HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 81-10; Carlsbad Research Center Lot 11; Soils Report; 1990-03-27-” Dkw 313-2
GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION, INC.
SOIL & FOUNDATION ENGINEERING l GROUNDWATER
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT l ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
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27 March 1990
Mr. Mark Singerman
3760 Convov Street. Suite 332
Job No. 88-5405
San Diego,~‘CA 92ill - R~ ~
Subject: Soil Investiaation and Site Plan Review
Lot 11 - Carlsbad Research Center
Southwest Corner of Priestly Drive
and Rutherford Road
Carlsbad, California
Dear Mr. Singerman:
In accordance with your request, Ceotechnical Exploration, Inc. has
reviewed our “Report of Soil Investigation,” dated December 1, 1988 for
the subject site and a prellmlnary site plan, dated March 9, 1990. It is
our understanding that development plans have not changed
significantly since the issuance of our initial report and that the site is
being developed to receive ~four, single-story, office and industrial
multi-tenant buildings with adjacent parking and other associated
improvements.
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The site has not been significantly altered since our initial
investigation, however, as indicated in our report, the upper 2 feet of ,.._. ,._ ~- .,-..,, ._ ^ _
fill soils have become dried, cracked and loose since Its placement (due -____ ~_-,--~~~-~ .---~.-. .,... __ _... ,,_
to exposure to the elements) and will require removal and recompaction
prior to any site development. -_-
Based upon our review of the preliminary site plan, it is our opinion
that the original report is still considered valid for the proposed
development. In addition, at your request, we have provided a
preliminary pavement design section for the parking and driveway
areas. ENGiNEERIN DEPT. LlBRARY City of Carlsbad
207.5 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92009-4859
-..-A ~n~r.c rrmcrr _ PANI n,cr_n rt,, IF~DNIA 0~74 . 16401 SA0.7377 . FAX: 161915AQ-16OA
’ b Carlsbad Research Center Carlsbad. California
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Job No. 88-5405
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Preliminary Pavement Design Criteria
Contemporary pavement section design methods require compaction of
the upper 12 inches of subgrade soils (natural ground or compacted
fill) to 90 percent of Maximum Dry Density, and all base materials to at
least 95 percent of Maximum Dry Density. We therefore recommend that
the upper 12 inches of subgrade soils, all fill, and all base materials
beneath the proposed, driveway and parking area pavements be
compacted to these standards. This recommendation also applies to the
upper soils in backfilled trenches or behind retaining walls which will
support pavement sections.
Our Ceotechnical Engineer has assigned an R-value of 5 based on our
knowledge and experience with the highly expansive on-site soils.
Based on a traffic index of 4.5 for parking areas and 6.0 for driveways
ahd heavy traffic areas, we have developed the preliminary pavement
section alternatives
Guide for California
Parking Areas
Driveways
in accordance with the “Structural Section Design
Cities and Counties” procedures.
Asphalt Processed MISC. Base
Concrete [Class II Aqgreqate Base)
3 inches 8 inches
3 inches 14 inches
or
4 inches 12 inches
Since pavement sections depend largely upon the final subgrade soil
conditions exposed after grading, R-value tests should be taken at the
L completion of reaching subgrade elevation, to determine if the on-site
subgrade rolls might allow for a lighter pavement sectlon than the
preliminary section given.
r- ‘, Carlsbad Research Center
Carlsbad, California
Job No. 88-5405
Page 3
Positive drainage and appropriate erosion control measures must be
maintained on the site at all times. Particular care should be taken to
prevent surface runoff waters from ponding on asphalt parking and
driveway areas.
Should you have any questions concerning our report, please feel free
to contact the Proj,ect Coordinator. Reference to our Job No. 88-5405
will help to expedite a response to your inquiry.
Respectfully submitted,
CEDTECHNICAL EXPLORATION. INC.
Jai&e A. Cerros, R.C.E. 34422lC.E. 2007
JKHlJACllp
REPORT OF SOIL INVESTIGATION
Proposed Commercial and Industrial Development
Lots 6 and 11 - Carlsbad Research Center
Southwest Corner of Priestly Drive
and Rutherford Road
Carlsbad, California
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Job No. 88-5405
01 .December 1988
Prepared for:
Mr. Bu&-el Magwsson
Bay Development Corporation
GEOTECHNICAL EXPiOiATIk. il;. ~.
SOIL & FOUNDATION ENGINEERING . GROUNDWATER
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMEM . ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
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01 December 1988
Mr. Burrei Magnusson
BAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
19600 Fairchild, Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92715
Job No. 88-5405
Subject: Report of Sol1 Investlaatlon
Commercial and Industrial Development
Lots 6 and 11 .- Carlsbad Research Center
Southwest Corner of Priestly Drive and Rutherford Road
Carisbad, California
Dear Mr. Magnusson:
In accordance with your request, Ceotechnlcal Exploration, Inc. has
performed an investigation of the soil conditions at the two subject lots.
The field work was performed on November 1, 1988, by our Field
Geologist.
It is our understanding that the previously graded lots are being
developed to receive a total of 6 office and industrial multi-tenant
buildings. The structures are to be a maximum of 2 stories in height
and will be constructed of standard type building materials.
Our Investigation revealed that the lots are underlaln by dense
formational materials and up to 17 feet of highly expansive, compacted
fill soils that should provide adequate bearing strength for the
proposed structures.
In our opinion, if the conclusions and recommendations presented in
this report are implemented during site preparation, the lots should be
suited for the proposed development. The work performed and
recommendations presented in this report are the result of an
investigation and analysis which meets the contemporary standard of
care in our profession within the San Diego County area.
This opportunity to be of service is sincerely appreciated. Should you
have any questions concerning the following report, ‘please contact our
office. Reference to our Job No. 88-5405 will help to expedite a
response to your Inquiry.
Respectfully submitted,
LDRllp
7420 TRADE STREET l SAN DIEGD. CALIFORNIA 92121 l (619) 549-7222
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I.’ SCOPE OF WORK
II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Ill. SITE DESCRIPTION
IV. FIELD INVESTIGATION
V. DESCRIPTION OF SOILS
VI. GROUNDWATER AND DRAINAGE CONDITIONS
VII. LABORATORY TESTS 6 SOIL INFORMATION
VIII. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
IX. GRADING NOTES
X. LIMITATIONS
FIGURES
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Ill a-e.
IV.
Plot Plan
Boring Logs
Laboratory Test Results
Foundation Requirements Near Slopes
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APPENDICES
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Unified Soil Classification Chart
General Earthwork Specifications
General Discussion of Expansive Soil Behavior
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REPORT OF SOIL INVESTIGATION Proposed Commercial and l,ndustrial Developmeni~ _.-
Lots 6 and 11 - Carlsbad Research Center ~~
Southwest Corner of Priestly Drive
and Rutherford Road
Carlsbad, California
Job No. BB-S405
The following report presents the findlngs and recommendations
Gemtechnical Exploration, Inc. for the subject project.
of
I. SCOPE OF WORK
It is our understanding, based on communications with Ms. Dennie
Smith and review of site plans provided by Smith Consulting Architects,
that the lots have been previously graded and are Intended for the
construction of a total of 6 office and industrial multi-tenant buildings
with associated improvements and parklng areas. With the above in
mind, the scope of work is brlefly outlined as follows:
I.
6.
Identify and classify the surface and subsurface soils to depths,
in conformance with the Unified Soil Classification System (refer
to Appendix Al.
Evaluate the existing fill material.
Recommend an allowable bearing pressure for the existing soils.
Recommend site preparatlon procedures.
Estimate the anticipated settlement of the natural-ground soils, as
well as any compacted fill soils, under the anticipated structural
loads.
Provide foundation design Information and the active and passive
earth pressures to be utiiized in design of any retaining walls
and foundation structures.
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Carlsbad Research Center
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Job No. 66-5405 -
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II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
During the course of our investigation, we discussed the project with
Ms. Dennie Smith and reviewed the following documents concerning the
subject lots.
1.
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4.
San Diego Soils Engineering, Inc., April 21, 1982, As-graded
Geotechnicai Report, Rough Grading Completed -- Carlsbad
Research Center, Phase I, Carlsbad, California; Job No. SD1144-
10.
Woodward-Clyde Consultants, April 27, 1961, Preliminary Soil and
Geologic Investigation -- Carisbad Research Center, Carlsbad,
California.
Woodward-Clyde Consultants, August 17. 1981, Additional
Studies, Carlsbad Research Center, Phase I, Carlsbad,
California.
Woodward-Clyde Consultants, September 3, 1981, Addendum to
Additional Studies, Carlsbad Research Center, Phase I, Carlsbad,
California.
Ill. SITE DESCRIPTION
The property is known as: Lots 6 and 11 of Carisbad Research
Center, Tract 81-10 in the City of Carlsbad, State of California.
The two previously graded lots consist of approximately 12.0 acres and
are located at the southwest corner of Priestly Drive and Rutherford
Road in the City of Carlsbad. The property is bordered on the
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Carlsbad Research Center
Carlsbad, California
Job No. 88-5405 7.~
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northeast by Priestly Drive, on the northwest by Faraday Avenue, on
the southeast by Rutherford Road and on the southwest by developed
commercial and industrial properties.
There were no structures on either lot at the time of our investigation.
Vegetation on the lots consist primarily of native weeds and grasses
with ornamental landscaping bordering the streets.
The property has been graded into two relatively level lots with a 3 to
5 foot high fill slope separating the two. Lot 6 slopes gently to the
northwest with approximate elevations ranging from 309 feet above Mean
Sea Level (MSL) to 300 feet MSL. Lot 11 slopes gently to the south
with approximate elevations ranging from 307 feet MSL to 298 feet MSL.
