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349, Construct a guest house, Studies & ReportsBASELINE CONSULTANTS INC. 1 5307 MINNESOTA AVE. PARAMOUNT, CA. 90723 (213) 633-8152 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING December 2, 1986 Project No. 1531-036 Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Cramer No. 11 Georgeff Road Rolling Hills, California 90274 Project Reference: Soils Investigation Proposed Retaining Walls and Barn Repair No. 11 Georgeff Road Rolling Hills, California Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cramer: Submitted herewith is a report of a soils investigation for the referenced project. This investigation was made for the purpose of obtaining information on subsurface soils on which to base recommendations for a suitable foundation design for the proposed retaining walls and barn repair. Location of the site, relative to general topography, streets, and landmarks, is shown on the attached Vicinity Map, Plate 1. As outlined in the proposal of June 4, 1986 (authorized on September 22, 1986), our work consisted of; geotechnical observations, subsurface explorations and sampling, field and laboratory testing, calculations and analyses, and the preparation of this report. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT It is understood that it is proposed to remove the existing, distressed retaining walls and replace them with new ones, and to. underpin the foundation of the barn as part of it's remodeling and renovation. No detailed plans for the proposed remedial repairs exist at the time of the writing of this report, as they are pending the findings of this study. Project No. 1531-036 -2- Cramer/Georgeff Road DESCRIPTION OF SITE The subject site is a trapazoid-shaped parcel, measuring approximately 150 feet wide by 315 feet deep, situated on the east side of Georgeff Road in the City of Rolling Hills. The site occupies the east flank of a north -south trending ridge near the top of the Palos Verdes Hills. The subject site consists of a generally level building pad, situated up to 20 feet below Georgeff Road. The pad is presently occupied by a custom built, one story residence. From the rear of the building pad, the site descends in a terraced fashion to the barn, which is located approximately 25 feet below the residence. From the rear of the barn, a slope descends at a rate of approximately 22 to 1 (horizontal to vertical) to the bottom of a stream canyon. From the bottom of the stream canyon, the property ascends at a rate of approximately 21/2 to 1 to the back of the property. Maximum topographic relief is estimated to be 75 feet. FIELD INVESTIGATION Six (6) test pits were excavated by means of a backhoe, and three (3) borings were drilled by means of hand equipment, to depths ranging from four (4) to eight (8) feet at the locations shown on Plate 2. The approximate locations of borings and test pits were determined by tape and compass measurement from the existing structures. Approximate elevations of borings and test pits were determined by interpolation between contours on a Boundary and Topographic Survey Plan, prepared by Robert Herkus .and Associates, dated May 23, 1986. The locations and elevations should be considered accurate only to the degree implied by the method used. A continous record of the soils and bedrock encountered during the excavating was made by our field representative and is presented on Plates 3 through 7, Summary of Borings and Test Pits. The lines designating the interface between materials on the Summary of Borings and Test Pits represent approximate boundaries. The actual transition between materials was gradual. Project No. 1531-036 -3- Cramer/Georgeff Road Undisturbed and bulk samples were secured at frequent intervals from the borings and test pits for laboratory testing. 'SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS In general, those pits excavated below the barn encountered natural, very stiff, silty CLAY, varying in thickness from one (1) to five (5) feet, mantling very weathered and fractured basalt(?) bedrock. The test pits and borings excavated above the barn, within the terraced yard, encountered fill ranging in depth from one (1) to five (5) feet. This fill consists of a mottled mixture of the natural clay and very weathered basalt bedrock. Below this fill in all borings a natural, very stiff, black clay, ranging in thickness from one (1) to two (2) feet was encountered, which was mantling very weathered and fractured basalt(?) bedrock. In Test Pit Nos. 5 and 6, the natural clay was absent, and the fill directly overlaid the bedrock. The basalt (?) bedrock was encountered to the bottom of all test pits and borings. Creep, which is a nearly imperceptible movement of surficial soils downslope caused by the forces of gravity, was observed on the property. It is believed this movement occurs in the loose fill and natural clayey soils, which is affecting the retaining walls. Groundwater was not encountered and none is anticipated within depths pertinent to the proposed construction. ' Surface drainage is comprised of sheet flow and concentrated flow run-off of incidental rainfall derived primarily within the parcel boundaries. LABORATORY TESTS Laboratory testing was programmed following a review of the field investigation and after considering the 'probable foundation design to be evaluated. Laboratory testing included; the determination of density, moisture content and shearing resistance of the materials, as well as consolidation, compaction, and expansion characteristics. Project No. 1531-036 -4- Cramer/Georgeff Road The results of tests are plotted or tabulated on the Summary of Test Pits, Plates 3 through 5, Summary of Borings, Plates 6 and 7, Direct Shear Test Results on Plate 8, and Consolidation Tests on Plate 9. A compaction test was performed on the fill. The sample was taken from Test Pit No. 6, at two (2) to three (3) feet. The test, performed in accordance with ASTM D-1557-70, indicated a maximum dry density of 108.0 pounds per cubic foot at an optimum moisture content of 19.0 percent. An expansion test was performed on the natural black, silty clay. The sample was obtained fran Test Pit No. 2, at a depth of two (2) to three (3) feet. The purpose of this test was to evaluate the potential for volume change and pressure increases with changes in moisture content. The test, performed in accordance with the Uniform Building Code Standard Test No. 29-2, indicated an Expansion Index of 116. The material would be classified as having a "high" potential for expansion. Details of the sampling and test procedures are given in the Appendix. DISCUSSION AND GENERAL COMMENTS Based on the findings summarized in this report, and provided the recommendations of this report are followed, and the designs, grading, and construction are properly and adequately executed, it is our opinion that construction within the building site would not be subject to hazards from landslides, slippage, or excessive settlement. Further, it is our opinion that the proposed building and anticipated site grading would not adversely effect the stability of the site, or adjacent properties, with the same provisos listed above. Project No. 1531-036 -5- Cramer/Georgeff Road CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Foundations on Bedrock An allowable bearing value of 4,000 pounds per square foot is recommended for foundations placed at a depth of at least 18 inches into the weathered basalt(?) bedrock. A calculation to support this recommended bearing value is presented on Plate 10. No footing shall be closer than five (5) feet from the face of any slope. Settlement of footings up to 5 feet wide continuous is not expected to excccd 1/2 inch under the recommended fully applied bearing pressure. Differential settlement between footings is expected to be on the order of 1/4 inch. The bearing capacities given are net allowable bearing values and the weight of the concrete foundations can be ignored. The bearing value is for dead plus live load and may be increased by one-third for momentary wind or seismic loads. The maximum edge pressure of any eccentrically loaded footing should not exceed the values recommended for either permanent or momentary loads. In order to deepen the existing foundations on the downhill side of the barn, a slot cutting technique of excavation