HomeMy WebLinkAbout611 LAPORTE AVE - CARRIAGE HOUSE - FDP230018 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - GEOTECHNICAL (SOILS) REPORT
CTL|Thompson, Inc.
Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs, Pueblo, Summit County – Colorado
Cheyenne, Wyoming and Bozeman, Montana
Proposed Carriage House
611 Laporte Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado
Prepared for:
Hutch Design & Build
5361 Moonlight Bay Drive
Windsor, Colorado 80528
Attention:
Noah Hutchison
Project No. FC10560-120
October 11, 2022
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
Table of Contents
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
Scope 1
Summary Of Conclusions 1
Site Conditions and Proposed Construction 2
Investigation 2
Subsurface Conditions 2
Geologic Hazards 3
Site Development 4
Fill Placement 4
Excavations 4
Foundations 5
Footings 5
Below Grade Areas 6
Floor Systems 6
Exterior Flatwork 8
Subsurface Drainage 8
Construction Observations 8
Geotechnical Risk 9
Limitations 9
FIGURE 1 – LOCATION OF EXPLORATORY BORING
FIGURE 2 – SUMMARY LOG OF EXPLORATORY BORING
FIGURE 3 – RESULTS OF LABORATORY TESTING
TABLE I – SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TESTING
APPENDIX A – SAMPLE SITE GRADING SPECIFICATIONS
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
1
Scope
This report presents the results of our Geotechnical Investigation for the proposed 1,000
square-foot carriage house at 611 Laporte Avenue in Fort Collins, Colorado. The purpose of the
investigation was to evaluate the subsurface conditions and provide foundation recommendations
and geotechnical design criteria for the project. The scope was described in our Service
Agreement (Proposal No. FC-22-0338) dated August 10, 2022.
The report was prepared from data developed during field exploration, laboratory testing,
engineering analysis, and experience with similar conditions. The report includes a description
of subsurface conditions found in our exploratory boring and discussions of site development as
influenced by geotechnical considerations. Our opinions and recommendations regarding design
criteria and construction details for site development, foundations, floor systems, slabs-on-grade,
lateral earth loads, and drainage are provided. The report was prepared for the exclusive use of
Hutch Design and Build in design and construction of the proposed improvements. If the
proposed construction differs from descriptions herein, we should be requested to review our
recommendations. Our conclusions are summarized in the following paragraphs.
Summary Of Conclusions
1. Soils encountered in our boring consisted sandy clay to the depth explored of 20
feet. Samples of the clay tested indicated low swelling soils are present at this
site. No groundwater or bedrock was encountered during our investigation.
2. The presence of expansive soils constitutes a geologic hazard. There is risk that
slabs-on-grade and foundations will heave or settle and be damaged. We judge
the risk is low. We believe the recommendations presented in this report will help
to control risk of damage; they will not eliminate that risk. Slabs-on-grade and, in
some instances, foundations may be damaged.
3. Footing foundations placed on natural, undisturbed soil and/or properly compacted
fill are recommended for the proposed construction. Design and construction
criteria for foundations are presented in the report.
4. We believe a slab-on-grade floor is appropriate for this site. Some movement of
slab-on-grade floors should be anticipated. We expect movements will be minor,
on the order of 1-inch or less. If movement cannot be tolerated, structural floors
should be considered.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
2
5. Surface drainage should be designed, constructed, and maintained to provide
rapid removal of surface runoff away from the proposed structure. Conservative
irrigation practices should be followed to avoid excessive wetting.
Site Conditions and Proposed Construction
The site is located 611 Laporte Avenue in Fort Collins, Colorado (Figure 1). The site is
developed with an existing residence and shed. We understand a 1,000 square-foot carriage
house is to be constructed in the rear of the lot. The structure will be two stories with a garage,
office, and mudroom on the ground floor and a studio apartment on the second floor.
