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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSW3190506_Report_(Geotech)_20190701GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING REPORT '7 - I I - I 's4 I SEALAND OFFICE 501 NC Highway 24/27 W Midland, Cabarrus County, North Carolina PREPARED FOR: Sealand Contractors Corp 1708 N. Caldwell Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28206 NOVA Project Number: 10705-2019012 March 14, 2019 NOVA PROFESSIONAL I PRACTICAL I PROVEN N OVA March 20, 2019 SEALAND CONTRACTORS CORP 1708 N. Caldwell Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28206 Attention: Mr. Vincent J. DiProspero Jr. Vice President Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Report SEALAND OFFICE 501 NC Highway 24/27 W Midland, Cabarrus County, North Carolina NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 Dear Mr. DiProspero: NOVA Engineering and Environmental, Inc. (NOVA) has completed the authorized Geotechnical Engineering Report for the proposed Sealand Office site located at 501 NC Highway 24/27 W in Midland, North Carolina. The work was performed in general accordance with NOVA Proposal Number 005-20198843, dated February 14, 2019. This report briefly discusses our understanding of the project at the time of the subsurface exploration, describes the geotechnical consulting services provided by NOVA, and presents our findings, conclusions, and recommendations. We appreciate your selection of NOVA and the opportunity to be of service on this project. If you have any questions, or if we may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, NOVA Engineering and Environmental, Inc. Donald L. Anderson, P.E. Geotechnical Engineer NC P.E. License 047698 Copies Submitted: Addressee (electronic) David Pehalva, F Senior Technical NC P.E. License PROFESSIONAL I PRACTICAL I PROVEN 5104 Reagan Drive, Suite 8, Charlotte, North Carolina 28206 t. 980.321.4100 / f. 980.321.4099 / usanova.com #`aese�rrt®ei® e L 3 �a a' �irlr,at+Rdt� /df TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 SUMMARY..........................................................................................................................1 1.1 GENERAL......................................................................................................................................1 1.2 SITE CONSIDERATIONS................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 1.3 DIFFICULT EXCAVATION...............................................................................................................2 1.4 PRELIMINARY FOUNDATION AND SLAB SUPPORT RECOMENDATIONS....................................2 1.5 SEISMIC SITE CLASS....................................................................................................................2 2 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 3 2.1 PROJECT INFORMATION...............................................................................................................3 2.2 SCOPE OF WORK..........................................................................................................................4 3 SITE DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................ 5 3.1 LOCATION AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................5 3.2 SUBJECT PROPERTY ANDVICINITY GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS .............................................5 3.3 CURRENTAND PREVIOUS USE OF THE PROPERTY.....................................................................6 4 FIELD AND LABORATORY PROCEDURES........................................................................... 7 4.1 FIELD EXPLORATION....................................................................................................................7 4.2 LABORATORY TESTING.................................................................................................................8 5 SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS.............................................................................................10 5.1 GEOLOGY...................................................................................................................................10 5.2 SOI L AN D ROCK CON DITIONS ...................................................................................................10 5.3 GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS..................................................................................................11 6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.....................................................................13 6.1 SITE PREPARATION................................................................................................................... 13 6.2 FILL PLACEMENT....................................................................................................................... 16 6.3 FOUNDATION RECOMENDATIONS............................................................................................ 18 6.4 SLABS-ON-GRADE..................................................................................................................... 19 7 CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATIONS.................................................................................... 21 7.1 SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS......................................................................................................... 21 7.2 SUBGRADE................................................................................................................................ 21 APPENDICES Appendix - Figures and Maps Appendix B - Subsurface Data Appendix C - Laboratory Test Results Appendix C - Qualifications of Recommendations Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office 1 SUMMARY March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 A brief summary of pertinent findings, conclusions, and recommendations are presented below. This information should not be utilized in design or construction without reading the report in its entirety and paying particular attention to the recommendations presented in the text and Appendix. 1.1 GENERAL The project consists of developing the northern part of a larger 28.3-acre property at 501 NC Highway 24/27 W in Midland, North Carolina. The construction will include a new office building, a shop building, two stormwater basins, and driveways and parking areas. Five (5) soil test borings (Borings B-1 through B-5) were drilled within the planned building footprints. Grading of the site had begun when the fieldwork was performed and the site had been stripped of topsoil, and shallow excavations had been made in some areas. Generally, the borings encountered moderate to high consistency residual soils underlain by relatively shallow partially weathered rock. Auger refusal materials were encountered in the five borings. • The site had recently been stripped and no topsoil or other surficial materials were encountered at the boring locations. • The borings encountered natural Piedmont residual soils at the ground surface. Standard penetration resistances in the residual soils ranged from 16 to 20 blows per foot (bpf) in upper 51/2 feet Boring B-1, but otherwise, ranged from 47 to 93 bpf. • Partially weathered rock (PWR) was encountered 3 to 8 feet below the ground surface when the borings were performed. PWR a transitional material between soil and the underlying parent rock that is defined locally as materials that exhibit a standard penetration resistance of at least 100 bpf. • Auger refusal materials were encountered in the five borings at depths of about 11 to 181/2 feet. Auger refusal materials are any very hard or very dense material which cannot be penetrated by a power auger. Auger refusal can represent the surface of mass rock, or a large boulder, pinnacle or resistant ledge of rock. N 0 VA Page 1 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office 1.2 DIFFICULT EXCAVATION March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 Very high consistency soils were encountered at and near the ground surface in most of the borings and partially weathered rock (PWR) was encountered 3 to 8 feet below the ground surface when the borings were performed. As such, PWR and very high consistency soils be expected to be encountered during excavations in most areas of the site, and resistant rock layers are often present within PWR. Further, auger refusal materials, which can represent a boulder, a rock ledge or the surface of mass rock, were encountered at depths of about 11 to 181/2 feet in the borings. In Boring B-3, the auger refusal materials were encountered within about 3 feet of planned finished pad elevation. Because the depth and occurrence of rock can vary significantly in the region of the site, it is possible that materials requiring rock excavation techniques may be encountered during site grading and underground utility installation in some areas of the site. 1.3 PRELIMINARY FOUNDATION AND SLAB SUPPORT RECOMENDATIONS We recommend that the proposed structure be supported by conventional shallow foundations designed for a maximum allowable soil bearing pressure of 3,500 pounds per square foot (psf). A modulus of subgrade reaction of 100 psi is recommended for floor slab design. 