HomeMy WebLinkAboutBANNER HEALTH MEDICAL CAMPUS - PDP - PDP130003 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - GEOTECHNICAL (SOILS) REPORT2390 South Lipan Street
Denver, CO 80223
phone: (303) 742-9700
fax: (303) 742-9666
email: kadenver@kumarusa.com
www.kumarusa.com
Office Locations: Denver (HQ), Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Frisco, Colorado
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING STUDY
AND PAVEMENT THICKNESS DESIGN
PROPOSED HARMONY ROAD MEDICAL CENTER
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF HARMONY ROAD
AND LADY MOON DRIVE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
DRAFT
Prepared By: Reviewed By:
Joshua L. Barker, P.E.
Project Engineer
_____________________________
James A. Noll, P.E.
President
Prepared For:
Atwell, LLC
3033 East First Avenue, Suite 415
Denver, Colorado 80206
Attention: Ms. Anna Rasiak
and
Banner Health
1441 North 12th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85006
Attention: Mr. Kip Edwards, Vice President Development & Construction
Project No. 12-1-490 November 15, 2012
Revised November 21, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ 0
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK .......................................................................................... 2
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................. 2
SITE CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................... 3
FIELD EXPLORATION .............................................................................................................. 3
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS ................................................................................................... 4
LABORATORY TESTING .......................................................................................................... 5
GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................................... 6
FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................................... 8
FOUNDATION WALLS AND RETAINING STRUCTURES........................................................14
FLOOR SLABS .........................................................................................................................14
SITE SEISMIC CRITERIA .........................................................................................................18
EXCAVATION CONSIDERATIONS ..........................................................................................18
SITE GRADING ........................................................................................................................19
SURFACE DRAINAGE .............................................................................................................22
UNDERDRAINS ........................................................................................................................23
PAVEMENT DESIGN ................................................................................................................24
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES .........................................................27
LIMITATIONS ...........................................................................................................................28
FIG. 1 - LOCATIONS OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS
FIG. 1 A – APPROXIMATE BEDROCK SURFACE CONTOURS
FIG. 2 through 5 – LOGS OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS
FIG. 6 – LEGEND AND NOTES
FIGS. 5 through 19 - SWELL-CONSOLIDATION TEST RESULTS
FIGS. 20 and 21 – GRADATION TEST RESULTS
FIG. 22 – LABORATORY RESISTIVITY RESULTS
FIG. 23 – HVEEM STABILOMETER TEST RESULTS
FIG. 24 – MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATIONSHIPS
TABLE I - SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
APPENDIX A – DARWIN™ PAVEMENT THICKNESS DESIGN OUTPUTS
SUMMARY
1. Subsurface conditions at the site were explored by drilling a total of 37 exploratory
borings. The borings drilled within the proposed building footprints encountered a thin
veneer of topsoil (plowed or rooted zone). The topsoil was underlain by 1 to 2 feet of
man-placed fill material in seven of the borings. The topsoil and fill material were
underlain by natural lean clay to sandy lean clay, which was in turn underlain by
claystone bedrock at depths ranging from approximately 13 to 21.5 feet. The claystone
bedrock continued to the explored depths ranging from approximately 20 to 30 feet. A
zone of clayey sand with gravel was encountered above the claystone bedrock in 15 of
the borings. The clayey sand zone varied in thickness from approximately 3.5 feet to 8
feet. The borings drilled within the proposed pavement areas generally encountered a
thin layer of topsoil (plowed or root zone) overlying natural lean clay to lean clay with
sand, which continued to the explored depths ranging from approximately 5 to 10 feet.
Boring P-3 encountered a thin lens of man-placed fill material below the topsoil. Borings
P-7 and P-11 encountered 2 to 7.75 inches of aggregate base course material at the
ground surface instead of topsoil.
Ground water was encountered in three of the borings at the time of drilling at depths
ranging from 15.5 to 20 feet. Subsequent water level measurements made 12 to 14
days later encountered ground water in nineteen of the borings at depths ranging from
approximately 15 to 21 feet.
2. The site conditions are favorable for construction of shallow spread footing foundations
designed for a minimum dead load pressure and placed on a minimum of 3 feet of
properly compacted structural fill material. A concern with shallow foundations arises
when basement structures planned to be constructed immediately adjacent to the
foundation elements at a later date. Given the planned future development, we propose
that structures without basements and are a significant distance from below grade
construction, be founded on shallow spread footing foundations. Structures with
basements or that are planned to have basements adjacent to the proposed building
should be founded on drilled shafts terminating in the bedrock at least 10 feet below the
lowest floor level of the proposed building or future addition.
Straight-shaft piers drilled into the bedrock used to support the proposed structures may
be designed for allowable end-bearing soil pressures of 25,000 psf with allowable side
shear equal to 10% of the end bearing pressure for the portion of the pier in bedrock.
Piers should also be designed for a minimum dead load pressure of (applied dead load
divided by pier cross-sectional area) 15,000 psf.
Shallow spread footings used to support the proposed structures bearing on at least 6
feet of properly compacted structural fill material and should be designed for a net
allowable bearing pressure of 2,500 psf and a minimum dead load pressure of 1,000 psf.
1.
3. Although the on-site soils and bedrock have a low to high swell potential, we feel a slab
on grade floor system may be used at the buildings. It should be understood some slab
movement may be experienced should the underlying expansive materials experience
wetting. In order to reduce potential floor slab movement, floor slabs should be placed
on at least 6-feet of relatively non-expansive fill. The use of imported structural fill or
moisture conditioned on-site soils may be considered for use as underslab fill.
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4. Areas of pavement should be provided with a moisture conditioned and compacted zone
to a depth of at least 2 feet below the proposed pavement surface. The proposed
pavement thickness designs are presented below:
LOCATION
Full Depth
Asphalt
(inches)
Asphalt Over
Aggregate BASE
COURSE
(inches)
Concrete
(inches)
Auto Parking 5½ 3½ over 8 5
Drives/Fire Lanes 6 4 over 8 7
Cinquefoil Lane N/A 5½ over 11 8
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PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK
This report presents the results of a geotechnical engineering study and pavement thickness
design for the proposed health care facility to be located on the southeast corner of Harmony
Road and Lady Moon Drive in Fort Collins, Colorado. The project site is shown on Fig. 1. The
study was conducted in accordance with the scope of work in our Proposal No. P-12-555 to
Atwell, LLC dated October 17, 2012 and revised October 23, 2012.
A field exploration program consisting of exploratory borings was conducted to obtain
information on subsurface conditions. Samples of the soils and bedrock obtained during the
field exploration were tested in the laboratory to determine their classification and engineering
characteristics. The results of the field exploration and laboratory testing were analyzed to
develop recommendations for foundation types, depths and allowable pressures for the
proposed building foundations, floor slabs, and site pavements. The results of the field
exploration and laboratory testing are presented herein.
