HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD 2020-0050; COLINAS DE ORO SLOPE REPAIR; SLOPE REPAIR INVESTIGATION & RECOMMENDATIONS; 2020-08-0322725 Old Canal Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92887 - (714) 685-3900 - FAX (714) 685-3909 4901 Morena Boulevard, Suite 1110, San Diego, CA 92117 - (858) 450-4040 - FAX (858) 457-0814
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August 3, 2020 File No. 24187-01
COLINAS DE ORO HOA
C/O: Ms. Cameron Gonzales THE PRESCOTT COMPANIES 5950 La Place Court, Suite 200 Carlsbad, California 92008
Project: SLOPE REPAIR INVESTIGATION & RECOMMENDATIONS COLINAS DE ORO HOA Slope Failure across from 7927 Calle Madrid Carlsbad, California 92009
Dear Ms. Gonzales:
American Geotechnical has performed a geotechnical investigation of the slope failure that occurred on
the common area slope located approximately across from 7927 Calle Madrid within the Colinas De
Oro HOA community in Carlsbad, California. The purpose for the investigation was to identify the
geologic and geotechnical conditions of the failure and provide engineering repair recommendations to
restore the slope back to its approximate original configuration with geogrid reinforcement. Our findings
and recommendations are presented in this report.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact our office.
Sincerely,
AMERICAN GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
Kevin Rogers Fei-Chiu (Jerry) Huang, Ph.D. Chief Geologist Principal Engineer C.E.G. 2425 G.E. 2601
KR/JH:bp
Distribution: Ms. Cameron Gonzales – (1) Via Email
~
•
American Geotechnical, Inc.
GEOTECHNICAL/CIVIL ENGINEERING, TESTING& INSPECTION
PD 2020-0050
File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION American Geotechnical has investigated the slope failure located approximately across the street from 7927
Calle Madrid within the Colinas De Oro HOA community in Carlsbad, California (see Figure 1 – Site
Location Map). The purpose for the investigation was to evaluate the geologic and geotechnical conditions
of the slope failure and provide engineering recommendations to restore the slope to its approximate original
configuration with geogrid reinforcement. The investigation was conducted between April and July of 2020.
1.1 SCOPE OF SERVICES
The scope of work performed for this project consisted of the following tasks:
• Review of available background documents including the Rough Grading and Geotechnical plans for
the site prepared by Leighton Engineering, dated 8/23/1984, and available published topographic
and geologic maps of the area, which are listed on the References page.
• Site review, mapping, and photographic documentation of the existing condition of the slope failure.
• Subsurface exploration and soil sampling of the slope failure utilizing two hand-excavated test pits.
• Laboratory testing of samples collected from the exploratory excavations.
• Engineering/geologic analyses and slope stability analyses.
• Preparation of engineering recommendations for repair of the slope failure.
• Preparation of this report summarizing our findings, conclusions and discussions, and presenting
conceptual landslide repairs and grading recommendations.
1.2 SLOPE FAILURE DESCRIPTION
The subject slope failure is located on a common area slope that is approximately 27 feet tall with an
approximate 2:1 (horizontal:vertical) slope gradient. The failure reportedly occurred in late March of this
year following a series of storms that dropped near record rainfall in the area. The failure occurred at about
mid-height of the slope, with the head scarp located approximately 6.5 feet below the top of the slope and
the toe of slope failure located approximately 7 feet above the base of the slope.
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7925 Calle San Felipe
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Site Location Map
Colinas De Oro HOA
Carlsbad, CAF.N. 24187.01
Figure
1
AmericanGeotechnical,Inc.
7929 Calle Madrid
No Scale:
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File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 2
Residential homes are located along the top of the slope, but the slope failure did not cause any damage to
the homes or lots and does not pose an immediate threat to them. Also, the failure debris is contained
entirely on the slope face and did not runout onto the sidewalk or the street below. The slope failure is oval-
shaped and measures approximately 55 feet wide at its widest point, and measures approximately 32 feet
long in the down slope direction, but the debris apron extends another 15 feet down the slope face almost to
the sidewalk below. The failure has a well-defined basal slip surface in the head scarp contained within a
sheared brown clay layer that is highly plastic, soft and very moist, with numerous striations oriented in the
downslope direction.
