Geotech Report.pdfGE+OTECH
CONSULTANTS, INC.
Amit Sharma
1737A Northwest 60th Street
Seattle, Washington 98107
via email. amit.sharma@docusign.com
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Study
Proposed Single -Family Residence
15712 — 72nd Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
240 110th Ave E
Seattle, Washington 98102
(425)747-5615
January 25, 2018
JN 18021
Our firm has prepared a geotechnical engineering study for the proposed Meadowview Estates
short -plat project dated October 9, 2013. The proposed single-family residence that is under
consideration in this report is on a lot located in the northeastern corner of the short -plat. This
report relies on the information contained in the study for the short -plat property, and provides
geotechnical engineering design parameters for the new residence proposed on the subject lot.
We understand that a residence is proposed in the upper, eastern portion of the site, adjacent to
the west side of 72nd Avenue West. The lot slopes gently to moderately down to the west from the
street. It appears that the residence will have a main level near the street grade, and a basement
level that daylights to the west. We understand that some retaining walls are proposed on the lot
outside of the residence, likely on the more western, downslope portion.
If the scope of the project changes from what we have described above, we should be provided
with revised plans in order to determine if modifications to the recommendations and conclusions of
this report are warranted.
SITE CONDITIONS
SURFACE
The Vicinity Map, Plate 1, illustrates the general location of the site in the Meadowdale area of
Edmonds. The subject lot is adjacent to the western, downslope edge of 72nd Avenue West. The
site is mostly undeveloped, forested, and slopes gently to moderately downward to the
west/southwest. However, an approximate 50 percent slope was graded on the western edge of
the lot in the last few years in order to install a street within the Meadowdale Estates short -plat
property; the paved street is now located at the base of this graded slope. This slope is covered
with grass. We made a recent site visit, and we did not observe any indications of instability of the
graded slope of natural slopes on the site.
Per ECDC 23.80.020.A, based on soil conditions, any slope on the site that is greater than 15
percent is considered an Erosion Hazard Area. There are several areas that are steeper than 15
percent on the site. The only area on the site that is greater than 40 percent is on the western edge
where the street excavation was made as noted above. However, per ECDC 23.80.020.13, these
slope is considered to be a Landslide Hazard Area.
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SUBSURFACE
Several test pits and test borings were done on throughout the short -plat property in prior to our
2013 study. Two test pits were excavated on the subject lot, while a third test pit was just to the
west. In addition, a test boring was just southwest of the lot. The approximate locations of these
explorations, which were known as Test Pits 5, 6, and 7, and Test Boring 3, are shown on the Site
Exploration Plan, Plate 1. The logs of these previous test pits and boring are attached to this report.
The soil revealed in the upper portion of these explorations is native sand, with the first 2 to 3 feet
being loose to medium -dense. Then the sand became dense — which was revealed to the bottom of
the test pit of approximately 5 feet. In the nearby test boring, this dense sand was underlain at
approximately 8 feet by medium -dense silty sand. At a depth of approximately 24 feet, again dense
sand was revealed. The test boring was drilled to a maximum explored depth of approximately 26.5
feet.
The stratification lines on the logs represent the approximate boundaries between soil types at the
exploration locations. The actual transition between soil types may be gradual, and subsurface
conditions can vary between exploration locations. The logs provide specific subsurface information
only at the locations tested. Where If a transition in soil type occurred between samples in the
borings, the depth of the transition was interpreted. The relative densities and moisture descriptions
indicated on the test pit and boring logs are interpretive descriptions based on the conditions
observed during excavation and drilling.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
GENERAL
THIS SECTION CONTAINS A SUMMARY OF OUR STUDY AND FINDINGS FOR THE
PURPOSES OF A GENERAL OVERVIEW ONLY. MORE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS AND
CONCLUSIONS ARE CONTAINED IN THE REMAINDER OF THIS REPORT. ANY PARTY
RELYING ON THIS REPORT SHOULD READ THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT.
Several test pits and borings were conducted on the short -plat property as noted in our 2013 study,
with several on or near the subject lot. These explorations encountered dense sand soils at shallow
depths. These soils are very competent for supporting building loads, and thus conventional
footings that bear on this competent soil can be used as the foundation of the new residence.
