HomeMy WebLinkAboutPVH HARMONY CAMPUS - FDP - 32-98B - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - GEOTECHNICAL (SOILS) REPORT3
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2 CC: Mr. Wayne Muir, PE
Structural Consultants, Inc.
3400 East Bayand Avenue, Ste 300
Denver, Colorado 80209
2 CC: Mr. Dennis Ashley
M.A. Mortenson Company
1875 Lawrence, Ste 600
Denver, Colorado 80202
THE HAMMES COMPANY -
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LIMITATIONS
Although our borings were spaced to obtain a reasonably accurate picture of
subsurface conditions, variations in the subsoils not indicated in our borings are
always possible. We should inspect pier hole drilling and footing excavations to
confirm soils are as we anticipated from our borings. Placement and compaction of
compacted fill, backfill, subgrade and other fills should be observed and tested by
a representative of our firm during construction.
This report was prepared from data developed during our field exploration,
laboratory testing, engineering analysis and experience with similar conditions. The
recommendations contained in this report were based upon our understanding of the
planned construction. If plans change or differ from the assumptions presented
herein, we should be contacted to review our recommendations.
We believe this investigation was conducted in a manner consistent with that
level of skill and care ordinarily used by members of the profession currently
practicing under similar conditions in the locality of this project. No other warranty,
express or implied, is made.
If we can be of further service in discussing the contents of this report or in
the anal si� of the building and paving from the geotechnical point -of -view, please
call.
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THE HAMMES COMPANY
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backfilled and the backfill compacted and sloped to prevent ponding adjacent backs
of curbs and to paving. The final grading of the subgrade should be carefully
controlled so the pavement design cross-section can be maintained. Low spots in
the subgrade that can trap water should be eliminated. Seals should be provided
within the curb and pavement and in all joints to reduce the possibility of water
infiltration.
WATER SOLUBLE SULFATES
We measured water soluble sulfate concentrations in samples of soils from
the building area of 0.004 percent (Table 1). Sulfate concentrations in this range are
low. Type I cement can be used in concrete exposed to the foundation soils.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
Wetting of foundation soils always causes some degree of volume change in
soils and should be prevented during and after construction. The risk of wetting the
foundation soils and pavement subgrade can be reduced by planned and maintained
surface grading. We recommend the following precautions be observed during
construction, and that they be maintained at all times after completion of the
building:
1. The ground surface surrounding the exterior of the building should be
sloped to drain away from the building in all directions.
2. Backfill around grade beams should be on -site soils placed in thin
lifts, moisture conditioned to 2 percent below to 2 percent above
optimum moisture content and compacted to at least 90 percent of
standard Proctor maximum dry density (ASTM D 698). All backfill that
supports pavement or sidewalks should be compacted to at least 95
percent of standard Proctor maximum dry density (ASTM D 698).
3. Roof downspouts and drains should discharge well beyond the limits
of all backfill. We recommend providing splash blocks at all
downspout locations. Concrete swales can be used to convey
concentrated water flows through paved areas to drains and gutters.
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Experience shows construction methods can effect serviceability and the life
of the pavement. The compacted fill needed beneath pavements can be inorganic on -
site or similar off -site soils with 100 percent 6 inches or finer, placed in 8-inch
maximum loose lifts at 2 percent below to 2 percent above optimum moisture
content and compacted to at least 95 percent of standard Proctor maximum dry
density (ASTM D 698). See Appendix A for additional recommendations.
Construction control and inspections should be carried out during subgrade
preparation and paving operations by a representative of our firm. Concrete should
be carefully monitored for quality control. To avoid problems associated with
scaling and to continue strength gain, we recommend deicing salts not be used the
first year after placement.
Utilities such as water and sewer are usually placed beneath pavement.
Utilities should be installed, tested, and approved prior to paving. There may be pre-
existing utility trenches across a portion of this site not identified during this
investigation. If any are found, the top 2 feet of backfill should be replaced as fill
compacted to 95 percent of ASTM D 698. If utility trench backfill was not moisture
treated and densely compacted, differential settlement will result which will destroy
the pavement. Placement and compaction of trench backfill should be observed,
tested, and approved prior to paving. Careful attention should be paid to compaction
at curb backs and around manholes.
Excavation of completed pavement for utility construction or repair can
destroy the integrity of the pavement and result in a severe decrease in
serviceability. To restore the pavement top original serviceability, careful backfill
compaction before repaving is necessary.
