REVIEWED BLD2024-0473+GEO REPORT+4.9.2024_1.19.33_PM+4185708------- - - - - - -
Reviewed by
City of Edmonds ;
Planning Division ' BLD2024-0473
=------------
COBALT
GEOSCIENCES
September 19, 2023
RECEIVED
Apr 12 2024
CITY OF EDMONDS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
RR Foundation Specialist
Attn: Alesha, Ty -Lynn, Jordan, or Amanda
RE: Limited Geotechnical Evaluation
Foundation Mitigation
16o12 74th Place W
Edmonds, Washington
_ REVIEWED
BY
CITY OF EDMONDS
BUILDING DEPARTMENT;
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 1792
North Bend, WA 98045
In accordance with your authorization, Cobalt Geosciences, LLC has prepared this letter to discuss
the results of our limited geotechnical evaluation at the above -referenced location.
Site and Project Description
The site is located at 16o12 74th Place W in Edmonds, Washington. The site consists of one
irregularly shaped parcel (No. 00513105800loo) with a total area of about 0.53 acres.
The east -central portion of the site is developed with a residence with an approximately 5 foot deep
basement and driveway. The remainder of the property is vegetated with grasses, shrubs, bushes,
and sparse trees.
The site includes leveled areas developed with the residence and road cuts near the west and north
property lines. These areas slope downward to the west with relief of about 10 to 20 feet.
The site is bordered to the south and east by residential properties, to the north by N Meadowdale
Road, and to the east by 75t' Place W.
We understand that the residence has settled up to 4.15 inches over time, likely beginning after
construction and potentially continuing today. The settlement is mostly present within the central
and northeastern portions of the residence.
The project includes installation of at least 18 helical anchors and 1 stabil-loc pier (push pier)
extending to refusal in relatively dense native soils below affected foundation elements. Anchors
will be attached with steel brackets, C channel, and angle iron if necessary.
The residence will be stabilized only. Carbon fiver stitches will be used to repair cracks in the
residence's foundation.
Area Geology
The site lies within the Puget Lowland. The lowland is part of a regional north -south trending
trough that extends from southwestern British Columbia to near Eugene, Oregon. North of
Olympia, Washington, this lowland is glacially carved, with a depositional and erosional history
including at least four separate glacial advances/retreats. The Puget Lowland is bounded to the
west by the Olympic Mountains and to the east by the Cascade Range. The lowland is filled with
glacial and non -glacial sediments consisting of interbedded gravel, sand, silt, till, and peat lenses.
www.cobaltgeo.com (2o6) 331-1097
September 19, 2023
Page 2 of 4
Limited Geotechnical Evaluation
The Geologic map of the Edmonds East and part of the Edmonds West quadrangles, indicates that
the site is near the contacts between Vashon Advance Outwash, Transitional Bends, Vashon
Recessional Outwash and Pre -Olympia Deposits. Most of these deposits typically become denser
with depth; however, there is an overprint of landslide deposits in this area. These deposits are
often loose to variable depths.
Soil & Groundwater Conditions
As part of our evaluation, we excavated one hand boring to 8 feet below grade. The hand boring
encountered approximately 6 inches of topsoil and vegetation underlain by loose to medium dense,
silty -fine to medium grained sand trace gravel (Likely Landslide Deposits) which continued to the
termination depth. The soils became medium dense about 7.5 feet below grade; however, they may
become loose at greater depths.
Conclusions and Recommendation
Based on our observations, it appears likely that the settlement is likely the result of consolidation
of landslide deposits and/or looser native soils that underlie the area. It appears that the site was
inadequately stripped of loose soils during construction and the construction pre -dates any type of
typical deep foundations more common in landslide debris zones. Contributing factors could be
downspout leakage into the near surface soils, age of foundation (1932), and inadequately designed
foundations for the soil conditions.
The proposed mitigation utilizing helical anchors and push pier with steel connections appears
suitable to reduce settlement and support the affected portions of the residence. Based on our
observations, we anticipate that helical anchors and pier may extend 10 to 20 feet (or more) below
grade with an average of 15 feet. If debris is present, depths may be 30 feet or more locally.
