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Geotechnical Engineering Report
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
WKA No. 12206.07
May 6, 2021
Prepared For:
Tuscan Ridge Associates, LLC
c/o NexGen Engineering & Consulting, LLC
1043 Nichols Court, Suite 200
Rocklin, California 95765
Geotechnical Engineering Report
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California
WKA No. 12206.07
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1
Scope of Services ....................................................................................................... 1
Supplemental Information ............................................................................................ 2
Figures and Attachments ............................................................................................. 2
Proposed Development ............................................................................................... 2
FINDINGS ............................................................................................................................... 3
Site Description ........................................................................................................... 3
Historical Aerial Photograph Review ............................................................................ 4
Geology ....................................................................................................................... 4
Subsurface Soil Conditions .......................................................................................... 6
Groundwater................................................................................................................ 7
CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................................................................... 7
Seismic Design Criteria ............................................................................................... 7
Soil Expansion Potential .............................................................................................. 8
Foundation Support ..................................................................................................... 8
Excavation Conditions ................................................................................................. 9
Soil Suitability for Engineered Fill Construction ............................................................ 9
Groundwater and Seasonal Moisture .......................................................................... 10
Pavement Subgrade Quality ........................................................................................ 11
Undocumented Fill....................................................................................................... 11
Seismic and Geologic Hazards .................................................................................... 11
RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................... 13
General ....................................................................................................................... 13
Site Clearing ................................................................................................................ 13
Subgrade Preparation ................................................................................................. 15
Engineered Fill ............................................................................................................ 16
Cut-Fill Transitions....................................................................................................... 18
Cut and Fill Slopes ...................................................................................................... 18
Utility Trench Backfill ................................................................................................... 19
Foundation Design ...................................................................................................... 20
Interior Floor Slabs ...................................................................................................... 22
Moisture Penetration Resistance ................................................................................. 22
Geotechnical Engineering Report
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California
WKA No. 12206.07
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Exterior Flatwork ......................................................................................................... 23
Pavement Design ........................................................................................................ 24
Retaining Walls ........................................................................................................... 26
Site Drainage ............................................................................................................... 27
Drought Considerations ............................................................................................... 27
Geotechnical Engineering Construction Observation Services .................................... 28
LIMITATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 28
FIGURES
Vicinity Map .......................................................................................................... Figure 1
Site Plan .............................................................................................................. Figure 2
Geologic Map ....................................................................................................... Figure 3
Test Pit Soil Profile Graph .................................................................................... Figure 4
Logs of Current Test Pits .................................................................. Figures 5 through 15
Unified Soil Classification System ....................................................................... Figure 16
APPENDIX A – General Information, Field Exploration and Laboratory Testing
Grain-Size Distribution Test Results .................................................................. Figure A1
Atterberg Limits Test Result .............................................................................. Figure A2
Expansion Index Test Result ............................................................................. Figure A3
Resistance Value Test Results .......................................................................... Figure A4
Resistance Value Test Results .......................................................................... Figure A5
Corrosion Test Result ........................................................................................ Figure A6
Sulfate Test Result ............................................................................................ Figure A7
Corrosion Test Result ........................................................................................ Figure A8
Sulfate Test Result ............................................................................................ Figure A9
Geotechnical Engineering Report
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
3100 Skyway Road
Paradise, California
WKA No. 12206.07
May 6, 2021
INTRODUCTION
We have completed a geotechnical engineering study for the proposed Tuscan Ridge
residential subdivision to be constructed south of Skyway Road, between Chico and Paradise,
California. The purpose of our study has been to explore the existing site, soil, bedrock and
groundwater conditions, and to provide geotechnical engineering conclusions and
recommendations for the design and construction of the planned residential development. This
report presents the results of our study.
Scope of Services
Our scope of services for this project included the following tasks:
1. A site reconnaissance;
2. Review of United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, geologic maps
and reports that included the project area, historical aerial photographs, and available
groundwater information;
3. Review of previous environmental assessments completed by Wallace-Kuhl and
Associates (WKA) at the project area. These assessment included the excavation of 40
test pits to a maximum depth of approximately 6½ feet below existing site grade (bsg).
Practical refusal was encountered at each of the test pits in resistant volcanic mudflow
deposits (lahars) of the Tuscan Formation;
4. Subsurface exploration, including the excavation of 11 supplemental test pits to a
maximum depth of approximately three feet bsg. Like the previous test pits, practical
refusal was encountered at each of the current test pits in resistant lahars of the Tuscan
Formation;
5. Laboratory testing of selected soil samples to determine engineering properties of the
soil;
6. Engineering analyses; and,
7. Preparation of this report.
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Supplemental Information
Supplemental information used in the preparation of this report included review of the following
environmental and hydro-geologic studies prepared for the subject property:
• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (WKA No. 12206.01 and 12206.04, dated
February 26, 2019 and April 21,2020);
• Hydrogeologic Investigation (WKA No. 12206.03, ongoing); and,
• Site Inspection Report II (WKA No. 12206.04, dated April 15, 2020).
Figures and Attachments
This report contains a Vicinity Map as Figure 1; a Site Plan showing the previous and current
test pit locations as Figure 2; a geologic map for the project area as Figure 3; a graph
summarizing the soil profiles encountered at the test pits as Figure 4; and the current test pit
logs as Figures 5 through 15. An explanation of the symbols and classification system used on
the boring logs is contained on Figure 16. Appendix A contains general information regarding
the exploratory methods used during our field investigation and the laboratory test results that
are not included on the logs.
Proposed Development
We understand the 175-acre property (Site) will be subdivided into individual lots for low to
medium density residential homes. The Site is identified by two Butte County Assessor Parcel
Numbers (APNs): 040-520-100 and -103. We anticipate the proposed homes will be one and
two-story, wood frame structures supported on shallow spread foundations with interior concrete
slab-on-grade floor systems. Structural loading is anticipated to be relatively light, typical for the
anticipated type of structures. Appurtenant construction is anticipated to include buried utilities,
paved streets, retaining walls and various concrete flatwork.
Topographically, the site is gently to moderately sloping with general drainage to the southwest
with about 280 feet of relief based on the 2012 United States Geological Survey (USGS)
7.5-Minute Series Topographic map of the Hamlin Canyon, California quadrangle. The
proposed project currently is in the conceptual stage, and grading plans were not available to us
at the time this report was prepared. We anticipate the proposed lots will be graded to generally
conform to the existing topography with maximum cuts and fills in the range of about five feet or
less. Excavations for buried utilities are not anticipated to extend more than 10 feet below final
site grade.
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FINDINGS
Site Description
Prior to our current site investigation, we understand that the irregular-shaped property was
once occupied by the Tuscan Ridge Golf Club golf course that was abandoned on or about
2018. In the summer and fall of 2018, the site was used as a Pacific Gas &Electric (PG&E)
vegetation management Camp and then used as a basecamp for emergency response
operations during the Camp Fire until April 2019. PG&E then used the site as a basecamp for
debris removal until March 2020.
At the time of our current field explorations, PG&E had removed all previous structures,
equipment, stockpiled materials, and vehicles. Except for a strip of land adjacent to Skyway
Road in the northwest portion and the northern portion of the site, it appeared that most of the
area was disturbed to some degree during construction and operation of the basecamp. Large
areas of the site were covered by crushed rock and aggregate base material that had been
used to construct pads for various roads, parking areas and temporary structures. A vacant
Quonset hut-type structure with a concrete floor slab was located in the eastern one-third of the
property. Other structures on the property included the former golf clubhouse in the southwest
portion of the site, a maintenance building, and former golf cart storage canopy. Santa Rosa
Road extends south and southeast from Skyway Road to the former clubhouse location.
Two ponds were noted near the southeastern property line and appeared to be approximately
4½ acres. The ponds were lined and surrounded by chain-link fence. Green vent pipes were
located west of the former clubhouse. We understand the vent pipes are apparently associated
with a leach field bioactive system installed for the basecamp operations. Several square
concrete pads were noted in the central portion of the property. The pads each had numerous
conduits protruding from them.
The remainder of the site had a hummocky appearance and was covered by a moderate to
heavy growth of weeds, grasses and scattered cobbles and boulders. Mature oak and other
trees and brush were dispersed throughout. A gate with large piles of decorative boulders on
both sides was located at the entrance to the site at the intersection of Santa Rosa Road and
Skyway Road. Long rows of boulders extended east and west from the entrance along the
north boundary of the site.
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The site is bounded to the north by Skyway Road, beyond which is vacant land, Butte Creek
Canyon and Butte Creek. The Paradise Rod and Gun Club and vacant land are located to the
east of the site. Undeveloped vacant land is located to the south and west of the site.
Historical Aerial Photograph Review
We reviewed historical aerial photographs of the site available from our files, Google Earth Pro
software (Google, 2018), and the website HistoricalAerials.com. The reviewed photographs
were taken intermittently from 1941 to 2018.
Review of the aerial photograph from 1941 shows the site to be essentially open grassland with
scattered trees. An unpaved road generally traverses the south perimeter of the property. In a
1951 photograph, the site appears essentially the same, however, Skyway Road has now been
constructed along the northern boundary of the property. In several photographs from 1951 to
about 2002, the site appears to be essentially unchanged.
