HomeMy WebLinkAboutWARD ALTERNATIVE ENERGY - PDP - PDP160002 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - GEOTECHNICAL (SOILS) REPORT400 North Link Lane | Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
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GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
PROPOSED STORAGE BUILDING AND
FUELING FACILTIY WARD ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
614 EAST VINE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
ARRIS ARCHITECTURE, INC.
3436 New Castle Drive
Loveland, Colorado 80538
Attention: Corey Stinar
Project No. FC07179-125
December 17, 2015
ARRIS ARCHITECTURE, INC.
WARD ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC07179-125
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCOPE 1
SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS 1
SITE CONDITIONS AND PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION 2
INVESTIGATION 2
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS 3
Existing Fill 3
SEISMICITY 4
SITE DEVELOPMENT 4
Fill Placement 4
Excavations 5
FOUNDATIONS 6
Spread Footings 6
BELOW GRADE AREAS 7
FLOOR SYSTEMS 7
WATER-SOLUBLE SULFATES 10
SURFACE DRAINAGE 10
LIMITATIONS 11
FIGURE 1 – LOCATIONS OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS
FIGURE 2 – SUMMARY LOGS OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS
APPENDIX A – RESULTS OF LABORATORY TESTING
APPENDIX B – SAMPLE SITE GRADING SPECIFICATIONS
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1
SCOPE
This report presents the results of our Geotechnical Investigation for the
proposed storage building and fueling facility in Fort Collins, Colorado. The pur-
pose of the investigation was to evaluate the subsurface conditions and provide
foundation recommendations and geotechnical design criteria for the project. The
scope was described in our Service Agreement (Proposal No. FC-15-0297, dated
August 27, 2015).
The report was prepared from data developed during field exploration, la-
boratory testing, engineering analysis and experience with similar conditions.
The report includes a description of subsurface conditions found in our explora-
tory borings and discussions of site development as influenced by geotechnical
considerations. Our opinions and recommendations regarding design criteria
and construction details for site development, foundations, floor systems, slabs-
on-grade and drainage are provided. If the proposed construction changes, we
should be requested to review our recommendations. Our conclusions are sum-
marized in the following paragraphs.
SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS
1. Soils encountered in our borings consisted of 6 to 10 feet of sandy
clay over sand, gravel and cobbles underlain by claystone bedrock.
Groundwater was measured at depths of about 6 to 8 ½ feet. Ex-
isting groundwater levels are not expected to significantly affect the
proposed construction.
2. Existing fill was encountered in all five borings at depths of 2 to 5
feet. Existing fill should not support foundations or floor slabs. We
recommend removal and recompaction of the existing fill beneath
the building.
3. We believe the proposed structures can be constructed on spread
footing foundations placed on properly compacted fill. Foundation
design and construction recommendations are presented in this re-
port.
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4. We believe a slab-on-grade floor is appropriate for this site. Some
movement of slab-on-grade floors should be anticipated. We ex-
pect movements will be minor, on the order of 1 inch or less. If
movement cannot be tolerated, structural floors should be consid-
ered.
SITE CONDITIONS AND PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
The site is located north of East Vine Drive and west of Redwood Street in
Fort Collins, Colorado (Figure 1). TH-4 and TH-5 were located in a paved area
between two existing buildings on the west side of the property. TH-1 through
TH-3 were located on the northwest side of the gravel covered parking area on
the north side of the property. The proposed construction area is relatively flat.
We understand the proposed buildings will be one-story, wood and/or steel-
framed structures. No below grade construction is planned.
INVESTIGATION
Subsurface conditions were investigated by drilling five borings to depths
of approximately 20 to 30 feet. The approximate locations of the borings are
shown on Figure 1. Our field representative observed drilling, logged the soils
and bedrock found in the borings and obtained samples. Sampling was per-
formed by driving a 2.5-inch O.D. modified California sampler with blows of a
140-pound hammer falling 30 inches and by driving a 2.0-inch O.D. split spoon
sampler. These methods are standard penetration tests, and are typical for local
practice. Groundwater measurements were taken during drilling and one, or
more, days after drilling. Summary logs of the borings, including results of field
penetration resistance tests, are presented on Figure 2.
