HomeMy WebLinkAbout; Single s/o 5305 Carlsbad blvd(A.P.N.210-120-31); Geotechnical Investigation and Foundation Recommendation; 1997-03-03ENGINEERING••DESIGN GROUP
810 W. Los Vallecitos, Ste A • San Marcos CA -92069 (619) 752-7010 • FAX (619) 752-7092
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AND FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
A PROPOSED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE
TO BE LOCATED SOUTH OF 5305 CARLSBAD BOULEVARD
(A.P.N. 210-120-31), CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
Project No: 971491-1
March 3,1997
PREPARED FOR:
L.D. Richards Co., Builder
1830 Oxford Avenue
Cardiff, CA. 92007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SCOPE 3
SITE AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3
SITE AND SUBSURFACE OBSERVATIONS 3
SUBSOIL CONDITIONS 4
GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND SEISMICITY 4
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5
GENERAL 5
EARTHWORK 5
FOUNDATIONS 6
CONCRETE SLABS ON GRADE 7
RETAINING WALLS 8
SURFACE DRAINAGE 8
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION AND TESTING 8
MISCELLANEOUS 9
ATTACHMENTS
Site Vicinity Map Figure No. 1
Site Location Map Figure No. 2
Site Plan/Location of Exploratory Test Pits Figure No. 3
Logs of Exploratory Test Pits Figures 4 - 6
References Appendix A
Grading Specifications Appendix B
Laboratory Testing Procedures Appendix C
Home Owners Maintenance Appendix D
This report presents the results of our geotechnical investigation and evaluation for a proposed
single family residence to be located south of 5305 Carlsbad Boulevard, in the City of Carlsbad,
California. Please see Figure No. 1, "Site Vicinity Map", and Figure No. 2, "Site Location Map".
The scope of our work, conducted on-site to date, has included a visual reconnaissance of the
property and neighboring sites, subsurface observation of the property, laboratory testing, and
preparation of this report presenting our findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
SITE AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The subject property consists of a rectangular shaped lot located south of 5305 Carlsbad
Boulevard, in the City of Carlsbad, California. The site is bordered to the south by an undeveloped
residential lot, to the east by Carlsbad Boulevard, to the north by a residential development, and
to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The site is currently undeveloped.
The topography of the overall site area consists of coastal bluff terrain. The site topography
consists of relatively gently sloping terrain extending from Carlsbad Boulevard to the top of a bluff
trending along the western portion of the property. The bluff extends to a maximum of
approximately forty feet in height, with an overall slope of approximately 45 degrees. Site
vegetation generally consists of iceplant and native grasses and weeds.
Based on our discussions with the project owner, it is our understanding that the proposed site
improvements will include a one and/or two story single family residential structure and associated
improvements. It is our understanding that the structures are to be located a minimum setback
distance of twenty five feet from the top of the bluff. It is anticipated that the proposed residence
will utilize conventional shallow foundation systems, concrete slabs on grade and/or raised wood
floors, and wood framing.
SITE AND SUBSURFACE OBSERVATIONS
Site and subsurface observations were conducted on January 31,1997, and consisted of a general
site reconnaissance, site field measurements, observation of existing conditions on-site and on
adjacent sites, and a subsurface investigation of soil conditions. Our subsurface investigation
consisted of visual observation of three test pit excavations and logging of soil types encountered.
Logs of the three test pits are presented in Figures 4-6 of this report. The locations of the test pits
are given in Figure No. 3, "Site Plan/Location of Exploratory Test Pits".
SUBSOIL CONDITIONS
Job No. 971491-1
Page No. 3
Materials consisting of fill and terrace deposits were encountered during our subsurface
investigation of the site. Soil types encountered in the test pit excavations are described as
follows:
Fill:
Fill materials were encountered up to approximately four feet below existing grade at Test Pit No:
3, and generally consisted of brown, dry, loose to damp, silty fine sand with concrete and asphalt
fragments and rodent burrows. Based on our field observations and laboratory testing, these
materials are considered unsuitable for the support of structures or improvements in their
present state, but may be used for structural fill during grading. Fill materials in excess of
eight inches in diameter are not considered suitable for re-use as fill material during
grading. Fill materials classify as SM according to the Unified Classification System, and based
on visual observation, are generally non-expansive in nature.
Terrace Deposits:
Formational terrace deposits generally consisted of brown to orange brown, damp, dense, silty fine
grained sand. These materials were generally weathered and contained rootlets and organics
within the upper six inches. These materials are considered suitable for the support of
structures and structural improvements, provided loose weathered material and organics
are removed, and the recommendations of this report are followed. Formational materials
classify as SM according to the Unified Classification System, and based on visual observation,
are generally non-expansive in nature.
GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND SEISMICITY
A review of pertinent published geologic maps, suggests that no geologic hazards such as faults,
potential landslides, or areas of suspected soils liquefaction exist within the project boundaries.
Based on this information, it appears that no active or potentially active fault exists at or in the
immediate vicinity (250 ft.) of the site, and none were observed during our investigation. The
nearest known active faults are the Rose Canyon, Coronado Bank, and Elisnore fault zones which
lie approximately 4 miles and 19.5 miles to the west, and 25 miles to the northeast of the site,
respectively.
It is our opinion that the site could be subjected to moderate to severe ground shaking in the event
of a major earthquake along any of the faults mentioned above or other faults in the Southern
California region. However, the seismic risk at this site is not significantly greater than that of the
surrounding developed area. We believe that the proposed development will have no more
negative geologic consequence than the existing or surrounding development if the guidelines in
this report are followed, and other good development techniques are used.
