HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubsoils Report for Foundation DesignBLKE-06-A6-f56
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GEOTECH NICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT
Single-Fa mily Residence
Lot 1 County Road 311
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest Project No.: 24-156
June t9,2024
Prepared for:
Patrick Gilson
110b county road 121
Carbondale CO 81623
Prepared by:
Geo Quest, LLC
PO Box 1372
Rifle, CO 81650
Phone: 970-318-6784
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GEo Glugsr
{970) 318-6784
PO Box 1372
Rifte, CO 81650
geoqufftco@pm.me
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT
Single-Family Residence
Lot 1 County Road 311
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest Project No.:24-156
June L9,2024
Prepared by:
Kevin E. Dye, P.E.
Principal
6lts/24
57r59
GEo Gluzsr
{970} 918-6784
PO Box 1372
Rifle,CO 81650
geoquestco@pm.me
1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY.
2.0 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.4 DRAINAGE CoNSIDERATIONS
7.0 EARTHWORK RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1- SITE GRUBBING AND STRIPPING ....
7.2 BUTLDTNG Pao PRepaRnnoN ................
7.3 FILL MATERIAL
7.4 CoMPAcrroru RreurReuENTS....
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4
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3.0 stTE coNDtTtoNs
4.0 SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION
5.0 SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
List of Figures
FrcuRe L - PRoJEcTAND AppRoxrMnrs Bonrrue LocATtoN Mnp ...........
FIeune 2 -VIEW LooKING NoRTH
Teglr 2 - BoRtNG DEprHs, GRoutrtowRrrn Drprus Rruo Aue rn RrrusRt-..
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List of Tables
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il
Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No. 24-L56
1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY
This report presents the results of our geotechnical investigation for improvements to a property south
of Silt, Colorado with the following legal description:
Parcel: 240112400262, Section: 12, Township:7, Range: 92,Lot:L
Our scope of services included a subsurface investigation, laboratory testing, geotechnical engineering
analyses, and preparation of this report. The purposes of this investigation were to evaluate the
subsurface conditions at the site and to develop geotechnical recommendations to guide design and
construction of the proposed single-family residence and OWTS. An OWTS soil evaluation will be delivered
as a companion document to this report. Our scope of services included the following:
r Drill 5 borings to evaluate the subsurface conditions at the proposed building site.
o Laboratory testing of the soils encountered during the field exploration to evaluate pertinent
engineering properties of the soil,
o Foundation design recommendations, including allowable bearing pressure, approximate depth
to bearing stratum, and estimated movement.
r Floor slab design considerations and floor slab subgrade preparation recommendations.
o Earthwork, including recommendations for fill placement and compaction, suitability of the site
soil for reuse as engineered fill, and subgrade preparation.
2.0 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
The project will consist of constructing a new single-family residence. The location of the project site is
presented in Figure 1, Project Locdtion Mop.The project will include the construction of a one story, lightly
loaded residential structure with a basement, OWTS, pole barn and associated infrastructure. A
conceptual structure location map was used at the time of the investigation to select boring locations. A
site grading plan was not available when this report was prepared. lt was assumed that grade changes of
less than 4 feet will be required to develop the final site grades.
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Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No. 24-15b
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CR 311
Proposed OWTS Area
Proposed Home Site
Proposed Pole Barn Site
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Figure 1- Project and Approximate Boring Location Map
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Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No. 24-156
3.0 slTE coNDtTtoNs
The proposed home, pole barn and OWTS locations are presented in Figure 1. The site is bordered on the
east and south by CR 311, East Divide Creek along the west and a private property to the north. The home
and OWTS locations are situated in or near trees, bushes and boulders strewn across the ground surface.
The terrain in this area generally slopes northwest and there is a gulley between the home and OWTS
locations. The pole barn location is near the southwest corner of the property in a small pasture or field
that is generally flat, grassy and lies at a lower elevation than the other improvements. Figure 2 presents
a view of Boring B-1 being drilled near the proposed southeast corner of the home site.