The primary cause of premature pavement deterioration is infiltration of water
into the pavement system. This increase in moisture content usually results in the
softening of base course and subgrade and eventual failure of the pavement. We
recommend pavements and surrounding ground surface be sloped to cause surface
water to rapidly run off and away from pavements. Curb and gutter should be
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Design of the pavement section is a function of paving materials and support
characteristics of the subgrade. The quality of paving materials is reflected in the
structural coefficients we used in the above evaluation. If the pavement is
constructed of inferior material, then its serviceability and life will be reduced.
The asphaltic concrete component of the pavement section was evaluated
assuming at least a 1650 pound Marshall stability and asphalt aggregate which is
relatively impermeable to moisture and well graded. We recommend a job mix
design be performed and periodic checks at the job site be made to verify
compliance with the specifications as asphaltic concrete is placed.
The structural coefficient assumed for the aggregate base course in our above
evaluation is an R-value of 78. The Colorado Department of Highways Class 5 or
Class 6 base courses will normally meet these requirements. Base course varies
considerably and can be sensitive to change in moisture, therefore, we recommend
the material planned for base course be laboratory tested prior to importing it to the
site.
Our designs are based on the assumed modulus of rupture (flexural strength)
of 600 psi for concrete. We recommend concrete contain a minimum of 5.5 sacks of
cement per cubic yard and between 5 and 7 percent entrained air. A mix design
should be prepared for paving using the aggregate and cement that will be used
during construction.
If the construction material selected cannot meet the above requirements the
pavement design should be re-evaluated using strength parameters for the available
materials. Materials and placement methods should conform to the requirements of
the State Department of Highways, Division of Highways, State of Colorado
"Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction". All material planned
for construction should be submitted and tested to verify compliance with the
project specifications.
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parking areas. Laboratory tests completed to date on select representative samples
indicated the sandy clays that will be the subgrade for provate pavements generally
classify as AASHTO category A-6 and A-7 with a group indices of 11 to 19. We
anticipate pavements in areas that will receive site grading fill will be supported by
materials with similar characteristics. We used the group index approach to estimate
the support characteristics of the anticipated subgrade in our design calculations.
We have considered both flexible asphaltic concrete and rigid Portland
cement concrete pavements. Alternatives which include each material are provided
below. Our designs are based on the AASHTO design method and our experience.
For design calculations we assumed a daily traffic number (DTN) of 10 for those
areas of parking which will be subjected to automobile traffic only and a DTN of 50
for access drives which will be used for heavy delivery trucks, trash trucks, fire
trucks and ambulances. We envision that a member of the design team that
ultimately configures the parking and access drives will select the locations for
which the different pavement sections will be used.
Using the criteria discussed above we recommend the following minimum
pavement sections:
Pavement
Classification
Full -Depth
Asphalt
Asphalt + Aggregate
Base Course
Portland Cement
Concrete
Parking
6.51'
4.0" + 8.0"
6.01'
Access Drives
8.0"
5.0" + 10.0"
7.01'
Our experience indicates rigid Portland cement concrete pavements generally
perform better than asphalt pavements. Concrete pavements generally require lower
maintenance. Pavement failures have occurred in areas where heavy trucks and
trash trucks start and stop'and make slow turning movements. In areas such as
entrances, loading and unloading zones, and trash collection areas, we recommend
Portland cement concrete pavement be used. Concrete pavement appears to
perform better in these areas because the concrete better distributes wheel loads
over a larger area resulting in lower subgrade stresses.
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In our opinion, it is reasonable to use slab -on -grade floors for the proposed
building. Any fill placed for the floor subgrade should be built with densely
compacted, site grading fill like discussed in the SITE GRADING section of this
report.
It is impossible to construct slab -on -grade floors with no risk of movement.
We believe movements due to swell will be on less than 1 inch at this site. We
recommend the following details to minimize the risk of damage in the event of slab
movement.
The slabs should bear directly on the subgrade. Immediately prior to
slab placement, the subgrade should be scarified to a depth of 6 to 8
inches, moisture conditioned to within 2 percent of optimum moisture
content and compacted to at least 95 percent of standard of standard
Proctor maximum dry density (ASTM D 698). The area should be proof
rolled using a pneumatic tired vehicle (such as a water truck) to
identify soft, wet or yielding areas. These areas should be removed
and replaced with properly compacted fill.
