HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARDWALK OFFICE BUILDING - FDP - FDP180001 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - GEOTECHNICAL (SOILS) REPORTGEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION REPORT
PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING
JFK PARKWAY AND EAST BOARDWALK DRIVE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
EEC PROJECT NO. 1162062
Prepared for:
Michael Trinen
3003 E. Harmony Road, Suite #400
Fort Collins, Colorado 80528
Attn: Mr. Michael Trinen (Michael.trinen@rbc.com)
Prepared by:
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
4396 Greenfield Drive
Windsor, Colorado 80550
4396 GREENFIELD DRIVE
WINDSOR, COLORADO 80550
(970) 545-3908 FAX (970) 663-0282
www.earth-engineering.com
July 12, 2016
Mr. Michael Trinen
3003 E. Harmony Road, Suite #400
Fort Collins, Colorado 80528
Attn: Mr. Michael Trinen (Michael.trinen@rbc.com)
Re: Geotechnical Exploration Report
Proposed Office Building
JFK Parkway and East Boardwalk Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado
EEC Project No. 1162062
Mr. Trinen:
Enclosed, herewith, are the results of the geotechnical subsurface exploration completed by Earth
Engineering Consultants, LLC (EEC) personnel for the referenced project. In general, this
project involves construction of a single story office building along with associated on-site
pavement improvements on a vacant Lot, located at the northeast corner of JFK Parkway and
East Boardwalk Drive in Fort Collins. To develop subsurface information for the proposed
office building and associated site improvements, EEC personnel advanced five (5) soil borings
on the site extending to depths of approximately 10 to 30 feet below present site grades. This
exploration was completed in general accordance with our proposal dated June 16, 2016 (revised
from June 10, 2016).
In summary, subsurface conditions observed at the boring locations included dry, dense clayey
sand subsoils to depths of approximately 2 to 4 feet below existing site grades underlain by a
sandstone/siltstone bedrock with an occasional claystone zone. The siltstone/sandstone bedrock
extended to the bottom of the borings at depths of approximately 10 to 30 feet below present site
grades. Free groundwater was not observed in the test borings at the time of completion.
GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION REPORT
PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING
JFK PARKWAY AND EAST BOARDWALK DRIVE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
EEC PROJECT NO. 1162062
July 12, 2016
INTRODUCTION
The geotechnical subsurface exploration for the proposed office building and associated on-site
pavement improvements planned for construction at the northeast corner of JFK Parkway and East
Boardwalk Drive in Fort Collins, Colorado, has been completed. Three (3) soil borings extended to
depths of approximately 15 to 30 feet below present site grades were advanced within the proposed
building area to develop information on existing subsurface conditions. Two (2) additional borings
extending to depths of approximately 10 feet were advanced in proposed site drive and parking
areas. Individual boring logs and diagram indicating the approximate boring locations are included
with this report.
We understand this project involves the construction of a single story office building at the
approximate location as indicated on the enclosed boring location diagram. The new office building
may contain a partial or full basement. We expect foundation loads for that structure will be light
with continuous wall loads less than 3 kips per lineal foot and individual column loads less than 100
kips. Floor loads are also expected to be light. The site paved drive and parking areas are expected
to carry low volumes of light vehicles with an occasional heavy truck. We anticipate small grade
changes from existing grades will be required to develop the finish site grades for the proposed
construction.
The purpose of this report is to describe the subsurface conditions encountered in the test borings,
analyze and evaluate developed data on site subsurface conditions and provide geotechnical
recommendations concerning design and construction of the foundations and support of floor slabs,
pavements and flatwork.
EXPLORATION AND TESTING PROCEDURES
The test boring locations were selected and established in the field by Earth Engineering
Consultants, LLC (EEC) personnel by pacing and estimating angles from identifiable site features.
The approximate boring locations are indicated on the attached boring location diagram. Those
locations should be considered accurate only to the degree implied by the methods used to make the
field measurements.
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EEC Project No. 1162062
July 12, 2016
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The field borings were completed using a truck-mounted, CME-55 drill rig equipped with a
hydraulic head employed in drilling and sampling operations. The boreholes were advanced using
4-inch nominal diameter continuous flight augers and samples of the subsurface materials
encountered were obtained using split barrel and California barrel sampling procedures in general
accordance with ASTM Specifications D1586 and D3550, respectively.
In the split barrel and California barrel sampling procedures, standard sampling spoons are driven
into the ground by means of a 140-pound hammer falling a distance of 30 inches. The number of
blows required to advance the split barrel and California barrel samplers is recorded and is used to
estimate the in-situ relative density of cohesionless soils and, to a lesser degree of accuracy, the
consistency of cohesive soils and hardness of weathered bedrock. All samples obtained in the field
were sealed and returned to our laboratory for further examination, classification, and testing. In the
California barrel sampling procedure, relatively intact samples are obtained in brass sampling
sleeves.
Laboratory moisture content tests were completed on each of the recovered samples along with dry
density determination of appropriate California barrel samples. The unconfined strength of
appropriate samples was estimated using a calibrated hand penetrometer. Washed sieve analysis and
Atterberg limits tests were completed on selected samples to determine the quantity and plasticity of
the fines in the subgrade materials. Swell/consolidation tests were also completed on select samples
to evaluate the soil and bedrock tendency to change volume with variation in moisture content and
load. Soluble sulfate tests were completed to evaluate possible sulfate attack on site cast concrete.
Results of the outlined tests are indicated on the attached boring logs and summary sheets.
As part of the testing program, all samples were examined in the laboratory and classified in general
accordance with the attached General Notes and the Unified Soil Classification System, based on the
soil’s texture and plasticity. The estimated group symbol for the Unified Soil Classification System
is indicated on the boring logs and a brief description of that classification system is included with
this report. Classification of the bedrock was based on visual and tactual observation of disturbed
samples and auger cuttings. Coring and/or petrographic analysis may reveal other rock types.
