HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubsoils Investigation Reportffi CTLITHOMPSON
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION
BRETTELBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
11101 COUNTY ROAD 117
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
Prepared For:
Brettelberg Condominium Association
11101County Road 117
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Attention:
Adam Roberts
BCA President
Project No, GS06866.000-1 20
July 25, 2024
CTLlThompson. lnc.
.WI, Fort Collins, Q.oloracLgSpdn$, Glenwood Sprinqs, Pueblo, Summit County - Colorado
Chevenne, V1&oming and Bozeman, Montana
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SCOPE
CTllThompson, lnc. (CTLIT) has completed a geotechnical engineering
investigation for the Brettlelberg West Deck Remodel planned for the Brettelberg
Condomiums at 11101County Road 117 in Garfield County, Colorado. We con-
ducted this investigation to evaluate subsurface conditions at the site and provide
geotechnical engineering recommendations for the proposed construction. The
scope of our investigation was set forth in our Proposal No. GS 24-0077 . Our re-
port was prepared from data developed from our field exploration, laboratory test-
ing, engineering analysis, and our experience with similar conditions. This report
includes a description of subsurface conditions found in our exploratory pits and
provides geotechnical engineering recommendations for design and construction
of foundations, earth retaining walls, slab-on-grade construction, and details influ-
enced by the subsoils.
SITE CONDITIONS
The Brettleberg Condominiums are located at11101 County Road 117 in
Garfield County, Colorado. A vicinity map with the location of the site is included
as Figure 1. The building is at the base of Sunlight Mountain Resort and consists
of three, two to three-story rectangular sections that step down the hill. lt appears
that initial construction of the building may have commenced in the late 1960's.
Extending from the west side of the building is a series of wooden decks.
The decks are at four different levels that are connected by three flights of
wooden stairs. The east end of the existing decks appear to be supported by the
west foundation wall of the building. The west end of the decks are supported on
isolated footing pads. Existing decks and stairs were constructed above original
slab-on-grade patios and stairs. An aerial photograph of the site is shown on Fig-
ure 2.
BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJECT NO. GS06866.000-120
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Previous work was done to mitigate water intrusion at the Brettelberg Con-
dominiums. A foundation drain was installed to mitigate water intrusion into the G
level (walkout basement level). Additionally, an interceptor drain was constructed
in the upper parking lot at the south side of the building. CTLIT provided geotech-
nical consultation regarding the water intrusion under our project number
GS05785-145 (report dated August 27,2013).
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
We reviewed a concept plan by John L. Taufer & Associates, lnc. dated
April 1 0,2024. The planned construction consists of removal and replacement of
the upper two decks at the west side of the building. The proposed construction
is shown on Figure 3.
We expect the uppermost deck will be replaced with a concrete slab-on-
grade. Structural fill will be required to raise grades for the slab. We expect struc-
tural fill thickness of about 6 feet. The lower of the two decks will be replaced with
a structurally supported slab. Both slabs will have embedded snowmelt tubing.
Earth retaining walls with a maximum height of about 6 to 7 feet will be con-
structed to facilitate the grade drop at the west and north sides of the upper slab.
We anticipate maximum excavation depths on the order of 4 feet for the retaining
wall footings.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
Subsurface conditions were investigated by observing excavation of two
exploratory pits (TP-1 and TP-2) at the site. The pits were excavated with a track-
hoe on June 19,2024 at the approximate locations shown on Figures 2 and 3.
Exploratory excavation operations were directed by our representative, who
BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
crLlr pRoJEcr No. Gs06866.000-120
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logged subsurface conditions and obtained representative samples of the soils.
Graphic logs of the subsoils encountered in our pits are shown on Figure 4.
Subsurface conditions encountered in our exploratory pits excavated at
the site were about 6 inches of aggregate base course or 3 inches of topsoil un-
derlain by natural clayey gravelwith cobbles and boulders to the maximum ex-
plored depth of 8 feet. Some boulders had maximum dimensions of about 2 feet.
Groundwater was not found in our exploratory pits. The pits were backfilled im-
mediately after exploratory excavation opcrations wcrc completcd. A photograph
of the soils and rock found in our exploratory pits is below.
