HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubsoil Study .pdf GLgStech Hcpworth.t iwl.tk Geotechnical,Inc.
5020 County Road 154
Glenwood Springs,Colorado 81601
Phone:970-945-7988
HEPWORTH-PAWLAK GEOTECHNICAL Fax:970-945-8454
email. hpgeo®hpgeoteeh.com
SUBSOIL STUDY
FOR FOUNDATION DESIGN
PROPOSED RESIDENCE
LOT 14,BLOCK 3,BIGHORN SUBDIVISION,5T11 ADDITION
5147 GORE CIRCLE
VAIL, COLORADO
JOB NO. 116 221A
JUNE 13, 2016
PREPARED FOR:
GREG CUMMINGS
4936 JUNIPER LANE
VAIL, COLORADO 81657
(Jangreg89@gmail.cam)
Parker 303-841-7119 • Colorado Springs 719-633-5562 • Silverthorne 970-468-1989
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY - 1 -
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION - I -
SITE CONDITIONS - 2 -
FIELD EXPLORATION - 2 -
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS -2 -
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS - 3 -
FOUNDATIONS - 3 -
FOUNDATION AND RETAINING WALLS -4 -
FLOOR SLABS - 5 -
UNDERDRAIN SYSTEM -5 -
SITE GRADING - 6 -
SURFACE DRAINAGE -7 -
LIMITATIONS - 7 -
FIGURE 1 -LOCATION OF EXPLORATORY PIT
FIGURE 2 -LOG OF EXPLORATORY PIT
FIGURE 3 -GRADATION TEST RESULTS
TABLE 1-SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
Job No. 116 221A Gettec h
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY
This report presents the results of a subsoil study for a proposed residence to be located at
Lot 14, Block 3,Bighorn Subdivision, 5'h Addition, 5147 Gore Circle, Vail, Colorado.
The project site is shown on Figure 1. The purpose of the study was to develop
recommendations for the foundation design. The study was conducted in accordance
with our agreement for professional services to Greg Cummings dated May 31, 2016. We
previously observed the excavation for a garage addition at the subject site for bearing
conditions and presented our findings in a report date September 14, 2012,
Job No. 112 299A.
A field exploration program consisting of an exploratory pit was conducted to obtain
information on the subsurface conditions. Samples of the subsoils obtained during the
field exploration were tested in the laboratory to determine their classification and other
engineering characteristics. The results of the field exploration and laboratory testing
were analyzed to develop recommendations for foundation types, depths and allowable
pressures for the proposed building foundation. This report summarizes the data obtained
during this study and presents our conclusions, design recommendations and other
geotechnical engineering considerations based on the proposed construction and the
subsurface conditions encountered.
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
The existing residence on the lot will be razed for the new construction. The proposed
residence will be a two story structure with a walkout basement. Ground floor will be
slab-on-grade. Grading for the structure is assumed to be relatively minor with cut depths
between about 3 to 8 feet. We assume relatively light foundation loadings, typical of the
proposed type of construction.
If building loadings, location or grading plans change significantly from those described
above, we should be notified to re-evaluate the recommendations contained in this report.
Job NIo. 116 22 I A Ggcrtedl l
- 2 -
SITE CONDITIONS
The lot was occupied by the existing residence at the time or our site visit. The lot is
situated in the Gore Creek Valley bottom and has a gentle slope down to the south with
about 8 feet of elevation difference across the building location. Scattered cobbles were
observed on the ground surface and vegetation was dominated by grass and weeds.
FIELD EXPLORATION
The field exploration for the project was conducted on June 6, 2016. One exploratory pit
was observed at the location shown on Figure 1 for bearing conditions. The pit was
logged by a representative of Hepworth-Pawlak Geotechnical, Inc.