In a 2003 aerial photograph, the Tuscan Ridge Golf Club and golf course have been
constructed in the southern portion of the property, with the golf course in the central portion of
the site still under construction. One of the two ponds currently located in the southwestern
portion of the site is visible. The second pond appears to have been excavated but not filled
with water. The northern portion of the site appears undisturbed. Santa Rosa Road, running
north-south from Skyway Road, is visible. The golf course appears to be complete in a 2005
photograph with a club house and parking lot, at the south end of Santa Rosa Road, and
several structures with a gravel covered driveway, parking, and storage in the east-central
portion of the site. The site appears to be essentially unchanged in several photographs
between 2005 and 2018.
In an early 2018 photograph, the golf course appears to be abandoned with brown fairways and
greens. In a December 2018 photograph, the central and southwestern portions of the site is
occupied by what appears to be the beginning stages of the emergency basecamp erected after
the Camp Fire by PG&E and other contractors.
Geology
The project site is located along the northeastern edge of the Great Valley geomorphic province
of California. Situated between the granitic and metamorphic basement rock which forms the
Sierra Nevada range and the sedimentary and volcanic rock units of the Coast Ranges, the
province is a vast asymmetrical, synclinal trough formed by uplifting of the Sierran block to form
the Sierra Nevada mountains with the western side dropping to form the valley. Erosion of the
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WKA No. 12206.07
May 6, 2021
adjacent Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges has in-filled the valley with a thick sequence of
unconsolidated to semi-consolidated Quaternary (Pleistocene and Holocene) age alluvial, basin,
and delta plain sediments deposited by the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their
tributaries.
The project site is located within the Sierra Foothills, east of the Chico Monocline, a broad
upwarping caused by uplift on the east side of the Chico Monocline fault, located a few miles
east of Chico. The primary geologic formation with the project area is the Tuscan Formation
extending from Redding south to near Oroville, where surface exposures are seen on the east
side of the Great Valley. Overall, the Tuscan Formation is composed of a series of volcanic
lahars (mudflows) that include volcanic conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, and pumiceous tuff
layers that were deposited over a period of about 1 million years (Helley and Harwood 1985)1.
The source areas of the lahars were the eroded ancestral volcanoes, Mount Yana and Mount
Maidu, which were historically located northwest and south of Lassen Peak in the Cascade
Range (Lydon 1968)2. As the lahars flowed westward off the ancestral volcanoes and onto the
valley floor, they fanned out, causing deposition that varies in thickness and topographic
elevation. Over time, ancient streams and rivers flowed downslope over the lahars, forming
channels which were then infilled with reworked volcanic sand and gravel sediments. East of
the of the Chico Monocline, the Tuscan Formation has been uplifted to form the south to
southwest sloping Sierra Foothills east of Chico. Subsequent streams and other drainages
have cut their way into the Tuscan to form deep, steep-sided, narrow canyons separated by
equally long and narrow, fingerlike ridges or mesas. The total effect is a subparallel
arrangement of canyons and southwestward sloping ridge-crests.
The site is situated on one of the fingerlike ridges (Coon Ridge) between Butte Creek Canyon to
the north and Nance Canyon to the south. Rock exposed at the surface of the site is mapped
by Helley and Harwood (1985) as Unit C (denoted as Ttc) of the Tuscan Formation. Unit C is
described as lahars with some interbedded volcanic conglomerate and sandstone locally,
separated from overlying units by partially stripped soil horizon. Within the general project area,
the lahars are described as 3 to 12 meters thick layers separated from each other by thin layers
of volcanic sediments containing abundant casts of wood fragments and prominent cooling
fractures. Per Harwood et al (1981)3, Unit C is described as predominantly lahars composed of
angular to subrounded volcanic fragments (cobbles and boulders) in a matrix of gray-tan
1 Helley E.J. and Harwood D.S. (1985), Geologic Map of the Late Cenozoic Deposits of the Sacramento Valley and Northern
Sierran Foothills, California, 1:62,500: United states Geological Survey Map MF-1790
2 Lydon P.A (1968), Geology of Lahars of the Tuscan Formation, Northern California, The Geological Society of America Volume
116
3 Harwood D.S. (1981), Geologic Map of the Chico Monocline and Northeastern Park of the Sacramento Valley, California,
1:62,5500: United States Geological Survey Map I-1238
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volcanic mudstone in excess of 150 feet in total thickness. A geologic map of the project area is
presented as Figure 3.
Surface exposures of the lahar are common all over the site. Areas where hard lahar is
exposed at the surface or beneath a thin mantle of soil are referred to by the local contractors
as “lava cap.” The individual lahar units dip at approximately one to five degrees to the
southwest, which also generally conforms to the topography of the site. Many of the current and
former tree lines visible on aerial photographs generally follow the boundaries between lahar
units.
Subsurface Soil Conditions
The subsurface soil conditions at the project site were initially explored on March 15, 2019, by
excavating 40 test pits using a track mounted excavator to depths ranging from a few inches to
about 6½ feet bgs. On March 17, 2021, 11 additional test pits were excavated using a small
excavator to depths ranging from about six inches to about three feet bgs. The approximate test
pit locations are presented as Figure 2.
In general, the site is mantled with relatively thin soil deposits, ranging from less than ½ foot to
about 3½ feet (average of about 14 inches), underlain by lahar of the Tuscan Formation, Unit C.
The soils generally are composed of clayey sand to sandy lean clay with variable concentrations
of gravel, cobble and occasional boulder to clayey gravels. Based on laboratory testing, these
soils are low plasticity clays with a very low to low expansion potential. At many of the test pits,
the native soil and lahar were overlain by crushed gravel, aggregate base and disturbed fill soils
placed during construction of the PG&E basecamp.
The underlying Tuscan formation consists of variably weathered and strong lahar. The lahar is a
fine-grained matrix of mud, volcanic ash, sand and gravel with inclusions of cobble and boulder.
At each test pit explored, the lahar allows none to a few inches of penetration with the excavators
before practical refusal to further excavation was encountered.
The subsurface conditions described above are a generalized interpretation of the soil and
bedrock conditions encountered. For specific information regarding the soil conditions
encountered at each of the most recent exploration locations, refer to the exploration logs
presented as Figures 5 through 15. Detailed test pit logs were not maintained during the
explorations in 2019. A graph showing a summary of the previous test pit findings, along with our
current findings, is presented as Figure 4.
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Groundwater
Groundwater was not encountered at the time of our field explorations. Furthermore, no surface
evidence of springs or seepage was observed. A well log completed for a well on the property
suggests that groundwater in the project area is greater than 500 feet below the existing ground
surface (bgs). This geotechnical evaluation assumes that high groundwater at the project site
will not exceed this elevation.
CONCLUSIONS
It is our opinion that development of the site with a residential subdivision is feasible from a
geotechnical standpoint, provided that the conclusions and recommendations presented in this
report are incorporated into the project design and specifications.
The principal geotechnical considerations are discussed in the following sections.
Seismic Design Criteria
The 2019 edition of the California Building Code (CBC) references the American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE) Standard 7-16 for seismic design. Using the latitude and longitude for the
approximate center of the project site, Table 1 provides 2019 seismic design parameters
developed using a web interface developed by the Structural Engineers Association of
California (SEAOC) and the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
(OSHPD) (https://seismicmaps.org). Since S1 is greater than 0.2g, the 2019 CBC coefficient
values Fv, SM1, and SD1 presented are valid for seismic design, provided the requirements in
Exception Note No. 2 in Section 11.4.8 of ASCE 7-16 apply, specifically if T ≤ 1.5TS. If not, a
site-specific ground motion hazard analysis is required.
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WKA No. 12206.07
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Table 1
Latitude: 39.7129° N
Longitude: 121.7086° W
ASCE 7-16
Table/Figure
2019
CBC Table/Figure
Factor/
Coefficient Value
Short-Period MCE at
0.2 seconds Figure 22-1 Figure 1613.2.1(1) SS 0.714
1.0 second Period MCE Figure 22-2 Figure 1613.2.1(2) S1 0.297
Soil Class Table 20.3-1 Section 1613.2.2 Site Class C
Site Coefficient Table 11.4-1 Table 1613.2.3(1) Fa 1.214
Site Coefficient Table 11.4-2 Table 1613.2.3(2) Fv 1.5
Adjusted MCE Spectral
Response Parameters
Equation 11.4-1 Equation 16-36 SMS 0.867
Equation 11.4-2 Equation 16-37 SM1 0.446
Design Spectral
Acceleration Parameters
Equation 11.4-3 Equation 16-38 SDS 0.578
Equation 11.4-4 Equation 16-39 SD1 0.297
Seismic Design Category
Table 11.6-1 Table 1613.2.5(1) Risk Category
I to IV D
Table 11.6-2 Table 1613.2.5(2) Risk Category
I to IV D
Notes: MCE = Maximum Considered Earthquake; g = gravity
Soil Expansion Potential
The near-surface sandy clays and clayey gravels encountered during our explorations are low-
plasticity materials with low expansion (shrink/swell) characteristics (EI = 14). Furthermore, the
underlying lahar bedrock is non-expansive. Accordingly, measures to resist or control potential
soil expansion pressures are not considered necessary on this project
Foundation Support
Based on the native subsurface conditions encountered, shallow spread foundations should
provide adequate support for the anticipated one- to two-story single-family homes provided the
recommendations presented in this report are incorporated into the project design and
specifications. In areas of fill, these soils and/or an approved import soil should also provide
adequate support for foundations provided they are placed and compacted in accordance
recommendations provided in this report.
