Most Popular Case Histories of 2024
GBA has a tradition of collaborating on issues that impact the geoprofessions. One of the ways we work together is by providing lessons learned through GBA Case Histories. GBA Case Histories provide unprecedented real-world learning examples related to project and business management.
By reading the most downloaded Case Histories of 2024 (and sharing them with fellow GBA member firm employees!) you can see where others went wrong and avoid making the same mistakes.
We’ll begin with number 10 and count down to the number one most downloaded of this popular risk management series of publications.
#10: If The Bus Driver Doesn’t Have a License, Get Off the Bus – Case History No. 5
A firm performed a limited geotechnical study for a church project, but budget constraints and subsequent design changes led to delays and increased costs. When a federal agency mandated a foundation redesign, the church sued the original firm for the additional expenses.
#9: Suspiciously Variable Test Results? Take A Closer Look… the Sooner the Better – Case History No. 110
A firm’s geotechnical recommendations for school building pads were inconsistently implemented by separate design teams, leading to construction defects and a legal dispute. The firm avoided losses by highlighting the critical role of knowledgeable field representatives in identifying risks, ensuring compliance, and managing construction quality.
#8: The Owner Can’t Afford to Build This… Now What? – Case History No. 99
A firm provides geotechnical engineering and CoMET services for a two-story office building on a 60-ft. tall fill-slope. When the owner’s budget was not sufficient, things got interesting and project quality suffered.
#7: Clients Who Don’t Follow Advice Should Be Someone Else’s Client – Case History No. 2
A firm’s handshake agreement with a custom-home builder ended with basement damage after the client ignored recommended drainage measures. To resolve the issue, the firm contributed a token amount for repairs in exchange for a full release.
#6: Don’t Overlook the Details or Be Ready To Pay the Bank – Case History No. 9
Interrupted services during construction led to inadequate fill compaction and soil loss into abandoned, unplugged sewer lines, causing footing settlement. Repair costs were shared among all parties involved.
#5: Compromise Must Be Part of Your Business Strategy – Case History No. 4
A firm’s recommended design for a major structure was altered by a constructor, leading to costly construction issues. Through shared responsibility and cost collaboration, the parties resolved the challenges without litigation.
#4: Beware! A Friend’s Small Project Can Be Hazardous to Your Firm’s Health – Case History No. 1
A firm faced a $650,000 claim for negligent misrepresentation after a new developer relied on an old geotechnical report for a different project. Despite believing the claim was unjustified, the firm settled for $70,000 to avoid the risks of a jury trial.
#3: Went Fishing… Caught a Whale – Case History No. 116
One firm’s adaptability and on-site problem-solving turned a dock repair project into a successful replacement after an unexpected collapse. Thanks to the team’s dedication and the owner’s trust, the project was completed on time, earning the geotechnical engineer high praise.
#2: Disaster Averted… The Power of a Peer Review – Case History No. 117
A firm’s peer review of a geotechnical report uncovered critical oversights, preventing potential legal issues and ensuring a successful project outcome. This led to additional work and reinforced the firm’s reputation as a trusted consultant.
#1: Don’t Drown Your Sorrows… Yet – Case History No. 115
A geoprofessional firm navigates a challenging project by addressing client concerns over groundwater issues and additional costs, ultimately strengthening the client relationship, contributing to cost-saving measures, and completing the project within budget—while avoiding legal action.
See the list of the most popular resources other than Case Histories HERE.
Do You Have a Story to Share?
Case Histories are your chance to share with others what went wrong, how you handled the problems, and how others can learn from your experiences so everyone can avoid the same problems in the future.
By contributing your story to GBA this way, you will help elevate our profession by sharing your experiences for all to learn from.
GBA provides hundreds of highly effective resources developed to satisfy the unique needs of geoprofessionals, giving members essential tools for achieving success. In addition to Case Histories, see the list of our other most downloaded resources of the past 12 months HERE.