Survey information was obtained from grading plans prepared by Rick
Engineering Company, dated September 23, 1981.
IV. FIELD INVESTIGATION
Nine test borings were placed on the lots, specifically in areas where
the structures and Improvements may be located and where
representative soil conditions were expected. The borings were located
in the field by referring to site. plans, prepared by Smith Consulting
Architects, dated October 26. and 28. 1988. The borings were
observed and logged by our Field Geologist, and samples were taken of
the predominant soils throughout the field operation. Boring logs have
been prepared on the basis of our observations and the results have
been summarized on Figure No. Ii. The predominant soils have been
classified in conformance with the Unified Soil Classification System
(refer to Appendix Al.
In-place samples were obtained by driving a )-inch outside-diameter
(0.0.) by Z-3/8-inch inside-diameter (I.D.) split-tube sampler a
distance of 12 inches. Also, the Standard Penetration Test was
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Carlsbad~ Research Center
Carlsbad, California
::Job No. 88-5405 _
Page 4
performed by using a 140-pound weight falling 30 inches to drive a 2-
inch O.D. by l-3/8-inch I.D. sampler tube a distance of 12 inches.
The number of blows required to drive the sampler the given distance
was recorded for use in density determination. The following chart
provides an in-house correlation between the number of blows and the
relative density of the soil for the Standard Penetratlon Test and the 3-
inch sampler.
Density
Soil - Designation
Sand and Silt Very loose
Loose
Medium
Dense
Very dense
Clay Very soft
Soft
Firm
Stiff
Very stiff
Hard
Very hard
2-inch O.D.
Sampler
Blows/Foot
3-inch O.D.
Sampler
Blows/Foot
O-4
S-10
11-30
31-50
Over 50
o-7
8-20
21-53
54-98
Over 98
o-2 o-2
3-4 3-4
5-8 5-9
9-15 lo-18
16-30 19-45
31-60 46-90
Over 60 Over 90
V. DESCRIPTION OF SOILS
The lots, in general, are overlain with a varying thickness of
compacted fill soils reaching a maximum thickness of approximately 17
feet in the southern portion of lot 11 (B-4). The fills are medium
dense to dense and consist of mottled, yellow-tan and gray-brown,
sandy silt with clay and dark gray-brown, sandy clay with rock
fragments and siltstone chunks. These soils are considered to have a
high expansion potentlal and low consolidation potential. On a portion
of lot 11, the fill soils are underlain by approximately 2 to 3 feet of
alluvium consisting of gray-brown, silty fine sand. The alluvium was
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Carisbad Research Center
Carisbad, California
Job No. 88-5405 Pago 5 ~
only encountered in boring No. 5 at what appears to be the bottom of a
canyon fill. The entire site is underlain by dense, silty and sandy,
formational materials, which are considered to have a high expansion
potential but have good bearing-strength characteristics.
VI. GROUNDWATER AND DRAINAGE CONDITIONS
Groundwater was encountered at 21 feet below existing grade of Lot 11
during the course of our field investigation. At this depth we do not
expect the groundwater to cause significant problems, if the property is
: developed as presently designed. It should be kept In mind, however,
that any required additional grading operations may change surface
drainage patterns and/or reduce permeabilities due to the densification
of compacted soils. Such changes of surface and subsurface hydrologic
conditions, plus irrigation of landscaping or significant increases ‘in
rainfall, may result in the appearance of minor amounts of surface or
near-surface water at locations where none existed previously. The
damage from such water is expected to be minor and cosmetic in nature,
if good positive drainage is implemented at the completion of
construction. Corrective action should be taken on a site-specific basis
if, and when, it becomes necessary.
VII. LABORATORY TESTS AND SOIL INFORMATION
Laboratory tests were performed on the disturbed and relatively
undisturbed soil samples In order to evaluate their physical and
mechanical properties and their ability to support the proposed
structure. The following tests were conducted on the’ sampled soils:
1. Moisture/Density Relations (ASTM 01557-78, Method Al
2. Moisture Content (ASTM D2216-80)
3. Penetration Test and Split-Barrel Sampling (ASTM D1586-84)
4. Atterberg Limits (ASTM D4318-84)
5. Expansion Tests (UBC Method 29-2)
6. Consolidation Tests (ASTM 02435-80)
7. Direct Shear Tests (ASTM D3080-78)
-. Carlsbad Research Center
’ Carlsbad, California
- Job No. 88-5405
Page 6
The relationship between the moisture and density of undisturbed soil
samples gives qualitative information regarding soil strength
characteristics and soil conditions to be anticipated during any future
grading operation.
The Atterberg Limit tests were used to aid in the classification of the
soils according to the Unified Soil Classification System.
The expansion potential of clayey soils was determined utilising the
Uniform Building Code Test Method for Expansive Soils (UBC Standard
No. 29-2). In accordance with the UBC (Table 29-C), expansive soils
are classified as follows:
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Expansion Index Potential Expanslon
0 to 20 Very Low
21 to 50 Low
51 to 90 Medium
91 to 130 . High
Above 130 Very High
According to the UBC Test Method for Expansive Soils, the clayey soils
tested have a high expansion ,potential, with an expansion index
ranging from 120 to 127.
Consolidatlon tests were performed on relatively undisturbed samples of
compacted fill soils. The soils were contained in l-inch-high brass
rings and loaded into a consolidometer. The specimens were subjected
to increased loads and the resulting consolidations noted. The
consolidation test aids in determlning anticipated settlements of the fill
soils under the proposed buildings loads and the weight of any
overburden fill soils.
Car&bad Research Center ’ Carlsbad, California
Job ~No. 88-5485 I
Page 7
Direct shear tests were performed upon relatively undisturbed samples
in order to measure the roll strength and supporting capacity of the
compacted fill. The shear tests were performed with a constant strain
direct shear machine. Specimens to be tested were saturated and then
sheared under various normal loads without appreciable drainage of the
samples.
Based upon the above laboratory test data, observations of the primary
soil types on the project, and our previous experience wlth laboratory
testing of similar soils, our Geotechnical Engineer has assigned
conservative values for friction angle cohesion to those soils which will
have significant lateral support or bearing functions on the project.
These values are presented in Figure No. Ill and have been utilized in
recommending the allowable bearing value as well as the active and
passive earth pressures for wall and footing designs.
VIII. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMkENDATIONS
The following conclusions and recommendations are based upon the
practical field investigation conducted by our firm, and resulting
laboratory tests, in conjunction with our knowledge and experience with
the soils in this area of the City of Carlsbad.
Geotechnical Exploratim. Inc. reviewed the “As-graded Geotechnical
Report - Rough Grading Completed,” dated April 21, 1981, prepared by
San Diego Soils Engineering, Inc. Based on our findings and review,
it appears that site preparation and fill compaction was performed in
accordance with the local industry standards.
Our investigation revealed the lots are underlain by dense formatlonal
materials and up to 17 feet of compacted fill soils. Lot 6 is underlain
with 1 foot to 11 feet of fill and lot 11 Is underlain by 6 to 17 feet of
fill. A daylight line between cut and fill, as indicated on the original -.~.- ^, ,_-~__-,~, grading plan, is shown on Figure No. I.
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Carisbad Research Center Job No. 88-5405
Carlsbad, California Page 8
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The fill soils were found to be generally well compacted and at or above
optimum moisture. The upper 2 feet of fill soils, however, have become
dried, cracked and loose since its placement (due to exposure to the
elements) and should be reworked prior to site development. Although __I__x,- .,._x
a few of the in-place density tests taken on samples of the encountered
artificial fill material yielded results of less than 90 percent of Maximum
Dry Density in accordance with A.S.T.M. 1557-78 (90 percent
represents the minimum industry standard for compaction of artificial fill
soils). our qualitative assessment of the fill is that it was generally well
compacted. Based upon results of the Standard Penetration Test
performed during the field investigation, the “blow counts” indicate
medium dense fill soils and corroborates the results of the retrleved
density samples. For details and laboratory test results, refer to
Figure Nos. II, Ill and IV.
The prevailing soils encountered on the subject site are highly
expansive, apparently well-compacted fill soils. it Is our opinlon that
these soils should provide adequate bearing strength for the proposed
structures, provided that the 2 feet of loose surface soils are removed _~ ,__.- -.
and recompacted as part of the site preparation and that foundations ~.-.. -.___ --.- _~__ _~. are sufficiently reinforced for the exson forces of the bearing soils.
Drainage should be well controlled at all times to limit the effects of
water on the expansive soil (refer to Appendix C of this report for a
more in depth discussion of expansive soils).
As part of our soil investigation, Geotechnlcal Exploration, Inc.
performed a cursory hazardous materials evaluation for lots 6 and 11.
This evaluation included a review of records at the Hazardous Materials
Management Division of the County of San Diego Health Department. We
found no information regarding the storage or disposal of hazardous
materials at the subject lots. Also, during our soil investigation, we
performed limited soil testing in order to determine if hazardous
materials are detectable in the soils. The results of a standard
laboratory analysis for contaminated soil yielded levels well below the
allowable limits (see Figure No . ~IleJ.
Carlsbad Research Center
Carlsbad, Caiifornla
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Preparation of Solls for Slte Development
Any existing debris and vegetation observed on the lots must be
removed prior to the preparation of building pads and/or areas to
receive structural improvements and be properly disposed of.
