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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20162133.tiffColorado Geoscience & Design, Inc. P.O. Box 68 Franktown, Colorado 80116 • Phone: 303.688.2150 • Fax: 303.688.1295 • CoGeoDesign Billy Enyart 4747 National Western Drive Denver, CO 80216 SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION OF 1970 COUNTY ROAD 23 WELD COUNTY, COLORADO REPORT NO. 15-635 September 3, 2015 NOT VALID WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIGNATURE GEOTECHNICAL STRUCTURAL CIVIL ENGINEERS TABLE OF CONTENTS General Site Conditions Field and Laboratory Investigation Foundation Recommendations Criteria for Concrete Slab on Grade Construction Placement of Structural Fill Placement of Foundation Fill Subsurface Drainage Surface Drainage Foundation Excavation General Information Location Map Log of Test Holes Swell / Consolidation Charts Summary of Laboratory Testing Details of Foundation Drain System Foundation Grading Detail Appendix 1 1 1 2 3 5 6 7 7 8 8 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Table 1 Detail 1 Detail 2 Information about the Report Subsurface Investigation Billy Eynart Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. Report No. 15-635 GENERAL This report presents the results of data obtained during the subsurface investigation at 1970 COUNTY ROAD 23, WELD COUNTY, COLORADO. This investigation was made to determine the type of foundation required, allowable bearing capacity, and groundwater conditions encountered at the time of the field investigation. SITE CONDITIONS At the present time the site is vacant. It is our understanding a 3800 sq. ft. steel building is planned for this site. The proposed steel building will consist of metal framed construction with a steel reinforced concrete foundation. We anticipate the foundation loads for the steel building to range from 500 to 1,000 pounds per lineal foot of foundation wall. The topography of the site is generally flat. The vegetation at the site consists of native grass and weeds. The weather was warm and clear at the time of the investigation. If the type of construction changes from that specified above, please contact this office for additional recommendations and/or requirements. FIELD AND LABORATORY INVESTIGATION I Two (2) exploratory test holes were drilled on August 17, 2015 at the site shown on the Location Map, Figure 1. The test hole was drilled with a four -inch (4") diameter auger advanced with a CME-45 soil exploration drill rig. At specific intervals, the drilling tools were removed from the test holes and soil samples were obtained with a two-inch (2") diameter spoon sampling tube. The depths at which soil samples were taken and a description of the soil encountered are shown on the Log of Test Holes, Figure 2, and the Summary of Laboratory Testing, Table 1. All soil samples were carefully observed in the field during the drilling operation. These samples were classified in the laboratory through visual observation and laboratory testing to determine the pertinent properties. The natural moisture content and dry density was obtained from relatively undisturbed drive samples of typical soils. Swell - consolidation tests were performed on typical soil samples see Figure 3. These tests indicate the behavior of the soil upon various loadings in a wetted condition. Groundwater was encountered at a depth of 6 feet in both B1 and B2 at the time of the field investigation. When checked later, groundwater was measured at a depth of 3 feet in both B1 and B2; both boreholes caved to 4 feet. These observations represent the groundwater conditions at the time of drilling or measurement and may not be indicative of the conditions at other times. Groundwater Subsurface Investigation Billy Eynart Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. Report No. 15-635 levels can be expected to fluctuate with varying seasonal weather conditions and if the sites use irrigation for lawns. Site soil conditions encountered may appear different from the test borings as presented in this report. An excavation observation is required and must be performed by a representative of this office to verify existing soil conditions, and the proposed design bearing pressure. The excavation observation must be performed only after the entire building footprint has been excavated to the bottom of bearing elevation. In addition, it may be necessary to revise our foundation recommendations based upon results of the