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EEC Project No. 1162062
July 12, 2016
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SITE AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
The proposed development site is located at the northeast corner of JFK Parkway and East
Boardwalk Drive in Fort Collins. An office park with several similar office buildings is located to
the east of this building site. At present, the site shows surface drainage to the southwest with 5 to
10 feet of fall across the site.
Based on results of the field borings and laboratory testing, subsurface conditions can be generalized
as follows. Sparse vegetation was observed at the ground surface at the boring locations. The
vegetation was underlain by sandy lean clay/clayey sand extending to depths ranging from
approximately 2 to 4 feet. The moderately cohesive soils were stiff to dense and dry to very dry.
The sandy lean clay/clayey sand soils were underlain by siltstone/sandstone bedrock. Some
claystone layering was observed at some locations and zones of well cemented sandstone were
encountered at some locations. The bedrock materials were generally moderately hard with low
swell potential. Those materials extended to the bottom of the borings at depths of approximately 10
to 30 feet.
The stratification boundaries indicated on the boring logs represent the approximate locations of
changes in soil and rock types; in-situ, the transition of materials may be gradual and indistinct.
GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS
Observations were made while drilling and after completion of the borings, to detect the presence
and depth to the hydrostatic groundwater table. Free water was not observed in any of the test
borings at the time of drilling. The boreholes were backfilled upon completion of drilling and
additional groundwater measurements were not obtained.
Fluctuations in groundwater levels can occur over time depending on variations in hydrologic
conditions, and other conditions not apparent at the time of this report. In addition, zones of perched
and/or trapped water can be encountered in more permeable zones in the subgrade soils or in
fractured or higher permeability zones interbedded within the bedrock. Perched water is commonly
encountered in soils immediately above a low permeability bedrock layer such as the well cemented
sandstone layers. The location and amount of perched/trapped water can also vary over time
dependent on variations in hydrologic conditions and other conditions not apparent at the time of
this report.
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EEC Project No. 1162062
July 12, 2016
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ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Swell–Consolidation Test Results
The swell-consolidation test is performed to evaluate the swell or collapse potential of soils to assist in
determining foundation, floor slab and/or pavement design criteria. In this test, relatively intact
samples obtained directly from the California barrel sampler are placed in a laboratory apparatus and
inundated with water under a predetermined load. The swell-index is the resulting amount of swell or
collapse after the inundation period expressed as a percent of the sample’s preload/initial thickness.
After the inundation period, additional incremental loads are applied to evaluate the swell pressure
and/or consolidation.
For this assessment, we conducted four (4) swell-consolidation tests on soil samples obtained at
various intervals/depths. Based on the laboratory test results, the in-situ samples analyzed for this
project showed moderate swell for the dryer, higher density near surface essentially cohesive soils and
low swell for the deeper bedrock materials.
Site Preparation
Preliminary grading plans were not provided to us prior to preparation of this subsurface exploration
report. However, based on observed site conditions, it appears that small cuts or fills will be needed
to achieve final site grades.
All existing vegetation and/or topsoil should be removed from within the building and pavement
foot prints or within site fill areas. In addition, close evaluation of the in-place materials will be
required at the time of construction to monitor for unacceptable in-place fill materials, construction
debris, and/or suitability of the in-place materials for reuse as engineered fill. Unacceptable
materials, soft/loose fill materials, and/or the in-situ near surface dry and dense soils should be
removed from the building, pavement and flatwork areas. Based on the results of the test borings,
we expect the in-place materials will need to be removed/reworked to depths of 2 to 4 feet below
current site grades, depending on site location.
After removal of all topsoil/vegetation or any other unacceptable materials within the planned
development areas, including the dry/dense overburden soils, and prior to fill placement and/or site
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EEC Project No. 1162062
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improvements, the exposed subgrades should be scarified to a minimum depth of 9-inches, adjusted
in moisture content to within +/- 2% of standard Proctor optimum moisture content and compacted
to at least 95% of the material's standard Proctor maximum dry density as determined in accordance
with ASTM Specification D698.
Fill soils required for developing the building subgrades, including areas overexcavated to remove
unacceptable in-place materials, should consist of approved, low-volume-change materials, which
are free from organic matter and debris. Based on the testing completed, it appears the on-site lean
clay soils could be used as general site fill provided adequate moisture treatment and compaction
procedures are followed. Claystone bedrock materials should not be used for fill below site
improvement areas although the sandstone/siltstone bedrock could be used provided it is thoroughly
broken-up/processed prior to or during the fill placement process. Import materials similar to the
site clayey sand subsoils or consisting of granular structural fill with sufficient fines to prevent
ponding of water in the fill materials could be used. The site fill materials should be placed in loose
lifts not to exceed 9 inches thick, adjusted in moisture content to ±2% of optimum moisture content
and compacted to at least 95% of the materials maximum dry density as determined in accordance
with ASTM Specification D698, the standard Proctor procedure.
Care will be needed after preparation of the subgrades to avoid disturbing the subgrade materials.
Positive drainage should be developed away from site structures to avoid wetting of subgrade
materials. Subgrade materials becoming wet subsequent to construction of the site improvements
could result in unacceptable performance.
Office Building Foundations
Based on the results of our field borings and laboratory testing as outlined in this report, it is our
opinion the proposed lightly loaded office building could be supported on conventional footing
foundations bearing on the moderately hard weathered siltstone/sandstone bedrock. For design of
footing foundations bearing on the native bedrock materials, we recommend using a net allowable
total load soil bearing pressure not to exceed 4,000 psf. The net bearing pressure refers to the
pressure at foundation bearing level in excess of the minimum surrounding overburden pressure.
The foundations should all bear on the underlying bedrock to reduce the potential for differential
movement of dissimilar bearing materials. Close evaluation of the foundation bearing strata will be
necessary during the construction phase.
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
EEC Project No. 1162062
July 12, 2016
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Exterior foundations and foundations in unheated areas should be located a minimum of 30 inches
below adjacent exterior grade to provide frost protection. We recommend formed continuous
footings have a minimum width of 12 inches and isolated column foundations have a minimum
width of 24 inches. Trenched and/or grade beam foundations should not be used in the near surface
soils to allow for close observation of the bearing strata.
