HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB17-0078_Subsoil report_1489502940.pdf .. MAR5020 County Road 154
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Geotechnical Engineering I Engineering Geology Phone:(970)945-7988
Materials Testing I Environmental Fax: (970)945-8454
Email: hpkglenwood@kumarusa.com
Office Locations: Parker, Glenwood Springs,and Silverthome,Colorado
PRELIMINARY SUBSOIL STUDY
FOR FOUNDATION DESIGN
PROPOSED RESIDENCES
LOTS 1 AND 2,BLOCK 6,BIGHORN 3rd ADDITION
4367 and 4387 COLUMBINE DRIVE
VAIL, COLORADO
PROJECT NO. 16-7-508
NOVEMBER 9,2016
PREPARED FOR:
CRESTONE BUILDING COMPANY
ATTN: SCOTT HOFFMAN
501 WEST HALLAM
ASPEN, COLORADO 81611
Scott@crestonebuildine.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY - 1 -
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION - 1 -
SITE CONDITIONS _ 2-
FIELD EXPLORATION - 2 -
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS - 2 -
FOUNDATION BEARING CONDITIONS - 3 -
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS - 3 -
FOUNDATIONS - 3 -
FOUNDATION AND RETAINING WALLS -4-
FLOOR SLABS - 6 -
UNDERDRAIN SYSTEM - 6 -
SITE GRADING -7 -
SURFACE DRAINAGE - 7 -
LIMITATIONS - g -
FIGURE 1 - LOCATION OF EXPLORATORY PITS
FIGURE 2 - LOGS OF EXPLORATORY PITS
FIGURE 3 - GRADATION TEST RESULTS
TABLE 1- SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
H-P KUMAR
Project No. 16-7-508
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY
This report presents the results of a preliminary subsoil study for proposed residences to be
located on Lots 1 and 2, Block 6, Bighorn 3`d Addition,4367 and 4387 Columbine Drive, 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 geotechnical engineering services to Crestone Building Company dated October
11, 2016. We understand potential geologic hazards that may impact the lots are being evaluated
by others.
A field exploration program consisting of exploratory pits 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 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
At the time of our report preparation plans for the residences were conceptual and we understand
the findings of our study will be considered in the purchase of the Iots. One residence is planned
on each of the two lots located in the general area of our exploratory pits shown on Figure 1.
The buildings will be 1 to 2 story wood frame structures over walkout basement Ievels. Ground
floors may be slab-on-grade or structurally supported over crawlspace. Grading for the
structures could be fairly extensive due to the steepness of the lots. We assume relatively light
foundation loadings, typical of the proposed type of construction.
H-P`KUMAR
Project No. 16-7-508
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When building location, grading and loading information have been developed, we should be
notified to re-evaluate the recommendations presented in this report and provide additional
analyses as needed.
SITE-CONDITIONS
The lots are vacant and the ground surface in the building areas appears mostly natural. The
terrain is south facing hillside above Columbine Drive. There are several shallow broad swales
trending north to south on the lots. In general, the ground surface slopes moderately steep to
steep down to the south at grades from about to 25 to 40%. Elevation difference across the
assumed building areas is about 12 to 15 feet. The slope grades become steeper along the
southern side of the lots adjacent Columbine Drive where cuts were made for construction of the
road. Vegetation consists of grass and brush with smaller aspen and Iarger scattered evergreen
and pine trees. There are boulders on the ground surface of the lots.
FIELD EXPLORATION
The field exploration for the project was conducted on October 14, 2016. Four exploratory pits
were excavated at the locations shown on Figure 1 to evaluate the subsurface conditions. The
pits were dug with a medium sized trackhoe. The pits were logged by a representative of H-
P/Kumar. Access onto and across the lots was difficult and locations to excavate the pits were
limited to the less steep hillside areas.
Samples of the subsoils were taken by disturbed sampling methods. Depths at which the samples
were taken are shown on the Logs of Exploratory Pits, Figure 2. The samples were returned to
our laboratory for review by the project engineer and testing.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
Graphic logs of the subsurface conditions encountered at the site are shown on Figure 2. The
subsoils encountered, below about 1 foot of organic rocky topsoil, consisted of relatively dense,
H-P KUMAR
Project No. 16-7-508
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slightly silty sandy gravel and cobbles with boulders. Excavation in the dense coarse granular
soils with the medium sized trackhoe was difficult due to the cobbles and boulders and
excavation refusal was encountered in the deposit at depths from 3 to 41 feet.
Laboratory testing performed on samples obtained from the pits included natural moisture
content and gradation analyses. The soils were too rocky to obtain undisturbed samples for
swell-consolidation testing. Results of gradation analyses performed on disturbed bulk samples
(minus 3 inch fraction) of the coarse granular subsoils are shown on Figure 3. The laboratory
testing is summarized in Table 1.