is recommended. Using this technique, slots, generally ten (10) feet wide, are excavated beneath the existing footing. The slots are generally 20 feet apart. After the footings in the slots are constructed, a series of slots are excavated and the process is repeated. At no time during this process shall more than 1/3 of the total footing length be left unsupported by either the existing soil or the new footings. Lateral Loads An allowable lateral bearing value against the sides of footings of 800 pounds per square foot, per foot of depth, to a maximum of 6,000 pounds per square foot may be used, provided there is positive contact between the vertical bearing surface and the undisturbed, weathered basalt(?) bedrock. Project No. 1531-036 -6- Cramer/Georgeff Road Friction between the base of the footings, and/or floor slabs, and the underlying soil may be assumed as 0.4 times the dead load. Friction and lateral pressure may be combined, provided either value is limited to two-thirds of the allowable. The above values may be increased by one- third for short durations of seismic and wind forces. Creep Creep was noted on the easterly descending slope between the pool and barn, which has, in part, caused the distress in the masonry retaining walls. Removal and replacement of this creep prone material with properly compacted fill will eliminate the need, to design against creep forces. Retaining Walls The existing, distressed walls can be replaced with either, conventional, masonry retaining walls, or by a crib retaining wall. A crib wall consists of interlocking, reinforced concrete "blocks", stacked in a box arrangement, and filled with soil. A crib wall, along Palos Verdes Drive East, was recently completed by the following firm: Retaining Walls Co. 17151 Newhope Street Suite 202 Fountain Valley 92708 (714)966-1038 Walls retaining drained earth may be designed for the following: Surfaces Slope of Equivalent Retained Material fluid Pressure Horizontal to Vertical Pounds per Cubic Foot Level 45 5 to 1 48 4to1 53 3 to 1 57 2 to 1 ' 65 Project No. 1531-036 -7 Cramer/Georgeff Road Backfill should consist of clean sand and gravel. While all backfills should be compacted to the required degree, extra care should be taken working close to walls to prevent excesive pressure. Temporary Excavation Slopes Temporary excavation slopes in the existing fill, natural clay, and bedrock may be made vertical for cuts of less than five (5) feet. For deeper cuts, temporary excavation slopes shall be made no steeper than 1:1 (horizontal to vertical). In areas where soils with little or no binder are encountered, shoring or flatter excavation slopes shall be made. Your attention is directed to the fact that while caving was not encountered in the test excavations, it is possible that a trench or excavation could react in an altogether different manner. All excavations shall be made in accordance with the regulations of the State of California, Division of' Industrial Safety. These recommended temporary excavation slopes do not preclude local raveling and sloughing. Drainage Site drainage should be dispersed by non -erosive devices in accordance with the grading regulations of controlling agencies to preclude concentrated run-off and erosion over the site. In no case shall water be allowed to pond or drain down the slope in a concentrated and uncontrolled manner. Water shall be conducted to the existing stream canyon. Grading The following general specifications are recommended: 1. Areas to be graded or paved shall be grubbed and striped of all vegetation, debris, and other deleterious material. All loose, creep prone soils and existing fill shall be removed. \1 PropL ND. 1531-036 -8- Cramer/Georgeff Road 2. All new fill shall be keyed and benched into the firm, weathered bedrock. The fill shall be brought to near optimum moisture content, placed in layers not excccding six (6) inches thick, and compacted to at least 90 percent. 3. All other fills and backfills shall be compacted to at least 90 percent. 4. The compaction characteristics of all fill soils shall be determined by ASTM D-1556, or by other acceptable ASTM standard methods which are acceptable to the governing public agency. 