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SOILS AND FOUNDATION INVESTIGATION
SINGLE.FAMILY RESIDENCE
LOT 41, FOUR MILE RANGH
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
Prepared For:
HAGEMANN BUILDERS
P.O. Box 1692
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
Attention: Mr. Frank Hagemann
Project No. GS04451 -B-120
March 18,2005
234 Center Drive IGlenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
Telenhone: 97ñ-9,4F'-2F'00 Fev' Q7ñ-q^c-7
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCOPE
SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS
SITE CONDITIONS
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
EARTHWORK
FOUNDATION
FLOOR SYSTEM AND SLABS.ON-GRADE
BELOW-GRADE CONSTRUCT¡ON
SURFACE DRAINAGE
LIMITATIONS
FIGURE 1 -APPROXIMATE LOCATIONS OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS
FIGURE 2 - SUMMARY LOGS OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS
FIGURES 3 AND 4 - EXTERIOR FOUNDATION WALL DRAINS
TABLE I _ SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
HAGEMANN BUILDERS
LOl 41, FOUR M|LE RANCH
CTLIT PROJECT NO. GS0¿1451-B-120
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SCOPE
This report presents the results of our soils and foundation investigation for
the single-family residence proposed on Lot41, Four Mile Ranch in Garfield County,
Golorado. We conducted this investigation to evaluate subsurface conditions at the
site and provide foundation recommendations for the proposed construction. Our
report was prepared from data developed from exploratory borings, laboratory
testing, englneering analysis and our experience with similar conditions and
construction. This report includes a description of the subsurface conditions at the
site, and presents recommendations for design and construction of foundations, floor
systems, and criteria for details influenced by the subsoils. Construction plans were
not developed at the time of our investigation. lf actual building plans differ
significantly from the descriptions contained in the report, we should be informed so
that we can check that our recommendations and design criteria are appropriate.
SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS
Subsurface conditions encountered in our exploratory borings
consisted of about 0.5 feet of clay "topsoil" and nil to 4.5 feet of silty
clay underlain by clayey silty gravel with cobbles and lenses of sand
and clay. Practical auger refusal occurred on cobbles at a depth of 14
feet in TH-1. Free ground water was not observed in the exploratory
borings at the time of drilling.
2.we recommend constructing the residence on footing foundations that
are supported by the undisturbed, natural soils. care should be taken
to prevent significant wetting of the soils below the building. Design
and construction criteria for footings are presented in the report.
we judge the potential for differential movement will be tow for slabs-
on-grade supported by the undisturbed, natural soils. Additional
discussion is in the report.
surface drainage should be designed to provide for rapid removal of
surface water away from the residence. A foundation drain should be
installed around below-grade areas in the building.
HAGEMANN BUILDERS
LOT 4f, FOUR MILE RANCH
cTLIT PROJECT NO. cS0445l-8.120
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SITE CONDITIONS
Four Mile Ranch is located east of County Road 117 (Four Mile Road) in
Garfield County, Colorado. Lot 4l is southwest of the terminus of Maroon Drive. An
emergency access road is present along the north property boundary. Ground
surface on the lot generally slopes gently down to the west at grades of about 5
percent. Some grading was performed in the east part of the lot Vegetation in the
east part of the lot consists of grass. Sage and native grasses are in the west part of
the lot.
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
Building plans for the residence were not developed at the time of our
investigation. lf construction will differ significantly from the descriptions below, we
should be informed so that we can adjust our recommendations and design criteria
as necessary. We expect the proposed residence will be a two-story, wood-frame
building with an attached garage. A basement and/or crawl space may be
constructed below the building. Similar residences in the area are typically
constructed with slab-on-grade floors in basement and garage areas. Maximum
foundation excavation depths will likely be on the order of 7 to g feet if a basement is
constructed. Foundation loads are expected to vary between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds
per lineal foot of foundation wall with maximum interior column loads of 30 kips.