excavation. The fee for this observation and/or revised foundation recommendations is not included in the cost of the soil report. Failure to follow the observation requirements noted herein may jeopardize the success of this construction project and shall absolve Colorado Geoscience and Design Inc. from any and all responsibility for any damages arising from the failure to obtain proper site observations. FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATIONS Based on our evaluation of the subsurface conditions, we recommend the proposed steel building be founded on drilled piers and grade beams or continuous concrete footing and pads or continuous concrete footings and pads. A professional engineer should use the following design criteria to design the foundations. 1. Piers shall be a minimum 12 -inch diameter. 2. Piers shall be a minimum of 22 feet deep embedded 5 feet into the claystone bedrock. 3. Piers shall be designed for a maximum end bearing capacity of 20,000 pounds per square foot. 4. Side shear resistance of 2,000 pounds per square foot for the 5 foot portion of in claystone bedrock. 5. Piers shall be designed to resist uplift per design requirements The pier length should be increased to offset any deficiency as required. 6. All piers shall be reinforced their full length with steel rebar. The pier reinforcing shall be designed to resist the tension resulting from the maximum uplift pressures. No less than 1% of steel based on the pier end area shall be used. The pier reinforcing steel shall extend into the foundation wall a sufficient distance to fully develop the bars in tension. Subsurface Investigation Billy Eynart Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. Report No. 15-635 7. The recommended diameter must be maintained at the top of each pier hole. We recommend forming the top portion of the pier with cylindrical cardboard forms to prevent mushrooming 8. The drilled pier holes shall be cleaned of all loose material and filled immediately with concrete to prevent sloughing of loose soil or infiltration of water. 9. The foundation walls shall be designed for an active horizontal pressure based on an equivalent fluid density of 35 pounds per cubic foot plus any applicable surcharge or hydrostatic loads and shall be designed to distribute the applied loads between piers. 10.A void form of a minimum of four inches (4") shall be placed under the foundation grade beam walls between the drilled piers. 11.If water is present in the drilled pier hole, the concrete shall be pumped or tremmied to the bottom of the pier to displace the water. ALTERNATE FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATION; An alternate and satisfactory foundation recommendation for the proposed steel building would be continuous concrete footings and pads. A professional engineer should use the following design criteria to design the foundations. 1 The footings and pads shall be designed for a maximum soil bearing pressure of 800 pounds per square foot (DL+LL). The entire foundation shall bear on the coarse -grained sand and gravel or structural fill material at least 4 feet above the ground water (See "Placement of Structural Fill"). 2. No footing or pad shall bear upon topsoil or soils that contain organic material. All loose and disturbed soil shall be removed before pouring the concrete for the footings or bearing pads. 3 All continuous footings supporting perimeter concrete foundation walls shall be at least 16 inches wide. We recommend footings be reinforced to bridge isolated soft areas up to 10 feet. Exterior footings should be provided with at least 3 feet of soil cover for frost protection, or per county codes. 4 The foundation walls shall be designed for an active horizontal pressure based on an equivalent fluid density of 35 pounds per cubic foot plus any applicable surcharge or hydrostatic loads. 5 In place structural settlements are very difficult to predict with any reasonable accuracy, due to the large number of variable geotechnical parameters involved. However, based upon the currently available methods of settlement prediction, it Subsurface Investigation Billy Eynart Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. Report No. 15-635 is estimated that total structural settlement will be on the order of 1" and differential structural settlement will be on the order of W. •-� __'- -a--. -_ - _� - ---�_-.: r,..