5. All new fill shall consist of clean soil, free of vegetation and other, debris, and shall be placed in layers not exceeding six (6) inches at near optimum moisture content. No rocks over three (3) inches in greatest dimension shall be used. No soil shall be imported to the site without prior approval by the foundation engineer. The surface soils on the project would be suitable for use in compacted fills, provided their expansive characteristics are considered in all designs. 6. In all cases where the ground slope is steeper than 5 (horiontal) to 1 (vertical), the existing ground shall be benched, as the fill thereon is brought up in layers. That existing ground which slopes flatter than 5 to 1 may also require benching, if the foundation engineer considers such to be necessary. 7. No jetting or water tamping of fill soils shall be permitted. 8. Care shall be exercised during rough grading so that areas involved will drain properly. Water shall be prevented from running over slopes by temporary berms. Project No. 1531-036 -9- Cramer/Georgeff Road 9. At all times, the contractor shall have a responsible field superintendent on the project, in full charge of the work, with authority to make decisions. He shall cooperate fully with the foundation engineer in carrying out the work. 10. No fill shall be placed, spread, or rolled during unfavorable weather. When the work is interrupted by rain, operations shall not be resumed until field tests by the foundation engineer indicate that conditions will permit satisfactory results. Inspection As a necessary requisite to the use of this report, the following shall be observed by the soils engineer: 1. Inspection of all grading operations. 2. Inspection of all backfill wedges, drainage blankets, and weep holes for retaining walls. 3. Inspection of all foundation excavations for the structure or retaining walls. The consultant should be notified at least two days in advance of the start of construction. A joint meeting betwccn the client, contractor, and soils consultant is recommended prior to the start of construction to discuss specific procedures and scheduling. REMARKS The conclusions and recommendations contained herein are based upon the findings and observations made at the six (6) test pit and three (3) boring locations. While no great variations in soil conditions are anticipated, if conditions are encountered during construction which appear to differ from those disclosed by the the test excavations, this office should be notified so as to consider the need for modifications. No responsibility for construction compliance with the design concepts, specifications, or recommendations is assumed unless on - site construction review is performed during the course of construction which pertains to the specific recommendations contained herein. Project No. 1531-036 -10- Cramer/Georgeff Road Footings should be located below a line measured at a 45 degree angle from the bottom of any utility trench, unless reviewed and approved by the foundation engineer. This report is subject to review by controlling public agencies having jurisdiction. This report has been compiled for the exclusive use of Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Cramer and their authorized representatives. It shall not be transferred to, or used by; a third party, to another project, or applied to any other project on this site, other than as described herein, without consent and/or thorough review by this facility. Should the project be delayed beyond the period of two years after the date of this report, the site and report shall be reviewed to consider possible changed conditions. Samples obtained in this investigation will deteriorate with time and will be unsuitable for further laboratory testing within thrcc months from the date of this report: Unless otherwise advised, the samples will be discarded at that time. This investigation was made in accordance with generally accepted engineering procedures, and included such field and laboratory tests considered necessary in the circumstances. In the opinion of the undersigned, the accompanying report has boon substantiated by mathematical data in conformity with generally accepted enginccring principles and presents fairly the information requested. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this report. Michael` David"R MDR/RAM/ac (5) Addressee Ae ader, Staff Engineer Richard A. Martin, RCE Respectfully submitted, �ES�ir RO• BASELINE CONSULTANTS, INC,.zti`? e A • `' , �Q - . •. � No. 2'�' 2^• 2e0 4/3G09; .1,1 APPENDIX A EXPLORATION AND TESTING Field exploration was actompllshed using atruck mounted bucket auger of 16to24 inches in diameter and/or by using a backhoe with an 18 to 30 inch scoop bucket,unless otherwise noted. The earth materials encountered were continuously logged by our field representative and visually classified in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification 'System. Undisturbed samples of the soil and/or rock were secured at frequent intervals from the excavations by driving a thin walled, steel, sampling tube into the ground ahead of the drilling with successive drops of the drilling bar. The drive energy required for twelve inches of penetration is shown on the Summary of Borings. Samples of earth materials were retained in one inch high, two and one half inch diameter, brass rings. Representative bulk samples were obtained and placed in water tight, polyethylene bags for transport. The field classification was reviewed in the laboratory by visual examination and may have been augmented, by A.S.T.M. classification tests such cs grain size analysis, and Atterberg Limits tests. Unit dry weight and field moisture content may have been determined for most of the undisturbed samples. Shear tests performed on selected samples which were vertically loaded then sheared in the Direct Shear Machine at a constant strain rate. Consolidation tests may have been performed on selected undisturbed samples confined in an apparatus designed to accomodate a one inch high sample. Loading is appliedto the specimen in several increments over selected time intervals,and the vertical defcrmation recorded. UrZconfined compression tests are performed on undisturbed samples having a length at least two and one times the diameter, under constantly increasing vertical loading. All other laboratory tests are performed in accordance withA.S.T.M. or U.B.C. designated procedures. SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS Some or all of the following symbol and abbreviations figures of this report: - Location of boring -$i- - Location of pit - Assumed datum point Mail/ - Strike and dip of bedding --ice- Approximate strike and dip M°t - Strike and dip of fracture - Strike and dip of foliation --- - Property line �--� - Geologic contact - A pproximate geologic contact F - Fault Shear zone have been used within the text, plates, and U -Undisturbed sample B - Bulk sample S -Direct shear test C - Consolidation test E -Expansion test G - Gradation test A• - Atterberg Limits test F - Unconfined compression test T -Mechanical Analyses Q . - Sand Equivalency test R - 'R' Value test M - Maximum density -Optimum moisture test ONE STORY POOL. RESIDENCE F.F. 97Z..6 �w U B- 3 TP-2 \ 92. \ \--- 930 cog35 W N coo) 1 � Q u: TP_3 / 7 955 P 5 \ 60 TP—�F✓ 7 0 H \ \/1 \ \ Z7Z*7 g' c 3 (P g6p" ' c V / 096� 910 REFERENCE "BOUNDARY AND TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY" BY ROBERT HERKUS & ASSOC., DATED 5/23/86 910 0 CRAMER RESIDENCE # I I GEORGEFF ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CA SCALE: I II 4 0 APPROVED BY: 0 DATE: NOV. I986 BASELINE CONSULTANTS #I531-096 DRAWN BY REVISED I DRAWING NUMBER 2 SUMMARY OF TEST PIT N° 1 Elev. 942 u) 4-- d . Em A ,.... 2 V i W T oc CI0 to lL M 0 U 5 _D 85 12.5 68 17.9 Soft_ Dark Brown Very 83 25.4 Stiff 77 23.7 Hard Tan 72 30.9 Very - 13.2 Hard DESCRIPTION CLAY - Silty, scattered rock fragments BEDROCK- BASALT(?), very weathered weathered End of Test Pit @ 8 feet No Water No Caving SUMMARY OF TEST PIT N92 Footing 1\ \ \ \ Elev. 943 S�if �rorwn CLAY - silty, scattered rock fragments Very Tan BEDROCK - BASALT(?) - 12.1 Hard 5_ Cramer Residence No. 11 Georgeff Road Rolling Hills, California End of Pit @ 4 feet No Water No Caving JOB NQ 1531-096 PLATE— 3 BASELINE CONSULTANTS SUMMARY OF TEST PIT N° 3 Elev. 945 N 4-- d x E A -_v F. .N c DESCRIPTION Q- o �. °' Ir.