ASDSO Dam Safety Toolbox

Specifications

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Construction of an embankment dam.

(Image Source: Wikimedia)

"Some of the potential problems that could occur during construction can be reduced by clear, concise specifications and clear, concise instructions to contract administration personnel regarding design assumptions and reasons for design requirements. This information is usually conveyed in the construction considerations document that is prepared by the design staff for the construction staff. Because most of this information is also valuable to the contractor, the current policy is to include construction considerations and the basis for various assumptions in applicable sections of the specifications. For example, geologic and engineering reasons for specifying excavation to particular surfaces for the foundation of the dam should be included in the specification section on foundation excavation. Confidence in the information on which the requirements are based should also be conveyed in the specifications. When this type of information is provided in the applicable technical paragraphs of the specifications, it gives prospective bidders a clearer, more informed basis for preparing their bid and, therefore, a better opportunity for a more responsive bid, which results in less likelihood that claim situations will develop. It also minimizes the possibility that the contractor will deny lack of knowledge of information that was essential to preparation of the bid."[1]


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Revision ID: 7355
Revision Date: 07/21/2023