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GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AT
5617 UTE LANE
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
J
Prepared For.
Allen Rathe
5617 Ute Lane
Greeley, Colorado 80634
September 10, 1998
Project No. RATA-8H6E-01-709
l
LANDMARK ENGINEERING LTD.
3521 W. EISENHOWER BLVD. EXHIBIT
LOVELAND, CO 80537 �,I]
^
990222
Landmark
ENGINEERING Ltd. - -
September 10, 1998
Project No. RATA-8H6E-01-709
Mr. Allen Rathe
5617 Ute Lane
Greeley, Colorado 80634
• Gentlemen:
•
The enclosed report presents the results of a geotechnical investigation for the
proposed metal building at 5617 Ute Lane, Greeley, Colorado.
If you have any questions or if we may be of further assistance, please feel free
to contact our office.
Sincerely,
Landmark Engineering Ltd.
-171
ar Miller
Ge logist
LAM/ej
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�p,OO REG/ . ✓�
• 6857 '
The above has bee rev#elr• and alie ied under the direct supervision of
Rodney A. Harr, Colorado �:, ,5j,•.•'V��\\.�
990222
3521 West Eisenhower Blvd. Dale D. Olhausen. P.E. & L.S.
Loveland, Colorado 80537 President
ENGINEERS • ARCHITECTS • PLANNERS • SURVEYORS d
Loveland (970) 667-6286 FAX (970) 667-6298 Denver (303) 629-7124
1i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Letter of Transmittal
Table of Contents ii
Scope 1
Site Location and Description 1
Field Investigation 1
Laboratory Testing 2
Subsurface Conditions 2
Foundation Recommendations 3
Floor Slabs 6
Site Grading, Landscaping and Drainage 6
General Information 7
Location of Borings Plate 1
Legend of Soils and Rock Symbols Plate 2
Boring Logs Plates 3 - 4
Consolidation - Swell Tests Drawings 1 - 2
Suggested Specifications For Placement of
Compacted Earth Fills and/or Backfills Appendix A
990222
SCOPE
The following report presents the results of a geotechnical investigation at 5617 Ute Lane,
Greeley, Colorado. This investigation was performed for Mr. Allen Rathe. The purpose
of this investigation was to obtain technical information and subsurface property data
necessary for the design and construction of foundations for the proposed 60'x 30'metal
building. The conclusions and recommendations presented in this report are based upon
analysis of field and laboratory data and experience with similar subsurface conditions in
the general vicinity.
SITE DESCRIPTION
The project site is located in Southwest Greeley in Arrowhead Subdivision. The proposed
metal building is to be located at the Northwest corner of the lot. An existing house is
located near the center of the parcel. Topographically, the site slopes slightly to the South
at less than 2%.
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FIELD INVESTIGATION
This field investigation consisted of two (2) borings at selected locations on the site. The
borings were advanced with an Acker AD-II drill rig utilizing 4-inch diameter continuous
flight augers.
As the boring operation advanced, an index of soils relative density and consistency was
obtained by use of the standard penetration test, ASTM Standard Test D-1586. The
penetration test result listed on the log is the number of blows required to drive the 2 inch
split-spoon sampler twelve inches, or increments as shown, into undisturbed soil bya 140-
pound hammer dropped 30 inches.
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Undisturbed samples for use in the laboratory were taken in 3" O.D. thin wall samplers
(Shelby), pushed hydraulically into the soil and 2.5" O.D. California saniplers driven into
the soil. Undisturbed and disturbed samples were sealed in the field and preserved at
natural moisture content until time of test.
Complete logs of the boring operation are shown on the attached plates and include visual
classifications of each soil, location of subsurface changes, standard penetration test
results, and subsurface water level measurements at the time of this investigation.
LABORATORY TESTING
The laboratory testing program was undertaken to determine visual classification,moisture
contents, dry densities, swelling and consolidation characteristics, and soluble sulfates.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
Subsurface soils were relatively uniform consisting of silty sands overlying weathered
claystone and sandstone bedrock. A description of each in order of increasing depth
follows.
Silty Sand-At the surface in both borings and extending to depths of 3 to 5 feet, a firm, dry
clay with silty sand was encountered. Laboratory and field data collected indicates this
material offers low to moderate bearing capacities while possessing consolidation
properties when wetted.
