MadronaK-8_Final_Geotechnical Observation Summary.pdfSHANNON 6WILSON, INC.
- GEOTECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
December 21, 2018
Edmonds School District No. 15
20420 68th Avenue West
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Attn: Ms. Taine Wilton
ALASKA
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
FLORIDA
MISSOURI
OREGON
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON DC METRO
WISCONSIN
RE: FINAL REPORT FOR GEOTECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION
SERVICES, MADRONA K-8 SCHOOL REPLACEMENT PROJECT, 9300 236TH
STREET SW, EDMONDS, WASHINGTON
This letter presents our final report for geotechnical construction observation activities for the
Madrona K-8 School Replacement Project in Edmonds, Washington. The scope of services was
based on our proposal for geotechnical construction observation services dated April 28, 2017.
We observed the following geotechnical items listed in the scope of services:
• Site excavations, clearing, and grading.
• Stockpiling soils for reuse as backfill.
• Preparation of footing subgrades and soil bearing verification.
• Preparation of utility trench subgrades and structural backfill.
• Preparation of retaining walls foundation subgrades.
• Installation of permanent subsurface drainage.
• Backfill of retaining walls.
• Evaluation of asphalt and concrete pavement and base course materials.
• Observation and flow testing of UIC well construction.
• Geoblock pavement installation
• Erosion and Sediment Control
• Bioretention Cells
The following paragraphs summarize our construction observations for each of these services. A
preconstruction meeting was held on site and attended by a Shannon & Wilson representative. A
Shannon & Wilson representative made a total of 94 daily site visits between June 22, 2017 and
December 7, 2018. We prepared and submitted daily Field Activity Reports (FARs), numbered
FAR 1 to FAR 94, to Edmonds School District 415, Mahlum, KPFF, CPL, and FORMA.
400 NORTH 34TH STREET, SUITE 10C
P.O. BOX 300303
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98103-8636
206-632-8020 FAX: 206-695-6777
www.shannonwilson.com
21-1-22082-010
Taine Wilton
Edmonds School District 915
December 21, 2018
Page 2 of 4
Site Excavations, Clearing, and Grading
SHANNON 6WILSON, INC.
We observed site excavations, clearing, and grading operations throughout the construction
phase with our first visit dated June 22, 2017. We observed site grubbing and grading operations
prior to subgrade preparation and utility line work. We observed FORMA and LMH export
material off site, as well as stockpiling native material.
Stockpiling Soils for Reuse as Backfill
FORMA and LMH stockpiled native soils on site for reuse as backfill. We performed laboratory
testing on native soil to determine the Modified Proctor values used for compaction testing. We
observed the use of imported granular backfill when conditions were unsuitable to compact on -
site soil. In our opinion, the stockpiled soils used for backfill were in accordance with project
plans and specifications.
Preparation of Footing Subgrades and Soil Bearing Verification
Footing subgrade was probed for density using a 0.5-inch-diameter steel T-bar probe. Bearing
soils encountered for footings were glacially overridden and exhibited very dense, stiff, and
unyielding condition. In our opinion, subgrade soils were prepared in accordance with project
plans and specifications.
Preparation of Utility Trench Subgrades and Structural Backfill
We observed utility work completed by LMH and Ramsett for storm drain, water, mechanical
and electrical trench lines. Backfill used for trench lines consisted of native on -site material and
imported granular fill. Backfill compaction was verified with a Nuclear Density Gauge and steel
T-bar probe. In our opinion, the trench subgrade was suitable and backfill was placed and
compacted in accordance with project plans and specifications.
Preparation of Retaining Walls Foundation Subgrades
Retaining wall foundation subgrades were probed for density using a steel T-bar probe. Bearing
soils for retaining walls were generally consistent with footing subgrade soils and demonstrated
very dense and unyielding conditions. In our opinion, subgrade soil was prepared in accordance
with project plans and specifications.
21-1-22082-010
Taine Wilton
Edmonds School District 915
December 21, 2018
Page 3 of 4
Installation of Permanent Subsurface Drainage
SHANNON 6WILSON, INC.
We observed the installation of subsurface drainage system, which included under -slab capillary
break and footing foundation drains. Foundation drains included a perforated polyvinyl chloride
pipe and gravel backfill. We also observed the installation of storm drain cleanouts and down
drains located around the school and courtyard areas. In our opinion, the subsurface drainage was
installed in general accordance with project plans and specifications.
Backfill of Retaining Walls
Backfill used for retaining walls consisted of native on -site material and imported granular fill.
Compaction of backfill was achieved with a variety of equipment including a plate compactor,
jumping jack, and excavator mounted hoe -pack. Backfill compaction was evaluated and verified
with a T-bar probe. In our opinion, retaining wall backfill was placed and compacted in
accordance with project plans and specifications.
Evaluation of Asphalt and Concrete Pavement Subgrade and Base Course Materials
We evaluated subgrade and base course for asphalt and concrete pavement using a T-bar probe.
Subgrade was verified for bearing capacity with soils encountered generally probing dense and
unyielding. Base course materials were evaluated for compaction using a T-bar probe. We made
site visits and submitted field activity reports on October 4, 2018, October 23, 2018 and
November 2, 2018, prior to asphalt paving installation. Based on our observations, the subgrade
and base course materials were in accordance with project plans and specifications.
Observation of UIC Well Construction and Flow Testing
We observed the installation of UIC wells and performed flow testing on each of the wells. A
separate final letter report will be prepared and submitted for our hydrogeology scope of
services.
Geoblock Pavement Installation
We observed the partial installation of geoblock pavement used in landscaping areas within the
school courtyard area. Based on our conversations with Morgan Salcido (FORMA), geoblock
pavement installation will be completed in mid -January of 2019. In our opinion, the geoblock
pavers completed to -date were installed in accordance with project plans and specifications. We
will issue a supplemental final letter after this work is completed in 2019.
21-1-22082-010
Taine Wilton
Edmonds School District #15
December 21, 2018
Page 4 of 4
Erosion and Sediment Control
SHANNON 6WILSON, INC.
We observed implementation and maintenance of the temporary erosion and sediment control
measures outlined in the project plans and specifications. In our opinion, the erosion and
sediment control measures used on site were suitable and maintained during the project. Some
silt fencing and catch basin protection (silt socks) are in place and will remain until the final site
landscaping is completed.
Bioretention Cells
We observed the installation of bioretention cells located within the parking lot and school
courtyard areas. The bioretention cells consisted of a perforated drain pipe backfilled with gravel
and a layer of bioretention top soil. PACE Engineers Inc. verified the elevations of the
bioretention cells on site. In our opinion, the bioretention cells were installed in accordance with
project plans and specifications.
CLOSING
A review of the project FARs and related recommendations pertaining to our scope of services
indicates that no outstanding items require correction. In our opinion, geotechnical construction
activities, evaluated and observed by Shannon & Wilson and included in our FARs, have been
accomplished in a satisfactory manner and in accordance with our recommendations. To the best
of our knowledge, the work was completed in conformance with the Madrona K-8 School
Replacement project approved plans, specifications, and recommendations provided during
construction.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact me at (206) 695-6975 or Martin Page
at (206) 695-6875. LEA
Sincerely,
SHANNON & WILSON, INC..
James Wil ' son
GeotechnicaI Staff
Martin Page, PE, LEG
Vice President
Geotechnical Engineer
21-1-22082-010