-_� rr-. -, _ -,_ _ _.._ _ _ _ _ CRITERIA FOR SLAB -ON -GRADE CONSTRUCTION Virtually all concrete slabs undergo some type of movement. Concrete slabs placed on soils comprised of medium dense or dense granular material, or comprised of soft or stiff clays with swell potential less than 1% under a 1,000 lb. surcharge is considered unlikely to sustain intolerable movement by standard engineering practice. Cracking of slabs -on -grade is difficult to control and should be expected to occur with time. Cracking may be the result of many factors such as concrete shrinkage and daily and seasonal variability in temperature and humidity and not necessarily the result of soil movement. Further, cracks and movement of slabs -on -grade can be transmitted through rigid floor coverings such as ceramic tile. Performance expectations should be taken into consideration in the selection of floor slab coverings. If floor coverings or coatings less permeable than the concrete slab are used, or if moisture is a concern, we recommend a vapor retarder be placed beneath the slab. Flooring installation should be consistent with the flooring manufacturer's recommendations for subsoil and slab construction and moisture testing prior to installation. A change in water content in soils is a major contributor to slab movement. Colorado Geoscience and Design recommends that steps be taken to reduce the possibility of intolerable concrete slab movement due to changes in water content. Properly landscaped yards, drainage from the foundation walls, and the installation of perimeter and/or under slab drainage systems are ways to mitigate changes in the water content of the indigenous soils (See "Surface Drainage"). A slab performance risk evaluation was conducted in general compliance with industry guidelines for the local area. The risk assessment of a site for potential movement is not absolute; rather, it represents a judgment based upon the data available and our experience in the area. Movement of foundations and concrete flat work will occur over time in low to very high risk areas as the soil moisture content increases. On low and moderate rated sites, slab movements of up to 3 inches across the slab with cracking of up to '/� inch in width and/or differential movement are not unusual. The damage generally increases as the risk assessment increases and as the depth of wetting increases. It must be understood, however, that assessing risk is an opinion, and the prediction of heave is not an exact science. Therefore, it may be possible that heave less than or in excess of what is described herein may be experienced. This risk should be communicated to the subsequent homebuyer. We recommend the owner or prospective buyer review "A Guide to Swelling Soils for Colorado Homebuyers and Subsurface Investigation Billy Eynart Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. Report No. 15-635 Homeowners", which is a special publication produced (SP43) by the Colorado Geological Survey to assist homeowners in reducing damage caused by swelling soils. Swell Potential Chart Slab Performance Risk Category Representative (1,000 psf Surcharge) Percent Swell Low 0 to <2 Moderate 2 to <4 High 4 to <6 Very High ≥6 Note: the representative percent swell values presented are not necessarily measured values; rather, they are a judgment of the swell of the soil and bedrock profile likely to influence slab performance. The swell potential of the indigenous soils for the residence at this site meet the criteria for low risk of slab -on -grade movement. Concrete slabs may be used for the building slabs and exterior surface (sidewalks, patios and aprons) placed on the native soil. Furthermore, intolerable movement of any slab on grade may occur at the site as a result of future factors beyond the control of Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. If differential slab -on -grade movement is not acceptable to the owner/builder and, if the owner/builder is unwilling to accept the risk of differential slab -on -grade movement structural floors above crawl spaces are required. The owner/builder shall be cautioned that problems with mold may arise when floors are built over a crawl space or with a structural floor. In order to prevent such problems, it may be necessary to take specific actions to mitigate the potential for molds, such as installing actively controlled humidistat systems and devices, providing adequate ventilation of enclosed spaces below the floor, and/or treatment of the soils with anti - mold, anti -fungal chemical agents. Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. will not be responsible for any and all claims arising from issues of mold or fungal contamination. It is the builder's responsibility to adequately address these issues during construction. If the owner/builder accepts the risk of slab -on -grade movement and chooses a slab -on - grade floor, the following steps shall be part of the concrete slab design: • Any soil disturbed during construction shall be compacted by use of a vibratory plate in the case of loose granular soils or wheel rolled by heavy equipment in the case of soft clay or silt soils prior to placement of the concrete slab. • The soil should be kept moist but not wet during the compaction process as well as immediately prior to the placement of the concrete slab directly onto the soil. Steps shall be taken to ensure that subsurface moisture beneath the concrete slab remains constant during the construction process. Subsurface Investigation Billy Eynart Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. Report No. 15-635 • The concrete slab shall be structurally isolated from all foundations and shall be isolated from penetrations by suitable expansion material not less than 1/2" thick. The floating concrete slab shall be completely isolated from all utility lines. • Control joints shall be provided in the concrete slab. These control joints must be saw cut or tooled to a minimum of one third of the thickness of the slab. No portion of the concrete slab will have an area greater than neither 100 square feet nor a maximum dimension of 12'-0" in any direction without a control joint. • All non-bearing partition walls shall be constructed with a minimum of 3 inches of float to allow for slab -on -grade movement. PLACEMENT OF STRUCTURAL FILL Where structural fill placement is required, the following requirements shall be followed. The structural fill material shall consist of non -expansive soil free of deleterious material (organic, frozen of other unsuitable material) and rocks greater than 3" in diameter and must be approved by Colorado Geoscience & Design, Inc. The fill material should be compacted in lifts not to exceed 8 inches after compaction, while maintaining a minimum of 95% of its maximum standard Proctor dry density (ASTM D-698). Non -cohesive soils (sand) shall be placed at ±2% of the optimum moisture content and cohesive soils (clay) shall be placed at +3% to —1% of optimum moisture content. A Standard or Modified Proctor Curve (whichever is applicable) by Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. or an approved testing firm is required. An excavation observation and soil density test is required and shall be performed by a representative of Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. to verify soil conditions, the depth of excavation, and quality of the compacted soil prior to the placement of the footings and pads. The fees for these tests are not included in the cost of the subsurface investigation. PLACEMENT OF FOUNDATION FILL Expansive soil is not suitable for backfill material adjacent to the foundation backfill or for retaining walls. Any soil disturbed or imported material adjacent to the foundation walls shall be re -compacted to a minimum of 85% of Standard Proctor Density, ASTM D-698. Compaction of each lift adjacent to walls should be accomplished with hand -operated tampers or other lightweight compactors. Over compaction may cause excessive lateral earth pressure, which could result in wall movement. No water flooding techniques should be used in the compaction of backfill. Subsurface Investigation Billy Eynart Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. Report No. 15-635 II SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE The installation of an exterior foundation perimeter drainage system is required for any habitable space below grade level. See Perimeter Drain Detail 1, for a suggested method of installing this system. The perimeter drain shall discharge at a daylight location a minimum of 15 -feet away from the home. The daylight end shall have a screened end section to prevent rodents from entering the drain. Alternatively, the perimeter drain may discharge into a sump pit with a sump pump. If a sump pit is used, homeowners should perform routine observations of the sump pump system to make sure it remains in good working order. Failure to install and failure of a sump pump system can cause serious foundation problems. Water accumulation around foundation elements is the major cause of