Care should be taken during construction to see that the footing foundations as well as all floor slabs
are supported on suitable strength subsoils and/or approved engineered fill materials. Extra care
should be taken in evaluating the in-place soils for excessively dry and expansive in-place materials
which would generally be unacceptable for future support of floor slabs and/or pavements.
No unusual problems are anticipated in completing the excavations required for construction of the
footing foundations. However, zones of well cemented sandstone were observed in the test borings
and difficult excavation of these materials should be expected. Care should be taken during
construction to avoid disturbing the foundation bearing materials. Materials which are loosened or
disturbed by the construction activities or materials which become dry and desiccated or wet and
softened should be removed and replaced prior to placement of foundation concrete.
We anticipate settlement of the footing foundations designed and constructed as outlined above
would be less than 1 inch.
Below Grade Areas
Perimeter drain systems should be constructed around all below grade areas to intercept any surface
infiltration and reduce the potential to develop hydrostatic loads on the below grade walls. The
perimeter drain systems would generally include perforated metal or plastic pipe placed near
foundation bearing level and sloped uniformly to a sump area where the accumulated water can be
removed without reverse flow into the system. The drain line should be surrounded by at least 6
inches of free draining granular soils and the drain line and/or granular bedding should be
surrounded by a filter fabric to reduce the intrusion of fines into the drain system.
Below grade building walls should be designed for at-rest lateral earth pressures. Site retaining
walls or similar structures could be designed on the basis of active lateral pressure acknowledging
that some rotation can occur. Coefficient values for backfill with anticipated types of soils for
calculation of active, at rest and passive earth pressures are provided in Table I below. Equivalent
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EEC Project No. 1162062
July 12, 2016
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fluid pressure is equal to the coefficient times the appropriate soil unit weight. As appropriate,
buoyant weights and hydrostatic pressures should be considered.
The outlined coefficient values are based on horizontal backfill with backfill soils consisting of
essentially granular materials with a friction angle of 35 degrees or low volume change cohesive
soils, assuming a friction angle of at least 28 degrees. The assumed values should be verified with
the material supplier or through laboratory testing. For the at-rest and active earth pressures, slopes
away from the structure would result in reduced driving forces with slopes up away from the
structures resulting in greater forces on the walls. The passive resistance would be reduced with
slopes away from the wall. The top 30-inches of soil on the passive resistance side of walls could be
used as a surcharge load; however, should not be used as a part of the passive resistance value.
Frictional resistance is equal to the tangent of the friction angle times the normal force.
Table I: Lateral Earth Pressure Values
Soil Type On-Site Low Plasticity Cohesive Imported Medium Dense Granular
Wet Unit Weight 120 135
Saturated Unit Weight 130 140
Friction Angle () – (assumed) 28° 35°
Active Pressure Coefficient 0.36 0.27
At-rest Pressure Coefficient 0.53 0.42
Passive Pressure Coefficient 2.77 3.70
Surcharge loads or point loads placed in the backfill can also create additional loads on below grade
walls. Those lateral pressures should be evaluated on an individual basis.
The outlined lateral earth values do not include factors of safety nor allowances for hydrostatic
loads. Care should be taken to develop appropriate drainage systems behind below grade walls to
eliminate potential for hydrostatic loads developing on the walls. Those systems would likely
include perimeter drain systems extending to sump areas or free outfall where reverse flow cannot
occur into the system. Where necessary, appropriate hydrostatic load values should be used for
design.
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
EEC Project No. 1162062
July 12, 2016
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Floor Slab Design and Construction
All existing vegetation and/or topsoil should be removed from beneath the new floor slabs. Soft or
loose in-place soils, any wet and softened or dry and desiccated soils encountered within the
proposed building areas including the dry, dense near surface lean clays or any unacceptable in-
place fill soils should be removed from the floor areas. Overexcavations extending 2 to 4 feet below
current ground surface should be anticipated to remove the dry, dense in-situ soils. After stripping,
completing all cuts and removal of any unacceptable materials and prior to placement of any new fill
or floor slabs, the in-place soils should be scarified to a minimum depth of 9 inches, adjusted in
moisture content and compacted to at least 95% of maximum dry density as determined in
accordance with ASTM Specification D698, the standard Proctor procedure. The moisture content
of the scarified materials should be adjusted to be within the range of 2% of standard Proctor
optimum moisture at the time of compaction. Scarification and compaction of the basement floor
subgrades would not be required.
Fill materials required to develop the floor slab subgrades should consist of approved, low-volume
change materials which are free from organic matter and debris. We recommend the fill materials
contain sufficient fines to prevent ponding of water in the subgrade subsequent to construction. The
on-site sandy clay materials and properly processed sandstone/siltstone bedrock are acceptable for
use as fill in the floor slab subgrade areas; any claystone bedrock should not be used for fill.
Fill materials beneath the floor slabs should be placed in loose lifts not to exceed 9 inches thick,
adjusted in moisture content as recommended for the scarified materials and compacted to at least
95% of the material's standard Proctor maximum dry density.
After preparation of the subgrades, care should be taken to avoid disturbing the subgrade materials.
Materials which are loosened or disturbed by the construction activities will require removal and
replacement or reworking in place prior to placement of the overlying floor slabs.
Positive drainage should be developed away from the proposed building to avoid wetting the
subgrade or bearing materials. Subgrade or bearing materials allowed to become wetted subsequent
to construction could result in unacceptable performance of the improvements.
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EEC Project No. 1162062
July 12, 2016
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Pavements
We expect the site pavements will include areas designated for low volume automobile
traffic/parking and areas of heavier/higher volume traffic. For heavier traffic areas, we are using an
assumed equivalent daily load axle (EDLA) rating of 15 and in automobile/parking areas we are
using an EDLA of 5.