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Excavation Conditions
The relatively thin layer of surface and near-surface soil and surficial cobbles and boulder at the
site should be readily excavated using conventional earthmoving and trenching equipment. The
underlying lahar or “lava cap”, however, can be particularly resistant, requiring heavy equipment
such as a Caterpillar D10L fitted with a single tooth ripper for general earthwork and hydraulic
shovels with case hardened steel ripper or rock trenching equipment, i.e., a “rock wheel”, to
excavate utility and foundation trenches. Localized blasting or the use of a jack hammer may
be required to remove large andesitic boulders in confined trenches.
Shallow excavations (less than five feet deep) in the soil mantel covering the lahar should stand
vertically for a period long enough for typical foundation and utility construction, unless they
become wet or are disturbed. Sand, however, may cave and/or slough soon after it is exposed
in the excavation. Where encountered, the contractor should be prepared to brace or shore the
excavations, as necessary. Excavations into the lahar (lava cap) and any conglomerates, if
encountered, should stand near vertical, although fractures in the rock may result in local
instability.
Temporarily excavations less than 20 feet in depth should be constructed in accordance with
federal, local and OSHA standards (29 CFR Part 1926) under the guidance of the Contractors
qualified “competent person.” For preliminary evaluation, the soils encountered would classify
as Cal-OSHA Type C soil, while the lahar would classify as Type A soil. In no case should the
information provided be interpreted to mean that Wallace-Kuhl & Associates is assuming
responsibility for site safety or the Contractor’s activities.
Excavated materials should not be stockpiled directly adjacent to an open excavation to prevent
surcharge loading of the excavation sidewalls. Heavy or frequent truck and equipment traffic
should also be avoided near excavations. If material is stored or heavy equipment is stationed
and/or operated near an excavation, a shoring system must be designed to resist the additional
pressure due to the superimposed loads.
Soil Suitability for Engineered Fill Construction
The soils encountered are considered suitable for use in engineered fill construction provided
these materials do not contain rubble, rubbish, significant organic concentrations and are at a
moisture content appropriate for compaction. Screening may be required to remove over-sized
cobbles and boulder. Imported materials, if necessary, should be granular and approved by our
office prior to importing the materials to the site.
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The lahar (lava cap) includes andesite cobbles and boulders in a fine grained matrix of
hardened mud, volcanic ash, sand and gravel. During excavation, it is expected that large
fragments will be generated that will need to be broken-down or crushed to six inches or less in
size in order to use the material for engineered fill. Resistant fragments will need to be placed
in the lower portion of deep fills or screened and disposed outside of lots and pavement areas.
Even with processing, fills composed of fractured lahar may need to be mixed with soil to avoid
concentrations or nesting of rock fragments.
Crushing of the fine-grained matrix of the lahar may produce materials suitable for uses such as
aggregate base or pervious sand or gravel drainage material. While potentially feasible, it not
known whether crushing will produce a material with the appropriate aggregate sizes or if the
material will meet Caltrans standards for durability (Durability Index, R-value, Sand Equivalent)
specified for aggregate base. If considered, we suggest that a trial be performed prior to
bidding to evaluate equipment capabilities and procedures so that bidders can develop
responsive bids. The trial should also include laboratory tests on the processed material to
determine its physical properties.
Groundwater and Seasonal Moisture
Based on our observations and previous referenced data, no spring activity was observed and
groundwater levels should not encroach near-surface or impede grading operations at the site.
It’s not uncommon, however, to encountered seepage accumulating and/or flowing from
between individual lahar units, within fractures of the lahar and/or as moisture perching atop and
seeping over the lahar. Furthermore, if site grading is performed during or following extended
periods of rainfall (winter and spring months), the moisture content of the near-surface soils may
be significantly above optimum and unstable.
Controlling and diverting seepage and stormwater runoff away from the proposed improvements
will be a critical element in developing the Site. Since the project is in the conceptual stage and
grading plans are not currently available, the layout for the proposed subdivision is unknown. In
most instances, gravel filled utility trenches and pavement subgrades can be utilized to intercept
and collect seepage, runoff and landscape irrigation. To prevent water accumulation in the
trenches or pavement baserock, it will be necessary to install a passive drainage system that
collects the accumulated water and diverts it to the storm drain system for the development. If
an extensive storm drain system is not planned, it will be necessary to install drainage ditches or
gravel filled trenches (French drains) that intercept the subsurface water and safely divert it
away from the development.
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Typical remedial measures for unstable soil conditions include discing and aerating the soils
during dry weather, mixing the soils with dryer materials, removing and replacing the soils with
an approved fill material, stabilization with a geotextile fabric or grid, or mixing the soils with an
approved hydrating agent such as a lime or cement product. Our firm should be consulted prior
to implementing any remedial measure to observe the unstable subgrade condition and provide
site-specific recommendations.
Pavement Subgrade Quality
The results of our laboratory tests indicate the near-surface soil should provide fair support
characteristics for pavements as represented by Resistance ("R") values (California Test 301)
ranging from 24 to 40. The R-value test results are shown on Plates A4 and A5. Given the
anticipated grading and mixing of soils during earthwork construction, and R-value of 25 was
used to evaluate pavements supported by native soil or engineered soil fill. The underlying
lahar or crushed lahar fills should provide good support for pavements with an R-value of at
least 50. Therefore, an R-value of 50 was used to develop pavement sections supported on this
material.
Undocumented Fill
During construction of the emergency basecamp during and following the Camp Fire in 2018,
PG&E performed extensive grading and placed large areas of aggregate base throughout the
central and southern portions of the site. It’s unknown if the fill and aggregate was compacted
as engineered fill, however, we speculate that that no quality control or testing was performed
during grading. Based on this assumption, it is our opinion that the soils disturbed and the fill
and aggregate placed will not be suitable in their current condition for support of the proposed
improvements due to potential settlement issues.
Seismic and Geologic Hazards
Butte County has a history of relatively low seismicity in comparison with more active seismic
regions, such as the Bay area or Southern California. The site is not located within an
Earthquake Fault Study Zone (Hart and Bryant, 2007) or an Earthquake Hazards Zone
designed by the California Geologic Survey (CGS). The evaluation of potential seismic hazards
was not within the scope of this study. Based on our findings and previous hazards studies in
the general project area, however, it is our professional opinion that the potential for geologic
hazards, such as liquefaction, fault rupture or slope instability, is unlikely.
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Soil Corrosion Potential
Two samples of near-surface soil were submitted to Sunland Analytical Lab of Rancho Cordova,
California, for testing to determine pH, chloride and sulfate concentrations, and minimum
resistivity to help evaluate the potential for corrosive attack upon buried concrete. The results of
the corrosivity testing are summarized in Table2. Copies of the test reports are presented on
Figures A6 through A9.
Table 2
Analyte Test Method
Sample Identification
TP43 (0'-0.5') TP51 (0'-3')
pH CA DOT 643 Modified* 7.14 6.18
Minimum Resistivity CA DOT 643 Modified* 1210 -cm 4560 -cm
Chloride CA DOT 422 23.5 ppm 4.0 ppm
Sulfate CA DOT 417 118.3 ppm 4.9 ppm
Sulfate – SO4 ASTM D-516 108.8 mg/kg 5.0 mg/kg
Notes: * = Small cell method, -cm = Ohm-centimeters, ppm = Parts per million, mg/kg= milligrams per kilogram
The California Department of Transportation Corrosion and Structural Concrete Field
Investigation Branch, 2015 Corrosion Guidelines (Version 2.1), considers a site to be corrosive
to foundation elements if one or more of the following conditions exists for the representative
soil samples taken: the soil has a chloride concentration greater than or equal to 500 ppm,
sulfate concentration greater than or equal to 2000 ppm, or the pH is 5.5 or less. Based on this
criterion, the on-site soils tested are not considered unusually corrosive to steel reinforcement
properly embedded within Portland cement concrete (PCC).
The California Amendments to Section 10.7.5 of the American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) bridge design specifications, 6th Edition (AASHTO 2012)
considers soils to be corrosive to buried metals if the minimum resistivity is 1,000 ohm-cm or
less. Based on this criterion, the on-site soils tested are also not considered significantly
corrosive to buried metal.
Table 19.3.1.1 – Exposure Categories and Classes, of American Concrete Institute (ACI)
318-14, Section 19.3 – Concrete Design and Durability Requirements, as referenced in Section
1904.1 of the 2016 CBC, indicates the severity of sulfate exposure for the sample tested is
Exposure Class S0 (water-soluble sulfate concentration in contact with concrete is low and
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injurious sulfate attack is not a concern). The project structural engineer should evaluate the
requirements of ACI 318-14 and determine their applicability to the site.