Samples obtained during drilling were returned to our laboratory and visu-
ally examined by the geotechnical engineer for this project. Laboratory analyses
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included moisture content, dry density, swell-consolidation and water-soluble sul-
fate tests. Results of laboratory tests are presented in Appendix A and summa-
rized in Table A-I.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
Soils encountered in our borings consisted of 6 to 10 feet of sandy clay
over sand, gravel and cobbles underlain by claystone bedrock to the depths ex-
plored. Samples of the sandy clay exhibited compression of 0.1 and 0.2 percent
and expansion of 0.7 and 0.9 percent when wetted under approximate overbur-
den pressures. The sand and gravel soils encountered in our borings classified
as medium dense to dense with fines contents (percent passing No. 200 sieve)
ranging from 6 to 23 percent. Atterberg limits testing of the claystone bedrock in-
dicated moderate plasticity and fines content was determined to be 75 percent.
Groundwater was measured at depths of about 6 to 8 ½ feet. Existing
groundwater levels are not expected to significantly affect the proposed construc-
tion. Groundwater is expected to fluctuate seasonally. Further description of the
subsurface conditions is presented on our boring logs (Figure 2) and in our labor-
atory testing (Appendix A).
Existing Fill
Up to about 5 feet of sandy clay fill was encountered in all five of the test
holes. The existing fill may be deeper in some areas. Compaction records for
the existing fill were not available for our review. The fill material is considered
unsuitable for structural support unless documentation can be provided that indi-
cates otherwise. We recommend removal of the fill. The existing fill can be used
as new fill provided debris and vegetation are substantially removed.
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SEISMICITY
This area, like most of central Colorado, is subject to a low degree of seis-
mic risk. As in most areas of recognized low seismicity, the record of the past
earthquake activity in Colorado is incomplete.
According to the 2012 International Building Code and the subsurface con-
ditions encountered in our borings, this site probably classifies as a Site Class D.
Only minor damage to relatively new, properly designed and built buildings would
be expected. Wind loads, not seismic considerations, typically govern dynamic
structural design in this area.
SITE DEVELOPMENT
Fill Placement
The existing onsite soils are suitable for re-use as fill material provided de-
bris or deleterious organic materials are removed. If import material is used, it
should be tested and approved as acceptable fill by CTL|Thompson. In general,
import fill should meet or exceed the engineering qualities of the onsite soils. Ar-
eas to receive fill should be scarified, moisture-conditioned and compacted to at
least 95 percent of standard Proctor maximum dry density (ASTM D698,
AASHTO T99). Fill placed on the upper sandy clay may be difficult to compact
and may require a layer of granular material be crowded into soft soils and stabi-
lized prior to fill placement. Clay soils should be moistened between optimum
and 3 percent above optimum moisture content. The fill should be moisture-con-
ditioned, placed in thin, loose lifts (8 inches or less) and compacted as described
above. We should observe placement and compaction of fill during construction.
Fill placement and compaction should not be conducted when the fill material is
frozen.
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Existing fill was encountered in all five borings to depths of up to 5 feet.
Deeper fill areas may be encountered during site development. The fill is of un-
known origin and age. The fill presents a risk of settlement or heave to improve-
ments constructed on the fill. We recommend the fill be removed and recom-
pacted in the building area.
The fill removal area should extend beyond the building footprint at least
one footing width. If the excavations to remove existing fill are deeper than about
10 feet in the planned building area, additional measures should be considered
to reduce the potential settlement of backfill. We should be advised if any of the
excavations are deeper than 10 feet below the proposed floor. The excavation
can be filled with on-site soils, moisture-conditioned and compacted as described
above. This procedure should remove the existing fill and provide more uniform
support for improvements.
Site grading in areas of landscaping where no future improvements are
planned can be placed at a dry density of at least 90 percent of standard Proctor
maximum dry density (ASTM D 698, AASHTO T 99). Example site grading spec-
ifications are presented in Appendix B.
