Contractor Responds to Reported Defects In Silver Spring Transit Center

(Washington, D.C. — WAMU) The general contractor leading the construction of the Silver Spring Transit Center is publicly defending itself against alarming charges of building defects in the delayed transit hub, pointing to evidence that it followed Montgomery County’s design plans.

Rockville-based Foulger Pratt released copies of daily inspection reports under the letterhead of the firm Montgomery County hired to perform field inspections on the Silver Spring Transit Center, Owings Mill-based Robert B. Balter Company. The signed reports state: “Prior to concrete placement reinforcing steel was inspected and found to be installed as per specifications.”

The charges center on insufficient amounts of concrete, reinforcing steel and post-tensioning cables — high-strength steel strands or bars used to strengthen concrete — according to Montgomery County’s findings of design and construction flaws released last week to intense news coverage. Foulger Pratt managing principal Bryant Foulger says he would like his side of the story to receive as much attention.

“It feels like from the county executive’s comment, that we’ve been indicted and tried and convicted without realizing there is another very compelling side to this story,” Foulger said. “If there is an issue with safety here, it is related to design. That’s the county’s issue, not ours.” ...................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://transportationnation.org/2013/03/29/contractor-responds-to-reported-defects-in-silver-spring-transit-center/