Who's at Fault? You decide.

[@brh4115]

GC should be informed in writing that retaining wall warranty is void since asphalt contractor compromised specifications of the block installation instructions.

[@WFOfreedom]

Agreed to CYA.

[@farmerdan6893]

Engineers should know all the product specs they are using in their projects

[@opnorty]

Civil Engineer here with 30+ years of experience mainly in the site design area. I say that your responsibility is to report the issue to the general contractor. It is their responsibility to talk to the engineer/architect to determine the cause and repair. When it comes to paying, that's another issue. If it comes to lawsuits, a judge decides who is at fault. In this case, based on the story you presented, I think the engineer/ architects screwed up and didn't account for the manufacture's requirements to be followed during construction. The subs fluid exactly what they were supposed to do. The probelm is the wrong type of wall was specified for the application. It should have been a cast in place concrete wall, but that would cost significantly more. This is a typical errors and omissions claim against the design team. Architect for laying out the site and the engineer for not designing the wall for the field conditions during construction.

[@tcosta4039]

I've been in this situation numerous times. If you installed the wall according to the stamped engineering plan, then you have satisfied your end of the installation. Case closed.

[@needaman66]

You can do bitumen without heavy equipment. Its up to contractor to verify with subcontractors techniques and safety. The GC should know these plans like the back of his hand. GC is the supervisor and to Make sure the olans a followed

[@rirebel6029]

In my opinion it's 💯 on the paving crew ... they want to use the paver I get it, its way way easier and leaves a way better finish on the top, but I shoveled TONS of hot mix as a laborer in areas where it looked like we could use the paver but hidden hazards like this prevented it . If you get some good experienced guys raking the mix you can get a nice finish .

[@VadimParkersr]

Every body needs to follow the specs of the walll in my opinion the heavy equipment so close what if the retainer failed and equipment rolled over big safety issue when we back filled retainer walls try to keep equipment at least 5 feet away it seems like some things might be avoided on a pre walk after retainer was almost complete gives asphalt contractor time to maybe have change order for different equipment for the task

[@marriagepartnersministry5942]

All the retaining wall guys need to know, have a professional duty, the specs and if the guys saw another party breaching the specs then they have to make a reasonable attempt to stop the damage otherwise the retaining wall guys have "contributory negligence". I would have went to the supervisor and recorded myself asking him to stop his job immediately, the reason why, and asking him to speak to the job engineer first other wise he is going to bear some responsability

[@joeynagy8657]

I’ve done asphalt jobs like this here in Canada and it’s always done with shovels and plate tampers and skid steers with tube buckets so you and reach far out without getting too close

[@JohnChvatalGSTV]

People are prone to error. In aviation, safety is a culture. Speak up when you see a problem. Even if you break a few eggs.Ultimate responsibility is with the engineer /architect. Client should be able to rest easy knowing everything is carried out to spec. I'd speak with the engineer and get it in writing if he doesn't think this is an issue. Same with the general contractor.If both were rude (obviously not looking out for the client's interest), I'd be tempted to approach the client and let them know what is going on.

[@rickramirez2220]

Good point Stan! I think it would be a good idea when you bid these jobs to check to see if there will be asphalt next to the wall and if so, bring it up to the contractor’s Attention and have him sign a document that he knows what will happen to the wall if heavy machinery is near it.

[@hydelake224]

This is likely a conflict of spec sections. Stan is following his spec and likely the paving contractor is following his spec. The schedule also must be considered - who was scheduled in first. Ideally this scenario would be caught at bid time and resolved via the RFI system. Stan is correct in stating one sub does not control another, however every contract will require coordination between subs. This coordination is documented (or should be) at the GC's weekly job meetings. If no such meeting was set up so both contractors could coordinate, the GC is likely at fault. These administrative obligations of the GC are covered in the 01 spec section - which no sub ever reads but is included with every contract.

[@BrianWeber-gt4ho]

@hydelake224 actually ultimately the general contractor is responsible for the subs. So.....

[@josiahruss6963]

It's all of the above. It falls on everyone involved with making the plans.

[@Kushert]

This is absolutely the engineers fault. If all of the contractors were following an engineered blueprint, it is definitely the engineers fault if all of the work was done to spec.

[@ryanjohnson8340]

It depends if it’s delegated design or not. A lot of architects will only issue a performance specification for retaining walls because of issues like this.