Claystone - Below the sands a weathered, tan to gray colored claystone was found.
Laboratory tests indicate this material exhibits moderate bearing capacities while
possessing moderate to high swell potentials when subjected to wet loading.
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Sandstone - Below the claystone and extending to depths explored a dense, poorly
cemented to uncemented silty sandstone was encountered. Test data shows this material
offers high bearing capacities with no swell potentials.
Groundwater-At depths of 13 and 12-1/2 feet, free groundwater was noted in Boring No.'s
1 and 2 respectively. These groundwater levels do not necessarily indicate high levels,
and they should be anticipated to fluctuate throughout the seasons.
FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The selection of the foundation type fora given situation and structure is governed by two
basic considerations. First, the foundation must be designed so as to be safe against
shear failure in the underlying soils, and second, differential settlement or other vertical
movement of the foundation must be controlled at a reasonable level.
Two basic controls are available to us in selecting the foundation type and allowable loads.
These are the standard penetration test and consolidation-swell testing. The ultimate
bearing capacity of the foundation soil depends upon the size and shape of the foundation
element, the depth below the surface, and the physical characteristics of the'supporting
soil.
Drilled Pier(Caisson) and Grade Beam Foundations
Due to the expansive nature of the claystone bedrock, the foundation should be a drilled
pier(caisson) and grade beam foundation. The piers should be designed for a maximum
end bearing of 20,000 pounds per square foot (dead load plus full live load), and side
shear of 1,000 pounds per square foot for that portion bearing in the firm uncemented
sandstone, and a minimum dead load of 8,000 pounds per square foot.
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Difficulty is sometimes experienced in achieving the desired minimum dead load. If this
occurs, we suggest the piers be reinforced full length to take the difference between the
"desired"and the "obtainable"dead load in tension. One half(%) of the side shear value
given above maybe used in uplift provided the sides of the hole are grooved or roughened.
In drilling the piers the following design and construction details should be observed.
1. Piers should be designed for the maximum end bearing pressure and skin friction
specified in this report.
2. All piers should be designed for the minimum dead load pressure specified in this
report.
3. All piers should penetrate a minimum of 4 feet into the firm sandstone bedrock
stratum with a minimum length of ten feet (10') and a minimum diameter of twelve
inches (12').
4. All piers should be reinforced for their full length to resist tension. We recommend
the use of at least two (2) Grade 60, #5 bars for 12"diameter piers. For larger piers,
the area of reinforcing shall be equal to or greater than 0.5 percent of the gross
cross-sectioned area of the pier.
5. A minimum of 4 inch air space should be provided beneath all grade beams to
insure the concentration of dead load pressure on the piers.
6. All piers should be carefully cleaned and dewatered before placing concrete. In our
opinion, casing and/or dewatering probably will not be required.
7. Most of the bedrock at the site can be drilled with normal heavy commercial size
pier drilling rig. Some of the bedrock is very hard and a problem may arise if the
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contractor attempts to drill the pier holes with small drill rigs. In case drilling refusal
is encountered, the depth of penetration into firm bedrock maybe reduced if design
criteria are adjusted accordingly.
8. All pier holes should be inspected during construction by a competent soils engineer
or technician to insure that penetration is started at the proper depth and no loose
material remains in the holes.
9. Concrete should be placed into the pier holes immediately after drilling.
The following recommendations should be followed in the design of the foundation system:
1. All caissons should bear in the uncemented sandstone bedrock.
2. Partition walls should not be placed directly on concrete slabs. They should be
hung from the floor joists, or other approved method which will allow the slab to
heave unimpaired for a vertical distance of 1-1/2 inches. Foundations shall be
provided for all bearing walls.
• 3. Laboratory test results indicate that soluble sulfates are 150 parts per million.
Therefore, a Type I-Il cement should be used for all concrete exposed to the soils
or rock.
4. The bottom of all foundation components (except piers) should be placed at least
three feet (3') above subsurface water levels.
5. The completed open excavation should be inspected by an experienced soils
engineer or technician to confirm the subsurface conditions described in this report
and observe any variations which may affect construction at the site.
