wasting federal $, a.k.a. Silver Spring MD Transit Center

wasting federal funds, a.k.a. Silver Spring MD Transit Center. Conclusions from structural evaluation report, Vol. 1, (next-to-last page):

“The in situ conditions at SSTC have been caused in varying degrees by errors and omissions of the designer, PB (Parsons Brinkerhoff), the contractor, FP (Foulger-Pratt Contracting, LLC), and its subcontractors, and the inspection and materials testing firm and Special Inspections Program Special Inspector, RBB (The Robert B. Balter Company).

Each of those contributions is noted throughout this report. Our conclusions are summarized as follows:

A. Based on our review of the information provided, the design depicted in/on the Contract Documents was not prepared in accordance with the applicable Building Code(s), the WMATA Manual of Design Criteria or Industry Standards. Based on our analysis, failure of the design to follow applicable codes and standards resulted in widespread cracking in the slabs, beams, and girders, and reductions of minimum concrete cover requirements.

B. Based on our review of the information provided, the independent inspectors, Special Inspections Program Special Inspector, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, etc. did not raise sufficient concern regarding the numerous issues that were known and/or became visible in the concrete during construction, apparently did not follow up on solutions to those issues, and did not perform their services in accordance with Industry Standard, their Contract, or the Statement of Special Inspections.

C. Based on our review of the information provided, the Contractor did not construct structural elements of the SSTC facility in accordance with the Contract Documents, ASIs, and RFI responses. The Contractor, among other things as detailed herein, placed concrete materials not in accordance with the Contract Documents.”


http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/dgs/sstc-structural-report.asp