2. Slabs should be designed to support the anticipated equipment loads.
A subgrade modulus of 100 pci can be assumed for the natural soils
and completed fill for slab design.
3. Slabs should be separated from exterior walls, interior bearing
members and all slab projections with a slip joint which allows free
vertical movement of the slab. Utilities which pass through the slab
should be isolated form the slab. Interior partitions should be
designed to prevent the transmission of upward slab movement to the
upper stories of the building.
4. Frequent control joints should be provided in the slab to reduce
problems associated with shrinkage. The American Concrete Institute
(ACI) recommendations should be followed.
PAVEMENTS
Only private streets and parking areas will be addressed here. The public
streets along the perimeter of the site will be addressed in our forthcoming report.
Subgrade soils were investigated by drilling borings on approximately 400
feet centers along each private street and drilling one boring in each of the three
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3. Footings should have a minimum width of at least 16 inches.
Foundations for isolated columns should have minimum dimensions
of 24 inches by 24 inches. Larger sizes may be required depending on
load and the structural system used.
4. The subsoils beneath footing pads can be assigned a coefficient of
friction of 0.4 to resist lateral loads. The ability of grade beams, or
footing backfill to resist lateral loads can be designed for using a
passive equivalent fluid pressure of 250 pcf. This assumes the backfill
is densely compacted and will not be removed. Backfill should be
placed in thin lifts and compacted to 95 percent of standard Proctor
maximum dry density (ASTM D 698) at a moisture content within 2
percent of optimum.
5. To meet the minimum deadload criteria, a continuous void with
minimum 4-inch thickness should be placed below grade beams
between pads to concentrate the load of the structures on the footing
pads.
6. Exterior footings should be protected from frost action. We believe 30
inches of frost cover is appropriate for this site.
7. Foundation walls for continuous footings should be well reinforced
both top and bottom. We recommend the amount of steel equivalent
to that required for a simply supported span of 10 feet. The soils
bearing pressure can be increased 30 percent for short duration live
loads such as wind loads.
8. Completed footing excavations should be inspected by a
representative of our firm to confirm that the soils are as we
anticipated from our test holes. Occasional loose soils may be found
in foundation excavations. If this occurs, we recommend the loose
soils be removed prior to forming footings.
SLAB -ON -GRADE FLOORS
The subgrade for slab -on -grade floors will be the natural clays and/or man -
placed fill needed to achieve the desired subgrade elevations. The natural clays
showed low swell potential in samples we tested from our borings. We also have
results from an investigation of the ground just south of the Center which confirms
the low swell potential in these clays.
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Elevation-4930 to 4920 (Middle Bedrock Zone)
wet density (pcf) 120
cohesion (psf) 6,000
strain corresponding to one-half the
Principal stress difference (E50) 0.002
modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction (pci) 3,000
Elevation -below 4920 (Deeper Bedrock Zone)
wet density (pcf) 120
cohesion (psf) 8,000
strain corresponding to one-half the
Principal stress difference (ESo) 0.001
modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction (pci) 4,000
The above design values for the L-pile method do not include a factor of safety. The
earlier design values for drilled piers (contained in items 1 through 7 and paragraph
above) are "working values" and do include a factory of safety.
An alternative foundation for the buildings is footings bearing on the natural
soils and/or densely compacted site grading fill placed to realize the elevation for
certain footings. Buildings founded with footings will probably experience greater
foundation movement than pier founded buildings and there is more risk that the
movement that does occur will be unacceptable, although, we believe this risk is low
if footings are designed with the criteria we have given below.
1. Footings should bear on undisturbed natural soils or densely
compacted man -placed fill. Where soil is loosened during excavation,
it should be removed and replaced with on -site soils compacted
- following the criteria contained in the SITE GRADING section of this
report.
2. Footings bearing on the natural soils and/or compacted site grading
fill can be designed for a maximum soil bearing pressure of 3,000
pounds per square foot and a minimum dead load pressure of 1,000
pounds per square foot to resist the potential swell pressure of the
clays.
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5. Concrete should have a sufficient slump so it will fill the pier holes and
will not hang on the sides of the casing during extraction. We
recommend a slump in the range of 5 to 7 inches.