Completed wall backfill depth may be slightly more than excavation depth as final
grades are adjusted for drainage.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
Subsurface conditions at the site were investigated by drilling two exploratory
borings (TH-1 and TH-2) in the building envelope. The approximate locations of the
exploratory borings are shown on Figure 1. Exploratory drilling operations were
directed by our staff engineer who logged subsurface conditions encountered in the
HAGEMANN BUILDERS
LOT 41, FOUR MILE RANCH
CTLIT PROJECT NO. c50¿1451-B-120
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borings and obtained samples of the soils. Graphic logs of the soils encountered in
our exploratory borings are shown on Figure 2.
Subsurface conditions encountered in our exploratory borings consisted of
about 0.5 feet of clay "topsoil" and nil to 4.5 feet of silty clay underlain by clayey silty
gravelwith cobbles and lenses of sand and clay. Practicalauger refusal occurred on
cobbles at a depth of 14 feet in TH-1. Observations during drilling operations and
results of field penetration resistance tests indicated the clay was stiff and the gravel
was dense. Free ground water was not observed in the exploratory borings at the
time of drilling. Exploratory borings were backfilled immediately after our field
investigation was completed.
Samples of the soils obtained from our exploratory borings were selected for
laboratory testing. Laboratory test results are summarized on Table l.
EARTHWORK
We anticipate excavations for the building foundation and utilities can be
accomplished using conventional, heavy-duty excavation equipment. Excavation
sides will need to be sloped or braced to meet local, state and federal safety
regulations. We believe the soil at this site will generally elassiff as Type B orType C
soils based on OSHA standards governing excavations. Temporary slopes deeper
than 5 feetshould be no steeperthan I to I (horizontalto vertical) in Type B soils and
1.5 to 1 in Type C soils. Contractors should identify the soils encountered in the
excavations and refer to osHA standards to determine appropriate slopes.
We do not anticipate excavations for foundations or utilities will encounter
significant amounts of ground water. However, excavations should be sloped to a
gravity discharge or to a temporary sump where water can be removed by pumping.
The ground surrounding the excavations should be sloped as much as practicat to
direct runoff away from the excavations.
HAGEMANN BUILDERS
LOT 41, FOUR MILE RANCH
CTLIT PROJECT NO. GS0¡l4sl-8.120
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Fill may be required to obtain subgrade elevations for the garage floor and
exterior concrete flatwork. Areas which will receive fill should be stripped of
vegetation, organic soils and debris. The on-site soils free of rocks larger than 6
inches in diameter, organic matter, and debris are suitable for use as fill. Fill should
be placed in loose lifts of l0 inches thick or less, moisture conditioned to within 2
percent of optimum moisture content, and compacted to at least g5 percent of
standard Proctor (ASTM D 698) maximum dry density. Moisture content and density
of fill should be checked by a representative of our firm during placement.
Properly placed backfill adjacent to foundation wall exteriors is impoÉant to
reduce infiltration of surface water and subsequent consotidation. Backfill placed
adjacent to foundation wall exteriors should be free of organic matter, debris and
rocks larger than 6 inches in diameter. Backfill should be moisture conditioned to
within 2 percent of optimum moisture content and compacted to at least gS percent of
standard Proctor (ASTM D 698)maximum dry density.
FOUNDATION
We recommend constructing the residence on footing foundations supported
by the undisturbed, naturalsoils. Care should be taken to prevent significantwetting
of the soils below the building. Our representative should be called to observe
conditions exposed in the completed foundation excavation to check that the
exposed soils are suitable for support of the designed footings. Recommended
design and construction criteria for footings are presented below.
1 Footings supported by the natural soils should be designed for a
maximum allowable soil bearing pressure of 3,000 psf. soils toosened
during excavation or the forming process for the footings should be
removed or re-compacted prior to placing concrete.
2.
HAGEMANN BUILDERS
LOT 41, FOUR M|LE RANCH
CTLIT PROJECT NO. GS0¡1451.8-120
continuous wall footings should have a minimum width of at least 16inches. Foundations for isolated columns should have minimum
dimensions of 24 inches by 24 inches. Larger sizes may be required,
depending upon foundation loads.
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Grade beams and foundation walls should be well reinforced, top andbottom, to span undisclosed loose or soft soil pockets. We
recommend reinforcement sufficientto span an unsupported distance
of at f east 12feet. Reinforcement should be designed by the structural
engineer.
4 The soils beneath exterior footings should be protected from freezing.
we recommend the bottom of footings be constructed at a depth of ãt
least 36 inches below finished exterior grades for frost protection.
