HomeMy WebLinkAboutHMP 15-01; MARTIN RESIDENCE; GEOTECHNICAL PLAN REVIEW; 2013-11-07""' -.. .. --
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update
Proposed Single-Family Residential Development
. Adams Street; Carlsbad
(A.P;N. 206-200-03)
November 7, 2013
Prepared For:
Mr. Neil A. Martin
1878 Shadetree Drive
San Marcos, California 92078
Prepared By:
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC.
2450 Auto Park Way
Escondido, California 92029
Job #13-234-P
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GEOTECHNICAL PLAN REVIEW UPDATE
PROPOSED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
ADAMS STREET, CARLSBAD
(A.P .N. 206-200-03)
I. INTRODUCTION
Project most current Preliminary Grading Plan for the proposed single-family residential
construction at the above-referenced property, prepared by So:wards & Brown Engineering
(dated October 15, 2013), was provided to us for review and comments. A copy of the
Preliminary Grading Plan is reproduced herein and included with this transmittal as a
Geotechnical Map, Plate 1. The project property is a vacant lot located on a modest south
facing hillside on the north margin of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, within the limits of City
of Carlsbad. Approximate site location is shown on a Vicinity Map included on Plate 1.
The approximate site coordinates are 33.1450 ° N latitude and -117.3268 °W longitude.
Surface and subsurface geotechnical conditions at the project property, and adjacent
properties, were previously studied by this office for the purpose of a planned residential
development, as proposed at that time. Our findings, conclusions, and recommendations
were presented in the following written technical report:
"Preliminary Soil and Geotechnical Investigation
Parcels A, 8, C
APN # 260-200-03, 04, & 05
Adams Street
Carlsbad, California"
Job #98-257-P, report dated August 10, 1998.
The referenced report was reviewed in connection with this effort and a copy is attached
to this transmittal as and an Attachment. The project property is designated as Parcel A
in the referenced report.
The purpose of this work was to review the project Preliminary Grading Plan to assure its
compatibility with the site indicated geotechnical conditions as presented in the referenced
report, and to provide update and/or amended recommendations consistent with the
current codes and engineering standards. The updated and/or amended recommendations
provided in the following sections wiUsupplement or supersede those given in the attached
report where specifically applicable. Our effort in connection with the preparation of this
update report also included a site visit by our engineering geologist on August 22, 2013 to
observe current surface conditions. A shallow test pit was also excavated during our
recent site visit for collection of a representative soil sample used to perform additional
pertinent laboratory testing.
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 2
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (A.P.N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
II. SITE DESCRIPTION .
Based on our recent site visit, the project property remains substantially unchanged from
conditions described in the attached report. The project property chiefly consists a modest
south facing natural hillside that descends from Adams Street to the Agua Hedionda
Lagoon at gradients generally approaching 4: 1 maximum. Surface areas are locally
mantled by grass and weeds.
Site drainage is sheetflows over the terrain to the lagoon. Excessive scoudng or erosion
is not in evidence at the property
Ill. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
The project Preliminary Grading Plan (Plate 1) depicts the construction of a multi-level
single-family residential strL,Jcture in the central portion of the property. Access to the
residence will be provided from Adam Street via a S-shaped driveway that descends at
gradients approaching 20% maximum to a level motor court and detached garage.
Retaining walls and backfills against the garage northern basement type wall approaching
12 feet high are incorporated into the design for achieving the upper driveway profiles and
lower motor court/garage pad grades near 51 feet elevation above mean sea level (MSL).
The residence will consist of split level construction with a lower basement type floor
proposed at near 33 feet and 36 feet elevation (MSL). Vertical cut excavations on the
order of 12 and transition retaining wall on the order of 15 feet high are proposed for
establishing residence's lower basement grades and upper floor levels at 51 feet elevation •
(MSL) near the motor court/garage grades.
Associated improvements will consist of a swimming pool and spa with surrounding
concrete decking along the lower southern margins near 37 feet elevation (MSL), concrete
stairs and transition retaining walls. Also included are bio retention basins with gravels and
perforated pipes along the eastern and western property margins which will connect to
storm drain facilities, underground BMP vaults, and BMP cistern .
Exposed graded cut or fill embankments are not planned . All ground transitions will be
achieved by retaining and building basement type walls. Project earthwork associated with
development of level building surfaces will chiefly consist of cut excavations and wall
backfilling operations. Actual earthwork quantities are currently unknown, however, it is
anticipated that the project will chiefly be a balanced grading operation.
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 4
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (A.P.N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
Explanation:
Ss: Mapped MCE, 5% damped, spectral response acceleration parameter at short periods.
S1: Mapped MCE, 5% damped, spectral response acceleration parameter at a period of 1-second.
Fa:
Fv:
Site coefficient for mapped spectral response acceleration at short periods.
Site coefficient for mapped spectral response acceleration at 1-second period.
SMs: The MCE, 5% damped, spectral response acceleration at short periods adjusted for site class
effects (SMs=FaSs).
Sos:
So1:
The MCE, 5% damped, spectral response acceleration at a period of 1-second adjusted for site
class effects (SM1=FvS1) .
Design, 5% damped, spectral response acceleration parameter at short periods (Sos=%SMs).
Design, 5% damped, spectral response acceleration parameter at a period of 1-second
(So1=%SM1 ).
Site peak ground accelerations(PGA) based on 2 percent probability of exceedance in 50
years defined as Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) with a statistical return period
of 2,475 years is also evaluated herein in accordance with the requirements of CBC
Section 1613 arid ASCE Standard 7-05. Based on our analysis, the site PGAMcE was
estimated to be 0.54g using the web-based United States Geological Survey (USGS)
ground motion calculator. The design PGA determined as two-thirds of the Maximum
Considered Earthquake (MCE) was estimated to be 0.36g.
VI. ADDITIONAL SAMPLING·, LABORATORY TESTING AND TEST RESULTS
A shallow test pit was excavated at a selected location as part of this effort to collect a
representative sample of onsite near surface soils for subsequent added laboratory testing
for a corrosion assessment in the support of this update study. The following added tests
were completed on the recently collected sample and will supplement those previously
performed and presented in the enclosed Attachment:
1. pH and Resistivity Test: pH and resistivity of representative near surface soils
was determined using "Method for Estimating the Service Life of Steel Culverts," in
accordance with the California Test Method (CTM) 643. The test result is tabulated
in Table 4.
TABLE 2
L :·s;~m~Ie;~q_a~H~1\:· ~'.A i,:;,. >> ~<l:.s.:~u·;ty'e~<;;;:; .;:::: :;' n.;~.:t~ini~Jm:f1.t~~,~t1.vli~:1BMl,1f~M1\.:,1.; + ::;eH. ::· ._ ~--1
I Surface Soil I Red brown silty sand I 1848 I 6.9 I
YINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 7;43-1214
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 7
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (A.P.N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
IX. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
The project most current development plan, reproduced herein as Plate 1, proposes a
feasible construction method considering site indicated geotechnical conditions .
Geotechnical conditions reported in the referenced report dated August 10, 1998
(Attachment) remain unchanged, and all conclusions and recommendations provided
therein are valid . Conclusions and recommendations provided in the referenced report
should be incorporated into the final designs and implemented during the construction
phase except where specifically superseded or amended below.
