Paul R. Marsenison, P.E., CGC
Construction Practice Leader
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
In construction disputes, what’s the most common root cause of conflict that both sides usually fail to recognize early enough?
The most common cause of conflict that usually is not recognized early is the basis for individual entities scopes of work and the associated specifications, plans or installation details that were relied upon.
Construction disputes often involve many moving parts and stakeholders — what helps you cut through conflicting narratives and focus on the core technical issues?
My most valuable perspective in evaluating the many moving parts of a construction project is my 30 years of experience as an active General Contractor. Most conflicts arise due to the information gap between the plans and specifications and the actual work necessary to complete the project.
What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving clients over and over again?
Construction will never be an automated process. Despite all of the modern administrative tools available today, construction remains reliant on the skills and performance of the individuals conducting the work.
Background
Mr. Paul Marsenison is a registered professional engineer, a licensed general contractor, and a LEED® Accredited Professional with expertise in civil engineering and structural design, design-build projects, construction estimating and scheduling, and construction project management.
He has over 20 years of field engineering and construction experience including the implementation of site safety and OSHA construction requirements on dozens of general contracting projects. His design experience includes structural design of reinforced concrete building systems, water and sewer utility conveyance systems, commercial and residential marine facilities, groundwater and soil remediation systems, and solid waste landfills. He has designed and constructed numerous types of commercial and industrial buildings and facilities (including government contracts) and has acted as “special inspector” for structural inspections. He has direct project management experience for infrastructure projects at all levels of government. He also has extensive experience as a project designer and manager for groundwater and wastewater treatment plants, including traditional and bioremediation projects.
Mr. Marsenison’s forensic investigation experience extends to flooring failures; building settlement and collapses; fire, hurricane, and wind damage; vehicle impact damage; concrete failures; concrete and masonry cracking; retaining wall and seawall distress; sinkhole evaluation; chloride corrosion of concrete construction; wind turbine tower damage; FRT plywood inspections; steel and wood joist and truss failures; construction vibration analysis; underground utility failures; pool failures; moisture intrusion through building envelopes; roofing system failures; and tile floor failures. In addition to investigating construction claims, construction disputes, and construction accidents, he prepares structural calculations for buildings, industrial structures, parking garages, construction support structures, bridges, docks and seawalls, and pre-engineered buildings. He also provides estimating for commercial and residential new construction and repairs.
Education and Certifications
- Civil Engineering, B.S.: Virginia Military Institute (1985)
- Licensed Professional Engineer: Florida
- Certified General Contractor: Florida
- LEED® Accredited Professional:S. Green Building Council
- Certified Aerial Lift Operator
- Certified Forklift Operator