HomeMy WebLinkAboutMS 05-02; FIDELMAN PROJECT; UPDATED GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION & FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATIONS; 2013-10-30ENGINEERINC]
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UPDATED GEO TECHNICAL INVEST/GA TION & FOUNDATION RE COMMENDATIONS
PROPOSED SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT
4400 PARK DRIVE,
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
EDG Project No. 135229-1
October 30, 2013
PREPARED FOR:
Lucy Ann Hall Trust
Lucy Ann Hall and Allen Sweet
P.O. Box 4230
Carlsbad, CA 92018
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2121 Montiel Road, San Marcos, California 92069, (760) 839-7302 • Fax (760) 480-7477 • www.desig11groupca.com
Date:
To:
October 30, 2013
Lucy Ann Hall Trust
Lucy Ann Hall and Allen Sweet
P.O. Box 4230
Carlsbad, CA 92018
I uan n .hall@sbcgloba I.net
Re: New development to be located at 4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, California
Subject: Updated Geotechnical Investigation and Report
In accordance with your request and our signed proposal, dated August 6, 2013, we have performed a limited
subsurface investigation of the subject site for the proposed new residence.
The findings of the investigation, earthwork recommendations and foundation design parameters are presented in
this report. In general it is our opinion the proposed construction, as described herein, is feasible from a
geotechnical standpoint, provided the recommendations of this report and generally accepted construction
practices are followed.
If you have any questions regarding the following report please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Sincerely,
ENGINEERING DESIGN GROUP
Steven Norris
California GE#2590
Erin E. Rist
California RCE #65122
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
1
2
3
SCOPE
SITE AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......... .
FIELD INVEST/GA T/ON .............................. .
4 SUBSOIL CONDITIONS ............................. .
5 GROUND WATER ..................................... .
6 LIQUEFACTION ........................... .
. ' ........ 1
. . . 1
. '. 1
.. 1
. .. 2
7 CONCLUSIONS ANO RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................... 3
7.1 GENERAL ................................................................................. 3
7.2 EARTHWORK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 3
7.3 FOUNDATIONS... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
7.4 CONCRETE SLABS ON GRADE ............... . . . ' .... 6
7.5 RETAINING WALLS ................ . . . "'....... 7
7.6 SURFACE DRAINAGE ................... . . ...... 9
8 CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION AND TESTING ...................................................... 9
9 MISCELLANEOUS ............................................................................. 10
FIGURES
Site Vicinity Map ......................................................................... Figure No. 1
Site Location Map.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. Figure No. 2
Site Plan ................................................................................... Figure 3
Boring Logs .............................................................................. Borings 1-4
Cross Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
APPENDICES
References.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... .
General Earthwork and Grading Specifications ............................................... .
Retaining Wall Drainage Detail ............................................................ .
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
1 SCOPE
This updated report gives our recommendations for the proposed lot division located at 4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad,
California. (See Figure No. 1, "Site Vicinity Map", and Figure No. 2, "Site location Map"). The scope of our work
conducted onsite to date has included a visual reconnaissance of the property and surrounding areas, a limited
subsurface investigation of the subject property, review of past reports, research at City of Carlsbad, and preparation
of this report presenting our findings, conclusions and recommendations. At the time of this report the preliminary
grading plan was available for review although building plans have not been developed
2 SITE AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The subject property is generally in a similar condition to that described in our original report (Ref. No. 7). The
property is bordered to the north, south and east by similar single family dwellings, and to the west by Yuki lane.
The general topography of the site area consists of coastal foothill terrain. The topography of the site itself
consists of a relatively flat, previously graded, upper building pads at the residence and detached garage, a graded
driveway and a lower pad the generally descends sloping east to west and north to south. The northern portion of
the upper pad is flanked by an oversteepened slope of approximately 20 feet.
The property is currently developed with a pre-existing single family dwelling constructed on a slab on grade
foundation and detached garage structure. Our review of tax records indicates the existing structure was
constructed in approximately 1961. Based upon our discussions with the owner and review of the preliminary
grading plan we understand the development will consist of the division of the property into three lots and grading
associated with the lot creation.