The seismic hazard most likely to impact the site is ground shaking resulting from an earthquake
on one of the major active regional faults. The adverse effects of seismic shaking can be reduced
Job No. 971491-1
Page No. 4
by adhering to code requirements given in the most recent edition of the Uniform Building Code,
and design parameters of the Structural Engineers Association of California.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In general, it is our opinion that site improvements, as described, are feasible from a geotechnical
standpoint, provided the recommendations of this report and generally accepted construction
practices are followed.
EARTHWORK
It is our understanding that site earthwork and grading is proposed for the new construction.
Grading should be performed in accordance with the following recommendations, pertinent county
standards, and grading specifications provided in "Appendix B" of this report.
1. Site Preparation:
Prior to grading, areas of proposed improvement should be cleared of existing structures, surface
and subsurface debris, and stripped of vegetation. Removed vegetation and debris should be
properly disposed of prior to the commencement of any fill operations. Holes resulting from the
removal of debris, existing structures, or other improvements which extend below the undercut
depths noted should be filled and compacted using on-site material or a non-expansive import
material.
2. Removals:
Fill materials and weathered deposits found to mantle the site in the exploratory test pits are not
suitable for structural support of buildings or improvements in their present state, and will require
removal and recompaction. Fill materials are suitable for re-use as fill material during grading,
provided they are cleaned of organics, debris and oversized material in excess of 8 inches in
diameter.
Depths of removal below existing grade for unsuitable material in the area of proposed construction
may be inferred from inspection of the test pit logs (Figures No. 4 - 6), and will likely range up to
a maximum of approximately four feet in depth. To provide a uniform building "mat", the pad area
should be undercut to a minimum depth of 3 ft. below finish pad grade (to be confirmed in field),
to a minimum horizontal distance of 5 ft outside the footprint of proposed structure. Removal
depths should be visually verified by a representative from our firm prior to the placement of fill.
Any temporary removals should be observed in the field by a representative of Engineering Design
Group during excavation, and as deemed necessary during construction.
Job No. 971491-1
Page No. 5
3. Fills:
Bottom of removals should be scarified to a minimum depth of 12 inches, moisture conditioned,
and recompacted to a minimum of 90 percent relative dry density (based on ASTM D1557-78).
Fill material should be cleaned of loose debris and oversized material in excess of 8 inches in
diameter, moisture conditioned, and recompacted to a minimum of 90 percent relative dry density
(based on ASTM D1557-78). In order to minimize erosion and sloughage, the face of any fill
slopes should be compacted to 90 percent relative dry density.
Fills should generally be placed in lifts not exceeding 8 inches in thickness. If importing of soil is
planned, soils should be non-expansive and free of debris and organic matter. Prior to importing,
soils should be visually observed, sampled and tested at the borrow pit area to evaluate soil
suitability as fill.
FOUNDATIONS
In deriving foundation recommendations for this site, the subsoil conditions, as well as the
proposed construction, were evaluated. We anticipate the foundation system for the proposed
residence will utilize conventional shallow foundations. Minimum design parameters for shallow
foundation systems are as follows:
1. Footings bearing in competent formational materials or properly compacted fill may be
designed based on a maximum allowable soils pressure of 1500 psf. If the structural
engineer is designing a building utilizing heavy point loads, our office should be notified
regarding increasing the bearing value provided.
2. Bearing values may be increased by 33% when considering wind, seismic, or other short
duration loadings.
3. Any loose soil found at the base of footings, when the excavation is opened, shall be
removed and extended to firm undisturbed material.
Job No. 971491-1
Page No. 6
4. The following parameters should be used as a minimum for designing footing width and
depth below lowest adjacent grade:
Depth Below
Lowest Adjacent
Floors Supported Width Grade
1 18 inches 18 inches
2 18 inches 18 inches
3 18 inches 24 inches
5. For footings adjacent to slopes, a minimum horizontal setback of 7 feet should be
maintained, as measured horizontally from the bottom of the footing to slope daylight in
formational materials or properly compacted fill.
6. All footings should be reinforced with a minimum of two #4 bars at the top and two #4 bars
at the bottom (3 inches above bottom of footing excavation). Footing excavations should
be visually verified in the field in order to verify competent bearing material. A letter of
compliance should be obtained, as applicable.
7. All isolated spread footings should be designed utilizing the above given bearing values
and footing depths, and be reinforced with a minimum of #4 bars at 12 inches o.c. in each
direction (3 inches above the ground). Isolated spread footings should have a minimum
width of 24 inches.
8. Grading should be performed in general accordance with the minimum specifications and
design requirements as outlined within this report, applicable city and/or county standards,
and attached "Appendix B".
CONCRETE SLABS ON GRADE
As we understand it, concrete slabs on grade will be utilized in the construction of proposed
improvements. Minimum design parameters for concrete slabs on grade are as follows:
1. Concrete slabs on grade should have a minimum thickness of 4 inches (5 inches for
driveway and garage slabs), and should be reinforced with a minimum of #4 bars at 18
inches o.c. placed at the midpoint of the slab. The bars provide better assurance of crack
control and/or vertical movement if minor cracking does occur. Exterior slabs should be
independent of foundations.
2. All required fills used to support slabs, should be placed in accordance with the grading
section of this report and the attached Appendix B, and compacted to 90% Modified
Proctor Density, ASTM D-1557.
3. A uniform layer of 4 inches of clean sand should be provided under concrete slabs in order
to more uniformly support the slab, help distribute loads to the soils beneath the slab, and
Job No. 971491-1
Page No. 7
act as a capillary break. In addition, a visqueen layer (10 mil) should be placed mid height
in the sand bed to act as a vapor barrier.
4. Adequate control joints should be installed to control the unavoidable cracking of
concrete that takes place when undergoing its natural shrinkage during curing. The
control joints should be well located to direct unavoidable slab cracking to areas that
are desirable by the designer.