Proofrolling and recompacting the subgrade is recommended immediately prior to placement of the
pavements. Soft or weak areas delineated by the proofrolling operations should be undercut or
stabilized in-place to achieve the appropriate subgrade support. Based on the subsurface conditions
encountered at the site and the results of the laboratory testing, it is recommended the on-site private
drives and parking areas be designed using an R-value of 10.
Due to the moderately expansive characteristics of the overburden site fill soils, a swell mitigation plan
will be necessary to reduce the potential for movement within the pavement section. As presented in
the “Site Preparation” section of this report, we recommended overexcavating the in-place fill soils and
the replacement of these soils as moisture conditioned/engineered fill material beneath pavement areas.
Pumping conditions could develop within a moisture treatment process of on-site cohesive soils.
Subgrade stabilization may be needed to develop a stable subgrade for paving. If needed, stabilization
could include incorporating at least 12 percent (by weight) Class C fly ash into the upper 12 inches of
subgrade.
Eliminating the risk of movement within the proposed pavement section may not be feasible due to the
characteristics of the subsurface materials; but it may be possible to further reduce the risk of
movement if more extensive subgrade stabilization measures are used during construction. We would
be pleased to discuss other construction alternatives with you upon request.
Pavement design methods are intended to provide structural sections with adequate thickness over a
particular subgrade such that wheel loads are reduced to a level the subgrade can support. The
support characteristics of the subgrade for pavement design do not account for shrink/swell
movements of an expansive clay subgrade or consolidation of a wetted subgrade. Thus, the
pavement may be adequate from a structural standpoint, yet still experience cracking and
deformation due to shrink/swell related movement of the subgrade. It is, therefore, important to
minimize moisture changes in the subgrade to reduce shrink/swell movements.
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Recommended pavement sections are provided below in Table II. If selected, Portland cement
concrete should be an exterior pavement design mix with a minimum 28-day compressive strength
of 4,000 psi and should be air entrained. Hot bituminous pavement should consist of S-75 or SX-75
with performance graded PG 58-28 or 64-22 binder, compacted to be within the range of 92 to 96%
of maximum theoretical specific gravity (Rice). In the drive lanes for the coffee kiosk and/or areas
subject to heavier truck loads or truck turning movements, (including trash truck routes and
load/unload areas) consideration should be given to use of Portland cement concrete for the
pavements. The recommended pavement sections are minimums and periodic maintenance should
be expected.
Table II. Recommended Minimum Pavement Sections
Automobile Parking Heavy Duty Areas
18-kip EDLA
18-kip ESAL’s
Reliability
Resilient Modulus
PSI Loss
5
36,500
75%
3562 psi
2.5
15
109,500
85%
3562 psi
2.0
Design Structure Number 2.34 3.00
(A) Composite
Hot Bituminous Pavement
Aggregate Base
(Design Structural Number)
4"
6"
(2.42)
5"
8"
(3.08)
(B) Composite with Fly Ash Treated Subgrade
Hot Bituminous Pavement
Aggregate Base
Fly Ash Treated Subgrade
(Design Structure Number)
3"
6"
12"
(2.58)
4"
6"
12"
(3.02)
(C) PCC (Non-reinforced) 5" 6"
Longitudinal and transverse joints should be provided as needed in concrete pavements for
expansion/contraction and isolation. The location and extent of joints should be based upon the final
pavement geometry. Sawed joints should be cut in accordance with ACPA or ACI recommendations.
All joints should be sealed to prevent entry of foreign material and dowelled or tied where necessary
and appropriate for load transfer.
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The collection and diversion of surface drainage away from paved areas is critical to the satisfactory
performance of the pavement. Drainage design should provide for the removal of water from paved
areas in order to reduce the potential for wetting of the subgrade soils.
Long-term pavement performance will be dependent upon several factors, including maintaining
subgrade moisture levels and providing for preventive maintenance. The following
recommendations should be considered the minimum:
The subgrade and the pavement surface should be adequately sloped to promote proper surface
drainage.
Install pavement drainage surrounding areas anticipated for frequent wetting (e.g. garden centers,
landscaped islands)
Install joint sealant and seal cracks immediately.
Seal all landscaped areas in, or adjacent to pavements to minimize or prevent moisture migration
to subgrade soils.
Place compacted, low permeability backfill against the exterior side of curb and gutter; and place
curb, gutter, and/or sidewalk directly on approved proof rolled subgrade soils.
Preventive maintenance should be planned and provided for an on-going pavement management
program. Preventive maintenance activities are intended to slow the rate of pavement deterioration and
to preserve the pavement investment. Preventive maintenance consists of both localized maintenance
(e.g. crack and joint sealing and patching) and global maintenance (e.g. surface sealing). Preventive
maintenance is usually the first priority when implementing a planned pavement maintenance program
and provides the highest return on investment for pavements. Prior to implementing any maintenance,
additional engineering observation is recommended to determine the type and extent of preventive
maintenance.
Site grading is generally accomplished early in the construction phase. However, as construction
proceeds, the subgrade may be disturbed due to utility excavations, construction traffic, desiccation, or
rainfall. As a result, the pavement subgrade may not be suitable for pavement construction and
corrective action will be required. The subgrade should be carefully evaluated at the time of pavement
construction for signs of disturbance, such as but not limited to drying, or excessive rutting. If
disturbance has occurred, pavement subgrade areas should be reworked, moisture conditioned, and
properly compacted to the recommendations in this report immediately prior to paving.
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Note that if during or after placement of the stabilization or initial lift of pavement, the area is observed
to be yielding under vehicle traffic or construction equipment, it is recommended that EEC be
contacted for additional alternative methods of stabilization, or a change in the pavement section.
Water Soluble Sulfates – (SO4)
The water soluble sulfate (SO4) testing of the on-site subgrade materials taken during our subsurface
exploration are provided in the table below.
