Shelby Center for Engineering Technology

Auburn University

The subsurface investigation indicated a high water table in the area of the basement and an area that needed fill which could be provided from the basement excavation. There was no way to determine if well points and shoring would be needed during basement excavation or if all of the excavation from the basement would be suitable for fill. We realized that if bidders had to make a decision about these issues they would bid worst case. After consultation with the owner and architect, Hoar inserted language in the bid documents that instructed bidders not to include the cost of a well point system or shoring system. Should these items be required, they would be handled by change order. Hoar established a quality allowance for unsuitable soil and required bidders to provide a unit price to excavate, haul off site and replace with imported fill, thus giving the owner better control of the potential costs.