HomeMy WebLinkAbout3593; Faraday Avenue Extension; Geotechnical Reconnaissance; 1998-05-28Leighton and Associates
GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANTS
GEOTECHNICAL RECONNAISSANCE,
FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION,
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
Project No. 4980118-001
May 28,1998
Prepared For:
O'DAY CONSULTANTS
2320 Camino Vida Roble, Suite B
Carlsbad, California 92009
3934 MURPHY CANYON ROAD, SUITE B205
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123-4425
(619) 292-8030 • FAX (619) 292-0771
Leighton and Associates
GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANTS
May 28,1998
To:O'Day Consultants
2320 Camino Vida Roble, Suite B
Carlsbad, California 92009
ProjectNo. 4980118-001
Attention: Mr. Chuck Collins
Subject:Geotechnical Reconnaissance Faraday Avenue Extension, Carlsbad, California
Enclosed is the Geotechnical Reconnaissance for the Faraday Avenue Extension for inclusion into
the Environmental Impact Report as requested. Please note that the Geologic Maps have been
labeled Figures 1 through 4. We are currently in the process of preparing our geotechnical
investigation of the site and will issue this document shortly.
If you have any further questions or requests, please do not hesitate to contact this office. We
appreciate this opportunity to be of service on this project.
Respectfully submitted,
LEIGHTON AND ASSOCIATES,
Joseph/j. Franzone, RCE 3
Director of Engineering
cc: Mr. Tim Gnibus
Cotton Be land, Associates
6310 Greenwich Drive, Suite 220
San Diego, California 92122
Michafcl R."Stewart, CEG T349
Director of Geology
p. 12/31/99)
3934 MURPHY CANYON ROAD, SUITE B205
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123-4425
(619) 292-8030 • FAX (619) 292-0771
GEOTECHICAL/SOILS
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Geologic Conditions
The majority of the project site is presently developed as agricultural fields and has been partially graded
and disturbed in order to facilitate the agricultural activities onsite. Topographically, the site is
characterized by numerous ridges and intervening ravines and valleys that intersect a main northwest
trending drainage that flows into Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Elevations along the proposed alignment range
from approximately 20 feet mean sea level (m.s.l.) at the extreme northwest corner of the site in the main
drainage, to approximately 265 feet mean sea level (m.s.l.) near the ridgeline along the eastern edge of the
alignment. Natural slopes on the site range from relatively steep (steeper than 1:1, horizontal to vertical)
to relatively gentle (less than 3:1, horizontal to vertical).
Existing improvements are generally related to past and present agricultural activities on the site.
Improvements associated with the agricultural fields include underground irrigation lines and valves and
minor cuts and fills associated with access roads. Other onsite improvements include: access roads
associated with several utility easements, and a pair of relatively small earthen dams constructed to
impound water for irrigation purposes.
Non-agricultural vegetation on-site ranges from a relatively thick growth of grasses and weeds on the
undisturbed hillsides to shrubs and thick weeds in the ravines. Riparian trees and shrubs grow quite
heavily in the main drainage trending north west-southeast across the site. The majority of the proposed
alignment transects hillside agricultural fields.
Regional Geology
The subject site is located within the coastal subprovence of the Peninsular Ranges Geomorphic Provence,
near the western edge of the southern California batholith. The topography at the edge of the batholith
changes from rugged landforms developed on the batholith to the more subdued landforms which typify the
softer sedimentary formations of the coastal plain.
Site Geology
As encountered during our investigation(s), and our review of geotechnical reports applicable to the subject
site (Appendix A), the majority of the proposed alignment is underlain by the Tertiary Santiago Formation.
The Jurassic-aged Santiago Peak Volcanics is the bedrock unit in the extreme southeast section of the
alignment. Surficial units on-site consist of alluvium, colluvium, topsoil, and undocumented fill soils. The
approximate areal distributions of the units are shown on the Geologic Maps (Figures 1 through 4) and
briefly discussed below.