TABLE III - Water Soluble Sulfate Test Results
Sample Location Description
Soluble Sulfate Content
(mg/kg)
Soluble Sulfate Content
(%)
B-2, S-2 @ 4' Clayey Sand 180 0.02
Based on the results as presented in table above, ACI 318, Section 4.2 indicates the site overburden
soils have a low risk of sulfate attack on Portland cement concrete. Therefore, Class 0 (Type I/II
cement with or without the use of fly ash) could be used for concrete on and below site grades within
the overburden soils and extending into the underlying bedrock formation. Foundation concrete
should be designed in accordance with the provisions of the ACI Design Manual, Section 318,
Chapter 4. These results are being compared to the following table.
TABLE IV Requirements to Protect Against Damage to Concrete by Sulfate Attack from External Sources of Sulfate
Severity of Sulfate
exposure
Water-soluble sulfate (SO4)
in dry soil, percent
Water-cement ratio,
maximum
Cementitious material
Requirements
Class 0 0.00 to 0.10% 0.45 Class 0
Class 1 0.11 to 0.20% 0.45 Class 1
Class 2 0.21 to 2.00% 0.45 Class 2
Class 3 2.01 of greater 0.45 Class 3
Other Considerations
Positive drainage should be developed away from the structure and pavement areas with a minimum
slope of 1 inch per foot for the first 10 feet away from the improvements in landscape areas. Care
should be taken in planning of landscaping adjacent to the building and parking and drive areas to
avoid features which would pond water adjacent to the pavement, foundations or stemwalls.
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Placement of plants which require irrigation systems or could result in fluctuations of the moisture
content of the subgrade material should be avoided adjacent to site improvements. Lawn watering
systems should not be placed within 5 feet of the perimeter of the building and parking areas. Spray
heads should be designed not to spray water on or immediately adjacent to the structure or site
pavements. Roof drains should be designed to discharge at least 5 feet away from the structure and
away from the pavement areas.
Excavations into the on-site lean clay subsoils and underlying bedrock should be relatively stable for
short term construction activities depending, in part, upon the depth of excavation and excavation
side slopes. The individual contractor(s) should be made responsible for designing and constructing
stable, temporary excavations as required to maintain stability of both the excavation sides and
bottom. All excavations should be sloped or shored following local and federal regulations,
including current OSHA excavation and trench safety standards.
GENERAL COMMENTS
The analysis and recommendations presented in this report are based upon the data obtained from
the soil borings performed at the indicated locations and from any other information discussed in this
report. This report does not reflect any variations, which may occur between borings or across the
site. The nature and extent of such variations may not become evident until construction. If
variations appear evident, it will be necessary to re-evaluate the recommendations of this report.
It is recommended that the geotechnical engineer be retained to review the plans and specifications
so comments can be made regarding the interpretation and implementation of our geotechnical
recommendations in the design and specifications. It is further recommended that the geotechnical
engineer be retained for testing and observations during earthwork and foundation construction
phases to help determine that the design requirements are fulfilled.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Mr. Michael Trinen for specific application to
the project discussed and has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical
engineering practices. No warranty, express or implied, is made. In the event that any changes in
the nature, design, or location of the project as outlined in this report are planned, the conclusions
and recommendations contained in this report shall not be considered valid unless the changes are
reviewed and the conclusions of this report are modified or verified in writing by the geotechnical
engineer.
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
DRILLING AND EXPLORATION
DRILLING & SAMPLING SYMBOLS:
SS: Split Spoon ‐ 13/8" I.D., 2" O.D., unless otherwise noted PS: Piston Sample
ST: Thin‐Walled Tube ‐ 2" O.D., unless otherwise noted WS: Wash Sample
R: Ring Barrel Sampler ‐ 2.42" I.D., 3" O.D. unless otherwise noted
PA: Power Auger FT: Fish Tail Bit
HA: Hand Auger RB: Rock Bit
DB: Diamond Bit = 4", N, B BS: Bulk Sample
AS: Auger Sample PM: Pressure Meter
HS: Hollow Stem Auger WB: Wash Bore
Standard "N" Penetration: Blows per foot of a 140 pound hammer falling 30 inches on a 2‐inch O.D. split spoon, except where noted.
WATER LEVEL MEASUREMENT SYMBOLS:
WL : Water Level WS : While Sampling
WCI: Wet Cave in WD : While Drilling
DCI: Dry Cave in BCR: Before Casing Removal
AB : After Boring ACR: After Casting Removal
Water levels indicated on the boring logs are the levels measured in the borings at the time indicated. In pervious soils, the indicated
levels may reflect the location of ground water. In low permeability soils, the accurate determination of ground water levels is not
possible with only short term observations.
DESCRIPTIVE SOIL CLASSIFICATION
Soil Classification is based on the Unified Soil Classification
system and the ASTM Designations D‐2488. Coarse Grained
Soils have move than 50% of their dry weight retained on a
#200 sieve; they are described as: boulders, cobbles, gravel or
sand. Fine Grained Soils have less than 50% of their dry weight
retained on a #200 sieve; they are described as : clays, if they
are plastic, and silts if they are slightly plastic or non‐plastic.
Major constituents may be added as modifiers and minor
constituents may be added according to the relative
proportions based on grain size. In addition to gradation,
coarse grained soils are defined on the basis of their relative in‐
place density and fine grained soils on the basis of their
consistency. Example: Lean clay with sand, trace gravel, stiff
(CL); silty sand, trace gravel, medium dense (SM).
CONSISTENCY OF FINE‐GRAINED SOILS
Unconfined Compressive
Strength, Qu, psf Consistency
< 500 Very Soft
500 ‐ 1,000 Soft
1,001 ‐ 2,000 Medium
2,001 ‐ 4,000 Stiff
4,001 ‐ 8,000 Very Stiff
8,001 ‐ 16,000 Very Hard
RELATIVE DENSITY OF COARSE‐GRAINED SOILS:
N‐Blows/ft Relative Density
0‐3 Very Loose
4‐9 Loose
10‐29 Medium Dense
30‐49 Dense
50‐80 Very Dense
80 + Extremely Dense
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BEDROCK
DEGREE OF WEATHERING:
Slight Slight decomposition of parent material on
joints. May be color change.
