<p><p><strong>References:<br></strong><em>Berg et al. (2009a,b)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>Observation of the construction activities will ensure that the construction is being performed to specification and in accordance with the details shown on the plans. Activities requiring monitoring include:<br><ul> <li>Foundation preparation</li> <li>Drainage installation</li> <li>Construction of shoring wall (see Lazarte et al. 2003 and Tanyu et al. 2009)</li> <li>Placement of first level of facing</li> <li>Reinforcement placement</li> <li>Backfill placement</li> <li>Placement of additional facing elements</li> <li>Installation of ancillary items such as catch basins or guardrail</li></ul>In addition, the finished system should be checked to make sure it has been built to the correct tolerances and there are no signs of damage or failure of any part of the wall.</p><p><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>Accuracy is reliant on the experience of the inspector.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>Construction observations can be used to make assessments of the entire project and are critical in locating weak zones and their causes.</p><p><strong>Implementation Requirements </strong></p><p>Construction observation requires a trained and experienced inspector, but otherwise is not difficult to implement.</p><p><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>Construction observation should be performed on all SMSE wall applications.</p></p>