A sample of the subsoils was taken by disturbed sampling methods at the location shown
on the Log of Exploratory Pit, Figure 2. The sample was returned to our laboratory for
review by the project engineer and testing.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
A graphic Iog of the subsurface conditions observed at the site is shown on Figure 2. The
subsoils consist of about 12 foot of topsoil overlying relatively dense silty sand and gravel
with cobbles.
Laboratory testing performed on the sample obtained from the pit consisted of natural
moisture content and gradation analyses. Results of gradation analyses performed on the
sample of natural granular soils are shown on Figure 3. The laboratory testing is
summarized in Table 1.
Free water was observed in the pit at a depth of 5 feet. The subsoils were slightly moist
in the top 2 feet becoming very moist with depth.
Job No, 116 221A Gt tech
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DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
FOUNDATIONS
Considering the subsurface conditions encountered in the exploratory pit and the nature of
the proposed construction, we recommend the building be founded with spread footings
bearing on the natural granular soils.
The design and construction criteria presented below should be observed for a spread
footing foundation system.
1) Footings placed on the undisturbed natural granular soils should be
designed for an allowable bearing pressure of 2,500 psf. Based on
experience, we expect settlement of footings designed and constructed as
discussed in this section will be about 1 inch or less.
2) The footings should have a minimum width of 16 inches for continuous
walls and 2 feet for isolated pads.
3) Exterior footings and footings beneath unheated areas should be provided
with adequate soil cover above their bearing elevation for frost protection.
Placement of foundations at least 48 inches below exterior grade is
typically used in this area.
4) Continuous foundation walls should be reinforced top and bottom to span
local anomalies such as by assuming an unsupported length of at least 10
feet. Foundation walls acting as retaining structures should also be
designed to resist lateral earth pressures as discussed in the "Foundation
and Retaining Walls" section of this report.
5) All existing fill,debris, topsoil and any loose or disturbed soils should be
removed and the footing bearing level extended down to the relatively
dense natural granular soils. The exposed soils in footing area should then
be compacted. If water seepage is encountered, the footing areas should
be dewatered before concrete placement.
Job No. 116 22 1 A t ,�
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6) A representative of the geotechnical engineer should observe all footing
excavations prior to concrete placement to evaluate bearing conditions.
FOUNDATION AND RETAINING WALLS
Foundation walls and retaining structures which are laterally supported and can be
expected to undergo only a slight amount of deflection should be designed for a lateral
earth pressure computed on the basis of an equivalent fluid unit weight of at least 45 pcf
for backfill consisting of the on-site granular soils. Cantilevered retaining structures
which are separate from the building and can be expected to deflect sufficiently to
mobilize the full active earth pressure condition should be designed for a lateral earth
pressure computed on the basis of an equivalent fluid unit weight of at least 40 pcf for
backfill consisting of the on-site granular soils. Backfill should not contain organics,
debris or rock larger than about 6 inches.
All foundation and retaining structures should be designed for appropriate hydrostatic and
surcharge pressures such as adjacent footings, traffic, construction materials and
equipment. The pressures recommended above assume drained conditions behind the
walls and a horizontal backfill surface. The buildup of water behind a wall or an upward
sloping backfill surface will increase the lateral pressure imposed on a foundation wall or
retaining structure. An underdrain should be provided to prevent hydrostatic pressure
buildup behind walls.
Backfill should be placed in uniform lifts and compacted to at least 90%of the maximum
standard Proctor density at a moisture content near optimum. Backfill placed in
pavement and walkway areas should be compacted to at least 95% of the maximum
standard Proctor density. Care should be taken not to overcompact the backfill or use
large equipment near the wall, since this could cause excessive lateral pressure on the
wall. Some settlement of deep foundation wall backfill should be expected, even if the
material is placed correctly, and could result in distress to facilities constructed on the
backfill.
