HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSU LAKE AND PROSPECT PARKING LOT - FDP190018 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - GEOTECHNICAL (SOILS) REPORTGeotechnical Subsurface Exploration Program
Colorado State University
Lake Street Surface Parking Lot
South of Canvas Stadium
Fort Collins, Colorado
Prepared For:
Colorado State University
251 Edison Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Attn: Shelly Carroll
Job Number: 18-0057 January 14th, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Purpose and Scope of Study ....................................................................................... 1
Site Conditions ............................................................................................................ 2
Subsurface Exploration and Laboratory Testing .......................................................... 4
Subsurface Conditions ................................................................................................ 5
Pavement Sections ..................................................................................................... 6
Water-Soluble Sulfate .............................................................................................. 11
Project Earthwork ..................................................................................................... 12
Surface Drainage .................................................................................................... 14
Closure...................................................................................................................... 15
Locations of Test Holes ................................................................................... Figure 1
Logs of Test Holes ............................................................................. Figures 2 and 3
Legend and Notes ........................................................................................... Figure 4
Summary of Laboratory Test Results .............................................................. Table 1
Pavement Thickness Calculations ............................................................. Appendix A
CSU: Lake Street Surface Parking Lot
Fort Collins, Colorado
Job No. 18-0057 Ground Engineering Consultants, Inc. Page 1 of 18
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY
This report presents the results of a geotechnical evaluation performed by GROUND
Engineering Consultants, Inc. (GROUND) for the Colorado State University in support of
design of the proposed CSU: Lake Street Surface Parking Lot in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Our study was conducted in general accordance with GROUND’s Proposal No. 1812-
2193, dated December 18th, 2018.
A field exploration program was conducted to obtain information on the subsurface
conditions. Material samples obtained during the subsurface exploration were tested in
the laboratory to provide data on the engineering characteristics of the on-site soils. The
results of the field exploration and laboratory testing are presented herein.
This report has been prepared to summarize the data obtained and to present our
findings and conclusions based on the proposed development/improvements and the
subsurface conditions encountered. Design parameters and a discussion of engineering
considerations related to the proposed improvements are included herein. This report
should be understood and utilized in its entirety; specific sections of the text, drawings,
graphs, tables, and other information contained within this report are intended to be
understood in the context of the entire report. This includes the Closure section of the
report which outlines important limitations on the information contained herein.
This report was prepared for design purposes of the Colorado State University based on
our understanding of the proposed project at the time of preparation of this report. The
data, conclusions, opinions, and geotechnical parameters provided herein should not be
construed to be sufficient for other purposes, including the use by contractors, or any
other parties for any reason not specifically related to the design of the project.
Furthermore, the information provided in this report was based on the exploration and
testing methods described below. Deviations between what was reported herein and the
actual surface and/or subsurface conditions may exist, and in some cases those
deviations may be significant.
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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The proposed construction included site
improvements, primarily including new pavement for
the proposed Lake Street Surface Parking Lot. In
addition to the new pavement, GROUND understands
there will be associated sidewalk, curb and gutter, bus
drop off, detention pond, and landscaping. If the
proposed construction differs from those described
above, or changes subsequently, GROUND should be
notified to re-evaluate the parameters provided in this
report.
SITE CONDITIONS
At the time of our exploration, the project site exists as
a vacant lot situated between Prospect Road on the
south, Lake Street on the north, and residential
housing located east and west of the lot. Based on
our surface and subsurface observations and
reviewing Google Earth historical view from August of
2012, it appears that the site was occupied by 4
residential type structures as well as deciduous trees
and landscaping. It appears that the previous
structures were demolished and any foundations
backfilled. Remnant concrete flatwork was observed
CSU: Lake Street Surface Parking Lot
Fort Collins, Colorado
Job No. 18-0057 Ground Engineering Consultants, Inc. Page 3 of 18
on the south half of the site as well as some existing sod grass observed on the north
half of the site. The topography across the site was generally flat with no appreciable
slopes.
A shallow layer of man-made fill materials were observed in the test holes and existing
man-made fill materials should be expected in the areas of the previously backfilled
foundations associated with the previous existing structures. The subgrade below the fill
layer primarily consisted of red sandy clay to sandy silt materials.
The exact extents, limits, and composition of any man-made fill were not
determined as part of the scope of work addressed by this study, and should be
expected to exist at varying depths and locations across the site. GROUND
should be retained to observe the subgrade materials after construction stripping
of topsoil materials. Several test pits should be excavated within the footprints of
the previous structures to determine the extents of any man made fill. Existing
man-made fills should be verified for proper compaction / density. At that time it
may be required to perform shallow localized overexcavations to remove any fills
that have not been properly placed and compacted.