2.0 SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION
Two exploratory test pits were excavated by hand within the approximate center of the slope failure on July
10, 2020 (see Figure 2 – Geotechnical Map). One test pit was excavated in the head scarp area (AGTP-
1), and a second test pit was excavated near where the slope failure exited the slope face (AGTP-2). The
geologic conditions encountered were identified and logged by a licensed engineering geologist, and soil
samples were collected and transported back to our laboratory for testing. As stated above, there is a well-
defined basal slip surface in the head scarp that occurs as a sheared brown clay layer, which is highly
plastic, soft and very moist, and contains numerous striations oriented in the downslope direction. This slip
surface could be traced through the upper portion of the failure in our exploratory test pit AGTP-1, but could
not be found in our lower test pit, AGTP-2, where the lower portion of the failure occurs to have failed within
a broader zone of soft, plastic, and very moist clayey fill containing multiple shears and slips. The slope
failure is a classic rotational failure that occurred entirely within fill material and is approximately 5-feet thick.
No groundwater seepage was encountered in the test pits and no broken pipes that could have been leaking
into the slope were found during the subsurface investigation. Hence, the failure appears to have occurred
due to oversaturation of the fill material from the multiple rainstorms that fell in the area causing loss of shear
strength of the clay contained within the fill material. Our test pit field logs and site photographs are
presented in Appendix A. Data obtained from the field investigation and the original rough grading plans
were used to construct a geologic cross section through the slope failure, which is presented on Figure 3 –
Geologic Cross Section A-A’.
150
160
El. 168.4 El. 169.4El. 167.3
AA’AGTP-1
AGTP-2
7925 Calle San Felipe
Calle Madrid
Approx. scale:
10ft05
AGTP-2
LegendApproximate location of cross section
Approximate limits of slope failure
Approximate location of test pit
A A’
Original topo per As-Graded Plan by Leighton & Assoc., Inc. (8/29/84)
Geotechnical Map
Colinas De Oro HOA
Carlsbad, CAF.N. 24187.01
Figure
2
AmericanGeotechnical,Inc.
7929 Calle Madrid
N
160
?
?
AGTP-2
AGTP-1
As-graded topo7925 Calle San Felipe
Failure surface
Slope failure debris
Pre-development topo
Sidewalk
Pale yellow sand lifts
Per As-Built Grading Plansll key = 5’ deep x 20’ wide
Clayey Fill
Clayey Fill
Clayey Fill
Del Mar Formation
Mudstone with
inter-bedded
Sandstone
Existing ground cracks
A’A
155
160
165
170
135
140
145
150
155
160
165
170
135
140
145
150
N56W
Approx. scale:
5ft0
LegendAGTP-2 Approximate location test pit
GeologicCross Section A-A’
Colinas De Oro HOA
Carlsbad, CAF.N. 24187.01
Figure
3
AmericanGeotechnical,Inc.
7929 Calle Madrid
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0 5 1 Oft
I I I I
Approx. scale:
Approximate location of proposed
Schedule 40 PVC back drain repair
and direction of flow
Approximate extent of proposed
keyway
Approximate extent of proposed
repair zone, minimum 5 ft. beyond
slope failure area. Re-grade slope
surface to match the surrounding
area slope
Approximate location of proposed
chimney drain
Approximate location of test pit
Approximate location of cross section
Original topo per As-Graded Plan by
Leighton & Assoc.,lnc. (8/29/84)
Approximate limits of slope failure
Conceptual Slope Repair Map Figure
Colinas De Oro HOA
7929 Calle Madrid
Carlsbad, CA
4
170
165
160
155
150
145
140
A
Roll geog rid up if bench
width is less than 3m
(min. 1 0') wide
I 7925 Calle San Felipe I
------
Head scarp
Clayey Fill
Bench height to be approx.
2-3'and horizontal cut-back
approx. 3-5' and should be
tipped back at approx. 10% ,___ ~--------~ --~--=---
Mirafi BXG 120 (roll parallel to slope face) or
N 5( Synteen SF35 (roll and cut perpendicular to slope)
---or other approved geog rid@ 18" max. vertical spacing,
tip at 10% into slope. Overlap splices at min. of 6''.
t ng ground crdc ks ]
Fa:1. ·--c;urface
ADS 00C2TT (Coconut fiber) Geosynthetics
Erosion Control Blanket, ECB. Anchor with
3/8 x 1 0" bright spikes with pan washers at
48" max. spacing. Lap fabric 6" at splices.