Jurassic Santiago Peak Volcanics (Map Symbol - Jsp)
The Jurassic aged Santiago Peak Volcanics crop out in the southeast portion of the subject site. Typically the
unit is hard and extremely resistant to erosion and forms topographic highs. Most of the rocks are dark
greenish gray where fresh but weather grayish red to dark reddish brown. The soil developed on the
Santiago Peak Volcanics is the color of the weathered bedrock and supports the growth of dense chaparral.
If deep removals are planned in this area, localized heavy ripping or blasting may be required.
Santiago Formation (Map Symbol - Ts)
The bedrock unit underlyingthe majority of the site is the Tertiary-aged Santiago Formation. In general, the
unit consists of massive to weakly bedded sandstone with interbedded clayey siltstone and silty claystone.
The sandstone encountered consisted primarily of light gray, light brown, and light yellow-brown, moist,
dense, silty, fine- to occasionally medium-grained sandstone. The sandstone was generally friable, slightly
micaceous and weakly bedded to massive. Well cemented sandstone beds were occasionally encountered
during this and previous investigations on adjacent sites and may require heavy ripping during grading.
The siltstone typically consisted of brown and olive-green gray, moist, stiff, clayey siltstones that were
fissile to indistinctly bedded and contained calcium carbonate, manganese-oxide and iron-oxide staining.
The claystone typically was gray to brown, moist, stiff to hard, fine-grained, sandy to silty claystone that
was moderately sheared. Where encountered, the upper 6 to 12 inches of the Santiago Formation appears to
be moderately weathered, porous and potentially compressible. This layer should be removed and
recompacted in areas of structural fill placement or settlement sensitive improvements.
Alluvium (Map Symbol — Qal)
Alluvium was encountered during our investigation of the proposed alignment in the majority of the
drainages and the low lying areas adjacent to and along the proposed alignment. As encountered, the
alluvium generally consisted of potentially compressible, moist to wet, loose to medium dense silty sands,
sandy silts, and sandy clays. Within the main northwest trending drainage, the alluvium is relatively thick as
evidenced by approximately 20-50 feet of alluvium encountered in borings excavated for the adjacent golf
course geotechnical investigation.
In many of the smaller side canyons, alluvium was encountered and mapped. However, these areas were
not accessible with the drilling equipment utilized in this investigation. Based upon our work on adjacent
properties and our experience with similar conditions, alluvial depths in these areas can be expected to range
up to 10 +feet.
Unsaturated alluvial soils are considered potentially compressible and not suitable for the support of
structural loads or additional fill soils in areas of settlement sensitive improvements. These soils should be
removed and recompacted in areas proposed for structural improvements as part of site grading.
Colluvium/ Slope Wash (Map Symbol - Qcol)
Holocene aged colluvium / slope wash was encountered mantling the lower valley slopes, in areas
undisturbed by agricultural activities. As encountered, the colluvium / slope wash typically consisted of
poorly consolidated surficial materials derived from nearby soil and decomposed bedrock sources. This
reworked debris is deposited along the flanks of the lower valley slopes by the action of gravity and surface
water. Generally, the material was light brown to dark brown, damp to moist, medium dense, silty to clayey
sand that was generally 5 to 15 feet in thickness although locally it may be deeper. The colluvium / slope
wash was typically porous and anticipated to be potentially compressible under the load of existing fills or
improvements. In places, it is difficult to distinguish the sandier colluvial soils from the underlying
weathered Santiago Formation.
Topsoil (Unmapped)
Topsoil was encountered essentially covering the entire site but was not mapped. The topsoil was found to
be generally light brown to dark brown, damp, loose to medium dense, silty sands with minor amounts of
clay. The topsoil was generally ± 3 feet in thickness and contains moderate amounts of decomposed
organics. Where disturbed by the previous agricultural activities, the topsoil may locally be up to 5 feet
thick. This unit was evaluated to be compressible under the loading of fill soils or other improvements.