Figure 2 - View looking north
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Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No. 24-156
4.0 SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION
4.1 Field Exploration
Five boring were drilled on May 25,2024 to depths of 4.5 to L2.5 feet with a Giddings #25 truck mounted
drill rig and 4-inch solid stem auger. Boring L (B-L) and B-2 were located at the proposed house location,
Boring B-3 and B-4 were at the pole barn location and Boring B-5 was within the proposed OWTS area.
The proposed house, barn and OWTS locations were marked with stakes at the time of our field
investigation. The approximate boring locations are presented on Figure i..
Samples of the subsurface materials were obtained from the borings at select depths by driving either a
standard split-spoon or modified california barrel sampler. Bulk samples of the soil were also recovered
from auger cuttings as the borings were advanced. The samples were transported to our laboratory
where they were examined by the geotechnical engineer and a program of laboratory testing was
conducted.
Penetration resistance measurements were made by driving the samplers into the subsurface materials
with a 140-pound hammer falling 30 inches. The number of blows required to drive the sampler 12
inches, after an initial penetration of 6 inches for the standard sampler, constitutes the penetration
value. The penetration value can be correlated to the relative density of granular soil and the
consistency of cohesive soil.
Water levels were recorded in each boring at completion of the drilling operations if encountered. The
borings were backfilled with the auger cuttings.
4.2 Laboratory Testing
The recovered soil samples were classified by the geotechnical engineer in accordance with the Unified
Soil Classification System (USCS). Laboratory tests were then performed on select samples to evaluate the
pertinent engineering properties of the soil. The laboratory testing was conducted in general accordance
with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test procedures. The following laboratory
tests were performed for this evaluation:
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Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No, 24-156
r Water Content
o Liquid and Plastic Limits
e Grain Size Particle Analysis
. Swell/collapse
Table 1 presents a summary of the laboratory testing performed on select samples that were collected
with the standard spit spoon or modified California samplers,
Table 1- laborato Summa
5.0 SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
The borings generally encountered up to 12 inches of topsoil over clayey sand to the bottom of borings.
Each boring had auger refusal (AR) on cobbles or boulders except boring B-3. Boring B-2 reached AR at 2.5
feet and was attempted again 4 feet to the east where AR was reached again at 4.5 feet. Random boulders
of up to 3 feet in diameter or possibly larger should be anticipated during construction.
Borings B-3 and B-4 were much closer to the elevation of the nearby creek than the other borings and had
increasing moisture below about 5 feet. Groundwater was encountered at a depth of L0 feet in boring
B-4. Variations in the groundwater level may occur seasonally. The magnitude of the variation will be
largely dependent upon the amount of spring snowmelt, duration and intensity of precipitation, irrigation
practices, site grading changes, and the surface and subsurface drainage characteristics of the surrounding
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Classificatr'on
Boring lD
Sample
Depth
{ftt
Moisture
Content
l%l
Particle Size
Analyses
(% Gravel,
Sand, Fines)
Atterberg
Limits
rL Pr
Swell/Collapse
Loaded with
1000 psf uscs
B-1 3 7.1,
OG
70s
30F
24LL,
10 Pt
sc
B-2 4 0.00 sc
B-3
4
10
13.2 to
22.8
OG
63to65S
35to37F
30 LL,
1,4 to 17 Pl
sc
B-4 4 1,1.6
OG
62S
38F
28 LL,
14 Pt
SC
area
Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No. 24-L56
Table 2 -Groundwater and r Refusal
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Foundations
The proposed single-family residence and basement can be supported by spread footings bearing in the
clayey sand. The foundation excavation should anticipate intermittent cobbles and/or boulders up to 3
feet in diameter or larger. Large diameter material that is removed from the foundation bearing zone will
leave voids that should be backfilled with the clayey sand and properly moisture conditioned and
compacted as described in Section 7.