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION AND LABORATORY TESTING
The subsurface exploration for the project was conducted on January 4th and January
14th, 2019 (separate visits due to a break down during drilling of the last two holes on
January 4th, 2019). A total of eight (8) test holes were drilled within the parking lot. The
test holes were drilled with a trailer-mounted, continuous flight power auger rig to
evaluate the subsurface conditions as well as to retrieve soil samples for laboratory
testing and analysis. The test holes were drilled to depths ranging from approximately 5
to 8 feet below existing grades. A representative of GROUND directed the subsurface
exploration, logged the test holes in the field, and prepared the soil and bedrock samples
for transport to our laboratory.
Samples of the subsurface materials were retrieved with a 2-inch I.D. California liner
sampler. The sampler was driven into the substrata with blows from a 140-pound
hammer falling 30-inches. This procedure is similar to the Standard Penetration Test
described by ASTM Method D1586. Penetration resistance values, when properly
evaluated, indicate the relative density or consistency of soils. Depths at which the
samples were obtained and associated penetration resistance values are shown on the
test hole logs.
The approximate locations of the test holes are shown in Figure 1. Logs of the
exploratory test holes are presented in Figure 2. Explanatory notes and a legend are
provided in Figure 3.
Samples retrieved from our test holes were examined and visually classified in the
laboratory by the project engineer. Laboratory testing of soil samples obtained from the
subject site included standard property tests, such as natural moisture contents, grain
size analyses and swell-consolidation tests. Laboratory tests were performed in general
accordance with applicable ASTM protocols. Results of the laboratory testing program
are summarized on Table 1.
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
The subsurface conditions encountered in the test hole are described in the table below.
Approximate Depth
range below
existing grade
(feet)
Material Type Material Description
Start End
0 3” to 6” Topsoil Topsoil was generally sparse on the southern half
of the lot and more predominant on the north side
of the site associated with the sod grass
0 6” Gravel /
Landscape
Gravel
Localized landscape gravels were observed on
portions of the north half of the site
3” to 6” *1 *Man-made Fill Sandy clay to clayey sand, fine to medium grained
with some gravel, medium plastic, moist, and
brown in color.
3 8 Sandy Clay Sandy clay to clayey sand, fine to medium
grained, medium plastic, stiff, moist to wet, brown
to red-brown in color.
*Note: as indicated previously, manmade fill materials are anticipated to exist
across the site at greater depths associated with the previous existing residential
structure foundations. The exact extents, limits, and composition of any man-
made fill were not determined as part of the scope of work addressed by this
study, and should be expected to exist at varying depths and locations across the
site.
Swell-Consolidation Testing yielded a result of 0.1 percent consolidation at a
surcharge pressure of 200 psf.
Groundwater was not encountered in the test holes advanced at the site to the depth
explored up to approximately 8 feet below existing grade at the time of drilling.
However, groundwater levels can be expected to fluctuate, however, in response to
annual and longer-term cycles of precipitation, irrigation, surface drainage, nearby rivers
and creeks, land use, and the development of transient, perched water conditions.
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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PAVEMENT SECTIONS
A pavement section is a layered system intended 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.
Standard practice in pavement design describes a typical flexible pavement section as a
“20-year” design pavement. However, most pavements will not remain in satisfactory
condition without routine maintenance and rehabilitation procedures performed
throughout the life of the pavement. For this project, private roadway design methods will
be utilized.
Subgrade Materials: Based on the results of our field and laboratory studies, the
subgrade materials below the project pavements consisted largely of sandy clay to
sandy silt with some granular fill. A shallow layer of man-made fill material was
observed in the test holes and existing man-made fill materials should be expected in
the areas of the previously backfilled foundations associated with the previous existing
structures. It is standard care of practice to remove undocumented fill materials and
replace them in a properly moisture conditioned and compacted state with associated
quality control / compaction testing for documentation. GROUND should be retained to
observe the subgrade materials after removal of topsoil materials and abandonment of
any onsite utilities. Several test pits should be excavated within the approximate
footprints of the previously existing structures to determine the extents of man-made fill.
Existing man-made fills should be verified for proper compaction / density. Any fills
suspect of not being properly compacted shall be locally over-excavated and replaced
with properly placed and compacted site soils. However it is recommended in any
instance that the upper 12 inches of subgrade materials across the site be moisture
conditioned and compacted below the proposed pavement section. All fill materials
should be placed and compacted per the criteria set forth in the Project Earthwork
section of this report.