6. Formation of "mushrooms" or enlargements at the top of piers should
be avoided during drilling and subsequent construction operations.
7. Installation of drilled piers should be observed by a representative of
our firm to identify the bearing strata.
The piers may be required to resist lateral loads applied to the structure.
There are several methods available for designing piers subjected to lateral loads.
L-pile is one of the methods used to model the various layers of materials. For
purpose of design, we believe the following geotechnical criteria can be used in the
L-pile method.
Clays
wet density (pcf) 120
cohesion (psf) 2,000
strain corresponding to one-half the
Principal stress difference (E..) 0.005
modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction (pci) 1,000
Sands (above water)
wet density (pcf) 125
angle of internal friction (deg) 35
modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction (pci) 200
Sands (below water)
submerged density (pcf) 63
angle of internal friction (deg) 35
modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction (pci) 100
Elevation -top of bedrock to 4930 (Upper Bedrock Zone)
wet density (pcf) 120
cohesion (psf) 4,000
strain corresponding to one-half the
Principal stress difference (E50) 0.003
modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction (pci) 2,000
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should be designed for a maximum end -bearing pressure of 25,000 pounds per
square foot (psf), a side shear of 2,500 psf for that part of the pier in bedrock, and a
minimum dead load pressure of 10,000 psf based on the cross -sectional area of the
pier at the top to help concentrate the building loads to resist uplift from the
claystone if it gets wetter. Piers bottoming in the bedrock between elevations 4930
and 4920 (Middle Bedrock Zone in Fig. 4) can be designed for a maximum end -
bearing pressure of 50,000 psf, a side shear of 5,000 psf for that part of the pier
between elevations 4930 and 4920, a side shear of 2,500 psf for that part of the pier
in bedrock above elevation 4930 and a minimum dead load pressure of 10,000 psf
based on the cross -sectional area of the pier at the top. Piers bottoming in the
bedrock below 4920 (Deeper Bedrock Zone in Fig. 4) can be designed for a maximum
end -bearing pressure of 65,000 psf, a side shear of 6,500 psf for that part of the pier
below elevation 4920, a side shear of 5,000 psf for that part of the pier between
elevations 4930 and 4920, a side shear of 2,500 psf for that part of the pier in the
bedrock above elevation 4930 and a minimum dead load pressure of 10,000 psf
based on the cross -sectional area of the pier at the top. We recommend the
following additional criteria for drilled pier design:
1. For designing the uplift resistance of piers for wind and seismic loads,
the skin friction values given above for the bedrock can be used
provided the sides of the pier hole in bedrock are grooved.
2. Piers should be reinforced the full length of the pier with Grade 60
reinforcing steel having a combined area at least 0.005 times the pier
cross -sectional area. Reinforcement should extend into grade beams.
Additional reinforcement may be necessary depending on structural
loads.
3. There should be a 4-inch (or thicker) continuous void beneath all grade
beams between piers to concentrate the dead load of the buildings on
the piers.
4. Piers should be cleaned prior to placing concrete. We found water in
our borings, therefore, the pier holes will need to be temporarily cased
to clean and dewater the holes. Concrete should be placed
immediately after the holes are drilled, cleaned and inspected utilizing
the "drill -and -pour" procedure to avoid possible contamination of the
open pier holes. Needed casing should be available on -site during pier
hole drilling.
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piling, braced sheeting and others. Lateral loading of bracing depends on the depth
of excavation, slope of excavation above the bracing, surface loads, hydrostatic
pressures, and allowable movement. For trench boxes and bracing allowed to move
enough to mobilize the strength of the soils with associated cracking of the ground
surface, the "active" earth pressure conditions are appropriate for design. If
movement is not tolerable, the "at rest' earth pressures are appropriate. We suggest
an equivalent fluid weight of 30 pcf for "active" earth pressure and 45 pcf for "at
rest' earth pressure, assuming level backfill. These pressures do not include
allowances for surcharge loading or for hydrostatic conditions. We are available to
assist further with bracing design if desired.
Utility trenches should be backfilled using the materials and criteria
discussed in the SITE GRADING section of this report.
FOUNDATIONS
Drilled piers and footings were considered relevant foundation alternatives
for the proposed building. Drilled piers generally outperform footing foundations on
sites similar to the hospital site. A discussion of each of these alternatives and
appropriate foundation design criteria are provided in the sections which follow.