foundation stress, therefore proper installation of the perimeter drain is very important. SURFACE DRAINAGE I The backfill soil around the foundations should be moistened and well -compacted in 12 - inch maximum lifts with hand operated mechanical compaction equipment to prevent future settling. Controlled puddling of the backfill soils is not allowed. Site grading is critical. A simple means of reducing moisture change to prevent water infiltration into the soil is to slope the ground away from the foundation. For proper drainage, a slope of 10% (1' in 10') away from the foundations in all directions is required. This slope must be maintained for a minimum distance of 10'-0". The property owner should inspect the area around the foundation regularly particularly after rainstorms to determine if proper drainage away from the structure has been maintained. The owners are advised to immediately fill in any settled area near the foundations to eliminate containment of water. Roof drainage should include gutters, downspouts, extensions, and splash blocks. Down spouts must discharge onto concrete splash blocks or into metal gutter extensions at least 6 foot away from the foundation walls and beyond any backfill zones directing water away from the foundation. The owners should be cautioned regarding the installation of a lawn adjacent to the foundation walls. Lawn irrigation must be more than five feet (5') from the foundation walls to prevent wetting of the subsurface soils. Lawn and/or plants should not be planted within five feet (5') of the foundation walls. We recommend providing decorative gravel or bark around the foundations, as shown in Foundation Grading Detail 2. This method will prevent ponding of water and provide for proper drainage from the foundations. Non -woven geo textile fabric can be placed under the mulch to reduce weed growth and still allow some evaporation of soil moisture. Subsurface Investigation Billy Eynart Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. Report No. 15-635 Sprinkler heads and emitters should not be located or spray within 5 feet of the foundation or patio slabs and beyond backfill zones. Plantings near the foundations should not trap surface runoff. Furthermore, sidewalks or low-water consumption groundcover are recommended to further reduce the risk of water infiltration near the foundation walls. All pressurized irrigation lines and valve boxes should be located at least 10 feet from the foundation or patio slabs. Buried rain gutter discharge pipes are not recommended because of often undetected seepage problems caused by clogging, crushing and adverse grading of the pipes. Similarly, infiltration basins are not recommended adjacent to or upgrade of adjacent structures. If detention is required by statute, infiltration basins should be located down gradient and at least 30 feet from foundations. Changes in site grading by landscapers or property owners can have damaging effects on foundations and concrete basement and garage slabs -on -grade. It is the property owner's responsibility to control water and maintain the site to prevent infiltration near foundations. Additionally, it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain downspouts and buried sprinkler system conduits. FOUNDATION EXCAVATION Precautions should be taken in deep excavations for safety of workers and to protect nearby structures. The sides of the temporary excavations should be sloped or benched at a '/zH to 1V maximum rate. Spoils for the excavation should not be placed within 2 feet of the excavation sidewalls and the excavation should not be subject to excess vibration wetting or drying. The owner contractor should be familiar with the OSHA Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, 29 CFR, Part 1926, or the appropriate foundation chapters of the International Building Code prior to construction. GENERAL INFORMATION Based on this subsurface investigation, the proposed foundations appear to be technically feasible to be constructed at the proposed site. The structures should be designed for construction in the direct vicinity of the boring location. If the proposed locations change, additional borings will be required to assess the soil conditions at the new location. Permitting work will be required to obtain any local and state approval, and design work will need to be performed by a qualified professional engineer to bring this project into final design, and subsequent construction. A qualified contractor