HomeMy WebLinkAboutCUP 260D; PALOMAR TRANSFER STATION; RESPONSE TO THIRD PARTY GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW PALOMAR TRANSFER STATION PROJECT, DATED SEPTEMBER 27, 2019; 2019-11-14Converse Consultants
Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental & Groundwater Science, Inspection & Testing Services
November 14, 2019
Mr. DJ Dean
Principal Architect
KPG
3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 400
Seattle, Washington 98121
RECORD COPY
t>meja1l
lnitrnl
RECE VED
LAND DEVELOPMENT
ENGINEERING
Subject: RESPONSE TO THIRD PARTY GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW,
PALOMAR TRANSFER STATION PROJECT, DATED SEPTEMBER 27, 2019
Orion Street and Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, California
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
References: Converse Consultants, Geotechnical Investigation Report, Improvements to
Palomar Station, Orion Street and Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, dated
April 5, 2006, Converse Project No. 06-32-110-01.
Third-Party Geotechnical Review (Second) -Palomar Station, Orion Street and
Faraday Avenue; Carlsbad, California, by Hetherington Engineering, Inc., dated
June 10, 2019.
Third-Party Geotechnical Review (Second) -Palomar Station, Orion Street and
Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, by Hetherington Engineering, Inc., dated
September 27, 2019.
Dear Mr. Dean:
Converse Consultants (Converse) has prepared this report to respond to third-party geotechnical
review comments prepared by Hetherington Engineering, Inc. dated September 27, 2019 for the
Palomar Transfer Station Project located on Orion Street and Faraday Avenue in Carlsbad,
California.
Third-party review comments prepared by Hetherington Engineering, Inc. dated September 27,
2019 for the Palomar Transfer Station Project are followed by our responses and are presented
as follows:
REVIEW COMMENTS AND RESPONSES
Comment No. 1: The consultant should provide a detailed description of proposed site grading,
structures/improvements, foundations type, etc. (Third request)
Converse response: Acknowledged. A detailed description of proposed site grading,
structures/improvements, foundations type are provided in Appendix A.
717 South Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia, Californi a 91016
Telephone: (626) 930-1200 • Facsimile: (626) 930-1212 • www converseconsultants.com
CUP 260 (D)
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
Comment No. 2: The Consultant should provide a statement that the recommended foundation
and slab design criteria for expansive soils are consistent with Section 1806.6 of the 2016
California Building Code or revise the foundation and slab design criteria accordingly.
Converse response: Acknowledged. The recommended foundation and slab design
criteria for expansive soils are consistent with Section 1806.6 of the 2016 California
Building Code.
Comment No. 3: The Consultant should provide hardscape recommendations (thickness,
reinforcement, joints, etc.). (Third Request)
Converse response: There is no hardscape in the project.
Sincerely,
CONVERSE CONSULTANTS
,✓ .-sls;v--;;-;~<J~--
Siva K. Sivathasan, PhD, PE, GE, DGE, QSD, F. ASCE
Senior Vice President/ Principal Engineer
Dist: 1/ Addressee via Email
3/ Addressee via USPS Mail
Attached: Appendix A: Proposed Site Grading, Structures/Improvements, Foundations Type
Appendix B: Third-Party Geotechnical Review (Second)
(i) Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants 2
Appendix A
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
1.0 EARTHWORK/SITE GRADING RECOMMENDATIONS
1.1 General
This section contains our general recommendations regarding earthwork and site grading for the
proposed development. These recommendations are based on our experience with similar projects
in the area and the results of our field exploration, laboratory testing, and data evaluation as
presented in the preceding sections.
Prior to the start of grading, utilities should be located in the field and either re-routed or protected.
All debris, concrete foundations, surface vegetation, deleterious material, and surficial soils
containing roots and perishable materials should initially be stripped and removed from the site.
Any unsuitable materials uncovered by the stripping operation should be excavated to expose
undisturbed bedrock.
The excavations should not cause loss of bearing and/or lateral supports of the existing structures
or utilities.