[@BrianWeber-gt4ho]

He explains they were not following specs.....seems cut and dried

[@ryanjohnson8340]

@@BrianWeber-gt4ho what he is quoting is product specifications, not project specifications. If it’s not in the project specifications, it’s not part of the contract documents. My first question is what was the basis of design for the project, the block installed or was something else specified, or was the wall delegated design.

[@420kendizzle]

The engineer didn't not ecspect sub contractor to not follow specs and place equipment in an area not designed for ir hopefully the general read his contract had not allowed his sub to go against the specs if anything this could have been an osha violation here in michigan. If specs say no heavy equipment it's is on you so as the general contractor it's now on you first

[@howlandexcavating]

No, it actually isn’t the engineers fault. It’s up to the contractor placing the asphalt, perform the work without causing damage. An experience paver would know enough to hand place, hand roll and compact the area with a small vibratory plate. This is done every day in situations like this. In fact, a good estimator would have included this in his bid. Very few plans have a notation instructing the contractor how to perform the job in such a way to protect existing structures. It is up to the contractor to figure that out. This is just another example of an inexperienced contractor, and obviously one that doesn’t care. You can clearly see Stan‘s man, try to straighten out the wall. Then the asphalt contractor gets right on top of it again.

[@notsure6182]

architect / engineer issue with your failed retaining wall. hell the GC as well. if I was the super on that job a simple solution would be to pour a concrete walkway 4 feet wide. I commented on a previous video that I was building a wall right now similar to these at a school similar to these. mine is 2m high, engineered, with an engineered fence, thankfully a soft landscape zone for about 4 feet before hardscape behind the wall. wall will be full height on Monday. nice to hear you share the possible pitfalls when I am doing the job

[@bradz68]

Design professional is responsible. Not the GC or subcontractors!

[@zack9912000]

end of the day, it is the GC responsibility. They are supposed to be tracking whats going on their job. Have their signature on your completed work and key points that void the warranty of the work

[@thejarochs]

One issue is that the excavation looks like it was just for the wall. The engine should've called for a greater area of compacted fill. There's other components involved. In part all contractors involved should've know how to avoid it. ithe engineers should have designed and documented all aspects of the job. This is where an inspector should've been on site and stopped the job. And work towards a viable solution.

[@mikapeltokorpi7671]

Design architect and engineer. Then, general contractor.

[@JamieHitt]

Who hired the Engineer? Who hired the General Contractor? Who did the Project Manager hire first? Who looked at the project disigns and signed-off on the permits?

[@armandocruz2335]

civil engineer issues and GC for not proper managing the construction job, this should have been discussed before construction when you have preliminary (Red Zone) construction meeting. It's a change order to get redone or void the warranty the installation due to the engineer pour design and GC management.

[@jeffreykline1854]

I hope you do a follow up on this one. Curious how the wall is effected after a few weeks/months.

[@Nightsweeper]

It’s everybody’s fault If No one brought up the issue before hand.

[@SparkysGarage]

In situations like these would it be a better option to pour a 3' concrete strip behind the wall with felt against the block? then asphalt against the concrete?

[@markbrockelman316]

It all depends if the block manufacturer’s specs were included in the project specs. If so, it then depends if the paving spec refers to the spec section that includes the block specs. If it is, then the paver would’ve had to do the paving via handwork and the gc should’ve pointed that requirement out. Either way the paver and the gc knew there was an issue initially and rethought their approach.

[@ryanjohnson8340]

Exactly, I’d love to know what the block specification s f what the Basis of design is. I’ve seen it where the drawings show retaining walls as delegated design

[@jasonhansen6632]

Architect AND Civil Engineer are both at fault here. Textbook chain of accountability.

[@Boomhauer333]

Stan, those morons could've done that job WITHOUT putting the heavy equipment so close to the wall. Definitely NOT your fault. Those guys lack common sense.

[@kelvinelrick807]

I blame the architect.

[@YAZZIE007]

Architect/Engineer should know all specs of the products being used on the project. The GC as well should know they are in charge of the whole project. I've bid on some commercial jobs where the contract states that the architect/ engineer will not be at fault, but the builder will be at fault. But really the architect/engineer should be at fault. Years of schooling to learn to calculate, read and reread specifications.

