HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubsoil Study for Foundation Design 05.05.2021,lc,l lfumar & Asmclates, lnc.@
Geotechnical and Materials Engineers
and Environmental Scientists
An Employcc Owncd Compony
5020 County Road 154
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
phone: (970) 945-7988
fax: (970) 945-8454
email : kaglenwood@kumarusa.com
www.kumarusa.com
Office Locations: Denver (HQ), Parker, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, and Sumrnit County, Colorado
SUBSOIL STUDY
FOR FOUNDATION DESIGN
PROPOSED RESIDENCE
LOT 610 TRONBRTDGE' PHASE rrl
RIVER BEND \üAY
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
PROJECT NO.2t-7-277
MAY 5,2021
PREPARED FOR:
SCIB, LLC
ATTN: LUKE GOSDA
0115 BOOMERANG ROAD, SUITE 52018
ASPEN, COLORADO 81611
luke. gosda@sunriseco.com
TART,E OF CONTN,NTS
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
SITE CONDITIONS
SUBSIDENCE POTENTIAL...
FItrLD EXPLORATION.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
FOUNDATIONS
FOUNDATION AND RETAINING WALLS.
FLOOR SLABS....
UNDERDRAIN SYSTEM....
SURFACE DRAINAGE........
LIMITATIONS
FIGURE 2 - LOGS OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS
FIGURE 3 - GRADATION TEST RESULTS
TABLE 1- SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
1
1
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FIGURB 1 - LOCATION OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS
Kumar & Associates, lnc. @ Project No.2l-7-277
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY
This report presents the results ofa subsoil study for a proposed residence to be located on
Lot íl,Ironbridge, River Bend Way, Garfield County, Colorado. The project site is shown on
Figure 1. The purpose of the study was to develop recommendations for the foundation design.
The study was conducted in accordance with our agreement for geotechnical engineering
services to SCIB, LLC dated March 16,202T.
A held exploration program consisting of exploratory borings was conducted to obtain
information on the subsurface conditions. Samples of the subsoils obtained during the f,reld
exploration were tested in the laboratory to determine their classification and other engineering
characteristics. The results of the field exploration and laboratory testing were analyzedto
develop recommendations for foundation types, depths and allowable pressures for the proposed
building foundation. This report summarizes the data obtained during this study and presents our
conclusions, design recommendations and other geotechnical engineering considerations based
on the proposed construction and the subsurface conditions encountered.
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
Plans for the proposed residence were preliminary at the time of our study. The proposed
residence is assumed to be a single-story wood-frame structure with attached garage. Ground
floors could be a combination of slab-on-grade and structural over crawlspace. Grading for the
structure is assumed to be relatively minor with cut depths between about 2 to 4 feet. We
assume relatively light foundation loadings, typical of the proposed type of construction.
If building loadings, location or grading plans change significantly from those described above,
we should be notified to re-evaluate the recommendations contained in this report.
SITE CONDITIONS
The subject site was vacant at the time of our held exploration. The ground surface is sloping
down to the northeast at an estimated grade of arouq$ 5 percenl A detention pond for storm
watcr flows has bccn built just south of the lot. Vegetation consists of grass and weeds with
landscaped trees near the roundabout.
Kumar & Aggoclâtes, lnc. n'Projoct No,21-7-277
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SUBSIDENCE POTENTIAL
Bcdrock of the Pennsylvanian age Eagle Valley Evaporite underlies the Ironbridge development.
These rocks are a sequence of gypsiferous shale, fine-grained sandstone and siltstone with some
massive beds of gypsum and limestone. There is a possibility that massive gypsum deposits
associated with the Eagle Valley Evaporite underlie portions of the lot. Dissolution of the
gypsum under certain conditions can cause sinkholes to develop and can produce areas of
localized subsidence. During previous work in the area, several sinldroles were observed
scattered throughorrt the Tronhridge development, These sinkholes appear similar to others
associated with the Eagle Valley Evaporite in areas of the lower Roaring Fork Valley.