These soils also have high shear strength against slope instability. We understand that in addition
to the residence, retaining walls are proposed on the site in order to provide some level areas on
the site. The onsite sand soils are also very suitable to support the new retaining walls.
Based on ECDC 23.80.070.A.2, "buffer requirements shall be ... consistent with recommendations
provided in the geotechnical report to eliminate or minimize the risk of property damage, death, or
injury resulting from landslides caused in whole or part by activities within the buffer area, based
upon review of and concurrence with a critical areas report prepared by a qualified professional'. It
is our professional opinion that no buffers are needed because: 1) most of the site slopes are less
than 30 percent, the western slope that is about 50 percent was graded as part of the Meadowdale
Estates development, and 3) the site soils are very competent at shallow depth.
An "alteration" is needed per Edmonds Code for this project because of the lack of buffers (noted
above) and because development is proposed on Erosion and Landslide Hazard Areas on the site.
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Based on ECDC•23.80.060A, an alteration to a Landslide Hazard Area and associated buffer may
occur for activities that:
1. Will not increase the threat of the geologic hazard to adjacent properties beyond
predevelopment conditions;
2. Will not adversely affect other critical areas;
3. Are designed so that the hazard to the project is eliminated or mitigated to a level equal
to or less that predevelopment conditions; and
4. Are certified as safe as designed and under anticipated conditions by a qualified
engineer licensed in the State of Washington.
In addition, ECDC 23.80.070.A.3 indicates that alterations of a Landslide Hazard Area and
buffer may occur for activities for which a hazards analysis is submitted and certifies that:
1. The development will not increase surface water discharge or sedimentation to adjacent
properties beyond predevelopment conditions;
2. The development will not decrease slope stability on adjacent properties; and
3. Such alterations will not adversely impact other critical areas.
It is our professional opinion the alteration is appropriate because all of these criterial is met,
provided the recommendations in this report are followed and the stormwater from the site is
connected to the stormwater system of Meadowdale Estates (as is planned). We strongly believe
that this development can be done safe and development will be as stable as the current
conditions. It will not affect adjacent properties from a geotechnical engineering standpoint.
As noted earlier, the area on the site are considered Erosion Hazard Areas per the ECDC.
However, we point out that potential erosion hazards on sites such as this only occur only during
construction when the existing vegetation is removed and prior to placing buildings, and
hardscaping and landscaping features. Thus, during construction, erosion control measures are
needed to mitigate the potential for erosion. For this project, we recommend that a silt fence will be
needed around the downslope sides of any cleared areas. Existing ground cover should be left in
place wherever possible to minimize the amount of exposed soil. Rocked staging areas and
construction access roads should be provided to reduce the amount of soil or mud carried off the
property by trucks and equipment. Wherever possible, the access roads should follow the
alignment of planned pavements. Trucks should not be allowed to drive off of the rock -covered
areas. Cut slopes and soil stockpiles should be covered with plastic during wet weather. Following
clearing or rough grading, it may be necessary to mulch or hydroseed bare areas that will not be
immediately covered with landscaping or an impervious surface. On most construction projects, it is
necessary to periodically maintain or modify temporary erosion control measures to address
specific site and weather conditions.
The drainage and/or waterproofing recommendations presented in this report are intended only to
prevent active seepage from flowing through concrete walls or slabs. Even in the absence of active
seepage into and. beneath structures, water vapor can migrate through walls, slabs, and floors from
the surrounding soil, and can even be transmitted from slabs and foundation walls due to the
concrete curing process. Water vapor also results from occupant uses, such as cooking and
bathing. Excessive water vapor trapped within structures can result in a variety of undesirable
conditions, including, but not limited to, moisture problems with flooring systems, excessively moist
air within occupied areas, and the growth of molds, fungi, and other biological organisms that may
be harmful to the health of the occupants. The designer or architect must consider the potential
vapor sources and likely occupant uses, and provide sufficient ventilation, either passive or
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mechanical, to prevent a buildup of excessive water vapor within the planned structure. Geotech
Consultants, Inc. should be allowed to review the final development plans to verify that the
recommendations presented in this report are adequately addressed in the design. Such a plan
review would be additional work beyond the current scope of work for this study, and it may include
revisions to our recommendations to accommodate site, development, and geotechnical
constraints that become more evident during the review process. We recommend including this
report, in its entirety, in the project contract documents. This report should also be provided to any
future property owners so they will be aware of our findings and recommendations.