I Slope failure deibric,
r-1~P_a_le_ye_l_lo_w_sa_n_d_lif_ts_~
1-------___ 7_ Chimney drain system:::: 30'
o.c., construct with 3/4"
rock in geofabric bags
I //
,---~~-~-_,,-i::>velopment topo
Tightline to
(e.g. Mirafi 140N or similar)
Del Mar Formati
Mudstone wiH
inter-bedded
Sandstone
Backdrain construction: :::: 8'vertical spacing
4" diameter perforated Schedule 40 PVC
drain pipe installed with perforations down
and encased in 2 cu.ft. per linear foot of
open graded gravel wrapped in geo-filter
fabric (e.g. Mirafi 140N or similar)
Maintain positive drainage pitch (4% min.)
'--------------------' 7
suitable drainage
outlet
19 ----I I 1." ,~ ~~ " ~~~~~ ..
M i@;,lf¥ ~ ~m (m in. 1 0')
Clayey Fill
~----------------___ _J
A'
170
165
160
155
150
--
145
Sidewalk
140
135 -;,---------------------....... -------------....... -----------------------------------------'!-135
0 5ft
Approx. scale:
•
American
Geotechnical,
Inc.
F.N. 24187.01
Cross Section A-A'
Repair Concept
Colinas De Oro HOA
7929 Calle Madrid
Carlsbad, CA
Figure
5
File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 3
3.0 LABORATORY TESTING
Soil samples collected from the exploratory excavations were transported in sealed containers to our
laboratory for testing of their engineering properties. Tests performed included intact moisture and dry
density, laboratory maximum dry density and optimum moisture content (proctor test), Expansion Index, and
direct shear strength. Laboratory test summaries are presented in Appendix B.
4.0 SITE AND STABILITY ANALYSIS
Laboratory testing of samples judged typical of the site soil encountered during exploration indicates
somewhat nonlinear shear-strength characteristics with disproportionally low strength at lower confining
pressures for the fill soil when remolded. As can be seen from the direct shear test plots in Appendix B, soil
strength obtained by slow shearing of saturated samples at low confining pressure was found to be about
zero cohesion and 45 to 47 degrees of friction angles. To be conservative and for the purpose of design and
analysis, a zero cohesion and 45 degree of friction angle has been utilized in the subsequent surficial
stability analysis as well as for the gross stability analysis for the shear strength of fill and/or imported soil
materials. A 300 pounds per square feet (psf) cohesion and 45 degrees of friction angle representing overall
shear strength of the Del Mar Formation Mudstone with Inter-bedded Sandstone were also utilized in the
subsequent gross stability analysis.
For surficial stability analysis, a theoretical minimum factor-of-safety, equal to 0.96 has been estimated for
the slope with a five-foot deep slump. This very low factor-of-safety result indicates a condition of probable
failure in response to saturation and seepage. Since the theoretical factor-of-safety is typical less than 1.0,
failure would occur even before mobilizing the full seepage conditions assumed in the analysis. Result of
our surficial stability analysis is presented in Appendix C.
Gross (long-term) stability analysis was performed utilizing commercial software, GSTABL7 with STEDWin,
Version 2.005.3. Gross stability analyses were conducted using the Spencer Method and Circular Search to
determine factors-of-safety under both static and pseudo-static conditions for the proposed slope repair with
geogrid reinforcement to rebuild the slope and restore the failed slope back to its original, pre-failure slope
configurations. Results of the gross stability analyses indicated that the factors-of-safety to restore the failed
slope back to its original, pre-failure slope configurations with geogrid reinforcement utilizing Mirafi BXG 120
geogrid is 2.347 and 1.643 respectively, for static and pseudo-static (seismic) conditions.
File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 4
These calculated factors-of-safety are higher than the minimum code requirements of 1.5 and 1.1,
respectively, for the static and pseudo-static conditions. Results of our gross (long-term) stability analyses
under static and pseudo-static conditions are presented in Appendix C.
5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 BASIS
Conclusions and recommendations contained in this report are based upon information provided,
information gathered, investigation conducted, engineering and geologic evaluations, as well as our
experience, and professional judgment. Recommendations contained herein should be considered
minimums consistent with industry practice. More rigorous criteria could be adopted if lower risk of future
problems is desired.