Wallace-Kuhl & Associates are not corrosion engineers. Therefore, if it is desired to further
define the soil corrosion potential at the site, a corrosion engineer should be consulted.
RECOMMENDATIONS
General
The recommendations presented below are appropriate for construction in the late spring
through fall months. The on-site soils will become very moist and wet following rainfall in the
winter and early spring months, and likely will not be suitable for earthwork without drying by
aeration, chemical treatment, or geogrid stabilization. Should the construction schedule require
work to start or continue during the wet months, additional recommendations can be provided,
as conditions dictate.
Site preparation should be accomplished in accordance with the provisions of this report. A
representative of the Geotechnical Engineer should be present during all earthwork and ground
improvement construction operations to evaluate compliance with our recommendations and the
guide specifications included in this report. The Geotechnical Engineer of Record referenced
herein should be considered the Geotechnical Engineer that is retained to provide geotechnical
engineering observation and testing services during construction and shall include either the
Geotechnical Engineer or his or her representative.
Site Clearing
Construction areas should be cleared of any existing surface and subsurface structures to
expose firm and stable soils as determined by the Geotechnical Engineer’s representative. The
area to be cleared should extend at least five feet beyond the edge of all exterior foundations
and at least five feet beyond any exterior flatwork or pavements, where practical. Demolition
debris should be removed from the site, or used as engineered fill, provided it is processed per
the recommendations included in this report.
Any existing underground utilities designated to be removed or relocated should include all
trench backfill and bedding materials. The resulting excavations should be restored with
engineered fill placed and compacted in accordance with the recommendations included in this
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report. On-site wells, septic systems, or below-grade tanks should be properly abandoned in
accordance with State and local requirements.
Any existing pavements designated for removal may be broken up, pulverized, and reused as
engineered fill where appropriate, or removed from the site. If pavement rubble is to be reused
as engineered fill, the material should be pulverized to fragments less than three inches in
largest dimension, mixed with soil to form a compactable mixture, and must be approved by the
owner.
Existing surface vegetation/organics and organically laden soil within construction areas should
be stripped from the site. Debris from the stripping should not be used as general fill within
structure, concrete slab or pavement areas. With prior approval from the Geotechnical
Engineer, strippings may be used in proposed park and landscape areas, provided they are
kept at least five feet from building footprints, pavements, concrete slabs and other surface
improvements.
Discing of the organics into the surface soils may be a suitable alternate to stripping, depending
on the condition and quantity of the organics at the time of grading. The decision to utilize
discing in lieu of stripping should be made by the Geotechnical Engineer, or his representative,
at the time of earthwork construction. Discing operations, if approved, should be observed by
the Geotechnical Engineer’s representative, and be continuous until the organics are
adequately mixed into the surface soils to provide a compactable mixture of soil containing
minor amounts of organic matter. Pockets or concentrations of organics will not be allowed.
Any trees, bushes and other vegetation designated for removal should include the entire root-
ball and roots larger than ½-inch in diameter. Adequate removal of debris and roots may
require laborers and handpicking to clear the subgrade soils to the satisfaction of the
Geotechnical Engineer’s representative.
Any on-site ditches, swales or detention ponds should be fully drained of water and cleaned of
organics. Saturated and unstable soils exposed should be removed to expose firm, native soil
or rock, as verified by the Geotechnical Engineer. These soils will likely be saturated and will
require aeration and a period of drying to allow proper compaction. Organically contaminated
soils will not be suitable for use in engineered fill construction.
Depressions resulting from site clearing operations, as well as any loose, soft, disturbed, wet, or
organically contaminated soils, as identified by the Geotechnical Engineer’s representative,
should be cleaned out to firm, undisturbed soils or lahar and backfilled with engineered fill
placed and compacted in accordance with the recommendations in this report. It is important
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that the Geotechnical Engineer’s representative be present during site clearing operations to
verify adequate removal of the surface and subsurface items, as well as the proper backfilling of
resulting excavations.
Subgrade Preparation
Based on our findings, a large portion of the Site is underlain by anywhere from a few inches to
over three feet of undocumented, variably-dense, soil fill, gravel and scattered debris. In our
opinion, these materials, in their current condition, will not be suitable for support of the
proposed structures and pavements due to potential settlement issues. The most direct method
to improve the subgrade conditions would be to overexcavate the undocumented and
deleterious materials to expose firm soil or rock, remove any deleterious materials encountered,
and restore the area with compacted engineered fill. The zone of overexcavation and
compaction should extend at least five feet beyond any structural foundations or concrete slabs.
In proposed exterior flatwork and pavement areas, the lateral zone of overexcavation and
compaction can be reduced to two feet beyond the proposed improvements.
Where building pads will be located over former ponds and depressions from the golf course
development, the depressions should be widened as necessary to reduce the overall fill
differential to less than two feet. The affected lots should be clearly shown on the project
grading plans.
The native, undisturbed soils and highly weathered lahar are relatively loose and we anticipate
that clearing operations will likely cause additional disturbance to the upper soils. Therefore, in
all areas that will support concrete slabs, engineered fill or pavement, the surface soils should
be thoroughly scarified to a depth of at least 12-inches, brought to a uniform moisture content
above the optimum moisture content, and compacted to not less than 90 percent of the
maximum dry density per ASTM D1557 specifications. In pavement areas, the relative
compaction of the upper 6-inches of final soil subgrade should be increased to 95 percent of the
maximum dry density.
Where moderately to unweathered lahar rock is exposed, no scarification should be necessary;
however, these surfaces should be proof-rolled to a firm and unyielding condition. Any localized
zones of soft or pumping materials observed should be scarified and compacted or be
overexcavated and replaced with engineered fill.
The performance of pavement is critically dependent upon uniform and adequate compaction of
the soil subgrade, as well as all engineered fill and utility trench backfill within the limits of the
pavements. Final pavement subgrade preparation (i.e. scarification, moisture conditioning and
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compaction) should be performed after underground utility construction is completed and just
prior to aggregate base placement.
Pavement subgrades should be stable and unyielding under heavy wheel loads of construction
equipment. To help identify unstable subgrades within the pavement limits, a proof-roll should
be performed with a fully-loaded, water truck on the exposed subgrades prior to placement of
aggregate base. The proof-roll should be observed by the Geotechnical Engineer’s
representative.
The prepared subgrade soils should be protected from disturbance until covered by capillary
break material or aggregate base. Disturbed subgrade soils may require additional processing
and recompaction just prior to construction of these improvements, depending on the level of
disturbance.
All subgrade preparation must be performed in the presence of the Geotechnical Engineer’s
representative who will evaluate the performance of the subgrade under compaction loads and
identify any loose or unstable soil conditions that could require remediation. We suggest that a
rippability evaluation be performed prior to bidding to evaluate equipment capabilities and
procedures for excavation and processing of the lahar and that the information be provided to
the bidders. In addition, we suggest that construction bid documents should contain unit prices
(price per cubic foot) for additional excavation due to unsuitable materials and replacement with
engineered fill and for blasting.
Engineered Fill
From a geotechnical engineering standpoint, the on-site native soils blanketing the site and
existing undocumented gravel and soil are considered suitable for use as engineered fill
provided that they do not contain significant quantities of organics, rubble and deleterious
debris, and are at a proper moisture content to achieve the desired degree of compaction.
The lahar bedrock, boulder, or approved inert debris, i.e., concrete or asphalt-concrete
pavement, that breaks into fragments less than six inches in maximum dimension can be used
as engineered fills within the upper three feet of final soil subgrade beneath proposed floor slabs
and pavement, and within the upper five feet of final soil subgrade beneath building foundations.
The lahar and debris fragments should be thoroughly mixed with soil to avoid concentrating or
nesting the material.
Lahar or concrete or asphalt fragments ranging from six to 18 inches in maximum dimension
may be placed below these depths provided they are also thoroughly mixed with soil. If the rock
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and/or debris does not break down to a gradation compatible with in-place density testing, then
compactive effort should be applied using track equipment weighing at least 20 tons (Caterpillar
815 or larger) until there is no perceptible increase in fragmentation of the particles or
observable consolidation of the fill during repeated passes of the compaction equipment.
In pavement areas, lahar or debris fragments greater than 18 inches in maximum size may be
included in engineered fills below a depth of five feet, but only at the foundation level for the fill.
The boulders or fragments should be staggered and spaced so that soil or crushed lahar fill can
be machine placed and compacted between them to form an interstitial fill. As an alternative,
flooding and jetting can be used to sluice cohesionless soil, i.e., sand, into voids between the
boulders and fragments. Following sluicing, this fill course should be proof-rolled with heavy
track equipment until there is no observable consolidation of the fill beneath the equipment.
Fragments greater than 24 inches in maximum size should not be included in any fill.
Engineered fill consisting of on-site soil, highly weathered lahar, existing undocumented fill
material, or import materials should be placed in lifts not exceeding six inches in compacted
thickness, with each lift being thoroughly moisture conditioned to at least the optimum moisture
content and uniformly compacted to at least 90 percent relative compaction. The upper six
inches of engineered fill placed in pavement areas should be uniformly compacted to at least 95
percent relative compaction at a moisture content of at least the optimum moisture content.
