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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8 - 23-7128rep071123          July 12, 2023 Lisa Thostenson 2815 Casco Point Road Orono, MN 55391 Submitted by email: purrtopia@hotmail.com RE: Timber Retaining Wall Evaluation Project Location: 2815 Casco Point Road, Orono, Minnesota Project No. 23-7128 Dear Ms. Thostenson: This letter is being sent per your request regarding the recently repaired timber retaining walls at the above listed property. This evaluation is based on the following:  Repair progress photos provided by you or your representatives.  Retaining wall design repair drawings prepared by Criterium-Schimnowski Engineers dated June 15, 2023 (attached).  Site visit performed by Criterium-Schimnowski Engineers on June 12, 2023.  Repairs were performed at Walls 1 (lowest tier), Wall 2 and Wall 3.  No changes were required for Wall 4 (wall behind proposed shed/boathouse).  Wall 5 was partially reconstructed by the contractor due to address some alignment issues.  Wall 6 will be reconstructed due to the change in the proposed height of the wall. Refer to the attached tiered wall cross-section drawing for more information. Based on the information listed above, the repairs to the retaining walls appear to be structurally stable and in general conformance with the repair details as prepared. Typical construction details such as use of drainage elements and wall reinforcement appear to be followed correctly. As is normal for timber retaining walls of this type, some seasonal and long-term wall movement and backfill soil settlement should be expected. I recommend that concentrated areas of surface water be directed away from the walls. Scope of Service and Limitations The purpose of this inspection and report is to evaluate the condition of the recently constructed or partially constructed retaining wall. The report is not to be considered a guarantee of condition and no warranty is implied. Our observations are non-destructive, and limited to those portions of the site/wall that could be visually examined without excavation. Our scope of services did not include an exhaustive technical investigation. No material sampling, analytic tests, precise measurements or engineering calculations were performed. This includes but is not limited to: compaction testing, soil sampling, global stability calculations. We did not determine whether the wall and its operation or use conform to any city codes, or regulations, or restrictions that may be enforced within the jurisdiction. For construction phase services, it is understood that the Contractor, not ENGINEER, is responsible for the construction of the project, and that ENGINEER is not responsible for the acts or omissions of any contractor, subcontractor or material supplier; for safety precautions, programs or enforcement; or for construction means, methods, techniques, sequences and procedures employed by the Contractor. As Professional Engineers, it is our responsibility to evaluate 2815 Casco Point Road, Orono, Minnesota July 12, 2023 Page | 2    available evidence relevant to the purpose of this inspection. We are not, however, responsible for conditions that could not be seen or were not within the scope of our service at the time of the inspection. If additional documentation or information is made available for review, I reserve the right to amend or add to the opinions and observations presented in this report. Opinions and recommendations in this report are limited to the scope of work. This report has been prepared in strict confidence with you as our client. Reliance upon our report by other parties is strictly prohibited. If you choose to share our report, you agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Engineer from any third-party action. No reproduction or re-use is permitted without express written consent. Further, we will not release this report to anyone without your permission. If additional documentation or information is made available for review, I reserve the right to amend or add to the opinions and observations presented in this report. Please call me if you have any questions or need more information. Thank you. Sincerely, Paul Schimnowski, PE MN PE# 40126 I hereby certify that this plan, specification, or report was prepared by me or under my direct supervision and that I am a duly Licensed Professional Engineer under the laws of the State of Minnesota. Paul Schimnowski, P.E.  Date: July 12, 2023 License #: 40126 (MN)