2017-0718 Krassner Peer Review.pdf"LM.A', HWAGEOSCIENCES INC.
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Geotechnical & Penenzent Engineeting - Hydrogeologv - Geoenvironinental Seii,ices - Inspection & Testing
December 29, 2017
HWA Project No. 2017-007-21 Task 300
City of Edmonds
Public Works Engineering Division
City Hall — 2 d Floor
121 5h Avenue N
Edmonds, Washington 98020
Attention: Jeanie McConnell
Engineering Program Manager
Subject: VERTICAL ExCAVATION AsSESSMENT
Peer Review — Proposed Residences — Lots 1 and 2
1811184" Avenue W
Edmonds, Washington
As requested, HWA GeoSciences Inc. (HWA) has reviewed excavation plans and the associated
geotechnical reports for the two proposed residences on Lots I and 2. Lot I is located at the west
side of the site and Lot 2 is located at the northeast comer of the site. The subject of this review
concerns the proposed temporary unsupported slope cuts in the underlying dense to very dense
glacial.advance outwash soils. This letter provides our comments based on this review.
The following documents were provided in response to our peer review comments:
• Excavation and Shoring Plans — Lot #1, dated November 2, 2017, prepared by Lucia
Engineering Inc., for the New Residence, 18109 84th Avenue W, Edmonds, WA 98026.
• Excavation and Shoring Plans — Lot #2, dated November 2, 2017, prepared by Lucia
Engineering Inc., for the New Residence, 18111 84th Avenue W, Edmonds, WA 98026.
• Geotechnical Recommendations, Proposed Residences — Lots I and 2, 18109 & 18111 —
841h Avenue West, Edmonds, Washington 98026, dated November 10, 2017 and prepared
by Robert M. Pride, LLC.
• Subsurface Exploration, Geologic Hazard, and Geotechnical Engineering Report,
Edmonds Three -Lot Subdivision, 18111 84th Avenue West, Edmonds, Washington, dated
July 30, 2008, prepared by Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. (AESI) for Mr. Steve
Krassner.
• Geotechnical Report Update, Single -Family Residence — Lot, 18109 84"'
21312 301 Drive SE
Suite 110
Bothell, WA 98021-7010
Fax: 425.774.2714
www.hwageo.com
Federal & State Certified DBE / NINVBE
December 29, 2017
HWA Project No. 2017-007-21 Task 300
,4venue W, Edmonds, Washington (Edmonds PermitNo. BLD2017-0717), dated
September 25, 2017, prepared by Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. (AESI) for Mr. Dino
Hass.
0 Geotechnical Plan Review, Proposed Residences —Lots I and 2, 18109111184" Avenue
West, Edmonds, Washington, dated November 23, 2017 and prepared by Robert M. Pride,
LLC.
REVIEW COMMENTS
According to the AEST report submitted in 2008, the site stratigraphy consists of approximately
I foot of organic -rich sod and topsoil underlain by a medium dense to very dense, fine to coarse
sand, generally containing trace to few amounts of gravel, interpreted to be advance outwash, to
the full depth of the three exploration borings, all of which were terminated at a depth of
approximately 31.5 feet. The report indicates that a static ground water table, represented by
saturated soil and free flowing water, was not encountered in the three exploration borings
advanced at the site in July 2008. However, scattered zones of wet soils were observed
throughout the borings and indicate there are zones of perched ground water within the advance
outwash.
The plans provided propose several unsupported vertical cuts up to 9 feet tall with IH: IV slopes
above to intersect the existing ground slope. The distance of the vertical cuts from the property
line range from about 20 feet on Lot I to 7.5 feet on Lot 2. The excavation at Lot 2 will also
entail a 19-foot deep cut within 19 feet of the ad acent house. In his report dated November 10,
2017, Robert Pride indicates that these temporary cuts can be performed as unsupported
excavations. Although moist, dense to very dense advance outwash soils are capable of standing
nearly vertical, the borings encountered wet soils and scattered zones of seepage. The presence
of seepage significantly reduces the temporary slopes outwash soils can support. Based on these
conditions, temporary excavations should be designed assuming the advance outwash soils will
be wet at the time of excavation. Waiting until the excavation is open to identify that the
advance outwash materials will not stand vertical represents a significant risk of slope failure and
damage to the adjacent residences. The 2008 report by AESI recommended temporary shoring
be implemented and provided parameters for temporary shoring design. Therefore, the applicant
should revise the excavation and shoring plans to address slope stability concerns for the
proposed temporary excavations.
CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS
We have prepared this review letter report for the City of Edmonds, for use in permitting
considerations for the proposed project. It should be noted that HWA performed no subsurface
explorations within the scope of our review and has relied solely on available information
provided by others and existing within the public domain. Accordingly, our evaluations of site
conditions and appropriateness of designs submitted is limited by any limitations in the
Krassner Peer Review.doc 2
December 29, 2017
HWA Project No. 2017-007-21 Task 300
information available to us, and we cannot confirm that the actual geotechnical site conditions
are as presented.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service. If you have any questions regarding this report,
please do not hesitate to contact either of the undersigned at (425) 774-0106.
Sincerely,
HWA GEoSCIENCES INC.
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Zakeyo Ngoma, P.E.
Geotechnical Engineer
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JoLyn Gillie, P.E.
Geotechnical Engineer, Principal
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