Undocumented Fill (Map Symbol - Af)
Undocumented fill soil is present on the site in various locations. The major undocumented fill areas
consisted of earthen embankments for agricultural ponds, unimproved roads, end-dumped debris piles, and
utility trench backfill. Our site reconnaissance indicated that potentially compressible alluvium was left in
place beneath these fill areas. In addition, our literature review did not indicate that any documentation or
testing was completed for these areas. Undocumented fill soils were also noted in several other locations
within the subject site. As encountered, the undocumented fill consisted of numerous soil types, but
typically the fill soils were light brown to medium brown and gray, moist to very moist, loose, silty sands
and clayey sands. These soils should be removed to expose competent material in areas of proposed fill
soils or improvements.
Geologic Structure
The bedrock units encountered on the site were generally massive to weakly bedded. However, based on
our professional experience in the area, bedding of the underlying Santiago Formation is anticipated to be
relatively gently dipping (i.e. 5 to 10 degrees) to the west.
Ground Water
Ground water was encountered within several of the onsite drainages in the lower elevations of the site
particularly in the main northwest trending drainage located west of the proposed alignment. The presence
of ground water in these areas would most likely limit the removal of alluvium and undocumented fill that
would be required for structural improvements proposed for these areas.
Perched groundwater conditions were also encountered in several of our borings on-site commonly at the
contact between the relatively impermeable Tertiary Santiago Formation and the relatively porous overlying
soils. However, ground water is not anticipated to be a constraint to site development provided the
recommendations provided in the project geotechnical investigation and during the course of grading are
implemented.
Mass Movement
Based on our review of the previous geotechnical reports, available geologic literature and maps, and aerial
photographs, several features indicative of mass movements (such as landslides, surficial slumps, etc.) were
observed within the areas proposed for development. In the central and north-central portion of the
proposed alignment an area has been mapped as a landslide complex based on topographic expression and
data gathered during our subsurface investigation. Geologic mapping of excavations in this area should be
performed during site grading. Localized zones of weak claystone/siltstone material are present in the
Santiago Formation and may create localized areas that are prone to slope instability if exposed in a cut
slope. Accordingly, all cut slopes should be mapped by an engineering geologist during site grading.
Additional recommendations for slope stabilization can be provided as needed during site grading.
Faulting and Seismicitv
Our discussion of the faults on the site is prefaced with a discussion of California legislation and state
policies concerning the classification and land-use criteria associated with faults. By definition of the
California Mining and Geology Board, an active fault is a fault which has had surface displacement within
Holocene time (about the last 11,000 years). The State Geologist has defined a potentially active fault as
any fault considered to have been active during Quaternary time (last 1,600,000 years) but that has not been
proven to be active or inactive. This definition is used in delineating Fault Rupture Hazard Zones as
mandated by the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act of 1972 and most recently revised in 1994.
The intent of this act is to assure that unwise urban development does not occur across the traces of active
faults. Base on our review of the Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones, the subject site is not located within any
Fault-Rupture Hazard Zone as created by the Alquist-Priolo Act (Hart, 1994). However, several inactive
fault zones have been mapped in a number of places within and adjacent to the subject site (see attached
Geologic Maps, Figures 1 through4). These inactive fault zones are not considered to be a constraint to site
development.
The location of the proposed development can be considered to lie within a seismically active region, as can
all of southern California. The subject site lies within Seismic Zone 4 as outlined in Section 1629 of the
1997 edition of the UBC. The Rose Canyon Fault Zone which is located approximately 4.5 miles to the
west of the site is considered to have the most significant seismic effect at the site from a design standpoint.
A maximum probable earthquake of moment magnitude 5.9 on the fault could produce a peak horizontal
ground acceleration of approximately 0.30g at the site. The slip rate of the fault is estimated at 1.5 mm/yr.
(State of California, 1996) and the soil profile type is Sc (per Table 16-J of the 1997 UBC).
Seismic Considerations
The principal seismic considerations for most structures in southern California are surface rupturing of fault
traces, damage caused by ground shaking and/or seismically induced liquefaction or dynamic settlement.
The probability of damage due to ground rupture is considered minimal since active faults are not known to
cross the site. Ground lurching due to shaking from distant seismic events is not considered a significant
hazard, although it is a possibility throughout the southern California region.