1.4 SEISMIC SITE CLASS In accordance with Section 1613.3.2 of the 2018 North Carolina Building Code, the seismic Site Class was estimated using the standard penetration resistance values obtained from the soil test borings performed during this study. Based upon this analysis, and our knowledge of general subsurface conditions in the area, we believe the soil profiles associated with a Site Class "C" are generally appropriate for this site. N OVA Page 2 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office 2 INTRODUCTION 2.1 PROJECT INFORMATION March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 Our understanding of the project is based on based on information furnished by Mr. Vincent DiProspero with Sealand Contractors Crop which included a Civil Plan set, a site reconnaissance and NOVA's previous experience with similar projects and knowledge of the local geology. 2.1.1 Site Plans and Documents We were furnished with the following documents: • Civil Plan Set, which included a Grading Plan (Sheet C-400) prepared by Cardno, dated December 7, 2018. 2.1.2 Proposed Construction We understand the project consists of developing the northern part of a larger 28.3-acre property at 501 NC Highway 24/27 W in Midland, North Carolina. The construction will include a new office building, a shop building, stormwater basins, and driveways and parking areas. 2.1.3 Maximum Loads We understand the office structure will be single -story and wood -framed, and the proposed shop structure will be a prefabricated engineered metal building. Specific loading information has not been provided; however, based on our experience with similar projects, we anticipate maximum column loads will not exceed 150 kips and wall loads will not exceed 3 kips per lineal foot (klf). We assume the buildings will have slab -on -grade floors. 2.1.4 Floor Elevations / Site Grading The proposed pad elevations in the office and shop building pads are 701.70 and 698.10 feet MSL, respectively. Based on the provided grading plans, excavations and fills of up to 11 feet and 1 foot, respectively, will be required in the office pad and 12 feet and 6 feet, respectively, in the shop pad. Excavations of up to 6 feet and 18 feet are proposed in the areas of stormwater Basin #1 and #2, respectively. Deep excavations are also planned along some of the utility line alignments. N OVA Page 3 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office i� IM9%]249]-ATiTISIV 1 March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 Sealand Contractors Corp engaged NOVA to provide geotechnical engineering consulting services for the Sealand Office project. This report briefly discusses our understanding of the project, describes our exploratory procedures, and presents our findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The primary objective of this study was to perform a geotechnical exploration within the areas of the proposed construction and to assess these findings as they relate to geotechnical aspects of the planned site development. The authorized geotechnical engineering services included a site reconnaissance, a soil test boring and sampling program, laboratory testing, engineering evaluation of the field and laboratory data, and the preparation of this report. The services were performed substantially as outlined in our Proposal Number 005- 20198843, dated revised February 14, 2019 and in general accordance with industry standards. As authorized per the above referenced proposal, the completed geotechnical report was to include: • A description of the site, fieldwork, laboratory testing and general soil conditions encountered, as well as a Boring Location Plan, and individual Boring Records. • Discussion on potential design/construction issues indicated by the exploration, such as old fills, materials that would require difficult excavation techniques, potentially expansive materials, shallow groundwater table, etc. • Recommended quality control measures (i.e. sampling, testing, and inspection requirements) for site grading and foundation construction, including soil compaction requirements. • Recommendations for controlling groundwater and/or run-off during construction and, the need for permanent de -watering systems based on the anticipated post construction groundwater levels. • Suitability of on -site soils for re -use as structural fill and backfill. Additionally, the criteria for suitable fill materials will be provided. • Foundation system recommendations for the proposed structures including allowable bearing capacities and recommended bearing depths. The assessment of the presence of wetlands, floodplains, or water classified as State Waters of North Carolina or Waters of the US was beyond the scope of this study. Additionally, the assessment of site environmental conditions, including the detection of pollutants in the soil, rock, or groundwater, at the site was also beyond the scope of this geotechnical study. N OVA Page 4 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 3 SITE DESCRIPTION 3.1 LOCATION AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION The project site encompasses the northern approximately half of a larger 28.3-acre property at 501 NC Highway 24/27 W in Midland, North Carolina. The 28.3-acre property is identified with the Cabarrus County property identification number 2-032- 00.17. A legal description of the Subject Property was not provided to NOVA. Site Location Plan depicting the location of the site is include in Appendix A (Figure 1). The approximate latitude and longitude coordinates of the site are 35.2462 ° north and 80.58120 west, respectively. 3.2 SUBJECT PROPERTY AND VICINITY GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS The project site is currently being graded but was previously undeveloped and mostly wooded. Topographically, the site slopes downward from the eastern and western boundaries to a draw that extends north to south through the center portion of the site. Elevations within the area of planned construction generally range from about 718 feet MSL along the western site boundary to about 675 feet MSL along the southern part of the draw. The vicinity of the site is generally developed with agricultural, residential and small commercial/light manufacturing and agricultural land uses, and is bordered by the following: DIRECTION LAND USE DESCRIPTION/OBSERVATIONS NORTH Highway 24/27 W , light manufacturing/commercial and residential EAST Storage facility and possible metals recycling facility SOUTH Undeveloped Woodland WEST Agricultural field N 0 VA Page 5 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office 3.3 CURRENT AND PREVIOUS USE OF THE PROPERTY March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 The site is currently being graded for the planned construction. Historical areal images show parts of the site were once agricultural field. After re -forestation, the site was undeveloped and mostly wooded. N OVA Page 6 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 4 FIELD AND LABORATORY PROCEDURES 4.1 FIELD EXPLORATION Boring locations were established in the field by NOVA personnel using the furnished Grading Plan and a handheld GPS device. The approximate locations are shown on Figure 2 in Appendix A. Boring elevations were obtained from the GPS device. The referenced boring locations and elevations should be considered approximate. If increased accuracy is desired by the client, NOVA recommends that the boring locations and elevations be surveyed. Our field exploration was conducted on February 27, 2019 and included: • A site reconnaissance; and, • Five soil test borings (B-1 through B-5) drilled to auger refusal at of 11.2 to 18.5 feet below the ground surface elevation (at the time of our exploration). Soil Test Borings: The soil test borings were performed using the guidelines of ASTM Designation D-1586, "Penetration Test and Split -Barrel Sampling of Soils". A hollow