3 FIELD INVEST/GA TION
Our field investigation of the property consisted of a site reconnaissance, site field measurements, observation of
existing conditions on-site and on adjacent sites, and a limited subsurface investigation of soil conditions. Our
subsurface investigation consisted of visual observation of four exploratory boring excavations in the general areas
of proposed construction, logging of soil types encountered, and sampling of soils for laboratory testing. The
locations of our borings are given in Figure No. 3, "Boring location Map".
4 SUBSOIL CONDITIONS
Based upon our subsurface investigation of the property the site soil profiles and soil types are described in general
as follows:
Fill/Weathered:
Fill and weathered soil profiles consisting of slightly silty sands. These profiles extend to depths between
approximately 8 to 15 feet below adjacent grade. The materials consist of dark to light brown, slightly
moist, medium dense, silty sands with roots. Fill and weathered materials are not considered suitable for
the support of structures in their present state. Slightly silty sands classify as SW-SM according to the
Unified Classification System, and based on visual observation generally possess potentials for expansion
in the low range.
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGINEERING DESIGN GROUP
GEOTECHNICAL' CIVIL, ST RU Cl URAL CON!:.,UL r AN Is
Page No. 1
Job No. 135229-1
Sandstone:
Sandstone materials were found to underlie the fill and weathered material within our boring excavations.
These materials consisted reddish brown to tan to grey, moist, dense to very dense slightly silty
sandstone. Sandstone materials are considered suitable for the support of structures and structural
improvements, provided the recommendations of this report are followed. Sandstone materials
classify as SW-SM according to the Unified Classification System, and based on visual observation,
laboratory testing and our experience possess potentials for expansion in the low range.
Detailed logs of our exploratory borings are attached herein Boring Logs Nos. 1-4.
5 GROUND WATER
Static ground water was not identified in our subsurface investigations. Groundwater is not anticipated to be a
significant concern to the project provided the recommendations of this report are followed. However, in our
experience groundwater conditions can develop where no such condition previously existed. If groundwater
conditions are encountered during site excavations, a slab underdrain systems may be required.
In consideration of the clean, friable sand layer encountered during the subsurface investigation, onsite infiltration
shall be limited. Any proposed bioretention facilities shall be lined with an impervious vapor barrier. Proper
surface drainage and irrigation practices will play a significant role in the future performance of the project. Please
note in the "Concrete Slab on Grade" section of this report for specific recommendations regarding water to
cement ratio for moisture sensitive areas should be adhered. The project architect and/or waterproofing
consultant shall specifically address waterproofing details.
6 LIQUEFACTION
It is our opinion that the site could be subjected to moderate to severe ground shaking in the event of a major
earthquake along any of the faults in the Southern California region. However, the seismic risk at this site is not
significantly greater than that of the surrounding developed area.
Liquefaction of cohesion less soils can be caused by strong vibratory motion due to earthquakes. Hesearch and
historical data indicate that loose, granular soils underlain by a near-surface ground water table are most
susceptible to liquefaction, while the stability of most silty clays and clays is not adversely affected by vibratory
motion. Because of the dense nature of the soil materials underlying the site and the lack of near surface water,
the potential for liquefaction or seismically-induced dynamic settlement at the site is considered low. The
effects of seismic shaking can be reduced by adhering to the most recent edition of the Uniform Building Code and
current design parameters of the Structural Engineers Association of California.
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGINEERING DESIGN GROUP
GEO fECHN1CAL, CIVIL, STRUCTURAL CONSUL I Al-ITS
Page No. 2
Job No. 135229-1
7 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1 GENERAL
In general it is our opinion the proposed construction, as discussed and de,cribed herein, is feasible from J
geotechnical standpoint, provided the recommendations of this report are followed. Based upon our review of
past grading plans and our subsurface investigation we anticipate removills and recompaction on the order of 8-15
feet in the lower pad area.
In consideration of the oversteepened slope condition at the north portion of the property and the observed
erosion along the toe of the steep hillside a sufficient horizontal setback from the toe of the hillside on the order of
10 feet should be maintained. In addition a debris fence or wall should be constructed at the toe of the slope at
the time of building development to limit erosion toward building structures.
7.2 EARTHWORK
Grading should be conducted in accordance with the recommendations below as well as Appendix B of this report,
as applicable.
7.2.1 Site Preparation
Prior to any grading, the areas of proposed improvement should be cleared of surface and subsurface debris
(including organic topsoil, vegetative and construction debris). Removed debris should be properly disposed of off-
site prior to the commencement of any fill operations. Holes resulting from the removal of debris, existing
structures, or other improvements which extend below the undercut depths noted, should be filled and
compacted using onsite material or an import material with a very low potential for expansion.
7.2.2 Removals
Fill and weathered profiles found to mantle the site in our boring excavations, upper approximately 8-15 feet on
the lower pad, as observed in the field, are not suitable for the structurnl support of buildings or structural
improvements in their present state. In general we recommend a removal and recompaction in the areas of new
settlement sensitive improvements.
In consideration of the depth of unsuitable profiles and the proposed new slopes and improvement limits, we
anticipate the new building pads will be re-graded. In general grading should consist of the removal of unsuitable
soil profiles to establish suitable keyways and subgrade bottoms, scarification of subgrade to a minimum depth of
12 inches, benching out of pre-existing unsuitable profiles and the re-compaction of fill materials to 90 percent
minimum relative compaction. Where new slopes and walls support new drivewc1ys, removals are anticipated
along the edge of existing fill slopes. Excavated fill materials are suitable for re-use as fill material during grading
provided they are cleaned of debris and oversize material in excess of 6 inches in diameter (oversized material is
not anticipated to be of significant concern) and are free of contamination.
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGINh"JlRING DESIGN G'ROUP
GEOTECHNICAL, CIVIL, STRUCTURAL CONSUi_ fANfS
Page No. 3
Job No. 135229-1
7.2.3 Transitions
To limit transitional movement, we anticipate new foundations will extend to recompacted fill material. In
consideration of the proposed pad cut-fill transitions, additional undercuts may be necessary, depending on the
final building layout. Undercut depths should be based upon maximum depth of fill onsite, and should be
approximately one half the maximum fill depth with a minimum depth of three feet. RemovZ1ls for future buildings
should extend a minimum of 5 feet beyond the footprint of the proposed structures and settlement sensitive
improvements. Where this condition cannot be met it should be reviewed by the Engineering Design Group on a
case by case basis. Removal depths should be visually verified by a representative of our firm prior to the
placement offill.
7.2.4 Fills
All fill should be brought to +2% of optimum moisture content and re-compacted to at least 90 per-cent relative
compaction (based on ASTM 01557). Excavated sandy materials are suitable for re-use as fill material during fill
operations, provided they are cleaned of debris and oversize material in excess of 6 inches in diameter (oversized
material is not anticipated to be of significant concern) and are free of contamination.
Fills should generally be placed in lifts not exceeding 6-8 inches in thickness. If the import of soil is planned, soils
should have a low potential for expansion (El<50), free of debris and organic matter. Prior to importing soils
should be visually observed, sampled and tested at the borrow pit area to evaluate soil suitability as fill.
7 .2.5 Slopes
Permanent slopes may be cut to a face ratio of 2:1 (horizontal to vertical). Permanent fill slopes shall be placed at
a maximum 2:1 slope face ratio. All temporary cut slopes shall be excavated in accordance with OSHA
requirements and shall not undermine adjacent property or structures without proper shoring. Subsequent to
grading, planting or other acceptable cover should be provided to increase the stability of slopes, especially during
the rainy season (October thru April).
FOUNDATIONS
The following design parameters may be utilized for new foundations founded on competent material.
7.2.6 Footings bearing in competent sandstone material or recompacted fill material may be designed utilizing
maximum allowable soils pressure of 2,000 psf.
7.2.7 Seismic Design Parameters
Site Class D
Spectral Response Coefficients
5Ms (g) 1.248
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGINEERING DESIGN GROUP
GEOTECHNICAL. CIVIL. SlRUCl URAL CONSUL 1 ANIS
Page No. 4
Job No. 135229-1
Spectral Response Coefficients
SMl (g) 0.719
Sos (g) 0.832
SDl (g) 0.479
7 .2 .8 Bearing values may be increased by 33% when considering wind, seismic, or other short duration loadings.
7.2.9 The parameters in the table below should be used as a minimum for designing new footing width and
depth below lowest adjacent grade. Footing depths to be confirmed in the field by a representative of
Engineering Design Group prior to the placement of form boards, steel and removal of excavation
equipment.
No. of Floors Supported Minimum Footing Width *Minimum Footing Depth Below
Lowest Adjacent Grade
1 15 inches 18 inches
2 15 inches 18 inches
3 18 inches 24inches
7.2.10 All footings founded into competent material should be reinforced with a minimum of two #4 bars at the
top and two #4 bars at the bottom (3 inches above the ground). For footings over 30 inches in depth,
additional reinforcement, and possibly a stemwall system will be necessary, and should be reviewed by
project structural engineer prior to construction.
7.2.11 All isolated spread footings should be designed utilizing the above given bearing values and footing
depths, and be reinforced with a minimum of #4 bars at 12 inches o.c. in each direction (3 inches above
the ground). Isolated spread footings should have a minimum width and depth of 24 inches.
7.2.12 For footings adjacent to slopes a minimum of 10 feet (sandstone material) and horizontal setback in
competent material or properly compacted fill should be maintained. All slope setbacks above the
oversteepened cut slope at the driveway should be taken based upon a project 2:1 slope from the existing
toe. A setback measurement should be taken at the horizontal distance from the bottom of the footing to
slope daylight. Where this condition can not be met it should be brought to the attention of the
Engineering Design Group for review.
7.2.13 All new buildings shall maintain a minimum of H/2 setback from the toe of the very steep slope along the
north side of the property. Any reduction in the horizontal setback shJII based upon a specific review of
the site plan and building layout.
7.2.14 All excavations should be performed in general accordance with the contents of this report, applicable
codes, OSHA requirements and applicable city and/or county standards.
7.2.15 All foundation subgrade soils and footings shall be pre-moistened to 2% over optimum to a minimum of
18 inches in depth prior to the pouring of concrete.
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGIN.EERING Dh'SJGN GROUP
GEOTECHNlCAL. C!Vll. S rRUCTURAL CONSUL TAN TS
Pdge No. s
Job No. 135229-1
7.3 CONCRETE SLABS ON GRADE
All new concrete slab on grade floors should be placed on recompacted fill mater·ial shall use the following as the
minimum design parameters.
7.3.1 Concrete slabs on grade of the building and drivew.:iy should h;ive a minimum thickness of S inches and
should be reinforced with #4 bars at 18 inches o.c. placed at the midpoint of the slab.
Slump: Between 3 and 4 inches maximum
Aggregate Size: 3/4 -1 inch
Non-Moisture Sensitive Areas: Compressive Strength= 2,500 psi minimum.
Moisture Sensitive Areas: Water to cement Ratio -0.45 m<lximum Compressive Strength -0 4,500 psi
minimum (No special inspection required for water to cement ratio purposes, unless otherwise
specified by the structural engineer)
Moisture retarding additive in concrete at concrete slab on grade floors and moisture sensitive areas.
7.3.2 In moisture sensitive areas, the slab concrete should have a minimum water to cement (w/c) ratio of 0.45,
generally resulting in a compressive strength of approximately 4,500 psi (No special inspection required
for water to cement ratio purposes, unless otherwise specified by the structural engineer) as determined
by the w/c ratio. This recommendation is intended to achieve a low permeability concrete.
7.3.3 All required fills used to support slabs, should be placed in accordance with the grading section of this
report and the attached Appendix B, and compacted to 90 percent Modified Proctor Density, ASTM
0-1557, and as described in the Earthwork section of this report.
7.3.4 A one inch layer of coarse sand material, Sand Equivalent (S. E.) greater than 50 and washed clean of fine
materials, should be placed beneath the slab in moisture sensitive areas, above the vapor barrier. There
shall be not greater than a ½ inch difference across the sand layer.
7.3.5 In moisture sensitive areas, a vapor barrier layer (15 mil) should be placed below the upper one inch of
sand. The vapor barrier shall meet the following minimum requirements:
• Permeance of less than 0.01 perm [grains/(ft2 hr in/Hg)] as tested in accordance with ASTM E 1745
Section 7.1.
• Strength per ASTM 1745 Class A.
• The vapor barrier should extend down the interior edge of the footing excavation a minimum of 6
inches. The vapor barrier should lap a minimum of 8 inches, sealed along all laps with the
manufacturer's recommended adhesive. Beneath the vapor barrier a uniform layer of 3 inches of pea
gravel is recommended under the slab in order to more uniformly support the slab, help distribute
loads to the soils beneath the slab, and act as a capillary break.
7.3.6 Adequate control joints should be installed to control the unavoidable cracking of concrete that takes
place when undergoing its natural shrinkage during curing. The control joints should be well located to
direct unavoidable slab cracking to areas that are desirable by the designer.
7.3.7 All subgrade soils to receive concrete slabs and flatwork are to be pre-soaked to 2 percent over optimum
moisture content to a depth of 18 inches.
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGJNEh""'RJNG D.ESJGN GROUP
GEOTECHNICAL. CIVIL, STRUCTURAL CONSUL 1 ANIS
Page No. 6
Job No. 135229-1
7.3.8 Exterior concrete flatwork and driveway slabs, due to thE-, nc1ture of concrete hydration and minor
subgrade soil movement, are subject to normal minor concrete cracking. To minimize expected concrete
cracking, the following may be implemented:
• Concrete slump should not exceed 4 inches.
• Concrete should be poured during "cool" (40 • 65 degrees) weather if possible. If concrete is poured
in hotter weather, a set retarding additive should be included in the mix, and the slump kept to a
minimum.
•
•
•
Concrete subgrade should be pre-soaked prior to the pouring of concrete. The level of pre-soaking
should be a minimum of 2% over optimum moisture to a depth of 18 inches.
Concrete may be poured with a 10 inch deep thickened edge. Flatwork adjacent to top of a slope
should be constructed with a outside footing to attain a minimum of 7 feet distilnce to daylight.
Concrete should be constructed with tooled joints or silwcuts (1 inch deep) creating concrete sections
no larger than 225 square feet. For sidewalks, the maximum run between joints should not exceed 5
feet. For rectangular shapes of concrete, the ratio of length to width should generally not exceed 0.6
(i.e., 5 h. long by 3 ft. wide). Joints should be cut at expected points of concrete shrinkage (such as
male corners), with diagonal reinforcement placed in accordance with industry standards.
Isolation joints should be installed at exterior concrete where
Drainage adjacent to concrete flatwork should direct water away from the improvement. Concrete
subgrade should be sloped and directed to the collective drainage system, such that water is not
trapped below the flatwork.
The recommendations set forth herein are intended to reduce cosmetic nuisance cracking. The
project concrete contractor is ultimately responsible for concrete quality and performance, and
should pursue a cost-benefit analysis of these recommendations, and other options available in the
industry, prior to the pouring of concrete.
7.4 RETAINING WALLS
New site and/or building retaining walls up to 6 feet may be designed and constructed in accordance with the
following recommendations and minimum design parameters.
7.4.1 Retaining wall footings should be designed in accordance with the allowable bearing criteria given in the
"Foundations" section of this report, and should maintain minimum footing depths outlined in
"Foundations" section of this report. It is anticipated that all retaining wall footings will be placed on
recompacted fill material or competent sandstone. Where cut-fill transitions may occur footings may be
deepened to competent material and alternative detailing may be provided by the Engineering Design
Group on a case by case basis.
7.4.2 In moisture sensitive areas (i.e. interior living space where vapor emission is a concern), we recommend
any building retaining walls be designed as poured in place concrete in lieu of masonry to limit vapor
emissions.
7 .4.3 Unrestrained cantilever retaining walls should be designed using an active equivalent fluid pressure of 35
pcf. This assumes that granular, free draining material with very low potential for expansion (E.I. <20)
will be used for backfill, and that the backfill surface will be level. Where soil with potential for expansion
is not low (E./. >SO) a new active fluid pressure will be provided by the project soils engineer. Backfill
materials should be considered prior to the design of the retaining walls to ensure accurate detailing. We
anticipate onsite material will be utilized as retaining wall backfill. For sloping backfill, the following
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGINEERING DESIGN GROUP
GEOTECHNICAL. CIVIL, SIRUCl UR/\l CONSUi.TAN rs
Page No. 7
Job No. 135229-1
,,,....,
"""'
parameters may be utilized:
Backfill Sloping Condition
Active Fluid Pressure
2:15/ope 1.5:15/ope
50 pcf 65 pcf
Any other surcharge loadings shall be cJnalyzed in addition to llw above values.
7.4.4 If the tops of retaining walls are restrained from movement, they should be designed for an uniform at-
rest soil pressure of 65 psf.
7.4.5 Retaining walls shall be designed for additional lateral forces due to earthquake, where required by code,
utilizing the following design parameters.
• Yielding Walls== PE== (3/8) kAE(Y) H2 -applied at il distance of 0.6 times the height (H) of the wall above
the base
• Horizontal ground acceleration value kH = 0.25g.
• Where non-yielding retaining walls are proposed, the specific conditions should be brought to the
attention of Engineering Design Group for alternative design values.
• The above design parameters assume unsaturated conditions. Retaining wall designs for sites with a
hydrostatic pressure influence (i.e groundwater within depth of retaining wall or waterfront
conditions) will require special design considerations and should be brought to the attention of
Engineering Design Group.
7.4.6 Passive soil resistance may be calculated using an equivalent fluid pressure of 300 pcf. This value assumes
that the soil being utilized to resist passive pressures, extends horizontally 2.5 times the height of the
passive pressure wedge of the soil. Where the horizontal distance of the available passive pressure wedge
is less than 2.5 times the height of the soil, the passive pressure value must be reduced by the percent
reduction in available horizontal length.
7.4. 7 A coefficient of friction of 0.33 between the soil and concrete footings may be utilized to resist lateral
loads in addition to the passive earth pressures above.
7.4.8 Retaining walls should be braced and monitored during compaction. If this cannot be accomplished, the
compactive effort should be included as a surcharge load when designing the wall.
7.4.9 All walls shall be provided with adequate back drainage to relieve hydrostatic pressure, and be designed in
accordance with the minimum standards contained in the "Retaining Wall Drainage Detail", Appendix D.
The waterproofing elements shown on our details are minimums, and are intended to be supplemented
by the waterproofing consultant and/or architect. The recommendations should be reviewed in
consideration of proposed finishes and usage, especially at basement levels, performance expectations
and budget. If deemed necessary by the project owner, based on the above analysis, and waterproofing
systems can be upgraded to include slab under drains and enhanced waterproofing elements.
7.4.10 Retaining wall backfill should be placed and compacted in accordance with the "Earthwork" section of this
report. Backfill shall consist of soil with a very low expansion potential, granular, free draining material.
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGINEh1UNG DESIGN GROUP
GEOTECHNICAL. CIV!l, S ! HUC:TUHAL CON~~UL 1 AN 1 S
Page No. 8
Jou No. 135229-1
7.5 SURFACE DRAINAGE
,,......,
\...., """"" ....,,
Adequate drainage precautions at this site are imperative and will play a critical role on the future performance or
the dwelling and improvements. Under no circumstances should water be allowed to pond against or adjiJcent to
foundation walls, or tops of slopes. The ground surface surrounding proposed improvements should be relatively
impervious in nature, and slope to drain away from the strncture in all directions, with a minimum slope or 2% for
a horizontal distance of 7 feet (where possible). Area drains or surface swales should then be provided to
accommodate runoff and avoid any ponding of water. Any French drains, backdrains and/or slab underdrains shall
not be tied to surface area drain systems. Roof gutters and downspouts shall be installed on the new and existing
structures and tightlined to the area drain system. All drains should be kept clean and unclogged, including gutters
and downspouts. Area drains should be kept free of debris to allow for proper drainage.
Over watering can adversely affect site improvements and cause perched groundwater conditions. Irrigation
should be limited to only the amount necessary to sustain plant life. Low flow irrigation devices as well as
automatic rain shut-off devices should be installed to reduce over watering. Irrigation practices and maintenance
of irrigation and drainage systems are an important component to the performance of on site improvements.
During periods of heavy rain, the performance of all drainage systems should be inspected. Problems such as
gullying or ponding should be corrected as soon as possible. Any leakage from sources such as water lines should
also be repaired as soon as possible. In addition, irrigation of planter areas, lawns, or other vegetation, located
adjacent to the foundation or exterior flat work improvements, should be strictly controlled or avoided.