Geotech Consultants, Inc. should be allowed to review the final development plans to verify that the
recommendations presented in this report are adequately addressed in the design. Such a plan
review would be additional work beyond the current scope of work for this study, and it may include
revisions to our recommendations to accommodate site, development, and geotechnical
constraints that become more evident during the review process.
We recommend including this report, in its entirety, in the project contract documents. This report
should also be provided to any future property owners so they will be aware of our findings and
recommendations.
SEISMIC CONSIDERATIONS
In accordance with the International Building Code (IBC), the site class within 100 feet of the
ground surface is best represented by Site Class Type D (Stiff Soil Class). As noted in the USGS
website, the mapped spectral acceleration value for a 0.2 second (S5) and 1.0 second period (S1)
equals 1.33g and 0.52g, respectively.
The site soils are not susceptible to seismic liquefaction during a large earthquake because of their
dense nature and/or the absence of near -surface groundwater.
CONVENTIONAL FOUNDATIONS
The proposed residence and the retaining walls can be supported on conventional continuous and
spread footings bearing on undisturbed, dense, native sand soil or medium -dense silty sand
revealed below the dense sand. We recommend that continuous and individual spread footings
have minimum widths of 16 and 24 inches, respectively. Exterior footings should also be bottomed
at least 18 inches below the lowest adjacent finish ground surface for protection against frost and
erosion. The local building codes should be reviewed to determine if different footing widths or
embedment depths are required. Footing subgrades must be cleaned of loose or disturbed soil
prior to pouring concrete. Depending upon site and equipment constraints, this may require
removing the disturbed soil by hand.
An allowable bearing pressure of 3,000 pounds per square foot (psf) is appropriate for footings
supported on the competent native sand soils. A one-third increase in this design bearing pressure
may be used when considering short-term wind or seismic loads. For the above design criteria, it is
anticipated that the total post -construction settlement of footings founded on competent native soil
will be about one-half inch, with differential settlements on the order of one-half inch in a distance
of 50 feet along a continuous footing with a uniform load.
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Lateral loads due to wind or seismic forces may be resisted by friction between the foundation and
the bearing soil, or by passive earth pressure acting on the vertical, embedded portions of the
foundation. For the latter condition, the foundation must be either poured directly against relatively
level, undisturbed soil or be surrounded by. level, well -compacted fill. We recommend using the
following ultimate values for the foundation's resistance to lateral loading:
ULTMATE
VALUIE
Coefficient of Friction 0.50
Passive Earth Pressure 300 pcf
Where: pcf is Pounds per Cubic Foot, and Passive Earth
Pressure is computed using the Equivalent Fluid Density.
If the ground in front of a foundation is loose or sloping, the passive earth pressure given above will
not be appropriate. We recommend maintaining a safety factor of at least 1.5 for the foundation's
resistance to lateral loading, when using the above ultimate values.
FOUNDATION AND RETAINING WALLS
Retaining walls backfilled on only one side should be designed to resist the lateral earth pressures
imposed by the soil they retain. The following recommended parameters are for walls that restrain
level backfill:
Active Earth Pressure *
F357cf
Passive Earth Pressure
300
Coefficient of Friction
0.50
Soil Unit Weight
130 pcf
Where: pcf is Pounds per Cubic Foot, and Active and Passive
Earth Pressures are computed using the Equivalent Fluid
Pressures.
* For a restrained wall that cannot deflect at least 0.002 times its
height, a uniform lateral pressure equal to 10 psf times the height
of the wall should be added to the above active equivalent fluid
pressure.