stem auger drilling process was used to advance the borings. At regular intervals, soil samples were obtained with a standard 1.4-inch I.D., 2.0-inch O.D., split -tube sampler. The sampler was first seated six inches and then driven an additional foot with blows of a 140-pound hammer falling 30 inches. The number of hammer blows required to drive the sampler the final foot is designated the "Penetration Resistance". The penetration resistance, when properly interpreted, is an index to the soil strength and density. Representative portions of the soil samples, obtained from the sampler, were placed in glass jars and transported to our laboratory for further evaluation and laboratory testing. Test Boring Records in Appendix B showthe standard penetration test (SPT) resistances, or "N-values", and present the soil conditions encountered in the borings. These records represent our interpretation of the subsurface conditions based on the field exploration data, visual examination of the split -barrel samples and generally accepted geotechnical engineering practices. The stratification lines and depth designations represent approximate boundaries between various subsurface strata. Actual transitions between materials may be gradual. Groundwater: Groundwater levels, if encountered, represent measurements soon after the completion of drilling. The soil test borings were subsequently backfilled with the soil cuttings. N OVA Page 7 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office 4.2 LABORATORY TESTING March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 The laboratory testing program included visual classification of the recovered split -spoon soil samples. The visual classifications are presented on the Data Sheets and Boring Logs attached in the Appendix C. The specific laboratory procedures are briefly described below. It should be noted that all soil samples would be properly disposed of 30 days following the submittal of this NOVA subsurface exploration report unless you request otherwise. 4.2.1 Soil Classification Soil classification provides a general guide to the engineering properties of various soil types and enable the engineer to apply past experience to current problems. In our explorations, samples obtained during drilling operations are observed in our laboratory and visually classified by an engineer. The soils are classified according to consistency (based on number of blows from standard penetration tests), color and texture. These classification descriptions are included on our "Test Boring Logs". The classification system discussed above is primarily qualitative; laboratory testing is generally performed for detailed soil classification. Using the test results, the soils are classified using the Unified Soil Classification Systems. This classification system and the in -place physical soil properties provide an index for estimating the soil's behavior. The soil classifications are presented in this report. 4.2.2 Moisture Content Moisture content is the ratio expressed as a percentage of the weight of water in a given mass of soil to the weight of the solid particles. This test was conducted in general accordance with ASTM D 2216. A total of three moisture content tests were performed in this study. 4.2.3 Sive Analysis The sieve analysis consists of passing a soil sample through a series of standard sieve openings. The percentage of soil, by weight, passingthe individual sieves is then recorded and generally presented in a graphical format. The percentage of fines passing through the No. 200 sieve is generally considered to represent the amount of silt and clay of the tested soil sample. The sieve analysis testing was conducted in general accordance with ASTM Designation D 1140. Atotal of three sieve analysis tests were performed for this study. N OVA Page 8 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office 4.2.4 Atterberg Limits March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 The Atterberg Limits are different descriptions of the moisture content of fine- grained soils as it transitions between a solid to a liquid -state. For classification purposes the two primary Atterberg Limits used are the plastic limit (PL) and the liquid limit (LL). The plastic index (PI) is also calculated for soil classification. The plastic limit (PL) is the moisture content at which a soil transitions from being in a semisolid state to a plastic state. The liquid limit (LL) is defined as the moisture content at which a soil transitions from a plastic state to a liquid state. Three tests were performed in this study in accordance with ASTM D4318 - Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils. 4.2.5 Proctor Test Three Standard Proctor compaction tests were performed in accordance with ASTM D 698 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction of Soil Using Standard Effort to determine the relationship between the soils' maximum dry unit weight and various moisture contents for use in controlling fill placement. N OVA Page 9 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office 5.1 GEOLOGY March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 5 SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS The site is located in the Charlotte Belt of the Piedmont Physiographic Provence, a broad northeasterly trending province underlain by crystalline rocks up to 600 million years old. The Piedmont is bounded on the northwest by the Blue Ridge Range of the Appalachian Mountains, and on the southeast by the Coastal Plain. According to the "Geologic Map of North Carolina: Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, Division of Land Resources, and the NC Geological Survey" by Rhodes and Conrad, 1985, the site is generally underlain by interbedded felsic to mafic tuffs and flowrock of the Later Proterzoic-Paleozoic era. Residual soils in the region are primarily the product of in -situ chemical decomposition of the parent rock. The extent of the weathering is influenced by the mineral composition of the rock and defects such as fissures, faults and fractures. The residual profile can generally be divided into three zones: • An upper zone near the ground surface consisting of red clays and clayey silts which have undergone the most advanced weathering, • An intermediate zone of less weathered micaceous sandy silts and silty sands, frequently described as "saprolite", whose mineralogy, texture and banded appearance reflects the structure of the original rock, and • A transitional zone between soil and rock termed partially weathered rock (PWR). Partially weathered rock is defined locally by standard penetration resistances exceeding 100 blows per foot. The boundaries between zones of soil, partially weathered rock, and bedrock are erratic and poorly defined. Weathering is often more advanced next to fractures and joints that transmit water, and in mineral bands that are more susceptible to decomposition. Boulders and rock lenses are sometimes encountered within the overlying PWR or soil matrix. Consequently, significant fluctuations in depths to materials requiring difficult excavation techniques may occur over short horizontal distances. 5.2 SOIL AND ROCK CONDITIONS The following paragraphs provide generalized descriptions of the subsurface profiles and soil conditions encountered by the borings conducted during this study. N OVA Page 10 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 The Test Boring Records in Appendix B should be reviewed to provide more detailed descriptions of the subsurface conditions encountered at each boring location. These records represent our interpretation of the subsurface conditions based on the field logs and visual observations of samples by an engineer. The lines designating the interface between various strata on the Boring Logs represent the approximate interface locations and elevation. The actual transition between strata may be gradual. Groundwater levels represent the conditions in the boreholes just after drilling. It should be understood that soil conditions may vary between boring locations. 5.2.1 Surface Materials The site had recently been striped and no topsoil or other surficial materials were encountered at the boring locations. 5.2.2 Residual Soils The borings encountered natural Piedmont residual soils at the ground surface. Standard penetration resistances in the residual soils ranged from 16 to 20 bpf in upper 51/2 feet Boring B-1, but otherwise, ranged from 47 to 93 bpf in the other residual soils. 