To provide a uniform soil base for the proposed structures,
improvements and pavement, the existinee and desiccated __~..., ,.~,.,
surface soils shall be excavated to a depth’of at least 2 feet, or .“.. ,_ .I. ,L .- --_ _. -...,_ I. . - _..__-_. ~.,~ ~---- ~.. ..~.~
as per the direction of our field technician. The excavated soils
shall be cleaned of any debris and deleterious materials and
watered to approximately 3 to 5 percent above optimum moisture .- _.-.__.-- ---.-* .~... _
content. The bottom of the excavation shall be scarified moisture
conditioned similarly and compacted to at least 90 percent of --.._ maximum dry density.
The properly prepared fill soils should be placed in layers not
exceeding 8 inches in thickness, and be compacted to at least 90
percent of Maximum Dry Density (A.S.T.M. 01557-781. Soils
shall not be compacted over 92 percent, since the higher the
denslty the higher the expansion potentlal.
No uncontrolled fill soils shall remain on the lots after completion
of any future site work. In the event that temporary ramps or
pads are constructed of uncontrolled fill soils during the grading
operation, the loose fill soils shall be removed and/or recompacted
prior to completion of the grading operation.
Any buried objects which might be discovered on the lots shall be
removed and the resulting excavation be properly backfilled with
approved on-site or imported fill soils, and shall then be
compacted to et least 90 percent of Maximum Dry Density.
Any backfill soils placed in utility trenches or behind retaining
wails which support structures and other improvements (such as
patios, sidewalks, driveways, pavements, etc.1 shall be compacted
to at least 90 percent of Maximum Dry Density.
Carlrbad Research Center
Carlsbad, California
Job No. 66-5465
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0. Design Parameters for Foundations and Retaining Walls
6. The recommended allowable bearing value for design of foundations
for the proposed structures is 3.000 pounds per square foot.
This load-bearing value may be utllired in the design of continuous
foundations and spread footings when founded a minlmum of 30
inches into the firm natural ground or compacted fill, measured
from the lowest adjacent grade at the time of foundation construc-
tion. This load-bearing value may be Increased one-third for
design loads that include wind or seismic analysis. If imported
soils are required to bring the site to grade, the imported soils
should be obtained from an approved off-site borrow area. We
have recommended 30-inch-deep footings to provide an added
moisture barrier around the perimeter of the structures and also to
help accommodate the anticipated deflections due to possible
differential settlement caused by the varlable thickness of fill
under the structures and the typical soil he&e experienced when
constructing on highly expansive soil.
Based on our laboratory test results, and our experience with the
soil types on the subject site, the rolls should experience
differential settlement in the, magnitude of less than 1 inch In 25
feet under a structural load of 3,000 pounds per square foot.
7. Due to the highly expansive nature of the on-site soils, we
recommend that all conventional footings and slabs contain at least -- _.-__.._. .-.,, ~_. .-.---.l_l
a nominal amount of reinforcing steel to reduce the separation of
cracks, should they occur. ._ ._ _ ,~- .-_.,___.
7.1 A minimum of steel for continuous footings should include at
least four No. 5 steel bars continuous, with two bars near
the bottom of the footing and two bars near the top.
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Carlsbad Research Center
Carlsbad, California
1.2 Isolated square footings should contain, as a minimum, a
grid of No. 5 steel bars on 12-Inch centers, in both
directlons, with no less than three bars each way.
Job No. 05-5405
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7.3 Floor slabs should be a minimum of 5 Inches actual !
thickness and be relnforced with at least No. 3 steel bars ---~-,
on 15-inch centers, in both directions, placed at midheight _--,
in the slab. Slabs should be underlain by a 3-inch-thick p ,,I J’ f ‘,f .* ‘“+ _
layer of clean sand (S.E. = 30 or greater) overlying a 6-mil : .-,-.. - ..-~ ..-_ - .-- -,-- _ ,_ _..,,.- -. .---... -
visqueen membrane. ii:.-- .A_- Slab subgrade soil shall be thoroughly
moistened prior to placement of the vapor barrier and
pouring of concrete. It is recommended that moisture
content of subgrade roll for slabs and footings be checked
within 48 hours prior to concrete placement to verify that it
is at least 3 percent above optimum and has penetrated at
least 1 foot below subgrade and foundation bottom level.
We recommend the .project Civil/Structural Engineer incor-
porate Isolation joints and sawcuts to at least one-fourth the
thickness of the slab in any floor designs. The joints and
cuts, if properly placed, should reduce the potential for
and help control floor .slab cracking. In any cas~eA*cbg
of control joints shall not exceed 25 feet between centers. -,.~,_~-- ,I . . . .._.- _._ ,.~ ,I j;;.--..
However, due to a number of reasons (such as base
preparation, construction techniques, curing procedures,
and normal shrinkage of concrete), some cracking of slabs
can still be expected.
NOTE: The project Structural Engtneer shall review all
reinforcing schedules. The reinforcing ainimums r--
mended herein are not to be construed as structural ’
designs, but merely as minimum safeguards to reduce
possible crack separations. The actual reinforcing schedule
shall be as per the direction of the Structural Engineer
based upon an anticipated differential settlement of less
than 1 Inch In 25 feet horizontally.
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Car&bad, California Page 12
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We recommend that the Structural Englneer consider use of a post-
tensioned slab foundatlon due to the highly expansive soil. Such
a foundation has typically performed well in similar site conditions.
If a post-tensioned slab foundation Is used, we recommend that a
perimeter footing extending to at least 24 inches in depth is used. ,.
a. As a minimum for protection of on-site improvements, it Is
recommended that all nonstructural concrete slabs [such as patios,
walkways, etc.) be underlain by at least 3 Inches of clean sand, -..-.---_.
include 6 x 6-10110 welded wire mesh at the center of the slab. _.... -*._,~-_-I-
and contain adequate isolation joints. It should be noted that
standard concrete Improvements may not perform well, due to the
expansive soil conditions. As such, each improvement should be
designed to tolerate the on-site conditions. The performance of
on-site improvements can also be greatly affected by soil base
preparation and the quality of construction, and Is therefore the
responsibility of the designer and the contractor installing the
improvements. Moisture content and compaction of subgrade soils
verification for outside improvements Is also recommended. A
representative of our firm shall check that within 46 hours prior to
_ concrete pouring.
C. Retalnlnq Walls
9. The active earth pressure (to be utilised in the design of canti-
lever, walls) shall be based on an Equivalent Fluid Weight of 80
pounds per cubic foot (for level backfill only).
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In the event that a retaining wall is surcharged by sloping
backfill, the design active earth pressure shall be based upon
laboratory tests of the specific soils at the site of the proposed
retaining wall.
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10.
11.
D.
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The design pressures presented above are based on utlilzation of
an uncontrolled mlxture of soils native to the site in backfill
operations. In the event that imported, clean granular fill soils or
approved on-site clean sands are utilized as backfill material, this
firm should be contacted for possible reduction of design pressures
for level backfill, sloping backfill or restrained wall conditions.
In the event that a retaining wall Is to be designed for a
restrained condition, a uniform pressure equal to 15xH (fifteen
tlmes the total height of retained wall, considered in pounds per
square foot) shall be considered as acting everywhere on the back
of the wall in ecldition to the design Equivalent Fluid Weight, when
utiiiring an uncontrolled mixture of existing soils as backfill.
The passive earth pressure of the encountered natural-ground
soils and compacted fill soils (to be used for design of shallow
foundations and footings to resist the lateral forces) shall be based
on an Equivalent Fluid Weight of 275 pounds per cubic foot. This
passive earth pressure shall only be considered valid for design if
the ground adjacent to the foundation structure is essentially level
for a distance of at least three times the total depth of the
foundation and is properly compacted or dense natural soil.
A Coefficient of Friction of 0.35 times the dead load may be used
between the bearing soils and concrete fQUndathS, walls, or floor
slabs.
Site Drainage Considerations
Adequate measures shall be taken to properly finish-grade the site
after the structures and other Improvements are in place.
Drainage waters from this site and adjacent properties are to be
directed away from foundations, floor slabs, footings, and slopes,
onto the natural drainage direction for this area or into properly -
-. Carlsbad Research Center
Carlsbad, California
: Job No. 88-5405
Page 14
-
-
-
-
-
designed and approved drainage facilities. Roof gutters and
downspouts should be installed on all structures, with runoff I__~ ~~, -__ _.,,_ ~,,. -.- 1.~. ..., .-.. ~._ ._I _~ ._,._.,,_. I _,__. -,.. -G.--.~-
directed a.way from the foundations via, closed drainage lines.> .__.._._. .--.~ --..-... ~.~,. .~ -F.-I..-’
Proper subsurface and surface drainage will help minimize the
potential for waters to seek the level of the bearing soils under
the foundations, footings, and floor slabs. Failure to observe this
recommendation could result in uplift or undermining and
differential settlement of the structure of other improvements on
the site. We recommend placing a continuous concrete *‘apron” _.- L7;l.jb.L7*. (, ,_ ,,,, _, ;, .._
around the perimeter of all structures and that planter areas and . ..e.--._w_c_ _ .,-_ ~“l.,,~-“., ,. . ~~,
planter boxes be kept outside the perimeter apron. _~, .~_ ~._ .-.-z.T4 __ .;_II .,. ,,
-
-
7
-
-
-
In addition, appropriate erosion-control measures shall be taken at
all time during construction to prevent surface runoff waters from
entering footing excavations and ponding on finished building pads
or pavement areas.
Proper backdrains and subdrains shall be installed behind all
retaining walls on the subject project. Ceotechniul Exploration.
Inc. will assume no Ilability for damage to structures which is
attributable to poor drainage.