This report has been prepared to summarize the data obtained during this study and to present
our conclusions and recommendations based on the proposed construction and the subsurface
conditions encountered. Design parameters and a discussion of geotechnical engineering
considerations related to construction of the proposed structures are included in the report.
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
Based on the site plan provided, the construction of the facility is to be multi-phased in nature
with the first phase to generally consist of a one-story health center, a two-story diagnostic and
treatment facility, and a three-story hospital. The alignment of Cinquefoil Lane will be
constructed for the initial phase, along with paved access drives and parking lots. La Fever
Drive will be constructed in the future. Future construction will include an addition to the three-
story hospital building, an addition to the health center building, expansion of the two-story
diagnostic and treatment facility, and a central plant/receiving building structure. A stand alone
medical office building is planned for the future at the southwest corner of the site. Expansion of
the paved surface areas will also occur in the future.
Portions of the 3-story hospital along with the future hospital additions will be provided with
below grade basements constructed on the order of about 18 feet below the proposed structure.
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A proposed site grading plan was not available at the time of this report preparation. Based on
the existing topography at the site, we assume cuts and fills of 5 feet or less will occur to
achieve the final ground surface elevations.
If the proposed construction varies significantly from that described above or depicted in this
report, we should be notified to reevaluate the recommendations provided in this report.
SITE CONDITIONS
At the time of drilling, the site was largely an undeveloped agricultural field that had a slight
slope downward to the south and east. The west side of the site had numerous deciduous trees
planted as part of an old farmstead. There was a single family residence and several
outbuildings located along the west side of the site approximately 1,350 feet south of Harmony
Road. A fenced storage lot was located near the southwest corner of the site.
The site was bounded on the north by Harmony Road, on the west by Lady Moon Drive, on the
south by the future alignment of La Fever Drive and on the east by Cinquefoil Lane. Harmony
Road and Lady Moon Drive were paved with asphalt at the time of drilling. Cinquefoil Lane was
rough graded and consisted of a gravel surface drive lane for a portion of the northern end of
the alignment.
An approximate difference in elevation of about 8 to 10 feet occurs across the site. The site
was crossed from west to east by several irrigation ditches that were up to about 3 feet deep.
FIELD EXPLORATION
The field exploration for the project was conducted between October 31 and November 2, 2012.
Thirty-seven (37) exploratory borings were drilled across the site as part of this study. One
boring was drilled within the proposed footprint of the future 1-story medical office building, six
borings were drilled within the proposed footprint of the 1-story health center and associated
future addition, seven borings were drilled within proposed footprint of the 2-story diagnostic and
treatment building, seven borings were drilled within the proposed 3-story Phase II hospital
building footprint, four borings were drilled within the proposed future phase 2-story D&T and
CUP building footprints, and twelve borings were drilled across the site in various areas of
pavement. The borings were made to explore the subsurface conditions at the site at the
general locations shown on Fig. 1. The boring locations and elevations were field located by the
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client. The borings were drilled to depths ranging from 5 to 25 feet at the direction of the
proposed facility owner.
The borings were advanced into the overburden soils with 4-inch diameter continuous flight
augers. The borings were logged by a representative of Kumar & Associates, Inc. Samples of
the soils and bedrock materials were taken with a 2-inch I.D. modified California sampler. The
sampler was driven into the various strata with blows from a 140-pound hammer falling 30
inches. This test is similar to the standard penetration test described by ASTM Method D 1586.
Penetration resistance values, when properly evaluated, indicate the relative density or
consistency of the soils. Depths at which the samples were taken and the penetration
resistance values are shown on the Logs of Exploratory Borings, Figs. 2 through 5. The legend
and associated explanatory notes are also provided on Fig. 6.
Measurements of the water level were made in the borings by lowering a weighted tape
measure into the open hole shortly after completion of drilling and 12 to 14 days later.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
Building Areas: The borings drilled within the proposed building footprints encountered a thin
veneer of topsoil (plowed or rooted zone). The topsoil was underlain by 1 to 2 feet of man-
placed fill material in seven of the borings. The topsoil and fill material were underlain by
natural lean clay to sandy lean clay, which was in turn underlain by claystone bedrock at depths
ranging from approximately 13 to 21.5 feet. The claystone bedrock continued to the explored
depths ranging from approximately 20 to 30 feet. A zone of clayey sand with gravel was
encountered above the claystone bedrock in 15 of the borings. The clayey sand zone varied in
thickness from approximately 3.5 feet to 8 feet.
The man-placed fill materials appeared to be manipulated on-site clayey materials. The natural
clayey overburden soils were fine to coarse grained with occasional gravel, stiff to very stiff
consistency (based on blow count data) and light brown to brown. The clayey sand was coarse
grained with frequent gravel, medium dense and light brown to brown. The claystone bedrock
was fine to medium grained, firm to very hard and light brown to brown to brownish gray.
Ground water was encountered in three of the borings at the time of drilling at depths ranging
from 15.5 to 20 feet. Subsequent water level measurements made 12 to 14 days later
encountered ground water in nineteen of the borings at depths ranging from approximately 15 to
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21 feet. Water levels may fluctuate with time, and may fluctuate upward after wet weather and
landscape irrigation.
Pavement Areas: The borings drilled within the proposed pavement areas generally
encountered a thin layer of topsoil (plowed or root zone) overlying natural lean clay to lean clay
with sand, which continued to the explored depths ranging from approximately 5 to 10 feet.
Boring P-3 encountered a thin lens of man-placed fill material below the topsoil. Borings P-7
and P-11 encountered 2 to 7.75 inches of aggregate base course material at the ground surface
instead of topsoil.
The man-placed fill materials appeared to be manipulated on-site clayey materials. The natural
clayey overburden soils were fine to coarse grained with occasional gravel, stiff to very stiff
consistency and light brown to brown.
Ground water was not encountered in the borings at the time of drilling.
Bedrock Topography: The competent bedrock surface ranged in elevation from 4937 to 4968
feet and appeared to slope gently down towards the south and west. A bedrock surface contour
map is provided on Fig. 1A.
LABORATORY TESTING
The samples obtained from the exploratory borings were visually classified in the laboratory by
the project engineer and samples were selected for laboratory testing. Laboratory testing
included index property tests, such as moisture content (ASTM D 2216), dry unit weight, percent
passing the No. 200 sieve (ASTM D 1140), liquid and plastic limits (ASTM D 4318), and percent
water soluble sulfates. Swell-consolidation tests (ASTM D 4546, Method B) were conducted on
samples of the soil and bedrock to determine the compressibility or swell characteristics under
loading and when submerged in water.