Based on our experience with the site soils and similar materials, an R-value of 10 was
estimated for the on-site materials. This value converts to a resilient modulus value of
3,562 psi based on CDOT correlation tables. It is important to note that significant
decreases in soil support as quantified by the resilient modulus have been observed as
the moisture content increases above the optimum. Therefore, pavements that are not
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Fort Collins, Colorado
Job No. 18-0057 Ground Engineering Consultants, Inc. Page 7 of 18
properly drained may experience a loss of the soil support and subsequent reduction in
pavement life.
Anticipated Traffic: Based on our experience with similar projects, a
moderate/conservative equivalent 18-kip daily load application (EDLA) value of 15 was
assumed for the general parking lot and drive lanes servicing the parking lot. The EDLA
value of 15 was converted to an equivalent 18-kip single axle load (ESAL) value of
109,500 for a 20-year design life. If anticipated traffic loadings differ significantly from
this assumed value, GROUND should be notified to re-evaluate the pavement
thicknesses provided below.
Pavement Sections The soil resilient modulus and the ESAL values were used to
determine the required design structural number for the project pavements. The
required structural number was then used to develop the pavement sections. Pavement
designs were based on the DARWin™ computer program that solves the 1993 AASHTO
pavement design equations. A Reliability Level of 80 percent was utilized to develop the
pavement sections, together with a Serviceability index loss of 2.5. An overall standard
of deviation of 0.44 also was used for the flexible sections. A structural coefficient of 0.44
and 0.11 was used for hot bituminous asphalt and CDOT Class 5/6 aggregate base
course (ABC) materials respectively. The resultant minimum pavement sections that
should be used at the facility are tabulated below.
Minimum Pavement Sections
Location
Composite
Pavement Section
Rigid Section
(Inches Asphalt over
Inches ABC)
(inches Concrete /
inches ABC)
Parking Lot Asphalt
(Stalls and Drives)
4.5 / 8 -
Heavy Vehicle or High
Turning Stress Pavement
Bus Drop Off
- 6.5 / 6
Heavy vehicle and high turning stress traffic serving the parking lot impose high stress
on the pavement such as bus stop locations, trash collection areas and trash truck turn
arounds should be provided with rigid pavements consisting of 6.5 or more inches of
portland cement concrete underlain by 6 or more inches of properly compacted
CDOT Class 5 or 6 Aggregate Base Course. (An equivalent flexible section for these
areas would not perform as well as the concrete section where heavy vehicles are
parked, stop suddenly, turn repeatedly, etc.)
CSU: Lake Street Surface Parking Lot
Fort Collins, Colorado
Job No. 18-0057 Ground Engineering Consultants, Inc. Page 8 of 18
Pavement Materials: Asphalt pavement should consist of a bituminous plant mix
composed of a mixture of aggregate and bituminous material. Asphalt mixture(s) should
meet the requirements of a job-mix formula established by a qualified engineer as well
as applicable local municipality design requirements. GROUND suggests utilizing a ¾”
S PG(58-28) type mix for the lower lifts and a ½” SX PG(64-22) type mix for the top mat.
Aggregate base material should meet the criteria of CDOT Class 5 or 6 aggregate base
course. We encourage the use of recycled concrete materials that meet the CDOT
Class 5 or 6 aggregate base course grading requirements. Base course should be
placed in and compacted in accordance with the criteria in the Project Earthwork section
of this report.
Where rigid (concrete) pavements are placed, the concrete should consist of a plant mix
composed of a mixture of aggregate, portland cement and appropriate admixtures
meeting the requirements of a job-mix formula established by a qualified engineer as
well as applicable local municipality design requirements. Concrete should have a
minimum modulus of rupture of third point loading of 650 psi. Normally, concrete with a
28-day compressive strength of 4,500 psi should develop this modulus of rupture value.
The concrete should be air-entrained with approximately 6 percent air and should have a
minimum cement content of 6 sacks per cubic yard. Maximum allowable slump should
be 4 inches.
These concrete mix design criteria should be coordinated with other project
requirements including any criteria for sulfate resistance. To reduce surficial spalling
resulting from freeze-thaw cycling, we suggest that pavement concrete meet the
requirements of CDOT Class P concrete. In addition, the use of de-icing salts on
concrete pavements during the first winter after construction will increase the likelihood
of the development of scaling. Placement of flatwork concrete during cold weather so
that it is exposed to freeze-thaw cycling before it is fully cured also increases its
vulnerability to scaling. Concrete placed during cold weather conditions should be
blanketed or tented to allow full curing. Depending on the weather conditions, this may
result in 3 to 4 weeks of curing, or more.
