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Engineer: groundwater, fill choices and utility work slowed new building; contractor says team is recovering time
Summary
Crafton Tull engineer Dana George told the Gurdon School District board the project hit geotechnical issues (sandy soil and groundwater), adjusted the foundation approach from retaining walls to a fill solution, and installed temporary French drains; the team estimated roughly two weeks of lost time but plans to accelerate work once site drying and slab pours are possible.
Dana George of Crafton Tull told the board the design and permitting work for the district27s new school encountered unexpected site conditions that required changes to the foundation approach and coordination with utilities and health officials. "My name is Dana George. I'm a civil engineer at Crafton Tull out of our Hot Springs office," she said, summarizing the firm27s work from schematic through 100% plans.
George said a geotechnical report showed sandy soils under planned fill, which raised the required undercut and led the team to favor a fill approach over a deep retaining wall at one build site. She described coordination with structural engineers and the health department, and noted a nearby gas meter and overhead electric easements constrained layout choices. "We had to change to a fill situation ... and eliminate the walls," she said, describing how that decision reduced some risks but required additional earthwork and coordination.
In response to groundwater encountered during excavation, the contractor installed a temporary French drain and revised sequencing to get the dirt contractor and utilities working in stages. The project team estimated it has lost roughly two weeks to groundwater and rain delays so far and expects to be limited by weather until a concrete slab can be poured. Dana George said subcontractors will submit pipe and material submittals for review and that Crafton Tull will do a final walk-through when the job is complete.
Board members pressed on traffic and parking changes during construction; engineers said traffic patterns near the main entrance and flagpole will be temporary and that the K–2 and K–6 pickup points will be consolidated in front of the main building while fencing and site work are in place. The team also said speed bumps and temporary traffic calming may be added to slow vehicles in tighter areas while workers are on site.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; staff said they will return with implementation details for pickup changes, traffic patterns and a revised construction timeline as the contractor continues to mitigate groundwater and weather impacts.