1.2 Subgrade Preparation
The final bottom surfaces of all excavations should be observed and approved by the project
geotechnical consultant prior to placing any fill and/or structures. Any over-excavations for the
building should be observed by a Converse representative. Based on observations, removal of
localized areas deeper than those documented may be required during grading. Therefore, some
variations in the depth and lateral extent of over-excavation recommended in this report may be
anticipated.
Subgrade soil surfaces that will receive compacted fill shall be scarified to a depth of at least 12
inches and the scarified on site soils shall be moisture-conditioned to 120 percent of optimum
moisture content and compacted to a minimum relative compaction of 90 percent. The fill materials
placed on scarified and compacted soils should be compacted to 90 percent relative compaction.
1.3 Over-excavation/Removal for Addition to Existing Transfer Station Building and
New Scale Building
Based on our field investigation, the upper five (5) feet of the site soils encountered in our
exploratory boring are undocumented fill soils in the vicinity of the building addition and the new
scale building are not suitable to support the structure. Based on laboratory test results and
exploration, the upper site soils have low expansion potential (El=40).
The top two (2) feet of on-site soils are not suitable to support the slab-on-grade for these
proposed buildings. These materials should be removed and replaced with compacted fill. The
clayey fill soils should be brought to at least 120 percent of the optimum moisture and compacted
to at least 90 percent relative compaction as per ASTM Standard D1557 test method. The depth
of anticipated over-excavation is about 2 feet. Relative compaction is defined as the ratio of the
in-place soil dry density to the laboratory maximum dry density as determined by the ASTM
Standard D1557 test method.
Conventional isolated spread footings for the addition to existing Transfer Building foundered all
in compacted fill or bedrock may be used to support the building. The entire undocumented fill
soils shall be removed and replaced as compacted fill, if the footings to be supported on properly
~ Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-1
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
compacted fill. The footings for the addition to the existing building shall be setback from the
descending slope to a distance equal to one third of the height of the slope.
Conventional footings for the new Scale Building foundered all in compacted fill may be used to
support the building and all the undocumented fill soils shall be removed and replaced as
compacted fill.
The anticipated depth of removal is about five (5) feet and the removal should extend at least five
(5) feet laterally or to the extent possible. The subgrade soils need to be scarified at least 12
inches and recompacted according to the Section 8.2, Subgrade Preparation.
1.4 Over-excavation/Removal for New Truck Scale
Based on our exploration, and the information given to our office, the site for the proposed new
Truck Scale consists of minimum five (5) feet of fill. Over excavations need to be observed to
verify the excavation bottomed to competent bedrock.
The proposed Truck Scale may be supported on mat foundation founded on bedrock or at least
two (2) feet of compacted fill. The subgrade soils need to be scarified at least 12 inches and
recompacted according to the Section 1.2, Subgrade Preparation.
1.5 Over-excavation/Removal for Concrete Flat Work and Paving Areas
As a minimum, 18 inches of compacted fill should be provided for any concrete flatwork, curbs
and gutters and asphalt concrete paving areas. Such over-excavation should extend at least two
(2) feet beyond the edges of concrete flatwork or to the extent possible.
1.6 Expansive Soil Mitigation
The site soils have low expansion potential. There are several mitigation measures that can be
utilized to improve expansive soils at the site. Some mitigation measures include:
• Remove and replace with two (2) feet of non-expansive soils
• Thicker concrete slabs with moisture barrier and grade beams
• Post-tensioned slabs with moisture barrier
It is very important to keep the site soils moisture content around or under the edge of foundation,
concrete slab, and asphalt concrete pavement at approximately the same moisture content
before, during and after construction. This will reduce greatly the expansion potential of the site
soils.
The site soils have low expansion potential. Slabs, foundations and pavement placed directly on
expansive subgrade soil will likely crack over time. The impact of the expansive soil can be reduced
by (a) removing about two (2) feet of the underlying soils below slabs and footings throughout the
site, except landscape areas, and replacing with imported sandy material (Expansion Index less
than 20), (b) deepen and reinforce footing and place thicker concrete slab with grade beam and
moisture barrier, ( c) use post-tensioned slab, and ( d) lime treat the upper two (2) feet of the subgrade
soils.