8 CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION AND TESTING
The recommendations provided in this report are based on subsurface conditions disclosed by the investigation
and our general experience in the project area. Interpolated subsurface conditions should be verified in the field
during construction. The following items shall be conducted prior/during construction by a representative of
Engineering Design Group in order to verify compliance with the geotechnical and civil engineering
recommendations provided herein, as applicable. The project structural and geotechnical engineers may upgrade
any condition as deemed necessary during the development of the proposed improvement(s).
8.1 Review of final approved grading and structural plans prior to the start of work for compliance with
geotechnical recommendations.
8.2 Attendance of a pre-grade/construction meeting prior to the start of work.
8.3 Observation of subgrade, keysways and excavation bottoms.
8.4 Testing of any fill placed, including retaining wall backfill and utility trenches.
8.5 Observation of footing excavations prior to steel placement and removal of excavation equipment.
8.6 Field observation of any "field change" condition involving soils.
8.7 Walk through of final drainage detailing prior to final approval.
The project soils engineer may at their discretion deepen footings or locally rt)COmmend additional steel
reinforcement to upgrade any condition as deemed necessary during site observations. Engineering Design Group
shall, prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, issue in writing that the above inspections have been
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGINEERING DESIGN GROUP
GEOTECHNICAL, CIVIL STRUCfURAL CONSULTANTS
Page No. 9
Job No. 135229·1
conducted by a representative of their firm, and the design considerations of the project soils report have been
met. The field inspection protocol specified herein is consider·ed the rninirnurn necessary for Engineering Design
Group to have exercised "due diligence" in the soils engineering design aspect of this building. Engineering Design
Group assumes no liability for structures constructed utilizing this report not meeting this protocol.
Before commencement of grading the Engineering Design Group will require a separate contract for quality control
observation and testing. Engineering Design Group requires a minimum of 48 hours notice to mobilize onsite for
field observation and testing.
9 MISCELLANEOUS
It must be noted that no structure or slab should be expected to remc1in totally free of cracks and minor signs of
cosmetic distress. The flexible nature of wood and steel structures allows them to respond to movements resulting
from minor unavoidable settlement of fill or natural soils, the swelling of clay soils, or the motions induced from
seismic activity. All of the above can induce movement that frequently results in cosmetic cracking of brittle wall
surfaces, such as stucco or interior plaster or interior brittle slab finishes.
Data for this report was derived from surface observations at the site, knowledge of local conditions, and a visual
observation of the soils exposed in the exploratory borings. The recommendations in this report are based on our
experience in conjunction with the limited soils exposed at this site and neighboring sites. We believe that this
information gives an acceptable degree of reliability for anticipc1ting the behavior of the proposed structure;
however, our recommendations are professional opinions and cannot control nature, nor can they assure the soils
profiles beneath or adjacent to those observed. Therefore, no warranties of the accuracy of these
recommendations, beyond the limits of the obtained data, is herein expressed or implied. This report is based on
the investigation at the described site and on the specific anticipated construction as stated herein. If either of
these conditions is changed, the results would also most likely change.
Man-made or natural changes in the conditions of a property can occur over a period of time. In addition, changes
in requirements due to state of the art knowledge and/or legislation, are rapidly occurring. As a result, the findings
of this report may become invalid due to these changes. Therefore, this report for the specific site, is subject to
review and not considered valid after a period of one year, or if conditions as stated above are altered.
It is the responsibility of the owner or his representative to ensure that the information in this report be
incorporated into the plans and/or specifications and construction of the project. It is advisable that a contractor
familiar with construction details typically used to deal with the local subsoil and seismic conditions, be retained to
build the structure.
If you have any questions regarding this report, or if we can be of further service, please do not hesitate to contact
us. We hope the report provides you with necessary information to continue with the development of the project.
Hall Development
4400 Park Drive, Carlsbad, by the Sea, California
ENGINEERING DESIGN GROUP
GEOTECHNICAL, CIVIL, STRUCTURAL CONSULTANTS
Page No. 10
Job No. 135229-1