Landslides, faults or significant shear zones are not present at the project property and are
not considered a geotechnical factor in planned site development. The study site is not
located near or within the Alquist -Priolo earthquake fault zone established by the State
of California. Liquefaction, seismically induced settlements and soil collapse; will also not
be a factor in the development of the project property provided our earthworks and
foundation recommendations are followed . The following are appropriate:
1. The project redevelopment will consist of the construction of a multi-level residential
development as depicted into the enclosed Plate 1. Modest ground alterations are
proposed to establish final pad grades and achieve design elevations.
2. Construction of large graded cut and fill slopes are not proposed in connection with
the planned ground modifications and building pad development. Elevation
differences between building surfaces will be achieved by the construction of site
and building basement type retaining walls as shown on the enclosed Plate 1 .
3. Project anticipated earthwork operations will chiefly consist of basement type
excavations, remedial grading, and backfilling behind the transition retaining walls.
Actual earthwork quantities are unknovvn at this time, however, the project
development may be expected to balance .
4. Removals of all existing vegetation, trees, roots, stumps, underground tanks, pipes,
conduits and all other unsuitable materials and deleterious matter from the project
development areas should be completed as specified in the referenced report. All
trash, debris, organic matter and unsuitable materials generated from site clearing
efforts should be properly removed and disposed of from the site. Voids created by
the removals of the abandoned underground pipes, tanks and structures should be
properly backfilled with compacted fills in accordance with the requirements of this
report. The prepared ground should be inspected and approved by the project
geotechnical consultant or his designated field representative prior to grading and
earthworks.
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, I NC. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 8
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (A.P.N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
5. The property is generally mantled by shallow deposits of existing loose surficial soil
over dense and competent Terrace Deposits and formational rocks. Regrading of
the upper compressible.soil mantle should be completed in order to construct safe
and stable building and improvement surfaces. All excavations, grading,
earthworks, foundation constructions and bearing soil preparations should be
completed iri accordance with Chapter 18 (Soils and Foundations) and Appendix
"J" (Grading) of the 2010 Californi_a Building Code . (CBC), the Standard
Specifications for Public Works Construction, City of Carlsbad Grading Ordinances,
and requirements of the referenced report (Attachment) and this update transmittal,
wherever appropriate and as applicable.
6. All site existing surficial soils and upper weathered exposures of the underlying
Terrace Deposits and formational rocks in the areas of planned· new fills, buildings,
improvements, drainage facilities, structures, and improvements plus 10 horizontal
feet outside the perimeter, where possible and as directed in the field, should be
removed (stripped) to the underlying dense , and competent Terrace
Deposits/formational rocks, as approved in the field , and recompacted. Actual
removal (stripping)· depths should be established by the project geotechnical
consultant at the time of remedial grading operations based on exposed field
conditions. Typical removal depths based on available subsurface exploratory
excavations are expected to range to nearly 7 feet below the existing ground
·surfaces. Locally deeper removals may be necessary as directed in the field and
should be anticipated.
Bottom of all removals should be additionally prepared and recompacted in-place
to a minimum depth of6 inches as directed in the field . All ground steeperthan 5:1
receiving fills or backfills should also be properly benched and keyed as directed in
the field. Exploratory test pits excavated in connection with the original study at the
indicated locations (see Plate 1) were backfilled with loose and uncompacted
deposits. The loose/uncompacted exploratory trench backfill soils shall also be re-
excavated and placed back as properly compacted fills in accordance with the
requirements of this report .
7. Daylight filling is proposed against the Adams Street road embankment to achieve
final design grades. For this purpose, the existing roadway embankment should be
properly cleared and grubbed, adequately benched out and new fills/wall backfills
tightly keyed into the prepared slope as directed in the field.
8. Wall backcut excavations on the order of 12 feet will be needed for portions of the
lower level basement wall type constructions. Added care will be required to avoid
any undermining or damages to the adjacent structures and improvements to
remain, neighboring properties, public right-of-ways , and nearby street
improvements due to site excavations, earthwork grading and construction works.
Y INJE & MIDDLETON E NGINEER.ING, INC. 0 2450 Auto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1 229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 9
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (A.P .N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
All site excavations, removals and trenching should be performed under
observations of the project geotechnical engineer. Top of temporary construction
slopes should be adequately set-back from the adjacent property lines, existing
foundations and nearby 'improvements as directed and approved in the field.
Temporary wall backcut and basement excavations developed into the project
dense Terrace Deposits and formational rock units may be constructed at near
vertical gradients up to a maximum height of less than 10 feet, unless otherwise
noted or directed in the field. However, limited alternate vertical cut slot-excavations
or shoring support may also become required based on actual field exposures and
condition of existing adjacent structures and improvements to remain, as
determined in the field. For limited alternate vertical cut slot excavations, the entire
excavation slope should be first laid back at 1 :1 gradients maximum. Subsequently,
alternate sections may be cut at vertical gradients. For this purpose, limited initial
sections are cut and construction of transition or building basement type retaining
walls is completed. Upon approval of the project engineer, vertical sections are
then excavated and wall construction in the remaining alternate areas are followed.
Stockpiling the excavated materials or establishing equipment staging areas near
the top of excavations should not be allowed. Face of temporary slopes and
backcut excavations should be protected from excessive runoff or rainfall.
Continuous shoring support may also be required for local exposures where stability
of excavations or its potential impacts on the adjacent foundations, neighboring
properties, underground facilities or public right-of-way becomes a concern, as
determined in the field. In this case, any effective shoring system suitable to the
site subsurface conditions such as drilled reinforced cast-in-place piles with
concrete or wood lagging, closely spaced cast-in-place mini-piles, or tie-backs with
reinforced shot-crete facing may be considered. Specific shoring designs should
be provided by the project geotechnical consultant, if becomes necessary.
Surficial soils including existing fills, topsoil, and colluvial deposits exposed within
upper portions of larger (greater than 5 feet) temporary slopes or wall backcut
excavations should be laid back at 1 :1 gradients. Elsewhere, project excavations
and trenching developed within the site surficial soils may be constructed at near
vertical gradients to a maximum total height of 5 feet, unless otherwise directed in
the field. Larger excavations and trenching should be laid back at 1 :1 gradients or
provided with trench shield or shoring support, unless otherwise directed in the field.
The exposed wedge of laid back backcut slopes should be properly benched out
and new backfills tightly keyed-in as the fill placemerit progresses.
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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Geotechn_ical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 10
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (A.P.N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
Site excavations, temporary slope, trenching and wall backcuts will requ ire
continuous geotechnical observation during the constructions. Continuous
monitoring will be required for the protection of workmen and nearby foundations,
properties and public improvements in the case of the exposed vertical backcuts
and temporary slopes. Potential surficial failures, if any identified, should be
removed to reestablish safe conditions and hard hats shall be worn at all time .
Construction slopes exposing potentially adverse bedding or fractured conditions
or loose fill deposits will be subject to revised recommendations including more
gentle gradients, laid back backcuts, smaller alternate slot-excavations or possible
shoring. The project contractor shall also obtain appropriate perm_its, as needed,
and conform to the CAL-OSHA and local governing agencies requirements for
trenching/open excavations and safety of the workmen during construction.
Excavation permits shall also be obtained from the adjacent property owner(s) or
public agencies, if appropriate and applicable.
9. Ground transition from excavated cut to compacted fills should not be permitted
underneath the proposed buildings, structures, and improvements (including paving,
utilities and drainage structures), unless otherwise specifically designed. Site
structural foundations, slabs, and improvements should be supported uniformly on ·
compacted fills or founded entirely on competent cut ground exposing dense
undisturbed Terrace Deposits or formational rocks.