It is possible that a dense sand, gravel and cobble layer may be encountered near the bottom of the
residence excavation due to the presence of the nearby creek and alluvial river gravels. lf the dense river
gravel layer is encountered during foundation excavation Geo Quest recommends placing a 1-2-inch-thick
layer of the onsite clayey sand as a leveling course over the rough and uneven excavation surface of cobbly
material. This will reduce possible point loads on the shallow foundation footing and create a workable,
flat surface for foundation construction. The fill should be placed with proper moisture and compaction
to reach 95% maximum dry density of a standard Proctor as discussed in Section 7.
A maximum allowable bearing pressure of 2,500 pounds per square foot (psf) may be used for the clayey
sand'Theallowablebearingpressure,ppfiFffiadplusdesignliveloadconditions'Thedesign
bearing pressure can be increased by one-third or as allowed by local code, when considering transient
loads, such as wind or seismic.
Resistance to lateral loads will be provided by the passive earth pressure acting against the vertical face
of footings and the frictional resistance acting along the base of the footings. An ultimate passive earth
pressure resistance of 350 pounds per square foot per foot (psf/ft) is recommended for design. A
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Boring lD
Total
Depth
(ftt
Auger
Refusal
Depth to
Groundwater
(ft1
B-1 12.5 Yes None
B-2 4.5 Yes None
B-3 1L.5 No None
B-4 10.0 Yes 10
B-5 5.0 No None
Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No. 24-156
coefficient of sliding resistance of 0.45 is recommended for design. The lateral load resistance should
incorporate a factor of safety of at least 1.5.
The bottom of the shallow foundation footings should bear a minimum of 36 inches below the final site
grade for frost considerations. Strip footings should have a minimum width of L5 inches and isolated
column pad foundations should have a minimum dimension of 24 inches.
We estimate that the total post-construction movement of foundations supported as recommended
herein will be on the order of 1 inch or less. We estimate that the differential movement between
comparably sized and loaded foundations could be half the total foundation movement. Additional
foundation movement can occur if water from any source infiltrates the foundation subgrade. Therefore,
proper drainage should be provided in the final design and during construction.
6.1.1 pore Barn Foundation ( n ol- i-, ;i;[ r*Ml fut/nl{,
Pole barn piers should extend , tfi,rnrr of 3 feet below the ground surface. The piers should be at
least 8 inches in diameter and could be concrete piers or wooden posts set in holes and filled with
concrete. Piers may be designed for an allowable end bearing capacity of 2,500 psf.
lf wooden poles set in concrete is selected, we recommend the posts be suspended off the bottom of
the boring 6 inches. The top of the concrete should be domed to prevent water from ponding on the
surface and promoting decay of the wood posts.
6.2 Floor Slab
The floor slab subgrade should be prepared in accordance with the recommendations presented in
Section 7: Earthwork Recommendations section of this report.
Additional floor slab design and construction recommendations are as follows:
' Positive separations and/or isolation joints should be provided between slabs and all foundations,
columns, or utility lines to allow independent movement.
. Controljoints should be provided in slabs to control the location and extent of cracking.
' lnterior trench backfill placed beneath slabs should be compacted in accordance with
recommended specifications outlined herein.
. Barriers to reduce the potential for vapor rise through the slab are recommended.
. Floor slabs should not be constructed on frozen subgrade.
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Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No.24-156
Other design and construction considerations, as outlined in Section 302.1 R of the "ACl Design
Manual", are recommended.
5.4 Drainage Considerations
Properly functioning foundations and slabs on grade require appropriately constructed and maintained
site drainage conditions. Therefore, it is extremely important that positive drainage be provided during
construction and maintained throughout the life of the structures. lt is also important that proper
planning and control of landscape and irrigation be performed.
The building should be provided with downspout extensions to direct water away from the structures.
Roof downspouts should discharge onto sloped surfaces that are well beyond the limits of all backfill. The
ground surface around the structures should be sloped to drain away from the building area in all
directions. We recommend a slope with L2 inches of drop in the first 10 feet for all unpaved surfaces.
lnfiltration of water into utility or foundation excavations must be prevented during construction. Backfill
against footings, exterior walls, and in utility and sprinkler line trenches should be well compacted and
free of all construction debris to reduce the potential for moisture infiltration.