•o c c p p M U 0 \ N. N N. Footing --1111 ti f gown CLAY -silty, scattered rock fragments 12.3 very Hard Tan BEDROCK - BASALT(?) 5 - 11.9 79• 31.8 ZJJ 94 25.9 End of Pit @ 5 feet No Water No Caving SUMMARY OF TEST PIT N2 4 \ \ \ Footing Very Dark 3 if f Browr 5 _ Very Hard Tan -$ 84 12.1 Elev. . 947 CLAY - silty, scattered rock fragments, porous BEDROCK - BASALT(?) Cramer Residence No. 11Georgeff Road Rolling Hills, California End of Pit @ 5 feet No Water No Caving JOB N2 15 1-ncti PLATE— 4 BASELINE CONSULTANTS SUMMARY OF TEST PIT N° 5 Elev. 953 a) 0 0 N t73 CD A '3 N DESCRIPTION coN N O LL �O O 2 U V Footing • Firm Motld FILL: Mottled, silty CLAY and Bedrock Dark fragments 88 22.0 Brown and Tan 82 19.9 5- Hard TAn .BEDROCK - BASALT (?) very weathered 93 18.7 94 25.2 100 22.8 93 27.2 96 18.0 End of Pit @' 7 feet No Water. No Caving SUMMARY OF TEST PIT N° Footing Motld \\ FT'.T, • Firm Dark Brown and Tan Hard Tan Tar 6 Elev. 963 Mottled, silty CLAY and Bedrock fragments BEDROCK - BASALT(?) very weathered weathered End of Pit @ 8 feet No Water No Caving Cramer Residence No. 11 Georgeff Road Rolling Hills, California JOB N2 1531-096 PLATE— 5 BASELINE CONSULTANTS SUMMARY OF BORING NO. 1 '.DATE DRILLED Mo enber ?6. 198ti ELEV. 853 CL W Er)o i- v) DESCRIPTION Wv CC W a >Z Cr)a ZZ J co p 0 W • 0 U E 0 LL M U C.) Brown/ FILL: SAND - fine to medium, clayey 106 17.7 Compact Tan Stiff Black witt CLAY - sandy 98 24.3 Very Dk.Brown CLAY - silty Stiff Tan with Tan slightly sandy 5--Very Hard Tan BEDROCK - BASALT(?) End of Boring @ 5 feet No Water 1 0— No Caving 15— SUMMARY OF BORING NO.2 DATE DRILLED Ncnremh.r 26„ 1986 Tan and "3 94 28.6 Stiff Dark Browr_ Very Dark -31I 97 15.4 qi-i ff Brown 5 ! _ i q n ua ,-,a Tan 10- 15— ELEV. 860 FTLL: Mottled, silty, CLAY and SAND CLAY - silty BEDROCK - BASALT(?) End of Boring @ 5 feet No Water No Caving Cramer Residence No. 11 Georgeff Road Rolling HIlls, California JOB '# 1531-096 PLATE 6 BASELINE CONSULTANTS SUMMARY OF BORING NO. 3 DATE DRILLED November 26, 1986 I1J I — Fz- -U >-z J (n zz =W W O Ow EL: � O Stiff 99 25.7 .Very Stiff 106 5- 10— I5— 19.2 Hard DATE DRILLED 10- 15— CC J O I'an&n,-.,wn FILL: Dark ELEV. 953 DESCRIPTION Mottled SiltY CLAY and SAND Brown CLAY - silty Tan/Brown BEDROCK - BASALT(?) .End of Boring @ 4 feet No Water No Caving SUMMARY OF BORING NO. Cramer Residence No. 11 Georgeff Road Rolling Hills, California ELEV. JOB # 1531-096 PLATE 7 f BASELINE CONSULTANTS 4 r- 0 a) a. 5 4 03 0. 3 Y v 0 c0 Z I cn 0 RESULTS OF DIRECT SHEAR TEST All samples were soaked for 24 hours prior to testing to simulate extreme moisture conditions. 2 CONFINING PRESSURE (kips per sq. ft.) AL - Test Pit 5 @ 7 feet - very weathered bedrock Cramer Residence No. 11 Georgeff Road Rolling Hills, California 5 Proj. N21531-096 Plate 8 BASELINE CONSULTANTS CONSOLIDATION 1 .I CONSOLIDATION TESTS PRESSURE (kips per square foot) .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .8 1.0 2 ® - Water Added 1 1 1 1 \ 1 1 \ i\ i 1 1 1 `1,.., I. 1 i 1 1 `1 r 1 1 1 1 r I• '�— 1 1 1 III 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cramer Residence No. 11 Georgeff Road Rolling Hills, California 3 4 5 I I 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 I 1 I I i I I I 1 I I I 1 i I I i I 6 7 8 1 I 1 f1 1 1 I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 Test Pit .6 @ 6 ft I 1• Test Pit - 6@8ft1 i 1 1 I i I i I I 1 1 I I I I I 1i I i Proj. Na 1531-096 Plate 9 BASELINE CONSULTANTS BEARING VALUE Reference: "Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice", Terzaghi and Peck, 1967, pgs. 222 and 223. Properties: Wet Density (' ) = 94 pounds per cubic foot Cohesion (C) = 550 pounds per cubic foot, Angle of Friction (0) = 24 degrees. Footing Depth (D) = 12 inches Continuous Footing Width (B) = 2 feet (assumed) Factor of Safety (F.S.) = 3.0 Calculations - Ultimate Bearing Capacity Qu = CNc + YDNq + 0.5 ¥BNY From figure 33.4 on page 222 Nc = 19.3 Nq = 9.6 = 6i Qu = (550) (19.3) + (95 ) ( 1 ) (9.6) + 0.5 (95 ) ( 2 ) (6 2 ) 10,615 + 912 + 617.5 = 12,144 psf Allowable Bearing Capacity Qall = Qu/F.S. = 4048 psf Use 4000 psf Project No. 1531-096 Plate 10