Results of the laboratory testing program are shown adjacent to the boring logs, Figs. 2 through
5, plotted on Figs. 7 through 24 and are summarized in the attached Summary of Laboratory
Test Results, Table I. Swell consolidation testing, presented on Figs. 6 through 19, indicate
samples of the lean clay generally exhibit a low to high swell potential when tested under a
constant surcharge of 200 psf or 1,000 psf. The claystone bedrock exhibited low to high swell
potential under similar conditions. A single sample tested indicated low consolidation potential,
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although we believe this was the result of sample disturbance and is not indicative of the on-site
materials.
Water Soluble Sulfates: The concentration of water soluble sulfates measured in samples
obtained from the exploratory borings was less than 0.02%. This concentration of water soluble
sulfates represents a Class 0 level of severity for exposure in accordance with the guidelines
presented in ACI 201. The guidelines have severity levels for potential exposure of Class 0
through Class 3.
We recommend that all concrete on the site meet the criteria presented in ACI 201 for Class 0
sulfate resistance.
Buried Metal Corrosion: Samples of the overburden soils were tested in the laboratory to
evaluate soil electrical resistivity, chloride content, and pH characteristics. The tests were
conducted in accordance with procedures in Appendix A of AWWA C-105, American
Waterworks Association publication. Results are presented on Fig. 22 and in Table I. The test
results indicated minimum electrical resistivities ranging from 1,190 to 2,000 ohm-cm. Based on
the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) handbook, the lower resistance material
would classify as potentially corrosive. At a minimum, buried metal utilities should be protected
with a polyethylene encasement.
The chloride contents of the samples tested was 0.03 and the pH varied between 8.1 and 8.4.
We recommend a qualified corrosion engineer review the information presented in consideration
of corrosion protection for buried metal.
GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The site is generally consists of a low to high swelling clay overburden soil overlying a low to
high swelling claystone bedrock. Several samples of the clay soils possessed low moisture
content and low dry density indicating a potential for collapse as shown on Fig. 19. The swell
potential of the overburden soils is generally the result of low in-situ moisture conditions and
high dry density values. We performed a swell-consolidation test on a sample remolded to
approximately 95% of the standard Proctor maximum dry density near the optimum moisture
content. The remolded sample indicated low swell potential when wetted under a 200-psf
surcharge pressure. This indicates that the on-site soils, exclusive of claystone, are generally
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suitable for use as structural fill below footing foundations and floor slabs.
Swelling soils frequently become problematic for shallow foundations, floor slabs, and pavement
structures placed directly on the soils in their natural state. Heaving movements of the
foundations, floor slabs and pavement structures at a minimum can produce a range of effects
ranging from aesthetical issues such as dry wall cracking to structural issues that could require
costly repairs to the foundations and building walls. A table presenting theoretical heaving
movements is presented in the Floor Slabs section of this report.
Swelling materials are only problematic if the natural moisture content of the soils and bedrock
are allowed to fluctuate. Subexcavating and replacing the clayey materials below the proposed
foundations, floor slabs or pavement structures is a common method of mitigating the swell
potential of the clayey soils. We recommend that the on-site soils and bedrock be
subexcavated, moisture conditioned and properly compacted to a depth of at least 6 feet below
the proposed floor slab subgrade elevation to mitigate heaving movements.
The site conditions are feasible for construction of shallow spread footing foundations designed
for a minimum dead load pressure and placed on a minimum of 6 feet of properly compacted
structural fill material. The spread footings appear to be feasible for the health center and its
future expansion, as well as the future office building. A concern with shallow foundations
arises when basement structures planned to be constructed immediately adjacent to the
foundation elements at a later date. Significant shoring and underpinning would likely be
required to construct a deep excavation adjacent to a building founded on spread footing
foundations. Given the planned future development, structures without basements or that are a
significant distance from below grade construction (a minimum of 20 feet away) may be founded
on spread footing foundations. Structures with basements or that are planned to have
basements adjacent to the proposed building should be founded on drilled shafts terminating in
the bedrock at least 10 feet below the lowest floor level of the proposed building or future
addition.
Buildings adjacent to deep basement that are founded on drilled shafts will be less susceptible
to movements due to construction of below grade structures and will have the benefit of
requiring less shoring efforts during excavation and construction of the future phases.
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FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATIONS
As discussed above, structures with below grade basement structures or structures that will be
constructed adjacent to buildings with below grade basements should be founded on straight
shaft drilled piers. Other free-standing structures without basements or away from structures
with basements may be founded on shallow spread footings placed on a minimum of 6 feet of
properly compacted structural fill material.
Drill Pier Foundation: The design and construction criteria presented below should be observed
for a straight-shaft drilled pier foundation system. The construction details should be considered
when preparing project documents.
1. Piers should be designed for an allowable end bearing pressure of 25,000 psf and a side
shear of 2,500 psf. Bedrock encountered within 5 feet of the proposed floor elevation
surface should not be included in the design for side shear or minimum penetration.
Uplift due to structural loadings on the piers can be resisted by using 75% of the
allowable skin friction value plus an allowance for pier weight.
2. Piers should also be designed for a minimum dead load pressure of 15,000 psf based on
pier end area only. Application of dead load pressure is the most effective way to resist
foundation movement due to swelling soils. However, if the minimum dead load
requirement cannot be achieved and the piers are spaced as far apart as practical, the
pier length should be extended beyond the minimum bedrock penetration and minimum
length to mitigate the dead load deficit. This can be accomplished by assuming one-half
of the skin friction given above acts in the direction to resist uplift caused by swelling soil
near the top of the pier. The owner should be aware of an increased potential for
foundation movement if the recommended minimum dead load pressure is not met.
3. Piers should penetrate at least three pier diameters or 10 feet into the bedrock,
whichever is greater. Based on the depth to bedrock encountered in the borings, a
minimum pier length of 20 feet is recommended. Both requirements for minimum pier
length and minimum bedrock penetration should be met.
4. Piers should be designed to resist lateral loads using a modulus of horizontal subgrade
reaction of 30 tcf in the natural clay and in properly compacted structural fill, and 200 tcf
in bedrock. These modulus values are for a long 1-foot diameter pier and must be
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corrected for pier size. Alternatively, the lateral capacity of the piers may be analyzed
using LPILE computer programs and the parameters provided in the following table. The
strength criteria provided in the table are for use with these software applications only
and may not be appropriate for other usages:
Material C φ γ ks kc Є50
Soil
Type
Natural Clay and Clayey Fill 750 0 120 500 200 0.007 1
Bedrock 8,000 0 125 2,000 800 0.004 1
c Cohesion intercept (pounds per square foot)
φ Angle of internal friction (degrees)
γ Total unit weight (pounds per cubic foot)
ks Initial static modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction (pounds per cubic inch)
kc Initial cyclic modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction (pounds per cubic inch)
Є50 Strain at 50 percent of peak shear strength
Soil Types:
1. Stiff clay without free water (Reese)
5. Closely spaced piers may require appropriate reductions of the lateral and axial
capacities. Reduction in lateral load capacity may be avoided by spacing the piles at
least 6 piers diameters (center to center) in the direction parallel to pile loading, and 2.5
diameters in the direction perpendicular to loading. For axial loading, the piers should
be spaced a minimum of 3 diameters center to center. More closely spaced piers should
be studied on an individual basis to determine the appropriate reduction in axial and
lateral load design parameters.
