WTF? : stadium engineering firm approved problematic work on library

[hippiechick]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050928/NEWS01/509280434

Engineering firm chosen for stadium

By Michele McNeil
[email protected]

The engineering firm chosen to inspect steel and concrete at the new stadium did the same work for the central library project, which was plagued by months of delays after cracks emerged in the foundation.

State stadium officials tentatively approved the $1.5 million contract with Patriot Engineering and Environmental on Tuesday, pending more research into how similar problems in the stadium can be avoided. Executive Director John Klipsch said he would report back to the Stadium and Convention Building Authority board before signing the contract.

Former Lt. Gov. John Mutz, who serves on the authority, expressed his concerns at the board's meeting Tuesday. "Something went wrong on the library," he said. DUH??? "I'm uncomfortable based on that experience. This project has to be completed on time."

Klipsch said Patriot was well qualified and came recommended by the building authority's main construction firm. He said the state didn't want to exclude the Indianapolis company because of suspected problems on another project. Five companies bid on the project, and Klipsch said Patriot's offer was the best.

more at link ...


I really wish someone would hire me into a $1.5M contract even after I've done half-ass work on a similar project in the past ...

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. family connections? But the problem could easily be materials/installation

Even though the ancient greeks used concrete very successfully, misapplication, poor materials and even weather can contribute to problems, no matter how good or bad the design was.

It is really too hard to judge early on with so little to go on.

Recall the recent highway ramp collapse between Illinois and Indiana. THAT was a design problem made worse by a rushing general contractor taking some questionable safety shortcuts.