E!) Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-2
1. 7 Structural Backfill
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
All structural fill should be placed on competent, scarified and compacted materials as determined
by a geotechnical consultant representative, and in accordance with the specifications presented
in this section.
Rocks larger than three (3) inches in the largest dimension should not be placed as fill. Rocks
larger than one (1) inch should not be placed within the upper 12 inches of subgrade soils.
Excavated site soils, free of deleterious materials and cobbles/boulders larger than six (6) inches in
the largest dimension should be suitable for placement as compacted fill. Any import fill should be
tested and approved by Converse prior to delivery to the site. The import fill should be free of organic
matter and other deleterious material, non-expansive, with an expansion index less than 20.
1. 7. 1 Compaction
This section contains our recommendations for compaction of fill placed in accordance with the
specifications provided in Appendix C, Earthwork Specifications and in Section 8.2, Subgrade
Preparation.
• All clayey fill, if not noted otherwise, should be compacted to a relative compaction of at
least 90 percent as per ASTM Standard D1557 test method at moisture content at least
120 percent of optimum. Relative compaction is defined as the ratio of the in-place soil
dry density to the laboratory maximum dry density as determined by the ASTM Standard
D1557 test method.
• All sandy fill, if not noted otherwise, should be compacted to a relative compaction of at
least 90 percent and moisture content about 2 percent within the optimum moisture.
• All bases and subbase, if any, for pavement structures should be compacted to relative
compaction of at least 95 .percent as per ASTM Standard D1557 test method.
The project geotechnical consultant will observe the placement of compacted fill and conduct in-
place field density tests on the compacted fill to check for adequate moisture content and relative
compaction as required by the project specifications. Where less than the required relative
compaction is indicated, additional compactive efforts shall be applied and the soil moisture-
conditioned as necessary, until the required relative compaction is attained. The contractor shall
provide level testing pads upon which the soils engineer may conduct field density tests. The
contractor shall provide safe and timely access for the geotechnical testing personnel throughout
the grading operation to allow continuous monitoring and testing.
1. 7 .2 Shrinkage
The shrinkage would depend on, among other factors, the depth of cut and/or fill, and the grading
method and equipment utilized. The average shrinkage factor for the near surface on site soils
may be estimated to range from ten (10) to twenty (20) percent. Although these values are only
approximate, they represent our best estimates of the factors to be used to calculate lost volume that
may occur during grading. If more accurate shrinkage and subsidence factors are needed, it is
recommended that field-testing using the actual equipment and grading techniques be conducted.
~ Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-3
1.8 Site Drainage
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
Adequate positive drainage should be provided away from building pad areas to prevent ponding
and to reduce percolation of water into the foundation soils. Building pads should have a drainage
gradient of at least two (2) percent towards drainage devices. Planters and landscaped areas
adjacent to the building pad perimeter should be designed and irrigated to minimize water infiltration
into the subgrade soils.
Adequate drainage should also be provided for any cut/fill slopes, landscaped and paved areas. A
desirable drainage gradient is one (1) percent for paved areas and two (2) percent in landscaped
areas.
1.9 Paving
All areas to be paved should be graded in accordance with the general recommendations for site
grading presented under the Section 1.0, Earthwork/Site Grading Recommendation. If the
proposed pavement subgrade areas have become disturbed or desiccated after the site grading
and prior to placing the base course, the subgrade may have to be re-scarified to a depth of at
least 12 inches, be moisture conditioned as required to obtain optimum moisture conditions, and
be recompacted to at least 90 percent of the maximum dry density. This decision will be made at
the time of construction by our field representative.
One R-value test was performed on a bulk sample of the on-site surface soils from boring BH-9.