If the recommended pier spacings cannot be achieved, we recommend the load-
displacement curve (p-y curve) for an isolated pier be modified for closely spaced piers
using p-multipliers to reduce all the p values on the curve. With this approach, the
computed load carrying capacity of the pier in a group is reduced relative to the isolated
pier capacity. The modified p-y curve should then be reentered into the LPILE software
to calculate the pier deflection. It should be noted that the reduction for the leading pier,
the pier leading the direction of movement of the group, is less that that for the trailing
piers. We recommend p-multipliers of 0.6 and 1.0 for pier spacing of 3 and 6 diameters,
respectively, for the leading pier, and 0.4 and 1.0 for 3 and 6 diameter spacings,
respectively, for the trailing piers. Reduction factors for spacings between 3 and 6
diameters may be obtained by linear interpolation. It will be necessary to determine the
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load distribution between the piers that attains deflection compatibility because the
leading pier carries a higher proportion of the group load and the pier cap prevents
differential movement between the piers.
6. A minimum 4-inch void should be provided beneath the grade beams to concentrate pier
loadings and to separate the expansive soil from the grade beams. Absence of a void
space will result in a reduction in dead load pressure, which could result in upward
movement of the foundation system. A void should also be provided beneath necessary
pier caps.
7. Piers should be reinforced their full length with at least one No. 5 reinforcing rod for each
18 inches of pier perimeter to resist tension created by the swelling materials.
8. A minimum pier diameter of 12 inches is recommended to facilitate proper cleaning and
observation of the pier hole. The pier length-to-diameter ratio should not exceed 30.
9. Bedrock penetration in all pier holes should be roughened artificially to assist the
development of peripheral shear stress between the pier and the bedrock. The
roughening should be installed with a grooving tool in a pattern considered appropriate
by the geotechnical engineer. Horizontal grooves at 1 to 2-foot centers or helical
grooves with a 1 to 2-foot pitch are acceptable patterns.
The specifications should allow the geotechnical engineer to eliminate the requirements
for pier roughening if it appears their installation is not beneficial. This could occur if a
rough surface is provided by the drilling process or if the presence of water and/or
weakly cemented materials results in a degradation of the pier hole during the
roughening procedure.
10. Based on the results of our field exploration, laboratory testing and our experience with
similar, properly constructed drilled pier foundations, we estimate pier settlement will be
low. Generally, we estimate the settlement of a pier 2 to 3 feet in diameter will be
approximately ½ to 1-inch when designed according to the criteria presented herein.
The settlement of closely spaced piers will be larger and should be studied on an
individual basis.
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11. The presence of water during construction of piers could require the use of temporary
casing or dewatering equipment in the pier holes to control water infiltration. The
requirements for casing and dewatering equipment can sometimes be reduced by
placing concrete immediately upon cleaning and observing the pier hole. In no case
should concrete be placed in more than 3 inches of water.
12. When water and/or drilling slurry is present outside the casing, care should be taken that
concrete of sufficiently high slump is placed to a sufficiently high elevation inside the
casing to prevent intrusion of the water and/or slurry into the concrete when the casing is
withdrawn.
13. The drilled shaft contractor should mobilize equipment of sufficient size and operating
condition to achieve the required bedrock penetration.
14. Care should be taken that the pier shafts are not oversized at the top. Mushroomed pier
tops can reduce the effective dead load pressure on the piers.
15. Pier holes should be properly cleaned prior to the placement of concrete.
16. Concrete used in the piers should be a fluid mix with sufficient slump so it will fill the void
between reinforcing steel and the pier hole. We recommend a concrete slump in the
range of 5 to 8 inches be used.
17. Concrete should be placed in piers the same day they are drilled. The presence of
water or caving soils may require that concrete be placed immediately after the pier hole
is completed. Failure to place concrete the day of drilling will normally result in a
requirement for additional bedrock penetration.
18. The field exploration did not encounter weak to non-cemented sandstone below the
bedrock surface, but have been encountered at other locations in the area. If present,
these materials may cave during the drilling process and casing in the bedrock may be
required to complete the piers. Zones of caving material should not be included in the
required length of penetration and the pier length should be increased an amount equal
to the length of caving material. In general, no allowance for skin friction is given in
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cased portions of the bedrock. However, if a significant quantity of the bedrock is being
cased, we can evaluate the possibility of reduced skin friction values in the cased
bedrock.
19. A representative of the geotechnical engineer should observe pier drilling operations on
a full-time basis to assist in identification of adequate bedrock strata and monitor pier
construction procedures.
Shallow Spread Footings: The design and construction criteria presented below should be
observed for a spread footing foundation system. The construction details should be
considered when preparing project documents.
1. Footings placed on a minimum of 6 feet of properly compacted structural fill material
should be designed for an allowable soil bearing pressure of 3,000 psf. The allowable
bearing pressure may be increased by 1/3 for transient loadings. The footings should
also be designed for a minimum dead load pressure of 1,000 psf. In order to satisfy the
minimum dead load pressure and minimum footing width criteria, it may be necessary to
concentrate loads by using a grade beam and pad or similar foundation design. If this
system is used, a void should be provided beneath the grade beams between pads.
2. Based on experience, we estimate total settlement for footings designed and
constructed as discussed in this section will be approximately 1 inch. Differential
settlements across the building are estimated to be approximately ½ to ¾ of the total
settlement.
3. Spread footings should have a minimum footing width of 16 inches for continuous
footings and of 24 inches for isolated pads.
4. Exterior footings and footings beneath unheated areas should be provided with
adequate soil cover above their bearing elevation for frost protection. Placement of
foundations at least 36 inches below the exterior grade is typically used in this area.
5. The lateral resistance of a spread footing placed on properly compacted structural fill
material will be a combination of the sliding resistance of the footing on the foundation
materials and passive earth pressure against the side of the footing. Resistance to
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sliding at the bottoms of the footings can be calculated based on a coefficient of friction
of 0.3. Passive pressure against the sides of the footings can be calculated using an
equivalent fluid unit weight of 175 pcf. The above values are working values.
Compacted fill placed against the sides of the footings to resist lateral loads should be a
nonexpansive material. Fill should be placed and compacted to at least 95% of the
standard Proctor maximum dry density at a moisture content as listed in the Site Grading
section of this report.
6. Continuous foundation walls should be reinforced top and bottom to span an
unsupported length of at least 10 feet.