Transition pads and bearing/subgrade daylight exposures will require special
earthwork mitigation or design methods. The cut portion of the cut-fill transitions
plus 5 feet outside the perimeter, where possible and as directed in the field, should
be undercut to a sufficient depth to provide for a minimum of 3 feet of compacted
fill mat below rough finish grades, or at least 12 inches of compacted fill beneath the
deepest footing(s), whichever is more. Alternatively, foundations straddling over
cut-fill daylight lines may be designed as grade beams with heavier re inforcements.
Specific recommendations should be provided by the project geotechnical
consultant at the foundation plan review phase. In the improvement areas, there
should be a minimum of 12 inches of compacted fill below rough finish subgrade,
as directed in the field.
10. Soil generated from the site removals, stripping, excavations and over-excavations
are generally considered suitable for reuse as site new fills and backfills. However,
excavations of clayey surficial deposits are also expected to generate some
expansive soils which should be mixed with an abundance of site sandy soils to
manufacture a very low expansive mixture or adequately buried in deeper fills 3 feet
below rough pad grades (or 12 inches below the deepest footing, whichever is
more). Expansive clayey soils are also not suitable for wall and trench backfills and
good sandy granular soil should be used for this purpose.
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, I NC. • 2450 Auto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 11
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (A.P.N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
Import soils, if used, should be non-corrosive, very low expansive sandy granular
soils (100% passing 1-inch sieve, more than 50% passing #4 sieve and less than
18% passing #200 sieve with expansion index less than 20), inspected, tested as
necessary, and approved by the project geotechnical consultant prior to delivery to
the site. Import soils should also meet or exceed the design parameters given in
the following sections.
11 . Fill and backfill materials, processing, placement, compaction procedures and
requirements, as well as engineering observations and testing protocol will remain
the same as specified in the referenced report. Uniform bearing and subgrade soil
conditions should be constructed at the site by the grading operations. Site fills
should be adequately processed, thoroughly mixed, moisture conditioned to slightly
above (2%-3%) the optimum moisture levels as directed in the field, placed in thin
(8 inches maximum) uniform horizontal lifts and mechanically compacted with heavy
construction equipments to a minimum 90% of the corresponding laboratory
maximum dry density per ASTM 0-1557, unless otherwise_specified. The upper 12
inches of subgrade soils below the base layer under roadway asphalt paving
surfaces should also be compacted to minimum 95% compaction levels.
12. Shallow stiff stem wall/stepped and spread pad foundations may be considered for
the support of the proposed buildings and structures. Shallow foundations should
be uniformly founded on undisturbed competent formational rocks or well
compacted fills as approved in the field by the project geotechnical consultant.
Continuous strip concrete foundations should be sized at least 15 inches wide and
18 inches deep. Spread pad footings, if any, should be at least 30 inches square
and 18 inches deep and structurally interconnected with the continuous strip
footings with grade beams. Grade beams should be a minimum of 12 inches wide
by 18 inches deep. Footing depths are measured from the lowest adjacent ground
surface, not including the sand/gravel layer beneath floor slabs. Exterior continuous
footings should enclose the entire building perimeter.
Continuous interior and exterior foundations should be reinforced with a minimum
of 4-#5 reinforcing bars. Place 2#5 bars 3 inches above the bottom of the footing
and 2-#5 bars 3 inches below the top of the footing. Grade beams should also be
reinforced with minimum 2-#4 bars top and bottom. Reinforcement details for
spread pad footings should be provided by the project architect/structural engineer.
Foundations can only be constructed on level surfaces and should be stepped in
sloping ground conditions (more than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal or 10%),
as necessary. Top and bottom of stepped foundations shall be level. Individual
steps in continuous footings shall not exceed 18 inches in height and the slope of
a series of such steps shall not exceed 1 unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50%)
VJNJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 12
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (A.P.N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
unless otherwise specified. The steps, and foundation reinforcement requirements
shall be designed by the project structural consultant and detailed on the project
structural drawings. The local effects due to the discontinuity of the steps shall also
be considered in the design of foundations as appropriate and applicable;
Adequate setback or deepened foundations shall be required for all foundations
constructed on or near the top of descending slopes to maintain minimum horizontal
distances to daylight or adjacent slope face. There should be minimum 7 feet
horizontal setback from the bottom outside edge of the footing to daylight for
foundations, and at least 10 feet to daylight for swimming pools and more sensitive
structures which cannot tolerate minor movements .
All interior slabs should be a minimum of 5 inches in thickness reinforced with #4
reinforcing bars spaced 18 inches on center each way placed near the slab mid-
height. Slabs should be underlain by at least 4 inches of clean sand (SE 30 or
greater) which is provided with a well performing moisture barrier/vapor retardant
(minimum 15-mil Stego) placed mid-height in the sand. Alternatively, a 4-inch thick
base of compacted ½-inch clean aggregate provided with the vapor barrier
(minimum 15-mil Stego) in direct contact with (beneath) the concrete may also be
considered provided a concrete mix which can address bleeding, shrinkage and
curling are used .
Provide re-entrant corner reinforcement for all interior slabs per Plate 8 of the
referenced report. Interior slabs should also be provided with "softcutll
contraction/control joints consisting of sawcuts spaced 10 feet on center maximum
each way. Cut as soon as the slab will support the weight of the saw, and operate
without disturbing the final finish which is normally within 2 hours after final finish at
each control joint location or 150 psi to 800 psi. The softcuts should be a minimum
of 1-inch in depth but should not exceed 1 ¼-inches deep maximum. Anti-ravel skid
plates should be used and replaced with each blade to avoid spalling and raveling.
Avoid wheeled equipment across cuts for at least 24 hours.
* Foundation trenches and slab subgrade soils should be inspected and tested for
proper moisture and specified compaction levels and approved by the_ project
geotechnical consultant prior to the placement of concrete.
13. Post construction settlement after completion of grading works as specified herein,
is not expected to exceed approximately 1-inch and should occur below the
heaviest loaded footing(s). The magnitude of post construction differential
settlements of site fill deposits as expressed in terms of angular distortion is not
anticipated to exceed ½-inch between similar elements in a 20-foot span.
V INJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, I NC. • 2450 Auto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1 229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 13
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (A.P.N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
14. Soil design parameters including bearing and·lateral earth pressures, will remain the
same as specified in the referenced reports (see Attachment). However, an
additional seismic force due to seismic increment of earth pressure may also be
appropriate in the project designs in case of building walls with greater than 6-feet
soil differential on each side or retaining walls 12 feet or taller, as determined by the
project design consultant. A seismic lateral inverted triangular earth pressure of 21
pcf (EFP) acting at 0.6H (His the retained height) above the base of the wall should
also be considered, if appropriate and applicable. The seismic lateral earth
pressure should be considered in addition to the specified static earth and
surcharge (due to nearby foundations and vehicular traffic loading) pressures.
15. All exterior slabs (walkways, patios, pool decks, etc.) supported on very low
expansive subgrade soils should be a minimum of 4 inches in thickness, reinforced
with 6X6-10X10 welded wire mesh carefully placed near the slab mid-height. The
subgrade soils should be compacted to minimum 90% compaction levels atthetime
of fine grading and before placing the slab reinforcement.