FLOOR SYSTEM AND SLABS.ON.GRADE
Similar residences in the area are typically constructed with slab-on-grade
floors in garage and basement areas. Based on our laboratory test data and
experience, we judge slab-on-grade construction can be supported by the
undisturbed, natural soils with low risk of differential movement and associated
damage. Some fill may be required below the garage floor slab and exterior concrete
flatwork. Fill should be in accordance with the recommendations ouilined in the
EARTHWORK section.
We recommend the following precautions for slab-on-grade construction at
this site.
we recommend against placing a gravel or sand tayer below slabs
because it increases the potential for wetting of the soits below the
slabs.
slabs should be separated from exterior walls and interior bearing
members with slip joints which allow free vertical movement of the
slabs.
underslab plumbing should be pressure tested for leaks before the
slabs are constructed. Plumbing and utilities which pass through slabs
should be isolated from the slabs with sleeves and provided with
flexible couplings b slab supported appliances.
Exterior patio and porch slabs should be isolated from the residence.
These slabs should be well-reinforced to function as independent units.
Frequent control joints should be províded, in accordance with
American concrete lnstitute (Acl) recommendations, to reduce
problems associated with shrinkage and curling. our experience
HAGEMANN BUILDERS
LOT41, FOUR MILE RANCH
cTLIT PROJECI NO. cS01145,t.B-120
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indicates panels which are approximately square generally performbetter than rectangular areas.
BELOW.GRADE CONSTRUCTION
Foundation walls which extend below-grade should be designed for lateral
earth pressures where backfill is not present to about the same extent on both sides
of the wall. Many factors affect the values of the design tateral earth pressure. These
factors include, but are not limited to, the type, compaction, slope and drainage of the
backfill, and the rigidity of the wall against rotation and deflection. For a very rigid
wall where negligible or very little deflection will occur, an ,,at-rest', lateral earth
pressure should be used in design. For walts which can deflect or rotate 0.5 to I
percent of wall height (depending upon the backfilltypes), lower,,active', lateral earth
pressures are appropriate. Our experience indicates that typical basement walls can
deflect or rotate slightly under normal design loads, and that this deflection results in
satisfactory wall performance. Thus, the earth pressures on the walls will likely be
between the "active" and ,,at-rest" conditions.
lf the on-site soils are used as backfitl, we recommend design of below-grade
walls using an equivalent fluid density of at least 45 pcf for this site. This equivalent
density does not include allowances for sloping backfill, surcharges or hydrostatic
pressures. The recommended equivalent density assumes deflection; some minor
cracking of walls may occur. lf very little walldeflection is desired, a higherequivalent
fluid density may be appropriate for design. our recent experience indicates most
basement and below-grade walls designed with 45 pcf to 50 pcf equivalent fluid
density have performed satisfactorily. Backfillshould be placed and compacted in
accordance with the recommendations outlined in the EARTHWORK section
Water from rain, snow melt and surface irrigation of lawns and landscaping
frequently flows through relatively permeable backfill placed adjacent to a residence
and collects on the surface of relatively impermeable soils occurring at the bottom of
the excavation, This can cause wetting of the soils below the building and wet or
moist conditions in basement and crawl space areas after construction. We
HAGEMANN BUILDERS
LOT 41, FOUR MILE RANCH
cTLIT PROJECT NO. cS04451-B-120
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recommend provision of a foundation drain around below-grade areas in the building.
The drain should consist of a 4-inch diameter, slotted PVC pipe encased in free
draining gravel. The drain should lead to a positive gravity outfall, or to a sump pit
where water can be removed by pumping. Typical foundation drain details are
presented on Figures 3 and 4.
Ventilation is importantto maintain acceptable humidity levels in crawlspaces.
The mechanical systems designer should consider the humidity and temperature of
air, and air flow volumes, during design of crawl space ventilation systems. lt may be
appropriate to install a ventilation system that is controlled by a humidistat.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
Surface drainage is critical to the performance of foundations, floor slabs and
concrete flatwork. We recommend the following precautions be observed during
construction and maintained at all times after the residence is completed:
The ground surface surrounding the exterior of the residence shourd
be sloped to drain away from the residence in all directions. We
recommend providing a slope of at least 12 inches in the first 10 feet
around the residence, where possible. ln no case should the slope be
Iess than 6 inches in the first 5 feet.