Investigation
The field investigation included drilling one exploratory boring at the location presented on
Figure 1. The boring was drilled to a depth of approximately 20 feet using 4-inch diameter
continuous-flight augers, and a truck-mounted drill. Drilling was observed by our field
representative who logged the soils. A summary log of the boring, including results of field
penetration resistance tests, is presented on Figure 2.
Soil samples obtained during drilling were returned to our laboratory and visually
examined by our geotechnical engineer. Laboratory testing was assigned and included moisture
content, dry density, and swell-consolidation tests. Swell-consolidation test samples were wetted
at a confining pressure which approximated the pressure exerted by the overburden soils
(overburden pressures). Results of the laboratory tests are presented on Figure 3 and
summarized in Table I.
Subsurface Conditions
Soils encountered in our boring consisted sandy clay to the depth explored of 20 feet.
Samples of the clay tested indicated swells of 0.2 and 0.7 percent. No groundwater or bedrock
was encountered during our investigation. Groundwater may develop on or near low permeable
soil layers when a source of water not presently contributing becomes available. Groundwater
levels are expected to fluctuate seasonally. Further descriptions of the subsurface conditions are
presented on our boring log and in our laboratory test results.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
3
Geologic Hazards
Colorado is a challenging location to practice geotechnical engineering. The climate is
relatively dry, and the near-surface soils are typically dry and relatively stiff. These soils and
related sedimentary bedrock formations tend to react to changes in moisture conditions. Some of
the soils and bedrock swell as they increase in moisture and are called expansive soils. Other
soils can settle significantly upon wetting and are referred to as collapsing soils. Most of the land
available for development east of the Front Range is underlain by expansive clay or claystone
bedrock near the surface. The soils that exhibit collapse are more likely west of the continental
divide; however, both types of soils occur all over the state.
Covering the ground with houses, streets, driveways, patios, etc., coupled with lawn
irrigation and changing drainage patterns, leads to an increase in subsurface moisture conditions.
As a result, some soil movement is inevitable. It is critical that all recommendations in this report
are followed to increase the chances that the foundations and slabs-on-grade will perform
satisfactorily. After construction, homeowners must assume responsibility for maintaining the
structure and use appropriate practices regarding drainage and landscaping.
Expansive soils are present at this site. The presence of expansive soils, collectively
referred to as expansive or swelling soils, constitutes a geologic hazard. There is risk that ground
heave or settlement will damage slabs-on-grade and foundations. The risks associated with
swelling and compressible soils can be mitigated, but not eliminated by careful design,
construction, and maintenance procedures.
We believe the recommendations in this report will help control risk of foundation and/or
slab damage; they will not eliminate that risk. The builder and homeowners should understand
that slabs-on-grade and, in some instances, foundations may be affected. Homeowner
maintenance will be required to control risk. We recommend the builder provide a booklet to the
homeowners that describes swelling soils and includes recommendations for care and
maintenance of homes constructed on expansive soils. Colorado Geological Survey Special
Publication 431 was designed to provide this information.
1“A Guide to Swelling Soils for Colorado Homebuyers and Homeowners,” Second Edition Revised and Updated by David
C. Noe, Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, Denver, Colorado, 2007.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
4
Site Development
Fill Placement
The existing onsite soils are suitable for re-use as fill material provided debris or
deleterious organic materials are removed. If import material is used, it should be tested and
approved as acceptable fill by CTL|Thompson. In general, import fill should meet or exceed the
engineering qualities of the onsite soils. Areas to receive fill should be scarified, moisture-
conditioned and compacted to at least 95 percent of standard Proctor maximum dry density
(ASTM D698, AASHTO T99). Sand soils used as fill should be moistened to within 2 percent of
optimum moisture content. Clay soils should be moistened between optimum and 3 percent
above optimum moisture content. The fill should be moisture-conditioned, placed in thin, loose
lifts (8 inches or less) and compacted as described above. We should observe placement and
compaction of fill during construction. Fill placement and compaction should not be conducted
when the fill material is frozen.