The design values given above do not include the effects of any hydrostatic pressures behind the
walls and assume that no surcharges, such as those caused by slopes, vehicles, or adjacent
foundations will be exerted on the walls. If these conditions exist, those pressures should be added
to the above lateral soil pressures. Where sloping backfill is desired behind the walls, we will need
to be given the wall dimensions and the slope of the backfill in order to provide the appropriate
design earth pressures. The surcharge due to traffic loads behind a wall can typically be accounted
for by adding a uniform pressure equal to 2 feet multiplied by the above active fluid density. Heavy
construction equipment should not be operated behind retaining and foundation walls within a
distance equal to the height of a wall, unless the walls are designed for the additional lateral
pressures resulting from the equipment. The values given above are to be used to design only
permanent foundation and retaining walls that are to be backfilled, such as conventional walls
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constructed of reinforced concrete or masonry. It is not appropriate to use the above earth
pressures and soil unit weight to back -calculate soil strength parameters for design of other types
of retaining walls, such as soldier pile, reinforced earth, modular or soil nail walls. We can assist
with design of these types of walls, if desired. The passive pressure given is appropriate only for a
shear key poured directly against undisturbed native soil, or for the depth of level, well -compacted
fill placed in front of a retaining or foundation wall. The values for friction and passive resistance
are ultimate values and do not include a safety factor. Restrained wall soil parameters should be
utilized for a distance of 1.5 times the wall height from corners or bends in the walls. This is
intended to reduce the amount of cracking that can occur where a wall is restrained by a corner.
Wall Pressures Due to Seismic Forces
The surcharge wall loads that could be imposed by the design earthquake can be modeled
by adding a uniform lateral pressure to the above -recommended active pressure. The
recommended surcharge pressure is 8H pounds per square foot (psf), where H is the
design retention height of the wall. Using this increased pressure, the safety factor against
sliding and overturning can be reduced to 1.2 for the seismic analysis.
Retaining Wall Backfill and Waterproofing
Backfill placed behind retaining or foundation walls should be coarse, free -draining
structural fill containing no organics. This backfill should contain no more than 5 percent silt
or clay particles and have no gravel greater than 4 inches in diameter. The percentage of
particles passing the No. 4 sieve should be between 25 and 70 percent. If the native sand is
used as backfill, a drainage composite similar to Miradrain 6000 should be placed against
the backfilled retaining walls. The drainage composites should be hydraulically connected to
the foundation drain system. The later section entitled Drainage Considerations should
also be reviewed for recommendations related to subsurface drainage behind foundation
and retaining walls.
The purpose of these backfill requirements is to ensure that the design criteria for a
retaining wall are not exceeded because of a build-up of hydrostatic pressure behind the
wall. Also, subsurface drainage systems are not intended to handle large volumes of water
from surface runoff. The top 12 to 18 inches of the backfill should consist of a compacted,
relatively impermeable soil or topsoil, or the surface should be paved. The ground surface
must also slope away from backfilled walls to reduce the potential for surface water to
percolate into the backfill. Water percolating through pervious surfaces (pavers, gravel,
permeable pavement, etc.) must also be prevented from flowing toward walls or into the
backfill zone. The compacted subgrade below pervious surfaces and any associated
drainage layer should therefore be sloped away. Alternatively, a membrane and subsurface
collection system could be provided below a pervious surface. It is critical that the wall
backfill be placed in lifts and be properly compacted, in order for the above -recommended
design earth pressures to be appropriate. The wall design criteria assume that the backfill
will be well -compacted in lifts no thicker than 12 inches. The compaction of backfill near the
walls should be accomplished with hand -operated equipment to prevent the walls from
being overloaded by the higher soil forces that occur during compaction. The section
entitled General Earthwork and Structural Fill contains additional recommendations
regarding the placement and compaction of structural fill behind retaining and foundation
walls.
