Consensus Document regarding Geo-Structures and SE Licensure
November 25, 2016

Structural Engineering (SE) licensure is intended to be applied to designated significant structures.   It is expected that designated significant structures will typically represent a relatively small number of all buildings and structures within a given jurisdiction.  Those buildings and structures that fall outside of established thresholds could be designed by any appropriately qualified and licensed professional engineer.

This document defines a Geo-Structure as any structure that is loaded by or whose resistance is derived from the earth, such as an earth retaining system or foundation.

Because the design of both temporary and permanent Geo-Structures may involve structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, civil engineers or any combination thereof, Geo-Structures should not be subject to designated thresholds contemplated for SE licensure, even when these Geo-Structuressupport a designated structure.   In all cases, an appropriately qualified and licensed professional engineer shall be in responsible charge of the work.  The following are examples of Geo-Structures:

Temporary and Permanent Earth Retaining Systems
• Conventional gravity walls
• Modular gravity walls
• Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls
• Non-gravity cantilever walls
• Tieback anchored walls
• Soil nail walls
• Landslide stabilization systems (using any of those systems described above)
• “Support of Excavation” systems (permanent or temporary)

Shallow and Deep Foundations
• Drilled shafts
• Piles, Micropiles, Tiedowns
• Ground improvement
• Rigid inclusions

Underpinning of Structures Affected by Excavations

Shafts and Tunnels

Dikes (not used as secondary containment) Dams and Levees, Soil and Rock Slopes

Agreed and signed February 16, 2016 in Phoenix.