Job No, 116 22I A Ggrrtech
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The lateral resistance of foundation or retaining wall footings will be a combination of the
sliding resistance of the footing on the foundation materials and passive earth pressure
against the side of the footing. Resistance to sliding at the bottoms of the footings can be
calculated based on a coefficient of friction of 0.50. Passive pressure of compacted
backfill against the sides of the footings can be calculated using an equivalent fluid unit
weight of 400 pcf. The coefficient of friction and passive pressure values recommended
above assume ultimate soil strength. Suitable factors of safety should be included in the
design to Iimit the strain which will occur at the ultimate strength, particularly in the case
of passive resistance. Fill placed against the sides of the footings to resist lateral loads
should be a granular material compacted to at least 95% of the maximum standard Proctor
density at a moisture content near optimum.
FLOOR SLABS
The natural on-site soils, exclusive of topsoil, are suitable to support Iightly loaded slab-
on-grade construction. To reduce the effects of some differential movement, floor slabs
should be separated from all bearing walls and columns with expansion joints which
allow unrestrained vertical movement. Floor slab control joints should be used to reduce
damage due to shrinkage cracking. The requirements for joint spacing and slab
reinforcement should be established by the designer based on experience and the intended
slab use. A minimum 4 inch layer of free-draining gravel should be placed beneath
interior slabs to facilitate drainage. This material should consist of minus 2 inch
aggregate with at least 50% retained on the No. 4 sieve and less than 2% passing the No.
200 sieve.
All fill materials for support of floor slabs should be compacted to at least 95% of
maximum standard Proctor density at a moisture content near optimum. Required fill can
consist of the on-site granular soils devoid of vegetation, topsoil and oversized rock.
UNDERDRAIN SYSTEM
Free water was encountered at a depth of 5 feet below ground surface in the exploratory
pit. This is not unexpected and groundwater level is generally known to be shallow in
Job NN- 116 221 A Gcligtech
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this area. Additionally, it has been our experience in the area that water level can rise and
that perched groundwater can develop during times of heavy precipitation or seasonal
runoff. Frozen ground during spring runoff can create a perched condition. We
recommend below-grade construction, such as retaining walls, crawlspace and basement
areas, be protected from wetting and hydrostatic pressure buildup by an underdrain
system.
The drains should consist of drainpipe placed in the bottom of the wall backfill
surrounded above the invert level with free-draining granular material. The drain should
be placed at each level of excavation and at least 1 foot below lowest adjacent finish
grade and sloped at a minimum 1% to a suitable gravity outlet. Free-draining granular
material used in the underdrain system should contain less than 2% passing the No. 200
sieve, less than 50% passing the No. 4 sieve and have a maximum size of 2 inches. The
drain gravel backfill should be at least 1' feet deep. The under slab gravel should be
connected to the perimeter underdrain with interior lateral subdrains.
SITE GRADING
The risk of construction-induced slope instability at the site appears low. We assume the
cut depths for the basement level will be kept relatively shallow and not exceed about 8
feet. Fills should be limited to about 8 to 10 feet deep. Embankment fills should be
compacted to at least 95% of the maximum standard Proctor density near optimum
moisture content. Prior to fill placement, the subgrade should be carefully prepared by
removing all vegetation, topsoil and existing debris and compacting to at least 95% of the
maximum standard Proctor density. The fill should be benched into slopes that exceed
20% grade.
Permanent unretained cut and fill slopes should be graded at 2 horizontal to I vertical or
flatter and protected against erosion by revegetation or other means. The risk of slope
instability will be increased if seepage is encountered in cuts and flatter slopes may be
necessary. If seepage is encountered in permanent cuts, an investigation should be
)ob No. 116 221 A Ggrytech
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conducted to determine if the seepage will adversely affect the cut stability. This office
should review site grading plans for the project prior to construction.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
Positive surface drainage is an important aspect of the project to help prevent wetting of
lower building areas. The following drainage precautions should be observed during
construction and maintained at all times after the residence has been completed:
1) Inundation of the foundation excavations and undersiab areas should be
avoided during construction.
2) Exterior backfill should be adjusted to near optimum moisture and
compacted to at least 95% of the maximum standard Proctor density in
pavement and slab areas and to at least 90% of the maximum standard
Proctor density in landscape areas.