Backfill around the exterior of foundation walls should be placed in
maximum 10 inch thick loose lifts, moisture conditioned to within 2
percent of optimum moisture content and compacted to at least gS
percent of standard Proctor (ASTM D 698) maximum dry density.
3.The residence should be provided with roof gutters and downspouts.
Roof downspouts and drains should discharge well beyond the limits
of all backfill. Splash blocks and downspout extensions should be
provided at all discharye points.
4. Landscaping should be carefully designed to minimize irrigation.
Plants used near foundation walls should be limited to those with low
moisture requirements; irrigated grass should not be located within 5
feet of the foundation. Sprinklers should not discharge within 5 feet of
the foundation and should be dirccted away from the building.
5. lmpervious plastic membranes should not be used to coverthe ground
surface immediately surrounding the residence. These membranes
HAGEMANN BUILDERS a
LOT41, FOUR MILE RANCH I
cTLIT PROJECT NO. G504451-B-120
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tend to trap moisture and prevent normalevaporation from occurring.
Geotextilefabrics can be used to controlweed growth and aUowsome
evaporation to occur.
LIMITATIONS
The exploratory borings drilled at the site provide a reasonably accurate
picture of subsurface conditions. Variations in the subsurface conditions not
indicated by the borings will occur. A representative of our firm shoutd be called to
observe subsoils exposed in the completed foundation excavation to check that the
soil are as anticipated and suitable for support of the footings as designed.
This investigation was conducted in a manner consistent with that level of care
and skill ordinarily exercised by engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers
currently practicing under similar conditions in the locality of this project. No other
warrant¡r, express or implied, is made. lf we can be of further service in discussing
the contents of this report or in the analysis of the influence of the subsoit conditions
on the design of the structure, please call.
cTL ITHOMPSON, tNC.Reviewed by
Edward R. White, E.l
Staff Engineer
ERW:JDK:cd
(5 copies sent)
HAGÊMANN BUILDERS
LOT 41, FOUR MILE RANCH
CTLIT PROJECT NO. cS0¡1451.8-120
James D. Kellogg, P.E.
Project Engineer
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Project No. GS04451-B-12O
Approximate
Locations of
Exploratory
Borings
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BELOW GRADE WALL
ENCASE PIPE IN WASHED
coNcRrrf AGGREGATE (ASTM
c33, NO. 57 0R NO. 67)
EXTËND GRAVEL TO AT LEAST
1/2 HETGHT OF FOOT|NG.
NOTE:
DRAIN SHOULD BT AT LEAST 2 INCHES
BELOW BOTTOM OF FOOTING AT THT
HIGHEST POINT AND SLOPE DOWNWARD
rO A POSITIVI GRAVITY OUTLF| OR TO
A SUMP WHERE WATER CAN BE REMOVED
BY PUMPING.
REINFORCING STEET
PER STRUCTURAL
DRAWINGS
PROVIDE POSITIVT SLIP JOINT
BETWEEN SLAB AND WALL,
FLOOR SLAB
FOOTING OR PAD
PROVIDE PVC SHETflNG
GLUED TO FOUNDATION
WALL TCI REDUCE MOISTURE
PENTTRATION
E¡derlor
Foundation
Wall Drain
SLOPE
PER REPORT
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(coMPosmoN Ar.rD \
coMPAcTIoN PER REPoKf) \
SLOPE
PER
OSHA
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COVER GRAVEL WITH
FILTER FABRIC-
2,' MINIMUM
8'' MINIMUM
OR BEYOND 1:1
SLOPE FROM BOTTOM
OF FOOTING.
(WHTCHEVER tS GRIATER)
4_INCH DAMTTER PERFORATED DRAIN PIPE.
THE PIPE SHOULD BE LAID ¡N A TRENCH
WITH A MINIMUM SLOPË OF 0.5 PERCENT.
fo tnÂü{
F,roject No. GSO¿I451 -B-1 20 Flg.O
SLOPË
REPORT
BELOW GRADE WALL
SLOPE
PER
OSHA
ENCASE PIPE IN WASHED
coNcRrrE AGGREGATI (ASTM
c33, NO. 57 0R NO. 67)
EXTEND GRAVE TO AT LEAST
1/2 HEtcHT OF FOOTING.