13. Planter areas and planter boxes shall be sloped to drain away from
the foundations, footings, and floor slabs. Planter boxes shall be
constructed with a closed bottom and a subsurface drain, Installed
in gravel, with the direction of subsurface and surface flow away
from the foundations, footings, and floor slabs, to an adequate
drainage facility.
We strongly suggest that landscaping consist of drought resistant
vegetation. Minimal irrigation water and proper drainage of
seasonal rainfall waters will minimize volume changes of the near-
surface soils.
Cartsbad. Research Center Job No. 68-5465
Carlsbad, California Page 15
- E. General Recommendations
-
14. Following placement of any concrete floor slabs, sufficient drying
time should be allowed prior to placement of floor coverings.
Premature placement of floor coverings could result in degradation
of adhesive materials and loosening of the flnish-floor materials. ,, -~-~, ,, ~_~_/--e.~. -‘-.“-~---.----L_ -.._-,._ .__,__.. -.~ ,,” . . .
15. Consideration should be given to placement of a PCC slab beneath
and in front of any proposed trash enclosures. It has been our ‘.‘.I j
experience that most concentrated point loads often occur
‘\, surrounding the trash enclosures from both the trash vehicles and .’
‘\ ‘. the wheel loads of the trash container, resulting in damage to the ‘\ \yphaltJc pavement.
-
-
-
-
-
7
16. In order to minimize any work delays at the subject slte during
site development, this firm should be contacted 24 hours prior to
any need for inspection of footing excavations or field density
testing of compacted fill soils. If possible, placement of formwork
and steel reinforcement in footing excavations should not occur
prior to inspection of the excavations; in the event that our
inspection reveals the need for deepening or redesigning
foundation structures at any locations, any formwork or steel
reinforcement in the affected footing excavation areas would have
to be removed prior to correction of the observed problem (I.e.,
deepening the footing excavation, recompacting soil in the bottom
of the excavation, etc.).
17. Contemporary pavement section design methods require compactlon
of the upper 6 inches of subgrade soils [natural ground or
compacted fill) to 90 percent of Maximum Dry Density, and all base
materials to at least 95 percent of Maximum Dry Density. We
therefore recommend that the upper 6 inches of subgrade soils and
all base materials, beneath the proposed, driveway and parking
-
-
-
-
Carlsbad Research Center
Carlsbad, California
: ~, Job No. 68-5405
Page 16
area pavements be compacted to these standards. This recom-
mendations also applies to the upper soils in backfilled trenches or
behind retaining walls which will support pavement sections.
Design of pavement sections was not included within the scope of
this report. Pavement sections will depend largely on the sub-
grade soil conditions exposed after grading and should be based
on R-value test results. These test should be performed after
completion of the grading operation.
IX. GRADING NOTES
Any required grading operations shall be performed in accordance with
the General Earthwork Specifications (Appendix 6) and the require-
ments of the City of Carlsbad Grading Ordinance.
18. Ceotechnical Exploration. Inc. recommends that we be asked to
verify the actual soil conditions revealed during site grading work
and footing excavations to be as anticipated in this “Report of Soil
Investigation.” In addition, the compaction of any fill soils placed
during site grading work must be tested by the soil engineer. It
is the responsibility of the grading contractor to comply with the
requirements on the grading plans and the local grading
ordinance.
19. It is the responsibility of the owner and/or developer to ensure
that the recommendations summarized In the report are carried out
in the field operations and that our recommendations for design of
the project are Incorporated in the building and grading plans.
20. This firm doas not practice or consult in the field of safety
engineering. We do not direct the contractor’s operations, and we
cannot be responsible for the safety of personnel other than our
own on the site; the safety of others is the reasonability of the
-- * Carlsbad Research Center Job No. WI-5+05
Carlsbad, Callfornla Page 17
- contractor. The contractor should notify the owner if he
considers any of the recommended actions presented herein to be
unsafe.
X. LIMITATIONS
Our conclusions and recommendations have been based on all available
data obtained from our field investigation and laboratory analysis, as
well as our experience with the soils and formation materials located in
this area of the City of Carlsbad. Of necessity, we must assume a
certain degree of continuity between exploratory excavations and/or
natural exposures. It is. therefore, necessary that alf observations.
conclusions, and recommendations be verified at the time grading
operations begin or when footing excavations are placed. In the event
discrepancies are noted, additional recommendations may be issued, if
required.
-
The work performed and recommendations presented herein are the
result of an investigation and analysis which meet the contemporary
standard of care in our profession within the San Diego County area.
No warranty is provided.
This report should be considered valid for a period of three (3) years,
and is subject to review by our flrm following that time. If signlflcant
modifications are made to the building and/or grading plans, especially
with respect to the height and location of any proposed structures, this
report must be presented to us for Immediate review and possible
revision.
-
- The firm of Cieotechnical Exploration, Inc. shall not be held responslble
for changes to the physical condition of the property, such as addition
of fill soils or changing drainage patterns, which occur subsequent to
issuance of this report.
-. . Carlsbad Research Center Job No. 88-5405
Carlsbad, California Page 18
Once again, should any questions arise concerning this report, please
feel free to contact the project coordinator. Reference to our Job No.
88-5405 will help to expedite a reply to your inquiries.
Respectfully submitted,
I rIwr-&
Project Hydrogeolog1stIR.C. 4251
eiser, Project Coordinator
Jaime A. Ce6os. R.C.E. 34422lCi.E. 2007
WRLIJKHIJACllp
-
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EQUIPMENT DIMENSION 6 TYPE OF EXCAVATION DATE LOGGED
CME 550 Drill Rig a-inch-diameter boring 11-1-88
SURFACE ELEVATION GROUNDWATER DEPTH LOGGED BY
i306' HSL Not encountered JKH
FIELD DESCRIPTION AND I CLASSIFICATION
; DESCRIPTION AND REPARKS
A (Grain size. Density. Moisture, Color) I
SANDY SILT with some pebbles and
siltstone chunks. Medium dense.
Damp. Mottled yellow-tan-gray.
FILL ------__-------_--_--------------.
SANDY CLAY with rock fragments.
Very stiff. Damp. Dark gray-
brown.
SILTY FINE SAND with clay and
some pebbles and pieces of grass,
I Medium dense. Damp. Dark brown.
FILL I
SILTSTONE with.some fractures.
Dense. Damp. Tan-gray and
orange.
FORMATION
1 Bottom of Hole @ 16'
';; 4
" 3
Ml
,_,
Cl
S
Ml
-
a.
-
113
118
112
:: Fi z P
9
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3'
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3
2”
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1 JOB NAME Proposed Commercial Development I P
Lot 11. Carlsbadarrh Cent-r
WATER TABLE SITE LDCATIDN SW corner of Priestly Drive 6 Rutherford
IXI LOOSE BAG SAMPLE
El IN-PLACE SAMPLE
DRIVE SAMPLE
SAND CDNE/F.D.T.
Road, Carlsbad, CA
JOB NUMBER 1 REVIEWED BY LOG NO.
-
-
-
-
-.
- _. -~
EQUIPMENT DIHENSION 6 TYPE OF EXCAVATION DATE LOGGED 3
CME 550 Drill Rig a-inch-diameter boring 11-1-88
SURFACE ELEVATION GROUNDWATER DEPTH LOGGED BY
i306' MSL *21' JKH
ments and siltstone chunks.
Medium dense. Hoist. Mottled
tan-brown-gray.
SANDY CLAY with rock fragments
Stiff. Moist.
Light gray-tan.
some clay binder and silt
Medium dense. Moist.
Tan-gray-orange.
--groundwater encountered
JOB NAME Proposed Commercial Development
n WATER TABLE SITE LOCATION SW corner of Priestly Drive G Rutherford
IXI LOOSE BAG SAMPLE Road, Carlsbad. CA
El
JOB NUMBER REVIEWED BY LOG No. IN-PLACE SAMPLE 88-5405
DRIVE SAMPLE FIGURE NUMBER B-2
SAND CORE/F.D.T. Ilb 1,
-
-
-
-
-.
-
-
-
SURFACE ELEVATION
i301’ MSL
GROUNDWATER DEPTH
Not Encountered I
LOGGED BY
JKH
1 l- L I I
FIELD DESCRIPTION AND
r CLASSIFICATION
F s 5 DESCRIPTION AND REMARKS 0 z e
x z s (Grain size. Density, Moisture, COlOr)
SANDY SILT with some rock frag- ML
ments and siltstone chunks.
2 Dense. Damp. Mottled tan-gray- 18.7 110.4 17.6 113 98 75 3”
4
and some rootlets. 11 2”
6
8
10
12
Dense. Damp. Light
Bottom of Hole @ 11.5’
22 2”
15.7 106.7 18.2 112 95 35’ 3”
I
JOB NAME Proposed Commercial Development
a
tnt 11. trrlshadr.rrrh rrntpr
WATER TABLE SITE LOCATION SW corner of Priestly Drive s
Ia LOOSE BAG SAMPLE Rutherford Road, Carlsbad, CA
I3
JOB NUMBER REVIEWED BY LOG No. IN-PLACE SAMPLE 88-5405
DRIVE SAMPLE FIGURE NUMBER B-3
SAND CONE/F.O.T,. ~, I Ic
CME 550 Drill Rig d-inch-diameter boring
EQU'IPMEBT DIMENSION & TYPE OF EXCAVATION DATE LOGGED
CME 550 Drill Rig 8-inch-diameter boring 11-l-88
SURFACE ELEVATION GROUNDWATER DEPTH LOGGED BY I i301' MSL I Not Encountered JKH I
a
s
i
I
II
I
I
I
I
I
FIELD DESCRIPTION AND CLASSIFICATION
: DESCRIPTION AND RENARKS Fir’ (G al" sTze. Density, Moisture, Color)
I
FILL
SANDY CLAY with rock fragments,
chunks of wood and grass. Very
stiff. Moist. Dark brown-black
SANDY CLAY with rock fragments,
organics and grass. Firm.
