Report of Geotechnical Exploration & Review-2013

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Appendix A Geotechnical Field Exploration and Testing Report No. 01-05798 A.1 FIELD EXPLORATION The subsurface conditions at the site were explored by drilling and sampling three standard penetration test borings. The approximate location of the boring appears on Figure 1,preceding the Subsurface Boring Logs in this appendix. A.2 SAMPLING METHODS A.2.1 Split-Spoon Samples(SS)-Calibrated to Nbo Values Standard penetrarion (split-spoon) samples were collected in general accordance with ASTM: D1586 with one primary modification. The ASTM test method consists of driving a 2-inch O.D, split-barrel sampler into the in-situ soil with a 140-pound hammer dropped from a height of.30 inches.The sampler is driven a total of 18 inches into the soil. After an initial set of 6 inches, the number of hammer blows to drive the sampler the final 12 inches is lmown as the standard penetration resistance or N-value. Our method uses a modified hammer weight,which is determined by measuring the system energy using a Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA)and an instrumented rod. In the past, standard penetration N-value tests were performed using a rope and cathead for the lift and drop system. The energy transferred to the split-spoon sampler was typically limited to about 60%of its potential energy due to the friction inherent in this system.This converted energy then provides what is lmown as an N6o blow count. The most recent drill rigs incorporate an automatic hammer lift and drop system, which has higher energy efficiency and subsequently results in lower N-values than the traditional N60 values. By using the PDA energy measurement equipment, we are able to determine actual energy generated by the drop hammer.With the various hammer systems available,we have found lughly variable energies ranging from 55% to over 100%. Therefore, the intent of AET's hammer calibrations is to vary the hammer weight such that hammer energies lie within about 60%to 65%of the theoretical energy of a 140-pound weight falling 30 inches. The current ASTM procedure acknowledges the wide variation in N-values, stating that N-values of 100% or more have been observed. Although we have not yet determined the statisrical measurement uncertainty of our calibrated method to date, we can state that the accuracy deviarion of the N-values using this method is significantly better than the standazd ASTM Method. A.2.2 Disturbed Samples(DS)/Spin-up Samples(Sin Sample types described as"DS"or"SiJ"on the boring logs are disturbed samples, which are taken from the flights of the auger. Because the auger disturbs the samples,possible soil layering and contact depths should be considered approximate. A.2.3 Sampling Limitations Unless actually observed in a sample,contacts between soil layers are estimated based on the spacing of samples and the action of drilling tools.Cobbles,boulders,and other lazge objects generally cannot be recovered from test borings,and they may be present . ' in the ground even if they are not noted on the boring logs. Determining the thiclrness of"topsoil"layers is usually limited,due to variations in topsoil definition, sample recovery,and other factors. Visual-manual description often relies on color for determination, and transitioning changes can account for significant variation in thicla►ess judgment. Accordingly, the topsoil thiclmess presented on the (ogs should not be the sole basis for calculating topsoil stripping depths and volumes. If more accurate information is needed relating to thiclrness and topsoil quality definition,altemate methods of sample retrieval and testing should be employed. A.3 CLASSIFICATION METHODS Soil descriptions shown on the boring logs are based on the Unified Soil Classification (USC) system. The USC system is described in ASTM: D2487 and D2488. Where laboratory classification tests (sieve analysis or Atterberg Limits) have been performed, accurate classifications per ASTM: D2487 are possible. Otherwise,'soil descriptions shown on the boring logs are visual-manual judgments. Charts are attached which provide information on the USC system,the descriptive terminology,and the symbols used on the boring logs. Visual-manual judgment of the AASHTO Soil Group is also noted as a part of the soil description.A chart presenting details of the AASHTO Soil Classification System is also attached. Appendix A-Page 1 of 2 AMERICAN ENGINEERING TESTING,INC.