New GBA Case History: Managing Project Risk When Your Firm Serves Both Sides
GBA has published Case History #119: Shake, Rattle, Heads Might Roll, a look at how one member firm navigated construction vibration concerns between two adjacent development projects while providing services to both project teams.
The situation involved separate developers and contractors working on neighboring mixed-use buildings. When personnel reported significant vibration during sheet-pile installation, questions about possible damage and responsibility emerged before evidence of damage had been identified. The member firm also served both project teams, adding potential conflict-of-interest concerns to an already sensitive situation.
Rather than allowing assumptions to drive the response, the member firm brought stakeholders together, established communication protocols, documented existing conditions, and recommended independent vibration monitoring. The resulting data helped the teams evaluate the concern based on facts.
The case offers several lessons that extend well beyond vibration monitoring: recognize potential conflicts early, communicate consistently with all parties, and establish facts before drawing conclusions about damage or responsibility.
Firms can use this Case History as a lunch-and-learn or team discussion tool to explore claims avoidance, stakeholder management, vibration monitoring, and potential conflicts of interest.
The resource is free for GBA members.
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About GBA Case Histories
GBA Case Histories examine real-world project and business situations that offer valuable lessons for geoprofessional consultants. These educational resources help firms strengthen risk management practices and make more informed business decisions.