Concrete pavements should contain sawed or formed joints. CDOT and various industry
groups provide guidelines for proper design and concrete construction and associated
jointing. In areas of repeated turning stresses, including the bus and firetruck lanes, the
concrete pavement joints should be fully tied and doweled. Example layouts for joints,
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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as well as ties and dowels, that may be applicable can be found in CDOT’s M standards,
found at the CDOT website: http://www.dot.state.co.us/DesignSupport/. PCA, ACI, and
ACPA publications also provide useful guidance in these regards.
Subgrade Preparation: It should be expected that the subgrade soils below the
proposed pavement section will likely be several percentage points below the optimum
moisture content (dry and hard). This is likely due to the regions lack of moisture during
the last 4 months. Note: We anticipate that unstable conditions may be encountered
locally and a geotechnical engineer should be retained to provide direction for the
specific conditions encountered at the time of construction.
The contractor should be prepared to scarify, mix, moisture-condition, and re-compact
the existing subgrade materials to a minimum depth of 12 inches. Although subgrade
preparation to a depth of 12 inches is typical in the project area, pavement performance
commonly can be improved by a greater depth of moisture-density conditioning of the
soils.
Over-excavation to greater depths may need to be performed on localized areas
depending on the conditions exposed during construction. Subgrade preparation should
extend the full width of the pavement. The subgrade for sidewalks and other project
hardscaping also should be prepared in the same manner (moisture density treatment to
a depth of 12-inches).
Criteria and standards for fill placement and compaction are provided in the Project
Earthwork section of this report. The contractor should be prepared either dry the
subgrade materials or moisten them, as needed, prior to compaction.
Proof Rolling Immediately prior to paving, the subgrade should be proof rolled with a
heavily loaded, pneumatic tired vehicle. Areas that show excessive deflection during
proof rolling should be excavated and replaced and/or stabilized. Areas allowed to pond
prior to paving will require significant re-working prior to proof-rolling. Establishment of a
firm paving platform (as indicated by proof rolling) is an additional requirement beyond
proper fill placement and compaction. It is possible for soils to be compacted within the
limits indicated in the Project Earthwork section of this report and fail proof rolling,
particularly in the upper range of specified moisture contents.
Additional Considerations: The collection and diversion of surface drainage away
from paved areas is extremely important to satisfactory performance of the pavements.
CSU: Lake Street Surface Parking Lot
Fort Collins, Colorado
Job No. 18-0057 Ground Engineering Consultants, Inc. Page 10 of 18
The subsurface and surface drainage systems should be carefully designed to ensure
removal of the water from paved areas and subgrade soils. Allowing surface waters to
pond on pavements will cause premature pavement deterioration. Where topography,
site constraints or other factors limit or preclude adequate surface drainage, pavements
should be provided with edge drains to reduce loss of subgrade support. The long-term
performance of the pavement also can be improved greatly by proper backfilling and
compaction behind curbs, gutters, and sidewalks so that ponding is not permitted and
water infiltration is reduced.
Landscape irrigation in planters adjacent to pavements and in “island” planters within
paved areas should be carefully controlled or differential heave and/or rutting of the
nearby pavements will result. Drip irrigation systems should be used for such planters to
reduce over-spray and water infiltration beyond the planters. Enclosing the soil in the
planters with plastic liners and providing them with positive drainage also will reduce
differential moisture increases in the surrounding subgrade soils.
In our experience, infiltration from planters adjacent to pavements is a principal source of
moisture increase beneath those pavements. This wetting of the subgrade soils from
infiltrating irrigation commonly leads to loss of subgrade support for the pavement with
resultant accelerating distress, loss of pavement life and increased maintenance costs.
This is particularly the case in the later stages of project construction after landscaping
has been emplaced but heavy construction traffic has not ended. Heavy vehicle traffic
over wetted subgrade commonly results in rutting and pushing of flexible pavements,
and cracking of rigid pavements. Where the subgrade soils are expansive, wetting also
typically results in increased pavement heave. In relatively flat areas where design
drainage gradients necessarily are small, subgrade settlement or heave can obstruct
proper drainage and yield increased infiltration, exaggerated distress, etc. (These
considerations apply to project flatwork, as well.)
Also, GROUND’s experience indicates that longitudinal cracking is common in asphalt-
pavements generally parallel to the interface between the asphalt and concrete
structures such as curbs, gutters or drain pans. Distress of this type is likely to occur
even where the subgrade has been prepared properly and the asphalt has been
compacted properly.
