of very large cost and time overruns. Geotechnical risk can affect all those involved in construction, including the client, the design and the constructors.”

-(Managing Geotechnical Risk: Risky Business; Maliphant, Paul)

Why is Geotechnical Engineering Important?


FACT: One of the most common reasons for project overruns is insufficient site characterization

Projects will pay for a thorough ground investigation in one of two ways:

During construction (more expensive)

During design (cheaper)

$$$$


WHEN GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION IS NOT DONE PROPERLY…


GEOTECHNICAL FAILURES ARE COSTLY AND MAY RESULT FROM:

1. INADEQUATE CHARACTERIZATION• Lack of data• Misinterpretation of subsurface

conditions



2. INADEQUATE DESIGN• Incorrect solution or capacity for

conditions



3. IMPROPER CONSTRUCTION AND/OR LACK OF QUALITY ASSURANCE• Poor construction quality• Changed conditions not identified

during construction


• Significantly variable soil conditions (composition, depth, spatial variability)

• Shallow or deep bedrock

• Shallow or deep groundwater

• 100’s of years of historical development

Challenging Geotechnical Conditions in New England


Challenging Geotechnical Conditions in New England

Iboston.org


HOW DOES THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER

MANAGE YOUR RISK?

• Implementing proper investigation, design and construction

consulting practices

• Subsurface conditions are inherently variable and therefore

require:

• Data collection

• Experience

• Judgement


What Can an Owner do to Manage Risk?


2. UNDERSTAND RISKS:Have basic understanding of potential geotechnical risks posed by given site

4. ASK QUESTIONS

1. IDENTIFY QUALIFIED

CONSULTANT:Through Architect/Structural Engineer, RFQ,

interview process

3. UNDERSTAND

REPORTS:Have basic understanding of

geotechnical report contents to identify insufficiencies (knowledge

to “ask the question”)

5. INVOLVE YOUR ENGINEER EARLY:

Conduct geotechnical investigation early in the evaluation

and design process


4. ASK QUESTIONS

1.

IDENTIFY QUALIFIED CONSULTANT:Through Architect/Structural Engineer, RFQ, interview process

EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS:

Professional licensure

Experience with similar projects

Experience with range of subsurface conditions,

design solutions, etc. local to region

Staff availability

Prior litigation


Risk management should start with selecting the geotechnical engineer based upon qualifications (rather than cost)

2014 DOT study concluded that both clients and engineers agree that

geotechnical qualifications and experience have the most impact on

control of quality


PRELIMINARY INFORMATION SOURCES TO EVALUATE POTENTIAL RISKS:

• USGS surficial maps (https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngm-bin/ngm_compsearch.pl)

• NRCS soil maps (https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov)• State agencies

• University databases

• Local building/code enforcement

• Historical maps/aerial images

UNDERSTAND KEY FINDINGS:• Historic development or filling

• Shallow bedrock

• Significantly soft soils (Clay, Fluvial or Eolian Sand, Lacustrine)

• Significantly dense soils (Till)

• Wetlands

2.

UNDERSTAND RISKS: Have basic understanding of potential geotechnical risks posed by given site


BASIC GEOTECHNICAL REPORT COMPONENTS:

• PROJECT INFORMATION – is the information correct?

• SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS – is there a detailed description of explorations performed, soil deposits encountered, groundwater occurrence, bedrock encountered

• GEOTECHNICAL EVALUATION – is there is discussion of foundation solutions considered and selection of recommended solution?

• DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS – should provide detailed design recommendations (for use by other project team members)

• CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS – should provide detailed recommendations to instruct the contractor how to achieve the design, including any testing requirements

3. UNDERSTAND

REPORTS:Have basic understanding of geotechnical report contents to identify insufficiencies (knowledge to “ask the question”)


QUESTIONS FOR YOUR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER:

• What project components are expected to result in costs above typical costs?

• Foundations

• Groundwater

• Bedrock

• Soil impacts and soil reuse

• What are the geotechnical risks and are they being avoided, mitigated or accepted?

• Should we consider alternative location(s) for proposed structure based on soil conditions?

4. ASK QUESTIONS

Maintain an open dialogue with the geotechnical engineer


5. INVOLVE YOUR ENGINEER EARLY:Conduct geotechnical investigation early in the evaluationand design process

Current design methods are intended to account for risk from uncertainties, but cannot replace engineering judgement .

ENGAGE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER TO PERFORM CONSULTING AND INSPECTIONS DURING CRITICAL ASPECTS OF CONSTRUCTION

• Prepare or review geotechnical-related specifications

• Foundation construction

• Retaining wall/slope construction

• Soil & groundwater management


• What are some hazardous materials encountered during renovation?