[@ryanjohnson8340]

You need to know if the wall design is delegated design or not.

[@DavidFreelandAZ]

It should habeen a collaborative effort. Gc, subs and design team should have discusses. Sub documents to GC, GC sends RFI to design team to resolve. Lack of coordination leaves GC and design team at risk. The only entity that wins in a lawsuit is the attorneys

[@kenpaige990]

If you installed the material according to the engineered plans, and manufacturer specs along with best practices and the other subcontractors did the same for their portion it then falls on the general contractor and engineer as they did not follow the manufacturer guidelines. Now a trick the engineers like to do is put in the fine print of the specs that all work performed and installed near all other work must be done to manufacturer recommendations! This is the underhanded way of laying poor engineering liability onto the subcontractor.

[@B_Rad4Real]

I say GC and here is why I say that. The GC has a duty to make sure his engineer knows every aspect of the project and the products used. So you would win in the court of law.

[@philiph1802]

Issues like this is why it is so important to work for companies that have your back. I work for a company that does a few hundred million a year worth of Telcom work. We are family because of the things we have been through together. The worst thing is the guy trying to blame you (or sue you) for things out of your control.

[@jphickory522]

Asphalt could have been placed with an asphalt widener. It’s a machine that has a hopper and belts the asphalt material to a screed that is cantilevered off to one side of the widener. (Ie it allows an asphalt road shoulder to be constructed while the machine stays in the adjacent lane). The asphalt would then require some hand work and compaction with plate compactors. Might have to do in two lifts to get proper compaction. This method would have kept all heavy loads out of the wall’s danger zone. Means and methods matter.

[@a-verybasic2]

Yes this is the engineers and architects responsibility, however as a contractor that has experienced a similar site condition on a previous job that adversely affected your finished work you should make it known respectfully as soon as possible to the GC to avoid this. Jmo

[@thenussbaum44]

It should have been stated in the paving spec that no heavy equipment can be used within three feet of the wall. The GC should have a working knowledge of ALL aspects of the job and stop subs from causing damage to other subs work that had been completed. At the end of the day if it is not stated in the spec for the paving company than it would fall back on the person writhing those specs. You also have to also blame the GC for not knowing to stop the paver.

[@WFOfreedom]

It depends on what the contract says to determine who’s at fault. My initial thought is that this is a means and methods issue. If these wall specs were included in the contract then the asphalt contractor should have known to keep heavy equipment away 3 ft from the face and use a plate compactor for compaction within that 3ft. The contractor as a whole is solely responsible for means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures of construction. But if the plans called for placing asphalt to a specified compacted density then there would be an issue with the design for which the contractor would not be at fault. How are you supposed to reach a compacted density with a plate compactor. They either waive the density in this area or revise the wall plan. Seeing this a playground density doesn’t matter.

[@d.o.c.4076]

I've done both asphalt and retaining walls. I don't see why the asphalt crew can't hand rack the material to the back of the wall while using a plate packer for the compaction afterwards. I mean a meeting between both subcontractors should be held so that there is an understanding on what can and can't be done during the installation process if the two crews work somehow intersect with each other. Neither of these types of jobs are fun to do without using machines, but when it is necessary to do hand work then it should be done that way.

[@craighedquist6731]

Concrete works better close to walls... plate tamp subgrade and pour.

[@jameskemp1977]

I'm thinking I would be definitely the engineer cause they are the one who is supposed to understand the spec's

[@johnwright8300]

I said it’s on the blacktop guys because they don’t have to use that machine to spread the blacktop. They could do it by hand or get a smaller machine.

[@americanleisurepools6431]

Love watching the drama baked😂

[@Keith.Zielinski]

The last couple of videos have been really eye opening. I am curious what resources are available to learn more about soil dynamics, drainage, and the engineering of retaining walls through a thorough and accredited builder if I wanted to learn the trade properly? Thank you for sharing!

[@doughboytuba]

So who is the rocket surgeon who has designed a site with asphalt to the retaining wall without a guardrail or barrier? For the older and larger retaining wall I saw a guardrail - did the posts for the guardrail get pounded thru the geogrid you installed? Our typical detail is to have the retaining wall contractor install a sonotube, usually at 2' back per retaining wall manufacturers specification so posts for a guardrail can be installed without destroying the integrity of the wall. what is missing from your narrative is what the plans from the designer showed. I mostly work in Illinois and the rule is any wall more than 3 feet high requires stamped plans from a professional engineer (PE) before said wall can be built.