Water and sewer lines are often constructed beneath areas where im-
provements are planned. Compaction of trench backfill can have a significant ef-
fect on the life and serviceability overlying structures. We recommend trench
backfill be moisture conditioned and compacted as described in the Fill Place-
ment section of this report. Placement and compaction of fill and backfill should
be observed and tested by a representative of our firm during construction.
Excavations
The materials found in our borings can be excavated using conventional
heavy-duty excavation equipment. However, some of the soils are soft and will
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be displaced if wheeled equipment is used in the excavations. We recommend
wheeled traffic not be allowed in the excavations. Excavations should be sloped
or shored to meet local, State and Federal safety regulations. Excavation slopes
specified by OSHA are dependent upon types of soil and groundwater conditions
encountered. The contractor’s “competent person” should identify the soils
and/or rock encountered in the excavation and refer to OSHA standards to deter-
mine appropriate slopes. Stockpiles of soils, rock, equipment, or other items
should not be placed within a horizontal distance equal to one-half the excavation
depth, from the edge of excavation. Excavations deeper than 20 feet should be
braced or a professional engineer should design the slopes.
FOUNDATIONS
Our investigation indicates sandy clay and sand, gravel and cobbled soils
are present at the anticipated foundation levels. Spread footing foundations are
considered appropriate for the conditions encountered. Design criteria for spread
footing foundations developed from analysis of field and laboratory data and our
experience are presented below.
Spread Footings
1. Footings should be constructed on properly compacted fill (see the
Fill Placement section of this report). All existing man-placed fill
should be removed from under footings and within one footing
width around footings and replaced with engineered fill. Where soil
is loosened during excavation, it should be removed and replaced
with on-site soils compacted following the criteria in the Fill Place-
ment section of this report.
2. Footings constructed on the natural soils and/or engineered fill can
be designed for a net allowable soil pressure of 2,000 psf. The soil
pressure can be increased 33 percent for transient loads such as
wind or seismic loads.
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3. Footings should have a minimum width of at least 16 inches. Foun-
dations for isolated columns should have minimum dimensions of
18 inches by 18 inches. Larger sizes may be required depending
on loads and the structural system used.
4. The soils beneath footing pads can be assigned an ultimate coeffi-
cient of friction of 0.45 to resist lateral loads. The ability of grade
beam or footing backfill to resist lateral loads can be calculated us-
ing a passive equivalent fluid pressure of 300 pcf. This assumes
the backfill is densely compacted and will not be removed. Backfill
should be placed and compacted to the criteria in the Fill Place-
ment section of this report.
5. Exterior footings should be protected from frost action. We believe
30 inches of frost cover is appropriate for this site.
6. Foundation walls and grade beams 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.
7. We should observe completed footing excavations to confirm that
the subsurface conditions are similar to those found in our borings.
Occasional loose soils may be found in foundation excavations. If
this occurs, we recommend the loose soils be treated as discussed
in Item 1 above.
BELOW GRADE AREAS
No below grade areas are planned for the buildings. For this condition,
perimeter drains are not usually necessary. We should be contacted to provide
foundation drain recommendations if plans change to include basement areas.
FLOOR SYSTEMS
In our opinion, it is reasonable to use slab-on-grade floors for the pro-
posed construction. Any fill placed for the floor subgrade should be built with
densely compacted, engineered fill as discussed in the Fill Placement section of
this report. The existing fill is not an acceptable subgrade for a slab-on-grade
floor and should be completely removed from below the floor.
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It is impossible to construct slab-on-grade floors with no risk of movement.
We believe movements due to swell will be less than 1 inch at this site. If move-
ment cannot be tolerated, structural floors should be used. Structural floors can
be considered for specific areas that are particularly sensitive to movement or
where equipment on the floor is sensitive to movement.
Where structurally supported floors are selected, we recommend a mini-
mum void between the ground surface and the underside of the floor system of 4
inches. The minimum void should be constructed below beams and utilities that
penetrate the floor. The floor may be cast over void form. Void form should be
chosen to break down quickly after the slab is placed. We recommend against
the use of wax or plastic-coated void boxes.