Imported fill materials should be compactable, well-graded, granular soils with a Plasticity Index
not exceeding 15 when tested in accordance with ASTM D4318; an Expansion Index of 20 or
less when tested in accordance with ASTM D4829; and, should not contain particles greater
than three inches in maximum dimension. Imported fill material to be used within pavement
areas should possess a Resistance value of 40 or higher, when tested in accordance with
California Test 301. In addition, with the exception of imported aggregate base and
bedding/initial fill materials for underground utility construction, the contractor should provide
appropriate documentation for all imported fill materials that designates the import materials do
not contain known contaminants per Department of Toxic Substances Control’s guidelines for
clean imported fill material (DTSC, 2001), and have corrosion characteristics within acceptable
limits. Imported soils should be approved by the Geotechnical Engineer prior to being
transported to the site.
The Geotechnical Engineer’s representative be present on a regular basis during all earthwork
operations to observe and test the engineered fill and to verify compliance with the
recommendations of this report and the project plans and specifications.
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Cut-Fill Transitions
We anticipate that some structures could be supported by building pads that transition between
compressible fill or native soil and essentially uncompressible lahar. Because of the different
physical properties and thus support characteristics of these two materials, there is a possibility
that unpredictable and sometimes adverse differential settlement and concrete cracking could
occur within this transition. In these situations, the lahar should be undercut, if feasible, and
replaced with engineered fill to maintain a maximum differential fill thickness of two feet. As an
alternative, foundations should be deepened to bear on the lahar and floor slabs should be
reinforced to resist differential movement and cracking. The overexcavation should extend
laterally at least five feet beyond the perimeter of the structure.
Cut and Fill Slopes
Although grading plans were not available at the time this report was prepared, we anticipate
that slopes ranging from about five to 10 feet in vertical height may be planned. In our
professional opinion, permanent cut and fill slopes should be inclined no steeper than two
horizontal to one vertical (2(h):1(v)). This slope recommendation is based on our experience
with similar conditions since no detailed slope stability analysis was performed to justify steeper
slopes. Cut slopes in the lahar can likely be inclined at gradients of 1(h):1(v) or steeper if no
adverse fractures are present. If slopes with gradients steeper than 2(h):1(v) are considered or
slopes will be greater than 10 feet in vertical height, the Geotechnical Engineer should review
the project grading plan and provide additional guidance regarding stable slope configuration
and drainage design. Additional geotechnical exploration, testing and evaluation may be
required.
Given this 2(h):1(v) inclination, there is a modest risk that displacement and/or movement could
occur in the event of strong seismic ground shaking. For the native soils, highly weathered
lahar and compacted fill conditions anticipated, we expect this movement to be relatively
shallow, requiring limited cleanup and dressing to restore the slopes to their original condition.
If this risk is unacceptable, the slopes should be flattened to 3(h):1(v).
Where fills will be constructed on ground that slopes at an inclination of 6(h):1(v) or steeper, a
two foot deep toe key should be excavated into firm, competent soil/weathered rock. The
keyway should be at least four feet wide at the bottom or a width equal to ½ the vertical slope
height, whichever is greater, with the bottom inclined down and back into the slope at two
percent. As filling progresses, benches should also be cut into firm, competent soil/lahar. Each
bench should consist of a level terrace at least four feet wide with the rise to the next bench held
to three feet or less.
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It is difficult to construct fill on the specified slopes without leaving a loose, poorly-compacted
soil zone on the slope face. To reduce sloughing and erosion, the fill slopes should be slightly
over-built, then cut back to firm, well-compacted soils prior to applying vegetative cover. If
slopes cannot be over-built and cut back, the finished soil slopes should be compacted to
reduce, as much as practical, the thickness of the loose surficial veneer. The compaction may
be done by making several coverages from top to bottom of the slopes with a track-mounted
bulldozer, front-end loader, or sheeps foot compactor.
Paved interceptor drains should be provided along the tops of slopes where the tributary area
flowing toward the slope has a drainage path greater than 40 feet, measured horizontally. The
interceptor drains should be sloped to a suitable drainage device and disposed off-site well
below the toe of the slope. Drop inlets and drainage pipes should not be installed near the
crests of slopes because leakage can result in maintenance problems or possible slope failure.
The slopes should be inspected periodically for erosion, and if detected, repaired immediately.
Interceptor drains should be cleaned before the start of each rainy season, and if necessary,
after each rainstorm. To reduce erosion and gulling, all disturbed areas should be planted with
erosion-resistant vegetation suited to the area. As an alternative, jute netting or geotextile
erosion control mats can be installed per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Utility Trench Backfill
Utility trench backfill should be mechanically compacted as engineered fill in accordance with
the following recommendations. Bedding of utilities and initial backfill around and over the pipe
should conform to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the pipe materials selected and
applicable sections of the governing agency standards. If open-graded, crushed rock is used as
bedding or initial backfill, an approved geotextile filter fabric should be used to separate the
crushed rock from finer-grained soils. The intent of geotextile filter fabric is to prevent soil from
migrating into the crushed rock (piping), which could result in trench settlement.
As discussed in the Conclusions, controlling and diverting seepage and stormwater runoff away
from the proposed improvements will be a critical element to development of the site. During or
following wet weather, infiltrating storm runoff will likely create a temporary perched water
condition and seepage above the hard lahar. If uncontrolled, the seepage could migrate
beneath or into structures and beneath or through pavement aggregates, leading to moisture
issues and instability. Gravel filled utility trenches and pavement subgrades can often be
utilized to intercept and collect seepage, runoff and landscape irrigation, however, trenches
should include a passive dewatering system that diverts the collected water into a sump or to
storm drain manholes or drop inlets. An example of a passive system would include a
perforated drainpipe enclosed in Caltrans Class 2 permeable rock and/or clean gravel and
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geotextile filter fabric is often placed at a depth of five to eight feet in the storm drain trenches.
If a storm drain system is not planned throughout the development, it will be necessary to install
drainage ditches or gravel filled trenches (French drains) that intercept the subsurface water
and safely divert it away from the proposed improvements. Once a grading and utility plan has
been developed, the Geotechnical Engineer should review the plans and provide additional
guidance as to the location and details for the drainage system.
In building pad areas, utility trenches, i.e., sewer laterals, yard drains, water services, etc.
should slope down and away from structures. Furthermore, low-permeable materials, i.e., silt,
clay or an approved controlled low strength material (CLSM), should be used as backfill for
utility trenches located within the building footprints and extending at least five feet horizontally
beyond perimeter foundations to reduce water transmission beneath the buildings.
Utility trench backfill should be placed in maximum 12 inch-thick lifts (loosely placed thickness),
thoroughly moisture conditioned to at least the optimum moisture content, and mechanically
compacted to at least 90 percent relative compaction. Within the upper six inches of pavement
subgrade soils, compaction should be increased to at least 95 percent relative compaction at no
less than the optimum moisture content. The lift thickness will be dependent of the type of
compaction equipment used.
Underground utility trenches that are aligned nearly parallel with shallow foundations should be
at least three feet from the outer edge of foundations, wherever possible. As a general rule,
trenches should not encroach into the zone extending outward at 1(h):1(v) inclination below the
bottom of shallow foundations. Additionally, trenches parallel to shallow foundations should not
remain open longer than 72 hours. The intent of these recommendations is to prevent loss of
both lateral and vertical support of shallow foundations, resulting in possible settlement.
Foundation Design
The proposed one- and two-story residential structures may be supported upon continuous
and/or isolated spread foundations extending at least 12 inches below lowest adjacent soil
grade. Lowest adjacent soil grade is defined as the grade upon which the capillary break
material is placed or exterior soil grade, whichever is lower. Continuous foundations supporting
one- and two-story structures should maintain a minimum width of 12 inches; while isolated
spread foundations should be at least 24-inches in plan dimension. Foundations should be
continuous around the perimeter of the building to reduce moisture variations beneath the
structures.
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Foundations bearing on undisturbed or compacted native soils, engineered fill, or a combination
of those materials may be sized for maximum allowable “net” soil bearing pressure of 2,500
pounds per square foot (psf) for dead plus live load. Foundations bearing on sound lahar rock,
as verified by the Geotechnical Engineer, may be sized for a maximum allowable “net” soil
bearing pressure of 6,000 psf for dead plus live load. A one-third increase in the allowable
bearing pressures may be applied when considering short-term loading due to wind or seismic
forces. The weight of the foundation concrete extending below lowest adjacent soil grade may
be disregarded in sizing computations.
Total settlement of an individual foundation will vary depending on the plan dimensions of the
foundation and the actual load supported. Based on the foundation criteria discussed above
and the assumed foundation loads, foundations are anticipated to experience a maximum total
static settlement on the order of about ½-inch or less, and differential settlement on the order of
about ½-inch for 50 lineal feet or the shortest distance of the structure, whichever is less.
All foundations should be adequately reinforced to provide structural continuity, mitigate
cracking and permit spanning of local soil irregularities. The structural engineer should
determine final foundation reinforcing requirements.
Resistance to lateral foundation displacement may be computed using an allowable friction
factor of 0.40, which may be multiplied by the effective vertical load on each foundation.