5.2.3 Partially Weathered Rock and Auger Refusal Materials Partially weathered rock (PWR) was encountered 3 to 8 feet below the ground surface (approximate Elevations 681.5 to 695 feet MSL) when the borings were performed. PWR a transitional material between soil and the underlying parent rock that is defined locally as materials that exhibit a standard penetration resistance of at least 100 bpf. Auger refusal materials were encountered in the five borings at depths of about 11 to 181/2 feet. Auger refusal materials are any very hard or very dense material which cannot be penetrated by a power auger. Auger refusal can represent the surface of mass rock, or a large boulder, pinnacle or resistant ledge of rock. 5.3 GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS 5.3.1 General Groundwater in the Piedmont region typically occurs as an unconfined or semi - confined aquifer condition. Recharge is provided by the infiltration of rainfall and surface water through the soil overburden. More permeable zones in the soil matrix, as well as fractures, joints and discontinuities in the underlying bedrock N OVA Page 11 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 can affect groundwater conditions. The groundwater table in the Piedmont is expected to be a subdued replica of the original surface. Also, groundwater will typically be present near creeks and ponds near or slightly above the water surface in the creek or pond. Groundwater levels vary with changes in season and rainfall, construction activity, surface water runoff, and other site -specific factors. Groundwater levels in the area are typically lowest in the late summer -early fall and highest in the late winter -early spring, with annual groundwater fluctuations on the order of 4 to 8 feet; consequently, the water table may vary at times. 5.3.2 Soil Test Boring Groundwater Conditions Groundwater was not observed in the borings at the time of the field exploration. However, groundwater levels will fluctuate and may, in the future, rise above the levels inferred by the exploration data. N O VA Page 12 Geotechnical Engineering Report March 20, 2019 Sealand Office NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The following conclusions and recommendations are based on our understanding of the proposed construction, site observations, our evaluation and interpretation of the field and laboratory data obtained during this exploration, our experience with similar subsurface conditions, and generally accepted geotechnical engineering principles and practices. It should be noted that the site was being graded at the time of this report. Subsurface conditions in unexplored locations or at other times may vary from those encountered at specific boring locations. If such variations are noted during construction and as more detailed project plans are developed, we request the opportunityto review the changes and amend our recommendations. As previously noted, boring locations were established using a hand-held GPS device. If increased accuracy is desired by the client, we recommend that the boring locations and elevations be surveyed. 6.1 SITE PREPARATION 6.1.1 General Prior to proceeding with construction, we recommend that any remaining vegetation, root systems, topsoil, and other deleterious non -soil materials be stripped from proposed construction areas. Clean topsoil may be stockpiled and subsequently re -used in landscaped areas. Any debris -laden materials should be excavated, transported and disposed of off -site in accordance with appropriate solid waste rules and regulations. After clearing and stripping, areas which are at grade or will receive fill or other overlaying construction should be carefully evaluated by a NOVA geotechnical engineer. The engineer will require proofrolling of the subgrade with multiple passes of a 20 to 30-ton loaded truck, a 10 to 12-ton vibratory roller, or other vehicle of similar size and weight. Vibratory compaction should be turned off and static rolling should be performed if yielding conditions appear. The purpose of the proofrolling is to locate soft, weak, or excessively wet soils present at the time of construction. Unstable materials observed during the evaluation and proofrolling operations should be undercut and replaced with structural fill or stabilized in -place by scarifying and re-densifying. If low consistency soils are encountered during construction, typical recommendations would include undercutting and backfilling with structural fill N OVA Page 13 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 and/or stabilizing in -place with fabric, stone, and/or other remedial techniques. Actual remedial recommendations can best be determined by the geotechnical engineer in the field at the time of construction. The site should be graded during construction such that positive drainage is maintained away from the construction areas, to prevent ponding of storm water on the site during and shortly following significant rain events. The construction areas should also be sealed and crowned with a smooth roller to minimize ponding water from storm events at the end of each day of work. The types of soils encountered during this study have a tendency to lose strength when exposed to changes in moisture and construction traffic. A concerted effort should be made to control construction traffic and surface water while subgrade soils are exposed. 6.1.2 Low -Laying Areas It is possible that water softened soils may exist in the bottoms of draws and swales, in other low-lying or poorly drained areas of the site. Prior to fill placement or other overlaying construction, a geotechnical engineer should carefully evaluate subgrade conditions in these areas. If unstable soils are present, typical recommendations would include undercutting and replacing with structural fill/stone or stabilizing in -place with fabric and stone, as described below. A temporary dewatering system will be required if groundwater exists at or near finished subgrade levels. Stabilization of soft, water -softened subgrade will likely consist of placement of a woven geotextile overlain by 1 to 2 feet of surge stone capped with 6 to 12 inches of #57 stone or compacted graded aggregate base (GAB). In deep fill areas (+6 feet) beneath planned pavements, the use of soil "bridging' lifts may also be possible to provide a stable base upon which to subsequently compact structural fill. The actual extent and nature of the required remedial measures can best be determined in the field at the time of construction. 6.1.3 Difficult Excavation Very high consistency soils were encountered at and near the ground surface in most of the borings and partially weathered rock (PWR) was encountered 3 to 8 feet below the ground surface when the borings were performed. As such, PWR and very high consistency soils be expected to be encountered during excavations in most areas of the site, and resistant rock layers are often present within PWR. N OVA Page 14 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 Further, auger refusal materials, which can represent a boulder, a rock ledge or the surface of mass rock, were encountered at depths of about 11 to 181h feet in the borings. In Boring B-3, the auger refusal materials were encountered within about 3 feet of planned finished pad elevation. As previously discussed, the weathering process is erratic and variations in the PWR or rock profile can occur in small lateral distances. Therefore, it is possible that rock pinnacles or ledges requiring difficult excavation techniques may be encountered at shallower depths in areas intermediate of our boring locations. The potential for encountering rock will increase with increasing excavation depth. Because very dense/hard soils, PWR and possibly rock will be encountered, the following excavation methods may be needed. Ripping: Mass excavation of very hard or very dense soils and PWR will likely require looseningthe material with a large single -toothed ripper or track -mounted backhoe before removal with conventional earthmoving equipment. In confined areas, such as utility trenches and foundations, excavations of very hard or very dense soils (> 50 bpf) and PWR, may require either the use of pneumatic tools or light blasting. Blasting: Some light blasting could be required for isolated pockets of very dense material for efficient excavation. Blasting will likely be required to loosen refusal materials in mass and confined excavations. Rock Definition: The definition of rock can be source of conflict during construction. The following definitions have been incorporated into classified excavation specifications on other projects and are provided for your general guidance. We recommend that the determination and confirmation of