We penetrated and sampled the bedrock as much as 35 feet with our borings.
Our analysis of the data show the bedrock is harder with depth. There are three
layers. The first about 10 feet of the bedrock is not as hard as about the next 10 feet,
which, in turn, is not as hard as that layer at least 20 feet below the top of the
bedrock. We opine drilled piers would be an excellent foundation for the proposed
building and would be the alternative with the least risk of unacceptable foundation
movement.
In our opinion, piers should penetrate the unweathered bedrock at least 4 feet.
Piers bottoming in the bedrock above elevation 4930 (Upper Bedrock Zone in Fig. 4)
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least 95 percent of standard Proctor maximum dry density (ASTM D 698) with a
heavy tractor towed roller or self-propelled compactor. A representative from our
office should be on -site to observe and test fill placement during construction.
Special consideration should be given to site grading for the assumed
abandonment of the Harmony Lateral Irrigation Ditch, which extends below the
proposed parking areas and building pad. The berm on the south side of the
irrigation ditch is likely man -placed fill of unknown compaction. The berm should
be leveled and its materials reprocessed during site grading. In our experience,
seepage often continues to follow the paths of old drainages. We recommend
additional care be taken to scarify the soils along the bottom of the irrigation ditch
to achieve proper "marriage" with the site grading fill.
Site grading in areas of landscaping where no future improvements are
planned can be placed at a density of at least 90 percent of standard Proctor
maximum dry density (ASTM D 698). Example site grading specifications are given
in Appendix C.
UTILITIES
Utility excavation sides will need to be sloped or braced. We believe the clays
penetrated by our borings are Type B as described in the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) standards governing excavations published by the
Department of Labor. The publication indicates a minimum slope of 1:1
(horizontal: vertical) for Type B soils above the groundwater level. Soils removed
from an excavation should not be stockpiled at the edge of the excavation. We
recommend the excavated soils be placed at a distance from the top of the
excavation equal to at least the depth of the excavation. OSHA regulations require
bracing and/or slopes for excavations greater than 20 feet tall be designed by a
Registered Professional Engineer.
The width of the top of an excavation may be limited in some areas. Bracing
or "trench box" construction may be necessary. Bracing systems include sheet
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showed low swell due to wetting in our one-dimensional odometer tests. Our
penetration tests revealed the bedrock in our borings was gradually harder with
depth. Our estimate of the elevation to the top of bedrock is shown on Fig. 3.
The extent of ground water and caving sands will vary with location and
depend on season of the year. Casing will be necessary to clean and dewater most
of the pier holes.
SITE GRADING
In our opinion, the soils penetrated by our borings can be excavated using
conventional heavy duty earthworking equipment. No exceptionally soft or loose
soils were identified which would hamper mobility on the site.
Prior to placing fill, vegetation and organics should be stripped from the
ground surface the the surface should be scarified to a depth of 6 inches, moisture
conditioned and compacted with 5 passes of a heavy tractor towed roller or self
propelled compactor. Fill should not be placed on frozen subgrade. Any remaining
improvements or construction debris, such as any existing foundations in the
northeast corner of the site, should be removed prior to earth work.
We anticipate up to 5 feet of fill will be placed in the building and parking lot
areas to raise grades to the desired elevations and up to 8 feet of fill will be placed
in landscaping areas. All materials used in site grading can consist of on -site soils
free of organics or other deleterious materials and absent of cobble and debris
greater than 6 inches in diameter. If import fill materials are required, they should
be similar to on -site materials and have low swell potential. Samples of all proposed
import materials should be submitted to our office for approval prior to hauling to
the site. Fill placement and compaction activities should not be conducted when the
fill material is frozen.
Site grading fill should be placed in 8-inch maximum thick loose lifts at 2
percent below to 2 percent above optimum moisture content and compacted to at
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INVESTIGATION
Our field investigation consisted of drilling six borings to depths of 35 to 55
feet in the area of the proposed building and twenty-one borings to depths of 4 to 9
feet in the proposed alignments of the parking areas and private drives. Locations
of our exploratory borings are shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The borings were advanced
using 4-inch diameter continuous flight power auger and a truck mounted rig. Drive
samples were taken at 5 to 10 feet intervals. Summary logs of the subsurface
penetrated by our borings are contained in Figs. 4 through 6.