Moist. Dark brown-black.
FILL
SILTSTONE. Dense. Damp.
Tan-gray.
FORMATION
Bottom of Hole 8 21.5'
:I ;i
:; I: -
0,
7.
6.
103.0
112.8
111.5
7,
4.
113
118
-
L
;
: s!
I1
'6
5
-
34
17
42
17
15
59
-
; ;
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1”
PII
1”
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I”
I
-
JOB NAME Proposed Commercial Development
i,-,t 11. Carlsbad Research Center
v WATER TABLE SITE LOCATION SW corner of Priestly Drive & Rutherford
w LOOSE BAG SAMPI
-,
-
-
-
-
-
-
.-
-
-
,
-
I
/
I
- I
EQUIPMENT DIMENSION 6 TYPE OF EXCAVATION DATE LOGGED
CME 550 Drill Rig 8-inch-diameter boring 11-1-88
SURFACE ELEVATION GROUNDWATER DEPTH LOGGED BY
i301' HSL Not Encountered JKH
FIELD DESCRIPTION AND
E CLASSIFICATION
E d 2 DESCRIPTION AND REMARKS
2 E z 2 (Grain size, Density, Noisture, COlOr)
SANDY SILT with some clay and ML
siltstone chunks. Medium dense.
Mottled tan-giay-brown. 8.8 105.8 17.6 113 94 41 3"
organics and grass.
Dark brown-black.
SILTY FINE SAND. Hicaceous.
Loose. Hoist. Gray-brown-orange
94 39 3"
16 2"
9 3"
JOB NAME Proposed Commercial Develo ment Lot 11, Carlsbad Research f enter
‘3 WATER TABLE SITE LOCATION SW Corner of Priestly Dr. S Rutherford
IXI
Rd., Carlsbad, CA
LOOSE BAG SAMPLE
Gl
JOB NUMBER REVIEWED BY LOG No. IN-PLACE SANPLE 88-5405
DRIVE SAMPLE B-5 FIGURE NUMBER
SAND CONE/F.D.T. Ile
-.
-
-
-
-
-
c
-
-
e/-__.,
EQUiPMENT
CME 550 Drill Rig
SURFACE ELEVATION
i307' MSL
DIMENSION 6 TYPE OF EXCAVATION DATE LOGGED
a-inch-diameter boring 11-1-88
GROIJNDUATER DEPTH LOGGED BY
Not Encountered JKH
FIELD DESCRIPTION AND I CLASSIFICATION
z DESCRIPTION AND REMARKS
5 (&din size. Density. MoIstwe. Color) 1 I
SANDY SILT with some clay and
siltstone chunks. Medium dense.
Damp. Mottled tan-gray-brown.
FILL
SANDY CLAY with rock-fragments
and grass. Stiff. hoist.
Dark brown-black FILL .-----------------1---------------.
SILTSTONE. Dense. Damp.
Tan-gray. FORHATlOh
Bottom of Hole @ 11.5’
n MATER TABLE
El LOOSE BAG SANPLE
Gl IN-PLACE SAMPLE
DRIVE SAMPLE
SAND CONE/F.D.T.
z
G v! 1
Ml
Cl
-.
Ml
-
-
8.
4.
109.1
110.5
7.
4.
-
113
118
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9:
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32
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50
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2"
3 ,I
2"
-
1 JOB NAME Proposed Commercial Development
Lot 6. Carl-Research Cent-r
SITE LOCATION SW corner of Priestly Dr. & Faraday Ave.
Carlsbad, CA
JOB NUMBER 1 REVIEWED BY LOG NO.
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
CHE 550 Drill Rig E-inch-diameter boring 11-l-88
SURFACE ELEVATION GROUNDUATER DEPTH LOGGED BY
i307’ MSL Not Encountered JKH
I FIELD DESCRIPTION I I AND CLASSIFICATION
2 DESCRIPTION AND REMARKS
3 (Grain size. Density. Moisture, Color)
FILL
SANDY CLAY with rock-fragments,
organics and siltstone chunks.
Stiff. Hoist. Dark brown.
FILL
SILTSTONE. Dense. Damp.
Tan-gray.
FORMATION
Bottom of Hole @ 16'
I
-
z: ;j L: -.: -
!O.
15.
19.
-
- -
;; ?
+ . _ f2 2;: YL
98.3 7. 113 8; 10
I6
116.5
107.1
4. 118 9! 30
18
8, 112 ‘6 75
- - - -
-
d d az; 5:
s: 5’ -2
3 I,
2"
3 II
2"
3 II
-
JOB NAME Proposed,Commercial Development
Lot 6. c arlsbad Research Center
v UATER TABLE SITE LOCATION SW Corner of Priestly Dr. S Faraday Ave.,
Carlsbad. CA El LOOSE BAG SAMPLE
IIl
JOB NUMBER REVIEYED BY LOG No.
IN-PLACE SAMPLE 88-5405
DRIVE SAMPLE B-7 FIGURE NUMBER
\ SAND CONE/F.D.T. Ilg
-
-
-
-
-
/ -
-
/
I
' EQUIPNENT
CNE 550 Drill Rig
SURFACE ELEVATION
f'402' MSL
DIMENSION 6 TYPE OF EXCAVATION FATE LOGGED 1
E-inch-diameter boring 11-1-88
GROUNOUATER DEPTH LOGGED BY
Not Encountered JKH
FIELD DESCRIPTION AND
E CLASSIFICATION
E d 5 DESCRIPTION AND RENARKS n. SE%
x =, z (Grain size. Density. Moisture, COlOr)
, _. :: . . SANDY SILT. Loose. Dry. Tan- ML
. :' brown. FILL
' -jj+iriil: SILTSTONE. Dense. Damp. Tan- IIL
21.C 106.9 18.2 112 95 75+ 3
4
so+ 2
6
,N?B NAME Proposed Commercial Development
v
Lot 6. Carlsbadch Center
UATER TABLE SITE LOCATION SW Corner of Priestly Dr. & Faraday Ave.
q Carlsbad, CA
LOOSE BAG SANPLE
Gl
JOB NUMBER REVIEWED BY LOG No.
IN-PLACE SAMPLE 88-5405
DRIVE SAMPLE B-8 FIGURE NUMBER
SAND CONE/F.D.T. Ilh
-
-
-
-
I
EQUiPMENT DIMENSION 6 TYPE OF EXCAVATION OATE LOGGED 3
CHE 550 Drill Rig E-inch-diameter boring 11-l-88
SURFACE ELEVATION GROUNDUATER OEPTH LOGGED BY
*3041 HSL Not Encountered JKH I 1 I
FIELD DESCRIPTION AND
t: CLASSIFICATION
E d 2 DESCRIPTION AND REMARKS L z E z 2 (Grain size. Density. Moisture, Color)
, -1 ..i'...
: 1; : * SANDY SILT. Loose. Dry. Tan- t4L
brown. FILL
2 -*r-l SILTSTONE. Dense. Damp. Tan- ML
1 way. 28 2”
4-
FORMAT I ON
6 I- 50+ 2”
Bottom of Hole @ 6’
JOB NAME vroposed Lommertlal Development
Lot 6, Carlsbad Research Center
‘3 MATER TABLE SITE LOCATION SW Corner of Priestly Dr. & Faraday Ave.,
q Carlsbad, CA
LOOSE BAG SAMPLE
Q
JOB NUMBER REVIEYED BY LOG No. IN-PLACE SAMPLE 88-5405
DRIVE SAMPLE B-9 FIGURE NUHBER
SAND CONE/F.D.T. I I i 1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Gravel Sand Fines
%uL Fl"l 5111 CllY
U.S. sland.r* siere 11x1
~~~.~.I -
LABORATORY SOIL DATA SUMMARY 140
100
SPAIN DINETEi. Y
90
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
ZERO AIR VOIDS CURVES
BOL”’ 1’ , I I I
0 10 2a 30 40
LABORATORY COMPACTION TEST
SOIL CLASSIFICATION BORI116 TREWCN NO. NO. #PM
SANDY CLAY. Dark gray-brown. B-l 5’
SANDY SILT with clay. Mottled, tan-gray. B-4 2’
SILTSTONE with clay. Tan-gray. B-8 2'
I SWELL TEST DATA I 1 Ii1 31
IllITIAL DRY DENSITY (pcf) 95.8 94.8 96.3
INITIAL WTER ClHTENl (I) 11.5 14.3 16.3
LMIl (Pm 144 144 144
UBC EXPANSION INDEX 1 120 1 127 1 126 1
FIGURE NUMBER I I la
JOB NUMBER 88-5405
@Hi
-”
ATTERBERG LIMiT DETERMINATIONS
-
-
(ASTM D423 AND D424)
PLASTICITY INDEX; PI = LL- PL
SD
40
30
20
ID
7
4
n ” 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 SO 100
LIPUID LIMIT, 11
FIGURE NUMBER Ii I b
JOB NUMBER 88-5405
-
-
-
-
-
-.
-
-1 t L
4
4
1 I I I I-1-I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I
8 ! 9 al ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! I
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
.-
!
-
1
!
I
,
/
LI- I’
?I o- 0 : d w . (Y 0 (Y . w (ID
WmuxI8d-NoI&vaI?OSN03
-.