Site grading in areas of landscaping where no future improvements are planned can be
placed at a dry density of at least 90 percent of standard Proctor maximum dry density (ASTM D
698, AASHTO T 99). Example site grading specifications are presented in Appendix A.
Excavations
We believe the materials found in our boring can be excavated using conventional heavy-
duty excavation equipment. Excavations should be sloped or shored to meet local, State, and
Federal safety regulations. Based on our investigation and OSHA standards, we believe the clay
soils classify as Type B soils. Type B soils require a maximum slope inclination of 1:1
(horizontal:vertical) in dry conditions. Excavation slopes specified by OSHA are dependent upon
types of soil and groundwater conditions encountered. The contractor’s “competent person”
should identify the soils and/or rock encountered in the excavation and refer to OSHA standards
to determine appropriate slopes.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
5
Foundations
Our investigation indicates low swelling soils are present at the anticipated foundation
levels. Footing foundations are recommended for the proposed construction. Design criteria for
footing and drilled pier foundations developed from analysis of field and laboratory data and our
experience are presented below.
Footings
1. Footings should be constructed on undisturbed natural soils or properly compacted
fill (see the Fill Placement section of this report). All existing, uncontrolled fill
should be removed from under footings and within one footing width around
footings and replaced with properly compacted fill. Where soil is loosened during
excavation, it should be removed and replaced with compacted fill.
2. Footings should be designed for a net allowable soil pressure of 1,500 psf. The
soil pressure can be increased 33 percent for transient loads such as wind or
seismic loads.
3. We anticipate footings designed using the soil pressure recommended above
could experience 1-inch of movement. Differential movement of ½- inch should be
considered in the design.
4. Footings should have a minimum width of at least 12 inches. Foundations for
isolated columns should have minimum dimensions of 16 inches by 16
inches. Larger sizes may be required depending on loads and the structural
system used.
5. The soils beneath footing pads can be assigned an ultimate coefficient of friction
of 0.4 to resist lateral loads. The ability of grade beam or footing backfill to resist
lateral loads can be calculated using a passive equivalent fluid pressure of 250
pcf. This assumes the backfill is densely compacted and will not be removed.
Deflection of grade beams is necessary to mobilize passive earth pressure; we
recommend a factor of safety of 2 for this condition. Backfill should be placed and
compacted to the criteria in the Fill Placement section of this report.
6. Exterior footings should be protected from frost action. We believe 30 inches of
frost cover is appropriate for this site.
7. Foundation walls and grade beams should be well reinforced both top and bottom.
We recommend reinforcement sufficient to simply span 10 feet. The reinforcement
should be designed by a structural engineer.
8. We should observe completed footing excavations to confirm whether the
subsurface conditions are similar to those found in our boring.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
6
Below Grade Areas
No below grade areas are planned for the building. For this condition, perimeter drains
are not usually necessary. We should be contacted to provide foundation drain recommendations
if plans change to include basement areas.
Floor Systems
In our opinion, it is reasonable to use slab-on-grade floors for the proposed construction.
Any fill placed for the floor subgrade should be built with densely compacted, engineered fill as
discussed in the Fill Placement section of this report.
It is impossible to construct slab-on-grade floors with no risk of movement. We believe
movements due to swell will be less than 1-inch at this site. If movement cannot be tolerated,
structural floors should be used. Structural floors can be considered for specific areas that are
particularly sensitive to movement or where equipment on the floor is sensitive to movement.
Where structurally supported floors are selected, we recommend a minimum void between
the ground surface and the underside of the floor system of 4 inches. The minimum void should
be constructed below beams and utilities that penetrate the floor. The floor may be cast over void
form. Void form should be chosen to break down quickly after the slab is placed. We recommend
against the use of wax or plastic-coated void boxes.
Slabs may be subject to heavy point loads. The structural engineer should design floor
slab reinforcement. For design of slabs-on-grade, we recommend a modulus of subgrade
reaction of 100 pci for onsite soils.