• The challenge of polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs)

• Asbestos – quick reminders of state rule variations

• “Other” materials to watch out for

• Managing the risks

Introduction


What are some of the regulated hazardous materials encountered

during building renovation?


• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

• Asbestos

• Lead and mercury

• Fuel storage

• “Other” hazardous materials

Hazardous Materials


POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs)

• Adhesives• Asphalt roofing materials• Caulking• Light ballasts• Grout• Insulating coatings (often mixed

with asbestos)• Paints• Plasticizers• Tar paper

PCB Containing Materials


• Cement Pipes

• Cement Wallboard

• Cement Siding

• Asphalt Floor

• Tile Vinyl Floor

• Tile Vinyl Sheet Flooring

• Flooring Backing Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.)

• Acoustical Plaster

• Decorative Plaster

• Textured Paints/Coatings

• Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels

• Spray-Applied Insulation

• Blown-in Insulation

• Fireproofing Materials

• Taping Compounds (thermal)

• Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations)

• High Temperature Gaskets

• Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops

• Laboratory Gloves

• Fire Blankets

• Fire Curtains

• Elevator Equipment Panels Elevator Brake Shoes

• HVAC Duct Insulation

• Boiler Insulation

• Breaching Insulation

• Ductwork

• Flexible Fabric Connections

• Cooling Towers

• Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.)

• Heating and Electrical Ducts

• Electrical Panel

Partitions

• Electrical Cloth

• Electric Wiring Insulation

• Chalkboards

• Roofing Shingles

• Roofing Felt

• Roll Roofing

• Roof Patching

• Cement Base Flashing

• Thermal Paper Products

• Fire Doors

• Caulking/Putties Adhesives

• Wallboard Joint Compounds

• Vinyl Wall Coverings

• Spackling Compound

Suspect Asbestos Containing Materials


LEAD BASED PAINT (pre 1978) AND MERCURY CONTANING DEVICES

• Fluorescent lamps

• Mercuric oxide batteries

• Mechanical tilt switches in thermostats and silent switches.

• Float control switches

• Plunger or displacement relays Mercury-containing thermostat probes or flame sensors

• Gauges

Heavy Metals


CONTAINERS AND EQUIPMENT

• Aboveground and Underground Storage Tanks

• Emergency engine day tanks and belly tanks

• Transformers

• Fire pump engines

• Mechanical equipment

• Waste oil tanks and drums

Oil/Fuel Storage


• Lead based paint• Waste paint/maintenance

supplies

• Chemical storage in laboratories

• Industrial batteries – sulfuric acid/lead

“Other” Hazardous Materials


• Residual soil contamination

• Hazardous waste storage

• Taxidermy – Arsenic

“Other” Hazardous Materials


How do we manage PCBs?


PCBs in Building Materials

Window glazing and caulking contains asbestos and PCBs

USEPA recommends testing for PCBs in building materials, for older buildings with renovations occurring between 1950 – 1979

If background PCB concentrations have been identified in air or dust, USEPA recommends that building materials be tested to identify a source


Media that contains PCBs with

concentrations

>50 PPM

are regulated by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

PCBs in Building Materials

Building materials that contain PCBs with

concentrations

>50 PPM

are considered PCB Bulk Product Waste (BPW)

Media that has absorbed or is impacted with PCBs from BPW

(i.e., masonry, etc. in contact with BPW or soil)

*Parts Per Million (PPM)

AT ANY CONCENTRATION

can be considered PCB Remediation Waste


PCB Management

• USEPA Guidance recommends that PCB-containing caulk be removed during planned renovations and repairs

• Comments from USEPA Region 1 (Kim Tisa) indicate that identified PCB Bulk Product Waste > 50 ppm must ultimately be removed

https://www.pcbinschools.org/


Once impacted media is identified the plan for removal or management should start, and this phase could take some time to develop the appropriate mitigation approach

• Notification to USEPA is not required during planning phase

• Notification and engagement of USEPA is only required when seeking alternative disposal or management approaches

PCB Management


• If planned renovation is delayed or does not occur, then risk to receptors should be assessed

• Once risk factors are identified, the long-term management approach of impacted media should be developed

• USEPA may need to be engaged depending on the concentration level of the PCBs, the identified risk, and the plan for interim management, under the Risk-Based disposal approach described in 40 CFR 761.62

PCB Management


• Both BPW and PCB Remediation Waste require different management approaches under TSCA

• TSCA provides disposal approaches for both types of impacted media which does not require USEPA approval

• PCB BPW and PCB Remediation Waste can be incinerated or disposed in a TSCA Landfill with no additional testing; however, this disposal option is the most expensive

PCB Waste Management


PCB Remediation Waste Management under TSCA

DESCRIPTION ADVANTAGE

SELF-IMPLEMENTED

• PerformcharacterizationanddelineationinstrictaccordancewithUSEPAmethods

• Allowssegregationofwastefordisposalpurposes(canreducedisposalcosts)