Slabs may be subject to heavy point loads. The structural engineer
should design floor slab reinforcement. For design of slabs-on-grade, we recom-
mend a modulus of subgrade reaction of 50 pci for on-site soils.
If the owner elects to use slab-on-grade construction and accepts the risk
of movement and associated damage, we recommend the following precautions
for slab-on-grade construction at this site. These precautions can help reduce,
but not eliminate, damage or distress due to slab movement.
1. Slabs should be separated from exterior walls and interior bearing
members with a slip joint that allows free vertical movement of the
slabs. This can reduce cracking if some movement of the slab oc-
curs.
2. Slabs should be placed directly on exposed soils or properly mois-
ture conditioned, compacted fill. The 2012 International Building
Code (IBC) requires a vapor retarder be placed between the base
course or subgrade soils and the concrete slab-on-grade floor. The
merits of installation of a vapor retarder below floor slabs depend
on the sensitivity of floor coverings and building use to moisture. A
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properly installed vapor retarder (10 mil minimum) is more benefi-
cial below concrete slab-on-grade floors where floor coverings,
painted floor surfaces or products stored on the floor will be sensi-
tive to moisture. The vapor retarder is most effective when con-
crete is placed directly on top of it, rather than placing a sand or
gravel leveling course between the vapor retarder and the floor
slab. The placement of concrete on the vapor retarder may in-
crease the risk of shrinkage cracking and curling. Use of concrete
with reduced shrinkage characteristics including minimized water
content, maximized coarse aggregate content, and reasonably low
slump will reduce the risk of shrinkage cracking and curling. Con-
siderations and recommendations for the installation of vapor re-
tarders below concrete slabs are outlined in Section 3.2.3 of the
2006 report of American Concrete Institute (ACI) Committee 302,
“Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction (ACI 302.R1-04)”.
3. If slab-bearing partitions are used, they should be designed and
constructed to allow for slab movement. At least a 2-inch void
should be maintained below or above the partitions. If the “float” is
provided at the top of partitions, the connection between interior,
slab-supported partitions and exterior, foundation supported walls
should be detailed to allow differential movement.
4. Underslab plumbing should be eliminated where feasible. Where
such plumbing is unavoidable it should be thoroughly pressure
tested for leaks prior to slab construction and be provided with flexi-
ble couplings. Pressurized water supply lines should be brought
above the floors as quickly as possible.
5. Plumbing and utilities that pass through the slabs should be iso-
lated from the slabs and constructed with flexible couplings. Where
water and gas lines are connected to furnaces or heaters, the lines
should be constructed with sufficient flexibility to allow for move-
ment.
6. HVAC equipment supported on the slab should be provided with a
collapsible connection between the furnace and the ductwork, with
allowance for at least 2 inches of vertical movement.
7. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) recommends frequent con-
trol joints be provided in slabs to reduce problems associated with
shrinkage cracking and curling. To reduce curling, the concrete mix
should have a high aggregate content and a low slump. If desired,
a shrinkage compensating admixture could be added to the con-
crete to reduce the risk of shrinkage cracking. We can perform a
mix design or assist the design team in selecting a pre-existing mix.
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WATER-SOLUBLE SULFATES
Concrete that comes into contact with soils can be subject to sulfate at-
tack. We measured water-soluble sulfate concentrations in three samples from
this site. Concentrations were measured between 0.01 and 0.15 percent, with
one sample having sulfate concentration between 0.1 and 0.2 percent. Water-
soluble sulfate concentrations between 0.1 and 0.2 percent indicate Class 1 ex-
posure to sulfate attack, according to the American Concrete Institute (ACI). ACI
indicates adequate sulfate resistance can be achieved by using Type II cement
with a water-to-cementitious material ratio of 0.50 or less. ACI also indicates
concrete in Class 1 exposure environments should have a minimum compressive
strength of 4000 psi. In our experience, superficial damage may occur to the ex-
posed surfaces of highly permeable concrete, even though sulfate levels are rel-
atively low. To control this risk and to resist freeze-thaw deterioration, the water-
to-cementitious material ratio should not exceed 0.50 for concrete in contact with
soils that are likely to stay moist due to surface drainage or high water tables.