experienced with similar projects should carry out the construction of this project. The construction process should be carefully observed and documented Subsurface Investigation Billy Eynart Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. Report No. 15-635 to ensure the construction is performed in accordance with the design drawings and technical specifications. In any soil investigation it is necessary to assume that the subsurface soil conditions do not vary greatly from the conditions encountered in our field and laboratory testing. Our experience has been that at times soil conditions do change and variations do occur and may become apparent at the time of excavation for the foundation system. The work contained herein was performed by, or under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Colorado. Professional judgments and evaluations are presented based on information gathered during the drilling operations, conversations with the owner and/or contractor, and on experience with similar projects. The performance of the project is not guaranteed in any manner, only that the engineering work and judgments rendered meet the standard of care of the engineering profession. The engineering services performed are within the limits set by the Client, with the usual thoroughness and competence of the engineering profession. No other representation, expressed or implied, is included or intended. The parties specifically agree that Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. has not been retained nor will they render an opinion concerning any environmental issues, hazardous waste or any other known or unknown conditions that may be present on this site, since this is not in the scope of this report. COUNTY ROAD 23 AFOUNDATION SOIL TEST BORINGS OPERCOLATION TEST HOLES SOIL PROFILE HOLE UNSUITABLE SOIL PROFILE HOLE PROPERTY LINE GARAGE PROPERTY LINE 100° 45? B? b 72 P3 N P2 SJ P1 165° 17 ID GPS LOCATOR ELEV B1 N 40°01.631' W 104°50.850' 4957 SPH N 40°01.628' W 104°50.824' 4956 1144 Colorado Geosclence & Design,Inc. P.O. BOX 66, FRAMCT°WN, CO. 6011e, �PFICHE / (303) MS -2150 SITE MAP ALL LOCATIONS SHOWN ARE BASED ON SPECIFIC INFORMATION FURNISHED BY OTHERS OR ESTIMATES MADE IN THE FIELD BY COLORADO GEOSCIENCE PERSONNEL THE LOCATIONS, DISTANCES, DIRECTIONS, ETC. ARE NOT THE RESULT OF A PROPERTY SURVEY BUT ARE APPROXIMATIONS AND ARE NOT WARRANTED TO BE EXACT. IT 1S THE OWNER/BUILDER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO DEFINE PROPERTY BOUNDARIES AND ENSURE ALL ON -SITE IMPROVEMENTS ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE PLATTED SITE AND OUT OF INAPPROPRIATE EASEMENTS. ALL DISTANCES ARE TO BE VERIFIED PRIOR TO EXCAVATION. BILLY ENYART SITE LOCATION 1970 COUNTY ROAD 23 WELD COUNTY, COLORADO SCALE 111=100' JOB NO. 15-635 FIG. 1 J Colorado Geoscience and Design, Inc. PROJECT: Subsurface Investigation JOB NO: 15-635 CLIENT: Billy Enyart Log of Test Holes LOCATION:1790 County Road 23, Weld County, Colorado DRILLING METHOD: 4" Continuous Flight Auger 1 2 El. 100 El. 100 Elevation Feet 100 - 8/12 :: : .. • H. •.:.: Fine-grained sand, clayey, loose, moist, brown y : ; " :: ... . ; •• ••..• Fine-grained sand, clayey,• 100 loose, moist, brown _ Elevation Feet ` ; 12/12 a . • — Hrs Coarse -grained sand and 24 - gravel, medium dense, 96 - _: ia• • 0 . 24Hrs. Coarse -grained sand and ■ gravel, medium dense, slightly moist, brown •��. S; 96 slightly moist, brown — - 19/12 ebb. .!•. ��• Q . .!. ". 92 ■ - - - ••`. �! Vii.` .a :i.o: . 15/12 ■ �•.. :•CIr •. jp:` .!•. e•:t .s. 92 - - 88 28/12 �..;, % t . •D • •�"1 .!. is ► t •. 1►i.`. •ra. .!. 88 - 84 • . a • Ic. .0. ID.• ► 0 j•• 84• - Claystone, very moist, gray •wbrown NR ■ - Claystone, very moist, gray No Recovery brown 80 80 50/6 = _. 76 ■ 76 72 72 Notes: 1. x/y inches 2. indicates that "x" number of blows of a 140 -pound hammer falling 30 are required to drive a 2 -inch diameter sampler "y" number of inches. Indicates depth at which soil samples were taken. Where Applicable -- z a: Indicates ground water encountered during the drilling operation. Q b. c. Indicates ground water encountered after 24 hours. Indicates auger refusal. d. C Indicates caving. Figure 2 SWELL - CONSOLIDATION TESTS + +8 J +6 J +4 ur O Ce O +2 O Z 0 `" O _ Z -2 U O W O -4 CL z -6 0 U -8 IMP Swell/Consolidation under pressure due to wetting Water added to sample i a 100 300 1M 3M 5M 10M 20,000 APPLIED PRESSURE (PSF) Test Hole No. 1 Depth 3' Soil Description: Fine-grained