• SubmitdataandcleanupplantoUSEPA• RequiresUSEPAapproval;presumptiveapproval

after30days,ifUSEPAdoesnotrespond• Requiresverificationsampling toillustratecleanup

• Mostcontrolforowner,typicallyafastapproach,butnotalwaystheleastexpensiveduetohighsampling andanalyticaltesting costs

• RISK-BASED • Allowsproposalforalternativecleanupoptions

andmethods(ifapprovedbyUSEPA),suchasencapsulationorpropertydeedrestrictions

• RequireswrittenapprovalfromUSEPA• Maytaketime(months?)togainapproval• Requiresverificationsampling toillustratecleanup

• IfownerhastimetonegotiatewithUSEPA,couldminimizecostsoverall

• PERFORMANCED-BASED

• Remediationmustcleanuptomoststringentthresholds

• RemediationwastemustbedisposedasTSCAwaste

• Requiresverificationsampling toillustratecleanup

• Typically,thefastestapproach,butdisposalcostscouldbeexpensive–goodoptionforverysmallprojects

• DoesnotrequireUSEPAapproval.


PCB Waste DisposalWasteDisposalFacilityand

TypeTypicalCost Note

TSCALandfill(PCBsabove50ppm)

$250to$300perTon

Maybeappropriateforsmallvolumesofwaste

SolidWasteLandfill:ACMOnly(PCBsnotidentified)

$100perton

SolidWasteLandfill:ACMandPCB(musttestorassumePCBsinACMwaste)

$105perton IncrementalcostincreaseondisposalifwastealsoassumedtobePCB-impacted;abatementlaborcostincreasesbecauseworkersrequireOSHA40-hourtraining

Recycling Facility:PCBRemediationWaste:1ppmto49ppm(segregatedbytesting )

$50perton Concentrationmustbemeasuredusing USEPAprotocolstosegregateimpactedmedia


The options to test


• To reduce disposal costs, PCB BPW can be disposed in solid waste landfills with special approvals

• However, building materials must first be tested

• Can test in-situ, prior to abatement, or assumed to contain PCBs (designated as Presumed PCB Bulk Product Waste)

• Test in a similar way as ACM testing

PCB Testing


• Assuming that media contains PCBs (designated Presumed PCB Bulk Product Waste) can minimize or limit in-situ testing requirements

• For the solid waste landfill disposal option, PCB BPW in roll-off containers needs to be tested on a bulk basis for leaching potential

• The toxicity characteristic leaching potential (TCLP) result must be less than 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L)

PCB Testing


The Options To Test

APPROACH POSSIBLEOUTCOME

Performscreening levelsurvey Providessomeinformationtoassesslikelihoodofpresenceorabsence;maydecidetoassumeothermaterialscontainPCBsafterpreliminarytesting

Performfullsurveyandtesting ofallbuilding materials

Providestheownercomprehensiveinformationtosegregateanddisposematerialsaccording ly,andcontrolcosts

AssumecertainorallmediacontainsPCBs

Minimizetesting costs;disposalapproachismostconservative,limitsliability,butsignificantlyincreasedisposalcost


OPTION 1: Test all window materialsOPTIONS PROS CONS

Testing allwindowmaterialsforPCBcontent(includescaulking andg lazing )

Goal:HandleidentifiedPCBimpactedmediaasonewastestream,PCBBulkProductWaste(i.e.,notPCBRemediationWaste)

Performance-baseddisposalapproachwithoutUSEPAinvolvement

Verificationtesting neededtoconfirmremovalofPCBimpactedmedia

Mayminimizedisposalvolumesandcosts

Providesdatatosegregatematerialsbyconcentration

Ifimpactsabove50ppmareidentified,willbeabletotestmasonrytoestablishthicknessofimpactedprofilearoundwindows,tonotoverremovematerial

Portionsofwindowsmaybemoreimpactedthanothers(i.e.,sillsmaybemoreimpactedthatsidewallofwindow),andtesting wouldallowsegregation

IfreviewedbyUSEPA,providesassurancetocurrentandfuturestakeholdersthatcleanupwasperformedinconformancetoTSCA(Peaceofmind).