If the owner elects to use slab-on-grade construction and accepts the risk of movement
and associated damage, we recommend the following precautions for slab-on-grade construction
at this site. These precautions can help reduce, but not eliminate, damage or distress due to slab
movement.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
7
1. Slabs should be separated from exterior walls and interior bearing members with
a slip joint that allows free vertical movement of the slabs. This can reduce
cracking if some movement of the slab occurs.
2. Slabs should be placed directly on exposed soils or properly moisture conditioned,
compacted fill. The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) requires a vapor
retarder be placed between the base course or subgrade soils and the concrete
slab-on-grade floor. The merits of installation of a vapor retarder below floor slabs
depend on the sensitivity of floor coverings and building use to moisture. A
properly installed vapor retarder (minimum 6-mil; 10-mil recommended) is more
beneficial below concrete slab-on-grade floors where floor coverings, painted floor
surfaces or products stored on the floor will be sensitive to moisture. The vapor
retarder is most effective when concrete is placed directly on top of it, rather than
placing a sand or gravel leveling course between the vapor retarder and the floor
slab. The placement of concrete on the vapor retarder may increase the risk of
shrinkage cracking and curling. Use of concrete with reduced shrinkage
characteristics including minimized water content, maximized coarse aggregate
content, and reasonably low slump will reduce the risk of shrinkage cracking and
curling. Considerations and recommendations for the installation of vapor
retarders below concrete slabs are outlined in Section 3.2.3 of the 2006 report of
American Concrete Institute (ACI) Committee 302, “Guide for Concrete Floor and
Slab Construction (ACI 302.R1-04)”.
3. If slab-bearing partitions are used, they should be designed and constructed to
allow for slab movement. At least a 2-inch void should be maintained below or
above the partitions. If the “float” is provided at the top of partitions, the connection
between interior, slab-supported partitions and exterior, foundation supported
walls should be detailed to allow differential movement.
4. Underslab plumbing should be eliminated where feasible. Where such plumbing
is unavoidable it should be thoroughly pressure tested for leaks prior to slab
construction and be provided with flexible couplings. Pressurized water supply
lines should be brought above the floors as quickly as possible.
5. Plumbing and utilities that pass through the slabs should be isolated from the slabs
and constructed with flexible couplings. Where water and gas lines are connected
to furnaces or heaters, the lines should be constructed with sufficient flexibilit y to
allow for movement.
6. HVAC equipment supported on the slab should be provided with a collapsible
connection between the furnace and the ductwork, with allowance for at least 2
inches of vertical movement.
7. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) recommends frequent control joints be
provided in slabs to reduce problems associated with shrinkage cracking and
curling. To reduce curling, the concrete mix should have a high aggregate content
and a low slump. If desired, a shrinkage compensating admixture could be added
to the concrete to reduce the risk of shrinkage cracking. We can perform a mix
design or assist the design team in selecting a pre-existing mix.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
8
Exterior Flatwork
We recommend exterior flatwork and sidewalks be isolated from foundations to reduce
the risk of transferring heave, settlement, or freeze-thaw movement to the structure. One
alternative would be to construct the inner edges of the flatwork on haunches or steel angles
bolted to the foundation walls and detailing the connections such that movement will cause less
distress to the building, rather than tying the slabs directly into the building foundation.
Construction on haunches or steel angles and reinforcing the sidewalks and other exterior flatwork
will reduce the potential for differential settlement and better allow them to span across wall
backfill. Frequent control joints should be provided to reduce problems associated with shrinkage.
Panels that are approximately square perform better than rectangular areas.
Subsurface Drainage
Performance of foundations, flatwork, and pavements are influenced by changes in
subgrade moisture conditions. Carefully planned and maintained surface grading can reduce the
risk of wetting of the foundation soils and pavement subgrade. We recommend a minimum slope
of 5 percent in the first ten feet outside foundations in landscaped areas. Backfill around
foundations should be moisture treated and compacted as described in Fill Placement. Roof
drains should be directed away from buildings. Downspout extensions and splash blocks should
be provided at discharge points, or roof drains should be connected to solid pipe discharge
systems. We do not recommend directing roof drains under buildings.
