It would be improper to challenge the integrity of the Marriott foundation design unless invited to do so

Dear Editor,

I had almost forgotten Mr Malcolm Alli’s letter (‘Issue with the Marriott Hotel would be the type of foundation,’ SN, Feb 27). It struck me as being a rather laboured attempt at self promotion but, nevertheless, I should assist him to overcome his concerns.

He calls me a “soil expert” who should not “dabble in drainage and irrigation.” I have never used the expression ‘soil expert’ to define my expertise, in deference to those distinguished engineers who have helped in my studies and investigations. Perhaps he is yet to understand that the field of ‘Soil Mechanics’, the basis of Geotechnical Engineering, would equip one for the design of earthworks such as dams, canals and hydraulic structures founded on clay in drainage and irrigation schemes, hydropower dams and structures, in the safe slopes for stability of sea defence structures and the bearing capacity of foundations for sluices. I would not elaborate at this stage except to say that the great engineers of the past such as Baron Siccama and Gerald Case had to make intelligent guesses in the absence of a thorough understanding of the factors influencing the behaviour of soils. I worked briefly as an Engineer Apprentice under G O Case, who was the Consulting Engineer for the government when I had just left school in 1945. He demonstrated the difference between beach sand from Fort Groyne and sand from Soesdyke.

If, indeed Mr Alli was involved in the construction, but certainly not in the design, of the Georgetown sea wall, it must have been as an inspector of works, but certainly not as designer. But what does it matter; the wall and apron were constructed some forty-two years ago and I clearly remember the personnel involved.

Mr Alli would have preferred me to intervene in questioning the foundation design of the Marriott. This would have been unethical. If a client has faith in the ability of his consultant, in this case the Chinese, it would be improper to challenge the integrity of design unless invited to do so. I was asked a specific question on the location of the structure and gave my opinion on the basis of my awareness of the question of sea level rise. A solution would not be as simplistic as he presumes. If he has reservations on the suitability of the coropina formation, I can help him, as I have conducted tests at two sites in Georgetown and the clients may be willing to release the results. If ever the talents he is promoting become popular, I trust he will be given the accolade of recognition which he obviously craves.

Yours faithfully,
Philip Allsopp