Who's responsible?

Clearly, the SSTC’s builder/contractor is responsible. Concrete slabs that are an inch or more less than what they’re supposed to be (10 inches thick). Exposed reinforcement. Missing reinforcement. Applied post-tensioning forces greater than what were called for in the SSTC's construction documents.

Clearly, the builder’s concrete subcontractors, who actually built the flawed concrete structure, are responsible.

Clearly, the SSTC’s concrete inspection/testing firm, and special quality inspector, is responsible. It’s their responsibility to assure that the concrete is made, installed and cured according to project drawings and specifications, building codes and normal standard of care.

Clearly, the SSTC’s engineer/designer is responsible. A 580 ft. by 315 ft. concrete structure without expansion joints. Beams that are, as designed, incapable of carrying design loads. Structures 101. Errors and omissions in the SSTC’s construction documents.

Clearly, Montgomery County is responsible. The County owns the SSTC, and had their full time construction management team on the job. Montgomery County selected the builder/contractor, the engineer/designer, the concrete inspection and testing firm and the special quality inspector for the SSTC. Why? Were political contributions part of the selection process?

Does WMATA bear some responsibility? Perhaps. The SSTC was supposed to have been designed and built according to WMATA’s design criteria and building standards. WMATA personnel reviewed construction documents before construction began, and periodically reviewed construction of the SSTC as it progressed.

Why haven’t the media pursued who is (are) responsible for the seriously flawed SSTC? Why aren’t they asking relevant questions and digging into the facts? We may not find out from the media who’s (are) responsible; but, eventually the responsible party(ies) will be identified: