HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD 2020-0047; HARLE RESIDENCE; GEOTECHNICAL UPDATE REPORT; 2016-07-25Geotechnical Update Report
Proposed Residential Duplex Development
Existing Pad (Lot .1)
4547 Cove Drive
Carlsbad, California
July 25, 2016
Prepared For:
Mr. Kyle Stephens
Kyle Stephens & Associates
1350 Columbia Street, Suite 702
San Diego, California 92101
Prepared By:
SMS GEOTEC1-INiCAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
5931 Sea Lion Place, Suite 109
Carlsbad, California 92010
Project No. GI-16-06-128 RC ELVED
DEC 01 2020
LAND DEVELOPMENT
ENGINEERING
SMS GEOTECI-INiCAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
Consulting Geotechnical Engineers & G-ologists
5931 Sea Lion Place, Suite 109
Carlsbad, California 92010
Office: 760-602-7815
smsgeosol.inc@gmail.com
Project No. GI-16-06-128
July 25, 2016
Mr. Kyle Stephens
Kyle Stephens & Associates
1350 Columbia Street, Suite 702
San Diego, California 92101
GEOTECHNICAL UPDATE REPORT, PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX
DEVELOPMENT, EXISTING PAD (LOT 31), 4547 COVE DRIVE, CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA
Pursuant to your request, SMS Geotechnical Solutions, Inc. has completed the attached
Geotechnical Update Report for the proposed single-family residential development at tFe above-
referenced project property.
The following report summarizes the results of our research and review of the previous pertinent
geotechnical reports, documents, and current grading plan, and provides update conclusions and
amended recommendations for the proposed development, as understood. From a geotechnical
engineering, standpoint, it is our opinion that the property is considered substantially suitable for
the planned residential development and associated improvements, provided our
recommendations presented in this report are incorporated into the design and implemented
during the construction phase of the project. The property is underlain by soft to loose saturated
fills and lagoonal deposits, and special ground stabilization method(s) and foundation support
system will be required for the planned development as presented herein.
The conclusions and recommendations provided in this. study are consistent with the indicated
site geotechnical conditions and are intended to aid in preparation of final construction plans and
allow more accurate estimates of associate costs. If you have any questions or need clarification,
please do not hesitate to contact this office. Reference to our Project No. GI-16-06-128 will
help to expedite our response to your inquiries. We appreciate this opportunity to be of service
to you.
Solutions, Inc.
- No. 283S
19' Exp. I2/31I6
idi S. Shariat
#2885
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................1
II. SITE DESCRIPTION ...................................................2
III. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ...........................................2
IV. SITE INVESTIGATION ..................................................3
V. GEOTECHNICAL CONDITIONS ........................................3
Earth Materials .....................................................3
Groundwater and Surface Drainage ....................................4
Seismic Ground Motion Values ........................................4
Geologic Hazards ....................................................5
VI. FIELD AND LABORATORY TESTING ...................................9
VII. SITE CORROSION ASSESSMENT ......................................10
VIII. STORM WATER BMPs ................................................10
Bio-Rentention ......................................................10
Permeable Interlocking Concrete Payers (PICP) .........................11
IX. CONCLUSIONS ......................................................12
X. PROS AND CONS OF LIQUEFACTION MITIGATION ALTERNATIVES .... 15
XL RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................17
Ground Stabilization, Remedial Grading and Earthworks .................17
Post-Tensioned Rigid Raft Foundation Slab .............................28
Soil Design Parameters ..............................................30
Inter-Locking Payers ................................................31
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS .....................................32
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER OF RECORD (GER) .......................34
LIMITATIONS .......................................................34
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
FIGURES
GeotechnicalMap ............................................................1
GeologicCross-Sections ........................................................2
Fault-Epicenter Map ..........................................................3
TsunamiInundation Map ......................................................4
FEMAMap ..............................................................5&6
Typical Bio-Retention Detail ....................................................7
Typical Permeable Paver Detail .................................................8
Typical Ground Stabilization, N-S Direction ......................................9
Typical Ground Stabilization, E-W Direction ....................................10
Settlement Plate Schematic ....................................................11
Typical Foundation Plan ......................................................12
Typical Interior Stiffener Detail ................................................13
Typical Retaining Wall Back Drainage Detail ....................................14
ATTACHMENTS I & II
Prior Geotechnical Reports by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc.
ATTACHMENT III
USGS Seismic & Design Maps Summary Report
GEOTECIJMCAL UPDATE REPORT
PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX DEVELOPMENT
EXISTING PAD (LOT 31)
4547 COVE DRIVE
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
I. INTRODUCTION
The project property is an existing small bay-side lot adjacent to Agua Hedionda in the coastal areas
of the City of Carlsbad. A Conceptual Grading Plan, prepared by Florez Engineering, Inc. is
reproduced herein as Geotechnical Map, Figure 1. The approximate site location is depicted on a
Vicinity Map included on Figure 1. The approximate site coordinates are 33.1457'N latitude and
-ll7.3245W longitude.
We understand that the site is planned for the support of a duplex residential structure which will
occupy much of the lot surface. The project property was the subject of prior detailed geotechnical
studies performed by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. (VME) dating from 2004 to 2008 (initial
boring explorations were completed in late 2003), completed in connection with a development very
similar to the current development scheme shown on Figure 1. Their findings and development
recommendations were provided in the following written technical report:
"Drilled Caisson Foundations, Proposed LBC Condominium Project, 4547 Cove Drive,
Carlsbad, California," prepared by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. Job #03-348-P,
dated February 2008 (an unsigned draft copy was obtained and is included with this report
as an Attachment I).
"Foundation Plan Review, Proposed Three-Story Twin Homes, Lot 31, Tract 5162, Cove
Drive, Carlsbad, California," prepared by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc., December
13, 2006,
"Update Geotechnical Report and Remedial Grading Ground Stabilization
Recommendations, Lot 31, Tract 5162, Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California," prepared by Vinj e
& Middleton Engineering, Inc. Job #03-348-P, dated September 25, 2006 (included herein
as Attachment II).
"Foundation Plan Review, Proposed Three-Story Twin Homes, Lot 31, Tract 5162, Cove
Drive, Carlsbad, California," prepared by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. Job #03-348-
P, dated July 14, 2006 (included herein as Appendix A of Attachment II).
"Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Lot 31, Tract 5162, Cove Drive, Carlsbad,
California," Prepared by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. Job #03-348-P, dated March
3, 2,004 (included herein as Appendix B of Attachment II).
S
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 2
6. "Addendum Geotechnical Report, Lot 31, Tract 5162, Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California,"
prepared by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. Job #03-348-P, dated November 19, 2003
(included as Appendix C of Attachment II, the printed date is suspected to be incorrect, and
year 2004 is considered more reasonable for the actual report date).
The referenced report is on file with our office and was reviewed in conjunction with this submittal.
Selected references are attached to this report as Attachments I and II.
The purpose of this effort was to update the referenced reports (Attachments I and II) and confirm
their compatibility with the most current Grading Plan (Figure 1) with the indicated site geotechnical
conditions. Revised and/or amended conclusions and recommendations consistent with the attached
plan, current applicable codes and engineering standards are also provided in the following sections,
and will supplement or superseded those given in the referenced report, where applicable.
Our effort in connection with the preparation of this update report also included a recent site visit.
However, added subsurface explorations, soil sampling, or laboratory testing were determined not
necessary, and the prior work completed by the previous consultant in this regard was considered
acceptable to us. Pertinent geotechnical data generated by the pervious consultant (see Attachments
I and II) were also relied upon and utilized herein, where appropriate.
II. SITE DESCRIPTION
Site surface conditions are delineated on the attached Figure 1, and remain substantially unchanged
from those described in the referenced report(s). In general, the project site is a small, roughly 40
feet wide by 117 long, nearly level lot between two developed residential buildings to the north and
south. Cove Drive provides access and marks the front (western) boundary. A small rock-armored
graded slope (shore protection rock revetments) marks the rear (eastern) boundary which descends
approximately 10 feet into the adjacent lagoonal waters. The lot chiefly consists of dirt surfaces.
Site drainage is indistinct with no evidence of scouring or runoff erosion.
IlL PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
The project development scheme is shown on Figure 1, and remains very similar to the prior
development concept used a basis for the preparation of referenced reports by the prior consultant.
As, shown, the project property is planned for the support of two narrow, connected side by side
duplex-type residential development with associated improvements. The buildings will likely be
two- story structures and will occupy much of the lot surface.
Major grade alterations or creation of large graded slopes is not planned in connection with the
project development with finish pad grades (13.15 feet MSL) established at or very near the existing
ground surfaces. Project earthwork is expected to mainly consist of remedial grading ground
stabilization operations.
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 3
Building construction and foundation designs are also not yet completed. Conventional wood-frame
buildings with exterior stucco are anticipated. Several ground stabilization and foundation support
options including utilizing deep drilled (CIP) caissons, driven piles, and mat and grade beam
foundations with raised structural floor slabs were recommended by the prior consultant and still
remain viable. However, we understand a structural rigid raft post-tensioned slab with perimeter and
interior stiffening beam type foundation supported on stabilized bearing soils is also being
considered due to site constrains and limitations, and based on relative ease of contraction, cost
feasibility, and acceptable levels of risk and future building performance.
SITE INVESTIGATION
The original site investigation by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. (VME) included two
exploratory test borings drilled with a truck-mounted rotary drill. Approximate location of
exploratory test borings are shown on Figure 1. Logs of the test borings are included as Plates 5 and
6 of Appendix B in the enclosed Attachment II. Laboratory test data and engineering properties of
underlying soils are also summarized in Appendix B (Pages 6 through 9) of Attachment II.
GEOTECHINICAL CONDITIONS
Geotechnical conditions at the project property remain largely as reported in detail in the referenced
reports (see Attachment I). In general, the property consists of a nearly level graded pad apparently
created in the 1960's as a part of the surrounding development by placing imported fill soil over
natural lagoonal areas adjacent to Agua Hedionda. Depths of existing fills vary underneath each lot.
Grading records for engineering observations and compaction testing of the existing fills are
unavailable.
A. Earth Materials
Overall site subsurface conditions are described in the referenced reports. As established by
the prior consultant, the project lot is underlain by a section of silty to clayey fill soils to a
depth of nearly 15 feet that were placed atop natural lagoonal deposits. Formational siltstone
rocks occur at an approximate depth of 49 feet below existing ground surfaces (BGS)
underneath the lagoonal deposits. Added details of the site underlying earth materials are
presented on the project exploratory boring logs (Plates 5 and 6, Appendix B of Attachment
II) and further described in the referenced reports. Geologic Cross-Sections based on current
topography and proposed finish grades are included as Figure 2.
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 4
Groundwater and Surface Drainage
Subsurface groundwater was encountered at depths of approximately 5 to 7 feet (BGS) at the
time of original field explorations (August 2003), High groundwater levels are expected to
be mostly on the order of 5 feet (BGS). The water reflects lagoonal water which has
saturated the site underlying soils. The indicated levels are expected to fluctuate slightly
with changing tide levels.
Project over-excavations for ground stabilization and remedial grading operations are
expected to encounter subsurface groundwater and light to heavy water intrusion into the
excavations, depending on the seasonal and tidal conditions at the time of grading.
Consequently, dewatering will likely be required and should be completed at each local
quartered/phased rock mat placement and remedial grading sections, as specified below.
Dewatering shall not be allowed to adversely impact the nearby buildings, structures and
improvements. Completing grading during the dry seasons of the year and low tidal
conditions should be considered to minimize difficulties associated with dewatering
operations. Some pre-dewatering may also be considered appropriate for this project.
Any dewatering technique(s) suitable to the field conditions which can effectively remove
the intruding water and allow soil removals and rock mat/fill placement is considered
acceptable provided it is approved by the project engineer. Dewatering should continue until
completion of remedial grading operations and should be discontinued only upon approval
of the project geotechnical engineer. Groundwater should be lowered below the specified
bottom of over-excavation, toe of temporary slope or trench excavations unless otherwise
approved or directed in the field.
As with all developed properties, the proper control of flood waters and site surface drainage
is a critical component to overall stability of the graded building pad. Surface water should
not pond upon graded surfaces, and irrigation water should not be excessive. Over-watering
of site vegetation may also create perched water and the creation of excessively moist areas
at finished pad surfaces and should be avoided.
Seismic Ground Motion Values
Seismic ground motion values were determined as part of this investigation in accordance
with Chapter 16, Section 1613 of the 2013 California Building Code (CBC) and ASCE 7-10
Standard using the web-based United States Geological Survey (USGS) ground motion
calculator. Generated results including the Mapped (Ss. Si), Risk-Targeted Maximum
Considered Earthquake (MCER) adjusted for site Class effects (SMS, SMI) and Design (SDs,
SDI) Spectral Acceleration Parameters as well as Site Coefficients (Fa, F) for short periods
(0.20 second) and 1-second period, Site Class, Design and Risk-Targeted Maximum
Considered Earthquake (MCER) Response Spectrums, Mapped Maximum Considered
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 5
Geometric Mean (MCEG) Peak Ground Acceleration adjusted for Site Class effects (PGAri)
and Seismic Design Category based on Risk Category and the severity of the design
earthquake ground motion at the site are summarized in the enclosed Attachment lii.
D. Geologic hazards
Conditions which could result in potential geologic hazards are known in areas of San Diego
County. The following geotechnical factors are evaluated herein:
Seismicity / Faulting: A significant geotechnical factor which could impact the project
site relates to ground shaking during an earthquake event along an active fault. Moderate
to locally heavy levels of ground shaking can be anticipated during rare events over the
lifetime of the development. The location of significant faults and earthquake events
relative to the study site is depicted on a Fault - Epicenter Map enclosed herein as Figure
3. Faults or significant shear zones are not indicated within the project site. The project
is not located in proximity to Aiquist - Priolo earthquake fault zone areas associated with
active faults discussed above.
Tsunami: A significant tsunami impacting the project property would be a very rare
event. As indicated on a Tsunami Inundation Map for Emergency Planning (San Luis
Rey Quadrangle), included herein as Figure 4, the project site is located on the tsunami
inundation line. Consequently, potential tsunami risks are similar to the adjacent and
nearby properties, and developments. Inhabitants of the residence should be aware of
local evacuation routes as well as tsunami preparedness provided by the California
Geological Survey on their web site.
Flood Inundation: Lot 31 is located in lower hillside terrain along the west flank of
agoonal waters off of Agua Hedionda. Therefore, flooding hazards risks due to remote
Tsunami inundation will require inhabitants' awareness and preparedness for such a rare
condition.
In order to further evaluate general site flooding potential, we obtained a pertinent copy
of the available Flood Insurance Rate Map produced by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). As shown on the attached FEMA map, the project
property is located on panel 764 of 2375 with eastern margins on the line with Special
Flood Hazard Areas Subject To Inundation By The 1% Annual Change Flood, as
depicted on the enclosed Figures 5 and 6. Flooding hazard risks for coastal flood zones
with velocity hazards (wave action) will be similar to the adjacent and nearby properties
and developments requiring inhabitants' awareness and preparedness for such a
condition.
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 6
4. Liquefaction and Seismically Induced Settlement: Liquefaction analyses were
performed as a part of original site study performed by the previous consultant (VME
report dated March 3, 2004, Appendix B of Attachment II). Their analysis (Page 5,
Plates 8 and 9 of referenced report) concluded that "saturated site fills and natural
lagoonal deposits are highly liquefiable (safety factors of less than 1)." Appropriate
mitigation measures and foundation support system alternatives consistent with the site
indicated geotechnical conditions were provided which included deep drilled (CIP)
caissons or driven piles with raised structural floor slabs, and ground stabilization in
conjunction with mat and grade beam foundations.
Soil softening and liquefaction of the underlying deposits during a major seismic event
along a nearby active fault remain the most significant geotechnical concern at the project
building site, and appropriate mitigation measure shall be implemented. As presented
in the referenced reports, several mitigation alternatives are available. The choice of
alternative will depend on site constraints and ease of construction, economic feasibility,
and acceptable levels of risk and future building performance.
Our research (USGS & OCOF) also indicates that projected sea level rise (SLR),
estimated based on various climate scenarios for the next 75-years, may range from
approximate average low of 2 feet (0.6m) to average high of 4 feet (1.25m). Considering
the finish pad grade elevation at roughly 13 feet (MSL), the projected SLR will not be
a significant factor in our analysis nor influence ourmitigation design recommendations.
Impacts of future SLR will be similar to the adjacent and nearby properties,
developments and public improvements requiring current and future owners' awareness
and preparedness.
Seismically induced total and differential settlements are accepted to be similar to the
adjacent properties, nearby public improvements and existing surrounding developments,
and may be estimated to be on the order of 13 and 6.5 inches for total and differential
settlements respectively, for a rare 7.5 magnitude earthquake event. Smaller seismically
induced total and differential settlements, on the order of 2 and 1 inch, respectively may
be estimated for more frequent low magnitude seismic events.
In the case of the rock mat ground stabilization option with remedial grading using
reinforced 95% compacted fill, the recommended procedures are provided to alleviate
differential settlements and limit total settlements to uniform conditions throughout the
mitigated building pad areas. Design parameters for rigid raft post-tensioned type
foundation support system is also provided to further withstand the approximate design
estimates. However, the risk level of seismically induced total and differential
settlements impacts after a major large magnitude seismic event requiring future
mitigation measures will remain similar to the adjacent properties, neighborhood
developments and nearby public improvements, and require awareness by the current and
future homeowners.
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 7
Lateral Spread: Lateral spread of the existing eastern rock-face slopes during an
earthquake event is also a major geotechnical concern. Liquefiable soils can create
planes of weakness and sliding on the nearby graded slope posing a potential for failure.
Details of the existing slope construction is not known, however, it was likely provided
with a rock face to prevent erosion due to waive action and perhaps a filter layer and core
materials to provide confinement and disallow large displacement due to lateral spread.
Lateral spread of liquefied soils adjacent to the channel with breaks on ground surfaces
creating blocks separated by fissures may be roughly estimated to be on the order of one
foot. However, very large lateral spread is not expected under the liquefaction mitigated
building pad surfaces, constructed as specified herein, with indicated minimum 15 feet
building setback from the top of the rear channel slope. Houses and small buildings
supported on deep CIP caissons/driven piles, or rigid raft post-tensioned type foundations
are also expected to typically perform well with respect to potential lateral spread. The
risk level of lateral spread outside the mitigated areas and possible future
mitigation/repair measures will be similar to the adjacent properties and neighborhood
developments and requires awareness by the current and future homeowners.
Slope Stability: The rear slope is a continuous shore protection embankment feature
extending well beyond the limits of the project property and is thought to have been
created along the edge of the entire waterway as part of the original manmade cove and
existing surrounding bayside developments. Disturbance of the rock-armored slope for
investigative purposes, or by the planned development at the project property can result
in costly mitigation and repairs, and in our opinion, shall be avoided. Details of the
existing shore protection slope construction including thickness of the rock revetment,
filter layer and core materials are not known. The man-made rock revetment-faced slope
currently occurs at safe gradients ranging from 3:1 to 2:1 with the planned building
adequately setback from the top of slope. The project portion of the slope is currently
performing well with no indication of imminent or impending instability. In our opinion,
detail slope stability analysis of the rear slope is not considered warranted, nor trenches
or disturbance of the existing slope should be carried out to further confirm stability of
the currently performing rear shore protection slope.
Modeling of existing rear shore protection slopes with a rock armored face, which may
include a filter layer and a core section, is also difficult and will include numerous
uncertainties and redundant assumptions, which can result in misleading over or under
estimation of the safety factor, and is not recommended by this office. The projected
SLR will not be a significant factor in slope stability with inside and outside slope
groundwater levels expected to be very similar.
[I S
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 8
The risk level of potential instability of rear slopes, which is a small portion of a
continuous embankment feature extending well beyond the limits of the project property,
and possible future mitigation/repair measures will be similar to the existing surrounding
bayside developments and require awareness by the current and future homeowners.
7. Settlement: Settlement of foundation bearing soils is a geotechnical concern at the
project construction site. Existing soft to very soft fills and lagoonal deposits will likely
experience short and long term settlements. Treatment of upper sections of these
deposits by means of removal and recompaction remedial grading will be necessary in
order to construct more stable building surfaces for the support of the planned building
and associated improvements, as recommended in the following sections. Rock mat
stabilization method and reinforced earth compacted fill bearing soils are also
recommended herein to alleviate very large differential settlements.
Actual total and differential settlements will be measured by the installing geotechnical
instrumentation devices (settlement plates) during the remedial grading efforts and
surcharging the deeper lagoonal deposits with at least 5 feet of minimum 95% compacted
fills. Monitoring is recommended here by means of field surveying shots periodically
taken at each monitoring site as the backfill placement progresses, and continuing after
completion of remedial grading. Data reduction and establishing settlement patterns and
soil compression characteristics due to surcharge loading pressures by heavy construction
equipment, compaction efforts, and earthwork activities are also recommended.
Foundation trenching can only begin after data reduction and approval of the project
geotechnical consultant (differential settlements on the order of 0.01-foot or 0.12 inches
between at least three consecutive post-grading readings per the monitoring schedule,
unless otherwise noted or required by the project geotechnical consultant). The need for
awaiting a period up to approximately 6 to 12 weeks after the completion of rough pad
grading and before proceeding with utility and foundation trenching maybe required for
this purpose.
Post-tensioned rigid raft type foundation option recommended herein is also specified for
an allowable foundation pressure limited to 1000 psf. The specified foundation contact
pressure is typically less than surcharge loading pressures induced by heavy construction
equipments for achieving 95% compaction level within the fill mat. As a result, the
majority of the expected total and differential settlements due to the anticipated
foundation loads are expected to occur and recorded by the monitoring of the installed
settlement plates during the pad construction phase and specified monitoring period
thereafter.
However, secondary post construction settlement is expected to continue to occur after
building construction. Total post-construction settlements may be anticipated to be
uniform throughout the mitigated building pad areas and may be roughly estimated to be
Geotechuical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 9
on the order of approximately 2 inches. Large differential settlements are not anticipated
and the magnitude of post construction differential settlements, as expressed in terms of
angular distortion, may be estimated to be approximately on the order of I-inch. Post-
tensioned rigid raft type foundation slabs, as specified, should be designed to withstand
the expected secondary total and differential settlements. The risk level of requiring
related future mitigation is expected to be mostly similar to like construction types in
neighborhood developments, and require awareness by the current and future
homeowners.
Collapsible Soils: Buildings and improvements founded on collapsible soils may be
damaged by sudden and often large induced settlement when these soils are saturated
after construction. Collapsible soils are typified by low values of dry unit weight and
natural water content. The amount of settlement depends on the applied vertical stresses
and the extent of the wetting and availability of water.
Existing upper fill soils at the site may locally be prone to collapse potential and will
require remedial grading mitigation as recommended herein.
Expansive Soils: Based upon our field observation, available laboratory testing, and
experience with local soils, onsite shallow soils are expected to range from low to
medium expansive. Clayey expansive bearing and subgrade soils are also considered a
geotechnical concern at the project construction site. Adverse effects of the site
potentially expansive clayey soils should be considered in the project designs and
effective mitigation measures implemented during the construction of the project as
specified in the fallowing sections. Utilizing good quality sandy (D.G.) import soils used
to complete remedial grading and cap the building pad within the upper grades will help
to mitigate adverse effects of site expansive soils and enhance engineering properties of
foundation bearing and subgrade soil. Saturated silty to clayey soils are also more
difficult to process and achieve 95% compaction levels, and utilizing sandy granular
(D.G.) import soils will increase remedial grading production levels.
VI. FIELD AND LABORATORY TESTING
Field and laboratory testing was performed by the previous consultant (VME) and presented in the
referenced report dated March 3, 2004 (Appendix B of Attachment II). All field and laboratory
testing provided in the referenced report is acceptable to us and were utilized herein, where
applicable and as appropriate.
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 10
VII. SITE CORROSION ASSESSMENT
Based on results of available laboratory testing, close proximity of the site to saltwater and our
experience with similar soils, the project site is considered highly corrosive. The amount of water
soluble sulfate (SO4) was repoiled to be 0.268 percent by weight which is considered severe
according to AC! 318 (S2 Exposure Class with Severe severity). Due to the expected concrete
exposures to external seawater sources, chloride exposures should also be considered severe (C2
Exposure Class with Severe severity).
Consequently, special high strength, Type V cement concrete with a minimum 28 days compressive
strength (f's) of 5,000 psi and a maximum water cement ratio of 0.40, as well as epoxy coated
reinforcing steel (post-tensioning tendons) and greater reinforcement cover should be considered,
as determined and confirmed by the project corrosion/structural engineer. A qualified corrosion
engineer may be consulted in this regard.
VU!. STORMWATER BMPs
A. Bio-Retention
An infiltration bio-retention basin is planned along the eastern property near the top of the
eastern shore protection rock revetment slope. The top of the eastern armored shore
protection slope will be disturbed or modified (removed) to accommodate the proposed bio-
retention, as shown on Figure 1. Depth (thickness) of the bio-retention from adjacent pad
grades and extent of top of slope disturbance or modification should be shown on the project
plans. Details of the existing shore protection slope construction including thickness of rock
revetment, filter layer, and core materials are not known. The shore protection slope is a
continuous feature extending well beyond the limits of the project property and is thought
to have been created along the edge of the entire waterway as part of the original manmade
cove and existing surrounding bayside developments. Significant disturbance of the rock-
armored slope by the planned development at the project property can result in costly
mitigation and repairs, and should be avoided.
The subsurface high groundwater table occurs at the anticipated depth of approximately 5
feet (BGS) and should be considered in the proposed bio-retention designs. Typically, a
minimum 10 feet clear distance from bottom of infiltration bio-retention to high groundwater
levels is required. In our opinion, the project property is not suitable for an infiltration bio-
retention BMP considering the depth and potential groundwater level fluctuations. A self-
contained system with an imperious liner on the sides and bottom and perforated underdrain
pipe is recommended herein. The self-contained bio-retention facility may also be designed
as a concrete containment structure with an adequately designed deepened edge along the
building side to further enhance building pad stability against potential lateral spread along
the top of the adjacent channel and disallow flotation (hydrostatic uplift pressure) in the
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 11
event of a sea level rise. The system should be properly sized for adequate storage capacity
with filtrations completed not more than 72 hours. Vegetation, if incorporated into the
designs, carefully managed to prevent creating mosquito and other vector habitats. A
schematic concept of a self-contained bio-retention is shown on the attached Typical Bio-
Retention Detail, Figure 7.
Periodic inspections, upkeep, and continued maintenance of the project bio-retention BMP
will be required to assure proper functioning and uninterrupted continuous discharge flow
of the captured runoff water. Prolonged ponding of water in the proposed bio-retention can
adversely impact the proposed new improvements and building performance, or potentially
result in failures, and shall be avoided. In our opinion, a well-established maintenance
program which includes careful management of bio-retention vegetation and testing for
proper functioning of the underdrain/outlet pipes should be set in-place and followed by the
current and future home owners. As a minimum, a maintenance schedule consisting of at
least two times a year, before and after the annual rainy season, should be considered. In the
event unfavorable conditions appear to be developing as noted during the scheduled
maintenance program, appropriate repairs and mitigation should be carried out as necessary.
B. Permeable Interlocking Concrete Payers (PICP)
Permeable Interlocking Concrete Payers (PICP) in combination with the bio-retention are
used as a part of the project stormwater quality treatment BMP, as shown on the attached
Figure 1. Project stormwater BMP permeable interlocking payers should also consist of a
self-contained filtration system.
In general, PICP pavement structural section should consist of 31/8-inch, traffic rated PICP
over a minimum of 2 inches of ASTM No.. 8 bedding course/choke stone over a minimum
8 inches of ASTM No. 57 stone base course over a minimum of 12 inches of 95% compacted
subgrade. A minimum 4-inch diameter perforated underdrain pipe (sch. 40 or greater) placed
at suitable location for collection and disposal of infiltrated water through the CICP payers
should also be provided in the ASTM No. 57 stone base course section. A schematic concept
of a self-contained permeable paver section is shown on the attached Typical Permeable
Paver Detail, Figure 8.
Subgrade soils below the base course should be compacted to at least 95% compaction levels
(perASTM D- 1557). Bedding course/choke stone and base course stone should also be well
compacted, consolidated and interlocked (avoid crushing the underdrain pipes) with heavy
construction equipments. ASTM No. 8, No. 9 or No. 89 should be used for joint materials
depending on the joint size and per manufacturer recommendations.
Gradation requirements for ASTM No. 57, No. 8, No. 89 and No. 9 are as follows:
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 12
Sieve
Size
Percent Passing j ______
No. 57 No.8 No 89 No. 9
100
V 95to100
'N' 25 to 60 100 100
85 to 100 90 to 100 100
No.4 OtolO 10to30 20to55 85to100
No.8 0to5 OtolO 5to30 10to40
No. 16 0to5 OtolO OtolO
No. 50 0to5 0to5
IX. CONCLUSIONS
Based on our review of the attached referenced reports (Attachments I and II), and our understanding
of the project, development of Lot 31 for residential purposes is considered substantially feasible
from a geotechnical viewpoint. However, the site is underlain by a section of soft to very soft
saturated fills over thick saturated lagoonal deposits which will require special geotechnical
engineering development techniques. Subsurface geotechnical conditions presented in the referenced
reports remain unchanged, and all conclusions provided therein remain valid, unless otherwise
amended and/or superseded below.
The project site is not located within or near Alquist - Priolo earthquake fault zone
established by the State of California.
The project property is located on the tsunami inundation line with potential tsunami risks
similar to the adjacent and nearby properties and developments. Although a significant
tsunami Impacting the project property would be a very rare event, the current and future
owners of the residence should be aware of local evacuation routes as well as tsunami
preparedness provided by the California Geological Survey on their web site.
The eastern margins of the project property are also located on the line with Special Flood
Hazard Areas Subject To Inundation By The 1% Annual Change Flood, as designated by
FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. Flooding hazards risks for coastal flood zones with
velocity hazards (wave action) at the project site will be a very rare event and similar to the
adjacent and nearby properties and developments, requiring awareness and preparedness by
the current and future owners of the residence.
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4. Liquefaction and soil softening of the underlying deposits during a major seismic event along
a nearby active fault are considered the most significant geotechnical concern at the project
building site. Secondary effects such as ground spreading and lurching, and large seismically
induced settlements are also a major concern at the study site. Ground stabilization
techniques and special foundation designs will be required for the support of proposed
building to withstand seismically induced vertical and lateral ground displacements to
reasonably acceptable risk levels, and construct improved pad surfaces.
Several ground stabilization methods and foundation options are available to alleviate
impacts of liquefaction and potential loss of strengths of the underlying liquefiable soils. In
general, the most effective design method includes utilizing deep foundations which
penetrate the liquefiable soils and are supported into the formational bearing strata below.
Other alternatives are also available and may be considered depending on economic
feasibility, ease of construction and the acceptable risk level. Most commonly used
mitigation alternatives and techniques available for the project site, as well as pros and cons
of each alternative are briefly discussed below.
Potential impacts of lateral spread of the existing eastern rock-face slope on the proposed
new building during an earthquake event is also a major geotechnical concern. In order to
alleviate potential impacts of ground displacement due to lateral speared of the eastern slope,
adequate building and improvement setback from the top of slope shall be maintained, and
special building foundations design(s) as well as stabilized reinforced compacted fill mat
under the site improvement will be required for achieving a reasonably acceptable risk level
and tolerances, as specified in the following sections.
The existing slope shall not be impacted, disturbed or modified by the planned constructions
and proposed new building development with related ground stabilization and construction
works maintaining adequate set backs from the top of slope, as specified in this report.
6. The underlying soft clayey fills and lagoonal deposits are highly compressible. The most
effective design method to mitigate impacts of large settlements in case of very thick
compressible, saturated clays, is utilizing deep foundations which penetrate the unsuitable
soils and are supported into the formational bearing strata below. Other options such as
shallow ground stabilization and surcharging with compacted fill overburden are also
commonly used to create uniform post-construction total settlement throughout the mitigated
building pad areas, and limit differential settlements, considering acceptable risk levels. For
this purpose, higher levels of fill compaction (minimum 95%) and installations of settlement
plates placed at the bottom of the over-excavations will be required to monitor settlement of
the surcharged lagoonal deposits, as specified in the following sections.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 14
The project site is an existing nearly level graded lot and significant grade alterations or
construction of new large grade slopes is not anticipated. Earthwork operations necessary
in connection with the planned development will chiefly consist of remedial grading and
ground stabilization work,
Groundwater was encountered in both exploratory boring excavations drilled in 2003 at the
depths of approximately 5 to 7¼ feet (BGS) below the surface. High groundwater conditions
are expected to be at about 5 feet (BGS) at the project site and expected to fluctuate with
tidal conditions. Dewatering will likely be required in case of rock mat stabilization and
remedial grading options, and should be completed at each local quartered/phased remedial
grading section, as specified below. Dewatering should lower the groundwater levels below
the bottom of excavation and should continue as rock mat and fill placement progresses.
Dewatering shall not be allowed to adversely impact the nearby buildings, structures and
improvements. Completing grading during the dry seasons of the year and low tidal
conditions should be considered to minimize difficulties associated with dewatering
operations. Some pre-dewatering may also be considered appropriate for this project.
Site excavations and earthwork shall not impact the adjacent properties, structures,
improvements, and underground utilities within public right-of-ways. Initially, attempts may
be made to complete ground stabilization by remedial grading in local quartered/phased
sections with 1:1 laid back construction slopes. However, excavation shoring consisting
(drilled concrete piles reinforced with steel beams with wood lagging) should be anticipated
and will be required for developing a safe excavation and protect the adjacent building
foundations, structures and improvements, as recommended below. Shoring designs are
provided in the following sections.
Earth materials generated from the site excavations, stripping, removals and over-
excavations will chiefly consist of marginal quality, wet to saturated plastic silty to clayey
deposits. All site organic soils, deleterious matter and unsuitable materials encountered
during the excavations, stripping, removals and over-excavations should be properly
removed and exported from the site using select grading techniques. Good quality sandy
granular (D.G.) import soils should then be used as site new fills and backfllls to complete
grading and achieve final design grades.
Based on select grading recommendations specified herein, final bearing soils are expected
to chiefly consist of silty sand (SM/SW) deposits with very low expansion potential
(expansion index less than 20) based on ASTM D-4829 classification. Consequently,
expansive soils will not be a factor in the project development. However, the rigid raft post-
tentioned foundation support system, if considered, should be designed for the minimum
specified center lift and edge lift differential swells provided in the following sections.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 15
X. PROS AND CONS OF LIQUEFACTION MITIGATION ALTERNATIVES
Special foundation designs and ground stabilization techniques will be required to improve site
stability against potential liquefaction, soil softening, lateral spread, ground displacement and
settlements, and enhance building performance. Several ground stabilization methods and
building/foundation support options are available. The choice of alternative will depend on
economic feasibility, ease of construction, acceptable risk levels and future building performance.
A few of the most common techniques, in our opinion, suitable to the project property are briefly
discussed below:
Option (i) Driven concrete piles with grade beams and structural floor foundations were
recommended by the previous consultant (VME report dated March 3, 2004,
Appendix B of Attachment Ii). This method is still a viable option from our
standpoint, and may be considered. Specific design parameters are given in the
referenced report and remain valid. In this case, 15 inches square prestressed
concrete piles adequately driven to competent bearing strata, until allowable design
pile capacity is developed will be required. This method will require large pile
driving equipments, may be more difficult to carry out due to site constraints,
generate vibrations that can be damaging to the very closely located neighboring
buildings, and could also be very costly. A speciality contractor(s) is required to
complete this work.
Option (ii) Cast-In-Place (CIP) concrete piles with grade beams and structural floor foundations
were also recommended by the previous consultant (\TME report letter dated
February 27,2008, Attachment I). This method is still a viable option from our point
of view, and may be considered. Specific design parameters are given in the
referenced letter and remain valid. In this case, 2-feet-10 inches diameter CIP piles,
drilled to a minimum depth of 57.5 feet (BGS) will be required. This method will
require large equipment for pile shaft drilling below the water table to the required
depth, potential pile shaft caving and appropriate stabilization, handling of large
amounts of spoil soils generated from shaft drilling, steel cage fabrication, placement
and splicing, and concrete pour in a tight construction area that could be very costly.
A speciality contractor(s) is required to complete this work.
Option (iii) Compaction (pressure) grouting of lagoonal deposits and remedial grading of the
foundation bearing soils with stiff grade beam footings and structural slab-on-ground
mat type foundations. For this purpose, compaction grouting will be used to densify
site liquefiable/soft soils from the depth of nearly 49 feet to approximately 3 feet
below the final pad grade. The upper 3 feet will then be removed and recompacted
using conventional remedial grading techniques. Compaction (pressure) grouting
may adversely impact nearby shore protection slope, adjacent neighboring buildings,
improvements and underground utilities, and could be very costly.
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Hardening (mixing) techniques by introducing grout materials through permeation,
mixing may also be considered for treatment of soft fills and lagoonal soils. In this
case, in-situ conformation testing of the treated soils by performing SPT sampling
(ASTM D- 1586) will be required to verify adequate densification within the treated
deposits.
A speciality contractor(s) is required to complete this work.
Option (iv) Vibro-replacement (vibro-stone column) with a rock mat and compacted soils in the
foundation zone, in combination with grade beam footings and structural slab-on-
ground mat type foundations may also be considered. In this case, a vibroprobe
penetrates to a minimum depth of 49 feet by vibration and jetting of air. Gravels are
then added through a tremie pipe alongside the vibroprobe to create a stone column.
A rock mat is then placed over the top of the installed stone columns at about 3 feet
below the final pad grades. Finally, compacted soils will be used in the foundation
zone and achieving pad grads. This method utilizes large equipment, generating
driving vibrations potentially impacting the very closely located neighboring
buildings and could be very costly. A speciality contractor(s) is required to complete
this work.
Option (v) Rock mat stabilization with remedial grading using reinforced, 95% compacted fill,
in combination with grade beam and structural mat type foundation were also
recommended by the previous consultant (VME report dated November 19, 2003,
Appendix C of Attachment II). This method is still a viable option, and may be
considered. Rigid raft post-tensioned type foundations with perimeter grade beams
and interior stiffening beams can also be considered in lieu of mat foundations. In
this case, the upper bearing soils are removed and bottom of excavation stabilized
with a rock mat, with groundwater level lowered below the bottom of excavation.
Upon achieving stable bottom conditions, compacted fills using reinforced earth will
be placed to achieve pad grades. Excavation shoring along the north and south
margins adjacent to the neighboring building foundations will likely be required to
complete this technique. Geotechnical instrumentation and settlement monitoring
will also be required for this method to record behavior of the compacted reinforced
fill mat support prior to utility and foundation trenching.
This option, however, is similar to conventional remedial grading techniques, and
with the exception of the excavation shoring, a speciality contractor(s) is not required
to complete the work. Relative ease of the contraction method (compare to the other
available techniques), site suitability with respect to existing constrains and access
limitations, and construction costs feasibility are considered the "pro" attributes of
this option. However, although this option is generally expected to alleviate major
geotechnical concerns within reasonable risk levels, it is not considered in the same
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 17
higher mitigation level ("cons") as some of the other options, such as vibro-
replacement (vibro-stone column), and driven or drilled CIP pile foundations
alternatives.
The property owner(s) should carefully evaluate the pros and cons, and cost-benefit aspects of each
alternative for choosing a specific mitigation technique, with the selection of a desired alternative
and mitigation procedure passed on to the future homeowner(s). The final choice of an option will
depend on site limitations, acceptable levels of risk and building performance, economic feasibility
and ease of construction.
Specific recommendations and design parameters for prestressed driven and drilled CIP concrete
piles with grade beams and structural floor foundations, provided in the referenced reports(VME
reports, Attachments I and II) are acceptable to us and remain unchanged. Rock stabilization with
remedial grading, and mat and grade beam foundations (Option "V") were also provided in the
referenced reports(VME reports, Appendix C of Attachment II) and are also generally acceptable to
us, except where specifically amended to superseded below. It should be noted, however, that in
some cases,site conditions developed during excavations for rock stabilization and remedial grading
work, such as excessive uncontrollable groundwater intrusions, large bottom of excavation heaving
(boiling), large caving and undermining or impacting adjacent buildings and improvements may not
allow implementing Option V, as determined in the field, requiring selection of an alternative
method as determined at that time, and cannot be ruled out. Specific recommendations for any other
options can be provided upon request.
XI. RECOMMENDATIONS
All recommendations provided in the referenced reports (Attachments I and II) remain valid and
should be considered in the final designs and implemented during the construction phase, where
appropriate and as applicable. The following modified rock stabilization with remedial grading in
combination with rigid raft post-tensioned type foundations with perimeter grade beams and interior
stiffening beams recommendations (Option "V"), however, will supersede those given in the
referenced reports and should be considered in final designs and implemented during the
construction phase:
A. Ground Stabilization Remedial Grading and Earthworks
The project property is underlain by a relatively modest section of soft clayey fills over thick
lagoonal soil deposits. As discussed herein, a more conventional method, generally expected
to alleviate major geotechnical concerns within reasonable risk levels, consists of removal
and recompaction of upper soils, and surcharging the underlying untreated soils using special
remedial grading ground stabilization techniques. Remedial grading ground stabilization of
the upper foundation soils should construct safe and stable building surfaces as specified
herein.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 18
Recommended remedial grading concept and associated earthworks details are schematically
illustrated on the enclosed Typical Ground Stabilization, N-S Direction and Typical Ground
Stabilization, E-W Direction, Figures 9 and 10 respectively. All excavations, grading,
earthworks, constructions and bearing soil preparations should be completed in accordance
with Chapter 18 (Soils and Foundations) and Appendix "J" (Grading) of the 2013 California
Building Code (CBC), the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction, City of
Carlsbad Grading Ordinances, the requirements of the governing agencies and following
sections, wherever appropriate and as applicable:
Underground and Utility Mark-Outs: All existing underground waterlines, sewer
lines, storm drains, utilities, tanks, structures and improvements at or nearby the project
construction site should be throughly potholed, identified and marked prior to the
initiation of actual ground stabilization works, excavations, remedial grading operations,
trenching and earthworks. Specific geotechnical engineering recommendations may be
required based on the actual field locations and invert elevations, backfill conditions and
proposed grades in the event of a grading conflict.
Utility lines may be needed to be temporarily redirected, if necessary, prior to earthwork
operations, and reinstalled upon completion of the constructions. Alternatively,
permanent relocations may be appropriate as shown on the approved plans.
Abandoned lines, irrigation pipes and conduits should be properly removed, capped or
sealed offto prevent any potential for future water infiltrations into the site fihls/backfills,
foundation bearing and subgrade soils. Voids created by the removals of the abandoned
underground pipes, tanks and structures should be properly backfihled with compacted
fills in accordance with the requirements of this report.
Site Preparation and Clearing: Remove existing surface improvements, vegetation
and other unsuitable/deleterious materials from all areas of the planned new structure and
improvements plus 3 horizontal feet minimum outside the perimeter where possible, and
as directed in the field. Vegetation, debris, grasses, trees, roots, stumps, and other
deleterious or unsuitable materials should be thoroughly removed and cleared from the
construction site to the satisfaction ofthe project geotechnical consultant. Debris and site
vegetation should not be allowed to occur or contaminate new fills and backfills.
The prepared ground should be inspected and approved by the project geotechnical
engineer or his designated representative.
Removals and Over-Excavations: Site upper soft and compressible soils in the
building envelope areas plus a minimum of 3 feet in the north/south ends and 5 feet along
at the east-west ends, outside the perimeter and as directed in the field, should be
removed to a minimum uniform depth of 6 feet below the existing grades (BGS) or at
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 19
least 4 feet below the bottom deepest footing(s), whichever is more (also see Typical
Ground stabilization Figures 9 and 10). In the front paving improvement areas plus
minimum 18 inches outside the perimeter, where possible and as directed in the field,
removal depths should extend a minimum of 2.5 feet below the existing grades or a
minimum of 12 inches below the bottom of deepest utility, whichever is more.
Locally, deeper removals may be necessary based on the actual field exposures and
should be anticipated. Actual depths should be established by the project geotechnical
engineer at the time of ground stabilization work and remedial grading operations.
4. Excavations, Temporary Construction Slopes and Shoring: Excavation shoring
consisting of drilled concrete piles reinforced with steel beams and wood lagging will
most likely be required for developing a safe excavation and protect the adjacent building
foundations, structures and improvements, as recommended below. However, initially
attempts maybe made to complete removals/over-excavation, bottom stabilization and
pad reconstruction to rough finish grades with compacted fills in limited quartered/phase
sections as delineated in the enclosed Geotechnical Map, Figure 1.
Attempting Temporary Construction Slopes: Preliminary excavation setbacks and
temporary construction slope development concept are depicted on the enclosed
Figures 9 and 10. In general site geotechnical conditions are not favorable for
temporary laid back construction slopes. However, initially attempts may be made
to develop laid back excavations only in limited quartered sections not exceeding
approximately one-fourth of total length of the project ground stabilization areas.
Developed temporary construction slopes shall maintain the required set backs and
initially laid back at 1:1 gradient maximum, unless otherwise noted or directed. A
limited section of 1:1 of the temporary slope can then be cut at near vertical condition
within the excavation areas, if the exposed section is immediately backfilled with
stabilization rocks and compacted fills in a same day operation, with the groundwater
lowered below the bottom of excavations. Vertical excavation left exposed over-
night or for an extended period of time shall not be allowed. Any suspected or
potential unfavorable exposures and excavation stability conditions (such as caving
and/or development of tension cracks along the top of excavation), as determined in
the field, shall result in abandoning this procedure and implementing shoring
support, as discussed below.
Monitoring of site excavations and adjacent buildings are also recommended herein
(see following sections). In the event construction works requires prolonged
(overnight) temporary slope exposures, or field observations and monitoring
indicates a potential for failure and possible movements causing damage to the
neighboring building, shoring protection of nearby structures shall be required. Any
continuous shoring technique which can allow safe and stable excavations, and
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 20
protect adjacent buildings, properties and nearby structures and improvements may
be considered. A qualified design/build shoring contractor should be consulted in
this regard.
Excavation Shoring Support: Anticipated prolonged unsupported excavation
exposures during construction, excavations resulting in steeper than 1:1 maximum
gradients, excessive groundwater intrusions or excessive deflections/deformations
(greater than 1-inch) of site excavations, and monitoring results of adjacent buildings
will necessitate installation of excavation shoring support, and most likely be
required and should be anticipated. Shoring will also allow development of larger
excavations, thereby increasing production levels, however, due to site constraints
and groundwater intrusions, excavations larger than one-half of the total length of the
project ground stabilization areas are not recommended. Approximate locations
requiring excavation shoring are delineated in the enclosed Geotechnical Map, Figure
I. Typical Excavation Shoring detail is shown on Figure 9.
In general, any temporary continuous shoring system which can adequately support
adjacent building foundations, underground utilities and nearby improvements along
the northern and southern property margins (see Figure 1), and provide safe and
stable excavation conditions may be considered. An effective temporary shoring
support suitable to the site subsurface conditions may consist of drilled reinforced
cast-in-place (CIP) concrete piles with wood lagging system (Figure 9). Any other
shoring system, if considered, should be reviewed and approved by the project
geotechnical consultant. The following soil design parameters are appropriate for
shoring design:
Design point of fixity should be assumed 2 feet below the specified bottom of
over-excavations.
Design maximum deflection should be limited to I-inch unless otherwise noted
or approved.
Protection of existing buildings, foundations, pipes, utilities, conduits, and
underground improvements and nearby structures located within the zone of
influence of planned vertical excavation is one of the most important criteria in
determining a shoring support system and shall be considered in the project
designs and constructions. The shoring wall system stiffness, and sequence of
excavations shall limit horizontal and vertical deflections within allowable
tolerances. The project shoring contractor should evaluate the structural capacity
of existing nearby foundations, buildings, pipes, utilities, conduits and
underground structures and determine the allowable acceptable tolerances for his
considerations in implementing in a given shoring system.
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- Shoring piles should be at least 24 inches in diameter. Maximum pile spacing
should be not exceed 8 feet.
A design apparent lateral soil pressure of 40 pcf (EFP, for heights above the
water table) may be considered for temporary shoring conditions.
A design apparent buoyant lateral soil pressure of 22 pcf (EFP), in combination
with a 62 pcf (EFP) hydrostatic pressure, should be considered for temporary
shoring conditions below water tables. Water table is recommended herein to be
lowered below the bottom of excavations with dewatering efforts.
An additional 640 lbs./ft. resultant lateral force acting at the depth of 2.9 feet
(BGS) caused by surcharge loading of nearby building foundations should also
be considered for temporary shoring design, unless otherwise determined by the
project design/build consultant.
Design apparent passive resistance of 200 psf/fi maybe considered for temporary
shoring for the portion embedded below the point of fixity. The passive
resistance may be increased by the indicated value for each additional foot of
depth to a maximum 3000 pounds per square feet.
- Additional soil design parameters are provided in the following sections of this
report.
General Excavation Requirements: Top of excavations and temporary slopes shall
maintain adequate set backs from adjacent neighboring buildings, existing on and
offsite improvements and structures as approved and directed in the field.
Undermining and/or damages to adjacent buildings, existing improvements,
structures, underground utilities and within public right-of-way or adjacent easements
and properties shall be avoided. Face of temporary slopes should be protected from
excessive runoff or rainfall and stockpiling the excavated materials near the top of
construction embankments should be disallowed. Construction should be also
completed in a timely manner minimizing unsupported slope conditions for
prolonged period of time.
Bottom of over-excavations will be approximately 12 inches below the anticipated
high groundwater levels and moderate to heavy groundwater intrusions into the site
excavations should be expected. Groundwater should be lowered to below the
bottom of excavations using dewatering techniques.
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Site excavations and temporary shoring support will require continuous geotechnical
observation during the earthwork operations. Additional recommendations should
be given by the project geotechnical consultant at that time as necessary, based on
actual field exposures. The project contractor should also obtain appropriate
excavation permits, as needed, and conform to the Cal-OSHA and local governing
agencies' requirements for open cut and trenching excavations, and safety of the
workmen during construction. Commencing site excavations may also require
obtaining permits from the adjacent property owners or public agencies, as
appropriate and applicable.
