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HomeMy WebLinkAboutObservation of Excavation 03.23.2015Gtech HEPWORTH—PAWLAK GEOTECHNICAL March 23, 2015 Cecilia Hadley 7 Meadow Wood Road Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601 (chadley37 hotmail.com) Hepworth-Pawlak Geotechnical, Inc. 5020 County Road 154 Glenwood springs, Cotorado 81601 Phone: 970-945-7988 Fax: 970-945-8454 Email: hpgeorc?hpgeotech.com Job No. 114 409B Subject: Observation of Excavation, Proposed Residence, Lot 1, Four Mile Ranch Subdivision, Red Cliff Circle, Garfield County, Colorado Dear Ms. Hadley: As requested by Scott Baiter, a representative of Hepworth-Pawlak Geotechnical, Inc. observed the excavation at the subject site on March 18, 20I5 to evaluate the soils exposed for foundation support. The findings of our observations and recommendations for the foundation design are presented in this report. We previously conducted a subsoil study for design of foundations at the site and presented our findings in a report dated October 21, 2014, Job No. 114 409A. The proposed residence will be a one story wood frame structure over a crawlspace. The attached garage will have a second story over it and will have a slab -on -grade floor. Foundations were designed to be placed directly on the natural clay soils with an allowable soil bearing pressure of 1,500 psf with some risk of settlement if the bearing soils become wet. At the time of our visit to the site, the foundation excavation was about 85% complete and had been cut in two levels from 11/2 to 3 feet below the adjacent ground surface. The garage area was still being completed. The soils exposed in the bottom of the excavation consisted of medium stiff, slightly sandy silty clay. Results of swell -consolidation testing performed on two samples taken from the site, shown on Figure 1, indicate the soils have low compressibility under light loading and moderate compressibility under increased loading after wetting. No free water was encountered in the excavation and the soils were moist. The soil conditions exposed in the excavation are consistent with those previously encountered on the site and suitable for support of spread footings designed for the recommended allowable bearing pressure of 1,500 psf with some risk of settlement, particularly if the bearing soils become wet. Loose and disturbed soils should be removed in the footing areas to expose the undisturbed natural soils. The bearing soils should be protected from frost and concrete should not be placed on frozen soils. The recommendations contained in the Surface Drainage section of our previous report should be followed to reduce the risk of long term settlement due to wetting of the Cecilia Hadley March 23, 2015 Page 2 bearing soils. Other recommendations presented in our previous report which are applicable should also be observed. The recommendations submitted in this letter are based on our observation of the soils exposed within the foundation excavation and the previous subsurface exploration at the site. Variations in the subsurface conditions below the excavation could increase the risk of foundation movement. We should be advised of any variations encountered in the excavation conditions for possible changes to recommendations contained in this letter. Our services do not include determining the 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. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our office. Sincerely, HEPWORTH - PAWLAKa b ICAL INC. • erF Daniel E. Hardin, P.E.I 444 i .orti ? 7//5414' rtese DEH/ �'�iya`!0�}At. tA,• attachment Figure 1 - SwerePeATiolidation Test Results cc: Batter Construction - Scott Balzer (tuI?LLut cr.coln) Jordan Architecture - Brad Jordan (ford;ui:ILdiitect(rt cltv�,tc�f'kiic.nct Job Nu. 114 409B