Laserfiche WebLink
Hennepin County <br /> AET Project No. OS-06764 <br /> May 24, 2016 <br /> Page 4 of 5 <br /> Frost heave is a cumulative process with the heaved anchor or tower base rods not returning to <br /> its pre-heaved state when thawing occurs. Consequently, the anchor or rod slowly gets jacked out <br /> of the ground each year frost heave occurs. <br /> Based on the length and embedment angle of the proposed helical anchors, about 3.9 feet of <br /> embedment is anticipated below the ground surface. Based on this, some frost heaving of the <br /> helical anchors and tower base rods may occur. If heaving does occur, it will tend to reduce the <br /> tension in the guy wires. We recommend that the tension in the guy wires be checked on a <br /> periodic basis to look for signs of frost movement. <br /> More substantial frost heave could occur with the concrete deadman anchors due to frost heaving <br /> below the base of the deadman anchor and additional heave due to frost adhesion of the buried <br /> portion of the deadman anchor. As previously indicated, up to 3 inches of heave could occur <br /> during a severe winter. We anticipate that the potential frost heave of the tower base, if it is <br /> placed on the existing soils, would be similar to the potential heave of the deadman anchors. <br /> Heaving of the tower base would increase tension in the guy wires and could potentially cause <br /> damage to the tower structure. <br /> Other Recommendations <br /> We recommend at least quarterly observation of the guy wires, anchoring devices and tower base <br /> in arder to detect possible movement due to frost action or settlement. If minor movement of the <br /> anchors or the tower base is noted, adjustments to the guy wire tension should be made. If <br /> cumulative frost heave movement is significant, the anchors should be reinstalled to their pre- <br /> heave depth. <br /> Preparation of the tower base subgrade should involve removal of any vegetation and any <br /> organic soil with over 3 percent organic content by weight from within the tower base area and a <br /> minimum 3-foot oversize area. Additional excavation should be completed as necessary to allow <br /> placement of a minimum of 6 inches of Class 2 aggregate base. <br /> Prior to placement of the aggregate base, the exposed subgrade should be surface-compacted <br /> with a minimum of four passes with a vibratory compactor having a minimum dynamic force of <br /> 15,000 pounds. The aggregate base should then be placed and compacted to a firm, non-yielding <br /> condition. <br /> Procedures <br /> A hand auger boring was drilled at each site with a 1'/2-inch-diameter hand auger. The borings <br /> were advanced in 4- to 6-inch increments to depth of 7 feet below the ground surface. The auger <br /> was withdrawn from the borehole after each advancement to obtain soil cuttings. <br /> The dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) tests were completed in general accordance with ASTM <br /> International Standard Test Method D6951. <br />