Moderate Some decomposition and color change
throughout.
High Rock highly decomposed, may be extremely
broken.
Group
Symbol
Group Name
Cu≥4 and 1<Cc≤3
E
GW Well-graded gravel
F
Cu<4 and/or 1>Cc>3
E
GP Poorly-graded gravel
F
Fines classify as ML or MH GM Silty gravel
G,H
Fines Classify as CL or CH GC Clayey Gravel
F,G,H
Cu≥6 and 1<Cc≤3
E
SW Well-graded sand
I
Cu<6 and/or 1>Cc>3
E
SP Poorly-graded sand
I
Fines classify as ML or MH SM Silty sand
G,H,I
Fines classify as CL or CH SC Clayey sand
G,H,I
inorganic PI>7 and plots on or above "A" Line CL Lean clay
K,L,M
PI<4 or plots below "A" Line ML Silt
K,L,M
organic Liquid Limit - oven dried Organic clay
K,L,M,N
Liquid Limit - not dried Organic silt
K,L,M,O
inorganic PI plots on or above "A" Line CH Fat clay
K,L,M
PI plots below "A" Line MH Elastic Silt
K,L,M
organic Liquid Limit - oven dried Organic clay
K,L,M,P
Liquid Limit - not dried Organic silt
K,L,M,O
Highly organic soils PT Peat
(D30)2
D10 x D60
GW-GM well graded gravel with silt NPI≥4 and plots on or above "A" line.
GW-GC well-graded gravel with clay OPI≤4 or plots below "A" line.
GP-GM poorly-graded gravel with silt PPI plots on or above "A" line.
GP-GC poorly-graded gravel with clay QPI plots below "A" line.
SW-SM well-graded sand with silt
SW-SC well-graded sand with clay
SP-SM poorly graded sand with silt
SP-SC poorly graded sand with clay
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
IIf soil contains >15% gravel, add "with gravel" to
group name
JIf Atterberg limits plots shaded area, soil is a CL-
ML, Silty clay
Unified Soil Classification System
BOARDWALK OFFICE BUILDING
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
EEC PROJECT NO. 1162062
JUNE 2016
1
2
B-4
B-5
B-3
B-1
B-2
Boring Location Diagram
Boardwalk Office Building
Fort Collins, Colorado
EEC Project Number: 1162062 Date: July 2016
EARTH ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, LLC
Approximate Boring
Locations
1
Legend
Site Photos
(Photos taken in approximate
location, in direction of arrow)
DATE:
RIG TYPE: CME55
FOREMAN: DG
AUGER TYPE: 4" CFA
SPT HAMMER: AUTOMATIC
SOIL DESCRIPTION D N QU MC DD -200
TYPE (FEET) (BLOWS/FT) (PSF) (%) (PCF) LL PI (%) PRESSURE % @ 500 PSF
SPARSE VEGETATION _ _
1
SANDSTONE / SILTSTONE _ _
brown / rust / grey 2
with calcareous deposits _ _
3
_ _
4
_ _
* classified as CLAYEY SAND CS 5 50/10" 9000+ 6.1 119.0 34 13 49.3 1300 psf 0.9%
_ _
6
_ _
7
_ _
8
_ _
9
_ _
SANDSTONE / SILTSTONE / CLAYSTONE SS 10 50/10" 9000+ 9.6
brown / rust / grey _ _
moderately hard to hard 11
_ _
12
_ _
13
_ _
14
_ _
CS 15 50/5" 9000+ 5.8 116.2
_ _
16
_ _
17
_ _
18
with intermittent cemented lenses _ _
19
_ _
SS 20 Bounce -- 4.3
_ _
21
_ _
22
_ _
23
_ _
24
_ _
CS 25 50/6" 9000+ 13.7 113.0
_ _
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
A-LIMITS SWELL
DATE:
RIG TYPE: CME55
FOREMAN: DG
AUGER TYPE: 4" CFA
SPT HAMMER: AUTOMATIC
SOIL DESCRIPTION D N QU MC DD -200
TYPE (FEET) (BLOWS/FT) (PSF) (%) (PCF) LL PI (%) PRESSURE % @ 500 PSF
Continued from Sheet 1 of 2 26
_ _
SANDSTONE / SILTSTONE / CLAYSTONE 27
brown / rust / grey _ _
moderately hard to hard 28
_ _
29
_ _
SS 30 50/6"
_ _
BOTTOM OF BORING DEPTH 30.5' 31
_ _
32
_ _
33
_ _
34
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35
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36
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37
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38
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39
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40
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41
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42
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43
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44
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45
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46
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47
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48
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49
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50
_ _
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
A-LIMITS SWELL
N/A
DATE:
RIG TYPE: CME55
FOREMAN: DG
AUGER TYPE: 4" CFA
SPT HAMMER: AUTOMATIC
SOIL DESCRIPTION D N QU MC DD -200
TYPE (FEET) (BLOWS/FT) (PSF) (%) (PCF) LL PI (%) PRESSURE % @ 500 PSF
SPARSE VEGETATION _ _
1
CLAYEY SAND (SC) _ _
tan / brown 2
very stiff/dense _ _ % @ 150 psf
with calcareous deposits CS 3 34 9000+ 5.3 113.9 33 14 44.5 960 psf 4.4%
_ _
4
_ _
SS 5 41 7000 9.0
SANDSTONE / SILTSTONE _ _
