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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-05-14 Soil Inspection ReportBRAUR'" ENGINEERING TESTING MINNESOTA: Minneapolis, Hibbing, St. Cloud. Rochester. St Paul Afhb,ted 7NKes NINTH OAKOTA: Bismarck. Williston. MONTANA: Billings May 14, 1986 Honeywell, Inc. Attn: Robert Bonnema 1000 Boone Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427 Mr. Bonnema: Services Since 1957 JS RRAUN PF GO KLUEMPKE. PE P n ANDS RSON DALE R ALLEN PE C G KRUSE. PE JAMES J CRAIG h PE D R RAUSLER-PE Reply To: P.O. Box 35108 Mpls., MN 55435 (612) 941-5600 RE: 86-200 ENGINEERING OBSERVATIONS Proposed Single -Family Dwelling Lot 1, Block 1 Forest Arms Orono, MN As you authorized on May 5, 1986, we have performed an engi- neering observation at the above referenced site located at the southeast quadrant of Forest Arm Lane and North Arm Drive. This correspondence is to summarize the results of our observations. The recommendations and opinions given in this report were reported to you verbally at the time of our observation. We understand that you desire to purchase the above referenced property. The closing date is planned for May 15, 1986. Although soil borings with power equipment were initially requested to help evaluate the soil and ground water conditions at the site, we have indicated to you that our current scheduling would not permit us to perform the soil borings before your closing date. In lieu of soil boring information, you have requested an engineering observation to assist in evaluating the site soil and probable ground water conditions with regard to construction of a single-family home. A on`-3tory rear walk -out house of wood -frame construction is to be constructed. The structure will have an attached garage with CONSULTINC'i ENGINEERS SOILS AND MATERIALS Affiliated Company for Chemical 3 Environmental Testing and Consulting — Braun Enviror mental Laboratories. Inc 86-200 Honeywell, Inc. -2- May 14, 1986 approximate dimensions of 2 1 A subdivision platt showing the lot location and property lines was provided to us in addition to an architectural drawing of the house floor plan showing plan dimensions. We understand that proposed plans are preliminary. Proposed floor, footing, and exterior grades have not been finalized. Proposed foundation loads were not available however, we anticipate that the foun- dation loads are light. ENGINEERING OBSERVATIONS No staking has been provided at the site as a reference for determining locations or elevations. Therefore, it should be understood that the locations and elevations given in this report are very approximate. Our observation was made on May 5, 1986. In general, the pro- perty consititutes the top of a hill. Existing grades slope downward from the center of the property. A relief ranging from approximately 5 feet to 14 feet exists to the perimeter of the property. We understand that the house is to be located near the top of the hill. To help evaluate soil and apparent ground water conditions, several hand auger probes were taken to depths of. 3 to 4 feet below existing grades. These probes generally encountered 1 to 2 feet of topsoil underlain by lean clays and sandy lean clays. The clays were noted to have a mottled coloration and, in some cases, slightly rust stained. Based on the soils' resistance to angering, the clays were estimated to be in a medium to rather stiff condition. The clays were also generally noted to be in a very moist to wet condition. At the lowest elevations of the property, near the southeast pro- perty corner, some apparent ground water seepage was noted on the road pavement at the perimeter of the property. The mottled coloration and rust staining noted within the soils encountered a: our hand auger probe locations indicates that ground water has fluctuated to within 4 feet of ground surface. It should be noted that we have not performed long-term water level readings. To determi., : current static ground water table, a deep test boring or est pit would be required to periodically monitor the groun1 water levels. It should be 86-200 Honeywell, Inc. -3- May 14, 1986 understood that very limited information regarding the current ground water conditions is obtained based on shallow hand auger probings. Seasonal fluctuations in ground water levels should be anticipated. Based on the results of our observations and hand auger probes, no fill appears to have been placed at the site. The clays encountered at the site are believed to be of natural glacial till origin. RECOMMENDATIONS Prior to construction, all vegetation and topsoil should be removed from the proposed building and paved areas. We antici- pate this will require excavation of approximately 1 to 2 feet. We anticipate grade changes at the site to be relatively minor. The existing grades are conducive to good surface water drainage. We recommend that any future grade changes provide for adequate surface water drainage away from the proposed house location. The mottled coloration and rust staining of the soils at the site indicates the possibility that ground water exists within eleva- tions proposed for the basement area. To minimize the potential for a wet basement, the basement walls should be waterproofed and a drain tile system be provided around the perimeter of the basement. We anticipate that all footings and floor slabs will be founded on natural soils. However, should fill be required below the foundation or floor slab, we anticipate that the on -site clay materials may be too wet to reuse as fill unless dried. If dried, the clay may be placed and compacted for floor slab or foundation support. Compaction tests should be taken to help evaluate if adequate densities have been obtained for support of the anticipated foundation loads. Once the footing areas have been excavated and prior to placement of any fill, we recommend that the soils encountered at the pro- posed footing grade elevation be observed by a Soils Engineer or his representative to help evaluate if the natural soils are suitable for foundation support. Based on the results of our observations and hand auger probes, it is our opinion that the natural soils encountered at the hand auger probe locations are suitable for support of the anticipated floor slab and light foundation loads. However, the hand auger probes were likely not taken at the same elevation or location of 86-200 Honeywell, Inc. -4- May 14, 1986 the proposed footings. Therefore, the soils encountered may not be representative of the soil conditions at the proposed footing elevations. Variations in soil conditions should be anticipated. It should be noted that standard penetration test borings with power equipment were not taken to evaluate the soils at depth. However, the soils which were visible and the results of the hand auger probes indicate that the risk of detrim `al settlement due to poor soils at depth is very small and we, taus, recommend that it be assumed by the owner. The cost for taking soil borings to better define that risk does not appear warranted. GENERAL Services performed by the geotechnical engineers for this project have been conducted in a manner consistent with that level of care and skill ordinarily exercised by members of the profession currently practicing in this area under similar budget and time restraints. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made. We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance to you. If we can provide additional services, please feel free to contact us at your convenience. Very truly yours, BRAUN ENGINEERING TESTING, INC. Amy N `5 Perry strom Senior Engineering Assistant Ja s J.�`C�ra'g Jr.,� .E. 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