5. Brittle floor slab finishes may crack if concrete is not adequately cured prior to installing the
finish or if there is minor slab movement. It is the responsibility of the contractor chosen
for the project, to properly place and cure all concrete. However, to minimize potential
damage to movement sensitive flooring, we recommend the use of slip sheeting which
allows for foundation and slab movement without transmitting this movement to the floor
finishes.
RETAINING WALLS
Retaining walls should be designed by the project structural engineer in accordance with the
following recommendations and minimum design parameters:
1. Footings bearing in competent formational materials or properly compacted fill may be
designed based on a maximum allowable soils pressure of 1500 psf.
2. Bearing values may be increased by 33% when considering wind, seismic, or other
short duration loadings.
3. Unrestrained cantilever retaining walls should be designed using an active equivalent
fluid pressure of 35 pcf. This assumes that granular, free draining, non-expansive
fill material will be used. Based on our observations, onsite materials will
generally be suitable for this purpose, however material should be field verified
for suitability prior to the start of backfilling. For sloping backfill, the following
parameters may be utilized:
Condition 2:1 Slope 1.5:1 Slope
Active 50 65
Any other surcharge loadings shall be analyzed in addition to the above values.
4. If the tops of retaining walls are restrained from movement, they should be designed
for an additional uniform soil pressure of 7XH psf, where H is the height of the wall in
feet.
5. Passive soil resistance may be calculated using an equivalent fluid pressure of 350
pcf. This value assumes that the soil being utilized to resist passive pressures, extends
horizontally 2.5 times the height of the passive pressure wedge of the soil. Where the
Job No. 971491-1
Page No. 8
horizontal distance of the available passive pressure wedge is less than 2.5 times the
height of the soil, the passive pressure value must be reduced by the percent
reduction in available horizontal length.
6. A coefficient of friction of .35 between the soil and concrete footings may be utilized
to resist lateral loads in addition to the passive earth pressures above.
7. Retaining walls over 4 ft. high should be braced and monitored during compaction. If
this cannot be accomplished, the compactive effort should be included as a surcharge
load when designing the wall.
8. All walls shall be provided with adequate back drainage to relieve hydrostatic pressure,
and be designed in accordance with Appendix B "Retaining Wall Drainage Detail".
9. Retaining wall backfill should be placed and compacted in accordance with the
"Earthwork" section of this report.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
Adequate drainage precautions at the site are critical. Under no circumstances should water be
allowed to pond against or adjacent to foundations or settlement sensitive improvements. The
ground surface surrounding proposed structures should be relatively impervious in nature, and
slope to drain away from the building in all directions, with a minimum slope of 5% for a horizontal
distance of 7 feet (where possible). Area drains or surface swales should then be provided to
accommodate runoff and avoid any ponding of water. Drainage should be diverted away from the
tops of slopes to avoid erosion. Surface and area drains should not be connected to any wall
drainage or underdrain systems. Surface and subsurface drainage systems should outlet within
the western portion of the property at beach level. Erosion to face of bluff caused by drainage
systems should be strictly avoided. Engineering Design Group shall be provided with a set of
drainage improvement plans for review prior to implementation.
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION AND TESTING
The following services should be conducted by a representative of our office during
construction of the proposed improvements (if applicable):
1. Review of final project plans prior to construction.
2. Observation of bottom of removals prior to any fill placement.
3. Observation and testing of any fill placement.
4. Observation of site drainage systems including wall back drains, and surface and
subsurface drainage systems during placement.
5. Observation of foundation excavations prior to placement of reinforcement.
Job No. 971491-1
Page No. 9
MISCELLANEOUS
It must be noted that no structure or slab should be expected to remain totally free of cracks and
minor signs of cosmetic distress. The flexible nature of wood and steel structures allows them to
respond to movements resulting from minor unavoidable settlement of fill or natural soils, the
swelling of clay soils, or the motions induced from seismic activity. All of the above can induce
movement that frequently results in cosmetic cracking of brittle wall surfaces, such as stucco,
interior plaster, or interior brittle slab finishes.
Data for this report was derived from surface observations at the site, knowledge of local
conditions, and a visual observation of the soils exposed in the exploratory test pits. The
recommendations in this report are based on our experience in conjunction with the limited soils
exposed at this site and neighboring sites. We believe that this information gives an acceptable
degree of reliability for anticipating the behavior of the proposed structure. However, our
recommendations are professional opinions and cannot control nature, nor can they assure the
soils profiles beneath or adjacent to those observed. Therefore, no warranties of the accuracy of
these recommendations, beyond the limits of the obtained data, is herein expressed or implied.
This report is based on the investigation at the described site and on the specific anticipated
construction as stated herein. If either of these conditions is changed, the results would also most
likely change.
Man-made or natural changes in the conditions of a property can occur over a period of time. In
addition, changes in requirements due to state of the art knowledge and/or legislation, are rapidly
occurring. As a result, the findings of this report may become invalid due to these changes.
Therefore, this report for the specific site, is subject to review and not considered valid after a
period of one year, or if conditions as stated above are altered.
It is the responsibility of the owner or his representative to insure that the information in this report
be incorporated into the plans and/or specifications and construction of the project. It is advisable
that a contractor familiar with construction details typically used to deal with the local subsoil and
seismic conditions, be retained to build the structure.
If you have any questions regarding this report, or if we can be of further service, please do not
hesitate to contact us. We hope the report provides you with necessary information to continue
with the development of the project.