7. Areas of loose or soft material and/or deleterious substances encountered within the
foundation excavation should be removed and the footings extended to adequate natural
bearing material. As an alternate, the loose or soft material and/or deleterious
substances may be removed and replaced with nonexpansive fill material and
compacted as listed in the Site Grading section of this report. New fill should extend
down from the edges of the footings at a 1 horizontal to 1 vertical projection.
8. The results of our field exploration indicate existing fill may be encountered in foundation
excavations below the proposed foundation bearing elevations. The existing fill material
should be removed and the footings extended to adequate natural bearing material. As
an alternate, the loose or soft material and/or deleterious substances may be removed
and replaced with nonexpansive fill material and compacted as listed in the Site Grading
section of this report. New fill should extend down from the edges of the footings at a 1
horizontal to 1 vertical projection.
9. Care should be taken when excavating the foundations to avoid disturbing the
supporting materials.
10. The natural soils may pump or deform excessively under heavy construction traffic as
the excavations approach footing levels. Construction equipment should be selected to
avoid this difficulty. The movement of vehicles over proposed foundation areas should
be restricted.
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11. A representative of the geotechnical engineer should observe all footing excavations
prior to concrete placement.
FOUNDATION WALLS AND RETAINING STRUCTURES
Structures which are laterally supported and can be expected to undergo only a moderate
amount of deflection should be designed for an at-rest lateral earth pressure computed on the
basis of an equivalent fluid unit weight of 65 pcf for backfill consisting of the on-site fine-grained
soils and 55 pcf for backfill consisting of imported granular materials meeting CDOT Class I
Structure Backfill criteria.
Cantilevered retaining structures which can be expected to deflect sufficiently to mobilize the full
active earth pressure condition should be designed for a lateral earth pressure computed on the
basis of an equivalent fluid unit weight of 45 pcf for backfill consisting of the on-site fine-grained
soils and 36 pcf for backfill consisting of imported granular materials meeting CDOT Class I
Structure Backfill criteria.
All foundation and retaining structures should be designed for appropriate hydrostatic and
surcharge pressures such as adjacent buildings, traffic, construction materials and equipment.
The pressures recommended above assume drained conditions behind the walls and a
horizontal backfill surface. The buildup of water behind a wall or an upward sloping backfill
surface will increase the lateral pressure imposed on a foundation wall or retaining structure.
Compacted fill placed against the sides of the below grade structure to resist lateral loads
should be a non-expansive, material. Fill should be placed and compacted to at least 95% of
the standard Proctor maximum dry density at a moisture content as presented in the Site
Grading section of this report.
Care should be taken not to over-compact the backfill around below- grade structures since this
could cause excessive lateral pressure on the walls.
FLOOR SLABS
Floor slabs present a difficult problem where moderately expansive materials are present near
floor slab elevation because sufficient dead load cannot be imposed on them to resist the uplift
pressure generated when the materials are wetted and expand. The most positive method to
avoid damage as a result of floor slab movement is to construct a structural floor above a well-
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vented crawl space. The floor would be supported on grade beams and piers the same as the
main structure. Based on the moisture-volume change characteristics of the materials
encountered, we believe slab-on-ground construction may be used, provided the risk of distress
resulting from slab movement is accepted by the owner. The following discussion presents
estimates of slab heave for different wetting depth scenarios to aid in the floor system decision
making process.
Floor slab movement risk can be mitigated to a certain degree by providing a zone of non- to
low-swelling, relatively impervious fill directly beneath the slab. Heave estimate calculations can
be useful in evaluating the relative effectiveness of varying the thickness of a select underslab
fill layer. However, such calculations can not address the uncertainty in the potential depth and
degree of wetting that may occur under a floor slab, or the variability of swell potential across a
site, which is frequently erratic. We have performed calculations to demonstrate the potential
for slab movement if the underslab soils should be thoroughly wetted to significant depth below
the depth of the select fill layer.
The following table presents estimates of potential heave based on the results of swell-
consolidation tests using test and analysis methods generally accepted in the Colorado Front
Range. Both depth of wetting and depth of select fill were considered as variables in the
analysis.
ALTERNATIVE
SLAB HEAVE IN INCHES
10 feet of wetting 15 feet of wetting 20 feet of wetting
No Treatment 4.1 5.6 6.9
3 Feet of M/C 2.7 4.2 5.6
8 Feet of M/C 1.0 2.5 3.5
The heave estimate calculations demonstrate that significant heave should be expected if
wetting of the underslab soils occurs to significant depth below the bottom of the select fill layer.
However, our experience indicates that the large majority of similar structures underlain by
similar subsoils do not experience extreme moisture increases in the underslab soils to
significant depth provided that good surface drainage is designed, constructed, and maintained,
and that good irrigation practices are followed. Wetting can also occur as a result of
unforeseeable influences such as plumbing breaks, or in some cases even due to off-site
influences depending on geologic conditions.
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Considering the above discussion, we believe slab-on-grade construction may be used for the
project, provided that the risk of distress is recognized and accepted by the owner, and the
following measures are taken to reduce the damage which could result from movement should
the underslab materials be subjected to excessive moisture increases. The intent of our
recommendations is to provide for a condition where there is a good chance slab heave
movements will not exceed 1 inch and it is unlikely they will exceed 2 inches unless extreme
wetting is allowed. Barring unforeseen events, we do not believe extreme wetting is likely to
occur if the surface and subsurface drainage and irrigation recommendations presented in this
report are followed. It is also very important to provide the recommended isolation between the
structure and the slab-on-grade floors to reduce damage in the event that heaving occurs.
We recommend the existing expansive soils and bedrock be subexcavated to a depth of at least
6 feet below the bottom of the floor slab elevations. Use of the on-site materials as structural fill
is discussed in the Site Grading section of this report. All fill materials for support of floor slabs
should be placed and compacted according to the criteria presented in the Site Grading section
of this report.
An underdrain should be constructed at the base of the nonexpansive fill zone when the zone is
excavated into the claystone bedrock to prevent development of perched water in the fill. This
drain should be designed in accordance with recommendations in the Underdrain System of this
report.
The following measures should be taken to reduce damage which could result from movement
should the underslab materials be subjected to moisture changes.
1. Floor slabs should be placed at least 6 feet of moisture-controlled fill obtained from on-
site sources as discussed in the Site Grading section of this report. At the planned floor
level, the existing grade is such that some overexcavation is anticipated to be required at
most locations.
2. The placement of the 6-foot layer of moisture conditioned fill will not eliminate the
potential for slab movement, but should reduce the movement by either removing a
portion of the expansive materials or providing a surcharge on the expansive materials,
also reducing the amount of heave that can occur. Based on theoretical calculations,
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which consider the swell potential of the soils and anticipated depth of wetting, we feel
that floor slabs constructed as discussed in this section will be less than 1-inch.