3) The ground surface surrounding the exterior of the building should be
sloped to drain away from the foundation in all directions. We
recommend a minimum slope of 12 inches in the first 10 feet in unpaved
areas and a minimum slope of 3 inches in the first 10 feet in paved areas.
Free-draining wall backfill should be capped with about 2 feet of the on-
site finer graded soils to reduce surface water infiltration.
4) Roof downspouts and drains should discharge well beyond the limits of all
backfill.
5) Landscaping which requires regular heavy irrigation should be located at
least 5 feet from foundation walls.
LIMITATIONS
This study has been conducted in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical
engineering principles and practices in this area at this time. We make no warranty either
express or implied. The conclusions and recommendations submitted in this report are
based upon the data obtained from the exploratory pit excavated at the location indicated
on Figure 1, the proposed type of construction and our experience in the area. Our
services do not include determining the presence, prevention or possibility of mold or
Job No. 116 221A _..... _._ Ggi;tt
- $ -
other biological contaminants (MOBC) developing in the future. If the client is
concerned about MOBC, then a professional in this special field of practice should be
consulted. Our findings include interpolation and extrapolation of the subsurface
conditions identified at the exploratory pit and variations in the subsurface conditions
may not become evident until excavation is performed. If conditions encountered during
construction appear different from those described in this report, we should be notified so
that re-evaluation of the recommendations may be made.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use by our client for design purposes. We
are not responsible for technical interpretations by others of our information. As the
project evolves, we should provide continued consultation and field services during
construction to review and monitor the implementation of our recommendations, and to
verify that the recommendations have been appropriately interpreted. Significant design
changes may require additional analysis or modifications to the recommendations
presented herein. We recommend on-site observation of excavations and foundation
bearing strata and testing of structural fill by a representative of the geotechnical
engineer.
Respectfully Submitted,
HEPWORTH- PAWLAK GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
Tom C Brunner--Staff Engineer
Reviewed by:
Steven L. Pawlak, P. E. flit.t 16222 t
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PC "'1 LOCATION OF EXPLORATORY PIT Figure 1
HEPWGRTH•PAWLAK GEOTECHNICAL
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LEGEND:
'-`1 TOPSOIL; sandy, silty, dark brown.
F... . SAND AND GRAVEL(SM-GM); silty, with cobbles, dense, siight;y most top 2 fest, free water at 5 feet, brown
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i Disturbed bulk sample.
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— Free water level in pit at time of observation
NOTES:
1. The exploratory pit was observed on June 6, 2016 and had been excavated with a backhoe.
2. The exploratory pit was located by the client.
3. The exploratory pit elevation was obtained by interpolation between contours on the site plan provided.
4. The exploratory pit location and elevation should be considered accurate only to the degree implied by the method
used.
5. The lines between materials shown on the exploratory pit log represent the approximate boundaries between material
types and transitions may be gradual.
6. Water level reading shown on the log was made at the time and under the conditions indicated Fuctuation in water
level may occur with time.
7. Laboratory Testing Results:
WC = Water Content(%)
+4 = Percent retained on the No.4 sieve
-200 = Percent passing No.200 sieve
116 221A �'1 c. ljec '� LOG OF EXPLORATORY PIT Figure 2
HEPWORTH•PAWLAK GEOTECHNICAL
HYDROMETER ANALYSIS S EVE ANALYSIS I
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DIAMETER OF PARTICLES.N M'LL METERS
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CLAY:0'y i FINE I k OE RAN I COARSE MEGRAM COARSE COBBLES
GRAVEL 49 % SAND 41 % SILT AND CLAY 10 %
LIQUID LIMIT % PLASTICITY INDEX %
SAMPLE OF: Siity Sand and Gravel FROM:Pit 1 at 4 to 5 Feet
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116 221A ec]''1 GRADATION TEST RESULTS Figure 3
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