difficult excavation materials be performed by the NOVA geotechnical engineer in accordance with the project specifications. Measurement of the quantities of difficult excavation materials should be performed by the project surveyor. N OVA Page 15 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office GENERAL EXCAVATION March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 Blast Rock Any material which cannot be excavated with a single - tooth ripper mounted on a crawler tractor having a minimum draw bar pull rated at not less than 56,000 pounds (Caterpillar D-8K or equivalent) or by a Caterpillar 977 front-end loader or equivalent and occupying an original volume of at least one (1) cubic yard. TRENCH EXCAVATION Trench Rock Any material which cannot be excavated with a backhoe having a bucket curling force rated at not less than 25,700 pounds (Caterpillar Model 225 or equivalent) and occupying an original volume of at least one-half (1/2) cubic yard. 6.2 FILL PLACEMENT 6.2.1 Fill Suitability Fill materials should be low plasticity soil (Plasticity Index less than 30), free of non -soil materials and rock fragments larger than 3 inches in any one dimension. Based on visual examination, the existing residual soils encountered during this exploration generally appear suitable for re -use as structural fill. Some soils may require moisture conditioning before placement. Prior to construction, bulk samples of the proposed fill materials should be laboratory -tested to confirm their suitability. Organic and/or debris laden material is not suitable for re -use as structural fill. Topsoil and other organic materials can be wasted in architectural areas. N OVA Page 16 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 Debris -laden materials should be excavated, transported and disposed of off - site in accordance with appropriate solid waste rules and regulations. If encountered, PWR can typically be used as structural fill provided it is pulverized to a suitable gradation during compaction. If rock is excavated, it should typically be placed in non-structural areas (and suitable "choked" with soil) or wasted off site. NOVA can offer additional recommendations if excavated rock must be used as fill in structural areas. All materials to be used for backfill or compacted structural fill construction should be evaluated and, if necessary, tested by NOVA prior to placement to determine if they are suitable for the intended use. Any off -site materials used as fill should be approved by NOVA prior to acquisition. 6.2.2 Soil Compaction Structural fill should be placed in thin, horizontal loose lifts (maximum 8-inch) and compacted to at least 95 percent of the standard Proctor maximum dry density (ASTM D 698). The upper 8 inches of soil beneath pavements and slabs -on -grade should be compacted to at least 98 percent. In confined areas, such as utility trenches or behind retaining walls, portable compaction equipment and thinner fill lifts (3 to 4 inches) may be necessary. Fill materials used in structural areas should have a target maximum dry density of at least 90 pounds per cubic foot (pcf). If lighter weight fill materials are used, the NOVA geotechnical engineer should be consulted to assess the impact on design recommendations. Soil moisture content should be maintained within 3 percent of the optimum moisture content. We recommend that the grading contractor have equipment on site during earthwork for both drying and wetting fill soils. Moisture control may be difficult during rainy weather. Filling operations should be observed by a NOVA soils technician, who can confirm suitability of material used and uniformity and appropriateness of compaction efforts. He/she can also document compliance with the specifications by performing field density tests using thin -walled tube, nuclear, or sand cone testing methods (ASTM D 2937, D 2922, or D 1556, respectively). One test per 400 cubic yards and every 1 foot of placed fill is recommended, with test locations well distributed throughout the fill mass. When filling in small areas, at least one test per day per area should be performed. N OVA Page 17 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office [-11QK"i:T9111► March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 Groundwater was not observed in the borings. As such, for the planned excavations necessary to reach design subgrades, we do not anticipate significant groundwater control problems during mass grading operations. However, more shallow groundwater could be present in the bottoms of draws. As previously noted, groundwater levels are subject to seasonal, climatic and other variations and may be different at other times and locations. The need for temporary dewatering in excavations or the need for permanent underdrains beneath slabs or pavements, or foundation drains along below grade walls should be based on actual groundwater conditions at the time of construction. 6.4 FOUNDATION RECOMENDATIONS Design: After the recommended site and subgrade preparation and fill placement, we recommend that the proposed structures be supported by conventional shallow foundations. Foundations bearing on undisturbed residual soils and/or compacted structural fill may be designed for a maximum allowable bearing pressure of 3,500 pounds per square foot (psf). The aforementioned bearing pressure is based on the foundation bottoms being compacted to 95% of the standard Proctor maximum dry density to a minimum depth of 2 feet below the foundation bearing surface. We recommend minimum foundation widths of 24 inches for ease of construction and to reduce the possibility of localized shear failures. Exterior foundation bottoms should be at least 18 inches below exterior grades for protection against frost damage. Settlement: Settlements for spread foundations bearing on residual materials were assessed usingSPTvalues to estimate elastic modulus, based on published correlations and previous NOVA experience. We note that the settlements presented are based on random field data and an assumed subsoil profile. Conditions may be better or worse in other areas, however, we believe the estimated settlements are reasonably conservative. Based on assumed column and wall loadings, soil bearing capacities and the presumed foundation elevations as discussed above, we expect primary total settlement beneath individual foundations to be less than 1 inch. The amount of differential settlement is difficult to predict because the subsurface and foundation loading conditions can vary considerably across the site. However, we anticipate differential settlement between adjacent foundations could varyfrom 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The final deflected shape of the structure will be dependent on actual foundation locations and loading. N OVA Page 18 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 To reduce the differential settlement if lower consistency materials are encountered, a lower bearing capacity should be used or the foundations should be extended to more competent materials. In addition, foundation subgrades which are excavated into dense materials may need to be slightly undercut with controlled structural fill placed between the dense materials and the bottom of the foundation to produce some settlement of the foundation, thus reducing differential settlements with nearby foundations bearing on less dense material. We anticipate that timely communication between the geotechnical engineer and the structural engineer, as well as other design and construction team members, will be required. Construction: Foundation excavations should be evaluated by the NOVA geotechnical engineer prior to reinforcing steel placement to observe foundation subgrade preparation and confirm bearing pressure capacity. Foundation excavations should be level and free of debris, ponded water, mud, and loose, frozen, or water -softened soils. Concrete should be placed as soon as is practical after the foundation is excavated, and the subgrade evaluated. Foundation concrete should not be placed on frozen or saturated soil. If a foundation excavation remains open overnight, or if rain or snow is imminent, a 3 to 4-inch thick "mud mat" of lean concrete should be placed in the bottom of the excavation to protect the bearing soils until reinforcing steel and concrete can be placed. 