No free water was encountered in the pits at the time of excavation and the subsoils were slightly
moist.
FOUNDATION BEARING CONDITIONS
The natural coarse granular soils exposed in the pits possess moderate bearing capacity and
relatively low settlement potential. We expect the coarse granular soils extend to at Ieast
assumed excavation depth at the site, however, it is possible that different soils or bedrock could
be encountered in deeper excavations and may require modifications to the foundation design.
The excavation subgrade condition should be further evaluated at the time of construction.
Additional subsurface drilling could be done prior to construction to better determine the subsoil
conditions with depth.
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
FOUNDATIONS
Considering the subsurface conditions encountered in the exploratory pits and the nature of the
proposed construction, we recommend the buildings be founded with spread footings bearing on
the natural coarse granular soils.
H-P t KUMAR Project No. 16-7-508
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The design and construction criteria presented below should be observed for a spread footing
foundation system.
1) Footings placed on the undisturbed natural coarse granular soils should be
designed for an allowable bearing pressure of 2,500 psf. The toe pressure of
eccentrically loaded (retaining wall) footings can be increased by one-third.
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 18 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) The topsoil and any loose or disturbed soils should be removed and the footing
bearing level extended down to the relatively dense natural coarse granular soils
and the exposed subgrade compacted as feasible. Boulders and large cobbles
encountered near footing elevation should be carefully removed to prevent
disturbance of the bearing soils. Voids below footing areas resulting from large
cobble or boulder removal should be backfilled with concrete or compacted road
base.
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 up to 15 feet in height which are laterally supported
and can be expected to undergo only a slight amount of deflection should be designed for a
H-P KUMAR Project No. 16-7-508
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lateral earth pressure computed on the basis of an equivalent fluid unit weight of at least 50 pcf
for backfill consisting of the on-site granular soils. Cantilevered retaining structures up to 15
feet in height which are separate from the buildings 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 45 pcf for backfill consisting
of the on-site granular soils. The backfill should not contain topsoil or oversized (plus 6 inch)
rocks. For foundation and retaining walls taller than 15 feet, we should review our lateral earth
pressure recommendations.
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 Iarge 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. Use of a select granular imported material such as road
base and increasing compaction to at least 98% standard Proctor density could be done to reduce
the backfill settlement potential.
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 375 pcf. The
H-P KUMAR
Project No. 16-7-508
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coefficient of friction and passive pressure values recommended above assume ultimate soil
strength. Suitable factors of safety should be included in the design to limit 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, such as the on-site
soils, 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 lightly 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 basement level slabs to facilitate drainage. This
material should consist of minus 2 inch aggregate with at least 50% retained on the No. 4 sieve
and Iess 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 topsoil and oversized (plus 6 inch) rocks.
UNDERDRAIN SYSTEM
Although free water was not encountered during our exploration, it has been our experience in
mountainous areas that local perched groundwater can develop during times of heavy
precipitation or seasonal runoff. Frozen ground during spring runoff can also 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.
H-P KUMAR Project No. 16-7-508
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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 I% 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 11 feet deep and be
covered by filter fabric such as Mirafi I40N or 160N.
SITE GRADING
The risk of construction-induced slope instability at the site appears low provided the buildings
are located above the steeper slope areas as planned and cut and fill depths are limited. We
assume the cut depths for the basement level will not exceed one level, about 10 to 12 feet. Fills
should be limited to about 8 to 10 feet deep, especially at the downhill side of the site where the
slope steepens. 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 and topsoil and compacting to at least 95% of the
maximum standard Proctor density. The fill should be benched horizontally into the hillside.
Permanent unretained cut and fill slopes should be graded at 2 horizontal to 1 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 conducted to determine if the seepage
will adversely affect the cut stability. We should review site grading plans for the project prior
to construction.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
The following drainage precautions should be observed during construction and maintained at all
times after the residences have been completed:
1) Inundation of the foundation excavations and underslab areas should be avoided
during construction.
H-P KUMAR Project No. 16-7-508
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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 buildings 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. This may require a swale uphill of the
residences to divert surface water runoff.
4) Free-draining wall backfill should be capped with filter fabric and about 2 feet of
the on-site finer graded soils to reduce surface water infiltration.
5) Roof downspouts and drains should discharge well beyond the limits of all
backfill.
6) 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 pits excavated at the locations indicated on Figure 1 and to the depths
shown on Figure 2, 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 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
pits 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.
N-P;KUMAR Project No. 16-7-508
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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,
H-P KU 0 ssT:f.o .
14.,,Q,
i°
= t CI G.1
David A. Young, P.1. ='3 k 3P-216 $
V`NiReviewed by: �'�• ^li .1e
lingionno
--t-. ; -P....-4 4.
Steven L. Pawlak, P.E.