Very truly yours,
ENGINEERIN
Steven Norris
California RGB #47672
Job No. 971491-1
Page No. 10
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CARLSBAD
ENGINEERING DESIGN GROUP
SITE LOCATION MAP
FIGURE NO. 2
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CARLSBAD BOULEVARD
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NORTH
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TEST PIT EXCAVATIONS
APPROXIMATE CONTOURELEVATIONS (FEET)
APPROXIMATE BUILDINGSETBACK FROM TOP OF
SLOPE (25 FEET)
ENQINEERINQ DESIGN GROUP
SITE PLAN/LOCATION OF EXPLORATORY TEST PITS
FIGURE NO. 3
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Equipment: HAND EXCAVATED
Datum: ADJACENT GRADE
Elevation: 0.00*
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(ft)
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TEST PIT LOG NO. i 1
Depth of Excavation: 3.5* Date logged: 1-31-9?
Groundwater depth: Logged by:
-N/A-
Location: See Site Plan
US
CS
Field description
and classification:
DISTURBED TERRACE DEPOSITS:
BROWN, DRY TO SLIGHTLY DAMP, LOOSE
TO MEDIUM DENSE, SILTY FINE SAND,
WITH ROOTLETS AND ORGANICS.
TERRACE DEPOSITS.*.
BROWN TO ORANGE BROWN, DAMP, DENSE,
SILTY FINE SAND.
• TOTAL DEPTH OF EXCAVATION = 3.5FT.
• NO GROUNDWATER ENCOUNTERED
UC Hand penetration test
( uuCOti.Lj.iieu btjceng^n
D Disturbed sample
J.OC /
U Undisturbed sample
LL Liquid limit
PL Plastic limit
PI Plastic index
NP Non plastic
-200 % passing the £200 sieve
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES
U.
S.
C.
S.
SM
SM
Sample
(Bag)
Moist.
(%)
Den.
(pcf)
Job Name: PROPOSED RESIDENCE
Site location: SOUTH OF 5305 OCEANSIDE BLVD.
OCEANS IDE, CA.
Job No:
Figure No . : 4
J Equipment: HAND EXCAVATED
Datum : ADJACENT GRADE
.Elevation: O.OO1
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TEST PIT LOG NO. / 2
Depth of Excavation: 3.01 Date logged: 1-31-9?
Groundwater depth: Logged by:
-N/A-
Location: See Site Plan
US
CS
Field description
and classification:
DISTURBED TERRACE DEPOSITS:
BROWN, DRY TO SLIGHTLY DAMP, LOOSE
TO MEDIUM DENSE, SILTY FINE SAND,
WITH ROOTLETS.
TERRACE DEPOSITS:
BROWN TO ORANGE BROWN, DAMP, DENSE,
SILTY FINE SAND.
• TOTAL DEPTH OF EXCAVATION = 3. OFT.
• NO GROUNDWATER ENCOUNTERED
UC Hand penetration test
(unconfined strength
, D Disturbed sample
TSF)
U Undisturbed sample
LL Liquid limit
PL Plastic limit
PI Plastic index
NP Non plastic
-200 % passing the #200 sieve
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES
U.
S.
C.
S.
SM
SM
Sample
(Bag)
Moist .
(%)Den.
(pcf)
Job Name: PROPOSED RESIDENCE
Site location: SOUTH OF 5305 OCEANSIDE BLVD.
OCEANS IDE, CA.
Job No:
Figure No . : 5
TEST PIT LOG NO. f 3
Equipment: HAND EXCAVATED Depth of Excavation: 4.0'Date logged: 1-31-97
Datum: ADJACENT GRADE
Elevation: O.OO1
Groundwater depth:
-N/A-
Logged by:
D
e
Pt
h
(ft)
Location: See Site Plan
US
CS
Field description
and classification
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES
U.
S.
C.
S.
Sample
(Bag)
Moist.Den.
(pcf)
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 1
FILL;
BROWN, DRY, LOOSE TO MEDIUM DENSE,
SILTY FINE SAND, WITH ASPHALT AND
CONCRETE DEBRIS, AND RODENT BURROWS,
EXTENDING TO A MAXIMUM DEPTH OF 4FT.
SM
TERRACE DEPOSITS;
BROWN TO ORANGE BROWN, DAMP, DENSE,
SILTY FINE SAND.
SM
j
j
TOTAL DEPTH OF EXCAVATION = 4.OFT,
NO GROUNDWATER ENCOUNTERED
j
j
UC Hand penetration test
(unconfined strength TSF)
D Disturbed sample
U Undisturbed sample
LL Liquid limit
PL Plastic limit
PI Plastic index
NP Non plastic
-200 % passing the #200 sieve
Job Name: PROPOSED RESIDENCE
Site location: SOUTH OF 5305 OCEANSIDE BLVD
OCEANSIDE, CA.
Job No:
Figure No.: 6
APPENDIX -A-
APPENDIX A
REFERENCES
1. California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, Fault-
Rupture Zones in California, Special Publication 42, Revised 1990.
2. Greensfelder, R.W., 1974, Maximum Credible Rock Acceleration from
Earthquakes in California: California Division of Mines and Geology, Map Sheet
23.
3. Tan, S.S., 1995, Landslide Hazards in the Northern San Diego Metropolitan
Area, California: California Division of Mines and Geology, Open File Report.
4. Engineering Design Group, Unpublished In-House Data.
5. Ploessel, M.R., and Slosson, J.E., 1974, Repeatable High Ground Acceleration
from Earthquakes: California Geology, Vol. 27, No. 9, P. 195-199.
6. State of California, 1994, Fault Activity Map of California: California Division
Mines and Geology, Geologic Data, Map No. 6.
7. State of California, Geologic Map of California, Map No. 2, Dated 1977.
APPENDIX -B-
APPENDIX B
GENERAL EARTHWORK AND GRADING SPECIFICATIONS
1.0 General Intent
These specifications are presented as general procedures and recommendations for
grading and earthwork to be utilized in conjunction with the approved grading plans.