Reinforcements lying on sub grade will be ineffective and shortly corrode due to lack
of adequate concrete cover. Reinforcing bars should be correctly placed extending
through the construction joints tying the slab panels. In construction practices ..
where the reinforcements are .discontinued or cut at the construction joints, slab
panels should be tied together with minimum 18 inches long #3 dowels (dowel
baskets) at 18 inches on centers maximum placed mid-height in the slab (9 inches
on either side of the joint).
Provide "tool joint" or "softcut" contraction/control joints spaced 10 feet on center
(not to exceed 12 feet maximum) each way. The larger dimension of any panel
shall not exceed 125% of the smaller dimension. Tool or cut as soon as slab will
support weight, and can be operated without disturbing the final finish which is
normally within 2 hours after final finish at each control joint location or 150 psi to
800 psi. Tool or softcuts should be a minimum of 1-inch but should not exceed 1 ¼-
inch deep maximum. In case of softcutjoints, anti-ravel skid plates should be used
and replaced with each blade to avoid spalling and raveling. Avoid wheeled
equipments across cuts for at least 24 hours.
• Joints shall intersect free-edges at a 90° angle and shall extend straight for a
minimum of 1½ feet from the edge. The minimum angle between any two
intersecting joints shall be 80°. Align joints of adjacent panels. Also, align joints in
attached curbs with joints in slab panels. Provide adequate curing using approved
methods (curing compound maximum coverage rate= 200 sq. ft./gal.) .
V 1NJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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Geotechnical Plan Review Update, Proposed Single-Family Residential Page 14
Development, Adams Street, Carlsbad (AP.N. 206-200-03) November 7, 2013
All exterior slab designs should be confirmed in the final as-graded compaction
report. Subgrade soils should be tested for proper moisture and specified
compaction levels and approved by the project geotechnical consultant prior to the
placement of concrete .
16. Specific pavement designs can best be provided at the completion of rough grading
based on R-value tests of the actual finish subgrade soils; however, the following
structural sections may be considered for initial planning phase cost estimating
purposes only (not for construction):
* A minimum section of 4 inches asphalt on 6 inches Caltrans Class 2 aggregate
base or the minimum structural section required by City of Carlsbad, whichever
is more, may be co_nsidered for t~e on-site asphalt paving surfaces outside the
private and public right-of-way. -The Class 2 aggregate base shall meet or
exceed the requirements set forth in the , current California Standard
Specification (Caltrans Section 26-1 .02). In the areas where the longitudinal
grades exceed 10%, ½-inch asphalt should be added to the design asphalt
thickness for each 2% increase in grade or portions thereof. PCC paving should
be considered for longitudinal grades greater than 15% maximum. Actual
design will also depend on the design Tl and approval of the City of Carlsbad.
* Base materials should be compacted to a minimum 95% of the corresponding
maximum dry density (ASTM D-1557). Subgrade soils beneath the asphalt
paving surfaces should also be compacted to a minimum 95% of the
corresponding maximum dry densitywithin the upper 12 inches.
17. Residential PCC driveways and parking supported on very low expansive
(expansion index less than 20) granular subgrade soils should be a minimum 5½
inches in thickness, reinforced with #3 reinforcing bars at 18 inches on centers each
way placed at mid-height in the slab. Subgrade soils beneath the PCC driveways
and parking should also be compacted to a minimum 90% of the corresponding
maximum dry density.
In the areas where longitudinal grades exceed 15%, provide minimum 8 inches wide
by 8 inches deep pavement anchors dug perpendicularto the pavement longitudinal
profile into the approved subgrade at each 25-feet interval maximum. The
pavement anchors should be poured monolithically with the concrete paving
surfaces.
Provide "tool joint" or "softcut" contraction/control joints spaced 10 feet on center
(not to exceed 15 feet maximum) each way. The larger dimension of any panel
shall not exceed 125% of the smaller dimension. Tool or cut as soon as the slab will
support the weight and can be operated ~ithout disturbing the final finish which is
normally within 2 hours after final finish at each control joint location or 150 psi to
V INJE & M lDDLETON ENGINEERING, I NC. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-J229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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800 psi. Tool or softcuts should be a minimum of 1-inch in depth but should not
exceed 1 ¼-inches deep maximum. In case of softcut joints, anti-ravel skid plates
should be used and replaced with each blade to avoid spalling and raveling. Avoid
wheeled equipments across cuts for at least 24 hours.
Joints shall intersect free edges at a 90° angle and shall extend straight for a
minimum of 1½ feet from the edge. The minimum angle between any two
intersecting joints shall be 80°. Align joints of adjacent panels. Also, align joints in
attached curbs with joints in slab panels. Provid·e adequate curing using approved
method (curing compound maximum coverage rate= 200 sq. ft./gal.) .
18. The pool and spa excavations are expected to chiefly expose dense undisturbed
Terrace Deposits with very low expansive potential. Project natural undisturbed
Terrace Deposits will adequately support the planned new pool and spa, however,
pool/spa designs and construction should be completed based on very low
expansive soils (expansion index 20) and lateral earth pressures provided in this
· report. The pool and spa shells should also be provided with a minimum 15 inches
wide by 18 inches deep perimeter grade beam reinforced with minimum 2-#4 bars
top and bottom around the top of the concrete shell. Pool/spa shell thickness and
reinforcements per structural details.
Deepened pool wall foundations shall be required for the southern outside pool
wall(s) planned on the adjacent descending slope to provide a minimum of 10 feet
horizontal distance or set back to daylight. Reinforcement for deepened footings
should be provided by the project architect/structural engineer. •
19. A well-constructed back drainage .system should be installed behind all site and
building basement type retaining walls at the project site.. The wall back drainage
system should consist of a minimum 4-inch diameter, Schedule 40 (SDR 35)
perforated pipe surrounded with'a minimum of 1½ cubic feet per foot of ¾-crushed
rocks (12 inches wide by 18 inches deep) installed at the depths of the wall
foundation level and wrapped in filter fabric (Mirafi 140-N). If Caltrans Class 2
permeable aggregate is used in lieu of the crushed rocks, the filter fabric can be
deleted. The wall back drain should be installed at suitable elevations to allow for
adequate fall via a non-perforated solid pipe (Schedule 40 or SDR 35) to an
approved outlet. Protect pipe outlets where they daylight or graded or natural
surfaces. All subdrain pipes and outlet locations should be shown on the final
grading or site plan. A typical wall back drain system is depicted on the Plate 9 of
the referenced report (see Attachment). Provide appropriate waterproofing where
applicable as indicated on the pertinent project construction plans.
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, !Ne. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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20. Control of site surface drainage and potential for development of post construction
subsurface water caused by surface water infiltrations is one of the most significant
geotechnical factors with regards to the future performance of the new building site
with lower basement type level and associated improvement and structures.
Surface flow, run-off drainage and subsurface water should not impact graded
surfaces, saturate site fills, wall backfills, bearing and subgrade soils, or cause
erosion. Drainage structures and erosion control measurements should be provided
at as discussed in the referenced report and shown on the project grading and
drainage improvement plans.
21. Open or backfilled trenches parallel with a footing shall not be below a projected
plane having a downward slope of 1-unit vertical to .2 units horizontal (50%) from a
line 9 inches above the bottom edge of the footing, and not closer than 18 inches
from the face of such footing.
22. Where pipes cross under footings, the footings shall be specially designed. Pipe
sleeves shall be provided where pipes cross through footings or footing walls, and
sleeve clearances shall provide for possible footing settlement, but not less than 1-
inch all around the pipe.
X. GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER OF RECORD (GER)
Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. is the geotechnical engineer of record (GER) for
providing a specific scope of work or professional service under a contractual agreement
unless it is terminated or canceled by either the client or our firm. In the event a new
geotechnical consultant or soils engineering firm is hired to provide added engineering
services, professional consultations, engineering observations and compaction testing,
Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. will no longer be the geotechnical engineer of the
record. • Project transfer should be completed in accordance with the California
Geotechnical • Engineering Association (CGEA) Recommended Practice for Transfer of
Job.s Between Consultants.
The new geotechnical consultant or soils engineering firm should review all previous
geotechnical documents, conduct an independent study, and provide appropriate
confirmations, revisions or design modifications to his own satisfaction. The new
geotechnical consultant or soils engineering firm should also notify in writing Vinje &
Middleton Engineering, Inc. and submit proper notification to the City of Carlsbad for the
assumption of responsibility in accordance with the applicable codes and standards (1997
UBC Section 3317.8).
VINJE & MIDDLETON E NGJNEERING, !Ne. • 2450 Auto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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XI. LIMITATIONS
The conclusions and recommendations provided herein have been based on all available
data obtained from the review of pertinent geotechnical documents, current site
observations, shallow sampling and added laboratory testing, as well as our experience
with the soils and bedrock materials located in the general site areas .
Of necessity we must assume a certain degree of continuity between available exploratory ·
excavations and/or natural exposures. It is necessary, therefore, that all observations,
conclusions, and recommendations are verified during the grading operation. In the event
discrepancies are noted, we should be contacted immediately so that an inspection can
be made and additional recommendations issued ifrequired. The recommendations made
in this report are applicable to the site at the time this report was prepared. It is the
responsibility of the owner/developer to ensure that these recommendations are carried
out in the field. ••
It is almost impossible to predict with certainty the future performance of a property. The
future behavior of the site is also dependent on numerous unpredictable variables, such
as earthquakes, rainfall, and on-site drainage patterns.
The firm of VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC., shall not be held responsible for
changes to the physical conditions of the property such as addition of fill soils, added cut
slopes, or changing drainage patterns which occur without our inspection or control.
The property owner(s) should be aware that the development of cracks in all concrete
surfaces such as floor· slabs and exterior stucco is associated with normal concrete
shrinkage during the curing process. These features depend chiefly upon the condition of
concrete and weather conditions at the time of construction and do not ·reflect detrimental
ground movement. Hairline stucco cracks will often develop at window/door corners, and
floor surface cracks up to 1/a-inch wide in 20 feet may develop as a result of normal
concrete shrinkage (according to the American Concrete Institute). •
This report is issued with the understanding that the owner or-his representative is
responsible for ensuring that the information and recommendations are provided to the
project architect/structural engineer so that they can be incorporated into the plans.
Necessary steps shall be taken to ensure that the project general contractor and
subcontractors carry out such recommendations during construction.
The project geotechnical engineer should be provided the opportunity for a general review
of the projects final design plans and specifications in order to ensure that the
recommendations provided in this report are properly interpreted and implemented. The
project geotechnical engineer should also be provided the opportunity to field verify the
foundations prior to placing concrete. If the project geotechnical engineer is not provided
the opportunity of making these reviews, he can assume no responsibility for
misinterpretation of his recommendations.
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGfNEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1 229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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REFERENCES
-Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 4 -Construction, Volume 04.08: Soil and
Rock (I); D 420 -D 5876, 2012.
-Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 4 -Construction, Volume 04.09: Soil and
Rock (II); D 5876 -Latest, 2012.
-Highway Design Manual, Caltrans. Fifth Edition.
-Corrosion Guidelines, Caltrans, Version 1.0, September 2003.
-California Building Code, Volumes 1 & 2, International Code Council, 2010.
-"Green Book" Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction, Public Works
Standards, Inc., BNi Building News, 2003 Edition.
-California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology (California
Geological Survey), 1997, Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards
in California, DOG Special Publication 117, 71 p.
-California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology (California
Geological Survey), 1986 (revised), Guidelines for Preparing Engineering Geology
Reports: DMG Note 44.
-California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and · Geology (California
Geological Survey), 1986 (revised), Guidelines to Geologic and Seismic Reports: DMG
Note 42.
-EQFAUL T, Ver. 3.00, 1997, Deterministic Estimation of Peak Acceleration from
Digitized Faults, Computer Program, T. Blake Computer Services and Software.
-EQSEARCH, Ver 3.00, 1997, Estimation of Peak Acceleration from California
Earthquake Catalogs, Computer Program, T. Blake Computer Services and Software.
-Tan S.S. and Kennedy, M.P., 1996, Geologic Maps of the Northwestern Part of San
Diego County, California, Plate(s) 1 and 2, Open File-Report 96-02, California Division
of Mines and Geology, 1 :24,000.
-''Proceeding of The NCEER Workshop on Evaluation of Liquefaction Resistance Soils,"
Edited byT. Leslie Youd and lzzat M. Idriss, Technical Report NCEER-97-0022, Dated
December 31, 1997.
-"Recommended Procedures For Implementation of DMG Special Publication 117
Guidelines For Analyzing and Mitigation Liquefaction in California," Southern California
Earthquake Center; USC, March 1999.
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REFERENCES (continued)
-"Soil Mechanics," Naval Facilities Engineering Command, OM 7.01.
-"Foundations & Earth Structures," Naval Facilities Engineering Command, OM 7.02.
-"Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, Robert D. Holtz, William D. Kovacs.
-"Introductory Soil Mechanics and Foundations: Geotechnical Engineering," George F.
Sowers, Fourth Edition. .
-"Foundation Analysis and Design," Joseph E. Bowels.
-Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 29, 1998.
-Jennings, C.W., 1994, Fault Activity Map of California and Adjacent Areas, California
Division of Mines and Geology, Geologic Data Map Series, No. 6. •
-Kennedy, M.P., 1977, RecencyandCharacterofFaultingAlongtheElsinoreFaultZone
in Southern Riverside County, California, Special Report 131, California Division of
Mines and Geology, Plate 1 (East/West), 12p.
Kennedy, M.P. and Peterson, G.L., 1975, Geology of the San Diego Metropolitan Area,
California: California Division of Mines and Geology Bulletin 200, 56p.
-Kennedy, M.P. and Tan, S.S., 1977, Geology of National City, Imperial Beach and Otay
Mesa Quadrangles, Southern San Diego Metropolitan Area, California, Map Sheet 24,
California Division of Mines and Geology, 1 :24,000.
-Kennedy, M.P., Tan, S.S., Chapman, R.H., and Chase, G.W., 1975, Character and
Recency of Faulting, San Diego Metropolitan Areas, California: Special Report 123,
33p.
-"An Engineering Manual For Slope Stability Studies," J.M. Duncan, AL Buchignani and
Marius De Wet, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, March 1987.
-"Procedure to Evaluate Earthquake-Induced Settlements in Dry Sandy Soils," Daniel
Pradel, ASCE Journal of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Engineering, Volume 124,
#4, 1998.
-"Minimum Design Loads For Buildings and Other Structures," ASCE 7-05, American
Society of Civil Engineers.