6.5 SLABS -ON -GRADE 6.5.1 General At this time, an underdrain system is not recommended; however, we recommend a minimum of 6-inches of graded aggregate base (GAB) beneath the slabs to: • Reduce non -uniform support conditions • Provide a stable base to support construction traffic • Provide a base material that can be fine graded to design tolerances. GAB should be compacted to 98 percent of the maximum dry density as determined by the modified Proctor compaction test (ASTM D 1557) and overlain by a conventional plastic vapor barrier. Once grading is completed, the subgrade is usually exposed to adverse construction activities and weather conditions during the period of sub -slab utility installation. The subgrade should be well -drained to prevent the N OVA Page 19 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 accumulation of water. If the exposed subgrade becomes saturated or frozen, the geotechnical engineer should be consulted. After utilities have been installed and backfilled, a final subgrade evaluation should be performed bythe geotechnical engineer immediately priorto slab -on - grade placement. If practical, proofrolling may be used to redensify the surface and to detect any soil that has become excessively wet or otherwise loosened. 6.5.2 Subgrade Modulus A coefficient of subgrade reaction (k) of 100 pci (psi per inch) may be used for design of conventional slabs where slabs bear upon subgrades prepared in accordance with previous recommendations. Please note that this magnitude of k is intended to reflect the elastic response of soil beneath a typical floor slab under light loads with a small load contact area often measured in square inches, such as loads from forklifts, automobile/truck traffic or lightly loaded storage racks. The recommended coefficient of subgrade reaction (k) of 100 pci is not applicable for heavy slab loads caused by bulk storage or tall storage racks, or for mat foundation design. Several design methods are applicable for conventional slab design. We have assumed that the slab designer will utilize the methods discussed in the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Committee 360 report, "Guide to Design of Slabs -on -Ground, (ACI 360R-10). Specifically, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) or the Wire Reinforcement Institute (WRI) slab thickness design methods should be utilized. 6.6 SEISMIC In accordance with Section 1613.3.2 of the 2018 North Carolina Building Code, the seismic Site Class was estimated using the standard penetration resistance values obtained from the soil test borings performed duringthis study. Based upon this analysis, and our knowledge of general subsurface conditions in the area, we believe the soil profiles associated with a Site Class "C" are generally appropriate for this site N OVA Page 20 Geotechnical Engineering Report Sealand Office March 20, 2019 NOVA Project Number 10705-2019012 7 CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATIONS 7.1 SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS Foundation excavations should be level and free of debris, ponded water, mud, and loose, frozen or water -softened soils. All foundation excavations should be evaluated by the NOVA geotechnical engineer prior to reinforcing steel placement to observe foundation subgrade preparation and confirm bearing pressure capacity. Due to variable site subsurface and construction conditions, some adjustments in isolated foundation bearing pressures, depth of foundations or undercutting and replacement with controlled structural fill may be necessary. 7.2 SUEGRADE Once site grading is completed, the subgrade may be exposed to adverse construction activities and weather conditions. The subgrade should be well -drained to prevent the accumulation of water. If the exposed subgrade becomes saturated or frozen, the NOVA geotechnical engineer should be consulted. A final subgrade evaluation should be performed by the NOVA geotechnical engineer immediately prior to pavements or slab -on -grade placement. If practical, proofrolling may be used to re-densify the surface and to detect any soil, which has become excessively wet or otherwise loosened. N OVA Page 21 APPENDIX A Figures and Maps t Of lk 'T i ktdo IA L ; !I --- M�idland Allen ! r :OF LIP jr s' r A65 ■r am % *;' r NOS-0 0 - c i I ------------- _ - _ -�.�: r.«�_ �- crag- x _ - - - _ - �. tom-, = _ _ _� _ -r �` � yam" _ _ � '�� � i I / ✓I I l / II T_ I I I � '. I I, I II 1 1 � I I ��� � � � � •� � � � I � I I \s.`� �<5 � — � �,—� i g Y I -J D E— A�_- ,I / >D9 I a / r ��- - Le end / / Approximate i Sampling lin 1 v.I g ,Cc: Locations - --- - — SOURCE: Grading Plan (C-400) prepared by Cardno dated December 7, 2018 Figure 2: Boring Location Plan Sealand Office Boring locations were established in the field by OVA Midland, North Carolina taping from site landmarks NOVA Project Number: 10705-2019012 SCALE: Graphic APPENDIX B Subsurface Data KEY TO SYMBOLS AND CLASSIFICATIONS DRILLING SYMBOLS Split Spoon Sample a Undisturbed Sample (UD) Standard Penetration Resistance (ASTM D1586) 1 Water Table at least 24 Hours after Drilling SZ Water Table 1 Hour or less after Drilling 100/2" Number of Blows (100) to Drive the Spoon a Number of Inches (2) NX, NQ Core Barrel Sizes: 2%8- and 2-Inch Diameter Rock Core, Respectively REC Percentage of Rock Core Recovered RQD Rock Quality Designation — Percentage of Recovered Core Segments 4 or more Inches Long 100, Loss of Drilling Water MC Moisture Content Test Performed CORRELATION OF PENETRATION RESISTANCE WITH RELATIVE DENSITY AND CONSISTENCY Number of Blows, "N" Approximate Relative Dens 0-4 Very Loose 5 —10 Loose SANDS 11— 30 Medium Dense 31— 50 Dense Over 50 Very Dense Number of Blows, "N" Approximate Consistenc` 0-2 Very Soft 3-4 Soft SILTS 5-8 Firm and 9 —15 Stiff CLAYS 16 — 30 Very Stiff 31— 50 Hard Over 50 Very Hard DRILLING PROCEDURES Soil sampling and standard penetration testing performed in accordance with ASTM D1586. The standard penetration resistance is the number of blows of a 140 pound hammer falling 30 inches to drive a 2-inch O.D., 1%- inch I.D. split spoon sampler one foot. Core drilling performed in accordance with ASTM D2113. The undisturbed sampling procedure is described by ASTM D1587. Soil and rock samples will be discarded 30 days after the date of the final report unless otherwise directed. N ❑ VA SOIL CLASSIFICATION CHART COARSE GRAINED SOILS GRAVELS Clean Gravel less than 5% fines GW Well graded gravel GP Poorly graded gravel Gravels with Fines more than 12% fines GM Silty gravel GC Clayey gravel SANDS Clean Sand less than 5% fines SW Well graded sand SP Poorly graded sand Sands with Fines more than 12% fines SM Silty sand SC Clayey sand FINE GRAINED SOILS SILTS AND CLAYS Liquid Limit less than 50 Inorganic CL Lean clay ML Silt Organic OL Organic clay and silt SILTS AND CLAYS Liquid Limit 50 or more Inorganic CH Fat clay MH Elastic silt Organic OH Organic clay and silt HIGHLY ORGANIC SOILS Organic matter, dark color, organic odor PT Peat PARTICLE SIZE IDENTIFICATION GRAVELS Coarse % inch to 3 inches Fine No. 4 to % inch SANDS Coarse No. 10 to No. 4 Medium No. 40 to No. 10 Fine No. 200 to No. 40 SILTS AND CLAYS Passing No. 200 N ❑ VA PROJECT: Sealand Office PROJECT NO.: 10705-2019012 N OVA CLIENT: Sealand Contractors Corp. PROJECT LOCATION: Midland, North Carolina TEST BORING LOCATION: Proposed Office Building ELEVATION: 709ft-MSL+/ DRILLER: FST LOGGED BY: A.Kuczero RECORD DRILLING METHOD: Diedrich D50 HSA DATE: 2/27/19 B_1 I DEPTH TO - WATER> INITIAL: s DRY AFTER 24 HOURS: s DRY CAVING> -L N/A � Graphic Depiction • BLOW COUNT a� — J 7> Description U L �: Q N T w o ~ z . NATURAL MOISTURE PLASTIC LIMIT ILIQUID LIMIT 10 20 30 40 60 10 0 705 5 700 10 695 15 3-6-10 16 16 2 8-9-11 6 0-35-32 41 23-50/3 10 0 50/3 41 01 690 Auger Refusal at 18.5 feet 50/0.5 20 685 25 680 30 675 35 Page 1 of 1 RESIDUUM: Moist, very stiff, orangish brown and gray, fine sandy SILT (ML) with some clay ------------------------ Dry, very hard, gray and brown, SILT (ML) with trace clay and fine sand PARTIALLY WEATHERED ROCK: Sampled as dry, gray and brown, SILT (ML) with trace clay and fine sand N OVA TEST BORING RECORD B_'Z PROJECT: Sealand Office PROJECT NO.: 10705-2019012 CLIENT: Sealand Contractors Corp. PROJECT LOCATION: Midland, North Carolina LOCATION: Proposed Office Building ELEVATION: 7OOft-MSL+/- DRILLER: FST LOGGED BY: A.Kuczero DRILLING METHOD: Diedrich D5O HSA DATE: 2/27/19 I DEPTH TO - WATER> INITIAL: s DRY AFTER 24 HOURS: s DRY CAVING> -L N/A a� � — J �; w Description U L �: o cD Q N T ~ z Graphic Depiction • BLOW . NATURAL PLASTIC 10 COUNT MOISTURE LIMIT 20 LIQUID 60 LIMIT 10 0 700 695 690 685 680 675 670 665 0 12-20-27 27-50/5 31-50/4 21-50/5 50/4 50/0.5 30 40 RESIDUUM: Dry, very hard, fine sandy CLAY (CL) 1 4 4 10 PARTIALLY WEATHERED ROCK: Sampled as dry, brown, SILT (ML) with some fine sand and clay 5 Ll Sampled as dry, brown, fine