Additional lateral resistance may be computed using an allowable passive earth pressure
equivalent to a fluid pressure of 300 psf per foot of depth, acting against the vertical projection
of the foundation. These two modes of resistance should not be added together unless the
frictional component is reduced by 50 percent since full mobilization of the passive resistance
requires some horizontal movement, effectively reducing the frictional resistance.
Where excavations into the lahar are not reasonably feasible and the foundations cannot be
embedded, foundation resistance to lateral and uplift forces may be achieved by rock tiedown
anchors (such as grouting steel dowels) into the lahar. There are several approaches and
anchor products available that would be suitable for this project. If dowels are used, a common
approach would be to drill two to four inch diameter holes using air percussion to a depth of at
least three feet; blowing out the hole to remove as much rock dust as possible; filling the hole
with a non-shrink grout (such as Embeco 636) or an approved high strength epoxy; and then
installing the dowel (such as a No. 8, grade 60 reinforcing bar).
The uplift capacity of the anchor is typically assumed to be equivalent to the effective weight of
bedrock within a cone or wedge defined by a 1(h):1(v) projection up from the outside edge and
mid-depth of the grouted dowel. A bedrock effective unit weight of 125 pounds per cubic foot
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and a minimum factor of safety of 2 may be used for estimating uplift. For anchors with
overlapping cones, the effective weight of bedrock within the overall area of the overlapping
cones should be used for determining uplift. The overlapping of the zones of influence between
adjacent anchors results in anchor uplift capacity less than that for a single anchor.
The actual anchor design and approach should be determined by the Contractor in coordination
with the Structural Engineer. Additional rock cores or geophysical testing may be required to
determine the final depth of the anchors and the design criteria. An uplift load test should be
performed on some (typically 5 to 10 percent) of the completed anchors to verify the design
capacity. The Geotechnical Engineer should review the final anchor design and a
representative should observe the load test and anchor installation.
All foundation excavations should be observed by the Geotechnical Engineer’s representative
prior to placement of reinforcement and concrete to verify firm bearing materials are exposed
and the proximity of anchors to natural rock discontinuities, such as fractures.
Interior Floor Slabs
Interior concrete slab-on-grade floors should be supported by the soil subgrade prepared in
accordance with the recommendations contained in the Subgrade Preparation and Engineered
Fill sections.
The interior concrete slabs should be at least four inches thick, however, the project structural or
civil engineer should determine final floor slab thickness, reinforcement and joint spacing.
Temporary loads exerted during construction from vehicle traffic, cranes, forklifts, other
construction equipment, storage of palletized construction materials, etc. should be considered
in the design of the thickness and reinforcement of the interior concrete slabs-on-grade.
Moisture Penetration Resistance
It is likely that floor slab subgrade soils will become very moist or wet at some time during the
life of the structures. This is a certainty when slabs are constructed during the wet season or
when constantly wet ground or poor drainage conditions exist adjacent to structures. For this
reason, it should be assumed that interior slabs with moisture-sensitive floor coverings or
coatings will require protection against moisture or moisture vapor penetration through the
slabs.
Interior floor slabs for the planned buildings should, as a minimum, be underlain by a layer of
free-draining crushed rock/gravel, serving as a deterrent to migration of capillary moisture. The
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crushed rock/gravel layer should be between four- and six-inches-thick and graded such that
100 percent passes a one-inch sieve and less than five percent passes a No. 4 sieve.
Additional moisture protection may be provided by placing a vapor retarder membrane (at least
10-mils thick) directly over the crushed rock/gravel. The water vapor retarder membrane should
meet or exceed the minimum specifications as outlined in ASTM E1745 and be installed in strict
conformance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. For portions of the interior floor slabs
that are designated to support vehicular traffic, we recommend placing the vapor retarder
membrane directly over compacted aggregate base.
Floor slab construction practice over the past 30 years or more has included placement of a thin
layer of dry sand or pea gravel over the vapor retarder membrane. The intent of the sand/pea
gravel is to aid in the proper curing of the slab concrete. However, during the wet seasons
moisture can become trapped in the sand or pea gravel, which can lead to excessive moisture
vapor emissions from floor slabs. As a consequence, we consider use of the sand/pea gravel
layer as optional. The concrete curing benefits should be weighed against efforts to reduce slab
moisture vapor transmission.
It is emphasized that the crushed rock/grave and the vapor retarder membrane suggested
above provides only a limited, first line of defense against soil-related moisture issues and will
not "moisture proof" the slab. Nor do these measures provide an assurance that slab moisture
transmission levels will tolerable levels to prevent damage to floor coverings or other building
components. If increased protection against moisture vapor penetration is desired, a concrete
moisture protection specialist should be consulted. The design team should consider all
available measures for slab moisture protection. It is commonly accepted that maintaining the
lowest practical water-cement ratio in the slab concrete is one of the most effective ways to
reduce future moisture vapor penetration of the completed slabs.
Exterior Flatwork
The final subgrade for exterior concrete flatwork (i.e., sidewalks, patios, etc.) should be
prepared and constructed in accordance with recommendation provided in the Subgrade
Preparation and Engineered Fill sections. Exterior flatwork should be underlain by at least four
inches of aggregate base compacted to at least 95 percent relative compaction to provide
stability during slab construction and to protect the soils from disturbance during construction.
Exterior flatwork concrete should be at least four inches thick. Consideration should be given to
thickening the edges of the slabs at least twice the slab thickness where wheel traffic is
expected over the slabs. Expansion joints should be provided to allow for minor vertical
movement of the flatwork. Exterior flatwork should be constructed independent of other
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structural elements by the placement of a layer of felt material between the flatwork and the
structural element. The slab designer should determine the final thickness, strength and joint
spacing of exterior slab-on-grade concrete. The slab designer should also determine if slab
reinforcement for crack control is required and determine final slab reinforcing requirements.
Practices recommended by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) for proper placement,
curing, joint depth and spacing, construction, and placement of concrete should be followed
during exterior concrete flatwork construction.
Pavement Design
The subgrade soils and weathered bedrock in pavement areas should be prepared in
accordance with the recommendations contained in the Subgrade Preparation and Engineered
Fill sections.
Based on laboratory testing, an R-value of 25 was used for design of pavements supported on
the near-surface soil and/or engineered fill. An R-value of 50 was used for pavements
supported on the hard lahar rock. The pavement sections presented in Table 3 have been
calculated using traffic indices assumed to be appropriate for the project. The procedures used
for pavement design are in general conformance with Chapters 600 to 670 of the California
Highway Design Manual (Caltrans, 2019). The project civil engineer should determine the
appropriate traffic index and pavement section based on anticipated traffic conditions. If
needed, we can provide alternative pavement sections for different traffic indices.
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Table 3
Traffic
Index
(TI)
Typical Street
Classifications
Number of
Residential
Units Served
(20-yr. Design)
Type A Asphalt
Concrete
(inches)
R-value = 25 R-value = 50
Class 2
Aggregate
Base
(inches)
Class 2
Aggregate
Base
(inches)
4.5 Average
Residential < 24 2½ 6 4
2½* 6 4
5.0
Residential
Collectors
25 – 40 2½ 8 4
3* 7 4
5.5 41- 90 2½ 9 5
3½* 7 4
6.0
Collectors and
Minor Arterials
91 – 180 3 11 6
3½* 9 4
6.5 181 – 300 3 12 6
4* 10 4
7 301 – 500 3 13 7
4* 11 5
7.5
Local Industrial
and Arterials
501 – 700 3½ 14 7
4½* 12 5
8.0 701 - 900 4 15 8
5* 12 5
Notes: * = Asphalt concrete thickness contains the Caltrans safety factor.
All pavement materials and construction methods of structural pavement sections should
conform to the applicable provisions of the Caltrans Standard Specifications, latest edition. All
aggregate base should be compacted to at least 95 relative compaction.
Efficient drainage of all surface water to avoid infiltration and saturation of the supporting
aggregate base and subgrade soils is important to pavement performance. Weep holes could
be provided at drainage inlets, located at the subgrade-aggregate base interface, to allow
accumulated water to drain from beneath the pavements.
Consideration should be given to using full-depth curbs between landscaped areas and
pavements to serve as a cut-off for water that could migrate into the pavement base materials or
subgrade soils.
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Retaining Walls
All retaining walls or below grade walls for the buildings should be designed to resist the lateral
soil pressures of the retained soils. Retaining walls that are fixed/restrained at the top should be
capable of resisting an “at-rest” lateral soil pressure equal to an equivalent fluid pressure of 60
psf per foot of the wall height (fully drained conditions). Retaining walls that will be allowed to
slightly rotate about their base (unrestrained at the top or sides) should be capable of resisting
an "active" lateral soil pressure equal to an equivalent fluid pressure of 40 psf per foot of wall
height (fully drained conditions). For retaining walls with backfill sloped at a gradient of up to
2(h):1(v), add 20 and 15 psf per foot of the wall height to the at-rest or active equivalent fluid
pressures provided above, respectively.
Based on recent research (Lew, et al. 2010), the seismic increment of earth pressure may be
neglected if the maximum peak ground acceleration at the site is 0.4 g or less. Our analysis
indicates the maximum peak ground acceleration at the site will be about 0.38g; therefore, the
seismic increment of lateral earth pressure may be neglected, and retaining walls may be
designed using the lateral earth pressures presented above.
