if a Pit had been excavated Initially for SBC

Professional Daily Diary - November 7, 2024

Summary of Activities:

Yesterday, a meeting was held at the office to discuss the backfilling process for the foundation. The meeting lasted for about one and a half hours. During the meeting, I realized that discussions regarding site-related issues should ideally take place on-site rather than in the office.

Site Visit:

Today, I visited the site to continue the discussion on backfilling in the foundation. After consulting with the owner, we decided to use murum along all sides of the footings and columns. Following this, the natural soil, which was excavated from the same foundation, will be used for backfilling.

Observations:

I observed that this issue could have been resolved more efficiently if a pit had been excavated initially for soil bearing capacity testing.

Professional Tips from Today's Experience:

• Conduct Site-Related Discussions On-Site: Holding meetings at the site rather than in the office can lead to more effective decision-making, as all relevant parties can directly observe and address the specific issues at hand.
• Use Appropriate Backfilling Materials: When backfilling around footings and columns, consider using materials like murum for better stability and compaction. Follow up with natural soil from the excavation to maintain consistency and reduce material costs.
• Initial Soil Testing: Conducting soil bearing capacity tests before starting the backfilling process can prevent potential issues and provide crucial data for making informed decisions. This proactive step ensures that the foundation will have the necessary support.
• Client Involvement: Engage the owner or client in decisions related to construction materials and methods. Their preferences and insights can be valuable and ensure their satisfaction with the project outcomes.
• Efficient Meeting Management: Limit office meetings for discussions that can be more effectively handled on-site. This approach can save time and lead to quicker resolutions of construction-related issues.