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iPaul R. Bryant, P.E.
Foundation Repair of Western Colorado
2575Highways6&50
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Soil Evaluation
and
Structural Repair Plan
for
Eric Conklin
1800 Black Diamond Mine Road
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
2141 Troy Conrt
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: 719.330.3885
E.lvlail: pauhbryant.p. e@,)outlook. com
18 January 2021Job # FR21-505
1t18t2021
Paul R. Bryant, P.E
lntroduction: This report describes the results of an investigation of the soil conditions at
the above-listed address for the purpose of performing a foundation repair. lt also presents
a repair design for the house, as well as provides additional guidance and information
relevant to the proposed project. Soil information was obtained from limited visual
observations on site, and from the resources of the NRCS Web Soil Survey. The Web Soil
Survey (WSS) provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil
Survey. lt is operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and
provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world. The site is
updated and maintained online as the single authoritative source of soil survey information.
It is considered accurate enough to predict with reasonable certainty the probable soil
conditions that will likely be relevant for this particular project.
Observation of Property: The foundation inspection was performed by a qualified
foundation inspector, as authorized by this office. The home is listed in county records as
having been built in about '1990; it consists of a one-story home with walk-out basement.
The foundation appears to consist of cast-in-place concrete. For purposes of this report, the
front of the house is assumed to face west.
The damage to be mitigated by this limited repair project will be to address a condition of
settlement of a portion of the western side of the home's foundation, which could exceed 2"
in total. The foundation walls do not appear to be severely cracked but cracking and
distortion of surfaces and finishes are present.
Cause of Damage: lt is our opinion the damage has resulted from long-term settlement of
the supporting soil. Possible causes of structural settlement and/or excess lateral soil
pressure usually arise from elevated soil moisture conditions, often from poor drainage,
damaged downspouts or leaking plumbing andior sprinkler lines; poor compaction, overly-
dry soils or other adverse soil conditions can be major contributing factors as well.
Soil Profiles: The soilat this site consists of Jerry Loam. This soil profile exists in hilly
locations and consists of linear horizons of loams and channery loams (glacial till) derived
from sandstone and shale alluviums existing below. This material is considered stable in an
undisturbed state, but excavation processes during construction can leave pockets or layers
of poorly-compacted soil that can be susceptible to settlement under heavy load and/or
under the influence of high soil moisture contents. Such settlement can lead to conditions
favorable to ponding water around foundations, further compounding settlement. Typically
well-drained, a water table is not expected to be encountered, although shallow or perched
waier can be present seasonally or if poor drainage exists at or near a structure.
Project Scope: This limited repair plan will involve the use of (5) IMG ModelPP21617-34
push piers, located according to the design accompanying this letter. lt is not expected that
full recovery of the house to as-built conditions or to a fully level, true and plurnb state is
achievable or even desirable, as such work would likely result in more damage than would
be repaired. The underlying/surrounding soil is considered capable of providing long-term
support for the selected systems. Adjustment of installed components may occasionally be
required after installation and minor settlement or movement (less than 1") should not be
considered a defect, as post-construction adjustments are considered common and typical.
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Construction and Materials lnformation: Seismic activity is not considered to be a
sígnificant factor with respect to this project. Frost depth is considered as 36" for this
project; check with the Building Department if there is any question. All structural concrete
shall be Type 2, Sulfate-Resistant, of a strength specified by the accompanying design, or if
not stated, 3,500 psi compressive strength. Typically, slabs, such as basement floors and
driveways, are not considered structural. Below-grade steel shall be galvanized or coated
with a heavy tar layer to prevent excessive corrosion.
Unforeseen site conditions occasionally arise, often when buried obstacles are
encountered. Movement of any pier or brace laterally up to 12 inches is authorized; greater
movement requires contact with this engineer. Minimum helical pier torque is 4,000 foot-
pounds; minimum push pier installation pressure is 3,500 pounds per square inch for
an FSI FS35 drive cylinder or 2,300 psi for an FSI FS425 drive cylinder prior to
observable foundation lift. Deviations from minimum values require consultation with the
engineer. lnterior basement pier installation may require use of a single HSS 6"x6"x1l2"x8"
steel spacer, or two HSS 4"x4"x318" x 8" spacers, side-by-side, to provide clearance for the
floor slab. Piers may be installed on the interior or exterior of the foundation, with
coordination and permission of the homeowner.