Sinkholes were not observed in the immediate area of the subject lot. No evidence of cavities
was encountered in the subsurface materials; however, the exploratory borings were relatively
shallow, for foundation design only. Based on our present knowledge of the subsurface
conditions atthe site, it cannot be said for certain that sinkholes will not develop. The risk of
future ground subsidence on Lot 61 throughout the service life of the proposed residence, in our
opinion, is low and similar to other lots in the area of similar subsurface profiles; however, the
owner should be made aware of the potential f'or sinkhole development. If fuither investigation
of possiblc cavitics in the bedrock below the site is desired, we should be contacted.
FIELD EXPLORATION
The field exploration for the project was conducted on March 22,2021. Two exploratory
borings were drilled at the locations shown on Figure 1 to evaluate the subsurface conditions.
The borings were advanced with 4 inch diameter continuous flight augers powered by a truck-
mounted CME-458 drill rig. The borings were logged by a representative of Kumar &
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Samples of the subsoils were taken with a I%-inch I.D. spoon sampler. The sampler was driven
into the subsoils at various depths with blows from a 14O-pound hammer falling 30 inches. This
test is similar to the standard penetration test described by ASTM Method D-1586. The
penetration resistance values are an indication of the relative density or consistency of the
subsoils. Depths at which the samples were taken and the penetration resistance values are
shown on the Logs of Exploratory Borings, Figure 2. The samples were retumed to our
laboratory for review by the project engineer and testing.
Kumar & Associates, lnc. @ Project No.21-7-277
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SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
Graphic logs of the subsurface conditions encountered at the site are shown on Figure 2. The
subsoils consist of about I to tYz feet of topsoil overlying dense, slightly silty sandy gravel with
cobbles and probable boulders down to the maximum explored depth of 7 feet. A layer of clay
was encountered in Boring 1 from I to l% feet deep. Drilling in the dense granular soils with
auger equipment was diffrcult due to the cobbles and boulders and drilling refusal was
encountered in the deposit.
Laboratory testing performed on samples obtained from the borings included natural moisture
content and gradation analyses. Results of a gradation analysis performed on small diameter
drive samples (minus llt-inch fraction) of the coarse granular subsoils are shown on Figure 3.
The laboratory testing is summarizedin Table 1
No free water was encountered in the borings at the time of drilling and the subsoils were
slightly moist.
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
FOLI-NDATIONS
Considering the subsurface conditions encountered in the exploratory borings and the nature of
the proposed construction, we recommend the building be founded with spread footings bearing
on the natural granular soils.
The design and construction criteria presented below should be observed for
l) Footings placed on the undisturbed natural granular soils should be designed for
Based on experience, we expect
settlement of footings designed ild;ıÑ¡dcted as discussed in this section will
be about 1 inch or less.
The footings should have aminimum width of 16 inches for continuous walls and
2 feet for isolated pads.
Exterior footings and footings beneath unheated areas should be provided with
adequate soil cover above their bearing elevation for frost protection. Placement
of foundations at least 36 inches below exterior grade is typically used in this
area.
2)
3)
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Kumar & Associates, lnc. @ Project No.2'l-7-277
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4)Continuous foundation walls should be reinforced top and bottom to span local
anomalies such as by assuming an ultsupported length of at least 10 l'eet.
Fuultlation walls ac[ing as retaining struotures should also be designed to resist
lateral earth pressures as discussed in the "Foundation and Retaining Walls"
section of this report.
The topsoil, upper clay soils and any loose disturbed soils should be removed and
the footing bearing level extended down to the relatively dense natural granular
soils. The exposed soils in footing area should then be moistened and compacted.
A representative of the geotechnical engineer should observe all footing
excavations prior to concrete placement to evaluate bearing conditions.