Soils and rock excavated from TP-1
t]RETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJECT NO. GS06866.000-120
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Samples of the soils obtained from our exploratory pits were returned to
our laboratory for pertinent testing. Gradation analyses indicated 53 percent
gravel, 22 percent sand, and 27 percent silt and clay size material (passing the
no. 200 sieve). The silt and clay portion of the sample exhibited a liquid limit of 32
percent and a plasticity index of 15 percent. The sample tested did not include
rocks larger than 3 inches, which are present in the in-situ soils. The soil had a
tested water-soluble sulfate content of 0.03 percent. Gradation test results are
shown on Figure 5. Laboratory testing is summarized on Table l.
SITE EARTHWORK
Excavations
All existing deck foundation elements and slabs should be removed from
below the new construction. Excavation depths of about 4 feet will likely be re-
quired to construct the new foundations. Our subsurface investigation indicates
excavations to this depth at the site can be made with conventional, heavy-duty
excavating equipment. Medium-size boulders could be encountered. Sides of ex-
cavations must be sloped or retained to meet local, state, and federal safety reg-
ulations. The subsoils at the site will likely classify as Type C soils based on
OSHA standards governing excavations. From a "trench" safety standpoint, tem-
porary slopes deeper than 5 feet that are not retained should be no steeper than
1.5 to 1 (horizontal to vertical) in Type C soils. The contractor's competent per-
son is responsible for determining the actual OSHA soil type when excavations
are made and for maintaining safe excavations.
We do not anticipate excavations for foundations at this site will penetrate
a free groundwater table. Excavations should be sloped to gravity discharges or
to temporary sumps where water from precipitation and seepage can be re-
moved by pumping.
BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJECT NO. GS06866.000-120
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Structural Fill
Structural fill will be required to raise grades for the slabs. Additionally,
voids may result from removal of boulders and/or existing foundation elements,
which will require structuralfill. CTLIT should be called to observe excavated ar-
eas to confirm that conditions are suitable for placement of structural fill.
We anticipate that the excavated soils can generally be reused as struc-
tural fill, providcd they are free of rocks larger than 4 inches, organics, and de-
bris. As an alternative, an aggregate base course or pit run can be imported to
the site for use as structural fill. A sample of desired import soil material should
be submitted to our office for approval, prior to hauling.
Structuralfill soils should be moisture conditioned to within 2 percent of
optimum moisture content, placed in loose lifts of 8 inches thick or less, and com-
pacted to at least 98 percent of standard Proctor (ASTM D 698) maximum dry
density. Moisture content and density of structural fill should be checked by a
CTLIT during placement. Observation of the compaction procedure is necessary.
Backfill
Proper placement and compaction of backfill soils adjacent to foundations
and earth retaining walls is important from a lateral earth pressure standpoint. lt
is also important to reduce infiltration of surface water, which can cause differen-
tial movement of foundations and consolidation settlement of backfill soils. We
expect the the soils excavated from the site can generally be used as backfill,
provided they are free of rocks larger than 4-inches in diameter, organics, and
debris.
BRETTLEBERg CONBOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJECT NO. GS06866.000-l 20
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Backfill soils should be placed in loose lifts of approximately 10 inches
thick or less, moisture-conditioned to within 2 percent of optimum moisture con-
tent and compacted to at least 95 percent of standard Proctor (ASTM D 698)
maximum dry density. Backfill soils within zone that will support new structures or
slabs should be compacted to at least 98 percent of ASTM D 698 maximum dry
density. Moisture content and density of the backfill should be checked by CTLIT
during placement. Observation of the compaction procedure is necessary.
FOUNDATIONS
We recommend constructing the planned earth retaining walls on footing
foundations. Support columns for the structurally supported slab can be con-
structed on footing pads. The footings and footing pads should be constructed on
natural gravel and cobble soil or densely compacted, structural fill. The structural
fill should be in accordance with recommendations in the Structural Fill section.
Recommended design and construction criteria for footing foundations are
presented below. These criteria were developed based on our analysis of field
and laboratory data, as well as our engineering experience.
Footings and footing pads should be supported by the natural
gravel and cobble soil or densely compacted, structural fill.
Footings and footing pads on the natural gravel and cobbles or
densely compacted, structural fill can be designed for a maximum
net allowable soil bearing pressure of 3,000 psf. The weight of
backfill soils above footings can be neglected for bearing pressure
calculation.
A friction factor of 0.45 can be used to calculate resistance to slid-
ing between concrete foundations and the recommended founda-
tion soils.
Continuous footings should have a minimum width of 16 inches.
Footing pads for support columns should have minimum dimen-
sions of 24 inches by 24 inches. Larger sizes may be required, de-
pending upon foundation loads.
1
2
3
4.
BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJECT NO. GS06866.ooo-120
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Footings should be well-reinforced. We recommend reinforcement
sufficient to span an unsupported distance of at least 10 feet.
The soils under footings and footing pads should be protected from
freezing. We recommend the bottom of footings and pads be con-
strucled at a depth of at least 42 inches below finished exterior
grades. The Garfield County building department should be con-
sulted regarding frost protection requirements.
SLAB.ON.G RADE CONSTRUCTION
The upper deck will be replaced with a slab-on-grade. Slabs with embed-
ded snowmelt tubing can be sensitive to movement and damage. All existing
deck foundation elements and slabs should be removed from below the new
slab. Structuralfill below the slab should be in accordance with recommendations
in the Structural Fill section.
We recommend that the slab-on-grade be separated from foundation walls
and retaining walls with slip joints, which allow free vertical movement of the slab.
The slab should be well-reinforced to function as an independent unit. Frequent
controljoints should be provided, in accordance with American Concrete lnstitute
(ACl) recommendations, to reduce problems associated with shrinkage and curl-
ing.
EARTH RETAINING WALLS
Earth retaining walls adjacent to the new slab-on-grade will need to resist
appropriate lateral earth pressures. Many factors affect the values of the design
lateral earth pressure. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type,
compaction, slope, and drainage of the backfill soils, as wells as the rigidity of the
wall against rotation and deflection.
5.
6.
BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJECT NO. GS06866.000-120
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For a very rigid wall where negligible or very little deflection will occur, an
"at-rest" lateral earth pressure should be used in design. For walls that can de-
flect or rotate about 0.5 to 1 percent of wall height, design for a lower "active" lat-
eral earth pressure may be appropriate.
For backfill soils conforming with recommendations in the Backfill section
that are not saturated, we recommend an equivalent fluid density of at least 55
pcf for the at-rest condition. Retaining walls that are free to rotate and allow the
active earth pressure condition to develop can be designed using an equivalent
fluid density of at least 40 pcf for on-site material backfill. These equivalent densi-
ties do not include allowances for surcharges, or hydrostatic pressures.
SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE
Water from precipitation, snowmelt, and irrigation can infiltrate relatively
permeable backfill behind the earth retaining walls. This can cause hydrostatic
pressure behind walls and reduce shear strength of the backfill soils. We recom-
mend provision of drains behind the walls.
The drains should consist of 4-inch diameter, slotted, PVC pipe encased
in free-draining gravel. A prefabricated drainage composite should be placed ad-
jacent to the retaining walls. Care should be taken during backfill operations to
prevent damage to drainage composites. The drains should discharge via posi-
tive gravity outlets. Gravity outlets should not be susceptible to clogging or freez-
ing.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
Surface drainage is critical to the performance of foundations and con-
crete flatwork. Proper surface drainage and irrigation practices can help control
the amount of surface water that infiltrates the soils and contributes to movement
BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJECT NO. GS06866.000-1 20
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of foundations and slabs-on-grade. Positive drainage away from foundations and
slabs avoidance of irrigation near the structures also help to avoid excessive wet-
ting of backfill soils.
The ground surface surrounding the decks and patios should be sloped to
rapidly convey surface water away from the structures. We recommend a mini-
mum constructed slope of at least 6 inches in the first 5 feet around the decks
and slabs. Backfill soils adjacent to the planned structures should be moisture-
treated and compacted pursuant to recommendations in the Baokfill section. lrri-
gation of landscaping should be limited to the minimum amount sufficient to
maintain vegetation; application of more water will increase likelihood of founda-
tion and slab movements. Plants placed close to foundation walls should be lim-
ited to those with low moisture requirements,
CONCRETE
Concrete in contact with soil can be subject to sulfate attack. One sample
of the soil from the site that was tested contained 0.03 percent water soluble sul-
fates (see Table l). Pursuant to ACI 318-19, this sulfate concentration is con-
sistent with a sulfate exposure class of S0. For this exposure class, there are no
special cement requirements for sulfate resistance in concrete that is in contact
with the subsoils.
ln our experience, superficial damage may occur to the exposed surfaces
of highly permeable concrete, even though sulfate levels are relatively low. To
control this risk and to resist freeze-thaw deterioration, the water-to-cementitious
materials ratio should not exceed 0.50 for concrete in contact with soils that are
likely to stay moist due to surface drainage or high-water tables. Concrete should
have a total air content of 60/o +l- 1.5o/o.
BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJECT NO. GS06865.000-120
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CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATIONS
We recommend that CTLIT be retained to provide construction observa-
tion and materials testing services for the project. This would allow us the oppor-
tunity to verify whether soil conditions are consistent with those found during this
investigation. lf others perform these observations, they must accept responsibil-
ity to judge whether the recommendations in this report remain appropriate. lt is
also beneficialto projects, from economic and practical standpoints, when there
is continuity between engineering consultation and the construction observation
and materials testing phases.
GEOTECHNICAL RISK
The concept of risk is an important aspect of any geotechnical evaluation.
The primary reason for this is that the analytical methods used to develop ge-
otechnical 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 in
any geotechnical evaluation should not be considered risk-free. We cannot pro-
vide a guarantee that the interaction between the soils and the proposed struc-
tures will lead to performance as desired or intended, Our recommendations rep-
resent our judgment of those measures that are necessary to increase the
chances that the structures will perform satisfactorily. lt is critical that all recom-
mendations in this report are followed.
LIMITATIONS
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the Brettelberg
Condominium Association. The information, conclusions, and recommendations
herein are based upon consideration of many factors including, but not limited to,
BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLlr PROJECT NO. GS06866.000.120
Page 10 of 11
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the type of structures proposed, the geologic setting, and the subsurface condi-
tions encountered. The conclusions and recommendations contained in the re-
port are not valid for use by others. Standards of practice continuously change in
geotechnical engineering. The recommendations provided in this report are ap-
propriate for about three years. lf the proposed project is not constructed within
three years, we should be contacted to determine if we should update this report.
Our exploratory pits provide a reasonable characterization of subsurface
conditions at the site. Variations in the subsurfacc conditions not indicated by thc
pits will occur.
This investigation was conducted in a manner consistent with that level of
care and skill ordinarily exercised by geotechnical engineers currently practicing
under similar conditions in the locality of this project. No warranty, express or im-
plied, is made. lf we can be of further service in discussing the contents of this
report, please call.
CTLITHOMPSON, I Reviewed by:
Craig A. Burger, P.
Principal Engineer
D. Kellogg,
Principal Engineer
Lo
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36754
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BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJEcT NO. GS06866.000-120
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o 500 1000 NOTE:
SCALET l'- 1000'
BRETTELBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOOLATION
BRETTEI-BERO WEST DECK REMODEL
SATELLITE IMAGE FROM MAXAR
(DATED 2024)
Vicinity
Map
omrnrum
rg
oTUT PROJECT NO. GSO6866.OOO-120 Flg. 1
LIGEND:
TP_1 APPROXIMATE LOCATION OFI EXPLORATORY PIT
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20 40 NOTE:
SCALET 1'= 40'
BRETTELBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOSCIATION
BRETIEIJERO WEST DECT( REMODEL
SATELLITE IMAGE FROM GOOGLE EARTH
(oereo SEPTEMBER 21, 2oz1)
r:.r. ll . .r, ; I
.,-.:.
Aerial
Photograph
TP_2
TP_1
oTUT PROJECT NO. GSO6866.OOO-120 Flg. 2
LEGEN D:
TP_l APPROXIMATE LOCATION OFI EXPLOMTORY PIT
NOTE:
tr
0 10 20
SCALE: 1' * 20'
oN'
BASE DRAWING BY JOHN L. TAUFER & ASSOCIATES INC
(DATED APR|L 1O, 2024)
":.<
- -'atfi'
atGt I
rP-2 @l
,
,i
Mt,A4C6ffiIrF
-E?-
r^*
,.---- -d26'
a at
TP-1
)/t
BRETTELBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTEI.BERG WEST DECK REMODEL
Proposed
Construction Hg 3
:_-\- *
oTUT PROJECT NO. GSO6866.OOO-120
TP-1
TOPSOIL, CLAY, SANDY, ORGANICS, MOIST, BROWN
FILL, GRAVEL, SILTY, DENSE, SLIGHTLY MOIST TO
MOIST, BROWN.
GMVEL, CLAYEY, OCCASIONAL COBBLES AND
BOULDERS, DENSE, SLIGHTLY MOIST TO MOIST,
BROWN. (GC)
INDICATES HAND.DRIVEN CALIFORNIA LINER
SAMPLE OBTAINED.
INDICATES BULK SAMPLE FROM EXCAVATED SOILS.