The results of this test indicate an R-value of 11 . Based on this R-value and the selected traffic
index values indicated below, the following minimum flexible pavement sections were computed
for budget purposes. Our computations were based on the Ca/trans Highway Design Manual,
fourth edition:
PAVEMENT COMPONENT
THICKNESS (Inches)
Tl= 5.5 Tl= 6.5 Tl= 7.5 Tl= 8.5 Tl= 9.5
Asphalt Concrete (AC) 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0
Aggregate Base (AB) 11 .0 12.5 15.0 18.0 20.0
Total Pavement Thickness 14.0 16.5 19.5 23.0 26.0
The actual R-value will depend on the compacted fill at the subgrade level. We recommend that
R-value tests be performed during grading to confirm design pavement section indicated above.
Additional pavement sections can be presented upon request for imported fill subbase or for
different traffic index values. Selection of the traffic indices should be made by your civil engineer
based on his knowledge of traffic flow and loading. The base course should be crushed aggregate
base or processed natural material conforming to Section 200-2.2 or 200-2.4, Standard
Specifications for Public Works Construction (Green Book latest). The aggregate base and
asphalt concrete should be compacted to at least 95 percent of the maximum dry density in
accordance with ASTM 01557-00.
1.10 Utilities
The on-site soils are suitable for backfill of utility trenches from one foot above the top of the pipe
to the finished grade, provided the material is free of organic matter and deleterious substances.
{!) Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-4
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
It is anticipated that the compacted fill will provide a firm foundation for site utilities. Any soft
and/or unstable material encountered at the pipe invert should be removed and replaced with an
adequate bedding material.
The on-site soils are not considered suitable for bedding or shading of utilities. Therefore, we
recommend that non-expansive granular soils with a Sand Equivalent (SE) greater than 30 as
determined by ASTM Test Method D2419 be imported for that purpose. Trench backfill soils
should be compacted to at least 90 percent of the maximum dry density as determined by ASTM
Test Method D1557.
@) Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-5
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-11 0-05
November 14, 2019
2.0 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 General Evaluation
Based on our field exploration, laboratory testing and analyses of subsurface conditions at the
site, remedial grading is required to prepare the site for support of the various structures.
Shallow footings such as conventional isolated spread footings for the proposed Transfer Station
addition and Truck Scale Building founded on bedrock or compacted fills shall be setback from
the descending slope to a distance equal to one third of the height of the slope. If the drilled cast-
in-place piles are used to support the building, then the upper five (5) feet of soils should not be
considered for the vertical and the lateral capacities.
The new Truck Scale may be supported on mat foundation founded all on undisturbed bedrock
or at least two (2) feet of properly compacted fill below the bottom of foundations. The compacted
fill should extend at least five (5) feet laterally or to the maximum extent possible. The various
design recommendations provided in this section are based on the assumption that in preparing
the site, the above earthwork and grading recommendations will be implemented.
2.2 Spread Footing Design Parameters
Spread footings for the Transfer Station addition, founded on bedrock or properly compacted fill
may be designed based on an allowable net bearing capacity of 4,000 pounds per square foot
(psf).
All undocumented fill soils at the new Scale Building and the new Truck Scale area should be
removed and replaced as compacted fill. Subgrade soil surfaces that will receive compacted fill
shall be s'carified to a depth of at least 12 inches and the scarified on site soils shall be moisture-
conditioned to 120 percent of optimum moisture content and compacted to a minimum relative
compaction of 90 percent. The fill materials placed on scarified and compacted soils should be
compacted to 90 percent relative compaction.
Footings founded on compacted fill, and placed at a depth 24 inches below lowest adjacent grade
with at least 18 inches wide, may be designed based on an allowable net bearing capacity of
2,500 psf. The allowable bearing capacity may be increased by 500 psf for each foot of additional
embedment depth and 250 psf for each foot of additional width, but should not exceed 4,000 psf.
The footing reinforcement should be based on structural design.
The allowable net bearing capacity is defined as the maximum allowable net bearing pressure on
the ground. It is obtained by dividing the net ultimate bearing capacity by a safety factor. The
ultimate bearing capacity is the bearing stress at which ground fails by shear or experiences a
limiting amount of settlement at the foundation. The net ultimate bearing capacity is obtained by
subtracting the total overburden pressure on a horizontal plane at the foundation level from the
ultimate bearing capacity.