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The above recommendations are not intended to waterproof below -grade walls, or to
prevent the formation of mold, mildew or fungi in interior spaces. Over time, the
performance of subsurface drainage systems can degrade, subsurface groundwater flow
patterns can change, and utilities can break or develop leaks. Therefore, waterproofing
should be provided where future seepage through the walls -is not acceptable. This typically
includes limiting cold -joints and wall penetrations and using bentonite panels or membranes
on the outside of the walls. There are a variety of different waterproofing materials and
systems, which should be installed by an experienced contractor familiar with the
anticipated construction and subsurface conditions. Applying a thin coat of asphalt emulsion
to the outside face of a wall is not considered waterproofing and will only help to reduce
moisture generated from water vapor or capillary action from seeping through the concrete.
As with any project, adequate ventilation of basement and crawl space areas is important to
prevent a buildup of water vapor that is commonly transmitted through concrete walls from
the surrounding soil, even when seepage is not present. This is appropriate even when
waterproofing is applied to the outside of foundation and retaining walls. We recommend
that you contact an experienced envelope consultant if detailed recommendations or
specifications related to waterproofing design or minimizing the potential for infestations of
mold and mildew are desired.
The General, Slabs -On -Grade, and Drainage Considerations sections should be reviewed
for additional recommendations related to the control of groundwater and excess water
vapor for the anticipated construction.
SLABS -ON -GRADE
The building floors can be constructed as slabs -on -grade atop firm, native, non -organic sand or on
structural fill. The subgrade soil must be in a firm, non -yielding condition at the time of slab
construction or underslab fill placement. Any soft areas encountered should be excavated and
replaced with select, imported structural fill.
Even where the exposed soils appear dry, water vapor will tend to naturally migrate upward through
the soil to the new constructed space above it. This can affect moisture -sensitive flooring, cause
imperfections or damage to the slab, or simply allow excessive water vapor into the space above
the slab. All interior slabs -on -grade should be underlain by a capillary break drainage layer
consisting of a minimum 4-inch thickness of clean gravel or crushed rock that has a fines content
(percent passing the No. 200 sieve) of less than 3 percent and a sand content (percent passing the
No.4 sieve) of no more than 10 percent. Pea gravel or crushed rock are typically used for this layer.
As noted by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) in the Guides for Concrete Floor and Slab
Structures, proper moisture protection is desirable immediately below any on -grade slab that will be
covered by tile, wood, carpet, impermeable floor coverings, or any moisture -sensitive equipment or
products. ACI also notes that vapor retarders such as 6-mil plastic sheeting have been used in the
past but are now recommending a minimum 10-mil thickness for better durability and long term
performance. A vapor retarder is defined as a material with a permeance of less than 0.3 perms, as
determined by ASTM E 96. It is possible that concrete admixtures may meet this specification,
although the manufacturers of the admixtures should be consulted. Where vapor retarders are
used under slabs, their edges should overlap by at least 6 inches and be sealed with adhesive
tape. The sheeting should extend to the foundation walls for maximum vapor protection. If no
potential for vapor passage through the slab is desired, a vapor barrier should be used. A vapor
barrier, as defined by ACI, is a product with a water transmission rate of 0.01 perms when tested in
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accordance with ASTM E 96. Reinforced membranes having sealed overlaps can meet this
requirement.
In the recent past, ACI (Section 4.1.5) recommended that a minimum of 4 inches of well -graded
compactable granular material, such as a 5/8-inch-minus crushed rock pavement base, be placed
over the vapor retarder or barrier for their protection, and as a "blotter" to aid in the curing of the
concrete slab. Sand was not recommended by ACI for this purpose. However, the use of material
over the vapor retarder is controversial as noted in current ACI literature because of the potential
that the protection/blotter material can become wet between the time of its placement and the
installation of the slab. If the material is wet prior to slab placement, which is always possible in the
Puget Sound area, it could cause vapor transmission to occur up through the slab in the future,
essentially destroying the purpose of the vapor barrier retarder. Therefore, if there is a potential
that the protection/blotter- material will become wet before the slab is installed, ACI now
recommends that no protection/blotter material be used. However, ACI then recommends that,
because there is a potential for slab curl due to the loss of the blotter material, joint spacing in the
slab be reduced, a low shrinkage concrete mixture be used, and 'other measures" (steel
reinforcing, etc.) be used. ASTM E-1643-98 "Standard Practice for Installation of Water Vapor
Retarders Used in Contact with Earth or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs" generally agrees with
the recent ACI literature. We recommend that the contractor, the project materials engineer, and
the owner discuss these issues and review recent ACI literature and ASTM E-1643 for installation
guidelines and guidance on the use of the protection/blotter material.