Construction Observations
We recommend that CTL | Thompson, Inc. provide construction observation services to
allow us the opportunity to verify whether soil conditions are consistent with those found during
this investigation. Other observations are recommended to review general conformance with
design plans. If others perform these observations, they must accept responsibility to judge
whether the recommendations in this report remain appropriate.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
9
Geotechnical Risk
The concept of risk is an important aspect with any geotechnical evaluation primarily
because the methods used to develop geotechnical recommendations do not comprise an exact
science. We never have complete knowledge of subsurface conditions. Our analysis must be
tempered with engineering judgment and experience. Therefore, the recommendations presented
in any geotechnical evaluation should not be considered risk-free. Our recommendations
represent our judgment of those measures that are necessary to increase the chances that the
structures will perform satisfactorily. It is critical that all recommendations in this report are
followed during construction. Owners must assume responsibility for maintaining the structures
and use appropriate practices regarding drainage and landscaping. Improvements performed by
owners after construction, such as construction of additions, retaining walls, landscaping, and
exterior flatwork, should be completed in accordance with recommendations in this report.
Limitations
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Hutch Design and Build for the
purpose of providing geotechnical design and construction criteria for the proposed project. The
information, conclusions, and recommendations presented herein are based upon consideration
of many factors including, but not limited to, the type of construction proposed, the geologic
setting, and the subsurface conditions encountered. The conclusions and recommendations
contained in the report are not valid for use by others. Standards of practice evolve in the area of
geotechnical engineering. The recommendations provided are appropriate for about three years.
If the proposed construction is not constructed within about three years, we should be contacted
to determine if we should update this report.
One boring was drilled during this investigation to obtain a reasonably accurate picture of
the subsurface conditions. Variations in the subsurface conditions not indicated by our boring are
possible. A representative of our firm should observe foundation excavations to confirm the
exposed materials are as anticipated from our boring.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
10
We believe this investigation was conducted with that level of skill and care ordinarily used
by geotechnical engineers practicing under similar conditions. No warranty, express or implied,
is made. If we can be of further service in discussing the contents of this report or in the analysis
of the influence of subsurface conditions on design of the structures, please call.
CTLTHOMPSON, INC.
Spencer Schram, PE John Byers
Geotechnical Project Manager Engineering Technician
TH-1 Whitcomb StreetLaporte Avenue LOOMIS AVE.LAPORTE AVE.
MOUNTAIN AVE.WHITCOMB ST.SITE
MAPLE ST.
LEGEND:
INDICATES APPROXIMATE
LOCATION OF EXPLORATORY
BORING
INDICATES APPROXIMATE
PROPERTY LINE
TH-1
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTL I T PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
Location of
Exploratory Boring
FIGURE 1
VICINITY MAP
(FORT COLLINS, COLORADO)
NOT TO SCALE
50'25'
APPROXIMATE
SCALE: 1" = 50'
0'
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
12/12
12/12
WC=7.9
DD=107
SW=0.7
8/12
17/12
WC=14.2
DD=119
SW=0.2
22/12
TH-1
CLAY, SLIGHTLY SANDY TO SANDY, SLIGHTLY MOIST
TO MOIST, STIFF, BROWN (CL)
LEGEND:
DRIVE SAMPLE. THE SYMBOL 12/12 INDICATES 12
BLOWS OF A 140-POUND HAMMER FALLING 30 INCHES
WERE REQUIRED TO DRIVE A 2.5-INCH O.D. SAMPLER
12 INCHES.
Boring
NOTES:
THE BORING WAS DRILLED ON SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2022
USING 4-INCH DIAMETER CONTINUOUS-FLIGHT
AUGERS AND A TRUCK-MOUNTED DRILL RIG.
3.
1.
2.
Exploratory
Summary Log of
FIGURE 2
WC
DD
SW
-200
LL
PI
UC
SS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-DEPTH - FEETDEPTH - FEETINDICATES MOISTURE CONTENT (%).