3. The lean clay soils, if used as moisture conditioned fill will be represented by a modulus
of subgrade reaction estimated at 125 psi/inch for interior slabs.
4. Floor slabs should be separated from all bearing walls and columns with expansion
joints, which allow unrestrained vertical movement.
5. Interior non-bearing partitions resting on floor slabs should be provided with slip joints,
preferably at the bottom of the walls, so if the slabs move, the movement cannot be
transmitted to the upper structure. This detail is also important for wallboards, stairways
and doorframes. Slip joints, which will allow at least 2 inches of vertical movement are
recommended.
If slab bearing masonry block or steel stud partitions are constructed, the slip joints will
have to be placed at the tops of the walls. If slip joints are provided at the tops of walls
and the floors move, it is likely the partition walls will show signs of distress, such as
cracking. An alternative, if masonry block walls or other walls without slip joints at the
bottoms are required, is to found them on footings and grade beams and construct the
slabs independently of the foundation. If slab bearing partition walls are required,
distress may be reduced by connecting the partition walls to the exterior walls using slip
channels.
Floor slabs should not extend beneath exterior doors or over foundation grade beams,
unless saw cut at the beam after construction.
6. Floor slab control joints should be used to reduce damage due to shrinkage cracking.
Joint spacing is dependent on slab thickness, concrete aggregate size, and slump, and
should be consistent with recognized guidelines such as those of the Portland Cement
Association (PCA) or American Concrete Institute (ACI). The joint spacing and slab
reinforcement should be established by the designer based on experience and the
intended slab use.
7. If moisture-sensitive floor coverings will be used, mitigation of moisture penetration into
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the slabs, such as by use of vapor barrier, may be required. If an impervious vapor
barrier is used, special precautions will be required to prevent differential curing
problems, which could cause the slab to curl. ACI 302.1R addresses this topic.
8. All plumbing lines should be tested before operation. Where plumbing lines enter
through the floor, a positive bond break should be provided. Flexible connections should
be provided for slab-bearing mechanical equipment.
The precautions and recommendations itemized above will not prevent the movement of floor
slabs if the underlying expansive materials are subjected to alternate wetting and drying cycles.
However, the precautions should reduce the damage if such movement occurs.
SITE SEISMIC CRITERIA
The soil profile is expected to consist of compacted moisture conditioned fill and/or natural clay
overlying claystone bedrock. The overburden materials will generally classify as International
Building Code (IBC) Site Class D. The underlying bedrock generally classifies as IBC Site
Class B or C. Based on our experience with similar subsurface profiles along the Front Range
area, we recommend a design soil profile of IBC Site Class C. Based on the subsurface profile,
and site seismicity, liquefaction is not a design consideration.
EXCAVATION CONSIDERATIONS
We assume that the site excavations will be constructed by generally over-excavating the side
slopes to a stable configuration where enough space is available. All excavations should be
constructed in accordance with OSHA requirements, as well as state, local and other applicable
requirements. The claystone bedrock generally classify as OSHA Type A soil, and the fill
materials and natural overburden clay soils generally classify as OSHA Type B soils. Some of
the granular soils encountered above the claystone bedrock will classify as OSHA Type C soil.
In our opinion, excavation of the on-site materials should be possible with conventional
excavation equipment. Some of the soils near the ground surface or the claystone bedrock may
require excavation equipment provided with ripper teeth to loosen the soils.
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SITE GRADING
Cut and Fill Slopes: We do not anticipate significant cut and fill slopes on this project. Due to
the flatness of ground surface slopes, no signs of major slope instability were noted in the
existing slopes during our field investigation. Major stability problems are not anticipated if site
grading is carefully planned and cuts and fills do not exceed approximately 20 feet in height.
Permanent unretained cuts in the overburden soils, above the ground water level and less than
20 feet in height may be constructed at 3 horizontal to 1 vertical. The risk of slope instability will
be significantly increased if seepage is encountered in cuts. Based on the planned grading and
ground water levels measured in the borings, we do not anticipate seepage will be encountered.
However if it is encountered, a stability investigation should be conducted to determine if the
seepage will adversely affect the cut.
Fills up to 20 feet in height can be constructed if the fill slopes do not exceed 3 horizontal to 1
vertical (3:1) and the fills are properly compacted and drained. The ground surface underlying
all fills should be carefully prepared by removing all organic matter, scarification to a depth of 8
inches and compacting the surface to provide a uniform base for fill placement. Fill placed on
slopes exceeding 4:1 should be benched into the slope.
Good surface drainage should be provided around all permanent cuts and fills to direct surface
runoff away from the slope faces. Fill slopes, cut slopes and other stripped areas should be
protected against erosion by revegetation or other methods.
No formal stability analyses were performed to evaluate the slopes recommended above.
Published literature and our experience with similar cuts and fills indicate the recommended
slopes should have adequate factors of safety. If a detailed stability analysis is required, we
should be notified.
Fill Considerations: The on-site clay soils are suitable for reuse as fill under slabs and
pavement subgrades. Fill placed slab support should be placed with careful moisture control as
discussed later in this section. Uniform moisture conditions in fill obtained from on-site sources
placed for slab support will be important in reducing the swell potential of the compacted fill. In
order to obtain uniform moisture in the fill, a moistening and mixing program will need to be
developed during the initial stages of site grading. The existing moisture content of the clay
soils appears to be well under the assumed optimum moisture content. Recommendations are
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presented in the report regarding material properties, degree of compaction and moisture
control.
We recommend the on-site materials used as fill be mixed thoroughly with construction
equipment, such as a mixer/reclaimer to break up clumps of soil and add water to obtain a
homogeneous mixture. The use of a disc may be considered, but the effectiveness of this
mixing process should be evaluated at the time of fill placement.
Material Specifications: The following material specifications are presented for fills on the
project site. A geotechnical engineer should evaluate the suitability of all proposed fill materials
to be used on the site prior to placement.
Fill Beneath Buildings and Parking Lots: The on-site overburden soils, exclusive of claystone
bedrock, are suitable for re-use as structural fill below spread footing foundations, floor slabs
and pavement structures. Imported structural fill, if required, for use under footings or slabs
should meet the following criteria:
Percent Passing No. 200 Sieve Less than 75%
Liquid Limit Less than 35
Plasticity Index Less than 20
Swell Potential < 2% at 200 psf surcharge at
optimum moisture content
Foundation Wall Backfill (Interior and Exterior Backfill): On-site soils or approved imported soils
meeting the criteria presented above may be used for foundation wall backfill.
Utility Trench Backfill: Material excavated from the utility trenches may be used for backfill
provided it does not contain unsuitable material or particles larger than 4 inches.
