HomeMy WebLinkAboutBANK ONE PUD - PRELIMINARY & FINAL - 54-87W - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - GEOTECHNICAL (SOILS) REPORTSUBSURFACE EXPLORATION REPORT
PROPOSED BANK ONE DEVELOPMENT
HARMONY ROAD AND BOARDWALK DRIVE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
EEC PROJECT 1942040
EARTH ENGINEERIN(
CONSULTANTS, INC.
� a
June 2, 1994
Bank One
P.O. Box 29
Loveland, Colorado 80539
Attn: Mr. Don Churchwell
RE: Subsurface Exploration Report
Proposed Bank One Development
Harmony Road and Boardwalk Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado
EEC Project No. 1942040
Mr. Churchwell:
EARTH ENGINEERING
CONSULTANTS, INC.
Enclosed, herewith, are the results of the subsurface exploration you requested for the referenced
project. In summary, the subsurface soils encountered at this site consisted of low plasticity lean
clay with varying amounts of silt and sand interbedded with occasional zones of granular and
essentially granular materials. Based on the results of our field borings and laboratory testing,
it is our opinion these soils can be used for direct support of footing foundations for the
proposed lightly loaded buildings. These soils could also be used for direct support for floor
slab and pavements. Geotechnical recommendations concerning design and construction of
foundations and support of floor slabs and pavements are presented in the text of the attached
report.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you on this project. If you have any questions
concerning the enclosed report, or if we can be of further service to you in any other way,
please do not hesitate to contact us.
Very truly yours,
s, Inc.
Lester L. Litton, P.E.
Principal Engineer
cc: Eldon Ward, Cityscape Urban Design
'SS L
i
Z
nrs a -
Curtiss T,"" Oin, P.E.
Principal Engineer
2600 Canton Ct, Suite A Fort Collins, CO 80525
(303) 224-1522 FAX 224-4564
SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION REPORT
PROPOSED BANK ONE DEVELOPMENT
HARMONY ROAD AND BOARDWALK DRIVE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
EEC PROJECT 1942040
I INTRODUCTION
The subsurface exploration for the proposed Bank One Development to be located southwest of
the intersection of Harmony Road and Boardwalk Drive in Fort Collins, Colorado, has been
completed. Three (3) soil borings extending to depths of approximately 15 feet below present
site grades were advanced to develop information on subsurface conditions in the proposed
development area. Individual boring logs and a diagram indicating the approximate boring
locations are included with this report.
We understand the proposed Bank One Development will include the construction of single -
story, slab on grade (non basement) bank building and the future construction of a one or two
story office building which may or may not contain a basement. Foundation loads for the site
structures are expected to be light with continuous wall loads less than 3 kips per lineal foot and
individual column loads less than 50 kips. Floor loads will be light, less than 100 psf. Paved
drive and parking areas will be constructed in conjunction with the new buildings. We expect
grade changes less than 2 feet will be required to develop general site grades for this project.
The purpose of this report is to describe the subsurface conditions encountered in the borings,
analyze and evaluate the test data and provide geotechnical recommendations concerning design
and construction of foundations and support of floor slabs and pavement for the proposed
development.
IEXPLORATION AND TESTING PROCEDURES
The boring locations were selected and established in the field by Earth Engineering Consultants,
Inc. (EEC) personnel. The field locations were determined by pacing and estimating angles
from the references indicated on the attached boring location diagram. The locations of the
borings should be considered accurate only to the degree implied by the methods used to make
the field measurements.
Earth Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Bank One Development
June 2, 1994
Page 2
The borings were performed using a track -mounted, rotary type 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 in the borings were obtained using thin -walled tube and split -barrel sampling
procedures in general accordance with ASTM Specifications D-1587 and D-1586, respectively.
In the thin -walled tube sampling procedure, a seamless steel tube with a sharpened cutting edge
is pushed into the soil with a hydraulic pressure to obtain a relatively undisturbed sample of
cohesive or moderately cohesive soil. In the split barrel sampling procedure, a standard 2-inch
O.D. split -barrel sampling spoon is 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
sampler 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 or weathered
bedrock. All samples obtained in the field were sealed and returned to the laboratory for further
examination, classification and testing.