DEPTH AT WHICH DEEPER PIT EXCAVATION WAS NOT
PRACTICAL-
EXPLORATORY PITS WERE EXCAVATED WITH A
TRACKHOE ON JUNE 19,2024. PITS WERE
BACKFILLED IMMEDIATELY AFTER EXPLORATORY
EXCAVATION OPERATIONS WERE COMPLETED.
2. GROUNDWATER WAS NOT FOUND IN OUR
EXPLOMTORY PITS AT THE TIME OF EXCAVATION.
3, THESE LOGS ARE SUBJECT TO THE EXPLANATIONS,
LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS IN THIS REPORT.
TP-2 ffi
0
55
0
10
15
F
uJ
Lrlt!
IF
o_
uJo
F
UJut
1r
JF
o-uo
10
15
LEGEND:NOTES:
1.
w
F
F
l-
BRETTELSERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTELBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTUT PROJECT NO. OS0€8€r'.000-120
Summary Logs of
Fi[E,rratbry
FIG.4
7a
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SANDS GRAVEL
FINE MEDIUM COARS FINE COARSE COBBLEScLAy (PLAST|C) TO StLT (NON-PLASTTC)
ANALYSIS SIEVE ANALYSIS
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
------t-
-t--t-
9706o
f60
Fz
850(r
uJa40
oulz
Ft!tFzuloEua
'4
127 200
152
90
80
100
30
z0
10
0 .001 0.002 .005 .009 .019 .037 9.52 19.1 36.1 76.2
5"6' 8'
U.S. STANDARD SERIE$
'100 '50'40'30 '10 '10'8
CLEAR SQUARE OPENINGS
3/8" 314" 1vi'
TIME READINGS
60 MtN. 19 MrN. 4 MrN. 1 MlN. '200
.o74 .149 .297 .590 't.19 2.0 2.38 4.76
o.42
DIAMETER OF PARTICLE IN MILLIMETERS
25 HR. 7 HR.
45 MIN, 15 MIN
Somple of GRAVEL, cLAyEY (ec)From TP - 1 AT 5.7 FEET
GRAVEL 51o/o SAND 22
SILT & CIAY 27 % LIQUID LIMIT 32
PLASTICITY INDEi i5
o/
%
o/o
GRAVELSANDS
FINE MEDIUM COARS FINE COARSE COBBLEScLAY (PLASTIC) TO StLT (NON-PLASTIC)
ANALYSIS
't0
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
s0
100
oulzaFut
Fzulo
d.
UJL
127 200
152
100
90
80
otoz6
po
Fz
u50d.l!oqo
30
?o
10
0 9.52 19.1 36.1 76.2.001 0.002 .005 .009 .019 .037
TIME READINGS
60MtN. 19MlN. 4MlN. 1MlN. '200
U.S. STANDARD SERIES
'100 '50 '40'30 '16 '10 '8
CLEAR SOUARE OPENINGS
3/8' 314" ln', 3' 5"6'
.o74 .'149 .257 .590 1.19 2.0 2.38 4.76
0'42
DIAMETER OF PARTICLE IN MILLIMETERS
25 HR. 7 HR.
45 MtN. 15 MtN.
Somple of
From
BRETTELBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTELBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
PROJECT NO. GS06866.000-120
GRAVEL
SILT & CLAV
PLASTICITY INDEX
o/o SAND
% LIQUID LIMI'
oh
o/o
oA
Gradation
Test Results
FIG.5
TABLE I
SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TESTING
GTLIT PROJECT NO. cs06866.m0-120
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D=SCRIPTION
GRAVEL, CLAYEY (GC)
PASSING
NO.200
SIEVE
(o/o\
27
PERCENT
SAND
(%\
22
PERCENT
GRAVEL
(%)
51
SOLUBLE
SULFATES
P/o\
0.03
ATTERBERG LIMITS
PLASTICITY
INDEX
(o/"\
15
LIQUID
LIMIT
e)
32
DRY
DENSIry
(PCF)
MOISTURE
CONTENT
(o/o)
9.8
DEPTH
(FEET)
5-7
EXPLORATORY
PIT
TP-1
Page 1 of 1
Table of Contents
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION 2
4
4
5
5
6
SITE EARTHWORK
FOUNDATIONS...
FIGURE 1 -VICINITY MAP
FIGURE 2 - AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH
FIGURE 3 - PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE 4 - SUMMARY LOGS OF EXPLORATORY PITS
FIGURE 5 - GRADATION TEST RESULTS
TABLE I - SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TESTING
BRETTLEBERG CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BRETTLEBERG WEST DECK REMODEL
cTLIT PROJECT NO. GS06866.000-120