Geotechnical exploration/review-2008

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Appendix A Geotechnical Field Exploration and Testing AET Project No.22-00012 A.1 FIELD EXPLORATION The subsurface conditions at the site were explored by drilling and sampling 27 Standard Penetration test(SPT)borings and seven hand auger borings,and observing the excavation of 15 test pits on this site.The locations of the borings and test pits appear on Figure 1,preceding the Subsurface Boring Logs in this appendix. A.2 SAMPLING METHODS A.2.1 Split-Spoon Samples(SS)-Calibrated to N60 Values Standard penetration(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 known 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 known as an N60 blow count. Most newer 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 highly 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 statistical measurement uncertainty of our calibrated method to date,we can state that the accuracy deviation of the N-values using this method is significantly better than the standard ASTM Method. A.2.2 Disturbed Samples(DS)/Spin-up Samples(SU) Sample types described as"DS"or"SU"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 large 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 thickness 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 thickness judgment. Accordingly, the topsoil thickness presented on the logs should not be the sole basis for calculating topsoil stripping depths and volumes. If more accurate information is needed relating to thickness and topsoil quality definition,alternate 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. The boring logs include descriptions of apparent geology. The geologic depositional origin of each soil layer is interpreted primarily by observation of the soil samples, which can be limited. Observations of the surrounding topography, vegetation, and development can sometimes aid this judgment. A.4 WATER LEVEL MEASUREMENTS Appendix A-Page 1 of 2 AMERICAN ENGINEERING TESTING,INC.