Geotechnical Engineering Study recd 10-29-15.pdf::EOTEC"
CONSULTANTS, INC.
Phong Le
1123 Maple Avenue Southwest, Suite 110
Renton, Washington 98057
via email. lep95@yahoo.com
Subject: Transmittal Letter — Geotechnical Engineering Study
Proposed Three -Lot Short Plat
18227 — 80th Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
Dear Mr. Le:
13256 Northeast 20th Street, Suite 16
Bellevue, Washington 98005
(425) 747-5618 1 GEOTECEINW.COM
August 11, 2015
JN 15071
OCT 2 9 2015
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
We are pleased to present this geotechnical engineering report for the three -lot short plat to be
constructed in Edmonds, Washington. The scope of our services consisted of exploring site
surface and subsurface conditions, and then developing this report to provide recommendations for
general earthwork and design criteria for foundations and retaining walls.
The attached report contains a discussion of the study and our recommendations. Please contact
us if there are any questions regarding this report, or for further assistance during the design and
construction phases of this project.
Respectfully submitted,
GEOTECH CONSULTANTS, INC.
hor ristensen, P.E.
Senior Engineer
cc: Wilson & Neal PLLC — Terrance Randall Wilson
via email: terry@wilsonneaLcom
TRC/DRW: at
GEOTECH CONSULTANTS, INC.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING STUDY
Proposed Three -Lot Short Plat
18227 — 801h Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
This report presents the findings and recommendations of our geotechnical engineering study for
the site of the proposed three -lot short plat to be located in Edmonds.
We were provided with a topographic site plan dated July 2, 2015 prepared by Lanktree Land
Surveying, Inc. Based on this plan, we understand that the development will consist of three
residential lots, with an existing house remaining on the westernmost lot. A residence will be
constructed at each of the two eastern lots, which will be accessed via a shared driveway along the
northern edge of the site. The plan shows that the eastern residences will be set back at least 25
feet from the southern property line and at least 10 feet from the eastern and northern property
lines. No plans are developed for the new residences.
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 Edmonds. The rectangular
property is bordered to the west by 80th Avenue West, and is otherwise surrounded by residences.
The ground surface within the site slopes gently to moderately down toward the east, with a change
in elevation of about 25 feet across a horizontal distance of about 285 feet. The west -central
portion of the site is developed with a one-story house with a basement that daylights toward the
east. The house is accessed by a circular driveway. The area west of the house is mostly covered
with grass lawn, with a few mature evergreen trees. The area east of the house is vegetated with
mature evergreen and deciduous trees and brush.
An apparently man-made pond is located near the east edge of the site. It has a depth of about 5
feet and contained several inches of water at the time of our site reconnaissance. We suspect that
low permeability soil or a plastic liner was placed at the base of the pond to retain water.
The upper edge of a ravine is located just southeast of the site on adjacent properties. The base of
the ravine drains toward the northeast. The top of the ravine is very close to the southeast corner
of the site and has an inclination estimated at about 2:1 (H:V). Snohomish County SnoScape
shows that the adjacent ravine has a height of about 35 feet. The City of Edmonds has determined
that the ravine is a steep slope, and is considered a Landslide Hazard Area and an Erosion Hazard
Area per their code.
SUBSURFACE
The subsurface conditions east of the existing house were explored by excavating four test pits at
the approximate locations shown on the Site Exploration Plan, Plate 2. Our exploration program
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was based on the proposed construction, anticipated subsurface conditions and those encountered
during exploration, and the scope of work outlined in our proposal.
The test pits were excavated on February 25, 2015 with a rubber -tired backhoe. A geotechnical
engineer from our staff observed the excavation process, logged the test pits, and obtained
representative samples of the soil encountered. "Grab" samples of selected subsurface soil were
collected from the backhoe bucket. The Test Pit Logs are attached to this report as Plates 3 and 4.
Soil Conditions
The test pits encountered about one foot of topsoil at the ground surface, which was
underlain by a few feet of loose silty sand with gravel to sand with silt and gravel. In Test
Pits 1, 2, and 4 this upper material was generally underlain by medium -dense sand soils
with varying amounts of silt and gravel. In Test Pit 2, the sand with silt and gravel extended
to the base of the exploration at a depth of 10 feet. In Test Pits 1 and 4 the sandy soil was
underlain by medium -dense to dense silty sand and sandy silt at depths of approximately 6
to 7 feet. The dense silty sand soil is geologically known as glacial till. Test Pit 3
encountered dense glacial till at a depth of 4.5 feet, below the surficial topsoil and a layer of
loose silty sand with gravel. The till extended to the base of the test pit at a depth of 5 feet.