The net allowable bearing values indicated above are for the dead loads and frequently applied
live loads and are obtained by applying a factor of safety of 3.0 to the net ultimate bearing
capacity. If normal code requirements are applied for design, the above vertical bearing value
may be increased by 33 percent for short duration loadings, which will include loadings induced
by wind or seismic forces. The maximum anticipated settlement of a square footing founded on
(tl Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-6
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
compacted fill is estimated to be less than ½-inch for a five (5) foot square footing and the
differential settlements are expected to be on the order of ¼-inch between adjacent footings.
2.3 Drilled Cast in Place Piles
Drilled cast in place piles are another alternative foundation system and the piles deriving their
capacities primarily from the bedrock about five (5) feet below the existing grade. We recommend
that the grade beam, footings, and slab be supported on the piles if piling is the selected alternate.
The allowable design allowable skin friction of 300 psf driving from the bedrock may be used for the
design.
The capacity was computed by using a safety factor of two (2) for skin friction. The settlement of
a single pile is expected to be about one-fourth (¼) inch. The vertical capacities above may be
increased by 33 percent to resist transient downward vertical loads, such as wind forces or
seismic shaking. Pile uplift design capacities may be taken as 50 percent of the vertical downward
pile design values shown.
The drill cast in place pile should have a minimum diameter of 14 inches and the spacing between
piles should not be less than three (3) times the pile diameter. Allowable axial loads of pile groups
with center-to-center pile spacing of less than three (3) pile diameters should be determined by
incorporating an efficiency reduction factor to the allowable axial loads for single piles.
Based on the subsurface conditions, the piers can be drilled without casing. However, if caving
or an unstable hole is encountered, a temporary casing may be required. Drilled pile excavations
should be filled with concrete on the same day they are drilled. The drilling for piles should not
be performed adjacent to recently excavated or recently poured piles until the concrete in the
completed piles has been allowed to set for several hours. In addition, the piles should also be
poured in a manner that will not result in concrete flowing into adjacent open pile excavations.
Piles in groups should be drilled and poured in an alternating sequence to minimize the potential
for fresh concrete flowing into adjacent open pile excavations.
The placement of reinforcement and concreting operations should conform to ACI and other
applicable code requirements. Concrete placement should be continuous from the bottom to the
top of the drilled pile. Concrete placement should continue after the borehole is filled until good
quality concrete is evident at the top of the shaft. Concrete should be placed through a tremie or
pump system and the discharge end of the tremie/orifice should be immersed at least 5 feet in
concrete at all times after the start of the concrete flow. In addition, the level of concrete in the
tremie should be maintained above the level of slurry in the borehole at all times to prevent slurry
intrusion into the shaft concrete.
We recommend that the installation of the drilled piles be performed with the observation of
Converse Consultants.
2.4 Mat Foundation
A mat foundation may be used to support the proposed new Truck Scale. An allowable net bearing
capacity of 3,000 pounds per square foot (psf) may be used to support the Truck Scale on
competent bedrock or at least two feet of compacted fill.
A total settlement within ½-inch with a differential settlement of ¼-iinch is anticipated for a mat
foundation placed on competent bedrock or on two feet of properly compacted fill. A modulus of
€!} Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-7
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
subgrade reaction of 175 pounds per square inch per inch can be used for design of the mat
foundation for the tank and booster pump station. This value is based on a unit square foot area
and must be adjusted to mats of various widths.
The following equation may be used to calculate k for use in mat foundation design:
k= 175[(8+1 )/28] 2
k= Modulus of subgrade reaction, pounds per square inch per inch
8= Mat foundation width, feet
2.5 Resistance to Lateral Loads
Resistance to lateral loads can be assumed to be provided by friction acting at the base of
foundations and by passive earth pressure. A coefficient of friction of 0.35 between concrete and
soil may be used with the dead load forces. An allowable passive earth pressure of 300 psf per
foot of depth may be used for the sides of footings poured against recompacted soils. A factor of
safety of 1.5 was applied in calculating passive earth pressure. The maximum value of the
passive earth pressure should be limited to 2,500 psf.