FOL]NDATION AND RETAINING V/ALLS
Foundation walls and retaining structures which are laterally supported and can be expected to
undergo only a slight amount of deflection should be designed for a lateral earth pressure
computed on the basis of an equivalent fluid unit weight of at least 50 pcf for backfill consisting
of the on-site granular soils. Cantilevered retaining structures which are separate trom the
residence and can be expected to deflect sufficiently to mobilize the full active earth pressure
condition should be designed for a lateral earth pressure computecl on the basis of an equivalent
fluid unit weìght of at least 40 pcf for backf,rll consisting of the on-site granular soils.
All foundation and retaining structures should be designed for appropriate hydrostatic and
surcharge pressures such as adjacent footings, traffrc, construction materials and equipment. The
pressures recommended above assume drained conditions behind the walls and a horizontal
backfill surfacc. The buildup of water behind a wall or an upward slopilg liaukfill surfat c will
increase the lateral pressure imposed on a foundation wall or retaining structure. An underdrain
should be provided to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup behind walls.
Backfill should be placed in uniform lifts and compacted to at least 90o/o of the maximum
standard Proctor density at a moisture content near optimum. Backfill placed in pavement and
walkway areas should be compacted to at least 95%o of the maximum standard Proctor density.
Care should be taken not to overcompact the backfîll or use large equipment near the wall, since
this could cause excessive lateral pressure on the wall. Some settlement of deep f'ounclation wall
- backf,rll should be expected, even if the rnaterial is placed comectly, and could result in distress to
facilities constructed on the backfill.
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6)
Kumar & Associates, lnc. @ Project No.2'l-7-277
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The lateral resistance of foundation or retaining wall footings will be a combination of the
sliding resistance of the footing on the foundation materials and passive earth pressure against
the side of the footing. Resistance to sliding at the bottoms of the footings can be calculated
based on a coefficient of friction of 0.50. Passive pressure of compacted backfill against the
sides of the footings can be calculated using an equivalent fluid unit weight of 400 pcf. The
coefficient of friction and passive pressure values recommended above assume ultimate soil
strength. Suitable factors of safety should be included in the design to limit the strain which will
occur at the ultimate strength, particularly in the case of passive resistance. Fill placed against
the sides of the footings to resist lateral loads should be a granular material compacted to at least
95o/o of the maximum standard Proctor density at a moisture content near optimum.
FLOOR SLABS
The natural on-site soils, exclusive of topsoil, are suitable to support lightly loaded slab-on-grade
construction. To reduce the effects of some differential movement, floor slabs should be
separated from all bearing walls and columns with expansion joints which allow unrestrained
vertical movement. Floor slab control joints should be used to reduce damage due to shrinkage
cracking. The requirements for joint spacing and slab reinforcement should be established by the
designer based on experience and the intended slab use. A minimum 4-inch layer of free-
draining gravel should be placed beneath basement level slabs to facilitate drainage. This
material should consist of minus 2-inch aggregate with at least 50o/o retained on the No. 4 sieve
and less than2o/o passing the No. 200 sieve. The gravel layer beneath slabs-at-grade such as the
garage, should consist of T¿-inch road base.
All fill materials for support of floor slabs should be compacted to at least 95Yo of maximum
standard Proctor density at a moisture content near optimum. Required fill can consist of the on-
site granular soils devoid of vegetation, topsoil and oversized rock. Clay soils stripped from the
site should be used in non-structural graded areas.
UNDERDRAIN SYSTEM
Although free water was not encountered during our exploration, it has been our experience in
the area that local perched groundwater can develop during times of heavy precipitation or
seasonal runoff. Frozen ground during spring runoff can create a perched condition. We
recommend below-grade construction, such as retaining walls, crawlspace and basement areas (if
any), be protected from wetting and hydrostatic pressure buildup by an underdrain system.