5. Excavation Monitoring and Adjacent Neighboring Buildings: Monitoring ofthe site
excavations and adjacent neighboring buildings will be required during the ground
stabilization work and pad reconstruction phase. For this purpose, an appropriate
excavation monitoring program should be incorporated into the project plans and
implemented during site construction. We recommend an excavation monitoring
program which include the following:
* Pre-construction conditions of all existing nearby buildings, structures, improvements
and utilities within 100 feet minimum from the top of excavation or twice the
excavation depth, whichever is more, should be well documented and recorded
(photographed and video taped).
* Elevations and horizontal position of all existing nearby buildings, structures,
improvements and utilities within 100 feet minimum from the top of excavation (or
twice the excavation depth, whichever is more) should be established prior to
initiation of actual excavation works. Survey and monitoring points should be
established on the nearby buildings, structures, improvements and utilities at intervals
less than 25 feet maximum and identified on the project grading or a separate
Monitoring Plan. Monitoring data should be recorded to 0.01 -foot accuracy.
* Benchmarks and reference locations for the survey and monitoring points should be
established outside the influence zone of the excavations and construction equipment
vibrations (minimum 100 feet or at least twice the excavation depths, whichever is
more) as shown on the project grading or Monitoring Plan.
* Record elevations and horizontal position of each survey and monitoring point before
and after any major event, phased excavation, changes in excavation exposures (such
as development of ground cracks near top of excavations or side caving), and any
suspected or observed movements, as well as change in geologic units and
unexpected groundwater impacts. Survey weekly during shoring, excavations, and
backfihling activities. Survey at least on a monthly basis thereafter until terminated
by the project geotechnical consultant.
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* Data generated from the monitoring program may establish new conditions requiring
reconsideration into the temporary slope and shoring designs resulting in field
revisions including but not limited to smaller excavation exposures or installations
of additional or an intermediate shoring support system.
6. Ground/Bottom of Over-Excavation Rock Stabilization: Bottom of removals/over-
excavations at the specified depth is anticipated to expose very soft to soft yielding
conditions overall not suitable for receiving new fills or backfllls. Consequently, a
stabilization rock mat will be required and should be placed over the exposed bottom of
excavation, as conceptually depicted on the enclosed Typical Ground stabilization,
Figures 9 and 10.
The stabilization rock mat should initially consist of placing one-foot minus crushed
angular rocks over the entire bottom of over-excavations and tracking the rocks with
heavy construction equipment as directed in the field. Rock placement and tracking
should continue until soft to loose soils at the bottom of removals are sufficiently
displaced and rocks are fully interlocked achieving a non-yielding condition as
determined in the field. Dewatering shall be carried out, as specified herein, to remove
the intruding and displaced water and accelerate the bottom stabilization work.
Subsequently, an approximate 6-inch thick layer of 11/2 to 3/4-inch crushed rocks should
be placed over the larger rocks at the bottom and then tracked with heavy construction
equipment to adequately in-fill larger rocks, enhance interlocking and provide a stable
surface non-yielding conditions suitable for receiving fill.
A layer of Mirafi 5 OOX (or greater from the same series or approved equal) soil
separation geotextile should then be provided neatly placed over the top of the rock mat
as directed in the field. Placement of reinforced fill and backfilling can then proceed
until final pad grades are achieved.
The actual rock mat thickness needed to achieve an unyielding bottom will depend on
the in-place characteristics of the site exposures at the time of grading. Variables which
will influence the rock mat thickness include specific engineering properties of the
underlying soil conditions at the exposed over-excavation depths and the type of the
heavy equipment used to track-walk the rock. Based on our experience with similar
projects, a consolidated rock thickness on the order of 3 feet will be required. Added
recommendations and field modifications for the stabilization rock mat including larger
or a thicker rock section may be required depending on the site and groundwater
conditions at the time of constructions and should be anticipated. Dewatering and
lowering of groundwater (removal of displaced water) below the bottom of over-
excavation shall be continued during rock mat and subsequent fill placement.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 24
In the on-grade improvement areas outside the building envelop only, such as driveways,
a rock mat may be not necessary as determined in the field. However, fills can only be
placed upon non-yielding bottom of over-excavations as determined by the project
geotechnical engineer or his designated field representative. A minimum removal depth
of 2.5 feet below finis pad grades or 12 inches below the bottom of deepest utility,
whichever is more, is considered adequate in these areas unless otherwise noted.
However, due to the expected unsuitable and yielding bottom of removals, a layer of
TerraGrid RX- 1200 (or greater) stabilization geogrid earth reinforcement should be
neatly placed over the exposed surfaces prior to backfihling as directed in the field.
7 Groundwater and Dewatering: High groundwater is expected at the depth of
approximately 5 feet (BOS), subject to fluctuation with tidal conditions. Dewatering and
removal of intruding/displaced water will be required for successful completion of site
stabilization, rock mat placement, allowing remedial grading operations to progress.
Dewatering should be completed at each local quartered/phased remedial grading section,
with groundwater levels lowered below the bottom of excavation and should continue
as rock mat and fill placement progresses.
Any dewatering technique which can effectively remove the intruding/displaced water
and lower the groundwater below the bottom of excavation may be considered. Sump
and pump method consisting of an excavation of a two-foot deep hole backfihled with 3,4
inch crushed rocks at a low point in the over-excavated areas to act as a sump, and
dewatering using a submersible pump is usually a common procedure. More specific
recommendations should be provided by the project geotechnical consultant at the time
of trenching and excavation inspections based on actual field exposure.
Dewatering shall not be allowed to adversely impact the nearby buildings, structures and
improvements. Completing grading during the dry seasons of the year and low tidal
conditions should be considered to minimize difficulties associated with dewatering
operations. Some pre-dewatering may also be considered appropriate for this project to
facilitate excavations and ground stabilization work.
8. Underdrain: A subsurface underdrain system consisting of a minimum 6-inch diameter
perforated pipe (SDR 35) surrounded with crushed rocks ('4-inch) and wrapped in filter
fabric (Mirafi 140 N) installed within the I Y2"-Y4 crushed rock layer maybe required as
determined and directed in the field. The need for a subsurface underdrain will most
depend on conditions of site excavations, rock stabilization performance under track
walking and groundwater intrusions. Actual underdrain construction details should be
provided by the project geotechnical engineer, if it becomes necessary. The underdrain
should be installed at suitable elevations above the "historic high tides" sea level to
provide minimum 2% fall via a non-perforated out on eastern rock face slope, or other
approved discharge location.
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9. Fill Materials and Import Soils: In general, soils generated from the site excavations
will chiefly consist of marginal to very poor quality, plastic, wet to saturated silty to
clayey deposits. Generated deposits are not suitable for reuse as site new fills and
backfills, and should be removed and exported from the site. Good quality sandy
granular (D.G.) soils should then be imported and used as new fills and backfills for
completing remedial grading and achieving final pad grades. Import soils should consist
of very low expansive non-corrosive sandy (D.G.) granular deposits (100% passing I-
inch sieve, more than 50% passing #4 sieve and less than 18% passing #200 sieve with
expansion index less than 20) tested and approved by the project geotechnical engineer
prior to delivery to the site. Import soils should also meet or exceed the engineering
properties of site soils as specified in the following sections.
Backfilling/Reiuforced Fifi Mat: Upon completion of stabilization rock mat placement
and approval of the project geotechnical consultant, building pad reconstruction to design
finish grade with reinforced compacted import fills can begin. An initial fill lift on the
order of 6 to 8 inches thick should be carefully and neatly placed atop the Mirafi 500X
soil separation geotextile and compacted as specified herein. A layer of TerraGrid RX-
1200 (or greater) earth reinforcement geogrid should then be placed over the initial fill
lift, followed by the second fill lift also on the order of 6 to 8 inches thick compacted as
specified herein. Settlement plates can then be installed in accordance with requirements
of this report. Backfilling and compaction should subsequently proceed with a second
layer of TerraGrid RX-1200 (or greater) placed within the compacted fill mass
approximately 12 below the bottom of deepest footing(s) or a minimum of 6 inches
below the deepest underground utility and plumbing trenches, unless otherwise approved.
Details of a reinforced compacted fill mat are conceptually shown on the enclosed
Figures 9 and 10. A minimum of 18 inches overlap should be considered for Mirafi
500X soil separation geotextile and TerraGrid RX-1 200 earth reinforcement geogrid
when completing remedial grading is limited quartered/phased sections.
Uniform and stable well-compacted fill mat support should be constructed underneath
the proposed building pad areas by the earthwork operations. For this purpose, site new
fills and backfills should be adequately processed, thoroughly mixed, moisture
conditioned to slightly (2%) above the optimum moisture levels, placed in thin (6 to 8
inches maximum) uniform horizontal lifts and mechanically compacted to a minimum
of 95% of the corresponding laboratory maximum dry density per ASTM D-1557.
Minimum 95% compaction levels shall be required for all site fills and backfills
including, storm drains, utility and plumbing trench backfills, unless otherwise approved
or.directed in the field by the project geotechnical consultant.
Instrumentations and Settlement Monitoring: Geotechnical instrumentation devices
consisting of two settlement plates should be installed at the project building site, as
schematically shown on the enclosed Typical Ground Stabilization Figures 9 and 10.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 26
Settlement plates should be placed near the bottom of the over-excavations, at selected
locations not to interfere with the project grading and post grading construction phases,
in order to monitor settlement of the underlying surcharged natural lagoonal deposits.
Preliminary locations of settlement plates are shown on the attached Geotechnical Map,
Figure 1. A typical detail and installation concept of a settlement plate are shown on the
enclosed Settlement Plate Schematic, Figure 11. Geotechnical instrumentation should
be installed by or under direct supervision of the project geotechnical consultant.
Monitoring should be performed by means of field surveying shots periodically taken at
each monitoring site as the fill and backfill placement progresses approximately once
every two to three days, unless otherwise approved. At the completion of remedial
grading, monitoring should continue on a biweekly and/or monthly basis, per the
monitoring schedule developed by the project geotechnical consultant. Monitoring
should be carried out by surveying methods provided by the project civil
engineer/surveyor or contractor. Survey records (vertical and horizontal positioning)
should then be reduced by the project surveying consultant soon after field measurements
and provided to the project geotechnical consultant to establish settlement patterns and
soil compression characteristics with respect to surcharge loading pressures, compaction
efforts and earthwork activities (vertical deflection versus time plot).