sandy CLAY (CL) with some silt Sampled as dry, brown, fine sandy SILT (ML) with some clay 10 101 Sampled as dry, brown, clayey fine to medium SAND (SC) with rock fragments 15 01 Auger Refusal at 18.5 feet 20 25 30 35 Page 1 of 1 PROJECT: Sealand Office PROJECT NO.: 10705-2019012 N OVA CLIENT: Sealand Contractors Corp. PROJECT LOCATION: Midland, North Carolina TEST BORING LOCATION: Proposed Building ELEVATION: 7O6ft-MSL+/- DRILLER: FST LOGGED BY: A.Kuczero RECORD DRILLING METHOD: Diedrich D5O HSA DATE: 2/27/19 B_3 I DEPTH TO - WATER> INITIAL- s DRY AFTER 24 HOURS: s DRY CAVING> -L N/A � Graphic Depiction • BLOW COUNT a� — J �; Description U L �: Q N T w o ~ z . NATURAL MOISTURE PLASTIC LIMIT ILIQUID LIMIT 10 20 30 40 60 10 0 705 5 700 10 695 PARTIALLY WEATHERED ROCK: Sampled as dry, light brown, clayey SILT (ML) with some fine sand RESIDUUM: Dry, very hard, brown, fine to medium sandy SILT (ML) with some clay and rock fragments PARTIALLY WEATHERED ROCK: Sampled as dry, brown, fin to medium sandy SILT (ML) with some clay and rock fragments Rock Fragments 0 15-35-50 0-37-4 14-50/3 50/1.5 101 Auger Refusal at 11.2 feet 50/0 15 690 20 685 25 680 30 675 35 Page 1 of 1 N OVA TEST BORING RECORD B_4 PROJECT: Sealand Office PROJECT NO.: 10705-2019012 CLIENT: Sealand Contractors Corp. PROJECT LOCATION: Midland, North Carolina LOCATION: Proposed Building ELEVATION: 7O5ft-MSL+/- DRILLER: FST LOGGED BY: A.Kuczero DRILLING METHOD: Diedrich D5O HSA DATE: 2/27/19 I DEPTH TO - WATER> INITIAL- s DRY AFTER 24 HOURS: s DRY CAVING> -L N/A a� � — J �; w Description U L �: o cD Q N T ~ z Graphic Depiction • BLOW . NATURAL PLASTIC 10 COUNT MOISTURE LIMIT 20 LIQUID 60 LIMIT 10 0 705 700 695 690 685 680 675 670 0 0 19-27-3 12-18-3 31-50/6 50/4 50/4 50/0.5 30 40 RESIDUUM: Dry, very hard, light brown, fine sandy CLAY (CL) 1 4 Dry, very hard, light brown and gray, clayey SILT (ML) with some fine sand 5 PARTIALLY WEATHERED ROCK: Sampled as dry, grayish brown, fine sandy SILT (ML) with some clay and rock fragments 10 LO 41 Sampled as rock fragments with dry, gray and brown, silty fine to medium SAND (SM) . 15 Auger Refusal at 16.5 feet 20 25 30 35 Page 1 of 1 N OVA TEST BORING RECORD B_5 PROJECT: Sealand Office PROJECT NO.: 10705-2019012 CLIENT: Sealand Contractors Corp. PROJECT LOCATION: Midland, North Carolina LOCATION: Proposed Building ELEVATION: 696ft-MSL+/- DRILLER: FST LOGGED BY: A.Kuczero DRILLING METHOD: Diedrich D5O HSA DATE: 2/27/19 I DEPTH TO - WATER> INITIAL- s DRY AFTER 24 HOURS: s DRY CAVING> -L N/A a� � — J �; w Description U L �: o cD Q N T ~ z Graphic Depiction • BLOW . NATURAL PLASTIC 10 COUNT MOISTURE LIMIT 20 LIQUID 60 LIMIT 10 0 695 690 685 680 675 670 665 0 0 5-43-50 17-27-33 50/5 50/2 50/0 30 40 PARTIALLY WEATHERED ROCK: Sampled as dry, gray and brown, clayey fine to medium SAND (SC) with some rock fragments 0 41, RESIDUUM: Dry, very hard, brown, SILT (ML) with trace fine sand and clay 5 Ll PARTIALLY WEATHERED ROCK: Sampled as dry, brown, SILT (ML) with trace fine sand and clay 10 LO Auger Refusal at 13.5 feet 15 20 25 30 35 Page 1 of 1 APPENDIX C Laboratory Test Results COMPACTION TEST REPORT Project No.: 10705-1019014 Project: Sealand Office Building CMT Client: Sealand Contractors Corporation Sample Number: 62564 Remarks: Manual hammer MATERIAL DESCRIPTION Description: Tan brown silty SAND (SM) Classifications - USCS: SM AASHTO: Nat. Moist. = 12.4 % Sp.G. = Liquid Limit = NV Plasticity Index = NP % < No.200 = 33.9 % 140 130 120 .8 m TEST RESULTS Maximum dry density = 106.0 pcf Optimum moisture = 17.6 % Date: 2/21/2019 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Water content, % Figure Nova Engineering & Environmental APPENDIX D Qualifications of Recommendations QUALIFICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATIONS r— Geolechnical-EngineePing RePOPI --) Geotechnical Services Are Performed for Specific Purposes, Persons, and Projects Geotechnical engineers structure their services to meet the specific needs of their clients. A geotechnical-engineering study conducted for a civil engineer may not fulfill the needs of a constructor — a construction contractor — or even another civil engineer. Because each geotechnical- engineering study is unique, each geotechnical-engineering report is unique, prepared solely for the client. No one except you should rely on this geotechnical-engineering report without first conferring with the geotechnical engineer who prepared it. And no one — not even you — should apply this report for any purpose or project except the one originally contemplated. Read the Full Report Serious problems have occurred because those relying on a geotechnical-engineering report did not read it all. Do not rely on an executive summary. Do not read selected elements only. Geotechnical Engineers Base Each Report on a Unique Set of Project -Specific Factors Geotechnical engineers consider many unique, project -specific factors when establishing the scope of a study. Typical factors include: the client's goals, objectives, and risk -management preferences; the general nature of the structure involved, its size, and configuration; the location of the structure on the site; and other planned or existing site improvements, such as access roads, parking lots, and underground utilities. Unless the geotechnical engineer who conducted the study specifically indicates otherwise, do not rely on a geotechnical-engineering report that was: • not prepared for you; • not prepared for your project; • not prepared for the specific site explored; or • completed before important project changes were made. Typical changes that can erode the reliability of an existing geotechnical-engineering report include those that affect: • the function of the proposed structure, as when it's changed from a parking garage to an office building, or from a light - industrial plant to a refrigerated warehouse; • the elevation, configuration, location, orientation, or weight of the proposed structure; • the composition of the design team; or • project ownership. As a general rule, always inform your geotechnical engineer of project changes —even minor ones —and request an assessment of their impact. Geotechnical engineers cannot accept responsibility or liability for problems that occur because their reports do not consider developments of which they were not informed. Subsurface Conditions Can Change A geotechnical-engineering report is based on conditions that existed at the time the geotechnical engineer performed the study. Do not rely on a geotechnical-engineering report whose adequacy may have been affected by: the passage of time; man-made events, such as construction on or adjacent to the site; or natural events, such as floods, droughts, earthquakes, or groundwater fluctuations. Contact the geotechnical engineer before applying this report to determine if it is still reliable. A minor amount of additional testing or analysis could prevent major problems. Most Geotechnical Findings Are Professional Opinions Site exploration identifies subsurface conditions only at those points where subsurface tests are conducted or samples are taken. Geotechnical engineers review field and laboratory data and then apply their professional judgment to render an opinion about subsurface conditions throughout the site. Actual subsurface conditions may differ — sometimes significantly — from those indicated in your report. Retaining the geotechnical engineer who developed your report to provide geotechnical-construction observation is the most effective method of managing the risks associated with unanticipated conditions. A Report's Recommendations Are Not Final Do not overrely on the confirmation -dependent recommendations included in your report. Confirmation - dependent recommendations are not final, because geotechnical engineers develop them principally from judgment and opinion. Geotechnical engineers can finalize their recommendations only by observing actual subsurface conditions revealed during construction. The geotechnical engineer who developed your report cannot assume responsibility or liability for the report's confirmation -dependent recommendations if that engineer does not perform the geotechnical-construction observation required to confirm the recommendations' applicability. A Geotechnical-Engineering Report Is Subject to Misinterpretation Other design -team members' misinterpretation of geotechnical-engineering reports has resulted in costly problems. Confront that risk by having your geotechnical engineer confer with appropriate members of the design team after submitting the report. Also retain your geotechnical engineer to review