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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The anticipated traffic loadings do not include excess loading conditions imposed by
heavy construction vehicles. Consequently, heavily loaded concrete, lumber, and
building material trucks can have a detrimental effect on the pavement.
Most pavements will not remain in satisfactory condition without regular maintenance
and rehabilitation procedures performed throughout the life of the pavement.
Maintenance and rehabilitation measures preserve, rather than improve, the structural
capacity of the pavement structure. Therefore, an effective program of regular
maintenance should be developed and implemented to seal cracks, repair distressed
areas, and perform thin overlays throughout the lives of the pavements. The greatest
benefit of pavement overlaying will be achieved by overlaying sound pavements that
exhibit little or no distress.
Crack sealing should be performed at least annually and a fog seal/chip seal program
should be performed on the pavements every 3 to 5 years. After approximately 8 to 10
years after construction, patching, additional crack sealing, and asphalt overlay may be
required. Prior to overlays, it is important that all cracks be sealed with a flexible,
rubberized crack sealant in order to reduce the potential for propagation of the crack
through the overlay. If actual traffic loadings exceed the values used for development of
the pavement sections, however, pavement maintenance measures will be needed on
an accelerated schedule.
WATER-SOLUBLE SULFATES
The concentrations of water-soluble sulfates measured in a selected sample retrieved
from the test holes was approximately 0.03 percent by weight. (See Table 1.) Such
concentrations of water-soluble sulfates represent a negligible degree of sulfate attack
on concrete exposed to these materials. Degrees of attack are based on the scale of
'negligible,' 'moderate,' 'severe' and 'very severe' as described in the “Design and
Control of Concrete Mixtures,” published by the Portland Cement Association (PCA).
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) utilizes a corresponding scale with
4 classes of severity of sulfate exposure (Class 0 to Class 3) as described in the
published table below.
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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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
(%)
Sulfate (SO4)
In Water
(ppm)
Water
Cementitious
Ratio
(maximum)
Cementitious
Material
Requirements
Class 0 0.00 to 0.10 0 to 150 0.45 Class 0
Class 1 0.11 to 0.20 151 to 1500 0.45 Class 1
Class 2 0.21 to 2.00 1501 to 10,000 0.45 Class 2
Class 3 2.01 or greater 10,001 or greater 0.40 Class 3
Based on this datum use of a special, sulfate-resistant cement in project concrete
appears necessary.
PROJECT EARTHWORK
The earthwork criteria below are based on our interpretation of the geotechnical
conditions encountered in the test holes. Where these criteria differ from applicable
municipal specifications, e.g., for trench backfill compaction along a public utility line, the
latter should be considered to take precedence.
General Considerations: Prior to earthwork construction, existing concrete, asphalt,
vegetation, and other deleterious materials should be removed and disposed of off-site.
Relic underground utilities should be abandoned in accordance with applicable
regulations, removed as necessary, and properly capped.
Topsoil present on-site should not be incorporated into ordinary fills. Instead, topsoil
should be stockpiled during initial grading operations for placement in areas to be
landscaped or for other approved uses.
Use of Existing Native Soils: Overburden soils that are free of trash, organic material,
construction debris, and other deleterious materials are suitable, in general, for
placement as compacted fill. Organic materials should not be incorporated into project
fills.
Fragments of rock, cobbles, and inert construction debris (e.g., concrete or asphalt)
larger than 3 inches in maximum dimension will require special handling and/or
placement to be incorporated into project fills. In general, such materials should be
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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placed as deeply as possible in the project fills. A Geotechnical Engineer should be
consulted regarding appropriate direction for usage of such materials on a case-by-case
basis when such materials have been identified during earthwork. Standard
recommendations that likely will be generally applicable can be found in Section 203 of
the current CDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction.
Imported Fill Materials: If it is necessary to import material to the site, the imported
soils should be free of organic material, and other deleterious materials. Imported
material should consist of soils that have less than 50 percent passing the No. 200
Sieve and should have a plasticity index of less than 15. Representative samples
of the materials proposed for import should be tested and approved prior to transport to
the site.
Fill Platform Preparation: Prior to filling, the top 8 to 12 inches of in-place materials on
which fill soils will be placed should be scarified, moisture conditioned and properly
compacted in accordance with the parameters below to provide a uniform base for fill
placement. If over-excavation is to be performed, then these parameters for subgrade
preparation are for the subgrade below the bottom of the specified over-excavation
depth.
If surfaces to receive fill expose loose, wet, soft or otherwise deleterious material,
additional material should be excavated, or other measures taken to establish a firm
platform for filling. The surfaces to receive fill must be effectively stable prior to
placement of fill.
