Retaining wall and piled foundations in mixed-use development

Stock photo

England, United Kingdom

The construction of a major mixed‑use development in England, comprising more than 200 residential units across several buildings, experienced cost escalation and delays. This led to a dispute between the contractor and the civil and structural engineer.

The issues in dispute related to the post-tender design development of a contiguous piled retaining wall and the foundations of a multi-strorey car-park, the site ground conditions and viability of foundation solutions at tender, and causation for material quantity increases (concrete, reinforcement, piles). I was engaged to assess the completeness and adequacy of tender and construction design information, delineate roles and responsibilities and evaluate the performance of interfacing parties.

The findings of this investigation were provided to the solicitors acting for the civil and structural engineer, to inform their client’s position and enable a response to the contractor’s claims, in preparation for a Mediation.