5.2 CONCLUSIONS
Based on our evaluation of the site, and our experience and judgment, it is our opinion that the slope failure
that occurred in March 2020 at the subject site is a result of the failure of weak soil triggered by saturation of
the near-surface soil. The near-surface soil likely absorbed a significant amount of rainwater from the
accumulated record amount of rainfall that hit the area this past rainy season, which likely weakened it to the
point that the slope failure occurred. The somewhat flatter angle of the failure surface is an indicator of both
soil weakness and a significant groundwater influence to trigger the failure.
5.3 TREATMENT CONCEPTS
In order to provide the slope with a substantially lower risk of future problems, the low soil strength must be
addressed. Strength could be added to the soil in a number of ways. Slope soil could be excavated and
replaced with a better quality imported soil, but American Geotechnical’s experience with southern California
soil types suggests that not much practical improvement could be generated by importing better soil. The
soil strength could be augmented by excavating the soil, blending in cement, and then re-compacting. This
process is both expensive and time consuming to properly implement. Furthermore, the resulting finished
slope surface is difficult to landscape.
File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 5
Another method for strengthening the soil involves layering with high-strength "geogrid" designed to
reinforce soil in a manner analogous to how steel reinforces concrete. American Geotechnical introduced
this method of slope repair to southern California in 1986. For various reasons and our past experience, we
believe a geogrid repair is the preferred method for improving the surficial stability condition of the slope. As
aforementioned, not much success can be experienced by importing the soil. Reinforcing the soil with high-
strength geogrid can be typically done relatively quickly, with less expense and with no associated
landscape problem, such as can be expected with soil cement.
5.4 CONCEPTUAL REPAIR RECOMMENDATIONS
To enhance future performance and improve the surficial slope stability of the slope, we recommend that the
slope be repaired using geogrid reinforcement. The existing failed slope, on the order of about 2:1
(horizontal: vertical), can be improved by installing layered geogrid to enhance the soil strength, and the
slope can be rebuilt and restored back to its original configurations. Schematics of the proposed slope
repair concept with geogrid reinforcement are presented in Figures 4 and 5. The entire failed slope area
plus about 5 feet beyond the actual slope failure boundary should be treated. Actual limits of the slope
repair should be verified in the field by the project engineering geologist after the slope vegetation has been
removed. Non-failed areas could have some risk of failure in the future, but absent any signs of imminent
failure they need not be improved at this time.
The details shown in Figure 5 illustrates the layering with a high-strength geogrid, Mirafi BXG120
manufactured by Tencate Geosynthetics America, at 18-inch maximum vertical spacing, as well as
associated drainage recommendation details. Calculations indicate that the minimum width of geogrid
material should be at least 3 meters (about 10 feet). Actual geogrid widths might need to be wider
depending upon the conditions encountered and the actual widths of the bench cuts made for the repair.
Geogrid design calculations are presented in Appendix D. A minimum 3 meter (about 10 feet) wide and 2-
foot deep keyway should be excavated at the toe of the failure to support the overlying repair as shown on
the slope repair details. The actual key location and dimensions could vary as field conditions dictate. The
bottom of the keyway may need to be deepened and should be field verified by the project engineering
geologist to confirm that the key bottom is firm and unyielding prior to receiving any fill placement. The key
and all subsequent bench cuts, geogrid layers, and fill layers should ideally be tipped slightly back into the
slope as shown on the slope. Under no circumstances should they be tipped forward in the out-of-slope
direction.
150
160
El. 168.4 El. 169.4El. 167.3
AA’AGTP-1
AGTP-2
Keyway
Slope failure
Chimney drains Chimney drains
Sch 40 PVC back drain
Extent of repair
Tightline to suitable drainage outlet
H.P.3m (min.10’)30’
4%4%
min.5’
min.5’
H.P.
H.P.
H.P.
H.P.
H.P.
7925 Calle San Felipe
Calle Madrid
Approx. scale:
10ft0 5
AGTP-2Legend
Approximate location of cross section
Approximate limits of slope failure
Approximate location of test pit
A A’
Original topo per As-Graded Plan by Leighton & Assoc.,Inc. (8/29/84)
Conceptual Slope Repair Map
Colinas De Oro HOA
Carlsbad, CAF.N. 24187.01
Figure
4
AmericanGeotechnical,Inc.