Groundwater Conditions
No groundwater seepage was observed in the test pits, which were left open for only a short
time period. It should be noted that groundwater levels vary seasonally with rainfall and
other factors. We anticipate that perched groundwater could be found between the near -
surface looser soil and the underlying denser glacial till and sandy silt soils.
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. The relative densities and moisture descriptions indicated
on the test pit logs are interpretive descriptions based on the conditions observed during
excavation.
The compaction of test pit backfill was not in the scope of our services. Loose soil will therefore be
found in the area of the test pits. If this presents a problem, the backfill will need to be removed
and replaced with structural fill during construction.
LABORATORY TESTING
We obtained several samples during the excavation of the test pits. We completed grain -size
analyses on two samples obtained from Test Pit 2. We have attached the grain -size analyses as
Plate 5. The grain -size analyses indicate that the samples had silt content of about 8 and 13
percent.
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Le
August 11, 2015
GENERAL
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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.
The test pits conducted for this study encountered native, medium -dense silty sand and sand with
silt within 3 feet of the ground surface. Conventional footing foundations bearing directly on this
competent material will provide suitable support to the proposed residences. We anticipate that the
apparently man-made pond near the east side of the site will be filled and that the residence on the
eastern lot will overlie at least part of the pond. If the pond is filled with structural fill, footings can
be placed on the structural fill.
Due to its height and inclination, the City of Edmonds considers the steep slope southeast of the
site to be a Landslide Hazard Area. The dense glacial till encountered in our two test pit
explorations close to the steep slope comprises the core of the slope; this soil has a very low
potential for deep-seated slope failures due to its high shear strength. However, as with all steep
slopes in the Puget Sound region, this steep, off-site slope has a potential for shallow soil
movement, usually during times of heavy precipitation. We expect that any soil movement would
only be up to a few feet in depth, as is typical. The two proposed residences will be located at least
25 feet from the top of the Landslide Hazard Area. In our opinion that setback is more than
adequate to prevent slope failures from impacting the residences. We recommend that a no -
disturbance buffer be established within 10 feet of the top of the steep slope. No stormwater runoff
should be directed toward the slope. Provided the recommendations in this report are followed, the
proposed development will not reduce stability of the steep, off-site slope.
The erosion control measures needed during the site development will depend heavily on the
weather conditions that are encountered. We anticipate that a silt fence will be needed around the
downslope sides of any cleared areas. Existing pavements, ground cover, and landscaping 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
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vapor sources and likely occupant uses, and provide sufficient ventilation, either passive or
mechanical, to prevent a build up 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.
SEISMIC CONSIDERATIONS
In accordance with the International Building Code (IBC), the site soil profile within 100 feet of the
ground surface is best represented by Site Class Type C (Very Dense Soil and Soft Rock) As
noted in the USGS website, the mapped spectral acceleration value for a 0.2 second (Ss) and 1.0
second period (Si) equals 1.29g and 0.50g, respectively.
The IBC states that a site-specific seismic study need not be performed provided that the peak
ground acceleration be equal to SDs/2.5, where SDS is determined in ASCE 7. It is noted that SIDS is
equal to 2/3SMs. SMs equals Fa times Ss, where Fa is determined in Table 11.4-1. For our site, Fa =
1.0. The calculated peak ground acceleration that we utilized for the seismic -related parameters
(earth pressures and seismic surcharges) of this report equals 0.34g. The site soils are not
susceptible to seismic liquefaction because of their dense nature and the absence of near -surface
groundwater.
CONVENTIONAL FOUNDATIONS
The proposed structure can be supported on conventional continuous and spread footings bearing
on competent, undisturbed, medium -dense, native soil or on structural fill placed above this
competent soil. We recommend that continuous and individual spread footings have minimum
widths of 12 and 16 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 2,500 pounds per square foot (psf) is appropriate for footings
supported on competent native soil. 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 -inch, with differential settlements on the order of one -half-inch in a distance of 30
feet along a continuous footing with a uniform load.
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
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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:
Coefficien!!!!17300
.45
Passive Epcf
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:
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 constructed of reinforced concrete or masonry.
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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.
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 silty
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 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.
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
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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 build up 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 competent native soil 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.
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 A. Therefore, temporary cut slopes greater than 4 feet in height should not be excavated at
an inclination steeper than 0.75:1 (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 or loose soil 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.
All permanent cuts into native soil should be inclined no steeper than 2:1 (H:V). 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.
Any disturbance to the existing slope outside of the building limits may reduce the stability of the
slope. Damage to the existing vegetation and ground should be minimized, and any disturbed
areas should be revegetated as soon as possible. Soil from the excavation should not be placed
on the slope, and this may require the off-site disposal of any surplus 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
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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. A typical drain
detail is attached to this report as Plate 6. For the best long-term performance, perforated PVC
pipe is recommended for all 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.