Moisture content tests were completed on each of the recovered samples. In addition,
unconfined compressive strength tests were completed on appropriate samples and the unconfined
compressive strength estimated on other samples using a calibrated hand penetrometer.
Atterberg limits, washed sieve analysis and swell/consolidation tests were also completed on
selected samples. Results of the outlined tests are shown on the attached boring logs.
As a part of the testing program, all samples were examined in the laboratory by an engineer
and classified in 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 shown on the boring logs and a brief description of that
classification system is included with this report.
SITE AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
The proposed Bank One Development will be located southwest of the intersection of Harmony
Road and Boardwalk Drive in south Fort Collins. The project site is currently open field with
Earth Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Bank One Development
June 2, 1994
Page 3
ground cover of sparse vegetation. Evidence of prior building construction was not observed
at the site by EEC field personnel.
An EEC field geologist was on -site during drilling to direct the drilling activities and evaluate
the materials recovered. Classification of subsurface materials in the field was based on visual
and tactual observation of disturbed samples and auger cuttings. The boring logs included with
this report may contain modifications to the field logs based the results of laboratory testing and
engineering evaluation. Based on results of the field and laboratory testing, subsurface
conditions can be generalized as follows.
Approximately four to six inches of vegetation and/or topsoil was encountered at the surface at
the boring locations. The topsoil/vegetation was underlain by stiff to very stiff lean clay with
varying amounts of sand and gravel. Occasional sand zones were encountered in borings B-1
and B-2, interbedded with the cohesive soils. The sand zones were medium dense to dense and
were generally colored red -brown. Except for the isolated sand zones, the cohesive soils
extended to the bottom of the borings at depths of approximately 15 to 20 feet.
The stratification boundaries shown on the boring logs represent the approximate locations of
changes in soil types; in -situ, the transition of materials may be gradual and indistinct.
WATER LEVEL OBSERVATIONS
Observations were made while drilling and after completion of the borings to detect the presence
and level of free water in the open boreholes. Free water was encountered at a depth of
approximately 14 feet in boring B-3 while water was not observed at the other drilling locations.
Longer term observations including the installation of piezometers and/or monitoring wells
would be required to more accurately evaluate groundwater conditions.
Zones of perched and/or trapped water may be encountered in more the permeable zones
interbedded with the cohesive soils. The location and amount of perched water and the level of
Earth Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Bank One Development
June 2, 1994
Page 4
the hydrostatic groundwater table can vary over time depending on variations in hydrologic
conditions and other conditions not apparent at the time of this report.
ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FOUNDATIONS
Based on the materials observed at the test boring locations, it is our opinion the proposed
buildings can be supported on conventional footing foundations. We recommend those
foundations extend through all existing vegetation and/or topsoil and bear in the natural, stiff to
very stiff cohesive soils or medium dense to dense granular materials. For design of footing
foundations bearing on the natural, sandy lean clay or fine to medium sand, we recommend
using a net allowable total load soil bearing pressure not to exceed 2,500 psf. The net bearing
pressure refers to the pressure at foundation bearing level in excess of the minimum surrounding
overburden pressure. Total load implies full dead and live loads.
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 16 inches and isolated column foundations have
a minimum width of 30 inches. Trenched foundations (grade beam foundations) could be used
in near surface lean clay. If used, we recommend those trenched foundations have a minimum
width of 12-inches.
Care should be taken during construction to avoid disturbing the bearing soils. Materials which
are loosened or disturbed by construction activities or materials which are dry and desiccated
or wet and softened should not be used for foundation bearing. The foundation should be
extended through unacceptable materials to bear in the natural undisturbed soils.
When excavating for basement areas, it should be noted that zones of granular materials will
likely be encountered interbedded with the cohesive materials. Perched groundwater may be
0
Earth Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Bank One Development
June 2, 1994
Page 5
encountered in those more permeable areas. In addition, the granular soils will require flatter
excavation slopes to maintain stable excavations. We estimate slopes no steeper than 2
horizontal to 1 vertical would be stable for a short term construction activities.
We estimate the long term settlement of footing foundations designed and constructed as outlined
above would be small, less than 3/4 inch.