Other Fill Material: All fill material should be a non-expansive soil free of vegetation, brush, sod
and other deleterious substances and should not contain rocks or particles having a diameter of
more than 4 inches. If grading is performed during times of freezing weather, the fill should not
contain frozen materials and if the subgrade is allowed to freeze, all frozen material should be
removed prior to additional fill placement or footing, slab or pavement construction.
Base Course: Base course placed in conjunction with pavements should consist of material
meeting the requirements of CDOT Class 5 or 6 base course.
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Compaction Specifications: We recommend the following compaction criteria be used on the
project:
1. Compaction of all on-site soil fill materials placed under building foundations and floor
slabs should be placed at moisture contents between 0 and +3% of the optimum
moisture content (ASTM D 698) for fine grained fill. Any imported granular fill material
should be placed within 2% of the optimum moisture content and cohesive fill placed
within pavement or non-building areas should be placed within -1 to +3% of the optimum
moisture content.
Recommended compaction specifications for this project, based on percentage of maximum
density are presented in the following table:
Area
Percentage of Maximum
Standard Proctor Density
(ASTM D 698/
AASHTO T-99)
Percentage of Maximum
Modified Proctor Density
(ASTM D 1557,
AASHTO T-180)
Beneath Footings and
Foundation Elements 98 N/A
Beneath Floor Slabs and
Parking Lots 95 N/A
Utility Trenches 95 N/A
Parking Lots/Drives 95 N/A
Aggregate Base Course N/A 95
Dewatering: Site grading required to prepare the structure foundations for basement levels will
generally require grading consisting of temporary cuts up to about 20 feet. Excavations are
expected to be impacted by the presence of ground water. Prior to excavation, we recommend
a dewatering plan be developed and implemented by the contractor. An open cut interceptor
drain outside the structures may be considered, but may require frequent maintenance during
construction.
Excavation below the ground water should be avoided, as caving of the side slopes and
disturbance of the bearing surface may occur, unless adequately dewatered. We suggest the
ground water level be lowered to at least 2 feet below the base of the required excavation prior
to achieving the final grade. The fine grained soils are expected to be unstable under trafficking
by construction equipment. It is likely that any wet clayey material in this area will require
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removal and replacement with a compacted granular fill prior to slab construction. In order to
reduce disturbance of the foundation materials during construction, we recommend the
contractor consider a thick layer of gravel to provide a stable working platform. Reuse of
excavated granular soils, if any, may be considered.
We assume that the lower level excavations will be constructed by overexcavating the slopes to
a stable configuration rather than using a temporary retaining system. We recommend
temporary excavation slopes in the soils be constructed no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1
vertical. Seepage of ground water in cut slopes may require that the slopes be flattened for
safety purposes. Temporary shoring will most likely be required for excavations constructed
below the ground water level.
Pumps located within the excavation may still be required to provide sufficiently dry dewatered
working conditions.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
Proper surface drainage is very important for acceptable performance of the structures during
construction and after the construction has been completed. Drainage recommendations
provided by local, state and national entities should be followed based on the intended use of
the facility. The following recommendations should be used as guidelines and changes should
be made only after consultation with the geotechnical engineer.
1. Excessive wetting or drying of the foundation and slab subgrade(s) should be avoided
during construction.
2. Exterior backfill should be adjusted to near optimum moisture content (generally ±2% of
optimum unless indicated otherwise in the report) and compacted to at least 95% of the
ASTM D 698 (standard Proctor) maximum dry density.
3. Care should be taken when compacting around the foundation walls and underground
structures to avoid damage to the structure. Hand compaction procedures, if necessary,
should be used to prevent lateral pressures from exceeding the design values.
4. The ground surface surrounding the exterior of the building should be sloped to drain
away from the foundation in all directions. We recommend a minimum slope of 12
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inches in the first 10 feet in unpaved areas. Site drainage beyond the 10-foot zone
should be designed to promote runoff and reduce infiltration. A minimum slope of 3
inches in the first 10 feet is recommended in the paved areas. These slopes may be
changed as required for handicap access points in accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
5. The upper 1 to 2 feet of the backfill should be relatively impervious material compacted
as above to limit infiltration of surface runoff.
6. Ponding of water should not be allowed in backfill material or in a zone within 10 feet of
the foundation walls whichever is greater.
7. Roof downspouts and drains should discharge well beyond the limits of all backfill.
8. Excessive landscape irrigation should be avoided within 10 feet of the foundation walls.
As discussed under Floor Slabs, if slab-on-grade floors are used, the risk could be
significantly reduced by eliminating landscape irrigation within about 15 feet of buildings
and limiting irrigation elsewhere on side, provided good surface drainage is provided.
9. Plastic membranes should not be used to cover the ground surface adjacent to
foundation walls.
UNDERDRAINS
We recommend that the buildings with basements be protected by a multi-drain system. The
upper drain system should consist of a perimeter underdrain system at an elevation just below
the bottom of the basement level slab and a geocomposite wall drain placed exterior to the
walls. The intent of the perimeter drain is to collect possible surface water infiltration and
perched water levels that may have accumulated on top of relatively impervious layers in the
upper bedrock zones. The geocomposite wall drain is to be installed to reduce potential for
hydrostatic buildup. We recommend a geocomposite drain board such as the Miradrain 6000
series be used. Also, the geocomposite drain board should allow flow rates of at least 15
gallons per minute per foot of board.
The upper level perimeter drain should be constructed with the high point at least 6 inches
below the bottom of the floor slab sloping at least ½ percent to an outlet or sump. The
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geocomposite wall drain should be connected to the upper level perimeter drain system. Lateral
drains should be installed below the floor slab spaced on maximum 50-foot centers.
The upper perimeter drain including laterals should consist of 4-inch diameter, rigid perforated
plastic pipe constructed at a minimum slope of ½%. The lower drain system should consist of a
4-inch diameter pipes. The pipes should be covered with at least 6 inches of CDOT #67 coarse
aggregate which in turn are wrapped with filter fabric.
A lower drain system should consist of a perimeter drain placed no higher than the interface of
the material located at the bottom of the zone of subexcavation and the underlying bedrock.
An additional, drain system will be required for construction dewatering purposes. The
construction dewatering requirements are discussed in another section of this report.
Both permanent underdrain systems should be sloped to a sump or multiple sumps where water
can be removed by pumping or gravity drainage.
Standby pump capacity should be provided in the event of pump failure. We also believe an
overdesigned pump capacity is desirable in the event ground water conditions change.
PAVEMENT DESIGN
A pavement section is a layered system designed to distribute concentrated traffic loads to the
subgrade. Performance of the pavement structure is directly related to the physical properties
of the subgrade soils and traffic loadings. Soils are represented for pavement design purposes
by means of a resilient modulus value for flexible pavements and a modulus of subgrade
reaction for rigid pavements. Both values are empirically related to strength.