If structural elements, i.e., foundations, roadways, etc., encroach the 1(h):1(v) projection from
the bottom of retaining walls, the retaining walls should account for surcharge loads resulting
from those structural elements. Additionally, any below-grade retaining walls should also
account for surcharge loads resulting from construction equipment, vehicles, palletized
materials, etc. that encroach the 1(h):1(v) projection from the bottom of the below-grade
retaining walls. Surcharge loading under the circumstances described above should be
evaluated by the retaining wall designer on a case-by-case basis and be included in their design
of the walls. The retaining wall designer should evaluate the surcharge load distribution,
magnitude of the surcharge resultant force to be applied on the walls, and the location of where
the resultant force should be applied on the walls. Surcharge loading on the retaining walls will
depend on the specific surcharge load type (e.g. point load, distributed load, etc.) and distance
away from the retaining walls.
Retaining wall or below grade walls should be fully drained to prevent the build-up of hydrostatic
pressures behind the wall. Retaining walls should be provided with a drainage blanket of
Class 2 permeable material, Caltrans Standard Specification, Section 68-2.02F(3), at least
one-foot wide extending from the base of wall to within one foot of the top of the wall. The top
foot above the drainage layer should consist of compacted on-site or imported engineered fill
materials, unless covered by a concrete slab or pavement. Weep holes or perforated rigid pipe,
as appropriate, should be provided at the base of the wall to collect accumulated water.
Drainpipes, if used, should slope to discharge at no less than a one percent fall to suitable
Geotechnical Engineering Report Page 27
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
WKA No. 12206.07
May 6, 2021
drainage facilities. Open-graded ½- to ¾-inch crushed rock may be used in lieu of the Class 2
permeable material provided the rock and drain pipe are completely enveloped in an approved
non-woven, geotextile filter fabric. Alternatively, approved geotextile drainage composites, such
as MiraDRAIN®, may be used in lieu of the drain rock layer. If used, geocomposite drain panels
should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If efflorescence (discoloration of the wall face) or moisture/water penetration of the retaining
walls is not acceptable, moisture/water-proofing measures should be applied to the back face of
the walls. A moisture/water-proofing specialist should be consulted to determine specific
protection measures against moisture/water penetration through the walls.
Structural backfill materials for retaining walls within a 1(h):1(v) projection from the bottom of the
walls (other than the drainage layer) should consist of on-site or imported, compactable granular
material that does not contain significant quantities of rubbish, rubble, organics and rock over
four inches in size. Clay, pea gravel and/or crushed rock should not be used for structural wall
backfill. Structural wall backfill should be placed in lifts not exceeding 12 inches in compacted
thickness, moisture conditioned to at least the optimum moisture content, and should be
mechanically compacted to at least 90 percent relative compaction.
Foundations for support of retaining or below grade walls should be designed using the
appropriate foundation design parameters provided in the Spread Foundations section included
in this report.
Site Drainage
Final site grading should be accomplished to provide positive drainage of surface water away
from the buildings and prevent ponding of water adjacent to foundations, slabs or pavements.
The subgrade adjacent to the buildings should be sloped away from the building at a minimum
two percent gradient for at least five feet, where possible. All roof drains should be connected
to non-perforated rigid pipes, which in-turn are connected to available drainage features that
convey water away from the buildings or discharging the drainage onto paved or hard surfaces
that slope away from the buildings. Landscape berms, if planned, should not be constructed in
such a manner as to promote drainage toward the buildings.
Drought Considerations
The State of California can experience extended periods of severe drought conditions. The
ability for landowners to use irrigation as a means for maintaining landscape vegetation and soil
moisture can be inhibited for unpredictable periods of time. For this reason, landscape and
Geotechnical Engineering Report Page 28
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
WKA No. 12206.07
May 6, 2021
hardscape systems for this development should be carefully planned to prevent the desiccation
of soils under and near foundations and slabs. Trees with invasive shallow root systems should
be avoided. No trees or large shrubs that could remove soil moisture during dry periods should
be planted within five feet of any foundation or slab. Fallow ground adjacent to foundations
must be avoided.
Geotechnical Engineering Construction Observation Services
Wallace-Kuhl & Associates be retained to review the final plans and specifications to verify that
the intent of our recommendations has been implemented in those documents.
Site preparation should be accomplished in accordance with the recommendations of this
report. Geotechnical testing and observation during construction is considered a continuation of
our geotechnical engineering investigation. Wallace-Kuhl & Associates should be retained to
provide testing and observation services during site clearing, preparation, earthwork, and
foundation construction at the project site to verify compliance with this geotechnical report and
the project plans and specifications, and to provide consultation as required during construction.
These services are beyond the scope of work authorized for this study; however, we can submit
a proposal to provide these services upon request.
In the event that Wallace-Kuhl & Associates is not retained to provide geotechnical engineering
observation and testing services during construction, the Geotechnical Engineer retained to
provide these services should indicate in writing that they agree with the recommendations of
this report, or prepare supplemental recommendations as necessary. A final report by the
Geotechnical Engineer providing construction testing services should be prepared upon
completion of the project.
LIMITATIONS
Our recommendations are based upon the information provided regarding the proposed project,
combined with our analysis of site conditions revealed by the previous field explorations and
associated laboratory testing programs. We have used engineering judgment based upon the
information provided and the data generated from our study. This report has been prepared in
substantial compliance with generally accepted geotechnical engineering practices that exist in
the area of the project at the time the report was prepared. No warranty, either express or
implied, is provided.
Geotechnical Engineering Report Page 29
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
WKA No. 12206.07
May 6, 2021
If the proposed construction is modified or re-sited; or, if it is found during construction that
subsurface conditions differ from those we encountered at the previous exploration locations,
we should be afforded the opportunity to review the new information or changed conditions to
determine if our conclusions and recommendations must be modified.
We emphasize that this report is applicable only to the proposed construction and the
investigated site, and should not be utilized for construction on any other site. The conclusions
and recommendations of this report are considered valid for a period of two years. If design is
not completed and construction has not started within two years of the date of this report, the
report must be reviewed and updated, if necessary.
Wallace - Kuhl & Associates
Gary H. Gulseth, GE
Senior Engineer
GR
Reddish brown, moist, medium plastic fines, clayey GRAVEL with sand and scattered gravelup to 18 inches in diameter (GC)
Practical refusal at 3 feet below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.Groundwater was not encountered.
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
3.0 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP41
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PMTP41 @ 2'-3' 14
Reddish brown, moist, low plasticity fines, sandy GRAVEL (GP)
Practical refusal at 2 feet below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.Groundwater was not encountered.
TP42 @ 0'-2'
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
2.0 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP42
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PM
GR
FILL: reddish brown to gray, moist, clayey SAND with gravel up to 2 inches in diameter (SC)
Practical refusal at 0.5 feet below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.Groundwater was not encountered.
TP 43 @ 0'-0.5'
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
0.5 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP43
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PM
FILL: Yellowish brown, moist, silty fine to medium grained SAND (SM)
Reddish brown, moist, low plasticity, silty GRAVEL with sand; fine grained gravel up to 0.75inch (GM)
Practical refusal at 1 foot below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.Groundwater was not encountered.
TP44 @ 0'-0.5'
TP44 @ 0.5'-1'
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
1.0 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP44
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PM 11
RVPIGR
FILL: gray, moist, low plasticity, sandy lean CLAY with scattered gravel (CL)
Reddish brown, moist, low plasticity, sandy GRAVEL; fine to coarse grained gravel up to 2
inches (GM)
Practical refusal at 3 feet below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.Groundwater was not encountered.
TP45 @ 0'-1'
TP45 @ 1'-2'
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
3.0 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP45
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PM
RV
Reddish brown, moist, clayey GRAVEL; fine to coarse grained gravel up to 2 inches (GC)
Practical refusal at 2.5 feet below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.Groundwater was not encountered.
TP46 @ 1'-2'
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
2.5 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP46
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PM
Reddish brown, wet, clayey GRAVEL with sand; fine to coarse grained gravel up to 2 inches(GC)
Practical refusal at 0.5 feet below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.
Groundwater was not encountered.
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
0.5 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP47
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PMTP47 @ 0'-0.5' 18
Reddish brown, moist, low plasticity, sandy GRAVEL; fine gravel (GP)
Practical refusal at 0.5 feet below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.
Groundwater was not encountered.
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
0.5 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP48
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PMTP48 @ 0'-0.5' 21
GR
Reddish brown, moist, low plasticity, clayey SAND with gravel (SC)
Practical refusal at 1 foot below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.Groundwater was not encountered.
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
1.0 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP49
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PMTP49 @ 0'-1' 16
RVEI
Fill: Reddish brown, moist, clayey GRAVEL with cobbles (GC); 4 foot piece of Larhar
Practical refusal at 3 feet below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.Groundwater was not encountered.
TP50 @ 2'-3'
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
3.0 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP50
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PM
GR
Reddish brown, moist, poorly graded GRAVEL with clay and scattered cobbles ranging from4 to 12 inches in diameter (GP-GC)
Practical refusal at 3 feet below existing ground surface in Lahar of Tuscan Formation.Groundwater was not encountered.