The General, Permanent Foundation and Retaining Walls, and Drainage Considerations
sections should be reviewed for additional recommendations related to the control of groundwater
and excess water vapor for the anticipated construction.
EXCAVATIONS AND SLOPES
Excavation slopes should not exceed the limits specified in local, state, and national government
safety regulations. Temporary cuts to a depth of about 4 feet may be attempted vertically in
unsaturated soil, if there are no indications of slope instability. However, vertical cuts should not be
made near property boundaries, or existing utilities and structures. Based upon Washington
Administrative Code (WAC) 296, Part N, the soil at the subject site would generally be classified as
Type B. Therefore, temporary cut slopes greater than 4 feet in height should not be excavated at
an inclination steeper than 1: 1 (Horizontal:Vertical), extending continuously between the top and
the bottom of a cut.
The above -recommended temporary slope inclination is based on the conditions exposed in our
explorations, and on what has been successful at other sites with similar soil conditions. It is
possible that variations in soil and groundwater conditions will require modifications to the
inclination at which temporary slopes can stand. Temporary cuts are those that will remain
unsupported for a relatively short duration to allow for the construction of foundations, retaining
walls, or utilities. Temporary cut slopes should be protected with plastic sheeting during wet
weather. It is also important that surface runoff be directed away from the top of temporary slope
cuts. Cut slopes should also be backfilled or retained as soon as possible to reduce the potential
for instability. Please note that sand can cave suddenly and without warning. Excavation,
foundation, and utility contractors should be made especially aware of this potential danger. These
recommendations may need to be modified if the area near the potential cuts has been disturbed in
the past by utility installation, or if settlement -sensitive utilities are located nearby.
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All permanent cuts into native soil should be inclined no steeper than 2:1 (H:V). Compacted fill
slopes should also not be constructed with an inclination greater than 2:1 (H:V). To reduce the
potential for shallow sloughing, fill must be compacted to the face of these slopes. This can be
accomplished by overbuilding the compacted fill and then trimming it back to its final inclination.
Adequate compaction of the slope face is important for long-term stability and is necessary to
prevent excessive settlement of patios, slabs, foundations, or other improvements that may be
placed near the edge of the slope.
Water should not be allowed to flow uncontrolled over the top of any temporary or permanent
slope. All permanently exposed slopes should be seeded with an appropriate species of vegetation
to reduce erosion and improve the stability of the surficial layer of soil.
DRAINAGE CONSIDERATIONS
Footing drains should be used where: (1) Crawl spaces or basements will be below a structure; (2)
A slab is below the outside grade; or, (3) The outside grade does not slope downward from a
building. Drains should also be placed at the base of all earth -retaining walls. These drains should
be surrounded by at least 6 inches of 1-inch-minus, washed rock that is encircled with non -woven,
geotextile filter fabric (Mirafi 140N, Supac 4NP, or similar material). At its highest point, a
perforated pipe invert should be at least 6 inches below the bottom of a slab floor or the level of a
crawl space. The discharge pipe for subsurface drains should be sloped for flow to the outlet point.
Roof and surface water drains must not discharge into the foundation drain system. See Plate 2 for
other recommendations regarding subsurface drains.
As a minimum, a vapor retarder, as defined in the Slabs -On -Grade section, should be provided in
any crawl space area to limit the transmission of water vapor from the underlying soils. Crawl space
grades are sometimes left near the elevation of the bottom of the footings. As a result, an outlet
drain is recommended for all crawl spaces to prevent an accumulation of any water that may
bypass the footing drains. Providing even a few inches of free draining gravel underneath the vapor
retarder limits the potential for seepage to build up on top of the vapor retarder.