INIM
8,, MINIMUM
OR BEYOND 1:1
SLOPE FROM BOTTOM
OF FOCITING.
(wHrcHEVtR ts GREATER)
PROVIDE PVC SHEIIING GLUED
TO FOUNDATION WALL TO REDUCI
MOISTURE PENTTRATION.
REINFORCED STEEL
PER STRUCTURAL
DRAWINGS
CRAWL S
FCIOTING OR PAD
BOTTOM OF EXCAVAÏON
NOTE:
DRAIN SHOULD BE AT LtrEST 2 INCHES
BELOW BOTTOM OF FOOTINC AT THE
HIGHEST POINT AND SLOPE DOWNWARD
TO A POSITIVE GRAVTTI OUTLfl' OR TO
A SUMP WHERE WATER CAN BE RÊMOVED
BY PUMPING.
Exterior
Foundation
Wall Drain
\\gRcxnLL ----
(COMPOSMON AND \
òovpncno¡¡ pen nrponr)t
COVER GRAVEL WITH
FILTER FABRIC
4-INCH DIAME'TER PERFORATED
DRAIN PIPE. THE PIPE SHOULD
BE PLACED IN A TRENCH WITH A
sLoPE RANGE BETWEEN 1/8 |NCH
AND 1/4 rÑCH DROp PER FOOT
OF DRAIN.
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SUPPORTED
SLOPE IÔ DRÀN
Prcject No. GSO4451 -B-1 20 Flg.4
TABLE ISUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTSPROJECT NO. cs0445t_B-120SOIL CLASSIFICATIONPASSINGNO.200SIEVE(o/o\13SOLUBLESULFATES(%)UNCONFINEDCOMPRESSIVESTRENGTH(PSF)ATTÊRBERG LIMITSPLASTICITYINDEX(Y'\LIOUIDLIMIT(o/"115SWELL*('/')NATURALDRYDENSITY(PCF)97NATURAL16.2.5DEPTH(FEEÐBORINGTH-1TH-2nNote: swell due to wetting under an applied load of 1,000 psf. Negative values ind¡cete consolidation.Page 1 of 1
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TH-f TH-2
Drive somple. The symbol 22/12 lndlcofes thql 22
blows of o 140 pound hommer folling 50 lnchss wsre
requlred lo drlve o 2.5 inch O.D. Collfornio sompler
12 inches.
I Drive somple. The symbol 5O/7 indicotes thot S0
h blows of o 140 pound hqmmer folllng 50 inches wers
F required lo drivs o 2.O inch O.D. stqndqrd splif-spoon
| "ompler 7 inches.
LEGEND:
þ
lndlcoles bulk somple token from ouger cuttlngs.
î
lndicotes procllcol solid-stem oug6r refusol.
Explorotory borlngs wore drlllod on Februory 22, 2005
with 4-lnch dlomsfer, solld-slcm ouger ond q
trock-mounled drlll rlg. Explorolory borlngs were
bsckfllled lmmedlolely ofler drllllng operollons were
completed.
Locoflons of explorolory borlngs orô opproxlmote.
No free ground wqler wos found in our explorolory
borings ol lhe llms of drllling.
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tr Sondy cloy otopsollo, orgonics, molst, brown.
n Cloy, silty, sond, scottered grovel, sllff, sllghtly molst,lU brown. (Ct, C¡-UL, ML)
ffi Grovel, cloyey, sllty, cobbles, lansas of sond ond cloy,
dense, slightly moist lo moisl, brown, rust. (GC-GM,
GM, SC-SM, SM, CL-ML)
22/t2 42/12
50/7
5
10
Iort:r
3
Tloo
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to
15
20
25
30
50/s 20
25
NOTES:
t.
30
4. These explorolory borings ore subfecf to lhe
explonotions, llmilotlons ond concluslons os conlolnedin lhfs report
2.
5.
ProJecl No. GS0445|-B-120 SUMMARY LOGS OF EXPLORATORY BORINGS Fïg, 2