[@JacobVanHeel]

I've done several driveways with retaining walls that run on one side. The blacktop guys always stay away from the wall at least a foot or two. I've seen them wearing shoes with stomp pads on to tamp near the wall. They never run heavy equipment right up against the wall

[@jeffiwanski407]

Wasn’t there progress meetings? If there were, then the retaining wall specs should have been brought up. Then a change order should have been made for the asphalt subcontractor. It would have to be done differently to meet the wall specifications.

[@1ClusterChuck]

One question I have...Who puts a running track next to a drop off/ Retaining wall? 🤨

[@Boomhauer333]

I know right? Some ppl just have no common sense.

[@Andyski-h9r]

With the sub contracts scope so narrow, its the general contractors duty to have the foresight of potential issues for overlapping work.

[@Rickey703]

Engineer had a brain fart. I am a plumber but it looks like it should have been concrete. I had a GC think he was going to bust me for not installing a roof drain system on a facility. I told him he needed to figure out how he was going to install the scuppers that he left out for a downspout system that the plans called for. lol

[@todddavis9498]

Well I think most of us know who and where the fault would lie. But for the architect/engineers too actually own up to it is usually another can of worms! I have built a few large commercial retaining walls and found that the specs are normal right on as you say all the information is easyaly available. But that where it ends with the architect on the blue prints then they move one to the next step. And they never put the 2 together as a whole project. For example the blueprint would call for a 6' high retaining wall to be 1 foot way from the property line. And call for 6' wide geo grid behind the wall on spec levels of the wall. But what they tend to forget is now to make that work on the jobsite. Your geo grid is now on someone else property. And this little things happen all the time

[@dennisoestermann1880]

Love the smell of hot asphalt. Wouldn't it have been better to do the asphalt first and then the wall? It's the contractors fault if he was warned about the dangers of having heavy equipment that close to the wall. Where i live it's common courtesy for a sub contractor to both warn other sub contractors and the general contractor, if they are about to destroy/damage your work, if you notice it.

[@WhocarezWhocarez-nw8ke]

I think the asphalt guy should have refused to pave with heavy equipment and should have been done with a plate tamper , sounds like he was trying to cut corners by using big equipment to try and save time

[@tillmannoneya6941]

My landscaper never told me not to have asphalt done. He did back fill the heck out of it. All stone, not one drop of dirt. Like 7 feet back from wall. The wall looks fine. He really went above and beyond knowing driveway would be there. But wonder if I will have issues going into winter. Driveway was done this spring. I’m really nervous now. Seems like my own fault, for not getting engineer. 😢.

[@DodgeTruck]

The Architect and engineers are 100% because they need to know the spec. on everything they use on a project, the Architect does all the design work and should know all the spec. on all items he calls out for and then the engineers does the final load test and if it is wrong then they go back to Architect so he can change the wall or the asphalt. I would think the engineer is a little bit more to eat the mess but them two needs to fight it out not you or the Asphalt contractor. You need to send the GC a certified letter stating all warrant is null and void and the reason why and then it is his responsibility to inform the school, engineering firm along with the Architect firm. You will still be in the lawsuit but should get bout fairly quick. The thing about a lawsuit is everybody gets sued even the people that did everything right. It's a good thing you taped this project because they will say the bed, backfill and cloth was not installed correct and that's the reason the wall failed. Good luck.

[@curtwinkle2010]

Ultimately, it is the general's fault. The general should catch mistakes of engineers and designers simply because they do not always pay attention to the variances in laws set up by cities or states. However, if this asphalt company was made aware of their mistake, they could easily bring in lighter equipment that is capable of gathering materials away from the wall. Example, the asphalt company that paved my driveway had a very small machine, that could probably make sidewalks. Every time they needed asphalt that machine pick up and go to the dump truck and then return back. The vibrating roller was even narrower than most sidewalks. The asphalt machine that you're showing looks quite large and heavy. My guess is even too heavy for working safely near such a wall.

[@s_ren1641]

This goes on everyone to some extent. If you see that in the plans then put the exact code that says no heavy equipment behind the wall in the bid. After that it's in writing that the general contractor had been notified and it's on them. The general should have knowledge about what will damage things and be responsible for it.