Vertical and lateral bearing values indicated above are for the total dead loads and frequently applied
live loads. If normal code requirements are applied for design, the above vertical bearing and lateral
resistance values may be increased by 33 percent for short duration loading, which will include the
effect of wind or seismic forces.
Due to the low overburden stress of the soil at shallow depth, the upper one foot of passive resistance
should be neglected unless the soil is confined by pavement or slab.
2.6 Slabs-on-Grade
Structural design elements such as thickness, reinforcement, joint spacing, etc., for the slab-on-
grade should be selected based on the analysis performed by the project structural engineer
considering anticipated loading conditions and the modulus of subgrade reaction of the supporting
materials.
The site soils will be substantially mixed during site grading and the Expansion Index (El) values
of the final subgrade soils are likely to be different. At the completion of grading, the expansion
index of the subgrade soils should be determined and recommendations should be re-evaluated.
For upper the two (2) feet of subgrade soils replaced with compacted imported soils: Slab-on-
grade should have a minimum thickness of four ( 4) inches for support of nominal ground-floor live
loads. Minimum reinforcement for slab-on-grade will be No. 4 reinforcing bars, spaced at 16
inches on-center each way. The thickness and reinforcement of more heavily loaded slabs will
be dependent upon the anticipated loads and shall be designed by a structural engineer. A static
modulus of subgrade reaction equal to 200 pounds per square inch (psi) may be used in structural
design of concrete slab-on-grade.
For upper the two (2) feet of subgrade soils, replaced with compacted on-site soils: Slab-on-
grade should have a minimum thickness of six (6) inches for support of nominal ground-floor live
loads. Minimum reinforcement for slab-on-grade will be No. 4 reinforcing bars, spaced at 16
inches on-center each way. The thickness and reinforcement of more heavily loaded slabs will
{!) Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-8
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
be dependent upon the anticipated loads and shall be designed by a structural engineer. A static
modulus of subgrade reaction equal to 150 psi may be used in structural design of concrete slab-
on-grade.
Our recommended parameters for the design of post-tension slab-on-grade are based on the
CBC, 2016 Edition, Section 1816, listed below:
• Edge Moisture Variation Distance (Em, Center Lift): 6 feet
• Edge Moisture Variation Distance (Em, Edge Lift): 3 feet
• Estimated Differential Swell (Ym, Center Lift): 0.9 to 1.3 inches
• Estimated Differential Swell (Ym, Edge Lift): 0.18 to 0.32 inches
Actual design method for post-tensioned slab-on-grade should be selected by the project
structural engineer.
All slab-on-grade should be underlain by a ten-mil Visqueen (or equivalent) moisture barrier. The
moisture barrier should be covered by approximately two (2) inches of sand to minimize punctures
and to aid in concrete curing.
Subgrade soils must be firm and nonyielding prior to placement of concrete.
In hot weather, the contractor should take appropriate curing precautions after placement of
concrete to minimize cracking of the slabs. The potential for slab cracking may be lessened by
the addition of fiber mesh to the concrete and/or control of water/cement ratio.
Joints for concrete slabs-on-grade must be carefully designed. Joint spacing is dependent upon
slab thickness and concrete properties and should be selected by the structural engineer.
Concrete should be cured by protecting it against loss of moisture and rapid temperature change
for at least seven days after placement. Moist curing, waterproof paper, white polyethylene
sheeting, white liquid membrane compound, or a combination thereof, may be used after finishing
operations have been completed. The edges of concrete slabs exposed after removal of forms
should be immediately protected to provide continuous curing.