No groundwater was observed during our field work. If seepage is encountered in an excavation, it
should be drained from the site by directing it through drainage ditches, perforated pipe, or French
drains, or by pumping it from sumps interconnected by shallow connector trenches at the bottom of
the excavation.
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 a building 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 tightlined 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.
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. The following table presents
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recommended relative compactions for structural fill.
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).
Structural fill that will be placed in wet weather should consist of a coarse, granular soil with a silt or
clay content of no more than 5 percent. The percentage of particles passing the No. 200 sieve
should be measured from that portion of soil passing the three -quarter -inch sieve.
LIMITATIONS
The conclusions and recommendations contained in this report are based on site conditions as
they existed at the time of our exploration and assume that the soil and groundwater conditions
encountered in the test pits 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 test
pits. 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 Phong Le 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 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
Geotech Consultants, Inc. should be retained to provide geotechnical consultation, testing, and
observation services during construction. This is to confirm that subsurface conditions are
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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.
The following plates are attached to complete this report:
Plate 1
Vicinity Map
Plate 2
Site Exploration Plan
Plates 3 - 4
Test Pit Logs
Plate 5
Grain -Size Analysis
Plate 6
Typical Footing Drain Detail
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service on this project. Please contact us if you have any
questions, or if we can be of further assistance.
TRC/DRW:at
Respectfully submitted,
GEOTECH CONSULTANTS, INC.
D. Robert Ward, P.E.
Principal
GEOTECH CONSULTANTS, INC.
GE TP CH
CONSULTANTS, INC.
(Source: Microsoft MapPoint, 2013)
VICINITY MAP
18227 - 80th Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
Job No: Date: Plate:
15071 Aug. 2015 1
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[j Test Pit Location
GEOTERCH
CONSULTANTS, INC.
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[j Test Pit Location
GEOTERCH
CONSULTANTS, INC.
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Topsoil over;
FEST PIT 1
Description
SW[,'I Brown SAND with silt, fine to coarse-grained, moist, loose
s�
SM J Brown silty SAND, fine to coarse-grained, moist, medium -dense
sW Brown SAND with silt and gravel, fine to coarse-grained, moist, medium -dense
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* Test Pit terminated at 8 feet on February 25, 2015.
* No groundwater seepage was observed during excavation.
* No caving observed during excavation.
RMU
TEST" PIT 2
Topsoil over;
Description
Brown silty SAND with gravel, fine to coarse-grained, moist, loose
-becomes medium -dense and gray -brown
qGray SAND with silt and gravel, fine to coarse-grained, moist, medium -dense to dense
i
ll
* Test Pit terminated at 10 feet on February 25, 2015.
* No groundwater seepage was observed during excavation.
* No caving observed during excavation.
GE TEC:
CONSULTANTS, INC.
TEST ;SIT LOG
18227 - 80th Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
Job Date: Lo95ed by: Plate:
15071 Auq.2015,1 TRC 3
5
10
5
10
TEST PIT 3
Topsoil over;
Description
Brown silty SAND with gravel, fine to coarse-grained, moist, loose
-becomes medium -dense and gray -brown
-becomes dense (TILL)
* Test Pit terminated at 5 feet on February 25, 2015.
* No groundwater seepage was observed during excavation.
* No caving observed during excavation.
JgG
Topsoil over;
TEST PIT 4
Description
Brown SAND with silt and gravel, fine to coarse-grained, moist, loose
sM
sw
sM
ML
sM
Brown SAND with silt and gravel, fine to coarse-grained, moist, medium -dense
gravel, fine to coarse -,grained, moist,
* Test Pit terminated at 8 feet on February 25, 2015.
* No groundwater seepage was observed during excavation.
* No caving observed during excavation.
GEO"T ECH
CONSULTANTS, INC.
TEST PIT LOG
18227 - 80th Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
Job Date: Logged by: Plate:
15071 Auq.2015 TRC 1 4
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SIEVE ANALYSIS
GEOTECH
18227 - 80th Avenue West
CONSULTANT'S, INC.
Edmonds, Washington
0 0:ate: ate:
15071 Aug. 2015
5
Slope backfill away from
foundation. Provide surface
drains where necessary.
Washed Roc.
(7/8" min. size)
C dii0
Backfill
(See text for
requirements)
Nonwoven Geotextile
Filter Fabric ,..
V, o ti
Tightline Roof Drain
(Do not connect to footing drain)
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.)
°
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.
GEOT.CH
CONSULTAN'T'S, INC.
FOOTING DRAIN DETAIL
18227 - 80th Avenue West
Edmonds, Washington
Job No: Date: Plate:
15071 1 Auq.2015 6