Project Management

To

Project team

From

Daniel P. Colwell

Date

October 17, 2026

Re

Phase I, Project Management: scope, project record and exploration plan

What is performed

Project Management turns a request for services into a defined geotechnical project. In this phase the engineer confirms what the client needs, what structures and loads are involved, which design standards govern (for example AREMA Ch. 1 and 8, AASHTO LRFD or the owner's standards), and what the schedule and budget allow. The result is a project record and a preliminary exploration plan that every later phase builds on.

How it is performed

1. Review the scope. Read the RFP or task order, the structure type and loads, the design criteria and the deliverables the client expects.
2. Create the project record. Open the project on the NANCY Project page with the project number, client, site location and coordinates, structure types and design standards. This record is shared by the whole team and saved as you work.
3. Collect what already exists. Gather previous borings, as-built plans, track charts, prior reports and maintenance history for the site.
4. Lay out a preliminary exploration plan. Set the number, location and depth of borings from the structure type and the guidance in AASHTO LRFD 10.4 and FHWA GEC 5, plus any test pits, probes or in-situ tests.
5. Arrange access and safety. Request railroad right-of-entry, track time and flagging (roadway worker protection), private-property permission, and utility locates through 811. Prepare the site health and safety plan.
6. Set the budget and schedule. Line up drilling and laboratory subconsultants, and agree on milestones with the project manager and the client.

Why it matters in the workflow

Everything downstream inherits what is decided here. The project record carries the project identity and design criteria into every log, test and calculation. The exploration plan sets how much information the later phases will have to work with, and railroad access, flagging and permits are often the longest lead items on a project. Problems caught at this stage are cheap to fix; the same problems found in the field are not.

What comes in and what goes on

Use and disclaimers

This phase guidance describes general practice for training and reference. It is not engineering advice for any project. Any value, calculation or report prepared with NANCY must be checked and accepted by a professional engineer licensed in the project jurisdiction, and governing codes, owner standards and the current editions of referenced standards take precedence. NANCY is provided as is, without warranty, and is independent of any employer or client. Use is subject to the full Use and Disclaimers.