The excavation and site should be graded so that surface water is directed off the site and away
from the tops of slopes. Water should not be allowed to stand in any area where foundations,
slabs, or pavements are to be constructed. Final site grading in areas adjacent to the residence
should slope away at least 2 percent, except where the area is paved. Surface drains should be
provided where necessary to prevent ponding of water behind foundation or retaining walls. A
discussion of grading and drainage related to pervious surfaces near walls and structures is
contained in the Foundation and Retaining Walls section. Water from roof, storm water, and
foundation drains should not be discharged onto slopes; it should be tight lined to a suitable outfall
located away from any slopes.
GENERAL EARTHWORK AND STRUCTURAL FILL
All building and pavement areas should be stripped of surface vegetation, topsoil, organic soil, and
other deleterious material. The stripped or removed materials should not be mixed with any
materials to be used as structural fill, but they could be used in non-structural areas, such as
landscape beds. The onsite sand soils can be used as structural fill provided they do contain
organics and are in a moist condition.
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Structural fill is defined as any fill, including utility backfill, placed under, or close to, a building,
behind permanent retaining or foundation walls, or in other areas where the underlying soil needs
to support loads. All structural fill should be placed in horizontal lifts with a moisture content at, or
near, the optimum moisture content. The optimum moisture content is that moisture content that
results in the greatest compacted dry density. The moisture content of fill is very important and
must be closely controlled during the filling and compaction process. The allowable thickness of the
fill lift will depend on the material type selected, the compaction equipment used, and the number
of passes made to compact the lift. The loose lift thickness should not exceed 12 inches. We
recommend testing the fill as it is placed. If the fill is not sufficiently compacted, it can be
recompacted before another lift is placed. This eliminates the need to remove the fill to achieve the
required compaction. Fills placed on sloping ground should be keyed into the competent soils. This
is typically accomplished by placing and compacting the structural fill on level benches that are cut
into the competent soils.
The following table presents recommended relative compactions for structural fill:
Beneath footings, slabs 95%
or walkways
Filled slopes and behind 90%
retaininq walls
95% for upper 12 inches of
Beneath pavements subgrade; 90% below that
level
Where: Minimum Relative Compaction is the ratio, expressed in
percentages, of the compacted dry density to the maximum dry
density, as determined in accordance with ASTM Test
Designation D 1557-91 (Modified Proctor).
LIMITATIONS
The conclusions and recommendations contained in this report are based on site conditions as they
existed at the time of our explorations and assume that the soil and groundwater conditions
encountered in earlier explorations on and near the subject site are representative of subsurface
conditions on the site. If the subsurface conditions encountered during construction are significantly
different from those observed in our explorations, we should be advised at once so that we can
review these conditions and reconsider our recommendations where necessary. Unanticipated
conditions are commonly encountered on construction sites and cannot be fully anticipated by
merely taking samples in explorations. Subsurface conditions can also vary between exploration
locations. Such unexpected conditions frequently require making additional expenditures to attain a
properly constructed project. It is recommended that the owner consider providing a contingency
fund to accommodate such potential extra costs and risks. This is a standard recommendation for
all projects.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Amit Sharma and his representatives for
specific application to this project and site. Our conclusions and recommendations are professional
opinions derived in accordance with our understanding of current local standards of practice, and
within the scope of our services. No warranty is expressed or implied. The scope of our services
does not include services related to construction safety precautions, and our recommendations are
not intended to direct the contractor's methods, techniques, sequences, or procedures, except as
specifically described in our report for consideration in design. Our services also do not include
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assessing or minimizing the potential for biological hazards, such as mold, bacteria, mildew and
fungi in either the existing or proposed site development.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
In addition to reviewing the final plans, Geotech Consultants, Inc. should be retained to provide
geotechnical consultation, testing, and observation services during construction. This is to confirm
that subsurface conditions are consistent with those indicated by our exploration, to evaluate
whether earthwork and foundation construction activities comply with the general intent of the
recommendations presented in this report, and to provide suggestions for design changes in the
event subsurface conditions differ from those anticipated prior to the start of construction. However,
our work would not include the supervision or direction of the actual work of the contractor and its
employees or agents. Also, job and site safety, and dimensional measurements, will be the
responsibility of the contractor. During the construction phase, we will provide geotechnical
observation and testing services when requested by you or your representatives. Please be aware
that we can only document site work we actually observe. It is still the responsibility of your
contractor or on -site construction team to verify that our recommendations are being followed,
whether we are present at the site or not.