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Preliminary Soil and Geotechnical Investigation
Parcels A, B, C
APN #260-20-03, 04 and 05
Adams Street
Carlsbad, California
August 10, 1998
Prepared For:
Mr. Gene Huber
The Prudential California Realty
523 Encinitas Boulevard, Suite 100
Encinitas, California 92024
Job #98=257-P
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. SITE DESCRIPTION . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . 1
Ill. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
IV. SITE INVESTIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V. FINDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
A. Earth Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
8. Groundwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
C. Faults/Seismicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
D. Geologic Structure/Slope Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
E. Geologic Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
F. Laboratory Testing/Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VI. CONCLUSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
A. Grading and Earthworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8. Foundations and Slab-On-Grade Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
C. Exterior Concrete Slabs/Flatworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
D. Soil Design Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
E. Asphalt Pavement Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
F. General Recommendations ..................................... 15
VIII. LIMITATIONS ................................................... 17
TABLES
Fault Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Soil Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Maximum Dry Density and Optimum Moisture Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Moisture-Density Tests (Undisturbed Chunk Samples) ..................... 4
Direct Shear Test ..................................... -. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Expansion Index Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Removals and Over-Excavations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
PLATES
Geotechnical Map ... II •• I •• II •••• I • a •••••••••••••••• 0 •••• I ••••• I •• I • II • • 1
Test Trench Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........... 2-5
Fault-Epicenter Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Geologic Cross-Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Isolation Joints and Re~Entrant Corner Reinforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Retainnng Wall Drain Detail ................. , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
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Preliminary Soil and Geotechnical Investigation
Parcels A, B, C
I. INTRODUCTION
APN #260-20-03, 04 and 05
Adams Street, Escondido, California
The property investigated in this work is divided into three similar parcels. Parcel "A" -
4475 Adams Street, Parcel "B"-4485 Adams Street, and Parcel "C"-4495 Adams Street.
They are contiguous hillside lots on the south side of Adams Street and adjacent to the
Aqua Hedionda Lagoon in the City of Carlsbad. Consequently, the property location is
shown on the Geotechnical Map, Plate 1.
We understand the three parcels are planned for individual residential development and
that Parcel B, will be developed first. Cut/fill grading is proposed to create level building
surfaces for the residence and associated structures. Consequently, the purpose of this
study was to determine the general site geologic and soil conditions and their influence
on planned improvements. •
• Test Trenches were excavated, and soil sampling and testing were performed in
connection with this· investigation, which resulted in the ·development recommendations
provided herein.
II. SITE DESCRIPUON
The subject parcels are rectangular shaped and encompass hillside terrain characterized
by gentle slopes that descend southward to the shoreline of the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon.
The property is in a natural condition overall and is mantled with wild grasses, weeds and
scattered bush. Fill deposits .located along the upper reaches of the properties are likely
derived from the grading activities for the cons_truction of Adams Street, and are shown on
Plate 1.
Site drainage sheet flows southward over project terrain with minor scouring in evidence.
Groundwater was not encountered in project test excavations.
Ill~ PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
The three parcels studied during this investigation are planned for individual residential
development. Parcel B is planned to be developed first and Parcels A and C at a later
date.
We understand that cut-fill grading is planned to create level building surfaces for the
residence and associated structures on Parcel B. Retaining walls will be utilized along the
upper (north) margin. However, details of the proposed grading and foundation
configuration are unknown.
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. 0 2450 Anto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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PAGE 2
AUGUST 10, 1998
Detailed building plans were also not available for review at this time.
IV. SITE INVESTIGATION
The geotechnical conditions at the project lots were determined from geologic mapping of
available surface exposures and the excavation of 8 test trenches dug with a tractor-
mounted backhoe. The trenches were logged by our project geologist who also retained
representative soil/rock samples for laboratory testing. Test results are presented in a
following section. The test trench locations are shown on Plate 1 and the logs of the
trenches are attached to this report as Plates 2-5.
V. FINDINGS
Study properties are chiefly natural hillside terrain underlain by sandstone bedrock units
that a~e mantled by younger surface soils.
A. Earth Materials
The project site is underlain by tertiary to quaternary aged marine sedimentary
sandstone . deposits, The older tertiary aged formational bedrock unit which is
exposed in the lower reaches of the site is an off-white colored, fine to coarse
grained, cemented, massive sandstone. Overlying this formational bedrock unit
is the younger quaternary aged terrace deposit that is tan to light brown colored,
fine to medium grained sandstone. Loose sand deposits also occur within the
upper terrace deposit, as exposed in test trench T-7 (see plate 5).
Colluvial and topsoil materials mantle the terrace deposit and consist of brown
colored, silty sands to sandy clays that are in a loose to stiff condition.
Fill soils comprised of brown colored, silty sands, are found along Adams Street
and are in a dry and loose condition.
Details of the earth materials at the project are given on the enclosed Plates 2-9.
Laboratory tests are summarized in a following section.
B. Groundwater
Groundwater was hot encountered in our test trench excavations to the depths
explored. However, like all hillside properties, the proper control of surface and
near surface drainage is a critical element in the continued stability of the
property.
V JNJE & MIDDLETON E NGINEERING, I NC. • 2450 Auto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
PRELIMINARY SOIL AND GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
PARCELS A,B,C, ADAMS STREET, CARLSBAD
PAGE 4
AUGUST 10, 1998
have been recorded in coastal regions between January 1984 and August 1986.
Most of the earthquakes are thought to have been generated along offshore
faults. For the most part, the recorded events remain moderate shocks which
typically resulted in low levels of ground shaking to local areas. A notable
exception to this pattern was recorded on July. 13, 1986. An earthquake of
magnitude 5.3 shook County coastal areas with moderate to locally heavy ground
shaking resulting in $700,000 in damages, one death, ·and injuries to 30 people.
The quake occurred along an offshore fault located nearly 30 miles southwest of
Oceanside.
A series of notable events shook County areas with a (maximum) magnitude 7.4
shock in the early morning of June 28, 1992. These quakes originated along
related segments of the San Andreas Fault approximately 90 miles to the north.
Locally high levels of ground shaking over an extended period of time resulted;
however, significant damages to local structures were not reported. The increase
in earthquake frequency in the region remains a subject of speculation among
geologists; however, based upon empirical information and the recorded seismic
history of county areas, the 1986 and 1992 events are thought to represent the
highest levels of ground shaking which can be expected at the study site as a
result of seismic activity.
In recent years, the Rose Canyon Fault has received added attention from
geologists. The fault is a significant structural feature in metropolitan San Diego
which includes a series of parallel breaks trending southward from La Jolla Cove
through San Diego Bay toward the Mexican border. Recent trenching along the
fault in Rose Canyon indicated that at that location the fault was last active 6,000
to 9,000 years ago. Thus, the fault is classified as "active" by the State of
California which defines faults that evidence displacement in the previous 11,000
years as active.
More active faults (listed on the preceding page) are considered most likely to
impact the region during the lifetime of the project. The faults are periodically
active and capable of generating moderate to locally high levels of ground
shaking site. Ground separation as a result of seismic activity is not expected at
the property.
D. Geologic Structure/Slope Stability
Large-scale landslide terrain are known to impact hillside terrain in the vicinity of
the project site. The slides are related to weak earth materials or unsupported
geologic structure in an inclined condition.
V!NJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERfrKi, INC. 0 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, Caiifornia 92029-1229 ° Phone (760; 743-1214
PRELIMINARY SOIL AND GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
PARCELS A,B,C, ADAMS STREET, CARLSBAD
PAGE 8
AUGUST 10, 1998
*
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Groundwater conditions were not encountered during our investigation and are
not expected to be a problem in development of the site as planned.