pertinent elements of the design team's plans and specifications. Constructors can also misinterpret a geotechnical-engineering report. Confront that risk by having your geotechnical engineer participate in prebid and preconstruction conferences, and by providing geotechnical construction observation. Do Not Redraw the Engineer's Logs Geotechnical engineers prepare final boring and testing logs based upon their interpretation of field logs and laboratory data. To prevent errors or omissions, the logs included in a geotechnical-engineering report should never be redrawn for inclusion in architectural or other design drawings. Only photographic or electronic reproduction is acceptable, but recognize that separating logs from the report can elevate risk. Give Constructors a Complete Report and Guidance Some owners and design professionals mistakenly believe they can make constructors liable for unanticipated subsurface conditions by limiting what they provide for bid preparation. To help prevent costly problems, give constructors the complete geotechnical-engineering report, but preface it with a clearly written letter of transmittal. In that letter, advise constructors that the report was not prepared for purposes of bid development and that the report's accuracy is limited; encourage them to confer with the geotechnical engineer who prepared the report (a modest fee may be required) and/ or to conduct additional study to obtain the specific types of information they need or prefer. A prebid conference can also be valuable. Be sure constructors have sufficient time to perform additional study. Only then might you be in a position to give constructors the best information available to you, while requiring them to at least share some of the financial responsibilities stemming from unanticipated conditions. Read Responsibility Provisions Closely Some clients, design professionals, and constructors fail to recognize that geotechnical engineering is far less exact than other engineering disciplines. This lack of understanding has created unrealistic expectations that have led to disappointments, claims, and disputes. To help reduce the risk of such outcomes, geotechnical engineers commonly include a variety of explanatory provisions in their reports. Sometimes labeled "limitations;' many of these provisions indicate where geotechnical engineers' responsibilities begin and end, to help others recognize their own responsibilities and risks. Read these provisions closely. Ask questions. Your geotechnical engineer should respond fully and frankly. Environmental Concerns Are Not Covered The equipment, techniques, and personnel used to perform an environmental study differ significantly from those used to perform a geotechnical study. For that reason, a geotechnical- engineering report does not usually relate any environmental findings, conclusions, or recommendations; e.g., about the likelihood of encountering underground storage tanks or regulated contaminants. Unanticipated environmental problems have led to numerous project failures. If you have not yet obtained your own environmental information, ask your geotechnical consultant for risk -management guidance. Do not rely on an environmental report prepared for someone else. Obtain Professional Assistance To Deal with Mold Diverse strategies can be applied during building design, construction, operation, and maintenance to prevent significant amounts of mold from growing on indoor surfaces. To be effective, all such strategies should be devised for the express purpose of mold prevention, integrated into a comprehensive plan, and executed with diligent oversight by a professional mold -prevention consultant. Because just a small amount of water or moisture can lead to the development of severe mold infestations, many mold- prevention strategies focus on keeping building surfaces dry. While groundwater, water infiltration, and similar issues may have been addressed as part of the geotechnical- engineering study whose findings are conveyed in this report, the geotechnical engineer in charge of this project is not a mold prevention consultant; none of the services performed in connection with the geotechnical engineer's study were designed or conducted for the purpose of mold prevention. Proper implementation of the recommendations conveyed in this report will not of itself be sufficient to prevent mold from growing in or on the structure involved. Rely, on Your GBC-Member Geotechnical Engineer for Additional Assistance Membership in the Geotechnical Business Council of the Geoprofessional Business Association exposes geotechnical engineers to a wide array of risk -confrontation techniques that can be of genuine benefit for everyone involved with a construction project. Confer with you GBC-Member geotechnical engineer for more information. GErmGEOTECHNICAL BUSINESS COUNCIL 41 oftheGeoprnfe imalBmin—Assadntion 8811 Colesville Road/Suite G106, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Telephone:301/565-2733 Facsimile:301/589-2017 e-mail: info@geoprofessional.org www.geoprofessional.org Copyright 2015 by Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA). Duplication, reproduction, or copying of this document, or its contents, in whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, is strictly prohibited, except with GBA's specific written permission. Excerpting, quoting, or otherwise extracting wording from this document is permitted only with the express written permission of GBA, and only for purposes of scholarly research or book review. Only members of GBA may use this document as a complement to or as an element of a geotechnical-engineering report. Any other firm, individual, or other entity that so uses this document without being a GBA member could be commiting negligent or intentional (fraudulent) misrepresentation. The findings, conclusions and recommendations presented in this report represent our professional opinions concerning subsurface conditions at the site. The opinions presented are relative to the dates of our site work and should not be relied on to represent conditions at later dates or at locations not explored. The opinions included herein are based on information provided to us, the data obtained at specific locations during the study and our past experience. If additional information becomes available that might impact our geotechnical opinions, it will be necessary for NOVA to review the information, reassess the potential concerns, and re-evaluate our conclusions and recommendations. Regardless of the thoroughness of a geotechnical exploration, there is the possibility that conditions between borings will differ from those encountered at specific boring locations, that conditions are not as anticipated by the designers and/or the contractors, or that either natural events or the construction process have altered the subsurface conditions. These variations are an inherent risk associated with subsurface conditions in this region and the approximate methods used to obtain the data. These variations may not be apparent until construction. The professional opinions presented in this geotechnical report are not final. Field observations and foundation installation monitoring by the geotechnical engineer, as well as soil density testing and other quality assurance functions associated with site earthwork and foundation construction, are an extension of this report. Therefore, NOVA should be retained by the owner to observe all earthwork and foundation construction to document that the conditions anticipated in this study actually exist, and to finalize or amend our conclusions and recommendations. NOVA is not responsible or liable for the conclusions and recommendations presented in this report if NOVA does not perform these observation and testing services. This report is intended for the sole use of CLIENT only. The scope of work performed during this study was developed for purposes specifically intended by CLIENT and may not satisfy other users' requirements. Use of this report or the findings, conclusions or recommendations by others will be at the sole risk of the user. NOVA is not responsible or liable for the interpretation by others of the data in this report, nor their conclusions, recommendations or opinions. Our professional services have been performed, our findings obtained, our conclusions derived and our recommendations prepared in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical engineering principles and practices in the State of North Carolina. This warranty is in lieu of all other statements or warranties, either expressed or implied.