BELOW GRADE AREAS
If basement areas are constructed as a part of the office building, we recommend a perimeter
drain system be designed and constructed around the below grade areas. The perimeter drain
would eliminate the buildup of hydrostatic forces on below grade walls and would reduce the
potential for seepage of water entering below grade areas. In general, the perimeter drain
system should consist of perforated metal or plastic pipe placed at approximate foundation
bearing level around the exterior perimeter of the below grade areas. The perimeter drain
system should be surrounded by a minimum of 6-inches of appropriately sized granular filter
material. We recommend the filter material or drain line be wrapped in a filter fabric to reduce
the potential for an influx of fines into the system. The perimeter drain should allow for the
free flow of water to a sump area where it can be removed without reverse flow into the system.
Backfill placed adjacent to the basement walls should consist of approved, low volume change
material free from organic matter and debris. Normally, soils with a liquid limit of 40 or less
and have plasticity index of 18 or less could be considered low volume change material. The
near surface silty granular soils and low plasticity cohesive soils could be used as backfill.
Those fill materials should be placed in loose lift not to exceed 9-inches thick, adjust moisture
content and compacted to at least 90% of the materials maximum dry density as determined in
accordance with ASTM Specification D-698, the standard Proctor procedure. The moisture
content of cohesive soils should be adjusted to be within the range of plus or minus 2% of
standard Proctor optimum moisture and the moisture content of granular soil should be adjusted
to a workable -moisture. Backfill used to support sidewalks, steps, pavements or other similar
a
Earth Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Bank One Development
June 2, 1994
a Page 6
uses adjacent to the building should be compacted to at least 95 % of standard Proctor maximum
dry density.
Compaction of backfill adjacent to the basement walls should be accomplished using light weight
mechanical or hand equipment. Care should be taken to avoid the use of heavy equipment
immediately adjacent to the building as excessive lateral stresses could be transmitted to the
below grade walls.
For design of below grade walls for which appropriate steps have been taken to eliminate
hydrostatic loads, we recommend using an equivalent fluid pressure of 60 pcf. That stress
distribution is based on an at -rest condition which includes the assumptions of no wall rotation.
Surcharge loading or point loads placed adjacent to below grade wall could add to the lateral
stress on those walls. We will be pleased to provide additional evaluation of those conditions
as warranted.
4 FLOOR SLAB AND PAVEMENT SUBGRADES
All existing vegetation and/or topsoil should be removed from beneath the floor slab and
pavement areas. After stripping and completing all cuts and prior to placement of any fill, floor
slabs or pavements, we recommend the exposed soils be scarified to minimum depth of 9 inches,
adjusted in moisture content and compacted to at least 95 % of the material's maximum dry
density as determined in accordance with the standard Proctor procedure. The moisture content
of the scarified soils should be adjusted to be within the range of plus or minus 2% of standard
Proctor optimum moisture. Scarification and compaction of the subgrade soils in basement areas
would not be required.
Fill soils required to develop the floor slabs or pavement subgrades should consist of approved,
low -volume change material, free from organic matter and debris. The near surface cohesive
site soils could be used as fill in these areas. Those fill soils should be placed in loose lifts not
4
Earth Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Bank One Development
June 2, 1994
Page 7
to exceed 9 inches thick, adjusted moisture content as recommended for the scarified soils and
compacted to at least 95 % of standard Proctor maximum dry density.
After preparation of the subgrades, care should be taken to avoid disturbing the prepared
materials. Materials which are disturbed by the construction activities or materials that become
dry and desiccated or wet and softened should be reworked in -place or removed and replaced
prior to placement of the floor slabs or pavements.
Positive drainage should be developed away from the proposed buildings and across and away
from the pavements. Water allowed to pond on or adjacent to the buildings and pavements
could result in wetting in the subgrades and unacceptable performance.
PAVEMENTS
Based on previous work we have completed in this area, we estimate a Hveem R-value of 7
would be appropriate for design of the pavements. We anticipate traffic on the drive and
parking areas for the buildings would consist predominately of automobiles and light trucks.
The volume of traffic expected is relatively light.
Based on the anticipated site usage and subgrade materials, we recommend pavements for the
drive and parking areas consist of at least 6-inches of aggregate base overlain by 3-inches of
asphalt surfacing. A thinner pavement section consisting of 4-inches of aggregate base and 21h-
inches of asphalt surfacing could be considered for the parking areas. The recommended
pavement sections are minimums and, as such, periodic maintenance should be expected.