DAY/ksw
H-P KUMAR Project No. 16-7-508
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'Ri APPROXIMATE SCALE-FEET
11 16-7-508 H-P-KUMAR I LOCATION OF EXPLORATORY PITS Fig. 1
PIT 1 PIT 2 PIT 3 PIT 4
EL. 8512' EL. 8510' EL 8505' EL 5815'
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_LEGEND
.~ TOPSOIL; ORGANIC SILTY SAND AND GRAVEL WITH COBBLES, FIRM, SLIGHTLY MOIST, DARK
,,ti BROWN.
sz
rioGRAVEL AND COBBLES (GM); WITH BOULDERS, SANDY, SLIGHTLY SILTY, DENSE, SLIGHTLY
MOIST, BROWN.
DISTURBED BULK SAMPLE.
t PRACTICAL EXCAVATION REFUSAL WITH A MEDIUM SIZED TRACKHOE.
NOTES
1. THE EXPLORATORY PITS WERE EXCAVATED WITH A TRACKHOE ON OCTOBER 14, 2016.
2. THE LOCATIONS OF THE EXPLORATORY PITS WERE MEASURED APPROXIMATELY BY PACING FROM
FEATURES SHOWN ON THE SITE PLAN PROVIDED.
3. THE ELEVATIONS OF THE EXPLORATORY PITS WERE OBTAINED BY INTERPOLATION BETWEEN
CONTOURS ON THE SITE PLAN PROVIDED.
4. THE EXPLORATORY PIT LOCATIONS AND ELEVATIONS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ACCURATE ONLY
TO THE DEGREE IMPLIED BY THE METHOD USED.
5. THE LINES BETWEEN MATERIALS SHOWN ON THE EXPLORATORY PIT LOGS REPRESENT THE
APPROXIMATE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN MATERIAL TYPES AND THE TRANSITIONS MAY BE GRADUAL.
6. GROUNDWATER WAS NOT ENCOUNTERED IN THE PITS AT THE TIME OF EXCAVATION.
7. LABORATORY TEST RESULTS:
WC = WATER CONTENT (X) (ASTM D 2216);
+4 = PERCENTAGE RETAINED ON NO. 4 SIEVE (ASTM D 422);
—200 = PERCENTAGE PASSING NO. 200 SIEVE (ASTM D 1140).
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if 16-7-508 H-P- KUMAR LOGS OF EXPLORATORY PITS Fig. 2
HYDROMETER ANALYSISSIEVE ANALYSIS
_
TIME READINGS 115. STANDARD SERIES CLEAR SQUARE crevin03
24 NRS 7 HRS
100 45 YIN IS 111$1 &OYIN 199141 /414 WG
1919 I O 1100 150 PAO# 35 116 1110_98_ !4 S/6- 3/4' I 1/3- 3' s"e' 6",,
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.001 .002 .005 .009 .019 .037 .073 .150 300 I .6013 Ina 1 2.36 A.75 95 IS 38.1 76.2 127 200
.425 2.0I DIAMETER OF PARTICLES IN MILLIMETERS 132
CLAY TO SILT SAND GRAVEL COBBLES
FINE I MEDIUM (COARSE FINE I COARSE
GRAVEL 65 X SAND 27 X SILT AND CLAY 8 X
LIQUID LIMIT PLASTICITY INDEX
SAMPLE OF: Slightly Silty Sandy Gravel FROM: Pit I O 3-4'
HYDROMETER ANALYSIS SIEVE ANALYSIS
TIYC READINGS U.S. STANDARD SERIESCLEAR SQUARE OPENINGS
24 HI
RS 7 HRS
100 a5 MIN 15 9114 GOYIM 19944 MAIN IwO 03 9 #100 1S0 140 130 Pit 410 S/
45 (4 6" 314' I 1.12' 7' s'6' a'a
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a I I 1 1• 4 11 I '1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I I I r 1 1 1 11 I I I I I 1 I PI t1 I it 11111 I r 1 I 100
.001 .002 .005 .009 .019 037 .075 .150 .300 + .600 1 II :236 4,75 9.5 19 36.1 762 1271 200
I DIAMETER OF PARTICLES IN MILLIMETERS 152 I
CLAY TO SILT SAND GRAVEL
' FINE I MEDIUM (COARSE FINE I COARSE COBBLES
yn
F
GRAVEL 73 Y. SAND 21 X SILT AND CLAY 6 X
r
1 LIQUID LIMIT PLASTICITY NDEX
3 SAMPLE OF: Slightly Silty Sandy Gravel FROM: Pit 3 0 2-3'
These toil results appy only 10 true
samples which were tested. The
Si foaling report shall not he reproduced.
exe.pi In fut. without the wrltlen
g approval of Kumar & Associalea. Inc.
°' 5 ere analysis felling Is performed In
1; Accordance *115 ASTM 0122, ASTM C136
R And/or ASTM 011.10.
1 16-7-508 H-P- KUMAR GRADATION TEST RESULTS Fig.
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