Planters or other surface features that could retain water adjacent to the structures should be avoided. lf
planters and/or landscaping are adjacent to or near the structures, we recommend the following:
. Grades should slope away from the structures.
r Planters should slope away from the structures and should not pond water. Drains should be
installed in enclosed planters to facilitate flow out of the planters.
. Watering within 10 feet of the structure should be kept to a minimum. lrrigation systems should
be situated on the far side of any planting and away from the buildings to reduce the potential for
infiltration beneath the structure from possible leaks.
. A minimum horizontal distance of 36 inches should be maintained between the building
foundations and shallow-rooted plants. ln a like manner, for deeper-rooted plants, a minimum of
72 inches should be maintained between the building foundations and the plants. lt's advisable
that deeper-rooted plants have a low water requirement.
r Trees should be planted no closer than a distance equal to one-half their mature height or fifteen
feet, whichever is greater, from the buildings.
These recommendations will help reduce the potential for soil movement and the resulting distress
but will not eliminate this potential.
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Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No. 24-156
7.0 EARTHWORK RECOMMENDATIONS
Site preparation and earthwork operations should be performed in accordance with applicable codes,
safety regulations, and other local, state, or federal guidelines. Foundation excavations should be
observed by Geo Quest before reinforcing steel, forms or concrete are placed. The evaluation of
earthwork should include observation and testing of engineered fills, subgrade preparation, foundation
bearing soils, and other geotechnical conditions exposed during the construction of the project.
7.1 Site Grubbing and Stripping
Topsoil, existing vegetation, tree root balls, fill soils and other deleterious materials should be removed
from the proposed building area. All exposed surfaces should be free of mounds and depressions, which
could prevent uniform compaction.
7.2 Building Pad Preparation
The building area should be excavated, as required, to the planned bottom of footing or slab. The base of
footing and slab excavations should be scarified to a minimum depth of 8 inches, moisture conditioned
and compacted in accordance with Section 7.4. lf weak, saturated or unsuitable soil is encountered during
the foundation excavation it should be removed, dried and placed according to Section 7.4 or imported
granular fill should be used in its place. Any voids that are encountered or created by the removal of soil,
cobbles or boulders should be replaced with imported granular fill or the onsite clayey sand and properly
placed and compacted as described in section 7.4.
7.3 Fill Material
The onsite soil may be used as backfill on the site with proper moisture modification and compaction.
lmported structuralfillshould consistof granularsoilwith no more than 35 percent passingthe No.200
sieve, a maximum liquid limit of 40 percent and a maximum plasticity index of 15.
7.4 Compaction Requirements
Fill should be placed in horizontal lift thicknesses that are suitable for the compaction equipment being
used but in no case should exceed 8 inches by loose measure. Scarified and recompacted subgrades in the
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Proposed Single-Family Residence
Silt, Colorado
Geo Quest No. 24-L56
building area should be moisture conditioned to a water content between plus or minus 2 percentage
points of the optimum water content, and recompacted to at least 95 percent of the standard Proctor
(ASTM D698) maximum dry density. lmported structural fill should be compacted to at least 95 percent
of the modified Proctor (ASTM DL557) maximum dry density at a water content that is plus or minus 2
percentage points of the optimum water content. Geo Quest should be contacted for compaction testing
of fill during construction.
8.0 LIMITATIONS
The recommendations in this report are based on our field observations, laboratory testing, and our
present understanding of the proposed construction. lt is possible that subsurface conditions can vary
beyond the limits explored. lf the conditions found during construction differ from those described in this
report, please notify Geo Quest immediately so that we can review our report considering those
conditions and provide supplemental recommendations as necessary. We should also review this report
if the scope of the proposed construction, including the proposed loads or structure locations change from
that described in this report. This report is prepared solely for the Owner and project design team.
This report was prepared in substantial accordance with the generally accepted standards of practice for
geotechnical engineering as they exist in the site area at the time of our investigation. No warranty is
expressed or implied.
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