Demonstratesmorepro-active,thoroughapproachtostakeholders

Providesmoredataintheeventmonitoring andmaintenanceimplementationplan(MMIP)isneeded

Increasedsampling effortandnumberofsamples

MayidentifyelevatedPCBsinexisting building materialsthatcannotbemanageduntildemolition

Increasehandling costforsegregation

SegregationmayrequiremanagementasaSelf-Implementing CleanuporRisk-Basedapproach,involving USEPA

Increasespotentialforstakeholderanxiety


OPTION 2: Assume All >50 PCB BPW OPTIONS PROS CONS

Assumeallcaulking andg lazing ofwindowsarePCBBulkProductWaste> 50ppm

Goal:HandleallPCBimpactedmediaasonewastestream,PCBBulkProductWaste

PerformancebaseddisposalapproachwithoutUSEPAinvolvement

(verificationtesting wouldberecommendedforthisoptiontoillustrateremoval)

Minimizetesting costs

Reducesdemolitionschedule

Simplifieswastestreamanddisposalmanagement

Disposalapproachismostconservative,limitsliability

Assuming PCBcontentisagoodoptionforasmallprojectwithwell-definedquantitiesfordisposal

Mayneedtooverestimateimpactstosurrounding masonrywithouttesting

Significantlyincreasesdismantling costanddisposalcost

Assuming PCBcontentmaynotbethebestoptionforalargeprojectwithnotwell-definedquantitiesfordisposal(couldbeveryhighcost)

Increasehandling costforremovalofallmediaaroundwindows


• Be aware of possible state regulations regarding indoor air health hazards

• Most state regulations do not address PCBs in building materials that are in place (i.e. serving their original purpose) and that are not leaking/releasing PCBs to the environment

• If building materials contain >50 ppm, this is a violation of TSCA

• States work in cooperation with the USEPA – and many of the regulations defer to TSCA

• Refer to state-specific websites for PCB management regulations that may apply to your situation

State Specific PCB Regulations


Asbestos Containing MaterialsREMEMBERING THE STATE-SPECIFIC RULES


VERMONT• If you are planning to renovate or demolish a building or

structure, an asbestos inspection is required by the Vermont Regulation for Asbestos Control

• Vermont Regulations for Asbestos Control V.S.A. Title 18, Chapter 26 Effective February 1987; Amended November 1995

• These regulations provide for the establishment of procedures to be followed and the standards for certification of asbestos contractors who perform asbestos abatement in any facility

Asbestos Containing Materials


MAINE• Chapter 425: Asbestos Management Regulations

• This chapter establishes the rules of the Board and the Department for the licensing of business and public entities and the certification of individuals engaged in asbestos abatement activities. These rules also set forth notification and work practice requirements for asbestos abatement activities. Storage of asbestos waste is also regulated by this rule.

• 06-096 DEP, Maine Solid Waste Rules

• CHAPTER 425, Asbestos Management Regulations Revised: February 2011



NEW HAMPSHIRE• Env-A 1800 Asbestos Management and Control

Env-A 1801.01 Purpose. (a) The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health of the general public by ensuring that asbestos is managed in a manner that prevents the release of asbestos fibers to the environment and human exposure thereto.

(b) It is intended that the rules in this chapter be used in conjunction with other federal, state, and local requirements for managing and controlling asbestos, including but not limited to:

(1) Administrative rules established by the department pursuant to RSA 149-M; and

(2) Federal regulations, including those relating to worker safety, established by:

a. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926; and

b. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 40 CFR 61 and 40 CFR 763



“Other” Materials To Manage


And that’s not all…….


} Residual Chemicals and Wastes• When completing a building assessment, don’t

forget to look at these often forgotten “other” hazardous materials - $$ for Disposal

} Oil Storage• UST and AST removal and clean-up• Potentially impacted soils/groundwater

} Lead-Based Paint• Understand the implications of testing – look at

the “whole” waste product

Other Materials To Manage


Managing The Risks


Take away – Understand the Risks

} Always liable for the final waste disposal} Can always assume the worst and manage as-such} If you are looking for alternatives for disposal to save

money, know when and how to characterize the waste materials

} If leaving known impacted materials, evaluate the risk (i.e., Indoor air quality impacts)


Take away – Know the Regulations

} PCBS driven by TSCA} No flexibility in asbestos regulations – with additional

state requirements

} Remediation wastes are handled by state-specific clean-up rules

} Bring in expertise for careful interpretation of site-specific issues


Take away – Plan in Advance

} HAVING KNOWLEDGE PUTS YOU IN CONTROL• Minimize construction delays• Reduces change-orders• Prevents improper waste disposal• Allows you to control hazards

} COMPLETE A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SURVEY• For use in planning and contract documents• Helps to establish budget


MANCHESTER, NH | LITTLETON, MA | MIDDLETOWN, CT | YORK, ME

O F F I C E 8 0 0 . 2 1 7 . 1 9 5 3 | G E O I N S I G H T. C O M |

Questions?

Brian T. Nereson, PESENIOR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER

Suzanne L. Pisano, PE, LEED APDIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE

Date post:	21-Jan-2018
Category:	Engineering
Upload:	geoinsight-inc
View:	35 times
Download:	1 times