TP51 @ 0'-3'
Sheet 1 of 1Project Location: Paradise, California
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA Number: 12206.07
FIGURE
3.0 feet
SamplingMethod(s)
Approx. SurfaceElevation, ft MSL
Excavator
GRAPHIC LOGADDITIONALTESTS3/17/21
DRY UNITWEIGHT, pcfDriving Methodand Drop
LOG OF TEST PIT TP51
DEPTH, feetRemarks
Soil CuttingsNot Encountered
NUMBEROF BLOWSSAMPLENUMBERDrillingMethod
Drill RigType
Total Depthof Drill Hole
Drill HoleBackfill
KRL
Kubota KX040-4
NexGen
SAMPLE DATA
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
Date(s)Drilled
24
ELEVATION, feetSAMPLECheckedByLoggedBy GHG
DrillingContractor
Groundwater Depth[Elevation], feet
Diameter(s)of Hole, inches
MOISTURECONTENT, %TEST DATA
N/A
BORING LOG 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 5/3/21 4:00 PM
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California
RWO
KRL
GHG
04/2021
UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
12206.07
APPENDIX A
General Information, Field Exploration and Laboratory Testing
APPENDIX A
A. GENERAL INFORMATION
The geotechnical engineering study for the Tuscan Ridge Subdivision, located between
Chico and Paradise, California, was authorized by Mr. Scott Bates on March 15, 2021.
Authorization was for a study as described in our proposal dated February 19, 2021,
sent to our client the Reeder Sutherland, Inc. in Roseville, California; telephone (530)
401-3670.
B. FIELD EXPLORATION
The subsurface soil conditions at the project site were initially explored on March 15,
2019, as part of an environmental study by excavating 40 test pits using a track mounted
excavator to depths ranging from a few inches to about 6½ feet below the existing
ground surface (bgs). Eleven additional test pits were excavated as part of this current
study on March 17, 2021, to a maximum depth of about 3 feet bgs. The test pit locations
are shown in Figure 2. The test pits were excavated using a Kubota KX040-4 equipped
with a 24 inch bucket provided by the client. Practical refusal was encountered at the
each test pit in hard lahar (mudstone). Disturbed bulk samples were collected during the
current field explorations and taken to our laboratory for additional soil classification and
selection of samples for testing.
The Logs of Test Pits containing descriptions of the soils encountered in each of the test
pits excavated for this study are presented in Figures 5 through 15. A Legend explaining
the Unified Soil Classification System (ASTM D2487) and the symbols used on the logs
is contained in Figure 16. A graph showing a summary of the findings for all the test pits
is presented as Figure 4.
C. LABORATORY TESTING
Selected undisturbed samples of the soils were tested to determine the natural moisture
content (ASTM D2216) of the soils. The results of these tests are included in the test pit
logs at the depth each sample was obtained.
Five soil samples were tested to determine the Particle Size Distribution (ASTM C136
and D7928) of the soil. The results of the test is presented in Figure A1.
One soil sample collected from test pit TP45 was tested to determine the liquid limit,
plastic limit and plasticity index of the soil using the Atterberg Limits test (ASTM D4318).
The result of the test is presented in Figure A2.
WKA No. 12206.07 Page A2
One bulk sample of the near-surface fine-grained (plastic) soil collected at test pit TP50
was tested to estimate the expansion potential of the soil using the Expansion Index test
(ASTM D4829) with result presented in Figure A3.
Three bulk samples of anticipated pavement subgrade soil were collected at test pits
TP45, TP46 and TP50 and subjected to Resistance-value ("R-value") testing in
accordance with California Test 301. The results of the R-value tests, which were used
in the pavement design, are presented in Figures A4 and A5.
Two selected soil samples of near-surface soil was submitted to Sunland Analytical of
Rancho Cordova, California, to determine the soil pH and minimum resistivity (California
Test 643), Chloride concentration (California Test 422m), and Sulfate concentration
(California Test 417, ASTM D516m). The results of these tests are presented in Figures
A6 through A9.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0.0010.010.1110
PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION
GRAVEL
COARSE MEDIUM FINE
PARTICLE SIZE IN MILLIMETERSPERCENT FINER BY WEIGHTFINE
#4 #60 #100
SILT CLAY
TP41
TP43
TP45
TP49
TP51
COARSE
3" 1.5" 3/4" #10
SAND
#20 #40
U.S. STANDARD SIEVE NUMBERS
3/8"
U.S. STANDARD SIEVEOPENING #200
2'-3'
0'-0.5'
1'-2'
1'-2'
0'-3'
PILLDepth(feet)USCS ClassificationSymbol
FIGURE A1
Project: Tuscan Ridge Subdivision
WKA No. 12206.07GRAIN SIZE 12206.07 - TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION.GPJ WKA.GDT 4/26/21 10:15 AM 2'-3'
0'-0.5'
1'-2'
0'-1'
0'-3'
Test PitNumber Sample Depth
GC
SC
CL
SC
GP-GC
35 12
Clayey GRAVEL with sand and cobbles
FILL: clayey SAND with gravel
Sandy lean CLAY with scattered gravel
Clayey SAND with gravel
Poorly graded GRAVEL with clay
ATTERBERG LIMITS
ASTM D4318
CL - ML ML and OL
40
CL
CH
MH and OH"A" Line
Liquid LimitPlasticity Index10
0
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0 102030 5060708090100110120
TP45 1.0’-2.0’---35 ---CL12
KEY
SYMBOL LOCATION SAMPLE
DEPTH
NATURAL
WATER
CONTENT
(%)
LIQUID
LIMIT
(%)
PLASTICITY
INDEX
(%)
PASSING
No. 200
SIEVE
(%)
UNIFIED
SOIL
CLASSIFI-
CATION
SYMBOL
ATTERBERG LIMITS
12206.07
A2
RWO
KRL
GHG
04/2021
ATTERBERG LIMITS
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California DATE
PROJECT MGR
CHECKED BY
DRAWN BY
FIGURE
WKA NO.
12206.07
A3
RWO
KRL
GHG
04/2021
EXPANSION INDEX
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California DATE
PROJECT MGR
CHECKED BY
DRAWN BY
FIGURE
WKA NO.
Sample
Depth
Pre-Test
Moisture (%)
Post-Test
Moisture (%)
Dry Density
(pcf)
Expansion
Index
EXPANSION INDEX
Medium
Low
Very Low
POTENTIAL EXPANSION
EXPANSION INDEX TEST RESULTS
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION:
LOCATION:
CLASSIFICATION OF EXPANSIVE SOIL *
* From ASTM D4829, Table 1
ASTM D4829
TP50
2’ - 3’ 13.2 28.5 97 14
Reddish brown, clayey GRAVEL with cobbles
0 - 20
21 - 50
51 - 90
91 - 130 High
Above 130 Very High
12206.07
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California
A4
RWO
KRL
GHG
04/2021
RESISTANCE VALUE TEST RESULTS
RESISTANCE VALUE TEST RESULTS
(California Test 301)
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION:
LOCATION:
Dry Unit
Weight
(pcf)
Specimen
No.
Moisture
@ Compaction
(%)
Exudation
(psi)
Pressure Expansion
(dial, inches x 1000)Value
R
(psf)
2
3
1
1
3
2
(psf)
R
Value
ExpansionPressure
(psi)
Exudation
(%)
@ Compaction
Moisture
No.
Specimen
(pcf)
Weight
Dry Unit
LOCATION:
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION:
TP45 (1’ - 2’)
112
116
118
15.5
14.5
13.6
208
286
431
2
4
12
9
17
52
12
22
36
R-Value at 300 psi exudation pressure = 24
TP46 (1’ - 2’)
117
115
118
14.9
15.7
14.4
344
205
505
9
0
43
29
17
37
(dial, inches x 1000)
2
0
10
R-Value at 300 psi exudation pressure = 26
Fill:Gray, sandy lean CLAY with gravel
Reddish brown, clayey GRAVEL
12206.07
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California
A5
RWO
KRL
GHG
04/2021
RESISTANCE VALUE TEST RESULTS
RESISTANCE VALUE TEST RESULTS
(California Test 301)
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION:
LOCATION:
Dry Unit
Weight
(pcf)
Specimen
No.
Moisture
@ Compaction
(%)
Exudation
(psi)
Pressure Expansion
(dial, inches x 1000)Value
R
(psf)
2
3
1
Reddish brown, sandy cobbles
TP50 (2’ - 3’)
118
116
114
12.5
13.3
14.2
494
330
234
14
5
1
61
22
4
74
47
21
R-Value at 300 psi exudation pressure = 40
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California
A6
RWO
KRL
GHG
04/2021
CORROSION TEST RESULTS
12206.07
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California
A7
RWO
KRL
GHG
04/2021
CORROSION TEST RESULTS
12206.07
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California
A8
RWO
KRL
GHG
04/2021
CORROSION TEST RESULTS
12206.07
TUSCAN RIDGE SUBDIVISION
Paradise, California
A9
RWO
KRL
GHG
04/2021
CORROSION TEST RESULTS
12206.07