Asphalt for use in the pavement section should consist of either Class SC-1 or SC-2 as defined
by the City of Fort Collins Standard Specifications. The aggregate base should consist of either
Class 5 or Class 6 base as defined Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Standard
Specifications. The aggregate based should be placed and compacted as recommended for fill
soils beneath the pavements.
Earth Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Bank One Development
June 2, 1994
Page 8
Consideration could be given to stabilization of the pavement subgrades using Class C fly ash.
The subgrade stabilization would result in a higher quality pavement and reduce the required
long term maintenance. In addition, the stabilized subgrade would result in a reduced pavement
section. In general the stabilized subgrade would result in elimination of the aggregate base
although the thickness of the asphalt surfacing would remain the same. We would be pleased
to provide additional information concerning stabilization of the subgrades if desired.
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 that 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 Bank One 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 modified or verified in writing by
the geotechiiical engineer.
HARMONY ROAD
w
PROPOSED SITE AREA
a
B-2
J
3
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BANK ONE B m
OFFICE / RETAIL BLDG,
B-3
BUILDERS SOUARE ENTRANCE / EXIT DRIVE'.,,;Y
Boring Location Diagram
BANK ONE DEVELOPMENT
Fort Collins, Colorado
Scale: None Drawn: SCK
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BANK ONE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
PROJECT NO: 1942040 DATE: MAY 1994
LOG OF BORING B-1
SHEET 1 OF 1
RIG TYPE: TRACK CME 45
WATER
DEPTH
ELEV
FOREMAN: SCK
START DATE
5125194
WHILE DRILLING
NONE
NIA
AUGER TYPE: 4" CFA
FINISH DATE
5125/94
AFTER DRILLING
NONE
N/A
SPT HAMMER: MANUAL
SURFACE ELEV
24 HOUR
NIA
NIA
SOIL DESCRIPTION
TYPE
D
(FEET)
N
(BLOWSIFT)
QU
(PSF)
MC
(%)
DD
(PCF)
A -LIMITS
•200
(%)
SWELL
LL
PI
PRESSURE
% 500 PSF
6" GRASS & TOPSOIL
SANDY CLAY (CL-CM)
Dark Brown
Moist Es,
Medium Stiff
_
_
5
21
*6000
12.3
46
24
66.4
700,psf
1.2%
SANDY GRAVEL (GP)
Red SS
Moist
Dense
50 for 10"
1.5
_
10
SANDY CLAY (CL)
Brownish tan
Moist
Medium Stiff
SS
12
"4000
20.6
_
_
_
_
15
SANDY CLAY (CL)
Brownish grayish tan
Mottled
Moist
Medium Stiff
SS
13
24.1
20
BOTTOM OF BORING 15' 6".
"CHP
25
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BANK ONE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
PROJECT NO: 1942040 DATE: MAY 1994
LOG OF BORING B-2
SHEET 1 OF 1
RIG TYPE: TRACK CME 45
WATER
DEPTH
ELEV
FOREMAN: SCK
START DATE
5125194
WHILE DRILLING
NONE
NIA
AUGER TYPE: 4" CFA
FINISH DATE
5125I94
AFTER DRILLING
NONE
NIA
SPT HAMMER: MANUAL
SURFACE ELEV
24 HOUR
NIA
NIA
SOIL DESCRIPTION
TYPE
D
(FEET)
N
(BLOWS/FT)
au
(PSF)
Mc
I%)
Do
(PCF)
A -LIMITS
-200
(%)
SWELL
LL
PI
PRESSURE
%500 PSF
6" GRASS & TOPSOIL
SANDY CLAY (CL)
Dark Brown
Moist, Medium stiff SS
_
_
_
_
5
7
*7000
13.0
37
16
56.9
<500
NONE
SANDY CLAY (CL)
Red
Moist, Medium stiff
SAND AND GRAVEL
Red SS
Moist, Loose
6
8.9
_
_
_
10
SANDY CLAY (CL)
Brown
Moist
Soft to Medium Stiff
ESS
12
"4000
19.7
_
_
15
SANDY CLAY (CL)
Brownish grayish tan
Moist
Mottled SS
Medium stiff
11
13.1
_
_
20
BOTTOM OF BORING 15' 6".