INDICATES DRY DENSITY (PCF).
INDICATES SWELL WHEN WETTED UNDER
APPROXIMATE OVERBURDEN PRESSURE (%).
INDICATES PASSING NO. 200 SIEVE (%).
INDICATES LIQUID LIMIT.
INDICATES PLASTICITY INDEX.
INDICATES UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (psf).
INDICATES SOLUBLE SULFATE CONTENT (%).
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTL | T PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS IN THIS REPORT.
THIS LOG SUBJECT TO THE EXPLANATIONS,
THIS INVESTIGATION
NO GROUNDWATER WAS ENCOUNTERED DURING 4.
Sample of CLAY, SANDY (CL) DRY UNIT WEIGHT=107 PCF
From TH - 1 AT 4 FEET MOISTURE CONTENT=7.9 %
Sample of CLAY, SANDY (CL) DRY UNIT WEIGHT=119 PCF
From TH - 1 AT 14 FEET MOISTURE CONTENT=14.2 %
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTL | T PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
APPLIED PRESSURE - KSF
APPLIED PRESSURE -KSFCOMPRESSION % EXPANSIONSwell Consolidation
FIGURE 3COMPRESSION % EXPANSION-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
EXPANSION UNDER CONSTANT
PRESSURE DUE TO WETTING
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
EXPANSION UNDER CONSTANT
PRESSURE DUE TO WETTING
0.1 1.0 10 100
0.1 1.0 10 100
APPLIEDDRYMOISTURE
SWELL*DEPTH PRESSUREDENSITYCONTENT
BORING (FEET)(%)(PCF)(%)(PSF)DESCRIPTION
CLAY, SANDY (CL)5000.71077.94TH-1
TH-1 14 14.2 119 0.2 1,800 CLAY, SANDY (CL)
SWELL TEST RESULTS*
TABLE I
SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TESTING
Page 1 of 1CTL|T PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
* NEGATIVE VALUE INDICATES COMPRESSION.
APPENDIX A
SAMPLE SITE GRADING SPECIFICATIONS
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
A-1
SAMPLE SITE GRADING SPECIFICATIONS
1. DESCRIPTION
This item shall consist of the excavation, transportation, placement, and compaction of materials
from locations indicated on the plans, or staked by the Engineer, as necessary to achieve building
site elevations.
2. GENERAL
The Geotechnical Engineer shall be the Owner's representative. The Geotechnical Engineer shall
approve fill materials, method of placement, moisture contents and percent compaction, and shall
give written approval of the completed fill.
3. CLEARING JOB SITE
The Contractor shall remove all trees, brush and rubbish before excavation or fill placement is
begun. The Contractor shall dispose of the cleared material to provide the Owner with a clean,
neat appearing job site. Cleared material shall not be placed in areas to receive fill or where the
material will support structures of any kind.
4. SCARIFYING AREA TO BE FILLED
All topsoil and vegetable matter shall be removed from the ground surface upon which fill is to be
placed. The surface shall then be plowed or scarified to a depth of 8 inches until the surface is
free from ruts, hummocks or other uneven features, which would prevent uniform compaction by
the equipment to be used.
5. COMPACTING AREA TO BE FILLED
After the foundation for the fill has been cleared and scarified, it shall be disked or bladed until it
is free from large clods, brought to the proper moisture content and compacted to not less than
95 percent of maximum dry density as determined in accordance with ASTM D 698 or AASHTO
T 99.
6. FILL MATERIALS
On-site materials classifying as CL, SC, SM, SW, SP, GP, GC and GM are acceptable. Fill soils
shall be free from organic matter, debris, or other deleterious substances, and shall not contain
rocks or lumps having a diameter greater than three (3) inches. Fill materials shall be obtained
from the existing fill and other approved sources.