sand, clayey, loose, moist, brown + +8 J J +4 Cl, O +2 O 0 0 z 0 o W Q 2 U C1 W O -4 a. co -6 0 U +6 -8 28,000 Swell/Consolidation under pressure due to wetting Water added to sample I 100 300 1M 3M 5M 10M 20,000 APPLIED PRESSURE (PSF) Test Hole No. 1 Depth 8' Soil Description: Coarse -grained sand and gravel, medium dense, slightly moist brown 28,000 JOB NO. 15-635 FIGURE 3 t)) L; CD CD E z .O O SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TESTING • Soil Description Fine-grained sand, clayey, loose, moist, brown Coarse -grained sand and gravel, medium dense, slightly moist, brown Coarse -grained sand and gravel, clayey, medium dense, slightly moist, brown Claystone, very moist, gray brown Coarse -grained sand and gravel, medium dense, slightly moist, brown Coarse -grained sand and gravel, medium dense, slightly moist, brown e%AN 13 C Cl.N CD O N r CO N r I O N1 r 1 O r r C O 0 *, Lc" 37) ' N = CC 0 O U C'7 g O o Nh 8 J 0 N c) i 8 J o o 2 19 20 38 30 32 NR* Loose '. Tr EN 2 3 ca ca = N r o0 N_ a) N_ Co N O Q N N r N_ 1 1.0 r c O Gravel Sand Passing #200 sieve eita 0/0 N N r CO Nr co 7 -- co -O /co V Co N- co LO co CD o0 r O) to O Co ` 'Cr N N C) 'Cr c L. 4, O O C 2 O U M r N- r (t) r o N r t - d o 't- t7 CO d N d o) o O O 2 r- r t-- r N N *NR - No Recovery COLORADO GEOSCIENCE AND DESIGN, INC. APPENDIX Important Information About the Report The data collected by Colorado Geoscience & Design, Inc. during this investigation was used to provide geotechnical information and recommendations regarding subsurface conditions on the site investigated, the effect of those conditions on the proposed construction, and the foundation type for the named client. The stratification lines indicated on the boring log are approximate, and subsurface conditions encountered may differ from those presented herein. This uncertainty cannot be eliminated because of the many variabilities associated with geology. For example, material and engineering characteristics of soil and bedrock may change more gradually or more quickly than indicated in this report, and the actual engineering properties of non -sampled soil or rock may differ from interpretations made based on boring logs. Quantitative conclusions regarding the performance of geotechnical structures prior to construction are not possible because of the complexity of subsurface conditions. Rather, engineering judgments and experience are used to estimate likely geotechnical performance and provide the necessary recommendations for design and construction. Put another way, we cannot be sure about what is not visible, so the collected data and our training and experience are used to develop predictions and recommendations. There are no guarantees or warranties implied or expressed. The owner and/or client must understand that uncertainties are associated with geotechnical engineering, and they, the owner and/or client, must determine the level of risk they are willing to accept for the proposed construction. The risks can be reduced, but not eliminated, through more detailed investigation, which costs more money and takes more time, and through any appropriate construction which might be recommended as a result of that more detailed investigation. To reduce the level of uncertainty, this report was prepared only for the referenced client and for the proposed construction indicated in the report. Unless authorized by Colorado Geoscience & Design, Inc. in writing, the owner will assume additional geotechnical risk if this report is used for any construction that differs from that indicated in the report. Our firm should be consulted well before changes in the proposed construction occur, such as the nature, size, configuration, orientation, or location of any improvements. Additionally, the knowledge and experience of local geotechnical practices is continually expanding and it must be understood the presented recommendations were made according to the standard of practice at the time of report issuance. If the construction occurs one or more years after issuance of the report, the owner and/or client should contact our firm to determine if additional investigation or revised recommendations would be advisable. Geotechnical practice in the Denver Region must consider the risk associated with expansive soils and bedrock. Geotechnical practice in the Denver area uses a relative scale to evaluate swelling potentials. As stated in the Subsurface Investigation, when the sample is wetted under a surcharge pressure (loading) of 