Ground Shaking
The seismic hazard most likely to impact the site is ground shaking resulting from an earthquake on one of
the major regional faults. As discussed above, a maximum probable event on the Rose Canyon Fault Zone
(considered the design earthquake for this site) could produce a peak horizontal acceleration at the site of
0.30g.
Liquefaction/Dynamic Settlement
Liquefaction of cohesionless soils can be caused by strong vibratory motion due to earthquakes. Research
and historical data indicate that loose granular soils underlain by a near-surface ground water table are most
susceptible to liquefaction, while the stability of most silty clays and clays is not adversely affected by
vibratory motion. The Santiago Formation is generally not considered liquefiable due to its high density
characteristics.
From our preliminary field study, it appears that the area most likely susceptible to liquefaction is the main
drainage area. Accordingly, as the proposed alignment does not infringe upon the main drainage, it is our
professional opinion that the proposed roadway alignment has a low potential for liquefaction.
Due to the uneven terrain of the project site, grading will be required in order to achieve the design grades.
In certain areas of the proposed alignment, this will require that significant cuts and/or fills be made in order
to achieve the design grade.
It is our professional opinion that development of the proposed alignment will not be precluded by the soil
and geologic conditions at the site. However, remedial measures will be required to ensure stable grading.
The presence of loose, potentially compressible surface deposits in the form of topsoil, alluvium, colluvium,
and undocumented fill soils will require special consideration during grading. In addition, ground water was
observed as runoff in the major drainages and was encountered as seepage in several of our borings.
Remedial measures will likely be required to address the groundwater conditions. Loose unconsolidated
deposits on the project site should be removed and densified, and subdrains installed where required to
reduce the build-up of a shallow groundwater condition.
The Safety Element of Carlsbad General Plan establishes requirements for the preparation of geotechnical
studies for various land uses. Implementation of the Safety Element of the Carlsbad General Plan requires
the compilation of site-specific geotechnical reports for development projects, use of appropriate
construction techniques during development as recommended by a registered engineer, and implementation
of standards for grading and construction to mitigate geologic hazards during and after development. These
strategies will be implemented as development moves forward on the project site. In addition, the final
grading plan must comply with the City of Carlsbad Grading Ordinances. Due to site conditions,
supplemental measures will be required to reduce the geologic impact from grading to less than significant.
Earthquake Hazards
While no active faults are known to traverse the subject site, earthquakes along regional faults could
produce groundshaking at the site. All development must conform to the most recent version of the
Uniform Building Code (UBC), which requires building techniques to prevent structural failure during
earthquakes. With the implementation of the UBC requirements, die risk of property damage and injury due
to earthquakes will be no greater than the risk encountered in other populated areas of southern California.
Cumulative Impacts
Geologic conditions vary across the subject site, but all development in the region is potentially subject to
groundshaking from an earthquake on one of the active regional faults. As all new development must be
constructed according to State-mandated requirements for seismic safety, cumulative geotechnical and soil
impacts will not be significant.
LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts related to site geotechnical and soil conditions will be potentially significant. While the on-site
geologic conditions will not preclude the planned development, remediation measures will be necessary to
ensure geologic stability and public safety.
MITIGATION MEASURES
The following mitigation measures are required to reduce the geotechnical and soil impacts to less than
significant.
1. Information and recommendations provided in the Leighton and Associates, Inc., project geotechnical
/soils report shall be incorporated into plans for site grading and construction.
2. All grading and subsequent development plans shall be reviewed by a certified engineer and/or
engineering geologist prior to finalizationto determine the need for additional measures and/or analysis.
During the review, special consideration shall be given to the loose, potentially compressible surface
deposits in the form of topsoil, alluvium, slopewash, undocumented fill soils, and landslide debris.
Such materials will require remedial grading where encountered.
LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION
Impacts related to geotechnical and soil conditions will be reduced to less than significant with the
implementation of the required mitigation measures.
APPENDIX A
REFERENCES
Abbott, P.L., ed., 1985, On the Manner of Deposition of the Eocene Strata in Northern San Diego County;
San Diego Association of Geologists Fieldtrip Guidebook, April 13,1985.