brown / rust / tan 6
moderately hard to hard _ _
7
_ _
8
_ _
9
_ _
CS 10 50/6" 9000+ 9.3 109.0
_ _
11
_ _
12
_ _
13
_ _
14
_ _
SS 15 50/6" 3000 11.6
_ _
BOTTOM OF BORING DEPTH 15.5' 16
_ _
17
_ _
18
_ _
19
_ _
20
_ _
21
_ _
22
_ _
23
_ _
24
_ _
25
_ _
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
A-LIMITS SWELL
DATE:
RIG TYPE: CME55
FOREMAN: DG
AUGER TYPE: 4" CFA
SPT HAMMER: AUTOMATIC
SOIL DESCRIPTION D N QU MC DD -200
TYPE (FEET) (BLOWS/FT) (PSF) (%) (PCF) LL PI (%) PRESSURE % @ 500 PSF
SPARSE VEGETATION _ _
1
SANDSTONE / SILTSTONE / CLAYSTONE _ _
brown / grey / rust 2
weathered to moderately hard to hard with depth _ _
3
_ _
4
_ _
CS 5 50/" 9000+ 8.6 116.4 1400 psf 1.3%
_ _
6
_ _
7
_ _
8
_ _
9
_ _
SS 10 50/6" 1500 11.4
_ _
11
_ _
12
_ _
13
_ _
14
_ _
CS 15 50/6" 9000+ 12.5 105.0
_ _
16
_ _
17
_ _
18
_ _
19
_ _
SS 20 50/6" 4000 13.4
_ _
21
_ _
22
_ _
23
_ _
24
_ _
CS 25 50/5" 8500 13.4 107.8
BOTTOM OF BORING DEPTH 25.0' _ _
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
A-LIMITS SWELL
DATE:
RIG TYPE: CME55
FOREMAN: DG
AUGER TYPE: 4" CFA
SPT HAMMER: AUTOMATIC
SOIL DESCRIPTION D N QU MC DD -200
TYPE (FEET) (BLOWS/FT) (PSF) (%) (PCF) LL PI (%) PRESSURE % @ 500 PSF
SPARSE VEGETATION _ _
1
CLAYEY SAND (SC) _ _
brown / olive 2
very stiff / dense _ _
with calcareous deposits CS 3 34 6500 7.0 100.4
_ _
4
*intermittent CAPROCK / WELL-CEMENTED _ _
SANDSTONE lens (Approx. 1 to 2' thick) SS 5 50/0.25" -- 2.6
_ _
SANDSTONE / SILTSTONE Bedrock 6
brown/gray/rust/olive _ _
moderately hard to hard 7
_ _
8
_ _
9
_ _
SS 10 50/8" 2000 13.8
_ _
BOTTOM OF BORING DEPTH 10.5' 11
_ _
12
_ _
13
_ _
14
_ _
15
_ _
16
_ _
17
_ _
18
_ _
19
_ _
20
_ _
21
_ _
22
_ _
23
_ _
24
_ _
25
_ _
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
A-LIMITS SWELL
DATE:
RIG TYPE: CME55
FOREMAN: DG
AUGER TYPE: 4" CFA
SPT HAMMER: AUTOMATIC
SOIL DESCRIPTION D N QU MC DD -200
TYPE (FEET) (BLOWS/FT) (PSF) (%) (PCF) LL PI (%) PRESSURE % @ 500 PSF
SPARSE VEGETATION _ _
1
SANDSTONE / SILTSTONE _ _
brown / tan 2
poorly cemented, with calcareous deposits _ _ % @ 150 psf
CS 3 32 9000+ 7.0 115.2 29 5 46.1 1200 psf 3.9%
*classified as CLAYEY SAND _ _
4
_ _
SANDSTONE / SILTSTONE / CLAYSTONE SS 5 50 9000+ 11.5
brown / grey / rust _ _
moderately hard to hard 6
_ _
7
_ _
8
_ _
9
_ _
SS 10 50/10" 6000 13.1
_ _
BOTTOM OF BORING DEPTH 10.5' 11
_ _
12
_ _
13
_ _
14
_ _
15
_ _
16
_ _
17
_ _
18
_ _
19
_ _
20
_ _
21
_ _
22
_ _
23
_ _
24
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25
_ _
Earth Engineering Consultants, LLC
A-LIMITS SWELL
Project:
Location:
Project #:
Date:
Boardwalk Office Building
Fort Collins, Colorado
1162062
July 2016
Beginning Moisture: 6.1% Dry Density: 113.3 pcf Ending Moisture: 22.1%
Swell Pressure: 1300 psf % Swell @ 500: 0.9%
Sample Location: Boring 1, Sample 1, Depth 4'
Liquid Limit: 34 Plasticity Index: 13 % Passing #200: 49.3%
SWELL / CONSOLIDATION TEST RESULTS
Material Description: Brown / Rust / Grey Sandstone / Siltstone (CLAYEY SAND - SC)
-10.0
-8.0
-6.0
-4.0
-2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
0.01 0.1 1 10
Percent Movement
Load (TSF)
Consolidatio Swell
Water Added
Project:
Location:
Project #:
Date:
Boardwalk Office Building
Fort Collins, Colorado
1162062
July 2016
Beginning Moisture: 5.3% Dry Density: 106 pcf Ending Moisture: 23.6%
Swell Pressure: 960 psf % Swell @ 150: 4.4%
Sample Location: Boring 2, Sample 1, Depth 2'
Liquid Limit: 33 Plasticity Index: 14 % Passing #200: 44.5%
SWELL / CONSOLIDATION TEST RESULTS
Material Description: Tan / Brown CLAYEY SAND (SC)
-10.0
-8.0
-6.0
-4.0
-2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
0.01 0.1 1 10
Percent Movement
Load (TSF)
Consolidatio Swell
Water Added
Project:
Location:
Project #:
Date:
Boardwalk Office Building
Fort Collins, Colorado
1162062
July 2016
Beginning Moisture: 8.6% Dry Density: 117.7 pcf Ending Moisture: 18.1%
Swell Pressure: 1400 psf % Swell @ 500: 1.3%
Sample Location: Boring 3, Sample 1, Depth 4'
Liquid Limit: - - Plasticity Index: - - % Passing #200: - -
SWELL / CONSOLIDATION TEST RESULTS
Material Description: Brown / Grey / Rust Sandstone / Siltstone / Claystone
-10.0
-8.0
-6.0
-4.0
-2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
0.01 0.1 1 10
Percent Movement
Load (TSF)
Consolidatio Swell
Water Added
Project:
Location:
Project #:
Date:
Boardwalk Office Building
Fort Collins, Colorado
1162062
July 2016
Beginning Moisture: 7.0% Dry Density: 119.9 pcf Ending Moisture: 16.5%
Swell Pressure: 1200 psf % Swell @ 150: 3.9%
Sample Location: Boring 5, Sample 1, Depth 2'