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FLOOR SLABS
The slabs placed on the natural ground at the site should be anticipated to heave or settle
to some degree due to swelling or consolidating of the subsoils. Therefore, slabs should
be constructed to be "free-floating", isolated from all bearing members, utilities, and
partitions so that the slab can move unimpaired without producing architectural or structural
damage. Slabs should be placed directly on undisturbed soil, underlain with a four-inch
(4') layer of washed rock to help distribute floor loads, provide a capillary break, and
provide a pathway for potential infiltrating water to be directed toward sump areas. If
moisture sensitive floor coverings are used on interior slabs, consideration should be given
to the use of barriers to minimize moisture rise through the slab. Positive drainage should
be provided for the excavation subgrade to prevent pooling of water beneath the slab. The
slabs should be reinforced with wire mesh, or equivalent. The slabs should be jointed to
a depth of at least one-quarter (1/4) of the slab thickness in dimensions not to exceed
fifteen feet (15') or 225 square feet and at areas of potential cracking. Exterior slabs
exposed to de-icing chemicals or extreme weathering should be constructed using Type
II cement with higher air contents and higher compressive strengths.
SITE GRADING, LANDSCAPING & DRAINAGE
Every precaution should be taken to prevent wetting of the subsoils and/or rock and
percolation of water down along the foundation elements. Water infiltrating along side the
foundation may result in architectural or structural damage due to weathering or swelling
at the subsoils and/or rock. Backfill around the outside perimeter of the structure should
be compacted at optimum moisture, or above, to at least 90 percent of Standard Proctor
Density as determined by ASTM Standard Test D-698. A suggested specification for
placement of backfills is included as Appendix A. Backfill material should be relatively
impervious and non-swelling. The backfill should be free of frozen soil, large dried clods,
and organic matter. Backfilling should only be accomplished when concrete strength and
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adequate support to foundation walls are applied and acceptable to the Foundation
Engineer. It is our opinion that the natural soils at the site could be used for backfill
material. Finished grades should be sloped away from the structure on all sides to give
positive drainage. A minimum of 6 inches fall in the first 10 feet is recommended and
should be maintained throughout the life of the structure. Sprinkling systems should not
be installed within 10 feet of the structure. Downspouts are recommended and should be
arranged to carry drainage from the roof at least 5 feet beyond the foundation walls.
Should landscaping plants be located next to the structure, we recommend the use of
varieties of plant life which require little watering.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The data presented herein were collected to help develop designs and cost estimates for
this project. Professional judgements on design alternatives and criteria are presented in
this report. These are based on evaluation of technical information gathered, partly on our
understanding of the characteristics of the proposed metal building. We do not guarantee
the performance of the project in any respect, only that our engineering work and
judgements rendered meet the standard of care of our profession.
The test holes drilled were spaced to obtain a reasonably accurate picture of subsurface
conditions for design purposes. Variations from the conditions portrayed frequently occur.
These variations are sometimes sufficient to necessitate modifications in design.
We recommend that construction be continuously observed by a qualified soils technician
trained and experienced in the field to take advantage of all opportunities to recognize
different conditions and minimize the risk of having some undetected condition which might
affect the performance of the foundation elements.
990222
17
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ENGINEERS/ARCHITECTS/PLANNERS/SURVEYORS CLIENT: j4 LLEN R -r-r+e
1521 West Eisenhower Blvd., Lovolond, Colorado 80537
(970) 667-6266 Denver (303) 629-7124 Fox (970) 667-6296 SCALE: I ": 4/v I DATE: 9--3-78 I PROJ. ,PpiA 8/16E al 7ei
LEGEND OF SOIL AND ROCK SYMBOLS
FILL MATERIAL Depth Below
Surface
o,a.
.
•
;o^� GRAVELS (GW,GP,GM,GC)
Dv.oWater Level
SANDS(SW,SRSM,SC)
5 After 24 Hours
••; \ SILTS ( ML,MH )
• t
CLAYS(CL,CH,OL,OH
NNN NNN ORGANICS 10 \ Shelby Thin-walled Sampler
"" II
-1 —'- BEDROCK
\ Split-spoon Sampler *
\
•
CLAYSTONE & SHALE \ Q California Sampler
--- 15 \\ •
SILTSTONE `.
