Discussion of 'The State of the Practice in Foundation Engineering on Expansive and Collapsible Soils'

摘要

The authors conclude, in part, that "for every billion dollars wasted due to underdesign there are probably 5 billion dollars, or even more, wasted in overdesign." Probably? In fact, the authors fail to cite even one datum to support their statement, making it nothing more than unsupported speculation. The authors also put forth the following with regard to site characterization: "In addition to advancing the hole to sufficient depth and testing samples at those depths is the need for careful logging of the soil profile. Author Nelson asserts that an important element of careful logging is inspection of continuous core when practical. Granted that taking core during sampling increases the cost of investigation, that cost is minimal when compared to potential cost of damages. It is the responsibility of the engineer to educate the client as to the need to undertake that cost. Author Houston asserts that continuous coring is not practical in a great many cases."