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The drains should consist of drainpipe placed in the bottom of the wall backfill surrounded abovc
the invert level with fi'ee-draining granular rnaterial. 'Ilhe drain shoulcl be plaoecl at ea<;h level of
cxuavatiort and at least 1 foot below lowest adjacent finish grade and sloped at a minimum 102ó to
a suitable gravity outlet or drywell. þree-draining granular material used in the underdrain
system should contain less than 2% passing the No. 200 sieve, less than 50% passing the No. 4
sieve and have a maximum size of 2 inches. The drain gravel backfill should be at least IYzfeef
deep.
SLIRFACE DRAINAGE
The following drainage precautions should be observed during construction and maintained at all
times after the residence has been completed:
1) Inundation of the foundation excavations and underslab areas should be avoided
during construction.
2) Exterior backfill should be adjusted to near optimum moisture and compacted to
at least 95Yo of the maximum standard Proctor density in pavement and slab areas
and to at least 90o/o of the maximum standard Proctor density in landscape areas.
3) The ground surface surrounding the exterior of the building should be sloped to
drain away from the foundation in all directions. We recommend a minimum
slope of 6 inches in the first l0 feet in unpaved areas and a minimum slope of
3 inches in the first 10 feet in paved areas. Free-draining wall backfill should be
covered with filter fabric and capped with about 2 feet of the on-site finer graded
soils to reduce surface water infiltration.
4) Roof downspouts and drains should discharge well beyond the limits of all
backfill.
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5 feet from foundation walls.
LIMITATIONS
This study has been conducted in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical engineering
principles and practices in this area at this time. We make no warranty either express or implied.
The conclusions and recommendations submittcd in this rcport arc bascd upon the data obtained
from the exploratory borings drilled at the locations indicated on Figure l, the proposed type of
construction and our experience in the area. Our services do not include determining the
Kumar & Associates, lnc, @ Project No.21-7-277
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presence, prevention or possibility of mold or other biological contaminants (MOBC) developing
in the future. If the client is concerned about MOBC, then a professional in this special field of
practice should be consulted. Our findings include interpolation and extrapolation of the
subsurface conditions identified at the exploratory borings and variations in the subsurface
conditions may not become evident until excavation is performed. If conditions encountered
during construction appear different from those described in this report, we should be notified so
that re-evaluation of the recommendations may be made.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use by our client for design purposes. We are not
responsible for technical.interpretations by others of our information. As the project evolves, we
should provide continued consultation and field services during construction to review and
monitor the implementation of our recoÍrmendations, and to verifu that the recommendations
have been appropriately interpreted. Significant design changes may require additional analysis
or modifications to the recommendations presented herein. We recommend on-site observation
of excavations and foundation bearing strata and testing of structural fill by a representative of
the geotechnical engineer.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kumar & Associates,
James H. Parsons, P
Reviewed by:
Steven L. Pawlak, P.E.
JHP/kac
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Kumar & Associates, lnc.6 Project No.21-7-277
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BENCHMARK:
GRAVEL SURFACE AT CORNER
STAKE EL. lOO' ASSUMED
F¡i tfai iìt i
-,4 BORING 1
,l
,0T 60 LOT 61 d
,ci:tsìiti'o
BORING 2
)6. I
?502550
APPROXIMATE SCALE-FEET
21 -7 -277 Kumar & Associates LOCATION OF TXPLORATORY BORINGS Fig. 1
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BORING 1
EL. '1 01 .5'
BORING 2
EL. 1 01'
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50/ 12
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LEGEND
TOPSOIL; CLAY, SANDY, SCATTERED GRAVEL, ORGANICS, MOIST, FIRM, BROWN
CLAY (CL); SANDY, HARD, MOIST, BROWN
GRAVEL (GM); SANDY, SILTY, COBBLES, PROBABLE BOULDERS, DENSE, SLIGHTLY MOIST,
MIXED BROWN AND GRAY. ROUNDED ROCK.