Subsurface Drainage: No new or additional subsurface drainage elements are required by
this document. lf an existing drain is encountered, care must be exercised in preventing its
damage, and if damaged, it must be restored to an operational condition. Repairs to
foundation drains typically require inspection and approval by the Building Department.
Groundwater is not expected to be a significant consideration relative to this project;
however, groundwater elevations usually fluctuate seasonally, and mitigation of high
groundwater is not within the scope of this project.
Surface Drainage: Poor drainage is associated with many foundation problems. Property
owners and builders are cautioned that water accumulation around foundation elements is a
primary cause of structural and floor slab distress within homes. Foundation and slab
movement under virtually all conditions can be minimized by maintaining a stable moisture
content within the soil under and around the foundation. Subsequent to, and not included
within this project, the following guidelines are considered vital, as proper surface drainage
is a crucial part of a home's moisture defense system:
The soil surface should be sloped away from the foundation at a minimum slope of
one foot in ten, for a minimum of ten feet along all sides of the structure. Areas of
ponding must be eliminated.
Roof gutters should be employed, and all downspouts must discharge well away from
the foundation, either into a suitable drainage system or into a properly constructed
drainage swale.
Landscaping requiring watering within five feet of ihe foundation should be
eliminated, or watered sparingly with drip systems.
Use of plastic sheeting in landscaped areas near the foundation is regarded by most
experts as detrimental to the overall, long-term performance of foundations. We
discourage its use as well.
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Backfill: Backfill, if any occurs as part of this project shall be performed accordingly:
Backfill against foundation walls should not contain heavy, expansive clays, large rocks,
organic materials, mud, ice or snow. Density of backfilled soil against foundation
components should be 85% Standard Proctor density (ASTM D698) and soil supporting
concrete slabs or other structuraf elements should be g5% density, at a minimum, and must
be performed by mechanical means. Water flooding is prohibited.
Conclusion and Limitations: This report is valid only for the address and the project
scope listed, by the client listed above. The observations described in thís document are
valid for the date of the observation and have been made under the conditions noted in the
report. Use by any other entity or for any other purpose is prohibited, wiihout the express,
written consent of the undersigned engineer. This report is based on published and
anecdotal information; variations from the anticipated the soil profiles may be encountered;
contact the engineer immediately if they are discovered. This report does not cover
geological hazards, such as slope stability or landslide. Such investigations require
extensive investigative techniques and are well outside the scope of this report. Should
such information be desired, contact the engineer for guidance.
This report does not express or imply any warranty of the future performance of the
structure or drainage condition. This report should not be considered a warranty of
condition, and no warranty is implied. The opinions and recommendations presented in this
report are based solely on visual observations available for viewing at the time of the site
visit and information, if any, provided by the Client and/or their representative(s). We are
not responsible for conditions that were not within the scope of our services at the time of
inspection. We did not undertake or perform any destructive or invasive testing. No
additional subsurface testing, material testing, calculations, nor monitoring over time of the
conditions presented in this report are included in this project, lout may be obtained, if
desired, under separate agreement.
Not included in this project is a review of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing,
cosmetic, landscaping, drainage or structural conditions, other than those items specifically
discussed, nor a comprehensive review of compliance with applicable building codes. The
engineer of record has not been retained to perform an independent analysis of the
property's condition. The work covered by this project is not held out as being a complete
repair for all known or suspected structural or foundational issues within the building; its
scope has been limited to that work described within this report with the full knowledge,
understanding and cooperation of the homeowner and/or their designated representative.
Other work may be justified or needed, but, work not included within this report is outside
thescopeofthisrepairproject. lfadditionalworkisrequiredatafuturedate,itwill beunder
a separate contract.
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