These general earthwork and grading specifications are a part of the recommendations
contained in the geotechnical report and shall be superseded by the recommendations
in the geotechnical report in the case of conflict. Evaluations performed by the
consultant during the course of grading may resutt in new recommendations which
could supersede these specifications or the recommendations of the geotechnical
report. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to read and understand these
specifications, as well as the geotechnical report and approved grading plans.
2.0 Earthwork Observation and Testing
Prior to the commencement of grading, a qualified geotechnical consultant should be
employed for the purpose of observing earthwork procedures and testing the fills for
conformance with the recommendations of the geotechnical report and these
specifications. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to assist the consultant
and keep him apprised of work schedules and changes, at least 24 hours in advance,
so that he may schedule his personnel accordingly. No grading operations should be
performed without the knowledge of the geotechnical consultant. The contractor shall
not assume that the geotechnical consultant is aware of all grading operations.
It shall be the sole responsibility of the contractor to provide adequate equipment and
methods to accomplish the work in accordance with applicable grading codes and
agency ordinances, recommendations in the geotechnical report, and the approved
grading plans not withstanding the testing and observation of the geotechnical
consultant. If, in the opinion of the consultant, unsatisfactory conditions, such as
unsuitable soil, poor moisture condition, inadequate compaction, adverse weather,
etc., are resulting in a quality of work less than recommended in the geotechnical
report and the specifications, the consultant will be empowered to reject the work and
recommend that construction be stopped until the conditions are rectified.
Maximum dry density tests used to evaluate the degree of compaction should be
performed in general accordance with the latest version of the American Society for
Testing and Materials test method ASTM D1557.
APPENDIX B (Cont'd.)
3.0 Preparation of Areas to be Filled
3.1 Clearing and Grubbing: Sufficient brush, vegetation, roots and all other
deleterious material should be removed or properly disposed of in a method
acceptable to the owner, design engineer, governing agencies and the
geotechnical consultant.
The geotechnical consultant should evaluate the extent of these removals
depending on specific srte conditions. In general, no more than 1 percent (by
volume) of the fill material should consist of these materials and nesting of these
materials should not be allowed.
3-2 Processing: The existing ground which has been evaluated by the geotechnical
consultant to be satisfactory for support of fill, should be scarified to a minimum
depth of 6 inches. Existing ground which is not satisfactory should be
overexcavated as specified in the following section. Scarification should
continue until the soils are broken down and free of large clay lumps or dods
and until the working surface is reasonably uniform, flat, and free of uneven
features which would inhibit uniform compaction.
3.3 Overexcavation: Soft, dry, organic-rich, spongy, highly fractured, or otherwise
unsuitable ground, extending to such a depth that surface processing cannot
adequately improve the condition, should be overexcavated down to competent
ground, as evaluated by the geotechnical consultant. For purposes of
determining quantities of materials overexcavated, a licensed land surveyor/civil
engineer should be utilized.
3.4 Moisture Conditioning: Overexcavated and processed soils should be watered,
dried-back, blended, and/or mixed, as necessary to attain a uniform moisture
content near optimum.
3.5 Recompaction: Overexcavated and processed soils which have been properly
mixed, screened of deleterious material, and moisture-conditioned should be
recompacted to a minimum relative compaction of 90 percent or as otherwise
recommended by the geotechnical consultant.
APPENDIX B (Cont'd.)
3.6 Benching: Where fills are to be placed on ground with slopes steeper than 5:1
(horizontal to vertical), the ground should be stepped or benched. The lowest
bench should be a minimum of 15 feet wide, at least 2 feet into competent
material as evaluated by the geotechnical consultant. Other benches should be
excavated into competent material as evaluated by the geotechnical consultant.
Ground sloping flatter than 5:1 should be benched or otherwise overexcavated
when recommended by the geotechnical consultant.
3.7 Evaluation of Fill Areas: All areas to receive fill, including processed areas,
removal areas, and toe-of-fill benches, should be evaluated by the geotechnical
consultant prior to fill placement.
4.0 Fill Material
4-1 General: Material to be placed as fill should be sufficiently free of organic matter
and other deleterious substances, and should be evaluated by the geotechnical
consultant prior too placement Soils of poor gradation, expansion, or strength
characteristics should be placed as recommended by the geotechnical
consultant or mixed with other soils to achieve satisfactory fill material.
4.2 Oversize: Oversize material, defined as rock or other irreducible material with
a maximum dimension greater than 6 inches, should not be buried or placed in
fills, unless the location, materials, and disposal methods are specifically
recommended by the geotechnical consultant. Oversize disposal operations
should be such that nesting of oversize material does not occur, and such that
the oversize material is completely surrounded by compacted or densffied fill.
Oversize material should not be placed within 10 feet vertically of finish grade,
within 2 feet of future utilities or underground construction, or within 15 feet
horizontally of slope faces, in accordance with the attached detail.
APPENDIX B (Cont'd.)
4.3 Import: If importing of fill material is required for grading, the import material
should meet the requirements of Section 4.1. Sufficient time should be given to
allow the geotechnical consultant to observe (and test, ff necessary) the
proposed import materials.
5-0 Fill Placement and Compaction
5.1 Fill Lifts: Fill material should be placed in areas prepared and previously
evaluated to receive fill, in near-horizontal layers approximately 6 inches in
compacted thickness. Each layer should be spread evenly and thoroughly
mixed to attain uniformity of material and moisture throughout.
5.2 Moisture Conditioning: Fill soils should be watered, dried-back, blended,
and/or mixed, as necessary to attain a uniform moisture content near optimum.