Drive samples were returned to our laboratory where they were classified by
a geotechnical engineer. Select samples were tested for moisture content, dry
density, Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength, swell/consolidation and
water soluble sulfates. Laboratory test results are shown in Figs. 7 through 12 and
summarized on Table I.
SUBSURFACE
In general our borings in the building area penetrated 12 feet to 22 feet of stiff
clays over nil to 14 feet of medium dense silty sands and/or dense sands underlain
at depths of 19 feet to 26 feet (elevations of 4931 to 4944 feet) by hard to very hard
interlayered claystone and sandstone or hard to very hard claystone bedrock with
the upper nil to 3 feet weathered. Ground water was measured in 3 of the 6 borings
at depths from 13 to 34 feet (elevations of 4933 to 4945 feet) when the holes were
drilled. Ground water was measured in all of the borings at depths from 14 to 23 feet
(elevations of 4938 to 4944 feet) when rechecked several weeks after drilling. Our
borings in the areas of the proposed pavements penetrated stiff sandy clays to the
depths explored of 5 to 10 feet.
Samples of the upper clays showed nearly nil swell potential due to wetting
in our one-dimensional odometer tests. A sample of the silty sands contained 36
percent silt and clay size particles (passing the No. 200 sieve). The sands exhibited
caving in one of our borings during drilling. Samples of the claystone bedrock
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and no basements, loading dock or retaining walls. The entire first floor of the
building has a finished floor elevation of 4960. Maximum column loads of 200 to 350
kips are anticipated.
The three parking areas are located on the north and west sides of the
building. They are connected by a series of private drives. A portion of the
investigation for a public street which follows the parameter of the site is contained
in this report, however, recommendations for public street design and construction
will be contained in our forthcoming report. We anticipate the parking areas will
experience predominantly light automobile traffic, while some of the private drives
may undergo heavier traffic due to supply trucks, garbage trucks, fire trucks and
ambulances.
Over most of the site, grading will be performed which will include cuts and
fills of 5 to 6 feet with 2 exceptions namely, a) eight feet of fill will be placed in the
landscape berms along Timberline Road and b) cuts of up to 13 feet will be required
for construction of the detention ponds on the east side of the site. Site grading
plans show the ground sloping away from the building. Site development will also
include the installation of various utilities.
PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION
A previous geotechnical investigation was performed at this site by Terracon
and summarized in a report No. 20985059, dated May 1, 1998. Their investigation
consisted of 14 borings spaced in a grid -like pattern across the northwest corner of
the site. Their borings extended to depths of 25.5 to 41.5 feet. Four of the borings
were cored and indicated less bedrock weathering at elevations between 4924 to
4928 feet. Their laboratory testing showed low clay and bedrock swell. In general,
their field and laboratory data matched ours except our borings were extended
deeper and our penetration test blow counts were higher. This difference in blow
counts commonly occurs between California and Standard Split Spoon sampling
devices.
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4. Our borings drilled along the proposed private streets and parking
areas at this site penetrated stiff, sandy clays to the depth explored of
5 to 10 feet. These soils generally classified as AASHTO category A-6
and A-7 with group indices of 11 to 19. For light traffic and parking
areas we recommend 4 inches of asphalt concrete over 8 inches
aggregate base course or a full depth asphaltic concrete pavement
with thickness of 6.5 inches. Thicker sections are recommended for
areas with heavier traffic.
SITE CONDITIONS
The Harmony Campus Medical Center site consists of approximately 70 acres
located southeast of the intersection of Harmony Road and Timberline Road in Fort
Collins, Colorado. Much of the area surrounding the medical center site has been
recently or is being currently developed. Mountain Crest Health Services is located
east of the site. A grade school is under construction southeast of the site and the
Timber Creek and Stetson Creek Subdivisions are in various stages of construction
located south of the site. The medical center site itself is currently vacant and
covered with native grasses and weeds. According to a geotechnical engineering
report by others from earlier this year, several small structures once occupied the
northeast corner of the site. These structures had been razed by the time of our
investigation, however, we are unaware if old foundations exist. The Harmony
Lateral Irrigation Ditch runs from west to east across the north third of the site
through the middle of the proposed building area. The north half of the site is fairly
flat while the south half slopes very gradually to the south. Signs of site grading or
possible previously placed fill were not observed during our site visits.