7929 Calle Madrid
N
160
Approximate location of proposed Schedule 40 PVC back drain repairand direction of ow
Approximate extent of proposed keyway
Approximate extent of proposed repair zone, minimum 5 ft. beyondslope failure area. Re-grade slopesurface to match the surroundingarea slope
Approximate location of proposed chimney drain
C)
--
A
..
. ..
?
?
AGTP-2
AGTP-1
As-graded topo7925 Calle San Felipe
Failure surface
Slope failure debris
Pre-development topo
Sidewalk
Pale yellow sand lifts
Per As-Built Grading Plansll key = 5’ deep x 20’ wide
Clayey Fill
Clayey Fill
Clayey Fill
Del Mar Formation
Mudstone with
inter-bedded
Sandstone
Existing ground cracks
A’A
155
160
165
170
135
140
145
150
155
160
165
170
135
140
145
150
N56W
5’
Head scarp
Backdrain construction: 8’ vertical spacing
4” diameter perforated Schedule 40 PVC
drain pipe installed with perforations down
and encased in 2 cu.ft. per linear foot of
open graded gravel wrapped in geo-lter
fabric (e.g. Mira 140N or similar)
Maintain positive drainage pitch (4% min.)
Chimney drain system 30’o.c., construct with 3/4”rock in geofabric bags (e.g. Mira 140N or similar)
Bench height to be approx.2-3’ and horizontal cut-back approx. 3-5’ and should be tipped back at approx. 10%
Roll geogrid up if benchwidth is less than 3m(min. 10’) wide
Mira BXG 120 (roll parallel to slope face) orSynteen SF35 (roll and cut perpendicular to slope)or other approved geogrid @ 18” max. vertical spacing, tip at 10% into slope. Overlap splices at min. of 6”.
ADS 00C2TT (Coconut ber) Geosynthetics Erosion Control Blanket, ECB. Anchor with3/8 x 10” bright spikes with pan washers at 48” max. spacing. Lap fabric 6” at splices.
Min. 4%
Min. 4%
Min. key width 3m (min. 10’)
Min. 2’
Tightline to suitable drainageoutlet
Approx. scale:
5ft0
Cross Section A-A’Repair Concept
Colinas De Oro HOA
Carlsbad, CAF.N. 24187.01
Figure
5
AmericanGeotechnical,Inc.
7929 Calle Madrid
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File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 6
Geogrid is a polymer-grid material which has very high tensile strength. This open grid structure allows it to
be embedded within the compacted fill material so that it can grip the soil, thereby transferring the geogrid
strength to the soil. When geogrid is utilized in a slope repair, the engineering concept is to physically tie
the weak soil zone at the face of the slope to the material which is more competent at depth. Geogrid is
available in rolls that are relatively easy to handle. To install geogrid, layers are rolled out and trimmed to fit
the dimensions of the repair. Compacted fill is placed on top of the grid taking reasonable care not to
damage the grid during soil placement and compaction operations. The initial soil layer placed on top of the
geogrid layers must be placed carefully so that the grid is not damaged or torn by the earthmoving
equipment. Experience has shown that this process does not produce any particular problems in the
grading process. The grid has proven to be quite tough. Generally, in small slope repairs, relatively
lightweight equipment can be utilized. The geogrid should be laid out with the lead edge at the proposed
slope face. Horizontal fill placement should extend beyond the slope face (e.g., about 1 foot) to support the
compaction effort. After fill placement, entirely or possibly at about 4-foot increments, the slope face should
be trimmed back to compacted soil and the lead edge for the geogrid. The existing failure area plus about 5
feet on each side of the failure area should be removed and replaced with geogrid-reinforced compacted fill.
Non-failed areas will have some risk of failure in the future, but that risk can be reduced if the water sources
contributing to the current failure are mitigated or controlled.
Tencate Mirafi BXG120 is a bi-axial geogrid product, the strong grid direction is across the roll, and as such,
the product can be simply rolled out along the slope and cut-off where needed. Additionally, at least a 6-
inch overlap should be provided. At the time of construction, the contractor should verify in the field that all
slide debris needs to be removed and replaced. If the slide debris width is more than 3 meters wide, actual
geogrid lengths should be increased beyond the actual slide debris removal. Because the Mirafi BXG120
products are strong in the across roll direction, less cutting/fitting of the geogrid will be required for the Mirafi
BXG120 products. If the total width between the face of the slope and the back-cut benching is less than 3
meters, the excess grid should be laid up the back-cut then folded over the next geogrid layer.
