Title: Birdbaths: Expectations vs. Reality

Author(s): Bruce A. Suprenant

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 24

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 67-69

Keywords:

DOI:

Date: 2/1/2002

Abstract:
The project’s done. It’s time to close it out. Should be easy. However, a final washing of the floor leaves a few birdbaths - puddles of water. The owner thinks this might be a problem. The architect says he specified that the area be free from birdbaths. The structural engineer says it’s not a structural issue and doesn’t want to be involved. The contractor shows floor-flatness test results that all achieved specified values. The construction manager calls a meeting to discuss any potential long-term effects, and how much these effects might decrease the value of the floor, as a basis for making a recommendation to the owner for reducing the close-out payment or using the floor as is. Now what?