Liquid Limit: 29 Plasticity Index: 5 % Passing #200: 46.1%
SWELL / CONSOLIDATION TEST RESULTS
Material Description: Brown / Tan Sandstone / Siltstone - classified as CLAYEY SAND - SC
-10.0
-8.0
-6.0
-4.0
-2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
0.01 0.1 1 10
Percent Movement
Load (TSF)
Consolidatio Swell
Water Added
SURFACE ELEV N/A 24 HOUR N/A
FINISH DATE 6/27/2016 AFTER DRILLING N/A
SHEET 1 OF 1 WATER DEPTH
START DATE 6/27/2016 WHILE DRILLING None
BOARDWALK OFFICE BUILDING
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
PROJECT NO: 1162062 LOG OF BORING B-5 JULY 2016
SURFACE ELEV N/A 24 HOUR N/A
FINISH DATE 6/27/2016 AFTER DRILLING N/A
SHEET 1 OF 1 WATER DEPTH
START DATE 6/27/2016 WHILE DRILLING None
BOARDWALK OFFICE BUILDING
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
PROJECT NO: 1162062 LOG OF BORING B-4 JULY 2016
SURFACE ELEV N/A 24 HOUR N/A
FINISH DATE 6/27/2016 AFTER DRILLING N/A
SHEET 1 OF 1 WATER DEPTH
START DATE 6/27/2016 WHILE DRILLING None
BOARDWALK OFFICE BUILDING
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
PROJECT NO: 1162062 LOG OF BORING B-3 JULY 2016
SURFACE ELEV N/A 24 HOUR N/A
FINISH DATE 6/27/2016 AFTER DRILLING N/A
SHEET 1 OF 1 WATER DEPTH
START DATE 6/27/2016 WHILE DRILLING None
BOARDWALK OFFICE BUILDING
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
PROJECT NO: 1162062 LOG OF BORING B-2 JULY 2016
6/27/2016 AFTER DRILLING N/A
SURFACE ELEV 24 HOUR N/A
FINISH DATE
SHEET 2 OF 2 WATER DEPTH
START DATE 6/27/2016 WHILE DRILLING None
BOARDWALK OFFICE BUILDING
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
PROJECT NO: 1162062 LOG OF BORING B-1 JULY 2016
SURFACE ELEV N/A 24 HOUR N/A
FINISH DATE 6/27/2016 AFTER DRILLING N/A
SHEET 1 OF 1 WATER DEPTH
START DATE 6/27/2016 WHILE DRILLING None
BOARDWALK OFFICE BUILDING
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
PROJECT NO: 1162062 LOG OF BORING B-1 JULY 2016
Soil Classification
Criteria for Assigning Group Symbols and Group Names Using Laboratory Tests
Sands 50% or more
coarse fraction
passes No. 4 sieve
Fine-Grained Soils
50% or more passes
the No. 200 sieve
<0.75 OL
Gravels with Fines
more than 12%
fines
Clean Sands Less
than 5% fines
Sands with Fines
more than 12%
fines
Clean Gravels Less
than 5% fines
Gravels more than
50% of coarse
fraction retained on
No. 4 sieve
Coarse - Grained Soils
more than 50%
retained on No. 200
sieve
CGravels with 5 to 12% fines required dual symbols:
Kif soil contains 15 to 29% plus No. 200, add "with sand"
or "with gravel", whichever is predominant.
<0.75 OH
Primarily organic matter, dark in color, and organic odor
ABased on the material passing the 3-in. (75-mm)
sieve
ECu=D60/D10 Cc=
HIf fines are organic, add "with organic fines" to
group name
LIf soil contains ≥ 30% plus No. 200 predominantly sand,
add "sandy" to group name.
MIf soil contains ≥30% plus No. 200 predominantly gravel,
add "gravelly" to group name.
DSands with 5 to 12% fines require dual symbols:
BIf field sample contained cobbles or boulders, or
both, add "with cobbles or boulders, or both" to
group name. FIf soil contains ≥15% sand, add "with sand" to
GIf fines classify as CL-ML, use dual symbol GC-
CM, or SC-SM.
Silts and Clays
Liquid Limit less
than 50
Silts and Clays
Liquid Limit 50 or
more
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
PLASTICITY INDEX (PI)
LIQUID LIMIT (LL)
ML OR OL
MH OR OH
For Classification of fine-grained soils and
fine-grained fraction of coarse-grained
soils.
Equation of "A"-line
Horizontal at PI=4 to LL=25.5
then PI-0.73 (LL-20)
Equation of "U"-line
Vertical at LL=16 to PI-7,
then PI=0.9 (LL-8)
CL-ML
HARDNESS AND DEGREE OF CEMENTATION:
Limestone and Dolomite:
Hard Difficult to scratch with knife.
Moderately Can be scratched easily with knife.
Hard Cannot be scratched with fingernail.
Soft Can be scratched with fingernail.
Shale, Siltstone and Claystone:
Hard Can be scratched easily with knife, cannot be
scratched with fingernail.
Moderately Can be scratched with fingernail.
Hard
Soft Can be easily dented but not molded with
fingers.
Sandstone and Conglomerate:
Well Capable of scratching a knife blade.
Cemented
Cemented Can be scratched with knife.
Poorly Can be broken apart easily with fingers.
Cemented
Since the cohesive soils on the site have some shrink/swell potential, pavements could crack in the
future primarily because of the volume change of the soils when subjected to an increase in moisture
content to the subgrade. The cracking, while not desirable, does not necessarily constitute structural
failure of the pavement.