In addition to the geogrid, a subsurface drainage system (i.e., backdrains and chimney drains) is
recommended to mitigate the potential of future seepage and thereby further improve the stability of the
repaired area.
Experience has shown that Mirafi BXG120 geogrid is readily available, but the manufacturer should be
consulted for availability and delivery time. Similarly, the contractor should check availability for the
geofabric for the gravel backdrains behind the compacted fill mass and the chimney drain material.
File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 7
The product is often more available in 4-meter width so inventory should be checked as soon as possible in
case the product needs to be shipped from the factory to the local supplier. Among geogrid products, we
recommend Mirafi BXG120 geogrid be utilized for the slope repair for this project. Any proposed alternative
geogrid product should be equal or better than Mirafi BXG120 in all respects and may be considered subject
to review and acceptance by American Geotechnical prior to purchase and delivery to the site. American
Geotechnical has often used higher strength geogrid, such as Synteen SF35, manufactured by Synteen
Technical Fabrics on various projects. This product is stronger along the roll so more cutting and arranging
is necessary when Synteen SF35 geogrid is used.
Excavated onsite soil can be reused as fill material for the repair so long as it is cleaned and free of all
vegetation and organic debris, trash, and oversized rocks greater than 6-inches in diameter. Some
import soil might be required to supplement the onsite soil for fill material to complete the repair. All fill
soil should be moisture conditioned, placed, and compacted to in accordance with good construction
practice, agency requirements, and recommendations from the geotechnical consultant at the time of
grading. Fill should be placed in thin, level lifts no greater than 8-inches in loose thickness before being
compacted. Each lift should be compacted to the minimum acceptable relative compaction of 90
percent of the laboratory maximum dry density for each soil type used, as determined in accordance
with the latest ASTM Method D1557. General geotechnical guidelines for grading projects are attached
hereto as Appendix E.
Imported soils, if utilized, should consist of silty sand or clayey sand with the following criteria:
1.No particles larger than 6 inches in largest dimension;
2.Free of perishable material;
3.Plasticity Index of 20 or less and Liquid Limit of 40 or less;
4.Expansion Index of 20 or less.
Compacted fill placement should be in accordance with good construction practice, agency requirements,
and recommendations for the geotechnical consultant at the time of grading. Minimum acceptable relative
compaction1 is 90 percent of the laboratory maximum density, as determined in accordance with the latest
edition of ASTM Method D1557. The contractor should be responsible for protection of improvements in the
adjacent areas and to have all utilities marked out before the earthwork begins.
1 Relative compaction refers to the ratio of the in-place dry density of soil to the maximum dry density of the same material as obtained by the "modified proctor" (ASTM D1557-12e) test procedure.
File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 8
Upon completion of the slope construction, the slope face should be covered with erosion control material.
We recommend ADS OOC2TT 100% coconut fiber erosion control blanket (ECB) material. The blanket
material should be overlapped at splices at least 6 inches and anchored with 3/8-inch by 10-inches bright
spikes fitted with 3/8-inch by 2-inch fender washers. These anchor pins should be spaced at 4 feet
maximum each direction.
6.0 CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS
6.1 PERMITTING & PLANNING
The contractor selected for the repair work should obtain all necessary permits required by the City/County
authority. The contractor should include the cost of obtaining these permits as part of the scope of work.
The repair should be planned in advance to determine the best access and staging areas for equipment and
materials and to secure any necessary permissions that may be needed to access the site.
6.2 UTILITY LOCATION
All utilities should be located prior to the start of the repair work. Any utilities located should be marked and
protected during the repair operation.
6.3 PROTECTION OF EXISTING APPURTENANCES AND LANDSCAPING
Any appurtenances and landscaping located adjacent the slope repair area should be protected from
damage during the slope repair. Some existing landscaping will likely be affected by the repair and will
need to be repaired or replaced after the repair is completed. Following grading but before landscaping,
erosion control material should be anchored to the slope surface in a water-management, overlapping style.
