HomeMy WebLinkAboutSlope Study - 2005c&Ftecrt
HEPWORTH . PAWLAK GEOTECHNICAL
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,:leei' Custorn Remodeling. I-l.C
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P.Cl. Box 1997
Avon. Colorado 81620
Subie:t.
.lob Flo. 404 358
Review of Boulder Slope Stability. -1828 Bridge Road. Lot 10. Bighom
Subdivision Second Addition. Vail- Colotado
De.,l.ivil. Zc-e b:
As requested, a representative of Hepworth-Pau'lak Geotechnical. inc. met *,tth you at
the subject site on November 4. 2005 to observe the boulder slope behind the residerce
ibr stabiliti' considerations. The findings of our obsen aliorrs are presented in this reirort.
S.'e previously observed the building excavation for fbunclation bearing conditioris and
presented our findings in a report dated October 21. 2004, JoF,No. 401 3-SE. f i;e c.rrc:nt
;"er isr'" was performed as a supplement to our agreerrrent ibr proibssional ser"'iieg rlith
1'ou daied October I l. 2004.
Eristing Conditions: We understand that the f'own of !'ajl i., r:questing a r"-'''ie '.i of the
boulCer slope as a condition of the Certificate of C)ccuptmcr.. l-he upirill slope is
essentially the same as that observed in October 2004 except that stackeci boulder rvalls
have been built to retain the uphill part ofthe cut slope. The large boulder about 20 feet in
size that is located about 3 feet off of the south building wall is incorporated into the
stacked boulder walls. We understand that the large boulder was too massive to be moved
and the building footprint had to be moved 2 feet north to avoid the bouider. The boulder
walls are constructed in two tiers,, roughly each 5 to 6 f'eet high and stepped L'''ack at about
an effective slope of I to l. The boulders are angular shaped and rve understand ihat they-
.,,,eie piaccd on the i-iatural ground. A shallc-"v s';;.iic is cut iiito thc hill:idc abcul iC f:ct
behind the top of the boulder wall that drains to the east and west around the resrdence.
Design Conditions: The site plan for the residence by Steven James Riden dated March
7. 2005 shovvs stacked boulder walls stepped up the hillside behind the residence. similar
to the constructed walls. The existing large rock is also shou'n on the plan. The uphill
foundation wall is about l8 feet deep at the backside. The original cu1 depth reported by
us was about 20 feet so most ofthe uphill excavation has been backfilled and is supported
by the building foundation. We understand that the backfili consists maini;" of drain
gravel that was placed last winter and that there has heen no indicettion o1'fourdation wall
movement The excavation was dry at the time of our o'bservation in Octobe:'?0()4 and
we are not aware of seepage in the uphill cut or in the hilisicle abrrve ihe residenc.:.
Conclusions and Recommendations: The stacked boulder walls and large boulder
appear adequate to support the uphill cut slope irt the current dry condition. In our
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November 16.2005
Page2
opinion. it appears unlikely that groundwater conditions sufficient to destabilize the
boulder wall slope wiil der,elop considering the obsen'ed dr,v excavation slopes and
hillside. The gravel foundation wall backfill that connects to the foundation drain should
be adequate to collect seasonal perched water or subsurface seepage from spring runoff. If
seepage was to develop and there was boulder undermining, the potential for the boulder
to impact the residence, in our opinion. is low'and the undermining could be repaired
such as w-ith grouting. The slope stability condition should be monitored on a regular
basis and at least during spring thaw'when seepage is most likel,v to develop. If there is
any indication of slope movement. it should be brought to the attention of a professional.
The conclusions and recommendations submitted in this letter are based on our
obsen'ation of the soils exposed within the lbundation excavation and the current
constructed boulder walls. Variations in the subsurface conditions below the hillside
could increase the risk of movement. We should be advised of any differences in the site
and subsurface conditions to those presented in this report for possible changes to our
conclusions and recommendations.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our office.
Sincerely,
HEPWORTH - PAWLAK GEOTECHNICAL. INC.
Steven L. Pawlak, P
Rev. by: RJU
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