[@bobbyd7697]

I agree. Stan i watched and listened to the whole video and must say, if you knew this happened before, and you had the specs for this job here in 2024, why not arm yourself in the contract. Does it make sense to seek legal counsel for direction on how to properly word the contract to guarantee a win with damage occurring that you're experiencing a second time?

[@mowerjeff8990]

I would say the general contractor for allowing the paving company to use the equipment they did. It’s still disappointing to see your crews hard work be ruined by someone who doesn’t want to do any manual labor. I would also think an engineer would design it with at least a 3 foot strip of sod or stone next to the wall. But in todays world it’s always half ass it and blame someone else.

[@mikethomas3069]

The company that hired the GC .. probably don't care .. you do thank goodness..

[@berkoskilandscaping4247]

Definitely the engineers fault.

[@billhull6842]

I would say the general contractor. His job is to make sure everything is done properly. He hired you to come in and do a job. You did what you were hired to do and when you finished your contract was completed as the contract said and he signed off on it. The general contractor needs to know what needs to be done and how it needs to be done. I have had the same conversation when multiple contractors are working at the same time. Who is to blame.

[@MastersofCriminology]

General Contractor since they oversee the entire project.

[@CZAnthonyX]

Hope you have a pleasant weekend! Keep up the great work!

[@kevinberta8741]

Architects seem to always avoid liability. At the same time, the GC should be catching these things and are the last line of defense.

[@caseyc4516]

I think it’s a number of people from engineer,GC and asphalt .asphalt crew can do it with less/smaller equipment

[@420kendizzle]

General contractor or inspectors fault for allowing the machine there should be excavator and hand work for sure done similar work a dozen times

[@elconquistador364]

agreed. also all involved crew chiefs should/couldve coordinated the chronological sequence of the work in a more favorable manner

[@LukyNumbrKevin]

GC estimator of over 15 years here, it is the arch/civil engineers responsibly 100%. There is settled case law and tort law that protects subs and GCs from these specific design issues. This is literally all the civil engineer is responsible for... THE DESIGN. dont even put this question out there.... lol WE ARE JUST THE STUPID BUILDERS ALWAYS REMEBER THIS! that's why they make the big bucks...

[@Dirtmonkey]

You definately get it.👊👍

[@loganp7043]

If it’s in the plans it’s the asphalt company. Behind the wall should have been hand paved in without a paver.

[@304MTodd63]

Seems like neither the GC nor the asphalt sub read the specs. I would think that the GC would assume the subs would follow the specs; therefore the asphalt sub would be at fault. However the GC is there to oversee the project and is therefore not blameless. The checks and balances failed at those two points. Both are responsible.

[@ferguscampbell2485]

In this case, the SC doing the ceiling work as he is not following the design specs. He was taking the easiest way to do the job. Some blame goes on the MC for not supervising the start of each faze. I don't blame the design engineer as he designed the project to a customers specifications and he laid out certain building requirements. You as a SC should advise the other SC of the problem. You should also contact the the GC that you will not accept any problems arising in that section of the wall. Its then up to the GC to organist rectification to the problem.

[@jtmarin04]

Here in PA at least the engineer can't mandate the means or methods of the contractor or sub-contractors, merely that the specs are being adhered to. Since the spec book is the jobsite gospel, non-compliance with spec 4.08B and 4.10 should pin the blame on the paving sub-contractor and GC. If the engineer had an inspector out there that didn't stop it then they will easily get dragged into the inevitable lawsuit too. It's a stupid design that could've been avoided but the engineer can claim that the paver should've done it all by hand within 3' of the wall (as unrealistic as that is)

[@mariopotuznik8002]

I would say the engineer and the general are to blame. I’m going with they won’t ask the individual contractor to look over the plans and see if they have any input on their design, cause they don’t make mistakes. Or am I wrong?

[@nicclark9791]

Its the asphalt companies problem, by knowing there equipment, its obvious it was all to heavy and should have taken other steps, like laying it by hand which I have seen several times.

[@samcarver317]

The Engineer or architect. An engineer especially should know about the 3ft rule. Its the engineers job to make sure everything is structurally sound.... If the asphalt absolutely has to be up against the retaining wall there should be stipulations about what equipment can or cant be used. I dont do asphalt work but if there is an established method to safely put asphalt up against a retaining wall. Then the blame would lay with the asphalt contractor..

[@doncrist2012]

Engineering, superintendent and blacktop crew

[@terryknesek6922]

It’s engineers fault for sure ! They should have taken that into account

[@bottomup12]

Why would the school want kids or adults walking next to a large drop off with no railing? Whoever ordered the sidewalk is at fault.

[@chasingcapsaicin]

GC for allowing the equipment on there, how the sub gets there job done is there call to stay behind engineering limitations and act accordingly. Many ways to skin a cat, could have been done and not caused damage, the asphalt contractor under bid to take shortcuts. It's the GC's responsibility to make sure they don't. General Contractor 101% at fault for allowing it to happen.

[@brucestorey917]

The biggest problem with this job seems to me to be a lack of communication between everybody involved. Subs always want to blow off job meetings as a waste of time, but meetings are crucial in avoiding problems such as this. Generally, minutes are kept when there are meetings, so if something goes wrong, everybody can refer back to those minutes for finger pointing and resolutions to potential problems. You say it’s not your job to tell another sub what to do, but it is your job. You need to share your knowledge with those who don’t have it to help avoid problems like this one.

[@howlandexcavating]

It’s not the engineers fault. There are no design issues here. Asphalt is placed directly behind segmental, retaining walls every day. The process of installation needs to be tailored for the job site conditions. For example, if I am running a new municipal sewer, main and I encounter an old culvert that won’t support my equipment. I have to figure a way to complete the project. It may involve steel sheeting on Ibeam, directional boring, etc. This is my responsibility as a professional contractor. Yes it would be nice to have a warning in the engineered plans about placing a surcharge on the back of this retaining wall. But at the same time most experienced paving contractors know better. If you are running gasketed pipe the plans won’t have a notation to clean the bells. If you’re pouring concrete, the plans won’t tell you to pull the wire up. On a sidenote, I hate these walls. After 30+ years, on any Design build projects I do I spec, large block, gravity wall system. Specifically redirock. It’s quick, takes less labor, and if installed correctly well withstand just about anything someone does after I leave. You can have a painter come in with a spray gun and an airbrush and make these walls. Look phenomenal!

[@csmeyer24562]

I would absolutely make it known to the subcontractor and get it on record so you are covered if it goes to court

[@matthewrogers94mr]

Who ever singed off on the blueprints should be at fault, they should've checked into which block was going to be used and if heavy machinery is used they should've check to see if that would be to much for the wall. When the wall collaspes they better not come after you and of they wanted to have asphalt behind the yall it should be done by hand and not done by a machine.

[@hookshorns6033]

Totally on the engineer

[@scw2cool]

Design failure. Just as simple as the owner gets back charged to remedy. Pretty much standard operating procedure on all commercial sites.

[@charles12062]

The engineer first, General contractor second, paving contractor third., the paving contractor could of hand paved to lessen the load, but the design engineer failed.

[@thequattro20v]

I have done my share of stonework for 20 years and now been doing asphalt base for 8 years. So i can relaite both partys here. Not wall company fault not asphalt company fault. Bad desing of materials together. Only thing i would have done different is to demo the old asphalt off before installing the new wall, thats just extra stress on new wall.

[@Boomhauer333]

If you have experience with asphalt then you should know that the heavy equipment was not necessary to be that close to the wall. That strip by the wall should've been done manually without machinery. Wheel barrows to dump the asphalt and manually rake and lute, and use a small water filled roller for compacting.

[@thequattro20v]

@@Boomhauer333 Yes and i know if done like that the asphalt would fail and then i would be on the asphalt companys hands to fix it becouse of lack of compaction on the asphalt base and final product. As i said before poor choice of materials together. I have never ever used a wheelborrow to make asphalt base if i can fit there with my bobcat.

[@Boomhauer333]

@@thequattro20v 🤦‍♂😅 Oh man... you still have a lot to learn. I've done plenty of asphalt jobs using manual tools, no heavy machinery, nothing has failed. It's laziness and lack of common sense that creates failure.

[@thequattro20v]

@@Boomhauer333 Well i don't know what kind of jobs you are doing but i don't wanna spread 300t of gravel in a day with a wheelborrow so......... mayby there's something you should learn also🤷‍♂

[@Boomhauer333]

@thequattro20v Laziness, and carelessness. If you see a risky job you should be able to take appropriate measures and precautions. There is no reason to be running heavy machinery right next to a retaining wall. It's pure stupidity. Vehicles don't travel in that area so there is no need to run heavy rollers or anything of that nature. But go ahead and keep doing what you do.

