Managing Client Expectations for Central North Island Infrastructure Designs

As geotechnical professionals, we are often constrained by our client’s expectations of timeframes, fees and scope, along with their physical works budget. Often the fees and scope don’t match up. We are required to manage our client’s expectations, whilst understanding their project objectives and level of knowledge. This paper looks at the challenges of designing mechanically stabilised embankments for road widening projects whilst not being able to directly interface with the client. The two example projects covered in this paper are roading projects and both based in the central North Island of New Zealand.

Case study 1 involves a 400 m section of SH1 with a maximum embankment height of 5 m. Case study 2 comprises an 80 m long embankment with a maximum height of 8 m, and a client requirement to use material excavated from site for fill. Both projects have geogrid reinforcing and subsoil drainage, and both require large undercuts for shear keys. This paper follows these projects through investigation, testing, analysis and detailed design, and highlights challenges faced by client management and design as a young geotechnical professional.