- QUALI.TY ASSURANCE LABORATORY
GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION, INC. ATTN : WERNER LANDRY 7420 TRADE STREET SAN DIEGG, CA 92121
.-
DATE OF REPORT DATE RECEIVED - DATE OF SAMPLE DATE COMPLETED ANALYZED BY SAMPLE TYPE - PROJECT NAME
PROJECT NUMBER
ANALYSES RESULTS
-
-
-
NOVEMBER 16, 1988 NOVEMBER 7, 1988 NOVEMBER 1, 1988 NOVEMBER 15, 1988 MS DW RM LF 2 SOIL CARLSBAD RESEARCH CENTER
88-5405
ANALYSIS: TPH METHOD: DHS * LOG NUMBER SAMPLE ID LOCATION UNITS: MG/KG -------------__-____--------------------------------------------
11585-88 LOT 6 B-7 @ 15' <0.5
11586-88 LOT 11 B-4 @ 15' <0.5
TPH - TOTAL PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS
l KKCOMKENDED PROCEDURE FROM LEAKING UNDERGROUND FUEL TANK FIELD NANUAL, NAY 1988
LABORATORY DIRECTOR
I UlilinQ Address
P.O. Boll 22567
San Diio. CA 92122 -
\
San Diego 6.555 Nancy Ridge Dr.. Suite 3W
San Diego. CA 92121 (619) 566-1060 Fax: (619) 458-9093
ArlLOlU
(802) 4684891
orange County * (714) 261-7242
FIGURE NO. Ille
-
-
-
-
NOVEMBER 16, 1988
GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION, INC. ICAP SCAN -METALS SAMPLE TYPE - SOIL
LOG NUMBER: 11585-88 11586-88 SAMPLE ID: LOT 6 LOT 11 LOCATION: B-7 @ 15' B-4 @ 15' ANALYSIS UNITS: MG/KG MG/KG -----------------------------------------------------------------
SILVER <0.138 <0.183 ALDMINDM 21,200 20,700 ARSENIC 24.0 14.6 BORON 11.3 9.25 BARIUM 301 170 BERYLLIUM 0.769 0.733 CALCIUM 3,590 2,540 CADMIUM <0.277 <0.367 COBALT 13.8 6.98 CHROMIUM .' 13.2 11.3 COPPER 7.84 <0.275 IRON 26,100 21,300 POTASSIUM 3,360 1,970 MAGNESIUM 8,400 4,610 MANGANESE 306 211 MOLYBDENUM SODIUM NICKEL LEAD ANTIMONY SELENIUM SILICON TIN TITANIUM THALLIUM VANADIUM ZINC
ANALYZED BY METHOD 6010 2ii2%%* LABORATORY DIRECTOR
<0.173 2,160 5.09 <0.865 5.19 <1.73 <1.04 to.519 640 20.5 52.5 65.4
x0.229 617 5.10 <1.15 <2.29 c2.29 <1.38 2.98 257 5.24 45.8 24.0
QUALITY ASSURANCE LABORATORY
-
APPENDIX A
-
APPENDIX A
UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION CHART
SOIL DESCRIPTION
COARSE-GRAINED
More than half of material Is trrgor than l No. 200 aleve
GRAVELS, CLEAN GRAVELS
More than half of coarse fraction is larger than GW
No. 4 sieve size, but smaller than 3”
GP
GRAVELS WITH FINES
(appreciable amount)
GM
GC
SANDS, CLEAN SANDS SW
More than half of coarse fraction is smaller than a
No. 4 sieve. SP
SANDS WITH FINES
(appreciable amount)
SM
SC
FINE-GRAINED
Yen than half of ~t8rirl fa amdkr tfun l No. 200 slave
SILTS AND CLAYS ML
Liquid Limit Less Than 50 CL
OL
MH
Liquid Limit Greater Than SO
HIGHLY ORGANIC SOILS
CH
OH
PT
Well-graded gravels, gravel and sand mix-
tures, little or no fines.
Poorly graded gravels. gravel and sand mix-
tures, little or no fines.
Silty gravels, poorly graded gravel-sand-silt
mixtures.
Clay gravels, poorly graded gravel-sand-silt
mixtures.
Well-graded sand, gravelly sands, little or no
no fines.
Poorly graded sands, gravelly sands, little or
no fines.
Silty sands, poorly graded sand and silty
mixtures.
Clayey sands, poorly graded sand and clay
mixtures.
Inorganic silts and very fine sands. rock flour.
sandy silt and clayey-silt sand mixtures with
a slight plasticity.
Inorganic clays of low to medium plasticity.
gravelly clays, sandy clays, silty clays. clean
clays.
Organic silts and organic silty clays of low
plasticity.
Inorganic silts, micaceous or diatomaceous
fine sandy or silty soils, elastic silts.
Inorganic clays of high plasticity, fat clays.
Organic clays of medium to high plasticity.
Peat and other highly organic soils.
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APPENDIX B
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APPENDIX B
GENERAL EARTHWORK SPECIFICATIONS
General
The objective of these specifications is to properly establish procedures
for the clearing and preparation of the existing natural ground or
properly compacted fill to receive new fill; for the selection of the fill
material; and for the fill compaction and testing methods to be used.
Scop_e of Work --
The earthwork includes all the activities and resources provided by the
contractor to construct in a good workmanlike manner all the grades of
the filled areas shown In the plans. The major items of work covered
in this section include all clearing and grubbing, removing and
disposing of materials, preparing areas to be filled, compacting of fill,
compacting of backfills, subdrain installations, and all other work.
necessary to complete the grading of the filled areas.
Site Visit and Site Investiaation
1. The contractor shall visit the site and carefully study it, and
make all inspections necessary in order to determine the full
extent of the work required to complete all grading iri
conformance with the drawings and specifications. The contractor
shall satisfy himself as to the nature, location, and extent of the
work conditions, the conformation and condition of t’7e existing
yround surface; and the type of equipment, labor, and facilities
nee&<f prior to and during prosecution of the work. The
contractor shall satisfy himself as to the character, quality, and
quantity of surface and subsurface materials or obstacles to be
encountered. Any inaccuracies or discrepancies between the
actual field conditions and the drawings, or between the drawings
and specifications, must be brought to the engineer’s attention in
order to clarify the exact nature of the work to be performed.
2. A soils investigation report has been prepared for this project by
CEI. It is available for review and should be used as a reference
to the surface and subsurface soil and bedrock conditions on this
project. Any recommendations made in the report of the soil
investigation or subsequent reports shall become an addendum to
these specifications.
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Authority of the Soils Enqineer and Enqlneerlnq Ceoloqist
The soils engineer shall be the owner’s reprerentatlve to observe and
test the construction of fills. Excavation and the placing of fill shall
be under the observation of the soils engineer and his/her
representative, and he/she shall give a written opinion regarding
conformance with the specifications upon completion of grading. The
soils engineer shall have the authority to cause the removal and
replacement of porous topsoils, uncompacted or improperly compacted
fills, disturbed bedrock materials, and soft alluvium, and shall have the
authority to approve or reject materials proposed for use in the
compacted fllj areas.
The soils engineer shall have, in conjunction with the engineering
geologist, the authority to approve the preparation of natural ground
and’ toe-of-fill benches to receive fill material. The engineering
geologist shall have the authority to evaluate the stability of the
existing or proposed slopes, and to evaluate the necessity of r$.nedial
measures. If any unstable condition is being created by cutting or
filling, the engineering geologist and/or soils engineer shall advise the
contractor and owner immediately, and prohibit grading in the affected
area until such time as corrective measures are taken.
The owner shall decide all questions regarding: (1) the interpretation
of the drawings and specifications, (2) the acceptable fulfillment of the
contract on the part of the contractor, and (3) the matter of
compensation.
Clearina and Grubbing
1. Clearing and grubbing shall consist of the removal from all areas
to be graded of all surface trash, abandoned improvements,
paving. culverts, pipe. and vegetation (including -- but not
limited to -- heavy weed growth, trees, stumps, logs and roots
larger than I-inch in diameter).
2. All organic and inorganic materials resulting from the clearing and
grubbing operations shall be collected, piled, and disposed of by
the contractor to give the cleared areas a neat and finished
appearance. Burning of combustible materials on-site shall not !>e
permitted unless allowed by local regulations, and at such times
and in such a manner to prevent the flre from spreading to areas
adjoining the property or cleared area.
3. It is understood that minor amounts of organic materials may
remain in the fill soils due to the near impossibility of complete
removal. The amount remaining, however, must be considered
negligible, and in no case can be allowed to occur in
concentrations or total quantities sufficient to contribute to
settlement upon deco.aposition.
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Preparation of Areas to be Filled
1.
2.
3.
4.
After clearing and grubbing, ail uncompacted or improperly
compacted fills, soft or loose soils, or unsuitable materials, shall
be removed to expose competent natural ground, undisturbed
bedrock, or properly compacted fill as indicated in the soils
investigation report or by our field representative. Where the
unsuitable materials are exposed in final graded areas, they shalt
be removed and replaced as compacted fill.
The ground surface exposed after removal of unsuitable soils shall
be scarified to a depth of at least 6 inches, brought to the
specified moisture content, and then the scarified ground
compacted to at least the specified density. Where undisturbed
bedrock is exposed at the surface, scarification and recompaction
shall not be required.
Ail areas to receive compacted fill, including all removal areas and
toe-of-fill benches, shall be observed and approved by the soils
engineer and/or engineering geologist prior to placing compacted
fill.
Where fills are made on hillsides or exposed slope areas with
gradients greater than 20 percent, horizontal benches shall be cut
into firm, undisturbed, natural ground in order to provide both
lateral and vertical stability. This is to provide a horizontal base
so that each layer Is placed and compacted on a horizontal plane.