5.3 Compaction of Fill: After each layer has been evenly spread, moisture-
conditioned, and mixed, it should be uniformly compacted to not less than 90
percent of maximum dry density (unless otherwise specified). Compaction
equipment should be adequately sized and be either specifically designed for
soil compaction or of proven reliability, to efficiently achieve the specified degree
and uniformity of compaction.
5.4 Fill Slopes: Compacting of slopes should be accomplished, in addition to
normal compacting procedures, by backrolling of slopes with sheepsfoot rollers
at increments of 3 to 4 feet in fill elevation gain, or by other methods producing
satisfactory results. At the completion of grading, the relative compaction of the
fill out to the slope face would be at least 90 percent.
APPENDIX B (Cont'd.)
5.5 Compaction Testing: Reid tests of the moisture content and degree of
compaction of the fill soils should be performed at the consultant's discretion
based on field conditions encountered. In general, the tests should be taken at
approximate intervals of 2 feet in vertical rise and/or 1,000 cubic yards of
compacted fill soils. In addition, on slope faces, as a guideline approximately
one test should be taken for each 5,000 square feet of slope face and/or each
10 feet of vertical height of slope.
6.0 Subdrain Installation
Subdrain systems, if recommended, should be installed in areas previously evaluated
for suitability by the geotechnical consultant, to conform to the approximate alignment
and details shown on the plans or herein. The subdrain location or materials should
not be changed or modified unless recommended by the geotechnical consultant. The
consultant, however, may recommend changes in subdrain line or grade depending
on conditions encountered. All subdrains should be surveyed by a licensed land
surveyor/civil engineer for line and grade after installation. Sufficient time shall be
allowed for the survey, prior to commencement of filling over the subdrains.
7.0 Excavation
Excavations and cut slopes should be evaluated by a representative of the
geotechnical consultant (as necessary) during grading. If directed by the geotechnical
consultant, further excavation, overexcavation, and refilling of cut areas and/or
remedial grading of cut slopes (i.e., stability fills or slope buttresses) may be
recommended.
8.0 Quantity Determination
For purposes of determining quantities of materials excavated during grading and/or
determining the limits of overexcavation, a licensed land surveyor/civil engineer should
be utilized.
RETAINING WALL DRAINAGE DETAIL
L
L
L
L
1
1
1
JL
1
i
i
SOIL BACKFILL. COMPACTED TO
90 PERCENT RELATIVE COMPACTION*
RETAINING WALL ^^^
WALL WATERPROOFING
PER ARCHITECT'S
SPECIFICATIONS _^^^
FINISH GRADE — ^
-—I-^^KiCOMP ACTED FILLS^Sisi;
WALL FOOTING <S ^_
X
o H« ojo*
o'a* MIN. <»
OVERLAP•
1' MIN.
' °J3^0 *• *
0 * ,
I^U* °
f [
=s^
If
ii
IIS\\
S^-5S55S-""
•_r-3-2-
-FILTER FABRIC E
(MIRAFI 140N OF
EQUIVALENT)**
-3y4*-1-1/2* CLEAI
.4* (MIN.) DIAMET
PVC PIPE (3CHE
EQUIVALENT) Wl
ORIENTED DOWN
MINIMUM 1 PERC
TO SUITABLE OUT
NOT TO SCALE
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CALTRANS
CLASS 2 PERMEABLE MATERIAL
U.S. Standard
Sieve Size
1"
3/4"
3/8"
No. 4
No. 8
No. 30
Passing
100
90-100
40-100
25-40
18-33
5-15
Sand Equ1valent>75
COMPETENT BEDROCK OR MATERIAL
AS EVALUATED BY THE
CONSULTANT
* BASED ON ASTM 01557
**IF CALTRANS CLASS 2 PERMEABLE MATERIAL
(SEE GRADATION TO LEFT) IS USED IN PLACE OF
3/4'-1-1/2* GRAVEL, FILTER FABRIC MAY BE
DELETED. CALTRANS CLASS 2 PERMEABLE
MATERIAL SHOULD BE COMPACTED TO 90
PERCENT RELATIVE COMPACTION*
NOTECOMPOSITE DRAINAGE PRODUCTS SUCH AS MIRADRAIN
OR J-DRAIN MAY BE USED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO GRAVEL OR
CLASS 2, INSTALLATION SHOULD BE PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.
n
O
CD
m
O
m
O
SIDE HILL STABILITY FILL DETAIL
EXISTING GROUND
SURFACE.
FINISHED SLOPE FACE
PROJECT 1 TO 1 LINE
FROM TOP OF SLOPE TO
OUTSIDE EDGE OF KEY
FINISHED CUT PAD
F5KC O M P A C TE DSE5S
OVERBURDEN OR
UNSUITABLE
MATERIAL
PAD OVEREXCAVATION DEPTH
AND DECOMPACTION MAY BE
RECOMMENDED BY THE
QEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT
BASED ON ACTUAL FIELD
CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED.
MIN.KEY
DEPTH
13* MIN.LOWEST
BENCH(KEY)
IOMPETENT BEDROCK OR
MATERIAL AS EVALUATED
BY THE QEOTECHNICAL
CONSULTANT
NOTE: Subdrain details and key width recommendations to be provided based
on exposed subsurface conditions
CANYON SUBDRAIN DETAILS
GROUND SURFACE
BENCHING
REMOVE
UNSUITABLE
MATERIAL
SUBDRAIN
TRENCH
SEE BELOW
SUBDRAIN TRENCH DETAILS
FILTER FABRIC ENVELOPE
,(MIRAFI 140N OR APPROVED
EQUIVALENT)*
6* MIN. OVERLAP
3/4*-1-1/2* CLEAN
GRAVEL (9M.3/ft. MIN.)