SANDSTONE ��
) � \ Bag Sample
); r LIMESTONE 20 '.
;':'; IGNEOUS/ METAMORPHIC
'.'. ROCKS
SYMBOLS COMBINED * Split-spoon sample utilizes a
TO REPRESENT SOIL (40 lb. hammer dropping 30",
MIXTURES Recording number of blows
Example: per 12" or partial increment.
vim, (ASTM D1586)
SILTY CLAY
+a GRAVELLY CLAY
990222
® LandmarkPLATE
LABORATORIES Ltd. NO.
2
3521 west Eisenhower Blvd..Loveland.Colorado 60537(303)667-6266•Greeley(303)356-6286•Denver(303)629-7124
LOG OF BORING BORING
NO.
CLIENT: Allen Rathe DRILL RIG: Acker AD-II 1
PROJECT NO: RATA 8H6E 01 709 ROD SIZE: AW
PROJECT LOCATION: 5617 Ute Lane METHOD OF DRILLING: 4"S.S.
DRILLER: LAM
DATE DRILLED: 9/02/98 ENGINEER/GEOLOGIST: LAM
ELEVATION: natural grade WEATHER: sunny,70 deg. F
L
w
`� w DESCRIPTION w w z Z, REMARKS
m a w w 1— or
w >- < o 0 < OZ } U
0 v) CO Cl) j 3 2 OU o
m -v
- • silty sand,firm, dry-damp,It. brn.- -
brn 2.8 97.8
-5-
11/12 -
claystone w/interlayered sands, -
weathered,v.stiff-hard,gray-tan -
50/7 8.1 99.4 -
-10- 7L weathered silty sandstone, poorly -
cemented, sl. clayey, moist-wet, -
-_ tan-rust -
—_ — water @ 13' -
-15- -_.-Z 50/5 20.6 -
-20
-25-
-30-
-35-
-40-
PLATE 3 -
tLandmarN
LABORATORIES, LTD.
990222
LOG OF BORING BORING
NO.
CLIENT: Allen Rathe DRILL RIG: Acker AD-II 2
PROJECT NO: RATA 8H6E 01 709 ROD SIZE: AW —
PROJECT LOCATION:-5617 Ute Lane - METHOD OF DRILLING: 4"S.S.
DRILLER: LAM
DATE DRILLED: 9/02/98 ENGINEER/GEOLOGIST: LAM
ELEVATION: natural grade WEATHER: sunny,70 deg. F
J
W
JO w DESCRIPTION w wZ
REMARKS
n. 2 2 I— U r COz > LL
CC U
a CO CO U) UU 0 a
("et(
silty sand,firm, dry-damp, It. brn.-
brn 2.8
1_,14/12 12.3 114.5 -
-5- —30/12
- •— — claystone w/interlayered sands,• -
- — _I 50/11 weathered,v. stiff-hard,gray-tan 9.7
10- _ _ weathered silty sandstone, poorly
cemented,sl.clayey, moist-wet, -
- - tan-rust water @ 12.5' -
-15- — -
I -
-20- -
-25- -
-30- -
-35- -
-40- -
PLATE 4 -
tLandmarh
LABORATORIES, LTD.
990222
SWEL .- CONSOLIDATION --EST
2
Test Hole No. 1
I Oa
J `-N Depth (Ft.) 2;
W )water added
-2
_4
Z
O -
Q —6
C
O _8
U)
Z
O
U
0A 1 10 100
LOAD (KSF)
SOIL TYPE, silty sand NAT. MOISTURE' 2.8 0/0
NAT. DRY DENSITY ' 97.8 PCF
2
1
Test Hole No. 1
J
-J
Depth (Ft.) 71
02
id
C.°
Z -1
O
Qwater added
0 -L
O
v)
Z
O
U
1
0.1 1 10 100
LOAD (KSF)
SOIL TYPE' uncemented silty NAT. MOISTURE ' 8. 1 '/o
sandstone NAT. DRY DENSITY : 99.4 PCF
Landmark Client Allen Rathe Drawing No.