The initial bench at the toe of the fill shall be at least 10 feet in
width on firm, undisturbed, natural ground at the elevation of
the toe stake placed at the bottom of the design slope. The
engineer shall determine the width and frequency of all
succeeding benches, which will vary with the soil conditions and
the steepness of the slope. Ground slopes flatter than 20 percent
(5.6: 1.0) shall be benched when considered necessary by the
soils engineer.
Fill and Backfill Material
Unless otherwise specified, the on-site material obtained from the
project excavations may be used as fill or backfill, provided that all
organic material, rubbish, debris, and other objectionable material
contained therein is first removed. In the event that expansive .~_ _ materials are encountered during foundation excavations within 3 feet of
finished grade and they have not been properly processed, they shall
be entirely removed or thoroughly mixed with good, granular material
before incorporating them in fills. No footing shall be allowed to bear
on soils which, in the opinion of the soils engineer, are detrimentally
expansive -- unless designed for this clayey condition.
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However, rocks, boulders, broken Portland cement concrete, and
bituminous-type pavement obtained from the project excavations may be
permitted in the backfill or fill with the following limitations:
1.
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9.
The maximum dimension of any piece used in the top 10 feet shall
be no larger than 6 Inches.
Clods or hard lumps of earth of 6 inches in greatest dimenslon
shall be broken up before compacting the material in fill.
if the fill material originating from the project excavation contains
large rocks, boulders, or hard lumps that cannot Se broken
readily, pieces ranging from 6 Inches In diameter to 2 feet In
maximum dimenslon may be used in fills below final subgrade If all
pieces are placed in such a manner (such as windrows) as to
eliminate nesting or voids between them. No rocks over 4 feet
will be allowed in the fill.
Pieces larger than 6 Inches shall not be placed within 12 inches of
any structure.
Pieces larger than 3 inches shall not be placed within 12 inches of
the subgrade for paving.
Rockfllis containing less than 40 percent of soil passing 3/4-inch
sieve may be permitted in designated areas. Specific
rec:,:nmendations shall be made by the soils engineer and be
subject to approval by the city engineer.
Continuous cbservation by the soils engineer is required during
rock placement.
Special and/or additional recommendations may be provided in
writing by the soils engineer to ,modify, clarify, or amplify these
specifications.
During grading operations, soil types. other than those analyred
in the soil investigatlon report may be encountered by the
contractor. The solls engineer shall be consulted to evaluate the
suitability of these soils as fill materials.
Placing and Compactinq Fill Material -- _ _. ----. ---
1. After preparing the areas to be filled, the approved fill material
Sll;lll !>e placed in approximately horizontal layers, wlth lift
ttrickness compatible to the material being placed and the type of
equipment being used. Unless otherwise approved by the soils
engineer. each layer spread for compaction shall not exceed 8
inches of loose thickness. Adequate drainage of the fill shall Se
provided at all times during the construction period.
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When the moisture content of the fill material is below that
specified by the engineer, water shall be added to its until the
moisture content is as specified.
When the moisture content of the fill material is above that
specified by the engineer, resulting in inadequate compaction or
unstable fill, the fill material shall be aerated by blading and
scarifying or other satisfactory methods until the moisture content
Is as specified.
After each layer has been placed, ‘mixed, and spread evenly, it
shall be thoroughly compacted to not less than the density set
forth in the specifications. Compaction shall be accomplished with
sheepsfoot rollers, multiple-wheel pneumatic-tired rollers, or other
approved types of acceptable compaction equipment. Equipment
shall be of such design that it will be able to compact the fill to
the specified relative compaction. Compaction shall cover the
entire fill area, and the equipment shall make sufficient trips to
ensure that the desired density has bee7 obtained throughout the
entire fill. At locations wheie it would be impractical d:Je to
inaccessibility of rolling compacting ‘equipment, fill layers shall be
compacted to the specified requirements by hand-directed
compaction equipment.
When soil types or combination of soil types are encountered
which tend to develop densely packed surfaces as a result of
spreading or compacting operations, the surface of +sL:.~ layer of
fill shall be sufficiently roughened after compaction to ensure
bond to the succeeding layer.
Unless otherwise specified, fill slopes shall not be steeper than
2.0 horizontal to 1 .O vertical. in general, fill slopes shall be
finished in conformance with the lines and grades shown on the
plans. The surfaz of fill slopes shall be overfilled to a distance
from finished slopes such that it will allow compaction equipment
to operate freely within the zone of the finished slope, and then
cut back to the finished grade to expose the compacted core.
Alternate compaction procedures Include the backroiling of slopes
witli 0eepsfoot rollers, in increments of 3 to 5 feet in elevation
gain. Alternate methods may be used by the contractor, but
they shall be evaluated for approval by the solls engineer.
Unless otherwise specified, ail allowed expansive fill material shall
be compacted to a moisture content of approximately 2 to 0
percent above the optimum moistclrti content. Nonexpansi ** fill
shall be compacted at Ilear-optimum moisture content. All fill
shall be compacted, unless otherwise specified, to a relative
compaction not less than 95 percent for fill in the upper 12 inches
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of subgrades under areas to be paved with asphalt concrete or
Portland concrete, and not less than 90 percent for other fill.
The relative colnpaction is the ratio of the dry unit weight of the
compacted fill to the laboratory maximum dry unit weight of a
sample of the same soil, obtained in accordance with A.S.T.M. O-
1557 test method.
a. The observation and periodic testing by the soiis engineer are
intended to provide the contractor with an ongoing measure of the
quality of the fill compaction operation. it is the responsibility of
the grading contractor to utiilze this information to estabilsh the
degrees of compactive effort required on the project. ?VlOW
importantly, it is the responsibility of the gradlng contractor to
ensure that proper compactive effort Is applied at all times during
the grading operation, including during the absence of soils
engineering representatives.
Trench Backfill -.-
1. Trench excavations which extend under graded lots, paved areas,
areas under the influence of structural loading, in slopes or close
to slope areas, shall be backfilled under the observations and
testing of the soils engineer. Ail trenches not falling within the
aforementioned locations shall be backfilled in accordance with the
City or County regulating agency specifications.
2. IJqiess otherwise specified, the minimum degree of compaction
shall be 93 percent of the laboratory maximum dry density.
3. Any soft, spongy, unstable, or other similar material encountered
in the trench excavation upon which the bedding material or .pipe
is to be placed, shall be removed to a depth recommended by the
soils engineer and replaced with bedding materials suitably
densified.
Bedding material shall first be placed so that the pipe is
supported for the full length of the barrel with full bearing on
the bottom segment. After the needed testing of the pipe is
accomplished, the bedding shall be co?npia’ted to at least 1 foot on
top of the pipe. The bedding shall be properly densified before
backfill is placed. Bedding shall consist of granular material with
a sand equivalent not less than 30, or other material dpproved by
the engineer.
4. No rocks greater than 6 inches in diameter will be allowed in the
backfill placed between I foot above tha pii>* and 1 foot below
finished subgrade. Rocks greater than 2.5 inches in any
dimension will not be allowed in the backfill placed within 1 foot
of pavement subgrade.
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6.
7.
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Material for mechanicaiiy compacted backfill shall be placed in lifts
of horizontal layers and properly molstened prior to compaction.
in addition, the layers shall have a thickness compatible wfth the
material being placed and the type of equipment being used.
Each layer shall be evenly spread, molstened or dried, and then
tamped or roiled until the specified relative compaction has been
attained.
Backflli shall be mechanically compacted by means of tamplng
rollers, sheepsfoot rollers, pneumatic tire rollers, vibratory
rollers, or other mechanical tampers. impact-type pavement
breakers (stompers) will not be permitted over clay, asbestos
cement, plastic, cast Iron, or nonreinforced concrete pipe.
Permlssfon to use specific compaction equipment shall not be
construed as guaranteeing or implying that the use of such
equipment will not result in damage to adjacent ground, existing
improvements, or Improvements installed under the contract. The
contractor shall make his/her own determlnatlon in this regard.
Jetting shall not be permitted as a compaction method unless the
soils engineer allows it In writing.
Clean granular material shall not be used as backfill or bedding
in trenches located in slope areas or within a distance of 10 feet
of the top of slopes unless provisions are made for a drainage
system to mitigate the potential buildup of seepage forces into the
slope mass. I
Observations and Testlnq
1. The soils engineers or elr representatives shall sufficiently
observe and test the g ng operations so that they can state
their opinion as to whe r or not the fill was constructed in
accordance with the spec
2. The soils engineers or ir representatives shall take sufficient
density tests during placement of compacted fill. The
contractor should the soils engineer and/or his/her
representatlve by st pits for removal determinations
and/or for testing In additlon, the contractor
should cooperate wit s engineer by removing or shutting
down equipment from the ea being tested.
3. Fill shall be tested for piiance with the recommended relative
compaction and moisture Field density testing should
be performed by using proved methods by A.S.T.M., such as
A.S.T.M. 01556, D2922, d/or D2937. Tests to evaluate density
of compacted fill should rovided on the basis of not fess than
one test for each 2-foot icai lift of the fill, but not less than
one test for each 1.00 bit yards of fill placed. Actual test
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intervals may vary as field conditions dictate. In fill slopes,
approximately half of the tests shall be made at the fill slope,
except that not more than 0:);~ test needs to be made for each 53
horizontal feet of slope In each Z-foot vertical lift. Actual test
intervals may vary as field conditions dictate.
4. Fill found not to be In conformance with the gradlng
recommendations should be removed or otherwise handled as
recommended by the soils engineer.