PERFORATED
PIPE
3/4'-1-1/2' CLEAN
GRAVEL
<9ft.3/ft. MIN.)
*IF CALTRANS CLASS 2 PERMEABLE
MATERIAL IS USED IN PLACE OF
3/4--1-1/2' GRAVEL. FILTER FABRIC
MAY BE DELETED
DETAIL OF CANYON SUBDRAIN TERMINAL
DESIGN FINISH
GRADE SUBDRAIN
TRENCH
SEE ABOVE
I-l 15' MIN.S'MIN.-PERFORATED
6*,0 MIN. PIPE
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CALTRANS
CLASS 2 PERMEABLE MATERIAL
U.S. Standard
Sieve Size
1"
3/4"
3/8"
No. 4
No. 8
No. 30
No. 50
No. 200
% Passing
100
90-100
40-100
25-40
18-33
5-15
0-7
0-3
Sand Equivalent>75
Subdrain should be constructed only on competent material as evaluated by the geotechnical
consultant.
SUBDRAIN INSTALLATION Subdrain pipe should be Installed with perforations down as depicted.
At locations recommended by the geotechnical consultant, nonperforated pipe should be Installed.
SUBDRAIN TYPE-Subdraln type should be Acrylonltrlle Butadiene Styrene (A.8.S.), Polyvlnyl
Chloride (PVC) or approved equivalent. Class 125, SDR 32.5 should be used for maximum
fill depths of 35 feet. Class 200,SDR 21 should be used for maximum fill depths of 100 f*et.
STABILITY FILL / BUTTRESS DETAIL
OUTLET PIPES
4* 0 NONPERFORATED PIPS.100' MAX. O.C. HORIZONTALLY,
30' MAX. O.C. VERTICALLY BACK CUT
1:1 OR FLATTER
1-2% MINZ-I-Z-I-I
SEE 3UBORAIN TRENCH
DETAIL
LOWEST SUBORAIN SHOULD
BE SITUATED A3 LOW AS
POSSIBLE TO ALLOW
SUITABLE OUTLET
10' MIN.
EACH SIDEPERFORATED
PIPE
*i-U' 1 K3«55-»T • «fe:->>-NON-PERFORATED
OUTLET PIPE•>z->r->i-2% MIN
T-CONNECTION DETAIL
KEY
DEPTH
KEY WIDTH
A3 NOTED ON GRADING PLANS
15' MIN.
8* MIN.OVERLAP
3/4'-1-1/2*
CLEAN GRAVEL
<3ft?/ft. MIN.)
NON-PERFORATED
PIPEv
FILTER FABRIC
ENVELOPE (MIRAFI
140N OR APPROVED
EQUIVALENT)*
SEE T-CONNECTION
DETAIL
6* MIN.
COVER
4' 0
PERFORATED
PIPE
4* MIN.
BEDDING
SUBDRAIN TRENCH DETAIL
*IF CALTRANS CLASS 2 PERMEABLE
MATERIAL IS USED IN PLACE OF
3/4'-1-1/2* GRAVEL, FILTER FABRIC
MAY BE DELETED
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CALTRANS
CLASS 2 PERMEABLE MATERIAL
U.S. Standard
Sieve Size
1"
3/4"
3/8"
No. 4
No. 8
Ho. 30
No. 50
No. 200
% Passing
100
90-100
40-100
25-40
18-33
5-15
0-7
0-3
Sand Equivalent>75
NOTES:
For buttress dimension*, see geotechnical report/plans. Actual dimensions of buttress and aubdratn
may be changed by the geotechnical consultant based on field conditions.
SUBORAIN INSTALLATION-Subdraln pipe should be Installed with perforations down as
At locations recommended by the geotechnical consultant, nonperforated pipe should be installed
SUBORAIN TYPE-Subdraln type should be Acrylon trlle Butadiene Styrene (A.8.S.), Polyvinyl Chloride
(PVC) or approved equivalent. Class 125, 30R 32.5 ahould be used for maximum fill depths of 35 «
CUas 200, SDR 21 ahould be used for maximum fill depths of 10O feat.
FILL SLOPE
KEY AND BENCHING DETAILS
PROJECT 1 TO 1 LINE
FROM TOE OF SLOPE
TO COMPETENT MATERIAL^^ggggzggg=gg^g:^^.
^GROUND SURFACE
^^- REMOVE
UNSUITABLE
MATERIAL
BENCH
2' MIN.
KEY
DEPTH
-15' MIN.
LOWEST
BENCH
(KEY)
FILL-OVER-CUT SLOPE
EXISTING
GROUND SURFACE
f U—15' MIN.—H2' ' LOWEST 'MIN. BENCHKEY (KEY)DEPTH
CUT SLOPE
(TO BE EXCAVATED
PRIOR TO FILL
PLACEMENT)
EXISTING
GROUNDSURFACE-
REMOVE
UNSUITABLE
MATERIAL
CUT-OVER-FILL SLOPE
CUT SLOPE
(TO BE EXCAVATED
PRIOR TO FILL
PLACEMENT)
PROJECT 1 TO 1
LJNE FROM TOE
OF SLOPE TO
COMPETENT
MATERIAL
REMOVE
UNSUITABLE
MATERIAL
BENCH
KEY DEPTH
15' MIN,—HLOWEST IBENCH
(KEY)
NOTE: Back drain may be recommended by the geotechnical consultant based on
actual field conditions encountered. Bench dimension recommendations may
also be altered based on field conditions encountered.