General Considerations for Fill Placement: Fill soils should be thoroughly mixed to
achieve a uniform moisture content, placed in uniform lifts not exceeding 8 inches in
loose thickness, and properly compacted. No fill materials should be placed, worked,
rolled while they are frozen, thawing, or during poor/inclement weather conditions.
Care should be taken with regard to achieving and maintaining proper moisture contents
during placement and compaction. Materials that are not properly moisture conditioned
may exhibit significant pumping, rutting, and deflection at moisture contents near
optimum and above. The contractor should be prepared to handle soils of this type,
including the use of chemical stabilization, if necessary.
Compaction areas should be kept separate, and no lift should be covered by another
until relative compaction and moisture content within the specified ranges are obtained.
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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Soils that classify as GP, GW, GM, GC, SP, SW, SM, or SC in accordance with the
USCS classification system (granular materials) should be compacted to 95 or more
percent of the maximum modified Proctor dry density at moisture contents within 2
percent of optimum moisture content as determined by ASTM D1557.
Soils that classify as ML or CL should be compacted to 95 percent of the maximum
standard Proctor density at moisture contents from 2 percent below to 2 percent above
the optimum moisture content as determined by ASTM D698.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
The site soils are relatively stable with regard to moisture content – volume relationships
at their existing moisture contents. Other than the anticipated, post-placement
settlement of fills, post-construction soil movements will result primarily from the
introduction of water into the soils underlying the proposed hardscaping and pavements.
Based on the site surface and subsurface conditions encountered in this study, we do
not anticipate a rise in the local water table sufficient to approach hardscaping or
pavement elevations. Therefore, wetting of the soils likely will result from infiltrating
surface waters (precipitation, irrigation, etc.), and water flowing along constructed
pathways such as bedding in utility pipe trenches.
The following drainage measures should be followed both during construction and as
part of project design. The facility should be observed periodically to evaluate the
surface drainage and identify areas where drainage is ineffective. Routine maintenance
of site drainage should be undertaken throughout the design life of the proposed
improvements. It is important to note that significant decreases in soil support as
quantified by the resilient modulus have been observed as the moisture content
increases above the optimum. Therefore, pavements that are not properly drained may
experience a loss of the soil support and subsequent reduction in pavement life.
1) Wetting or drying of the subgrade areas should be avoided during and after
construction. Permitting increases/variations in moisture to the adjacent or
supporting soils may result in increased total and/or differential movements.
2) Drainage also should be established to direct water into a detention area or
offsite.
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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3) In GROUND’s experience, it is common during construction that in areas of
partially completed paving or hardscaping, bare soil behind curbs and gutters,
and utility trenches, water is allowed to pond after rain or snow-melt events.
Wetting of the subgrade can result in loss of subgrade support and increased
settlements / increase heave. By the time final grading has been completed,
significant volumes of water can already have entered the subgrade, leading to
subsequent distress and failures. The contractor should maintain effective site
drainage throughout construction so that water is directed into appropriate
drainage structures.
In no case should water be permitted to pond adjacent to or on sidewalks,
hardscaping, or other improvements as well as utility trench alignments, which
are likely to be adversely affected by moisture-volume changes in the underlying
soils or flow of infiltrating water.
4) Irrigation water – both that applied to landscaped areas and over-spray –
commonly is a significant cause of distress to improvements. Where (near-)
saturated soil conditions are sustained, distress to nearby improvements should
be anticipated.
Irrigation sprinkler heads should be deployed so that applied water is not
introduced near or into subgrade soils. Landscape irrigation should be limited to
the minimum quantities necessary to sustain healthy plant growth.
Use of drip irrigation systems can be beneficial for reducing over-spray beyond
planters. Controlling rates of moisture increase beneath improvements should
take higher priority than minimizing landscape plant losses.
CLOSURE
Geotechnical Review The author of this report or a GROUND principal should be
retained to review project plans and specifications to evaluate whether they comply with
the intent of the measures discussed in this report. The review should be requested in
writing.
The geotechnical conclusions and parameters presented in this report are contingent
upon observation and testing of project earthwork by representatives of GROUND. If
another geotechnical consultant is selected to provide materials testing, then that
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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consultant must assume all responsibility for the geotechnical aspects of the project by
concurring in writing with the parameters in this report, or by providing alternative
parameters.