Site Protection
It shall be the grading contractor’s obligation to take all measures
deemed necessary durlng grading to maintain adequate safety measures
and working conditions, and to provide erosion-control devices for the
protection of excavated areas, slope areas, finished work on the site
and adjoining properties, from storm damage and flood harar,l
originating on the project. It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to
maintain slopes in their as-graded form until all slopes are in
satisfactory compliance with the jcJ3 specifications, all berms and
benches have been properly constructed, and all associated drainage
devices have been installed and meet the requirements of the
specifications.
All observations, testing services, and approvals given by the soils
engineer and/or geologist shall not relieve the contractor of his/her
responsibilities of performing the work in accordance with these
specifications.
After grading is completed and the soils engineer has finished his/her
observations and/or testing of the work, no further excavation or
filling shall be done except under his/her observations.
Adverse Weather Conditions
1. Precautions shall be taken by the contractor during the
performance of site clearing, excavations, and grading to protect
the worksite from flooding, ponding, or Inundation by poor or
improper surface drainage. Temporary prov.isioos shall be made
during the rainy season to adequately direct surface drainage
away from and off the worksite. Where low areas cannot be
avoided, pumps should be kept on hand to continually remove
water during periods of rainfall.
2. During periods of rainfall, plastic sheeting shall be kept
reasonably accessible to prevent uoprotccted slopes from !XCU oir19
saturated. Where necessary during periods of rainfall, the
contractor shall install checkdams, desiltlng basins, rip-rap,
sandbags, or other devices or methods necessary to control
erosion and provide safe conditions.
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3. During periods of rainfall, the soils engineer should be kept
Informed by the contractor as to the nature of remedial or
preventative work being performed (e.g. pumping, placement of
sandbags or plastic sheeting, other labor, dozing, etc.).
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4. Following periods of rainfall, the contractor shall contact the soils
engineer and arrange a walk-over of the site In order to visually
assess rain-related damager The soils engineer may also
recommend excavations and testing in order to aid in his/her
assessments. At the request of the soils engineer, the contractor
shall make excavations in order to evaluate the extent of rain-
related damage.
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5. Rain-related damage shall be considered to Include, but may not
be limited to, erosion, silting, saturation, swelling, structural
distress, and other adverse conditions Identified by the soils :
engineer. Soil adversely affected shall he classified as Unsuitable
Materials, and shall be subject to overexcavation and replacement
with coq>acted fill or other remedial grading, as recommended by
the soils engineer.
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Relatively level areas, w!lere saturated soils and/or erosion gullies
exist to depths of greater than 1.0 foot, shall be overexcavated
to unaffected, competent material. ‘Where. less than 1.0 foot in
depth. unsuitable materials may be processed in place to achieve
near-optimum moisture conditions, then thoroughly recompacted in
accordance with the applicable specifications. If tile :+?sired
results are not achieved, the affected materials shall be over-
excavated. then replaced in accordance with the applicable
specifications.
In slope areas. where saturated soils and/or erosion gullies exist
to depths of greater than 1.0 foot, they shall be overexcavated
and replaced as compacted fill in accordance with the applicable
specifications. Where affected materials exist to depths of 1.9
foot or less below proposed finished grade, remedial grading by
moisture-conditioning In place, followed by thorough recompactlon
in accordance with the applicable grading guidelines herein
presented may he attempted. If materials shall he overexcavated
and re&ced .as compacted fill. it shall be done in accordance
with the slope-repair recommendations herein. As field conditions
dictate, other slope-repair procedures may be recommended by
the soils engineer.
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APPENDIX C
-. I APPENDIX C
GENERAL DISCUSSION OF EXPANSIVE-SOIL BEHAVIOR
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Expansive-Soil Uplift of Concrete Slabs and Flatwork
In general, the measured “doming” -- relatively higher slab areas near
the center of a floor slab over expansive soils -- is due to the Inability of
moisture accumulating In subslab soils to evaporate, or dry out, as do
soils in planters or uncovered yard areas around the structure. The
extent to which new floor slabs will “dome” depends on the swell
potential of the soil, the initial moisture content of the soil when the slab
Is constructed, and the potential for additional wetting of the expansive
soil due to surface or subsurface water infiltration. Nonuniform
“doming, I* which generally results in more damage than a uniform rise and
fall across a slab, is due to variable slab design and reinforcement,
variable loads on the slab, nonuniform initial soil characteristics and
conditions, and/or differential wetting of the soil by iocalized water
sources : (e.g., leaking utility line, ponding of water against a footing,
overwatering of planters next to footing, etc. 1.
The “Active” Soil Zone
In general, the “wettingdrying” zone in Southern California ranges from
2 to 3 feet below a ground surface not covered by some form of moisture
barrier (e.g., concrete slab, polyethylene sheeting). This
“wettingdrying” zone is the depth to which seasonal rainfall will wet
unprotected soil, and the depth to which appreciable drying of
unprotected soil (due to evaporation) will occur during summer months.
Even if no surface water is allowed to soak into clayey soil which Is
uncovered and subject to soil-moisture evaporation, the soil below a
certain depth will remain at a relatively constant moisture level. This is
due to two mechanisms; temperature decreases and humidity increases
result in evaporation being less effective with depth, and soil moisture at depth is constantly drawn up into fine-grained clayey soils by capillary
act ion. The bottom of the “wettingdrying” zone is the depth at which
evaporative and capillary forces are In a state of equllibrlum. The clayey
soil at any given depth below this zone remains at a relatively constant
moisture level, and therefore does not under9 volume changes. The soil
above the equillbrlum depth -- the “active” soil zone - alternately
expands and shrinks (within certain vertical limits) as soil moisture
increases and decreases, respectively.
Design Criteria for Contemporary Slabs on Expansive Soil
When a large, concrete slab is constructed on expansive soil, the under-
lying soil in both the “active” zone and the lower “equilibrium” zone is
prevented from losing moisture due to evaporation. As a result, soil
moistures in the former “equilibrium” zone will rise to a higher soil
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moisture content and, the moisture content In the upper “active zone
will increase. In response to the long-term moisture increase, the lightly
loaded soils beneath the interior slab areas expand and lift the slab. The
perimeter footings and slab areas do not lift as high as interior slab areas
because the heavily loaded footings better resist the soil expansion, and
because unprotected ground areas adjacent to the slab perimeter allow
soil moisture to evaporate from beneath footings and the outermost
portions of the slabs.
In general, contemporary site development and foundation plans for
residential structures on expansive soil are not Intended to eliminate
long-term soil-moisture increases beneath a new slab; such a foundation
system would not be economlcally feasible for a typical resldentlal
structure, and is not considered warranted for such a structure.
Instead, current desig, features include: deepened perimeter footings to
reduce Infiltration of surface water beneath slabs; sloping of ground
surfaces away from all footlngs, to prevent ponding of water next to
footings; and placement of reinforcing steel bars or post-tensioned cables
in the slabs, to reduce the potential for significant nonuniform slab
“doming.” The reinforcing steel is also intended to limit vertical or
horizontal separations across any cracks In the concrete slab; it is
usually not intended to prevent such cracks from developing.
New Concrete Slabs
It is important for owners of new homes on expansive soil to realize that
capillary rise of moisture beneath new concrete slabs will probably result
in some minor slab movement and resultant minor cracking of wall, ceiling
and floor coverings. Such minor cracking is ,expected and should be
regarded as normal for a residential structure on expansive soil.
Maintaining good drainage away from a house perimeter will help to reduce
the size and extent of crackJdue to soil movement, but minor cracking
will still occur due to long-term moisture Increases beneath the newer
concrete slabs.
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Older Concrete Slabs
It has been our experience that expansive soils beneath concrete slabs
that are more than 8 to 10 years old are typically very moist to wet.
Soil-moistures beneath older slabs (due to capillary rise) have usually
reached -- or are approaching -- a new “equilibrium” level; in other
words, years of capillary rise have Increased the moisture content to a
level which probably will not change appreciably over time, so long as
significant changes in the general gound water table at depth do not
occur. Much of the observed ‘Morning” of an older floor slab probably
occurred over past years, while the soil moistures were still increasing
up to a hitier “equlllbrlumn level.
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In general, significant movement of an older structure on expansive soil
is due primarily to preventable sources of water entering the soil, due to
inadequate yard drainags, overwatering of planters adjacent to footings,
or leaks in utility lines. Since the soils beneath older concrete slabs are
generally much wetter than the ,soils beneath new slabs, the potential for
significant soil uplift due only to gnerai capillary rise is low beneath
older slabs.
Therefore, good long-term performance of an older structure on
expansive soil Is dependent on Institution and maintenance of very
positive site drainage by the homeowner. If positive drainage is
maintained on a longterm basis, then soil moisture levels beneath
perimeter footings will stabilize over time. As the soil moisture becomes
stabilized, the size and frequency of cracking should become less over
time. If the homeowner desires to reduce future damage to a level below
what is considered normal and acceptable for a residential structure, this
can be accomplished by installing additional moisture-control and/or
foundation structures. Such structures might include:
1.
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4.
5.
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7.
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locating and repairing any significant cracks in concrete floor
slabs;
placing a continuous concrete “apron” around the perimeter of a
structure;
placing a subsurface french- drain or moisture’ cut-off wall
around a structure;
intrusion-grouting the soil beneath perimeter footings to reduce
moisture infiltration;
deepening the perimeter footing;
replacing interior floor slabs with a new, more heavily
reinforced slab;
replacing interior floor slabs with a very thick mat foundation
reinforced with grids of conventional steel bars or
post-tensioned cables; andfor
placing the entire structure on a raised pier-and-grade-beam
foundation.