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
The construction currently proposed consists of a building, three parking
areas and associated drives located predominantly in the northwest corner of the
site. The building can be separated into two primary components; the western part
will be three stories tall (medical office building) and the east part will be two stories
tall (ambulatory care center). Some of the appurtenances to the building will be one-
story tall. We understand the building has been designed with slab -on -grade floors
THE HAMMES COMPANY
HARMONY CAMPUS MEDICAL CENTER 2
CTUT JOB NO. FC-1116
INTRODUCTION
This report presents the results of our geotechnical investigation for the
proposed Harmony Campus Medical Center to be located southeast of the
intersection of Harmony Road and Timberline in Fort Collins, Colorado. The purpose
of our investigation was to evaluate the subsurface conditions at the site and to
provide geotechnical recommendations and design criteria for the project. The
scope of this report is for the foundations, slab -on -grade floors, private pavements,
utilities, site grading and surface drainage for the center area. The subgrade
investigation and pavement design for the public streets is in a separate report.
Seismic criteria for building construction was not requested. The investigations and
design for relocation/abandonment of the Harmony Lateral Irrigation Ditch which
flows through the middle of the site will be by others. The highlights of our
investigation follow. More detailed criteria and information are contained in the body
of the report.
HIGHLIGHTS
In general, our borings in the area of the building pad penetrated 12
feet to 22 feet of stiff clays over nil to 14 feet of medium dense silty
sands and/or dense sands underlain at 19 feet to 26 feet by hard to
very hard interlayered claystone and sandstone bedrock or hard to
very hard claystone bedrock with the upper nil to 3 feet weathered.
Ground water was measured in the borings in the building pad area at
depths from 13 to 34 feet during drilling, and 14 to 23 feet several
weeks after drilling.
2. We opine drilled piers would be an excellent foundation for the
proposed building and would be the alternative with the least risk of
unacceptable foundation movement when compared to footings. Our
analyses show the bedrock is harder with depth, therefore, allowable
bearing capacity and skin friction can be increased with depth.
Criteria for drilled pier and footing foundations are provided in this
report.
3. The subsoils anticipated below the proposed building are considered
to have low swell potential. We judged the conditions generally
suitable for slab -on -grade construction. Recommendations for
construction details which will reduce the risk of damage in the event
of slab movement are contained in this report.
THE HAMMES COMPANY
HARMONY CAMPUS MEDICAL CENTER 1
CTL/T JOB NO. FC-1116
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
HIGHLIGHTS
SITE CONDITIONS
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION
INVESTIGATION
SUBSURFACE
SITE GRADING
UTILITIES
0
FOUNDATIONS
Drilled Piers
Footings
SLAB -ON -GRADE FLOORS
PAVEMENTS
WATER SOLUBLE SULFATES
SURFACE DRAINAGE
LIMITATIONS
FIGS. 1 AND 2 - LOCATIONS OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS
FIG. 3 - ESTIMATED ELEVATION TO BEDROCK
FIGS. 4 THROUGH 6 - SUMMARY LOGS OF BORINGS
FIGS. 7 THROUGH 11 - SWELL CONSOLIDATION TEST RESULTS
FIG. 12 - GRADATION TEST RESULTS
TABLE I - SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
APPENDIX A - FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS
APPENDIX B - RIGID PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS
APPENDIX C - SAMPLE SITE GRADING SPECIFICATIONS
1
1
2
2
3
4
4
IJ
6
7
7
10
11
12
16
16
17
THE HAMMES COMPANY
HARMONY CAMPUS MEDICAL CENTER
CTL/T JOB NO. FC-1116
SOILS AND FOUNDATION INVESTIGATION AND
SUBGRADE INVESTIGATION AND
PAVEMENT DESIGN FOR PRIVATE STREETS
POUDRE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM
HARMONY CAMPUS MEDICAL CENTER
HARMONY ROAD AND TIMBERLINE ROAD
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Prepared For:
THE HAMMES COMPANY
13952 West Denver West Parkway, Suite 305
Golden, Colorado 80401
Attention: Mr. Travis Messina
Job No. FC-1116
December 28, 1998
CTUTHOMPSON, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
375 E. HORSETOOTH RD. ■ THE SHORES OFFICE PARK ■ BLDG. 3. SUITE 201 ■ FT. COLLINS. CO 80525
(970)206-9455