The site is within an older landslide feature; however, the work includes minimal excavations close
to the structure that will likely be open for a week or less. This work will not increase or decrease
the risk of soil movements on the site or adjacent areas. This work will not adversely affect geologic
hazards.
Helical Piers@
Helical Piers® may be used to support the foundation systems of the residence. The Helical Piers®
could be installed using portable rotary tools, truck mounted rotary tools, backhoe mounted rotary
tools, caisson drills, or skid -steer loaders. It is important that the torque output, rotational speed,
down pressure capability, and angle control of the installation equipment is compatible with the
required foundation system. The pile installation equipment should have adequate torque capacity
to prevent refusal conditions at relatively shallower depths that are well above recommended
bearing depths or layers.
A Helical Pier® consists of an anchor (lead section) with 1, 2, 3 or more helical flights on a shaft.
The number and diameter of the helices on the anchor are dependent on the soil characteristics of
the site and the design loads to be applied to the pier. Based on these parameters the anchor helix
configuration is chosen to best fit the site conditions.
As the anchor is advanced into the soil extension sections (shaft) are placed on the lead section.
The shaft configuration is based on the design loads and anticipated installation torque.
The static compression load capacity of a Helical Pier@ is the sum of all individual helix capacities
below liquefiable soils and in bearing layer. Individual helix static compression capacity is the
result of the projected area of the helix, and its bearing pressure.
www.cobaltgeo.com (2o6) 331-1097
September 19, 2023
Page 3 of 4
Limited Geotechnical Evaluation
It is recommended that the piers penetrate into relatively dense native soils a minimum of 10 feet,
or until refusal whichever is shallower. The bearing layer will be at variable depths below the
existing ground surface due to previously natural slope conditions (anticipated to be 10 to 20 feet
(estimated only)). Increased capacity can be obtained with increased penetration, and additional
helical flights on the lead section.
Helical Pier® installation should be monitored to verify installation torque, and proper
embedment into the presumed bearing layer. The Helical Pier® lengths may need to be modified
during construction if it is determined that the depth to the bearing layer varies. Helical Pier®
anchors are well suited to field adjustments as length can be varied by merely adding or deleting
extension sections (shafts) during installation.
Monitoring installation torque in the field is used to estimate the anchor compression capacity, and
also as a quality control during anchor installation, provided that the anchor is bearing in dense or
hard soils. Dependent on the pile size and the equipment used to install the anchors, an empirical
factor is multiplied by the average torque over the final 3 feet of installation to estimate ultimate
capacity.
Allowable Helical Pier Compression Capacity Pa may be estimated from the following equation
provided that the pier is in the recommended bearing soils:
Pa = Kt x T/FoS,
Where T is the applied torque, Kt is the empirical ratio factor. The following industry standards
apply to shafts with blades spaced along the shaft at 2.5 to 3.5 times the average blade diameter on -
center and meeting the manufacturer's specifications.
1.5" and 1.75" Square Shafts - Kt = 9 ft-1
2.875" O.D. Round Shafts - Kt = 9 ft-1
3.0" O.D. Round Shafts - Kt = 8 ft-1
3.5" O.D. Round Shafts - Kt = 7 ft-1
Proof testing of at least three percent of the helical piers in eight equal increments up to 200 percent
of the design load, if required by the permitting authority. Each load increment up to the 200
percent of design load should be held for five (5) minutes and the vertical strain monitored. If the
total strain between 1 and 5 minutes is less than 0.04 inches, the helical pier may be considered
acceptable. If the recorded strain exceeds o.o4 inches, the helical pier should either be deepened
and retested or abandoned and a new helical pier shall be installed and tested.
Driven Piles
We understand that 1-7/8 inch piles may be used to support portions of the structure. These piles
will likely be advanced using a double -cylinder hydraulic system.