1000 pounds per square foot (PSF), the measured amount of swell is classified as low, moderate, high, or very high. Page 1 of 3 Table 1 presents the relative classification criteria for the percentage of expansion relative to the initial sample height, at the indicated surcharge pressure. Swell Potential Chart SWELL POTENTIAL AT 1,000 LBS. CLASSIFICATION 0 to %2% Non-expansive/Very low 1/2 to 11/2% Low 1'/2 to 31/2% Moderate 3'/2to6% High 6 to 8% Very High Greater than 8% Critical I The swell potential classifications are based on the percentage of swell for samples placed on swell/consolidation machines under a surcharge of 1000 pounds per square foot. The relative swell classification can be correlated to potential slab damage as follows: Low - minor slab cracking, minor differential movement, and heave Moderate - lab cracking and differential movement, partial framing void and furnace plenum closure. High to Very High - large slab cracking and differential movement, closed voids, closed furnace plenum, and possible pipe rupture. These effects are based on monitoring and observation by several firms in the Denver metropolitan area and are not limited to the relative swell classification. More or less damage can occur in all classifications because of the uncertainty associated with subsurface conditions and geotechnical engineering. It is important to note that measured swell or soil expansion is not the only geotechnical criteria for the type of floor and foundation recommendations. Additional criteria considered include: • Soil and bedrock type and variability • Stratigraphy • Groundwater depth and anticipated post -construction moisture conditions. • Surface water drainage and features • Post -construction landscaping and irrigation • Construction details and proposed use • Local experience Page 2 of 3 Post -construction landscaping and owner maintenance will greatly affect structures on expansive soils and bedrock. Typically, irrigated landscaping increases the soil moisture content above the pre -constructed water content. Slabs, pavements, and structures significantly reduce evaporation of the soil moisture. Therefore, post - construction heave and resulting damage to buildings and other improvements are likely to occur on sites with expansive soils because of the high probability that subsurface moisture content will increase as the property and surrounding area is developed. Poor owner maintenance, such as negative slopes adjacent to foundation walls and irrigated landscaping adjacent to the foundation, also will significantly increase the risk of damage from expansive soil and bedrock. The property owner, and anyone he or she plans to sell the property to, must understand the risks associated with construction in an expansive soil area and also must assume responsibility for maintenance of the structure. The owner and prospective purchaser also should review "A Guide to Swelling Soils for Colorado Homebuyers and Homeowners, " which is a special publication (SP 43) produced by the Colorado Geological Survey to assist homeowners in reducing damage caused by swelling soils. Page 3 of 3 BRACE WALLS, TOP & BOTTOM, PRIOR TO BACKFILL CONCRETE GRADE BEAM FLOOR SLAB EXPANSION JOI VOID BETWEEN PI WELL SLOPED - 1211'Ilj' PER r10 FT. MIN. DO NOT DIKE WITH (500 OR EDGING z 4 TOP 12" OF WELL -COMPACTED BACKFILL MODERATELY COMPACTED BACKFILL DAMP PROOFING POLYETHYLENE GLUED TO WALL AND EXTENDED ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE EXCAVATION. 15# BUILDING FELT 4" MIN. 4" MIN. ye - 3/4" TO 1 1/2" CLEAN GRAVEL 4I1'III' DIAMETER PERFORATED PIPE. SLOPE DRAIN PIPE 1/8" PER FOOT TO DAYLIGHT, OR TO A SUMP PIT. IF TO DAYLIGHT, COVER END WITH SCREEN. BACKFILL AROUND THE FOUNDATION SHOULD BE MOISTENED AND COMPACTED AND THE FINAL GRADE SHOULD BE WELL SLOPED TO PRECLUDE PONDING OF RAINFALL, IRRIGATION WATER, AND SNOW MELT ADJACENT TO FOUNDATION WALLS. CAUTION: DO NOT DIKE OR IMPEDE THE FLOW OF WATER AWAY FROM FOUNDATION WALLS WITH SOD, EDGING OR DECORATIVE GRAVEL AND POLYETHYLENE. DOWNSPOUTS AND SILL COCKS SHOULD DISCHARGE INTO SPLASH BLOCKS OR LONG EXTENSIONS. DRAIN SYSTEM BELOW GLADE AND BACKFILL DETAILS (FOR PIER FOUNDATION) DETAIL 1 FOUNDATION GRADING DETAIL 1 4'-0" MINIMUM „too. btzgiP o.�0po,00t, o40 ry/ SOIL TO BE SLOPED AWAY FROM FOUNDATION. FOUNDATION WALL NOTE: 1. PROVIDE A MINIMUM SLOPE OF 6" IN THE FIRST 10'--0" FROM HOUSE (10%). 2. DOWNSPOUTS AND EXTENSIONS SHOULD EXTENDED 5'-0" BEYOND THE FOUNDATION. GRADE DETAIL 2 Hello