Concrete should be air entrained.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
Performance of foundations, flatwork and pavements are influenced by
changes in subgrade moisture conditions. Carefully planned and maintained sur-
face grading can reduce the risk of wetting of the foundation soils and pavement
subgrade. Positive drainage should be provided away from foundations. Backfill
around foundations should be moisture treated and compacted as described in
Fill Placement . Roof drains should be directed away from buildings. Downspout
extensions and splash blocks should be provided at discharge points.
Proposed
Fuel Facility
Proposed Storage Building
Existing Buildings
Redwood Drive
East Vine Drive
TH-1
TH-2
TH-3
TH-4
TH-5
CNG
E. VINE DR.
SITE
CONIFER ST.
COLLEGE AVE. / HWY 287
LEMAY AVE.
REDWOOD DR.
LINDEN ST.
LEGEND:
INDICATES APPROXIMATE
LOCATION OF EXPLORATORY
BORING
TH-1
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FIGURE 1
Locations of
Exploratory
Borings
VICINITY MAP
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
NOT TO SCALE
150'
APPROXIMATE
SCALE: 1" = 150'
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
2.
DEPTH - FEET
FILL; CLAY, SANDY, MOIST, BROWN, DARK BROWN
1.
CLAY, SANDY, MOIST, SOFT TO VERY STIFF, BROWN, DARK BROWN (CL)
DEPTH - FEET
Summary Logs of
Exploratory Borings
NOTES:
FIGURE 2
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3.
LEGEND:
CLAYSTONE, SANDY, MOIST, GRAY (BEDROCK)
THESE LOGS ARE SUBJECT TO THE EXPLANATIONS, LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS IN
THIS REPORT.
THE BORINGS WERE DRILLED ON DECEMBER 2, 2015, USING 4-INCH DIAMETER
CONTINUOUS-FLIGHT AUGERS AND A TRUCK-MOUNTED DRILL RIG.
-
-
-
-
-
WC
DD
SW
-200
SS
DRIVE SAMPLE. THE SYMBOL 31/12 INDICATES 31 BLOWS OF A 140-POUND HAMMER
FALLING 30 INCHES WERE REQUIRED TO DRIVE A 2.5-INCH O.D. SAMPLER 12 INCHES.
INDICATES MOISTURE CONTENT (%).
INDICATES DRY DENSITY (PCF).
INDICATES SWELL WHEN WETTED UNDER OVERBURDEN PRESSURE (%).
INDICATES PASSING NO. 200 SIEVE (%).
INDICATES SOLUBLE SULFATE CONTENT (%).
BULK SAMPLE FROM AUGER CUTTINGS.
WATER LEVEL MEASURED SEVERAL DAYS AFTER DRILLING.
DRIVE SAMPLE. THE SYMBOL INDICATES BLOWS OF A 140-POUND HAMMER FALLING 30
INCHES WERE REQUIRED TO DRIVE A 2.0-INCH O.D. SAMPLER INCHES.
WATER LEVEL MEASURED AT TIME OF DRILLING.