Materials Testing Colorado State University should consider retaining a geotechnical
engineer to perform materials testing during construction. The performance of such
testing or lack thereof, however, in no way alleviates the burden of the contractor or
subcontractor from constructing in a manner that conforms to applicable project
documents and industry standards. The contractor or pertinent subcontractor is
ultimately responsible for managing the quality of their work; furthermore, testing by the
geotechnical engineer does not preclude the contractor from obtaining or providing
whatever services that he deems necessary to complete the project in accordance with
applicable documents.
Limitations This report has been prepared for Colorado State University as it pertains
to design of the proposed CSU: Lake Street Surface Parking Lot as described herein. It
should not be assumed to contain sufficient information for other parties or other
purposes. The Client has agreed to the terms, conditions, and liability limitations
outlined in our agreement between the Colorado State University and GROUND.
Reliance upon our report is not granted to any other potential owner, contractor, or
lender. Requests for third-party reliance should be directed to GROUND in writing;
granting reliance by GROUND is not guaranteed.
In addition, GROUND has assumed that project construction will commence by summer
2019. Any changes in project plans or schedule should be brought to the attention of a
geotechnical engineer, in order that the geotechnical conclusions in this report may be
re-evaluated and, as necessary, modified.
The geotechnical conclusions in this report were based on subsurface information from a
limited number of exploration points, as shown in Figure 1, as well as the means and
methods described herein. Subsurface conditions were interpolated between and
extrapolated beyond these locations. It is not possible to guarantee the subsurface
conditions are as indicated in this report. Actual conditions exposed during construction
may differ from those encountered during site exploration. In addition, a contractor who
obtains information from this report for development of his scope of work or cost
estimates does so solely at their own risk and may find the geotechnical information in
this report to be inadequate for their purposes or find the geotechnical conditions
CSU: Lake Street Surface Parking Lot
Fort Collins, Colorado
Job No. 18-0057 Ground Engineering Consultants, Inc. Page 17 of 18
described herein to be at variance with their experience in the greater project area. The
contractor should obtain the additional geotechnical information that is necessary to
develop their workscope and cost estimates with sufficient precision. This includes, but
is not limited to, information regarding excavation conditions, earth material usage,
current depths to groundwater, etc. Because of the necessarily limited nature of the
subsurface exploration performed for this study, the contractor should be allowed to
evaluate the site using test pits or other means to obtain additional subsurface
information to prepare their bid.
If during construction, surface, soil, or groundwater conditions appear to be at variance
with those described herein, a geotechnical engineer should be retained at once, so that
our conclusions for this site may be re-evaluated in a timely manner and dependent
aspects of project design can be modified, as necessary.
The materials present on-site are stable at their natural moisture content, but may
change volume or lose bearing capacity or stability with changes in moisture content.
Performance of the proposed pavement will depend on implementation of the
conclusions and information in this report and on proper maintenance after construction
is completed. Because water is a significant cause of volume change in soils and rock,
allowing moisture infiltration may result in movements, some of which will exceed
estimates provided herein and should therefore be expected by Colorado State
University.
ALL DEVELOPMENT CONTAINS INHERENT RISKS. It is important that ALL aspects
of this report, as well as the estimated performance (and limitations with any such
estimations) of proposed improvements are understood by Colorado State University.
Utilizing the geotechnical parameters and measures herein for planning, design, and/or
construction constitutes understanding and acceptance of the conclusions with regard to
risk and other information provided herein, associated improvement performance, as
well as the limitations inherent within such estimates. Ensuring correct interpretation of
the contents of this report by others is not the responsibility of GROUND. If any
information referred to herein is not well understood, it is imperative that Colorado State
University contact the author or a GROUND principal immediately. We will be available
to meet to discuss the risks and remedial approaches presented in this report, as well as
other potential approaches, upon request.
CSU: Lake Street Surface Parking Lot
Fort Collins, Colorado
Job No. 18-0057 Ground Engineering Consultants, Inc. Page 18 of 18
This report was prepared in accordance with generally accepted soil and foundation
engineering practice in the project area at the date of preparation. Current applicable
codes may contain criteria regarding performance of site improvements which may differ
from those provided herein. Our office should be contacted regarding any apparent
disparity.
GROUND makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, as to the professional data,
opinions or conclusions contained herein. Because of numerous considerations that are
beyond GROUND’s control, the economic or technical performance of the project cannot
be guaranteed in any respect.
This document, together with the concepts and conclusions presented herein, as an
instrument of service, is intended only for the specific purpose and client for which it was
prepared. Re-use of, or improper reliance on this document without written authorization
and adaption by GROUND Engineering Consultants, Inc., shall be without liability to
GROUND Engineering Consultants, Inc.