"CHP
25
tarl:rl Cr1C11i1CCll11U t/Coi— —a
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4
4
4
4
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0 Earth Enaineerinn Cnncultantc
BANK ONE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
PROJECT NO: 1942040 DATE: MAY 1994
LOG OF BORING B-3
SHEET 1 OF 1
RIG TYPE: TRACK CM 45
E
WATER
DEPTH
E E L V
FOREMAN: SCK
START DATE
5125/94
WHILE DRILLING
15'
NIA
AUGER TYPE: 4" CFA
FINISH DATE
5125194
AFTER DRILLING
15'
NIA
SPT HAMMER: MANUAL
SURFACE ELEV
24 HOUR
12.80
NIA
SOIL DESCRIPTION
TYPE
D
(FEET(
N
(BLOWS)FT)
aU
(PSF)
Mc
(X)
Do
(PCF)
A -LIMITS
-200
(%1
SWELL
LL
PI
PRESSURE
% 500 PSF
6" GRASS & TOPSOIL
SANDY CLAY (CL-CM)
Dark Brown
Moist SS
Medium Stiff
_
5
10
"2500
12.3
SANDY CLAY (CL)
Brown SS
Moist
Soft
8
"2000
16.8
— —
_
10
SANDY CLAY (CL)
Orangish brown ET
Moist
Medium stiff
2140
20.6
97
32
16
77.0
<500
NONE
_
_
_
_
15
SANDY CLAY (CL)
Brownish grayish tan
Mottled
Moist SS
Medium stiff
32
14.4
_
20
BOTTOM OF BORING 15' 6".
'CHP
25
DRILLING AND EXPLORATION
DRILLING & SAMPLING SYMBOLS:
SS : Split Spoon - 1'1a" 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
DC : Dutch Cone
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 groundwater. In tow
permeability soils, the accurate determination of groundwater
levels is not possible with only short term observations.
DESCRIPTIVE SOIL CLASSIFICATION
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BEDROCK
Soil Classification is based on the Unified Soil Classification
DEGREE OF WEATHERING:
system and the ASTM Designations D-2487 and D-2488.
Coarse Grained Soils have more than 50% of their dry
Slight Slight decomposition of parent material on
weight retained on a #200 sieve; they are described as:
joints. May be color change.
boulders, cobbles, gravel or sand. Fine Grained Soils have
less than 50% of their dry weight retained on a #200 sieve;
Moderate Some decomposition and color change
they are described as: clays, if they are plastic, and silts if
throughout.
they are slightly plastic or non -plastic. Major constituents
may be added as modifiers and minor constituents may be
High Rock highly decomposed, may be extremely
added according to the relative proportions based on grain
broken.
size. In addition to gradation, coarse grained soils are
defined on the basis of their relative in -place density and
HARDNESS AND DEGREE OF CEMENTATION:
fine grained soils on the basis of their consistency.
Limestone and Dolomite:
Example: Lean clay with sand, trace gravel, stiff (CL); silty
Hard Difficult to scratch with knife.
sand, trace gravel, medium dense ISM).
Moderately Can be scratched easily with knife,
CONSISTENCY OF FINE-GRAINED SOILS
Hard Cannot be scratched with fingernail.
Unconfined Compressive
Soft Can be scratched with fingernail.
Strength, Qu, psf Consistency
Shale, Siltstone and Claystone:
< 500 Very Soft
Hard_ Can be scratched easily with knife, cannot
500 - 1,000 Soft
be scratched with fingernail.
1,001 - 2,000 Medium
2,001 - 4,000 Stiff
Moderately Can be scratched with fingernail.
4,001 - 8,000 Very Stiff
Hard
8,001 - 16,000 Very Hard
Soft Can be easily dented but not molded with
RELATIVE DENSITY OF COARSE -GRAINED SOILS:
fingers.
N-Blows/ft Relative Density
0-3 Very Loose
Sandstone and Conglomerate:
4-9 Loose
Well Capable of scratching a knife blade.