APPENDIX A
RESULTS OF LABORATORY TESTING
Sample of CLAY, SANDY (CL) DRY UNIT WEIGHT= 98 PCF
From TH - 2 AT 4 FEET MOISTURE CONTENT= 25.7 %
Sample of CLAY, SANDY (CL) DRY UNIT WEIGHT= 101 PCF
From TH - 3 AT 4 FEET MOISTURE CONTENT= 22.8 %
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APPLIED PRESSURE - KSF
APPLIED PRESSURE - KSF
COMPRESSION % EXPANSION
Swell Consolidation
FIGURE A-1
COMPRESSION % EXPANSION
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
ADDITIONAL COMPRESSION UNDER
CONSTANT PRESSURE DUE TO
WETTING
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
ADDITIONAL COMPRESSION
UNDER CONSTANT PRESSURE DUE
TO WETTING
0.1 1.0 10 100
0.1 1.0 10 100
Sample of CLAY, SANDY (CL) DRY UNIT WEIGHT= 110 PCF
From TH - 4 AT 4 FEET MOISTURE CONTENT= 17.9 %
Sample of CLAY, SANDY (CL) DRY UNIT WEIGHT= 102 PCF
From TH - 5 AT 4 FEET MOISTURE CONTENT= 24.6 %
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APPLIED PRESSURE - KSF
APPLIED PRESSURE - KSF
COMPRESSION % EXPANSION
Swell Consolidation
FIGURE A-2
COMPRESSION % EXPANSION
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
EXPANSION UNDER CONSTANT
PRESSURE DUE TO WETTING
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
EXPANSION UNDER CONSTANT
PRESSURE DUE TO WETTING
0.1 1.0 10 100
0.1 1.0 10 100
Sample of GRAVEL, SANDY, CLAYEY (GC) GRAVEL 39 % SAND 38
%
From TH - 1 AT 9 FEET SILT & CLAY 23 % LIQUID LIMIT %
PLASTICITY INDEX %
Sample of SAND, GRAVELLY, CLAYEY (SP-SC) GRAVEL 44 % SAND 50
%
From TH - 3 AT 9 FEET SILT & CLAY 6 % LIQUID LIMIT %
PLASTICITY INDEX %
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FIGURE A-3
Gradation
Test Results
0.002
15 MIN.
.005
60 MIN.
.009
19 MIN.
.019
4 MIN.
.037
1 MIN.
.074
*200
.149
*100
.297
*50
0.42
*40
.590
*30
1.19
*16
2.0
*10
2.38
*8
4.76
*4
9.52
3/8"
19.1
3/4"
36.1
1½"
76.2
3"
127
5"
152
6"
200
8"
.001
45 MIN.
0
10
PASSING WATER-
MOISTURE DRY LIQUID PLASTICITY APPLIED NO. 200 SOLUBLE
DEPTH CONTENT DENSITY LIMIT INDEX SWELL* PRESSURE SIEVE SULFATES
BORING (FEET) (%) (PCF) (%) (PSF) (%) (%) DESCRIPTION
TH-1 9 9.6 23 GRAVEL, SANDY, CLAYEY (GC)
TH-2 4 25.7 98 -0.1 500 0.01 CLAY, SANDY (CL)
TH-3 4 22.8 101 -0.2 500 0.08 CLAY, SANDY (CL)
TH-3 9 7.8 6 SAND, GRAVELLY, CLAYEY (SP-SC)
TH-3 29 27.5 47 27 75 CLAYSTONE
TH-4 4 17.9 110 0.7 500 0.15 CLAY, SANDY (CL)
TH-5 4 24.6 102 0.9 500 CLAY, SANDY (CL)
SWELL TEST RESULTS*
TABLE A-I
SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TESTING
ATTERBERG LIMITS
Page 1 of 1
* NEGATIVE VALUE INDICATES COMPRESSION.
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APPENDIX B
SAMPLE SITE GRADING SPECIFICATIONS
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B-1
SAMPLE SITE GRADING SPECIFICATIONS
1. DESCRIPTION
This item shall consist of the excavation, transportation, placement and compac-
tion of materials from locations indicated on the plans, or staked by the Engineer,
as necessary to achieve building site elevations.
2. GENERAL
The Geotechnical Engineer shall be the Owner's representative. The Geotech-
nical Engineer shall approve fill materials, method of placement, moisture con-
tents and percent compaction, and shall give written approval of the completed
fill.
3. CLEARING JOB SITE
The Contractor shall remove all trees, brush and rubbish before excavation or fill
placement is begun. The Contractor shall dispose of the cleared material to pro-
vide the Owner with a clean, neat appearing job site. Cleared material shall not
be placed in areas to receive fill or where the material will support structures of
any kind.
4. SCARIFYING AREA TO BE FILLED
All topsoil and vegetable matter shall be removed from the ground surface upon
which fill is to be placed. The surface shall then be plowed or scarified to a depth
of 8 inches until the surface is free from ruts, hummocks or other uneven fea-
tures, which would prevent uniform compaction by the equipment to be used.