7. MOISTURE CONTENT
Fill materials shall be moisture treated. Clay soils placed below the building envelope should be
moisture-treated to between optimum and 3 percent above optimum moisture content as
determined from Standard Proctor compaction tests. Clay soil placed exterior to the building
should be moisture treated between optimum and 3 percent above optimum moisture content.
Sand soils can be moistened to within 2 percent of optimum moisture content. Sufficient
laboratory compaction tests shall be performed to determine the optimum moisture content for
the various soils encountered in borrow areas.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
A-2
The Contractor may be required to add moisture to the excavation materials in the borrow area if,
in the opinion of the Geotechnical Engineer, it is not possible to obtain uniform moisture content
by adding water on the fill surface. The Contractor may be required to rake or disk the fill soils to
provide uniform moisture content through the soils.
The application of water to embankment materials shall be made with any type of watering
equipment approved by the Geotechnical Engineer, which will give the desired results. Water
jets from the spreader shall not be directed at the embankment with such force that fill materials
are washed out.
Should too much water be added to any part of the fill, such that the material is too wet to permit
the desired compaction from being obtained, rolling and all work on that section of the fill shall be
delayed until the material has been allowed to dry to the required moisture content. The
Contractor will be permitted to rework wet material in an approved manner to hasten its drying.
8. COMPACTION OF FILL AREAS
Selected fill material shall be placed and mixed in evenly spread layers. After each fill layer has
been placed, it shall be uniformly compacted to not less than the specified percentage of
maximum dry density. Fill materials shall be placed such that the thickness of loose material does
not exceed 8 inches and the compacted lift thickness does not exceed 6 inches. Fill placed under
foundations, exterior flatwork and pavements should be compacted to a minimum of 95 percent
of maximum standard Proctor dry density (ASTM D698).
Compaction, as specified above, shall be obtained by the use of sheepsfoot rollers, multiple-wheel
pneumatic-tired rollers, or other equipment approved by the Engineer. Compaction shall be
accomplished while the fill material is at the specified moisture content. Compaction of each layer
shall be continuous over the entire area. Compaction equipment shall make sufficient trips to
ensure that the required dry density is obtained.
9. COMPACTION OF SLOPES
Fill slopes shall be compacted by means of sheepsfoot rollers or other suitable equipment.
Compaction operations shall be continued until slopes are stable, but not too dense for planting,
and there is no appreciable amount of loose soil on the slopes. Compaction of slopes may be
done progressively in increments of three to five feet (3' to 5') in height or after the fill is brought
to its total height. Permanent fill slopes shall not exceed 3:1 (horizontal to vertical).
10. DENSITY TESTS
Field density tests shall be made by the Geotechnical Engineer at locations and depths of his
choosing. Where sheepsfoot rollers are used, the soil may be disturbed to a depth of several
inches. Density tests shall be taken in compacted material below the disturbed surface. When
density tests indicate that the dry density or moisture content of any layer of fill or portion thereof
is below that required, the particular layer or portion shall be reworked until the required dry
density or moisture content has been achieved.
HUTCH DESIGN & BUILD
611 LAPORTE CARRIAGE HOUSE
CTLT PROJECT NO. FC10560-120
A-3
11. SEASONAL LIMITS
No fill material shall be placed, spread or rolled while it is frozen, thawing, or during unfavorable
weather conditions. When work is interrupted by heavy precipitation, fill operations shall not be
resumed until the Geotechnical Engineer indicates that the moisture content and dry density of
previously placed materials are as specified.
12. NOTICE REGARDING START OF GRADING
The contractor shall submit notification to the Geotechnical Engineer and Owner advising them
of the start of grading operations at least three (3) days in advance of the starting date.
Notification shall also be submitted at least 3 days in advance of any resumption dates when
grading operations have been stopped for any reason other than adverse weather conditions.
13. REPORTING OF FIELD DENSITY TESTS
Density tests performed by the Geotechnical Engineer, as specified under "Density Tests" above,
shall be submitted progressively to the Owner. Dry density, moisture content and percent
compaction shall be reported for each test taken.