10-29 Medium Dense
Cemented
30-49 Dense
50-80 Very Dense
Cemented Can be scratched with knife.
80 + Extremely Dense
Poorly Can be broken apart easily with fingers.
Cemented
UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Soil Classification
Crlterla for Assigning Group Symbob and Group Names Using Laboratory Tests' Group a
Symbol Group Neme
Coarse -Grained
Soils more than
50% retained on
No. 200 sieve
Fine -Grained Soils
50% or more
passes the
No. 200 sieve
Gravels more than
50% of coarse
fraction retained on
No. 4 sieve
Clean Gravels Less
than 5% finest
.
Cu > 4 and 1 < Cc <3E
Cu < 4 and/or 1 > Cc > 3E
GW
GP
Well -graded gravel'
Poorly graded grave
Gravels with FOines c
more than 12 % fines
Fines classify as ML or MH
GM
Silty gravel,G,H
Fines classify as CL or CH
GC
Clayey gravel""
Sands 50% or more
Clean Sands Less
Cu > B and 1 < Cc < 3E
S10i
Well -graded sand'
of coarse fraction
than 5% fines6
passes No. 4 sieve
Cu < 6 and/or 1 > Cc > 3E
Sp
Poorly graded sand'
Sands with Fines
Fines classify as ML or MH
SM
Silty sand° `1
more than 12% fines°
Fines Classify as CL or CH
SC
Clayey sand"'
Silts and Clays inorganic
PI > 7 and plots on or above "A line'
CL
Lean ciayK.L.>+
Liquid limit less
than 50
PI < 4 or plots below "A" line'
ML
SiltK -14
organic
Liquid limit - oven dried
Organic ciayx-L""
< 0.75
OL
Liquid limit - not dried
Organic siltI.E.A'0
Silts and Clays inorganic
PI plots on or above "A" line
CH
Fat clayK'L"
Liquid limit 50
or more
PI lots below "A" line
MH
Elastic SiItK.Lu
Highly organic soils Primaril•
ABased on the material passing the 3-in.
(75-mm) sieve
61f field sample contained cobbles or
boulders, or both, add "with cobbles or
boulders, or both" to group name.
cGravels with 5 to 12% fines require dual
symbols:
GW-GM well -graded gravel with silt
GW-GC well -graded gravel with clay
GP -GM poorly graded gravel with silt
GP -GC poorly graded gravel with clay
'Sands with 5 to 12% fines require dual
symbols:
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
rn
10
7
a
organic Liquid limit - oven dried
< 0.75 OH
Liquid limit - not dried
organic matter, dark in color, and organic odor
'Cu-Ds.
/DLO Cc (D10):
DLO Dca
Flf soil contains > 15% sand, add "with
sand" to group name.
cif fines classify as CL-ML, use dual symbol
GC -GM, or SC-SM.
"If fines are organic, add "with organic fines"
to group name.
'if soil contains > 15% gravel, add "with
gravel" to group name.
'If Atterberg limits plot in shaded area, soil is
a CL-ML, silty clay.
PT
Organic clay"`-'
Organic siIt4-L"a.0
Peat
'If soil contains 15 to 29% plus No. 200, ad
.with sand" or "with gravel", whichever is
predominant.
LIP soil contains > 30% plus No. 200
predominantly sand, add "sandy" to group
name.
'if soil contains > 30% plus No. 200,
predominantly gravel, add "gravelly" to grouF
name.
"PI > 4 and plots on or above "A" line.
oPl < 4 or plots below "A" line.
"PI plots on or above "A" line.
oPl plots below "A" line.
For ctasslficatlon of fine-grained snits
/
and fine-grained fraction of coarse•
grained soils
/
Ecuauon of "A" • line
\� �
Horizontal at PI . a to LL . 25.5.
then PI . 0.73 ILL .20)
, O� +P
Equation of -U" • line
OR, -- "—' --
—�
vertical at LL " 16 to PI " 7. i
then PI " 0.9 ILL - 61 i
I i
G�
-- -- .! Gip —
-----i --
--
MH OR OH;
i
CL - ML ML OR OL
1
i
0
0 10 16 20 30 40 5o 60 70 60 90 100 110
LIQUID LIMIT (LL)
t