Engineering team reveals water issues affecting wall stability at construction site

In a recent study session held by the Provo School District Board, discussions centered on addressing significant water management issues affecting school construction sites. The meeting, which took place on May 1, 2025, revealed critical insights into the challenges posed by unexpected water saturation around newly built walls.

As the meeting unfolded, engineers presented findings from a geotechnical report that indicated excessive water accumulation had caused distress to the structures. Notably, there was no evidence of water issues during the construction phase in 2022, suggesting that the current conditions are a new development. The engineers theorized that water was infiltrating through granular soil layers, becoming trapped by a clay layer, which ultimately led to pressure against the walls.

One of the key points of discussion was the need for a drainage system to manage this water effectively. Engineers proposed the installation of a back drain system designed to redirect water away from the walls, preventing further saturation of the surrounding soil. This system would include a perforated pipe that connects to the storm drain, allowing water to escape rather than accumulate.

Concerns were raised about the potential for similar issues across the entire site, given the evidence of saturation beyond the immediate problem area. Board members emphasized the importance of monitoring groundwater levels and suggested further geological assessments to ensure the stability of the site.

The engineers acknowledged that the decision not to install a drainage system initially was based on the absence of evidence indicating a need for such measures. However, they recognized that the unique topography of the site, which involved significant fill and cut operations, could have altered natural water flow patterns, leading to the current challenges.

As the meeting concluded, the board and engineers expressed a commitment to resolving the water issues effectively, ensuring the safety and stability of the school structures. The discussions highlighted the complexities of managing water in construction and the importance of proactive measures in future projects.