Specifications for the erosion control material and installation are presented in Figure 5.
6.4 DEBRIS AND VEGETATION REMOVAL
All deleterious debris and vegetation located within the area of slope repair should be removed from the site
and disposed of in a municipal landfill.
File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 9
6.5 SLOPE FAILURE REMOVAL
The entire slide mass must be excavated and removed to below the basal slide plane. A licensed
engineering geologist should observe and guide the removal process to ensure that the entire slide mass is
removed before the slope is re-built. Eroded soil that is not contaminated with debris or vegetation can be
temporarily stockpiled for re-use as fill material for the slope repair. If needed, import soil can also be used
for the repair provided that it is either non-expansive or very low expansive (EI <20) and is free of organics
and other deleterious material. Laboratory testing of the engineering properties of the import fill material
should be performed to verify that it is acceptable for use in the repair.
7.0 AGENCY REVIEW
All aspects of the proposed slope repair are subject to the review and approval of the governing agency(s).
It should be recognized that the governing agency(s) can dictate the manner in which the project proceeds.
8.0 FIELD CONSTRUCTION REVIEW
During implementation of any of the recommended slope repairs, representatives from American
Geotechnical should be present at the site to perform field observation and testing. A separate contract will
be provided to you for our observation and testing services during the slope repair. This process will ensure
that repairs are in conformance with the recommendations presented in this report. Inspections should
include the key, benching, geogrid, drain placement, and compaction. At least a 24-hour notice is required
for site services. A 48-hour notice is preferred.
9.0 PROJECT SAFETY
The contractor is the party responsible for providing a safe site including temporary excavation stability.
This consultant will not direct the contractor's operations and cannot be responsible for the safety of
personnel other than his own representatives on site. The contractor should notify the owner if he/she is
aware of and/or anticipates unsafe conditions. If the geotechnical consultant at the time of slope repair
considers conditions unsafe, the contractor and the owner's representative will be notified.
File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 10
Within this report the terminology, safe or safely, may have been utilized. The intent of such use is to imply
low risk. Some risk will remain, however, as is always the case.
10.0 REMARKS
This report has been prepared for the sole use and benefit of our client. The intent of this report is to
advise our client on earth science matters involving the proposed slope repair. It should be understood
that the geotechnical consulting provided and the contents of this report are not perfect. Any errors or
omissions noted by any party reviewing this report and/or any other geotechnical aspect of the project
should be reported to this office in a timely fashion.
Conclusions and recommendations presented herein are based upon the evaluation of technical
information gathered, experience, and professional judgment. Other consultants could arrive at different
conclusions and recommendations. Final decisions on matters presented are the responsibility of the
client and/or the governing agencies. This work was performed in accordance with generally accepted
professional geotechnical engineering principles and practice in southern California at the present time.
We make no other warranty either expressed or implied.
File No. 24187-01 August 3, 2020 Page 11
REFERENCES
Reports
“Report of Geotechnical Investigation (Phase i) La costa Areas SE18 Thru SE21 for the Meister
Company” prepared by Shepardson Engineering Associates, Inc., dated April 21, 1981.
“Report of Geotechnical Investigation Phase II Proposed Vista Santa Fe Subdivision, Carlsbad,
California” prepared by Shepardson Engineering Associates, Inc., dated June 8, 1983.
“Grading Plan Review and supplemental Geotechnical Investigation for Phase A, Vista Santa Fe and
Commercial Area SE-17, Vista Santa Fe, Portions of Carlsbad Tract 81-16, City of Carlsbad, California”
prepared by Leighton and Associates, dated October 5, 1983.
“Volume II Geotechnical Report of Rough for Parcel A, Units 1-2 and 4 Building Pads 1 Through 110 and
123 Through 131, A portion of Tract 81-16 Vista Santa Fe, City of Carlsbad, California” prepared by
Leighton and Associates, dated August 23, 1984.
Topographic & Geologic Maps
“County of San Diego Topographic Survey Map Sheet 330-1695”, dated July 1960.
“County of San Diego Topographic Survey Map Sheet 330-1695”, dated 9-18-1975.
“DMG Open File Report 96-02 Geologic Map of the Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe 7.5 Quadrangles
Plate 2”, by Siang S. Tan and Michael P. Kennedy, 1996, California Division of Mines and Geology.