HomeMy WebLinkAboutEngineer's Observation Letter 10.20.2021 Job# 2021-9782 (Client #:39450) 9100 W Jewell Ave STE. 200
8495 Hwy 6 and 24 Lakewood, CO 80232
Parachute, CO 81635 720-440-9450
www.dlengineer.com
2021-9782 Closeout Letter.docx Page 1 of 2
10/20/2021
Foundation Repair of Western Colorado
2575 Highway 6 & 50
Grand Junction, CO 81501
DL Engineering Inc. reviewed the progress of construction from photos provided by the contractor for
the subject project on September 27, 2021. The following is a summary of the observations made:
NEW OBSERVATIONS :
• Reviewed the (17) push piers. There were (8) piers installed on the south wall spaced at
approximately 7’-4”, 8’, 7’ and 5spa. @ 6' o.c. going west to east, (4) installed on the
east wall spaced at approximately 6' o.c., and (5) installed on the north wall spaced at
approximately 6' o.c.
The pier spacing was observed and appears to be in conformance with the
construction documents.
The piers were installed to refusal or to a depth no less than that specified in the
construction documents.
The push piers appear to be installed in conformance with the structural
mitigation plan.
• Reviewed the (5) mono posts. There were (5) steel posts installed on the center beam line
of the house spaced at approximately 9' on center. The mono posts were attached to the
existing timber beam along the center beam line.
The mono posts were attached to the beam above and to the foundation below.
The steel mono posts appear to be installed per the structural plans.
There were additional monoposts with footings and supplemental beams
installed in addition to the original scope. The additional hardware appears to be
installed adequately.
• Site grading around the perimeter of the house did not appear to be modified.
• Vegetation around the perimeter of the house did not appear to be modified.
VOLATILE SOILS:
The moisture around the foundation elements must be controlled for the useful life of the building. Time
has shown that Colorado soils can be unstable, and structures can experience damaging movements due
to expanding and shrinking soils, primarily when moisture changes occur. Maintaining consistent soil
moisture contents around all foundation elements is crucial to minimizing foundation movements. Even
with properly engineered/constructed foundation systems these volatile soils can still exert excessive
pressures causing damage in the residence. If the Owner would like further insight about the on-site soil
conditions and preventative measures, a Geotechnical Engineer should be consulted.
Job# 2021-9782 (Client #:39450) 9100 W Jewell Ave STE. 200
8495 Hwy 6 and 24 Lakewood, CO 80232
Parachute, CO 81635 720-440-9450
www.dlengineer.com
2021-9782 Closeout Letter.docx Page 2 of 2
GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATION:
It is possible that the piers may consolidate the soil under the piers. Because of this, periodic surveys of
the supported structures should be conducted to assure project success. The Owner should be
responsible for annual surveys certifying project success. It is recommended that a baseline survey be
conducted immediately. The Owner should report all findings and reports to the Structural Engineer. If
vertical movement of the foundation walls is discovered, the piers should be re-pressurized. A
Geotechnical Engineer should be present for the re-pressurizing of the piers.
DISCLAIMER
In as much as the site review of an existing structure for the purpose of observing the structure conditions
requires that certain assumptions be made regarding existing conditions and because some of these
assumptions may not be verifiable without expending additional sums of money or destroying otherwise
adequate or serviceable portions of the building, the Client agrees that, except for negligence on the part
of the Engineer, the Client will hold harmless, indemnify and defend Engineer from and against any and
all claims arising out of the professional services we have provided.
If you should have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at (720) 440-9450 or
rwhitcher@dlengineer.com.
Sincerely,
Ross Whitcher, PE