Potentially expansive clayey soils were indicated at the site and are expected to
be in minor quantities (upper colluvium/topsoils). Attempts should be made to bury
expansive soils in deeper fills below the upper three from the rough finish grade
using the select grading techniques.
Maximum post construction settlement is not expected to exceed approximately
1-inch, and should occur below the heaviest loaded footings provided our
recommendations for remedial grading and site development are followed. The
magnitude of post construction differential settlements (as expressed in terms of
angular distortion) is not anticipated to exceed ½-inch between similar elements,
in a 30-foot span.
Liquefaction and seismically induced settlements and will not impact the proposed
development and structures provided our recommendations for remedial grading
and site development are followed. •
Soil collapse will not be a factor in development of the study site provided our
recommendations for site development are followed.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are consistent with the project geotechnical conditions.
Recommendations given below should be incorporated in to final plans and implemented
during the construction phase.
A. Grading and Earthworks
Conventional grading techniques may be used in order to achieve final design
grades and improve soil conditions beneath the structures and improvements. All
grading and earthworks should be completed in accordance with Appendix
Chapter 33 of the Uniform Building Code, City of Carlsbad grading ordinances
and the requirements of the following section wherever applicable.
1. Clearing and Grubbing: Surface vegetation and other deleterious
materials should be removed from areas to receive fills, structures and
improvements. Removals should be inspected and approved by the project
geotechnical engineer or his designated field representative prior to grading.
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760.J 743-1214
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AUGUST 10, 1998
difficulties during removal and construction operations. Grading scheme and
project architectural plans were not available to us at the time of preparation
of this report. Mitigation will depend on design grades/architect plan and
may include temporary shoring, soil treatment using grading options and in-
situ soil improvement techniques. Appropriate recommendations should be
given by the project soil engineer at the time of grading and foundation plan
review when details of construction are known .
Elsewhere temporary construction slopes required during removal
operations should not exceed 1: 1 gradients maximum. Minor sloughing the
temporary slopes may occur and should be anticipated.
5. Fill Materials/Compaction: Removed soils are suitable for reuse as
compacted site fill. Fill soils should be moisture conditioned to near optimum
levels and mechanically compacted in thin, horizontal lifts to at least 90% of
the corresponding laboratory maximum density value per ASTM D-1557-91
unless otherwise specified.
6. Graded Slopes: Graded cut and fill slopes at the project site should be
programmed for 2: 1 gradients maximum. Cut and fill slopes constructed at
2: 1 gradients will be grossly stable with respect to deep seated and surficial
failures for the maximum anticipated design heights.
Grade fill slopes should be compacted to minimum 90% out to the slope
face. Overbuilding and cutting back to the compacted core or backrolling at
minimum 4 feet vertical increments and "track-walking" the slope face is
recommended.
• Graded cut slopes exposing loose sandy and erodible deposits should be
reconstructed as a stabilization fill slopes. For this purpose an equipment
wide keyway should be established at the toe of the slope. The keyway
should be at least 2 feet deep below rough pad grade and heeled back a
minimum of 2% into the natural hillside. Actual keyway dimensions should
be determined in the field based upon actual exposures. Additional
recommendations should be given at the time of grading plan review when
the project grading scheme is known .
Reconstructed slope should maintain finish gradients no steeper than 2: 1
(horizontal to vertical) and compacted to minimum 90% out to the slope
face.
VINJE & MIDDLETON E NGINEERING, INc. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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7. Inspections: Site grading operations should be tested and inspected by the
project geotechnical engineer or his designated field representative on a
continuous basis. Particular attention should be given to over-excavations
and removals, and fill compaction. Geotechnical engineering observations
and testing should be presented in a formal as-graded compaction report at
the completion of rough grading.
8. Surface Drainage/Erosion Control: A critical element to the continued
stability of the graded building pads and slopes is adequate surface
drainage system, and protection of the slope face. This can most effectively
be achieved by appropriate vegetation cover and the installation of the .
following systems:
* Drainage swales should be provided at the top and toe of the slopes per
project civil engineer design.
* Building pad and slope· surface run-off should be collected and directed to
a selected location in a controlled manner.
* • The finish slope should be planted soon after completion of grading.
Unprotected slope faces will be subject to severe erosion and should not be
allowed. Over watering of the slope faces should also not be allowed. Only
the amount of water to sustain vegetation life should be provided.
B. Foundations and Slab-On-Grade Floors
The following recommendations are consistent with very low expansive foundation .
bearing soils (EI(21) anticipated at the study site. Fin~I foundation and slab
design will depend on expansion characteristics of finish grade soils and
differential fill thickness. All foundations and slab recommendations should be
confirmed and/or revised as necessary in the site final as-graded compaction
report. Revised recommendations may be necessary and should be anticipated.
1. The proposed building may be supported on stiff shallow foundations. The
shallow foundations should be founded on certified bearing soils.
Acceptable foundations should include a system of concrete spread pad and
strip footings and slab-on-grade floors.
2. Continuous strip foundations should be sized at least 12 inches wide by 12
inches deep for single-story structures and 15 inches wide by 18 inches
deep for two-story structures. Spread pad footings should be at least 24
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AUGUST 10, 1998
inches square and 12 inches deep. All depths are measured from the lowest
finish rough grades not including the recommended sand underlay beneath
the slabs. Exterior continuous strip footings should enclose the entire
building perimeter.
3. Continuous strip foundations should be reinforced with a minimum of 4-#4
reinforcing bars. Place 2-#4 bars 3 inches above the bottom of the footing
and 2-#4 bars 3 inches below the top of the footing. Reinforcement for the
spread pad footings should be designed by the project structural engineer.
4. . All interior slabs should be a minimum of 4 inches in thickness and
reinforced with #3 bars spaced 18 inches on center each way placed mid-
height in the slab. Slabs should be underlain with 4 inches of clean sand
(SE 30 or greater). Place a six-mil plastic moisture barrier mid-height in the
. clean sand.
5. Subgrade soils should be tested for proper moisture and specified
comp.action levels and approved by the project geotechnical ·consultant
within 72 hours prior to the placement of concrete.
6. Provide contraction joints consisting of sawcuts spaced 10 feet on center
each way within 24 hours of concrete pour for all interior slabs. The sawcuts
should be a minimum of ¾-inch in depth but should not exceed 1 ½-inches
in depth or the reinforcing may be damaged.
7. Provide re-entrant corner reinforcement for all interior slabs. Re-entrant
corners will depend on slab geometry and/or interior column locations. The
enclosed Plate 8 may be used as a general guideline.
C. Exterior Concrete Slabs/Flatworks
1. All exterior slabs (walkways, and patios) should be a minimum of 4 inches
in thickness reinforced with 6x6/10x10 welded wire mesh placed at mid-
height of the slab.
2. PCC driveways and parking should be a minimum of 5 inches in thickness
and reinforced with #3 reinforcing bars spaced 18 inches on center each
way, placed at mid-height of the slab. Subgrade soils beneath the PCC
driveways and parking should be compacted to a minimum of 95% of the
corresponding maximum dry density within the upper 6 inches. In the case
VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way • Escondido, California 92029-1229 ° Phone (760) 743-1214
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AUGUST 10, 1998
of potentially expansive soils (EI)20), provide a minimum of 6 inches of 95%
compacted Caltrans Class II . base under PCC driveways and parking.