Piles should be advanced until working pressures are achieved that provide the specific minimum
capacities with a factor of safety of at least 2. Work will be halted if the structure experiences uplift
flexure. The working pressure for a 3.5 inch cylinder bore is 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi),
and 2,000 psi for a 4 inch diameter cylinder bore.
The required pile length in order to develop the recommended pile capacity is expected to vary
depending on the depth of dense to very dense soils below the residence. We estimate pile lengths
Of 15 to 30 feet below foundation grades, with a likely average of about 20 feet.
www.cobaltgeo.com (2o6) 331-1097
September 19, 2023
Page 4 of 4
Limited Geotechnical Evaluation
A total of 3 percent of the piles (one pile minimum) should be load tested to verify the design
capacities. All load tests shall be performed in accordance with the procedure outlined in ASTM
D1143. The maximum test load shall be 2 times the design load. Load testing may need to be
terminated if additional lifting of the structure occurs.
A representative of the geotechnical engineer shall provide full time observation of pile installation
and testing to verify the driving refusal criteria.
Closure
The information presented herein is based upon professional interpretation utilizing standard
practices and a degree of conservatism deemed proper for this project. We emphasize that this
report is valid for this project as outlined above and for the current site conditions and should not
be used for any other site.
Sincerely,
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
Pa�HoNry9
vQ OF WASyy B
54896
FSS�ONAL���
9/19/2023
Phil Haberman, PE, LG, LEG
Principal
Figure 1; Site Plan
Figure 2; Repair Plan
Figure 3; Hand Boring Log
www.cobaltgeo.com (2o6) 331-1097
0 60'
'ter 5. ' _ �FiL
Jr�
or
41
-00 ?Iri.7011- Fi-.,
♦ �N =
,�.� •. - T• x -
ti, •I,i
c
Y �
i
- f
16UU7 E
5� Approximate Hand
HB-1 Boring Location
N
Snohomish County PDS Image A
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
Foundation Mitigation Site Image P.O. Box 82243
_ . 16o12 �74th Place W Kenmore, WA98028
(206) 331-1097
GEOSCIENCES Edmonds, Washington Figure 1 www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltge @gmaitcom
Beek Doe" •
I
I a.
11'
211'
-1 V0
-7f9
-11'4
0
-314
Stem via V-2'
i (nA
311H4
t
19
�
I5B
Gre respace
atastb Run
Joiat's Run Ems► •_ N
n
t /4
1 3J4 -
11,a t
.17
I
2 114
Stern well 6'x2'
13
r4>Y
tB
-2 3N
1 Ili
Hasement 1 1
? 1
12
3'
4
is
1
9 7
6 5
N
1 R
J p 6'm
11 it 10
i 9
Ra
�o
c'`
a= 3' SlOble•l-cic Piln
a = 3" Helical Pile
a
ou 7.5'
a = Carbon Fber Sti" Repair
s
Qn Exiahrwy Cracks In FourWuhur•
C
N
Jowt's Spaced 113' O C
• —_ •
G E 0 S C I E N C E S
Foundation Mitigation
16012 th Place W
%4
Edmonds, Washington
Repair Plan
Figure 2
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, WA 98028
(2o6) 331-1097
www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltgeo(digmail.com
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
MAJOR DIVISIONS
SYMBOL
TYPICAL DESCRIPTION
Clean Gravels
Gw
Well -graded gravels, gravels, gravel -sand mixtures, little or no fines
Gravels
(more than 50%
(less than 5%
fines)
GP
Poorly graded gravels, gravel -sand mixtures, little or no fines
COARSE
GRAINED
SOILS
of coarse fraction
retained on No. 4
sieve)
Gravels with
Fines
(more than 12%
fines)
GM
Silty gravels, gravel -sand -silt mixtures
GC
Clayey gravels, gravel -sand -clay mixtures
(more than 50%
retained on
Clean Sands
:•: sw