After the subgrade soils have been compacted to at least 90 percent of compaction and moisture-
conditioned to at least 120 percent above optimum moisture, at least 24 inches of the subgrade soil
below the bottom of the footings shall be presoaked to 20 percent above optimum moisture content
prior to concrete pour. For example, the optimum moisture content of the subgrade soil is 8.0
percent, presoaking to 20 percent above optimum moisture content will bring the moisture content
to 9.6 percent (20 percent increase). This moisture content should be maintained at the time of
concrete pour.
The above recommendations are based on the results of tests performed on representative site
soils. If soils other than those presently encountered within the project site are placed as structural
fill within the building pads, the modulus of subgrade reaction should be reevaluated. The final
slab design should be based on this value of the modulus of subgrade reaction.
~ Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-9
2.7 Temporary Sloped Excavations
Palomar Transfer Station Project
Responses to Third-Party Review Comments
Converse Project No. 06-32-110-05
November 14, 2019
The following recommendations are provided for use by the engineer during the design of the
project to determine shoring requirements and estimate construction costs. Based on the materials
encountered in the exploratory borings temporary excavations may be supported by shoring or
constructed according to the slope ratios presented in the table below. Temporary cuts encountering
loose fill or loose dry sand, excavated near existing structures may require shoring or have to be
constructed at a flatter gradient than presented in the following table.
-• --,, -•r l' • • -~ -pc-~*,-. . . . .. :-. . ~
0-4 Vertical
4-10 1:1
'Slope ratio assumed to be uniform from top to toe of slope.
For steeper temporary construction slopes or deeper excavations, shoring should be provided by
the contractor as necessary, to protect the workers in the excavation.
Surfaces exposed in slope excavations should be kept moist but not saturated to retard raveling
and sloughing during construction. Adequate provisions should be made to protect the slopes
from erosion during periods of rainfall. Surcharge loads, including construction materials, should
not be placed within five (5) feet of the unsupported slope edge. Stockpiled soils with a height
larger than six (6) feet will require greater distance from trench edges.
If the excavation occurs near existing structures, special construction considerations would be
required during excavation to protect these existing structures during construction. The proposed
excavation should not cause loss of bearing and/or lateral supports of the existing structures.
Due to close proximity of the existing building, the sloped over-excavation for the transfer station
addition building may not be feasible. The excavation may consist of vertical cut exceeding five
(5) feet or more should be adequately supported by temporary shoring to protect existing adjacent
structures. Recommendations of shoring will be provided upon requested.
@ Copyright 2019 Converse Consultants A-10
Appendix B
ETHERING O ENG EERI G, IN .
SOIL & FOUNDATION ENGINEERING• ENGINEERING GEOLOGY• HYDROGEOLOGY
City of Carlsbad
Land Development Engineering
1635 Faraday A venue
Carlsbad, California 92008-7314
Attention: Mr. David Rick
September 27, 2019
Project No. 8770. l
Log No. 20675
P1. 211J~-_op,J/~JJ
l,sjvJIY'<-J ;-"(
-D. tJ..,c k
Subject: THIRD-PARTY GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW (THlRD)
Palomar Transfer Station
Orion Street and Faraday A venue
Carlsbad, California
Project ID: GR2018-0049 (CUP260D)
References: Attached
Dear Mr. Rick:
In accordance with yom request, Hetherington Engineering, Inc. has provided third-party
geotechnical review of References 9 and 10. The following conuuents are provided for
analyses and/or response by the Geotechn.ical Consultant.
1. The Consultant should provide a detailed description of proposed site grading,
structures/improvements, foundation type, etc. (Third Request).
2. The Consultant should provide a statement that the recommended foundation and slab
design criteria for expansive soils are consistent with Section 1808.6 of the 2016
California Building Code or revise the foundation and slab design criteria
accordingly.
3. The Consultant should provide hardscape reconunendations (thiclmess,
reinforcement, joints, etc.). (Third Request)
5365 Avenida Encinas, Suite A• Carlsbad, CA 92008-4369 • (760) 931-1917 • Fax (760) 931-0545
333 Third Street, Suite 2 • Laguna Beacl1, CA 92651-2306 • (949) 715-5440 • Fax (760) 931-0545
www.hetheringtonengineering.com
THIRD-PARTY GEOTECHN1CAL REVIEW (THIRD)
Project No. 8770.1
Log No. 20675
September 27, 2019
Page 2
Please call ifthere are any questions.