Job No.: 1
LABORATORIES LTO. RATA 8H6E 01 709 940222
SWEL! • CONSOLIDATION " EST
8
_ 6 Test Hole No. 2
J Depth (Ft.) 41
4
\a
0 2
Z
0 -
Q o.
a
j J �
O _2
water added-'
d
U
0.1
1 LOAD (KSF) 10 100
SOIL TYPE ' weathered claystone NAT. MOISTURE: 12.3 0/0
NAT. DRY DENSITY = 114.5 PCF
ITest Hole No.
-J
1 J
Depth (Ft.)
0
0
z
0
C
0
co
Z
0
U
Il 01 1 LOAD (KSF) 10 100
SOIL TYPE: NAT. MOISTURE ' %
NAT. DRY DENSITY = PCF
Client= Allen Rathe Drawing No.:
Landmark Job No.: 2
LABORATORIES LTD. RATA 8H6E 01 709 9902 a2
APPENDIX 'A'
Suggested Specifications for Placement of Compacted Earth Fills and/or Backfills.
GENERAL
A Soils Engineer shall be the owner's representative to supervise and control all
compacted fill and/or compacted backfill placed on the project. The soils engineer shall
approve all earth materials prior to their use, the methods of placing, and the degree of
compaction obtained. A certificate of approval from the soils engineer will be required prior
to the owner's final acceptance of the filling operations.
MATERIALS
The soils used for compacted fill beneath interior floor slabs and backfill around foundation
walls shall be non-swelling for the depth shown on the drawings or as recommended in this
report. No material shall be placed in the fill having a maximum dimension of six inches
or greater. All materials used in either compacted fill or compacted backfill shall be onsite
materials or shall be subject to the approval of the soils engineer.
PREPARATION OF SUBGRADE
All topsoil and vegetation shall be removed to a depth satisfactory to the soils engineer
before beginning preparation of the subgrade. The subgrade surface of the area to be
filled shall be scarified to a minimum depth of six inches, moistened as necessary, and
compacted in a manner specified below for the subsequent layers of fill. Fill shall not be
placed on frozen or muddy ground.
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PLACING FILL
No sod, brush, frozen material or other deleterious or unsuitable material shall be placed
in the fill. Distribution of material in the fill shall be such as to preclude the formation of
lenses of material differing from the surrounding material. The materials shall be delivered
to and spread on the fill surface in such a manner as will result in a uniformly compacted
fill. Prior to compacting, each layer shall have a maximum thickness of eight inches; and
its upper surface shall be approximately horizontal.
MOISTURE CONTROL
The fill material in each layer, while being compacted, shall as nearly as practical contain
the amount of moisture required for optimum compaction; and the moisture shall be
uniform throughout the fill. The contractor may be required to add necessary moisture to
the backfill material, in the excavation if, in the opinion of the soils engineer, it is not
possible to obtain uniform moisture content by adding water on the fill surface. If, in the
opinion of the soils engineer, the material proposed for use in the compacted fill is too wet
to allow adequate compaction, it shall be dried in an acceptable manner prior to placement
and compaction.
COMPACTION
When an acceptable, uniform moisture content is obtained, each layer shall be compacted
by a method acceptable to the soils engineer and as specified in the foregoing report as
determined by the Standard Proctor Test(ASTM 698). Compaction shall be performed by
rolling with approved tamping rollers, pneumatic tired rollers, three-wheel rollers, or other
approved equipment well suited to the soil being compacted. If a sheepsfoot roller is used,
it shall be provided with cleaner bars so attached as to prevent the accumulation of
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•
1 material between the tamper feet. The rollers should be so designed that the effective
weight can be increased.
MOISTURE DENSITY DETERMINATION
Samples of representative fill materials to be placed shall be furnished by the contractor
to the soils engineer for determination of maximum density and optimum moisture for these
materials. Tests for this determination will be made using methods conforming to
requirements of ASTM D 698. Copies of the results of these tests will be furnished to the
contractor. These test results shall be the basis of control for compaction effort.
DENSITY TESTS
The density and moisture content of each layer of compacted fill will be determined by the
soils engineer in accordance with ASTM D1556, D2167 or D2922. Any material found to
not comply with the minimum specified density shall be recompacted until the required
density is obtained. The results of all density tests will be furnished to both the owner and
the contractor by the soils engineer.
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