[@danlabonty9720]

Asphalt contractor is at fault. They wrote a bid to pave the area. The bid was accepted. They choose to do it in that manner. They could have hand laid the aspahalt and used a small plate compactor. They choose the easy route. That has risks involved. If they are profesionals they should know how to complete a project, what it will take to do it right.

[@sirwallygator565]

The engineer who spect out the job is at fault and the General Contractor. The contractor should have looked up the specs of that wall before allowing all that heavy equipment to operated behind that wall. The engineer should have known the specs of the wall... I seen pavement put right to a retaining wall with know damage.. They laid the pavement by hand and only used a small plate tamper to compact it. Then a rail was put up to keep cars away from the wall

[@Handy-Dandy-Dave]

The paving company has the same prints that you do! I have seen a lot of destruction on job sites. I see that someone doesn't know how to read blueprints.

[@melguilb4508]

As a tradesperson who redlines projects with faulty design, while doing inspections, i regularly throw things back at engineers for approval. Things get redone. Both trades and engineers goof up all the time. Umtimately who isvresponsible? I think everyone for doingvtheir partvto go home safely and for keeping each other employed and viable as company players. But atvthe end of the day im always too unimportant (i make sure of that) for judgement to ever land on me Part i dont like is ive caught a lotvof fraud, laziness and signed off work that hasnt wven been started on industrial projects. Lots just built wrong too or wrong material. People above me often stock me as acresult fuming mad trying to get me fired :(

[@melguilb4508]

My philosophy is we all wanna be in business and be successful. As a low life inspector who comes in at end of industrial projects to audit i just try and keep everyone satisfied, butvi never call the shots. I just say it like it is and am often hated for it.

[@daveintaroom]

Engineer should have known

[@skiptrace4034]

This kind of situation is why ill never bid a job for any gc without a full set of plans and specs.

[@OniLeafNin]

The person who designed the contract for the wall and asphalt is at fault. As a paving operator it’s good to learn about these things so that when I get a bid I can keep an eye out for being 3 feet away from a retaining wall

[@benfowler2127]

I see this as a design failure. Specs are clear, and architects and engineers (whoever designed the job) should have knowledge of the specs of the materials being used on a project. It starts with the people who are designing to know. Otherwise, what good are any of the drawings they provide?

[@Eagle1A]

The main character should have fallowed the engineered report. He should be responsible for any damage after he had signed off on your part of the job.

[@curtb.9450]

Its the engineers fault on that one do to not understanding how these things work and that means that wall has to come back out and be redone witch is expensive and that should have been alowd to settle for at least a month or more

[@smsears6743]

I think if sub contractors are powerless and pass the buck just to get their work done, there should be a project manager overseeing the work and an engineer approving the design.

[@russellhouston3759]

BLAME GAME!!!!!!!!🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😊

[@joedugas9462]

If you completed your work as per spec and drawings...not your fault at all. I would be firing off emails as the problem was happing...phone calls and conversations are great...but emails and texts are documentation.

[@littlehuey5679]

It’s the asphalt contractor fault because he should know the limitations of placement ! So if the asphalt contractor is hired to put asphalt on your roof dose he not have a responsibility to know that the structure is safe for such a load and the safety of his men !

[@cc5477]

Engineer , About the Weight of Equipment Take the BlackTop Company to Court for Damages . And Maybe the General Manager of the Job ( Cause they Didn’t Follow their Written Instructions )

[@JF-fx2qv]

A chain is as strong as its weakest link. Everyone Architects to subcontractors are to blame . Do you think the separate branches of our military could win wars if they did not communicate and work as one. Here’s a novel concept: Prior to a project ; when the concept is in its infancy, why not have a meeting of all that will be involved in said project to learn all concerns? What typically takes place is MONEY RULES and quality of work or honoring the custom of the project doesn’t really matter. We are familiar with conflicting building trades. HVAC GUYS, PLUMBERS, and ELECTRICIANS all lock antlers over limited space for their work product and often destroy one another’s work. Leaving the ends result of such conflict ( usually in the name safety ) on the unknowing customer.