Foundation trenching can only begin after data reduction and approval of the project
geotechnical consultant (0.01-foot or 0.12 inch differential between at least three
consecutive post-grading readings per the monitoring schedule, unless otherwise noted
or required by the project geotechnical consultant). A waiting period between 6 to 12
weeks maybe anticipated after the completion of rough pad grading to proceeded with
foundation trenching and constructions. Foundation recommendations provided in the
following sections should be also confirmed and / or revised based upon the settlement
monitoring data compiled at the completion of monitoring period, as necessary and
appropriate.
12. Surface Drainage and Erosion Control: A critical element to the continued stability
of the graded building pads is an adequate storm water and surface drainage control.
This can most effectively be achieved by appropriate storm water control and drainage
structures, vegetation cover and the installation of the following systems:
* Flooding, soil erosion, scouring and sediment transport should not be allowed at the
site. Erosion prevention facilities as well as flooding and runoff control drainage
structures should be installed and constructed as shown on the approved drawings.
* Concentrated flow should not be allowed. Lined concrete drainage facilities should
be considered for directing stormwater and surface runoff to appropriate discharge
facilities.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 27
* Building pad and improvement surface runoff should be collected and directed away
from the planned buildings and improvements to a selected location in a controlled
manner. Area drains should be installed.
* Temporary erosion control facilities and silt fences should be installed during the
construction phase periods and until landscaping is established as indicated and
specified on the approved project grading or erosion control plans.
13. Engineering Observations and Testing: All ground stabilization work, remedial
grading and earthwork operations including excavations and removals, dewatering
efforts, shoring procedures and temporary excavation slopes, rock and earth
reinforcement geogrid placement, instrumentation, suitability of import soils used as site
new compacted fills and backfills, fill/backfill placement and compaction procedures
should be continuously observed and tested by the project geotechnical consultant and
presented in the final as-graded compaction report. The nature of finished bearing and
subgrade soils should be confirmed in the final compaction report at the completion of
grading.
Geotechnical engineering observations should include but are not limited to the
following:
Initial observation - After clearing limits have been staked but before ground
stabilization and remedial grading starts.
* Shoring/excavation observation -During shoring installations and site excavation but
before the vertical depth of excavation is more than 3 feet. Local and Cal-OSHA
safety requirements for open excavations apply.
* Removals, dewatering and bottom of over-excavation observation - After
removals/over-excavations to the specified depths and installation of dewatering
facilities, but before placing stabilization rocks are placed.
* Fill/backfill observation - After the fill/backfill placement is started but before the
vertical height of fill/backfill exceeds 2 feet. A minimum of one test shall be
required for each 100 lineal feet maximum in every 2 feet vertical gain, with the
exception of wall backfihls where a minimum of one test shall be required for each
30 lineal feet maximum. Site new fills and backfihls should consist of good quality
sandy granular D.G. import soils and mechanically compacted to a minimum of 95%
compaction levels unless otherwise specified or directed in the field. Finish rough
and final pad grade tests shall be required regardless of fill thickness.
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* Foundation trench and subgrade soil observation - After the foundation trench
excavations and prior to the placement of steel reinforcing for proper moisture and
specified compaction levels.
* Geotechnical foundation/slab steel observation - After the steel placement is
completed but before the scheduled concrete pour.
Underground utility, plumbing and storm drain trench observation - After the trench
excavations but before placement of pipe bedding or installation of the underground
facilities. Local and Cal-OSHA safety requirements for open excavations apply.
Observations and testing of pipe bedding may also be required by the project
geotechnical engineer.
Underground utility, plumbing and storm drain trench backfill observation - After the
backfill placement is started above the pipe zone but before the vertical height of
backfill exceeds 2 feet. Testing of the backfill within the pipe zone may also be
required by the governing agencies. Pipe bedding and backfill materials shall
conform to the governing agencies' requirements and project soils report if
applicable. Trench back fills shall consist of good quality sandy granular D.G.
import soils, mechanically compacted to a minimum of 95% compaction levels,
unless otherwise specified. Plumbing trenches more than 12 inches deep maximum
under the floor slabs should also be mechanically compacted and tested for a
minimum of 95% compaction levels. Flooding or jetting techniques as a means of
compaction method should not be allowed.
* Improvement subgrade observation - Prior to the placement of concrete for proper
moisture and specified compaction levels.
B. Post-Tensioned Rigid Raft Foundation Slab
As a minimum, the proposed residential dwelling maybe supported on a shallow stiff rigid
raft post-tensioned type foundations. Other foundation system alternatives, as presented in
the referenced reports, still remain valid and are also available for considerations. The choice
of appropriate option will depend on acceptable levels of future building and improvement
performance, economic feasibility and ease of constructions.
Geotechnical concept designs (not for construction) of the recommended rigid raft post-
tensioned type foundations are depicted on the enclosed Typical Foundation Plan and Typical
Interior Stiffeners Detail, Figures 12 and 13 respectively. Added or modified
recommendations may also be necessary and should be given at the time of foundation plan
review phase and completion of the monitoring period, as specified herein.
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Actual rigid raft post-tensioned type foundation designs should be completed by the project
structural engineer or design/build contractor. However, the following soil design
parameters and minimum requirements are appropriate and should be considered in the final
designs and implemented during the construction phase:
* The rigid raft type foundation design should consider a post-tensioned slab with
perimeter exterior beams and interior stiffeners (ribbed foundation), as conceptually
shown on the enclosed Figures 12 and 13.
* All designs shall conform to the latest addition of the California Building Code (CBC),
specifications of the Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI), local standards, and the
specifications given in this report.
* Foundation bearing soils should be inspected and tested as necessary prior to trenching
and actual construction by the project geotechnical engineer. The required foundation
bearing soils in-place densities, and specified moisture contents should be confirmed
prior to the foundation pour.
* A well-performing vapor barrier/moisture retardant (minimum 15-mil Stego) should be
placed over the compacted subgrade and overlain by 4 inches of good quality well-graded
clean sand. Alternatively, a 4-inch thick base of '/2 inch clean aggregate and a vapor
barrier (minimum 15-mil Stego) in direct contact with concrete, and a concrete mix
design, which will address bleeding, shrinkage and curling (ACI 302.2R-06) may also
be considered per California Green Building Standards Code (4.505.2).
* At the completion of ground and subgrade preparation as specified, and approval of the
project geotechnical engineer, the rigid raft post-tensioned type foundations should be
constructed as detailed on the structural/construction drawings.
* Based on our experience on similar projects, available laboratory testing and analysis of
the test results, the following soil design parameters are appropriate:
- Design predominant clay mineral type .....................Montmorillonite.
- Design percent of clay in soil .....................................60 %.
- Design effective plasticity index ....................................45.
- Design depth to constant soil suction ..............................7 feet.
- Design constant soil suction ......................................Pf 3.6.
Design velocity of moisture flow .........................0.70 inch/month.
- Thomwaite Moisture Index for edge lift ...............................0.
- Thornwaite Moisture Index for center lift ............................ -20.
- Design edge moisture variation distance for center lift (em) ...........8.0 feet.
- Design edge moisture variation distance for edge lift (em) ............3.5 feet.
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- Design differential swell occurring at the perimeter of slab
for center lift condition (Ym) ................................1.0 inch(es).
- Design differential swell, occurring at the perimeter of slab
for edge lift condition (Ym) .................................2.25 inches.
- Design soil subgrade modulus (k) ...............................100 pci.
- Design net allowable bearing pressure for
post-tensioned foundations ...................................1000 psf.
Notes:
Internal net allowable foundation pressure within the perimeter of the post-tension slab
should be considered 1000 psf for a minimum embedment depth of 12 inches, and may
be increased 20% for each additional foot of embedment or a portion thereof to a
maximum of 3000 psf. The net allowable foundation pressure provided herein applies
to dead plus live loads and maybe increased by one-third for wind and seismic loading.
* Provide a minimum 18 inches wide by 24 inches deep exterior beams and interior
longitudinal stiffeners reinforced with at least 245 continuous bars near the bottom and
#3 ties at 18 inches on centers maximum (see Figures 12 and 13). Provide additional
minimum 15 inches wide by 18 inches deep interior transverse stiffeners reinforced with
at least 245 continuous bars near the bottom and #3 ties at 30 inches on center
maximum. Stiffeners spacing shall not exceed 12 feet maximum center to center in both
directions, as shown in the enclosed Typical Foundation Plan, Figure 12.
Final design dimensions and spacing of interior stiffening beams should be furthered
confirmed or revised as necessary based on the recorded settlement monitoring data at
the completion of pad construction. Perimeter beams and interior stiffener embedment
depths are measured from the lowest adjacent ground surface, not including the
sand/gravel beneath the slabs. Exterior beams shall also enclose the entire building
circumference.
* The rigid raft post-tension type foundation slab shall not be less than 6 inches in
thickness minimum. We recommend considering pre-tensioning in order to preclude
early concrete shrinkage cracking. Also, see Site Corrosion Assessment section of this
report for concrete type and strength.
C. Soil Design Parameters
Soil design parameters provided in the referenced reports are still valid and may be
considered where appropriate and as applicable unless superceded below. Good quality
sandy granular D.G. type import soils are also recommended herein placed within upper pad
grades.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 31
The following soil design parameters are based upon on our past experience with similar
projects in close vicinity of the study site, and available test results performed on
representative samples of onsite and import earth materials:
* Design soil unit weight = 124 pcf.
* Design angle of internal friction of soil = 26 degrees.
* Design active soil pressure for retaining structures = 40 pcf (EFP), level backfill,
cantilever, unrestrained walls.
* Design at-rest soil pressure for retaining structures = 60 pcf (EFP), non-yielding,
restrained walls.
* Design soil passive resistance for retaining structures = 200 pcf (EFP), level ground
surface on the toe side.
* Design coefficient of friction for concrete on soil = 0.25.
* Net allowable foundation pressure for 95% compacted fills = 2000 psf.
* Allowable lateral bearing pressure (all structures except retaining walls) for on-site
compacted fill = 100 psflft.