Albee, A.L., and Smith J.L., 1966, Earthquake Characteristics and Fault Activity Southern California in
Southern California, Association of Engineering Geologists, Special Publication, dated
October 1966.
Bolt, B.A., 1973, Duration of Strong Ground Motion, Proc. Fifth World Conference on Earthquake
Engineering, Rom, Paper No. 292, pp. 13 04-1313. dated June 1973.
Bonilla, M.J., 1970, Surface Faulting and Related Effects, in Wiegel, R., Ed., Earthquake Engineering, New
Jersey, Prentice-Hall, Inc., pp. 47-74.
California Division of Mines and Geology, 1975, Fault Map of California, Scale 1 "=750,000'.
Eisenberg, L.I., 1983, Pleistocene Terraces and Eocene Geology, Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe
Quadrangles, San Diego County, California, San Diego State University Master's Thesis
(unpublished), p. 386.
, 1985, Pleistocene Faults and Marine Terraces, Northern San Diego County in Abbott, P.L.,
Editor, On the Manner of Deposition of the Eocene Strata in Northern San Diego County, San
Diego Association of Geologists, Field Trip Guidebook, pp. 86-91.
Geotechnics, 1992, Phase 1 Geotechnical Investigation, Carlsbad Ranch, Carlsbad, California, Project No.
0054-0001-00,dated September 25,1992.
Greensfelder, R.W., 1974, Maximum Credible Rock Accelerations from Earthquakes in California,
California Division of Mines and Geology, Map Sheet 23.
Han nan, D.L., 1975, Faulting in the Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Vista Areas, Northern San Diego County,
California in Ross, A. and Dowlen, R.J., eds., Studies on the Geology of Camp Pendleton and
Western San Diego County, California, San Diego Association of Geologists Field Trip
Guidebook, pp. 56-60.
Hart, 1988, Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones in California, Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones Act of 1972
with Index to Special Study Zones Maps: Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and
Geology, Special Publication 42.
Hart, E.W., 1992, Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones in California, Alquist-Priolo Special studies Zones Act of
1972 with Index to Special Study Zones Maps: Department of Conversation, Division of
Mines and Geology, Special Publication42.
APPENDIX A (Continued)
Hileman, J.A., Allen, C.R., and Nordquist, J.M., 1973, Seismicity of the Southern California Region, 1
January 1932 to 31 December 1972: California Institute of Technology Seismology
Laboratory, Pasadena, California.
International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), 1997, Uniform Building Code.
, 1997, Uniform Building Code, Volume I-Administrative, Fire- and Life-Safety, and Field
Inspection Provisions; Volume II-Structural Engineering Design Provisions; and Volume Ill-
Material, Testing and Installation Provisions: ICBO.
Jennings, C.W., 1975, Fault Map of California: California Division of Mines and Geology, Geologic Map
No. 1, Scale 1:750,000.
, 1992, Preliminary Fault Activity Map of California: California Division of Mines and Geology,
Open File Report 92-03, Scale 1:750,000.
Joyner, W.B., and Boore, D.M., 1982, Prediction of Earthquake Response Spectra, in Proceeding 51st
Annual Convention, Structural Engineers Association of California; Also U.S. Geological
Survey Open-File Report 81-977, p. 16.
Lamar, D.L., Merifield, P.M., and Proctor, R.J., 1973, Earthquake Recurrence Intervals on Major Faults in
Southern California, in Moran, D.E., Slosson, J.E., Stone, R.O., and Yelverton, C.A., Eds.,
1973, Geology, Seismicity, and Environmental Impact, Association of Engineering Geologists,
Special Publication.
Leighton and Associates, Inc., 1985, Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Proposed Huntington Palomar
Business Park, Carlsbad, California, ProjectNo. 4841363-02,dated April 5,1985.
, 1987, Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Portion of Lot H of Rancho Agua Hedionda,
Partition Map No. 823, Northeast Corner of Interstate 5 and Cannon Road, Carlsbad,
California, Project No. 8870059-01, dated February 17,1987.