ROCK DISPOSAL DETAIL
PINI4H OAAD6
SLOPE PACE
OVERSIZE WINDROW
GRANULAR SOIL (3.E.5 30) TO BE
DEN3IPIEO IN PLACE 8Y FLOODING
DETAIL
TYPICAL PROFILE ALONG WINDROW
1) Rock with maximum dimensions greater than 6 inches should not be used within 10 feet
vertically Of finish grade (or 2 feet below depth of lowest utility whichever is greater),
and 15 feet horizontally of slope faces.
2) Rocks with maximum dimensions greater than 4 feet should not be utilized in fills.
3) Rock placement, flooding of granular soil, and fill placement should be observed by the
geotechnical consultant.
4) Maximum size and spacing of windrows should be in accordance with the above details
Width of windrow should not exceed 4 feet. Windrows should be staggered
vertically (as depicted).
5) Rock should be placed in excavated trenches. Granular soil (S.E. greater than or equal
to 30) should be flooded in the windrow to completely fill voids around and beneathrocks.
APPENDIX -C-
APPENDIX C
LABORATORY TESTING PROCEDURES
Direct Shear Tests: Direct shear tests are performed on remolded and/or relatively
undisturbed samples which are soaked for a minimum of 24 hours prior to testing. After
transferring the sample to the shearbox, and reloading, pore pressures are allowed to
dissipate for a period of approximately 1 hour prior to application of shearing force. The
samples are sheared in a motor-driven, strain controlled, direct- shear testing apparatus. After
a travel of approximately 1/4 inch, the motor is stopped and the sample is allowed to "relax"
for approximately 15 minutes. Where applicable, the "relaxed" and "peak" shear values are
recorded. It is anticipated that, in a majority of samples tested, the 15 minutes relaxing of the
sample is sufficient to allow dissipation of pore pressures set up due to application of the
shearing force. The relaxed values are therefore judged to be good estimations of effective
strength parameters.
Expansion Index Tests: The expansion potential of representative samples is evaluated by
the Expansion Index Test, U.B.C. Standard No. 29-2. Specimens are molded under a given
compactive energy to approximately the optimum moisture content and approximately 50
percent saturation. The prepared 1-inch thick by 4-inch diameter specimens are loaded to an
equivalent 144 psf surcharge and are inundated with tap water for 24 hours or until volumetric
equilibrium is reached.
Classification Tests: Typical materials were subjected to mechanical grain-size analysis by
wet sieving from U.S. Standard brass screens (ASTM 0422-65). Hydrometer analyses were
performed where appreciable quantities of fines were encountered. The data was evaluated
in determining the classification of the materials. The grain-size distribution curves are
presented in the test data and the Unified Soil Classification is presented in both the test data
and the boring logs.
APPENDIX -D-
HOMEOWNERS MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES
Residential homesrtes require periodic maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems to
insure proper performance and overall retention of property value. Often, homeowners
are not aware of the importance of these systems and allow them to deteriorate.
During the construction phase of development, governing agencies require property
developers to utilize specific methods of engineering and construction to protect the
public interest. For instance, the developer may be required to grade the property in
such a manner that rainwater will be drained away from the building pad, install brow
ditches & terrace drains, and to,plant slopes to minimize erosion. However, once the lot
is purchased, it becomes the buyer's responsibility to maintain these safety features by
observing a prudent program of lot care and maintenance. Failure to make regular
inspection and perform necessary maintenance of drainage devices and sloping areas
may cause severe financial loss. In addition to his/her own property damage, the
property owner may be subject to civil liability for damage occurring to neighboring
properties as a result of negligence.
The following maintenance guidelines are provided for the protection of the homeowner's
investment
A. All roof gutter and downspout systems, installed on the residence, should
be tightened to a suitable outlet away from the structure. Under no
circumstances should water be allowed to pond onsfte, particularly against
the perimeter foundation system.
8. Soils grades adjacent to the foundation of the structure should be sloped
to direct water away from the foundation'and into a collective drainage
system. Soil grades should slope at a minimum of 2% for a horizontal
distance of 5 feet away from the structure.
C. The irrigation of planter systems located immediately adjacent to the
foundation should be strictly controlled to avoid over watering. Saturation
of soils in these planters may result in soil settlement/expansion and
associated distress.
D. Care should be taken to ensure that slopes, terraces, berm, and proper lot
drainage are not disturbed.
E. In general, roof and yard runoff should be directed to either the street or
storm drain by non-erosive devices such as sidewalks, drainage pipes,
ground gutters, and driveways. Drainage systems should not be altered
without expert consultation.
F. All drains should be kept dean and undogged, including gutters and
downspout's. Terrace drains or gunite ditches should be kept free of debris
to allow proper drainage. During periods of heavy rain, the performance of
the drainage systems should be inspected. Problems, such as gullying and
ponding, if observed, should be corrected as soon as possible.
G. Any leakage from pools, wateriines, etc. or surface runoff bypassing drains
should be repaired as soon as possible.
H. Animal burrows should be eliminated since they may cause diversion of
surface runoff, promote accelerated erosion, and even trigger shallow slope
failures.
I. Slopes should not be altered without expert consultation. Whenever a
homeowner plans a topographic modification of a lot or slope, a qualified
geotechnicai consultant should be contacted.
J. If unusual cracking, settling, or earth slippage occurs on the property, the
owner should consult a qualified geotechnical consultant immediately.
K. The most common causes of slope erosion and shallow slope failures are
as follows:
• Gross neglect of the care and maintenance of onstte slopes and
drainage devices
• Inadequate and/or improper planting. Barren areas should be
replanted as soon as possible.
• Excessive or insufficient irrigation or diversion of runoff over the
slope.
L. Property owners should not let conditions on their property adversely
impact their neighbors. Cooperation with neighbors could prevent problems
and increase the aesthetic attractiveness of the community.