Well -graded sands, gravelly sands, little or no fines
No. 200 sieve)
Sands
(50% or more
of coarse fraction
(less than 5%
fines)
sP
Poorly graded sand, gravelly sands, little or no fines
passes the No. 4
sieve)
Sands with
Fines
sM
Silty sands, sand -silt mixtures
(more than 12%
fines)
sc
Clayey sands, sand -clay mixtures
ML
Inorganic silts of low to medium plasticity, sandy silts, gravelly silts,
FINE GRAINED
(50% or more
Silts and Clays
(liquid limit less
than 50)
Inorganic
cL
or clayey silts with slight plasticity
Inorganic clays of low to medium plasticity, gravelly clays, sandy clays
silty clays, lean clays
Organic rganic
oL
Organic silts and organic silty clays of low plasticity
passes the
MH
Inorganic silts, micaceous or diatomaceous fine sands or silty soils,
No. 200 sieve)
Silts and Clays
(liquid limit 50 or
more)
Inorganic
elastic silt
CH
Inorganic clays of medium to high plasticity, sandy fat clay,
or gravelly fat clay
Organic
OHOrganic
clays of medium to high plasticity, organic silts
HIGHLY ORGANIC
SOILS
Primarily organic matter, dark in color,
and organic odor
PT
Peat, humus, swamp soils with high organic content (ASTM D4427)
Classification of Soil Constituents
MAJOR constituents compose more than 50 percent,
by weight, of the soil. Major constituents are capitalized
(i.e., SAND).
Minor constituents compose 12 to 50 percent of the soil
and precede the major constituents (i.e., silty SAND).
Minor constituents preceded by "slightly" compose
5 to 12 percent of the soil (i.e., slightly silty SAND).
Trace constituents compose o to 5 percent of the soil
(i.e., slightly silty SAND, trace gravel).
Relative Density
(Coarse Grained Soils)
Consistency
(Fine Grained Soils)
N, SPT,
Relative
N, SPT,
Relative
Blows/FT
Density
Blows/FT
Consistency
0-4
Very loose
Under 2
Very soft
4 -10
Loose
2-4
Soft
10 - 30
Medium dense
4-8
Medium stiff
30 - 50
Dense
8 -15
Stiff
Over 50
Very dense
15 - 30
Very stiff
Over 3o
Hard
Grain Size Definitions
Description
Sieve Number and/or Size
Fines
<#200 (o.o8 mm)
Sand
-Fine
#200 to #40 (o.o8 to 0.4 mm)
-Medium
#40 to #10 (0.4 to 2 mm)
-Coarse
#10 to #4 (2 to 5 mm)
Gravel
-Fine
#4 to 3/4 inch (5 to 19 mm)
-Coarse
3/4 to 3 inches (19 to 76 mm)
Cobbles
3 to 12 inches (75 to 305 mm)
Boulders
>12 inches (305 mm)
1 Moisture Content Definitions 1
Dry Absence of moisture, dusty, dry to the touch
Moist Damp but no visible water
Wet Visible free water, from below water table
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, WA 98028
Soil Classification Chart
Figure Ci
(2o6) 331-1097
_
www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltgeo(&gmail.com
Log of Hand Boring HB-1
Date: 2023
Depth: 8'
Initial Groundwater: None
Contractor:
Elevation: N/A
Sample Type: Grab
Method: Hand Auger
Logged By: PH Checked By: SC
Final Groundwater: N/A
oo
4
Moisture Content (%)
Plastic Liquid
L
_ >
OU
-
U
a
Limit Limit
t
2
o
t
2
LO
Material Description
SPT N-Value
o
E 9
m
0
U
o
?
0 10 20 30 40 5
----
—
----
--
---
SM
Vegetation/Topsoil
-------------------------------- ------------
Loose, silty -fine to fine grained sand with gravel,
.:
dark yellowish brown to yellowish brown,
moist. (Weathered Soils and/or Landslide Debris)
—2
Becomes medium dense at 7.5'
—3
—4
—5
—6
—7
TIN
End of Hand Boring 8'
—9
— 10
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, WA 98028
(2o6) 331-1097
www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltgeopgmail.com
Foundation Mitigation
16o12 74th Place West
Edmonds, Washington
Hand
Boring
Log