, 1989a, Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Proposed Carltas Rancho Agua Hedionda
Regional Shopping Center, Northeast of Interstate 5 and Cannon Road, Carlsbad, California,
ProjectNo. 8891551-01,dated September29,1989.
, 1991, Supplemental Geotechnical Evaluation, Proposed College Business Park, Carlsbad Tract
85-17, Carlsbad, California, Project No. 8841363-04, dated January 16, 1991 revised
September 24,1991.
, 1992, City of Carlsbad Geotechnical Hazards Analysis and Mapping Study, 84 Sheets, dated
November, 1992.
APPENDIX A (Continued)
, 1994b, Preliminary Geotechnical Evaluation for Tentative Map Purposes, Carlsbad Ranch,
Carlsbad, California, Project No. 4930489-04, dated July 5,1994.
, In-house unpublished data.
Lindvall, S.C., Rockwell, T.K., and Lindvall, C.E., 1990, The Seismic Hazard of San Diego Revised: New
Evidence for Magnitude 6+ Holocene Earthquake on the Rose Canyon Fault Zone:
Proceedings of Fourth U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Volume 1,
pp.679-688.
Moore and Taber, 1987, Report of Geotechnical Services, Carlsbad Tract No. 81-46, Airport Business
Center Unit No. 1, City of Carlsbad, California, Job No. 285-256, dated February 25,1987.
Ploessel, M.R., and Slosson, J.E., 1974, Repeatable High Ground Accelerations From Earthquakes -
Important Design Criteria, California Geology, V. 27.
Reichle, M.S., and Kahle, I.E., 1990, Planning Scenario for a Major Earthquake, San Diego-Tijuana
Metropolitan Area: California Division of Mines and Geology, Special Publication 100.
Rick Engineering, 1987, Site Development Plan, College Business Park, Carlsbad Tract No. 85-17, Scale
1"=100', Job No. 8495C, dated May 1,1985, Revised September 4,1987.
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Job No. 8495C, dated May 1,1985, Revised September 4,1987.
Schnabel, R., and Seed, H.B., 1973, Accelerations in Rock from Earthquakes in the Western United States,
Bulletin of the Seismo logical Society of America, V. 63, No. 2, pp. 501-516.
Seed, H.B., and Idriss, I.M., 1982, Ground Motions and Soil Liquefaction During Earthquakes, Monogram
Series, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Berkeley, California.
Seed, H.B., and Idriss, I.M., and Kiefer, R.W., 1968, Characteristics of Rock Motions During Earthquakes,
Journal of Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division, ASCE, V. 95, No. SMS, Proc. Paper
6783, pp. 1199-1218.
Singh, A., 1970, Shear Strength and Stability of Man-Made Slopes, in Journal of the Soil Mechanics and
Foundations Divisions, ASCE, No. SM6,pp. 1879-1892.
, 1982, Recent Slope failures, Ancient Landslides and Related Geology of the North-Central
Coastal Area, San Diego County, California, California Division of Mines and Geology, Open
File Report 82-12, LA.
-, 1963, Geology and Mineral Resources of San Diego County, California: California Division of
Mines and Geology, County Report 3,309p.
APPENDIX A (Continued)
U.S. Department of the Navy, 1969, Civil Engineering, DM-5.
, 1982, Foundations and Earth Structures, DM 7.2.
, 1986, Soil Mechanics, DM 7.1.
United States Department of the Interior Geologic Survey, 1968, 7.5-Minute Encinitas Quadrangles, Scale
1:24,000, Photo Revised 1975.
United States Department of the Interior Geologic Survey, 1996, Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment
for the State of California, Open File Report 96-706.
Wilson, K.L., 1972, Eocene and Related Geology of a Portion of the San Luis Rey and Encinitas
Quadrangles, San Diego, California.
Ziony, J.I., and Yerkes, R.F., 1985, Evaluating Earthquake and Surface-Faulting Potential in Ziony, ed.,
1985, Evaluating Earthquake Hazards in the Los Angeles Region - An Earth - Science
Perspective: U.S. Geological Survey, Professional Paper 1360, pp. 43-91.