Notes:
Use a minimum safety factor of 1.5 for wall over-turning and sliding stability. However,
because large movements must take place before maximum passive resistance can be
developed, a minimum safety factor of 2 may be considered for sliding stability
particularly where sensitive structures and improvements are planned near or on top of
retaining walls.
When combining passive pressure and frictional resistance, the passive component
should be reduced by one-third.
* The allowable foundation pressures provided herein apply to dead plus live loads and
may be increased by one-third for wind and seismic loading.
* The lateral bearing earth pressures may be increased by the amount of designated value
for each additional foot of depth to a maximum 1500 pounds per square foot.
D. Inter-Locking Payers
Flexible interlocking concrete payers are proposed as shown on the enclosed Figure 1 and
should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Subgrade
preparation and compaction procedures will remain the same as specified herein, unless
otherwise approved. Also refer to Stormwater BMPs/Permeable Interlocking Concrete
Payers (PICP) section of this report, and the attached Figure 8 for typical geotechnical design
and construction recommendations. Some repairs and period maintenance of interlocking
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 32
payers may be required depending on subgrade behavior, as wells as design and
installation/construction procedures and should be anticipated.
XII. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The minimum foundation design and steel reinforcement provided herein are based on soil
characteristics and are not intended to be in lieu of dimensions and reinforcement necessary
for structural considerations.
Adequate staking and grading control are critical factors in properly completing the
recommended remedial and site grading operations. Grading control and staking should be
provided by the project grading contractor or surveyor/civil engineer, and is beyond the
geotechnical engineering services. Staking should apply the required setbacks shown on the
approved plans and conform to setback requirements established by the governing agencies
and applicable codes for off-site private and public properties and property lines, utility
easements, right-of-ways, nearby structures and improvements, and graded embankments.
Inadequate sOtaking and/or lack of grading control may result in illegal encroachments or
unnecessary additional grading which will increase construction costs.
Open or backfihled trenches parallel with a footing shall not be below a projected plane
having a downward slope of I-unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50%) from a line 9 inches
above the bottom edge of the footing, and not closer than 18 inches from the face of such
footing.
Where pipes cross under-footings, the footings shall be specially designed. Pipe sleeves shall
be provided where pipes cross through footings or footing walls, and sleeve clearances shall
provide for possible footing settlement, but not less than 1-inch all around the pipe.
Expansive clayey soils should not be used for backfilling of any retaining structure. All
retaining walls should be provided with a 1:1 wedge of granular, compacted backfill
measured from the base of the wall footing to the finished surface and a well-constructed
back drain system as shown on the enclosed Figure 14. Planting large trees behind site
retaining walls should be avoided.
All underground utility and plumbing trenches should be mechanically compacted to a
minimum of 95% of the maximum dry density of the soil unless otherwise specified. Care
should be taken not to crush the utilities or pipes during the compaction of the soil. Very low
expansive, granularD.G. type import backfill soils should be used. Trench backfill materials
and compaction beneath pavements within the public right-of-way shall conform to the
requirements of governing agencies.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 33
7. Onsite soils consist of expansive and moisture sensitive silty to clayey soils. These deposits
can experience movements and undergo s volume changes upon wetting and drying.
Maintaining a uniform as-graded soil moisture during the post construction periods is
essential in the future performance and stability of site structures and improvements.
Excessive irrigation resulting in wet soil conditions should be avoided. Surface water should
not be allowed to infiltrate into the underlying bearing and subgrade soil.
Site drainage over the finished pad surfaces should flow away from structures in a positive
manner. Care should be taken during the construction, improvements, and fine grading
phases not to disrupt the designed drainage patterns. Roof lines of the buildings should be
provided with roof gutters. Roof water should be collected and directed away from the
buildings and structures to a suitable location.
Final plans should reflect preliminary recommendations given in this report. Final
foundations and grading plans may also be reviewed by the project geotechnical consultant
for conformance with the requirements of the geotechnical investigation report outlined
herein. More specific recommendations may be necessary and should be given when final
grading and architectural/structural drawings are available.
All foundation trenches should be inspected to ensure adequate footing embedment and
confirm competent bearing soils. Foundation and slab reinforcements should also be
inspected and approved by the project geotechnical consultant.
The amount of shrinkage and related cracks that occur in the concrete slab-on-grades,
flatwork and driveways depend on many factors, the most important of which is the amount
of water in the concrete mix. The purpose of the slab reinforcement is to keep normal
concrete shrinkage cracks closed tightly. The amount of concrete shrinkage can be
min:mized by reducing the amount of water in the mix. To keep shrinkage to a minimum
the following should be considered:
* Use the stiffest mix that can be handled and consolidated satisfactorily.
Use the largest maximum size of aggregate that is practical. For example, concrete made
with %-inch maximum size aggregate usually require about 40-lbs. more (nearly 5-gal.)
water per cubic yard than concrete with 1-inch aggregate.
* Cure the concrete as long as practical.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 34
The amount of slab reinforcement provided for conventional slab-on-grade construction
considers that good quality concrete materials, proportioning, craftsmanship, and control
tests where appropriate and applicable are provided.
12. A preconstruction meeting between representatives of this office, the property owner or
planner, city inspector as well as the grading contractor/builder is recommended in order to
discuss grading and construction details associated with site development.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER OF RECORD (GER)
SMS Geotechnical Solutions, Inc. is the geotechnical engineer of record (GER) for providing a
specific scope of work or professional service under a contractual agreement unless it is terminated
or canceled by either the client or our firm. In the event a new geotechnical consultant or soils
engineering firm is hired to provide added engineering services, professional consultations,
engineering observations and compaction testing, SMS Geotechnical Solutions, Inc. will no longer
be the geotechnical engineer of the record. Project transfer should be completed in accordance with
the California Geotechnical Engineering Association (CGEA) Recommended Practice for Transfer
of Jobs Between Consultants.
The new geotechnical consultant or soils engineering firm should review all previous geotechnical
documents, conduct an independent study, and provide appropriate confirmations, revisions or
design modifications to his own satisfaction. The new geotechnical consultant or soils engineering
firm should also notify in writing SMS Geotechnical Solutions, Inc. and submit proper notification
to the City of Carlsbad for the assumption of responsibility in accordance with the applicable codes
and standards (1997 UBC Section 3317.8).
LIMITATIONS
The conclusions and recommendations provided herein have been based on available data obtained
from the review of pertinent prior documents, reports and plans, available subsurface explorations
and laboratory testing, as well as our experience with the soils and formational materials located in
the general area. The materials encountered on the project site and utilized in our laboratory testing
are believed representative of the total area; however, earth materials may vary in characteristics
between excavations.
Ofnecessity, we must assume a certain degree of continuity between exploratory excavations and/or
natural exposures. It is necessary, therefore, that all observations, conclusions, and recommendations
are verified during the grading operation. In the event discrepancies are noted, we should be
contacted immediately so that an inspection can be made and additional recommendations issued if
required.
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Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 35
Several stabilization and project development options with their "pros" and "cons" of each option
are presented herein. The final choice of an option will depend on site limitations, acceptable levels
of risk and future building performance, economic feasibility and ease of construction. It is the
responsibility of the property owner(s) to carefully evaluate the pros and cons and cost-benefit
aspects of each alternative with a risk level acceptable to them for choosing a specific mitigation and
development technique. The selection of a desired development alternative and mitigation
procedure, considered with the risk level acceptable to current owners/developers should be passed
on to the future homeowner(s). The recommendations made in this report are applicable to the site
at the time this report was prepared. It is the responsibility of the owner/developer to ensure that
these recommendations are carried out in the field.
It is almost impossible to predict with certainty the future performance of a property. The future
behavior of the site is also dependent on numerous unpredictable variables, such as earthquakes,
rainfall, and on-site drainage patterns.
The firm of SMS Geotechnical Solutions, Inc., shall not be held responsible for changes to the
physical conditions of the property such as addition of fill soils or changing drainage patterns which
occur without our inspection or control.
This report should be considered valid for a period of one year and is subject to review by our firm
following that time. If significant modifications are made to your tentative construction plan,
especially with respect to finish pad elevations final layout, this report must be presented to us for
review and possible revision.
This report is issued with the understanding that the owner or his representative is responsible for
ensuring that the information and recommendations are provided to the project architect/structural
engineer so that they can be incorporated into the plans. Necessary steps shall betaken to ensure that
the project general contractor and subcontractors carry out such recommendations during
construction.
The project geotechnical engineer should be provided the opportunity for a general review of the
project final design plans and specifications in order to ensure that the recommendations provided
in this report are properly interpreted and implemented. If the project geotechnical engineer is not
provided the opportunity of making these reviews, he can assume no responsibility for
misinterpretation of his recommendations.
SMS Geotechnical Solutions, Inc., warrants that this report has been prepared within the limits
prescribed by our client with the usual thoroughness and competence of the engineering profession.
No other warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, is included or intended.
Geotechnical Update Report, Proposed Residential Duplex Development July 25, 2016
Existing Pad (Lot 31), 4547 Cove Drive, Carlsbad, California Page 36
Once again, should any questions arise concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact this
office. Reference to our Project No GI-16-06-128 will help to expedite our response to your
inquiries.
We appreciate this opportunity to be of service to you.
SMS Geotechnical Solutions, Inc.
di S. Shariat
AL
AAY
Steven J. Meizer CERTIFIED
CEG#2362 ENGINEERING
GEOLOGIST
Distribution: Addressee (5, e-mail) 4
&6GE01'ECHN1CAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
REFERENCES
- Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 4 - Construction, Volume 04.08: Soil and Rock (1);
D420 - D5876, 2016,
- Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 4- Construction, Volume 04.09: Soil and Rock (II);
D5877 - Latest, 2016.
- Highway Design Manual, Caltrans. Fifth Edition.
- Corrosion Guidelines, Caltrans, Version 1.0, September 2003.
- California Building Code (CBC), California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2, Volumes 1 &
2, 2013,, International Code Council.
- "The Green Book" Standard Specifications For Public Works Construction, Public Works
Standards, Inc., BNi Building News, 2015 Edition.
- California Geological Survey, 2008 (Revised), Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic
Hazards in California, Special Publication 11 7A, 108p.
- California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology (California Geological
Survey), 1986 (revised), Guidelines for Preparing Engineering Geology Reports: DMG Note 44.
- California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology (California Geological
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S 1S
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