Pavement design procedures are based on strength properties of the subgrade and pavement
materials assuming stable, uniform conditions. Certain soils, such as those encountered on this
site, are potentially expansive and require additional precautions be taken to provide for
adequate pavement performance. Expansive soils are problematic only if a source of water is
present. If those soils are wetted, the resulting movements can be large and erratic. Therefore,
pavement design procedures address expansive soils only by assuming they will not become
wetted. Proper surface drainage is essential for adequate performance of pavement on these
soils.
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Subgrade Materials: Based on the field and laboratory studies, tested samples of the subgrade
materials at the site classify as A-6 and A-7-6 with group indices ranging from 3 and 26 in
accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO) classification. These soils are generally considered to provide fair to poor subgrade
support. An R-value performed on the overburden soils resulted in an R-value of 9. Using
correlation calculations presented by the Colorado Department of Transportation, this value
correlates to a subgrade resilient modulus (MR) of 3,448 psi.
Design Traffic: Actual traffic conditions for this project were unavailable at the time of report
preparation. Therefore, we have estimated traffic loading conditions based on experience with
similar facilities. We have assumed that the traffic loading conditions for auto parking areas will
be represented by an Equivalent Daily Load Application (EDLA) of 5 and combined truck/auto
areas (drives/fire lanes) will be represented by and EDLA of 10, resulting in Equivalent Single
Axle Load’s (ESALs)of 36,500 and 73,000 respectively. The proposed Cinquefoil Lane and La
Fever roadways were assumed to classify as a Local: Industrial/Commercial roadway in
accordance with the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards. This roadway classification
indicates that an EDLA of 50 be used, which corresponds to an ESAL value of 365,000. If traffic
loading conditions are different from that described, we should be notified to re-evaluate the
recommendations presented herein.
Pavement Thickness Design: A pavement thickness design was performed using DARWINTM, a
proprietary pavement design and analysis computer program which uses 1993 AASHTO
pavement design guidelines. Pavement design input parameters are based on the Larimer
County Urban Area Street Standards design guidelines. Based on the subgrade soils
encountered or anticipated, we recommend the following pavement sections for consideration:
LOCATION
Full Depth
Asphalt
(inches)
Asphalt Over
Aggregate BASE
COURSE
(inches)
Concrete
(inches)
Auto Parking 5½ 3½ over 8 5
Drives/Fire Lanes 6 4 over 8 7
Cinquefoil Lane N/A 5½ over 11 8
The Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards design guidelines do not allow construction of
full depth asphalt sections on public roadways. Therefore, the Cinquefoil Drive pavement
thickness recommendations presented above do not include a full depth asphalt pavement
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thickness option. Composite and full depth pavement sections are allowed for private pavement
facilites.
Flexible Pavement Materials: Flexible pavements should meet the requirements presented in
the Larimer County Urban Area Streets Standards with respect to grading and compaction. A
mix design should be submitted for approval, prior to placement.
Rigid Pavements: All concrete should be based on a mix design established by a qualified
engineer. The design mix should consist of aggregate, Portland cement, water and additives
which will meet the requirements of CDOT Class P concrete or the recommendations presented
below.
The fine and coarse aggregate should conform to AASHTO M-6, M-43 and M-80. Cement
should be Portland cement conforming to AASHTO M-85 and all additives should be approved
by a qualified engineer.
The concrete should have a modulus of rupture of third point loading of 650 psi. Normally, a
concrete with a 28-day compressive strength of 4,200 psi should develop this modulus of
rupture value. Concrete should be air entrained with approximately 6% air and should have a
minimum cement content of 6 sacks per cubic yard. Maximum allowable slump will depend on
the method of placement but should not exceed 4 inches. The concrete should contain joints
not greater than 12 feet on centers. The joints should be hand formed, sawed or formed by
premolded filler. The joints should be at least ¼ of the slab thickness. Expansion joints should
be provided at the end of each construction sequence and between the concrete slab and
adjacent structures. Expansion joints where required, should be filled with a ½-inch thick
asphalt impregnated fiber. Concrete should be cured by protecting against loss of moisture,
rapid temperature changes and mechanical injury for at least three days after placement.
Drainage: The collection and diversion of surface drainage away from paved areas is extremely
important to the satisfactory performance of pavement. Surface drainage design should provide
for the removal of water from paved areas and prevent the wetting of the subgrade soils.
Subgrade Preparation: All pavement areas should be provided with a zone of moisture
conditioned and properly compacted fill material to a depth of at least 2 feet below the proposed
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subgrade elevation. Material criteria and compaction requirements are presented in the Site
Grading section of this report.
Within 48 hours prior to placing the pavement section, the entire subgrade area should be
thoroughly scarified and will mixed to a depth of at least 12 inches, adjusted to a moisture
content within 0 to plus 3 percentage points of optimum and compacted to 95% of the maximum
standard Proctor dry density (ASTM D 698). The moisture content may need to be near the
lower end of the moisture range to provide for stability. The pavement subgrade should be
proofrolled with a heavily loaded pneumatic-tired vehicle. Pavement design procedures assume
a stable subgrade. Areas that deform excessively under heavy wheel loads are not stable and
should be removed and replaced to achieve a stable subgrade prior to paving.
The on-site cohesive soils and bedrock may be unstable under construction traffic when
moisture conditioned to the range indicated above. Alternatives for chemical stabilization
associated with providing a stable paving platform as well as contribution to the pavement
substructure section can be provided upon request.
Drainage: The collection and diversion of surface drainage away from paved areas is extremely
important for the satisfactory performance of pavement. Drainage design should provide for the
removal of water from paved areas and prevent the wetting of the subgrade soils.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES
Kumar & Associates, Inc. should be retained to review the project plans and specifications for
conformance with the recommendations provided in our report. We are also available to assist
the design team in preparing specifications for geotechnical aspects of the project, and
performing additional studies if necessary to accommodate possible changes in the proposed
construction.
We recommend that Kumar & Associates, Inc. be retained to provide observation and testing
services to document that the intent of this report and the requirements of the plans and
specifications are being followed during construction, and to identify possible variations in
subsurface conditions from those encountered in this study so that we can re-evaluate our
recommendations, if needed.
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LIMITATIONS
This study has been conducted in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical engineering
practices in this area for exclusive use by the client for design purposes. The conclusions and
recommendations submitted in this report are based upon the data obtained from the
exploratory borings at the locations indicated on Fig. 1, and the proposed type of construction.
This report may not reflect subsurface variations that occur between the exploratory borings,
and the nature and extent of variations across the site may not become evident until site grading
and excavations are performed. If during construction, fill, soil, rock or water conditions appear
to be different from those described herein, Kumar & Associates, Inc. should be advised at once
so that a re-evaluation of the recommendations presented in this report can be made. Kumar &
Associates, Inc. is not responsible for liability associated with interpretation of subsurface data
by others.
JLB/jw
cc: book, file
Kumar & Associates, Inc.