3. Provide weakened joints consisting of sawcuts spaced 10 feet on center (not
to exceed 12 feet maximum) each way within 24 hours of concrete pour. The
sawcuts should be a minimum depth of ¾-inch but should not exceed 1 ½-
inches deep.
4. All exterior slab designs should be confirmed in the final as-graded
compaction report .
5. . Sub and base grade soils should be tested for proper moisture and specified
compaction levels and approved by the project geotechnical consultant
within 72 hours prior to the placement of concrete.
D. Soil Design Parameters
The following soil design parameters are based on the tested representative samples
of on-site earth deposits. All parameters should be re-evaluated · when the
characteristics of the final as-graded soils have been specifically determined. Revised
recommendations may be necessary and should be anticipated .
1. Design wet density of soil = 125. 7 pcf.
2. Design angle of internal friction of soil = 34 degrees.
3. Design active soil pressure for retaining structures= 36 pcf (EFP), level backfill,
cantilever, unrestrained walls .
4. Design active soil pressure for retaining structures·= 54 pcf (EFP), 2:1 backfill
surface, cantilever, unrestrained walls.
5. Design at-rest soil pressure for retaining structures = 55 pcf (EFP), non-yielding,
restrained walls.
6. Design passive soil pressure for retaining structures = 444 pcf (EFP), level .
surface at the toe .
7. Design coefficient of friction for concrete on soils= 0.40.
8. Allowable foundation pressure for certified compacted on-site soil= 1900 psf.
9. Allowable lateral bearing pressure (all structures except retaining walls) for
. certified on-site soils = 150 psf/ft .
Notes:
* Because large movements must take place before maximum passive resistance
can be developed, a minimum safety factor of two should be considered for
VINJE & MIDDLETON E NGJNEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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F. General Recommendations <
PAGE 15
AUGUST 10, 1988
1. The minimum foundation design and steel reinforcement provided herein is
based on soil characteristics only and is not intended to be in lieu of
reinforcement necessary for structural considerations. All recommendations
should be evaluated and confirmed by the project architecUstructural engineer .
2. Footings located on or adjacent to the top of slopes should be extended to a
sufficient depth to provide a minimum horizontal distance of 7 feet or one-third
of the slope height, whichever is greater (need not exceed 40 feet maximum)
between the bottom edge of the footing and face of slope. This requirements
applies to all improvements and structures including fences, posts, pools, spas,
etc. Concrete and AC improvements should be provided with a thicken edge
to satisfy this requirement.
3. Expansive clayey soils should not be used for backfilling of any retaining
structure. All retaining walls should be provided with a 1 : 1 wedge of granular,
compacted backfill measured from the base of the wall footing to the finished
surface. Retaining walls should be provided with a back drainage in general
accordance with the attached Plate 9.
4. All underground utility trenches should be compacted to a minimum of 90% of
the maximum dry density of the soil unless otherwise specified by the respective
agencies. Care should be taken not to crush the utilities or pipes during the
compaction of the soil. Non-expansive, granular backfill soils should be used.
5. Site drainage over the finished pad surface should flow away from structures
onto the street in a positive manner. Care should be taken during the
construction, improvement, and fine grading phases not to disrupt the designed
drainage patterns. Rooflines of the buildings should be provided with roof
gutters. Roof water should be collected and directed away from the building
and structures to a suitable location. Considerations should be g·iven by the
project architect to adequately damp proofing/water proofing the basement
walls/foundations and provide the planter areas adjacent to the foundations with
an impermeable liner and a subdrainage system.
6. Finish surfaces for all improvements and hard scape including placement of
asphalt and concrete, should be completed within 72 hours after.the approval
of base/subgrade by the project soils engineer. Additional inspection, testing
and certification of the base/subgrade receiving finish surfaces will be
necessary in the event the specified time period is not met.
Y INJE & MlDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park Way• Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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7 .. Final grading and foundation plans should reflect preliminary recommendations
given in this report and should be reviewed by this office prior to grading. More
specific recommendations should be provided when final drawings are
available.
8. All foundation trenches should be inspected to assure adequate footing
embedment and confirm competent bearing soils. Foundation and slab
reinforcements should also be inspected and approved by the project
geotechnical consultant.
9. The amount of shrinkage and related cracks that occurs in the concrete slab-on-
grades, flatworks and driveways depends on many factors, the most important
of which is the amount of water in a concrete mix. The purpose of the slab
reinforcement is to keep normal concrete shrinkage cracks closed tightly. The
amount of concrete shrinkage can be minimized by reducing the amount of
water in the mix. To keep shrinkage to a minimum, the following should be
considered:
* Use the stiffest mix that can be handled and consolidated satisfactorily.
* Use the largest maximum size of aggregate that is practical, (for example,
concrete made with three-eights inch maximum size aggregate usually
requires about 40 lb~ more (nearly 5 gal.) water per cubic yard than
concrete with one inch aggregate).
* Cure the concrete as long as practical.
The amount of slab reinforcement provided for conventional slab-on-grade
construction considers that good quality concrete materials, proportioning,
craftsmanship, and control tests where appropriate and applicable are provided.
10. A preconstruction meeting between representatives of this office and the
property owner or planner, as well as the grading contractor/builder, is
recommended in order to discuss grading/construction details associated with
site development.
V INJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. 0 2450 Auto Park Waye Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214
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VIII. LIMITATIONS
PAGE 17
AUGUST 10, 1998
The conclusions and recommendations provided herein have been based on available
data obtained from pertine·nt reports and plans, subsurface exploratory excavations as well
as our experience with the soils and formational materials located in the general area. The
materials encountered on the project site and utilized in our laboratory testing are believed
representative of the total area; however, earth materials may vary in characteristics
between excavations.
Of necessity we must assume a certain degree of continuity between exploratory
excavations and/or natural exposures. It is necessary, therefore, that all observations,
conclusions, and recommendations be verified during the grading operation. In the event
discrepancies are noted, we should be contacted immediately so that an inspection can
be made and additional recommendations issued if required.
The recommendations made in this report are applicable to the site at the time this report
was prepared. It is the responsibility of the owner/developer to insure that these
recommendations are carried out in the field.
. It is almost impossible to predict with certainty the future performance of a property. The
future behavior of the site is also dependent on numerous unpredictable variables, such
as earthquakes, rainfall, and on-site drainage patterns.
The firm of VINJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. shall not be held responsible for
changes to the physical conditions of the property such as addition of fill soils, added cut
slopes, or changing drainage patterns which occur without our inspection or control.
The property owner(s) should be aware that the development of cracks in all concrete
surfaces such as floor slabs and exterior stucco are associated with normal concrete
shrinkage during the curing process. These features depend chiefly upon the condition
of concrete· and weather conditions at the time of construction and do not reflect
detrimental ground movement. Hairline stucco cracks will often develop at window/door
corners, and floor surface cracks up to 1/a-inch wide in 20 feet may develop as a result of
normal concrete shrinkage (according to the American Concrete Institute).
This report should be considered valid for a period of one year and is subject to review by
our firm following that time. If significant modifications are made to your tentative
development plan, especially with respect to the height and location of cut and fill slopes,
this repo1i must be presented to us for review and possible revision.
V INJE & MIDDLETON ENGINEERING, INC. • 2450 Auto Park w_ay • Escondido, California 92029-1229 • Phone (760) 743-1214