Sincerely,
HETHERINGTON ENGINEERING, INC
)
// Paul A. Bogseth
Professional Geologist 3772
Certified Engineering Ge
Certified Hydrogeologis
( expires 3/31 /20)
,,.,,,-~ -·· . .,. /I .... ., I
M~(i·ft D~i'(~;:<i;(g10/ ~ /
Civil Engineer 30488
Geotechnical Engineer 397
(expires 3/31/20)
Distribution: 1-via e-mail David Rick (David.rick@cadsbadca.gov)
1-via e-mail Scott Carl wright (Scartwrighl@mbakerintl.com)
I-via e-mail Miguel Avalos (Miguel.Avalos@mbakerintl.com)
HETHERINGTON ENGINEERING, INC.
REFERENCES
1. "Geotechnical Investigation Rep01t, Improvements to Palomar Transfer Station,
Orion Street and Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California", by Converse Consultants,
dated April 5, 2006.
2. "Updated Seismic Design Parameters Based on 2016 CBC for "Geotech.nical
Investigation Report, Improvements to the Palomar Transfer Station", by Converse
Consultants dated April 5, 2006, Palomar Transfer Station Expansion Project, Orion
Street and Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California", by Converse Consultants, dated
September 19, 2018.
3. "Transfer Station Addition for Palomar Transfer Station, 5960 El Camino Real,
Carlsbad, California", by XA Architecture Company, (Sheets G0.0, S1.0, S1.1, S1.2,
S2.0), print dated December 7, 2018.
4. "Grading Plans for: Palomar Transfer Station, 5960 El Camino Real, Carlsbad,
California", by David Evans and Associates, Inc., print dated December 5, 2018
(Sheets Cl.0, Cl.I, C2.l, C3.l, C4.1, C4.2, CS.I, C5,2).
5. "Third-Party Geotechnical Review (First), Palomar Transfer Station, Orion Street and
Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, Califomia, Project ID: GR2018-0049 (CUP260D)", by
Hetherington Engineering, Inc., dated December 27, 2018.
6. "Updated Retaining Wall Design Parameters, 2016 California Building Code (CBC),
Palomar Transfer Station Expansion Project, O1i.on Street and Faraday A venue,
Carlsbad, California", by Converse Consultants, dated October 16, 2018.
7. Response Letter by KPG; dated April 25, 2019 (2-pages).
8. "Third-Party Geotechnical Review (Second), Palomar Transfer Station, Orion Street
and Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, Project ID: GR1018-0049 (CUP260D)",
by Hetherington Engineering, Inc., dated June 10, 2019.
9. "Response to Third-Patty Geotechnical Review, Palomar Transfer Station Project,
dated June 10, 2019, Orion Street and Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California,
Converse Project No. 06-32-100-05", by Converse Consultants, dated August 26,
2019.
10, "Plan Review, Proposed Palomar Transfer Station Project, Orion Street and Faraday
Avenue, Carlsbad, California, Converse Project No. 06-32-100-05", by Converse
Consultants, dated August 26, 2019.
11. "Grading Plans For: Palomar Transfer Station", by David Evans and Associates,
received September 16, 2019 (Sheets 1 through 11 ),
HETHERINGTON ENGINEERING, INC.
Project No. 8770. I
Log No. 20675
REFERENCES
12. "Palomar Transfer Station Addition, 5960 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008,
Earthwork Exhibit", by David Evans and Associates, Inc., dated September 5, 2019
(Sheet EX).
13. "Palomar Transfer Station Addition, 5960 El Camino Real, Cal'lsbad, CA 92008, First
Access Plan", by David Evans and Associates, Inc., dated September 5, 2019 (Sheet
C-FA).
HETHERINGTON ENGINEERING, INC.
Project No. 8770.1
Log No. 20675