GROUND appreciates the opportunity to complete this portion of the project and
welcomes the opportunity to provide Colorado State University with a proposal for
construction observation and materials testing.
Sincerely,
GROUND Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Joseph Zorack, P.E. Reviewed By Kelsey Van Bemmel, P.E.
JOB NO.:
CADFILE NAME:
FIGURE:
LEGEND AND NOTES
18-0057
0057LEG.DWG
4
LEGEND:
Topsoil
Sand and Clay: Sandy clay to clayey sand, fine to medium grained, medium plastic, stiff, moist to wet,
brown to red-brown in color.
Drive sample, 2-inch I.D. California liner sample
Drive sample blow count, indicates 23 blows of a 140-pound hammer falling 30 inches were
required to drive the sampler 12 inches.
23/12
Small disturbed sample
NOTES:
1) Test holes were drilled on 1/4/19 and 1/14/19 with 4-inch diameter continuous flight augers.
2) Locations of the test holes were measured approximately by pacing from features shown on the site
plan provided.
3) Elevations of the test holes were not measured and the logs of the test holes are drawn to depth.
4) The test hole locations and elevations should be considered accurate only to the degree implied by
the method used.
5) The lines between materials shown on the test hole logs represent the approximate boundaries
between material types and the transitions may be gradual.
6) Groundwater was not encountered during drilling. Ground water levels can fluctuate seasonally and
in response to landscape irrigation.
7) The material descriptions on this legend are for general classification purposes only. See the full text
of this report for descriptions of the site materials and related information.
8) All test holes were immediately backfilled upon completion of drilling, unless otherwise specified in
this report.
Fill:Sandy clay to clayey sand, fine to medium grained with some gravel, medium plastic, moist, and
brown in color.
Sample Location Natural Natural Percent Atterberg Limits Percent Water USCS AASHTO
Test Moisture Dry Passing Liquid Plasticity Swell Soluble Classifi- Classifi- Soil or
Hole Depth Content Density No. 200 Limit Index (Surcharge Sulfates cation cation Bedrock Type
No. (feet) (%) (pcf) Sieve Pressure) (%) (GI)
2 3 12.4 112.4 35 25 14 (SC) A-2-4(1) Clayey Sand with gravel
4 5 6.7 114.2 76 26 7 (CL-ML)s A-4(4) Sandy Silt and Clay
6 5 19.6 107.0 80 37 20 0.1(200 psf) (CL)s A-6(13) Sandy Clay
8 3 15.4 108.2 75 27 15 0.03 (CL)s A-6(8) Sandy Clay
SD = Sample Disturbed, NV = Non-Viscous, NP = Non-Plastic Job No. 18-0057
SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
TABLE 1
Appendix A
Pavement Thickness Calculations
Page 1
1993 AASHTO Pavement Design
DARWin Pavement Design and Analysis System
A Proprietary AASHTOWare
Computer Software Product
Network Administrator
Flexible Structural Design Module
Lake Street Surface Parking
Fort Collins, Colorado
Moderate Duty Parking Lot
EDLA 15
Flexible Structural Design
18-kip ESALs Over Initial Performance Period 109,500
Initial Serviceability 4.5
Terminal Serviceability 2
Reliability Level 80 %
Overall Standard Deviation 0.44
Roadbed Soil Resilient Modulus 3,562 psi
Stage Construction 1
Calculated Design Structural Number 2.83 in
Specified Layer Design
Layer
Material Description
Struct
Coef.
(Ai)
Drain
Coef.
(Mi)
Thickness
(Di)(in)
Width
(ft)
Calculated
SN (in)
1 Hot Mix Asphalt 0.44 1 4.5 - 1.98
2 Aggregate Base Course 0.11 1 8 - 0.88
Total - - - 12.50 - 2.86
Page 1
1993 AASHTO Pavement Design
DARWin Pavement Design and Analysis System
A Proprietary AASHTOWare
Computer Software Product
Network Administrator
Rigid Structural Design Module
CSU: Lake Street Surface Parking Lot
Fort Collins, Colorado
Heavy Vehicle / Bus Drop Off
Rigid Structural Design
Pavement Type JPCP
18-kip ESALs Over Initial Performance Period 365,000
Initial Serviceability 4.5
Terminal Serviceability 2
28-day Mean PCC Modulus of Rupture 650 psi
28-day Mean Elastic Modulus of Slab 3,400,000 psi
Mean Effective k-value 10 psi/in
Reliability Level 80 %
Overall Standard Deviation 0.34
Load Transfer Coefficient, J 3.4
Overall Drainage Coefficient, Cd 1
Calculated Design Thickness 6.26 in