5. COMPACTING AREA TO BE FILLED
After the foundation for the fill has been cleared and scarified, it shall be disked
or bladed until it is free from large clods, brought to the proper moisture content
and compacted to not less than 95 percent of maximum dry density as deter-
mined in accordance with ASTM D 698 or AASHTO T 99.
6. FILL MATERIALS
On-site materials classifying as CL, SC, SM, SW, SP, GP, GC and GM are ac-
ceptable. Fill soils shall be free from organic matter, debris, or other deleterious
substances, and shall not contain rocks or lumps having a diameter greater than
three (3) inches. Fill materials shall be obtained from the existing fill and other
approved sources.
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B-2
7. MOISTURE CONTENT
Fill materials shall be moisture treated. Clay soils placed below the building en-
velope should be moisture-treated to between 1 and 4 percent above optimum
moisture content as determined from Standard Proctor compaction tests. Clay
soil placed exterior to the building should be moisture treated between optimum
and 3 percent above optimum moisture content. Sand soils can be moistened to
within 2 percent of optimum moisture content. Sufficient laboratory compaction
tests shall be performed to determine the optimum moisture content for the vari-
ous soils encountered in borrow areas.
The Contractor may be required to add moisture to the excavation materials in
the borrow area if, in the opinion of the Geotechnical Engineer, it is not possible
to obtain uniform moisture content by adding water on the fill surface. The Con-
tractor may be required to rake or disk the fill soils to provide uniform moisture
content through the soils.
The application of water to embankment materials shall be made with any type of
watering equipment approved by the Geotechnical Engineer, which will give the
desired results. Water jets from the spreader shall not be directed at the em-
bankment with such force that fill materials are washed out.
Should too much water be added to any part of the fill, such that the material is
too wet to permit the desired compaction from being obtained, rolling and all work
on that section of the fill shall be delayed until the material has been allowed to
dry to the required moisture content. The Contractor will be permitted to rework
wet material in an approved manner to hasten its drying.
8. COMPACTION OF FILL AREAS
Selected fill material shall be placed and mixed in evenly spread layers. After
each fill layer has been placed, it shall be uniformly compacted to not less than
the specified percentage of maximum dry density. Fill materials shall be placed
such that the thickness of loose material does not exceed 8 inches and the com-
pacted lift thickness does not exceed 6 inches.
Compaction, as specified above, shall be obtained by the use of sheepsfoot roll-
ers, multiple-wheel pneumatic-tired rollers, or other equipment approved by the
Engineer. Compaction shall be accomplished while the fill material is at the
specified moisture content. Compaction of each layer shall be continuous over
the entire area. Compaction equipment shall make sufficient trips to insure that
the required dry density is obtained.
ARRIS ARCHITECTURE, INC.
WARD ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC07179-125
B-3
9. COMPACTION OF SLOPES
Fill slopes shall be compacted by means of sheepsfoot rollers or other suitable
equipment. Compaction operations shall be continued until slopes are stable,
but not too dense for planting, and there is no appreciable amount of loose soil
on the slopes. Compaction of slopes may be done progressively in increments of
three to five feet (3' to 5') in height or after the fill is brought to its total height.
Permanent fill slopes shall not exceed 3:1 (horizontal to vertical).
10. DENSITY TESTS
Field density tests shall be made by the Geotechnical Engineer at locations and
depths of his choosing. Where sheepsfoot rollers are used, the soil may be dis-
turbed to a depth of several inches. Density tests shall be taken in compacted
material below the disturbed surface. When density tests indicate that the dry
density or moisture content of any layer of fill or portion thereof is below that re-
quired, the particular layer or portion shall be reworked until the required dry den-
sity or moisture content has been achieved.
11. COMPLETED PRELIMINARY GRADES
All areas, both cut and fill, shall be finished to a level surface and shall meet the
following limits of construction:
A. Overlot cut or fill areas shall be within plus or minus 2/10 of one foot.
B. Street grading shall be within plus or minus 1/10 of one foot.
The civil engineer, or duly authorized representative, shall check all cut and fill
areas to observe that the work is in accordance with the above limits.