I DRTVE SAMPLE, 1 3/8-INCH l.D. SPLIT SPOON STANDARD PENETRATIoN TEST
50/12 DRIVE SAMPLE BLOW COUNT. INDICATES THAT 50 BLOWS OF A 14o-POUND HAMMER
FALLING 30 INCHES WERE REQUIRED TO DRIVE THE SAMPLER 12 INCHES.
I PRACTICAL AUGER REFUSAL.
NOTES
1. THE EXPLORATORY BORINGS WERE DRILLED ON MARCH 22, 2021 WITH A 4-INCH DIAMETER
CONTINUOUS-FLIGHT POWER AUGER.
2. THE LOCATIONS OF THE EXPLORATORY BORINGS WERE MEASURED APPROXIMATELY BY TAPING
FROM FEATURES SHOWN ON THE SITE PLAN PROVIDED.
3. THE ELEVATIONS OF THE EXPLORATORY BORINGS WERE MEASURED BY HAND LEVEL AND REFER
TO THE BENCHMARK ON FIG. 1.
4. THE EXPLORATORY BORING LOCATIONS AND ELEVATIONS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ACCURATE
ONLY TO THE DEGREE IMPLIED BY THE METHOD USED.
5. THE LINES BETWEEN MATERIALS SHOWN ON THE EXPLORATORY BORING LOGS REPRESENT THE
APPROXIMATE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN MATERIAL TYPES AND THE TRANSITIONS MAY BE GRADUAL.
6. GROUNDWATER WAS NOT ENCOUNTERED IN THE BORINGS AT THE TIME OF DRILLING.
7. LABORATORY TEST RESULTS:
wc = WATER CONTENT (%) (ASTM D2216);
+4 = PERCENTAGE RETAINED ON NO. 4 SIEVE (ASTM D6915);
-2oO= PERCENTAGE PASSING No. 200 SIEVE (ASTM D11a0);
WC=2.0
+4=62
-200=9
21 -7 -277 Kumar & Associates LOGS EXPLORATORY BORINGS Fig. 2
8
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HYDROMETER ANALYSIS SIEVE ANALYSIS
U.S. SÍANOARÞ SERIES CLEAR SQUARE OPENINôS
tltô t/A6 t t/tâ
TIME READIN6S
HR6
MIN
7 HNEts LIN
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=2
Íoo
90
80
70
50
40
30
20
fo
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f0
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
-
.oo9 .019 .o57
.125
DIAM OF PARTICLES IN MI
CLAY TO SILT COBBLES
GRAVEL 62 % SAND
LIQUID LIMIÏ
SÂMPLE OF: Slightly Silty Sondy Grovol
29%
PLASTICITY INDEX
SILT AND CLAY 9 %
FROM: Boring 2 @ 1 'ond 4' (combincd)
Th€se lssl rssulls opply only lo lhe
somples which were lesled. The
l€sllng rôporl sholl nol bo roproduc6d,
excopl ln full, wllhout lh6 wrlllenqpprovol of Kumor & Assgclqleg, lnc,
Slov€ onolysls tosllng ls performed ln
oooordonoo wlth ASTM D6913, ASTM D7928,
ASTM C136 ond/or ASTM 01140,
SAND GRAVEL
FIN E MEDIUM COARSE FI NE COARSE
21 -7 -277 Kumar & Associates GRADATION TEST RESULTS Fis. 5
l(+rt$,'içli'.ffiî:Ëtr*'"'Ëü'*''TABLE 1SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTSSOIL TYPEATTERBERG LIMITSLIQUID LIMITUNCONFINEDCOMPRESSIVESTRENGTHPLASTICINDEXSlightly Silty Sandy GravelPERCENTPASSING NO.200 stEvE9SAND%tGRADATIONGRAVEL(%)(ocflNATURALDRYDENSITY2.02962P/"1NATURALMOISTURECONTENT| &,4Combinedlft)DEPTHSAMPLE LOCATIONBORING2No.21-7-277