We trust that this letter meets your immediate needs for the proposed development. Please contact
us if we can be of further service.
Respectfully submitted,
GEOTECH CONSULTANTS, INC.
01/25/18
D. Robert Ward, P.E.
Principal
Attachments: Site Exploration — Plate 1
Footing Drain Detail — Plate 2
2013 Test Pits and Boring Logs
DRW:kg
GEOTECH CONSULTANTS, INC.
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Slope backfill away from
foundation. Provide surface
drains where necessary.
Washed Roc
(7/8" min. size)
4" min.
Backfill
(See text for
requirements)
Nonwoven Geotextile
Filter Fabric
v v v v v o
O 0 0 0 �0'0'
�0 c0 0
o Qo e o 0o Q
0 O O O
o� off' 0 oL/�
Tightline Roof Drain
(Do not connect to footing drain)
11 Possible Slab
4" Perforated Hard PVC Pipe
(Invert at least 6 inches below
slab or crawl space. Slope to
drain to appropriate outfall.
Place holes downward.)
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PCQ;,2 n
Vapor Retarder/Barrier and
Capillary Break/Drainage Layer
(Refer to Report text)
NOTES:
(1) In crawl spaces, provide an outlet drain to prevent buildup of water that
bypasses the perimeter footing drains.
(2) Refer to report text for additional drainage, waterproofing, and slab considerations.
GEOTECH
CONSULTANT'S, INC.
FOOTING DRAIN DETAIL
15712 - 72nd Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
Job No: Date: Plate:
18021 1 January 2018 1 :2]
5
10
y
10
TEST PIT 5
Topsoil over;
Description
Brown, slightly silty, gravelly SAND, few organics, loose to moist
-becomes mostly gray, no organics, moist, dense
* Test Pit terminated at 4.0 feet on July 3, 2013.
* No groundwater seepage was observed during excavation.
* No caving observed during excavation.
JS0
0
TEST PIT 6
Description
Gray, very gravelly SAND, coarse grained, medium dense
-becomes dense
* Test Pit terminated at 3.0 feet on July 3, 2013.
* No groundwater seepage was observed during excavation.
* No caving observed during excavation.
GEOTECH
CONSULTANTS, INC.
TEST PIT LOG
15620 72nd Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
Job Date: Logged by: Plate:
13245 1 July 2013 DRW 5
1i
10
TEST PIT 7
Topsoil over;
Description
Brown, slightly silty, gravelly SAND with organics, loose to medium dense
-becomes dense, more gray, no organics
* Test Pit terminated at 4.0 feet on July 3, 2013.
* No groundwater seepage was observed during excavation.
No caving observed during excavation.
GEOTECH
CONSULTANTS, INC.
TEST PIT LOG
15620 72nd Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
Job
Date:
1
Logged by.
P/ate:
13245
July 2013
DRW
:J6
5
1 5014
2 24
15 [7 1 3 1 25
2017 1 - 4 1 - 20 - I
BORING 3'
Brown/mottled, silty SAND 'with-,,grav6l-veiy,.-wet,, loose -:---'---.'.--
-lens of silt
Brown, gravelly SAND, some silt, coarse -grained; wet, dense'
Gray, silty SAND, very fine-grained, wet, medium -dense
-becomes less silty, moist
-becomes wet
-lens of silt
. . . . . . . . . .
95 ray SAND, medium- rained, moist, dense
5 53
30
Test boring was terminated at 26.5 feet below grade on 1- 18-97,
Groundwater seepage was encountered at 3' during drilling.
35
40
GEOTECH
CONSULTANTS, INC.
TEST BORING LOG
15620 - 76TH AVENUE WEST - -
EDMONDS, WA
Job NO: Date.' 1409g;94by; 177
13245 JAN 1997 W