12. SUPERVISION AND CONSTRUCTION STAKING
Observation by the Geotechnical Engineer shall be continuous during the place-
ment of fill and compaction operations so that he can declare that the fill was
placed in general conformance with specifications. All site visits necessary to
test the placement of fill and observe compaction operations will be at the ex-
pense of the Owner. All construction staking will be provided by the Civil Engi-
neer or his duly authorized representative. Initial and final grading staking shall
be at the expense of the owner. The replacement of grade stakes through con-
struction shall be at the expense of the contractor.
ARRIS ARCHITECTURE, INC.
WARD ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC07179-125
B-4
13. SEASONAL LIMITS
No fill material shall be placed, spread or rolled while it is frozen, thawing, or dur-
ing unfavorable weather conditions. When work is interrupted by heavy precipi-
tation, fill operations shall not be resumed until the Geotechnical Engineer indi-
cates that the moisture content and dry density of previously placed materials are
as specified.
14. NOTICE REGARDING START OF GRADING
The contractor shall submit notification to the Geotechnical Engineer and Owner
advising them of the start of grading operations at least three (3) days in advance
of the starting date. Notification shall also be submitted at least 3 days in ad-
vance of any resumption dates when grading operations have been stopped for
any reason other than adverse weather conditions.
15. REPORTING OF FIELD DENSITY TESTS
Density tests performed by the Geotechnical Engineer, as specified under "Den-
sity Tests" above, shall be submitted progressively to the Owner. Dry density,
moisture content and percent compaction shall be reported for each test taken.
16. DECLARATION REGARDING COMPLETED FILL
The Geotechnical Engineer shall provide a written declaration stating that the site
was filled with acceptable materials, or was placed in general accordance with
the specifications.
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
CLAY (PLASTIC) TO SILT (NON-PLASTIC)
SANDS
FINE MEDIUM COARSE
GRAVEL
FINE COARSE COBBLES
DIAMETER OF PARTICLE IN MILLIMETERS
25 HR. 7 HR.
HYDROMETER ANALYSIS SIEVE ANALYSIS
TIME READINGS U.S. STANDARD SERIES CLEAR SQUARE OPENINGS
PERCENT PASSING
0
10
20
30
50
60
70
80
90
100
PERCENT RETAINED
40
0.002
15 MIN.
.005
60 MIN.
.009
19 MIN.
.019
4 MIN.
.037
1 MIN.
.074
*200
.149
*100
.297
*50
0.42
*40
.590
*30
1.19
*16
2.0
*10
2.38
*8
4.76
*4
9.52
3/8"
19.1
3/4"
36.1
1½"
76.2
3"
127
5"
152
6"
200
8"
.001
45 MIN.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
CLAY (PLASTIC) TO SILT (NON-PLASTIC)
SANDS
FINE MEDIUM COARSE
GRAVEL
FINE COARSE COBBLES
DIAMETER OF PARTICLE IN MILLIMETERS
25 HR. 7 HR.
HYDROMETER ANALYSIS SIEVE ANALYSIS
TIME READINGS U.S. STANDARD SERIES CLEAR SQUARE OPENINGS
PERCENT PASSING
PERCENT RETAINED
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
SAND, GRAVEL, COBBLES, MOIST TO WET, MEDIUM DENSE TO DENSE, BROWN (SP-SC,
GC)
31/12
TH-1
4/12
WC=25.7
DD=98
SW=-0.1
SS=0.010
WC=25.7
DD=98
SW=-0.1
SS=0.010
TH-2
7/12
23/12
WC=22.8
DD=101
SW=-0.2
SS=0.080
WC=7.8
-200=6
WC=22.8
DD=101
SW=-0.2
SS=0.080
WC=7.8
-200=6
TH-3
11/12
15/12
WC=17.9
DD=110
SW=0.7
SS=0.150
WC=17.9
DD=110
SW=0.7
SS=0.150
TH-4
14/12
16/12
WC=24.6
DD=102
SW=0.9
WC=24.6
DD=102
SW=0.9
TH-5