Risk Mitigation for the Design and Installation of Underdrain Systems

• Published in: Journal of legal affairs and dispute resolution in engineering and construction Vol. 10; no. 4
• Main Authors: VanDemark, Lance, Clevenger, Caroline M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston American Society of Civil Engineers 01-11-2018
• Subjects: Complex systems; Contractors; Design defects; Design engineering; Feature; Features; Litigation; Subcontractors
• ISSN: 1943-4162; 1943-4170
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)LA.1943-4170.0000268

AbstractIncreased development has led to an increase in construction defect litigation. One commonly cited issue, underdrains, often results in large litigation claims because the work required to investigate and mitigate such installations is costly and disruptive. Underdrains are complex systems that require the input of many different design professionals. The systems can be difficult to install properly because a comprehensive understanding of how the system works as well as a high degree of coordination is required from multiple parties. As a result, the risks associated with designing and installing these systems can be very high. Specifically, the fact that these systems typically require deep excavations exposes design professionals, contractors, and their subcontractors to potentially large claims for defects in design and/or construction that result in an improperly designed or constructed underdrain system that fails to function as needed. The goal of this paper is to review the main issues related to the design, installation, and defense of underdrain systems to apprise the reader of potential pitfalls and best practices in order to identify and mitigate potential risks involved for design professionals and builders.