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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_Geotech_AHBL_241018_v1 Kirkland | Tacoma | Mount Vernon 425-827-7701 | www.aesgeo.com October 4, 2024 Project No. 20240196E001 Renton School District No. 403 7812 South 124th Street Seattle, Washington 98178 Attention: Andrew Hollenback Subject: Limited Geotechnical Engineering Study Renton School District Transportation Facility New Parking Lot 420 Park Avenue North Renton, Washington References: Subsurface Exploration, Geologic Hazard, and Geotechnical Engineering Report, New Transportation Center, 1220 North 4th Street, Renton, Washington, AESI Project No. 20070040, March 20, 2007 Geologic Map of the Renton Quadrangle, King County, Washington, Mullineaux, D.R., 1965 Dear Andrew Hollenback: As requested, Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. (AESI) has completed a site reconnaissance, subsurface exploration, and limited geotechnical engineering study for the proposed new parking lot at the Renton School District Transportation Facility. We are familiar with the site having completed the site exploration and geotechnical design report (AESI, March 20, 2007) as well as providing observation and testing services during construction of the existing transportation facility in 2007. This study was completed in general accordance with our scope of work and cost proposal dated August 13, 2024. We were authorized to proceed by means of District Purchase Order #2012300302. This limited study was completed in accordance with local standards of practice in the field of geotechnical engineering at the time it was completed. No other warranty, express or implied, is made. Renton School District Transportation Facility Limited Geotechnical New Parking Lot Engineering Study October 4, 2024 ASSOCIATED EARTH SCIENCES, INC. FGR/ld – 20240196E001-002 Page 2 SITE AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project will include converting the currently undeveloped northwest corner of the overall transportation facility property located at 420 Park Avenue North in Renton, Washington, as shown on the “Vicinity Map” (Figure 1), to a new parking lot measuring some 105 feet east-west by 200 feet north-south. This portion of the property previously had two buildings constructed which were demolished by 2020. The topography across the property is flat with total grade change north to south of just a few feet. Based on our review of conceptual site plans dated April 5, 2024, provided by Jacobson Consulting, we understand that the new parking lot will be close to existing grades, paved in asphalt with planters and landscaping providing separation from parking rows and the city right-of-way. The parking lot will also be provided with on-site lighting. SUBSURFACE EXPLORATIONS AND CONDITIONS Our field study included excavating two exploration pits on September 13, 2024. The various types of sediments, as well as depths where characteristics of the sediments changed, are indicated on the exploration logs presented in Appendix A. Our exploration locations were approximately determined on the property by measuring from known site features. The site and approximate locations of the subsurface explorations referenced in this study are presented on the “Site and Exploration Plan” (Figure 2). The conclusions and recommendations presented in this letter-report are based, in part, on the exploration pits completed for this study. The number, locations, and depths of the explorations were completed within site and budgetary constraints. Because of the nature of the exploratory work below ground, extrapolation of subsurface conditions between explorations is necessary. It should be noted that differing subsurface conditions may sometimes be present due to the random nature of deposition and the alteration of topography by past grading and/or filling. The nature and extent of variations between the field explorations may not become fully evident until construction. If variations are observed at that time, it may be necessary to re-evaluate specific recommendations in this letter-report and make appropriate changes. Previous Explorations AESI completed a geotechnical study in 2007 during the design phase of the existing transportation center. The 2007 study included six exploration borings which generally agree with the geologic findings of the current study. Copies of the 2007 exploration logs are included in Appendix A, along with logs of exploration pits recently completed for the current project Renton School District Transportation Facility Limited Geotechnical New Parking Lot Engineering Study October 4, 2024 ASSOCIATED EARTH SCIENCES, INC. FGR/ld – 20240196E001-002 Page 3 proposed. Generally, the 2007 study found fill within the surface 3 feet, underlain by soft/loose, recent, Quaternary Holocene alluvium deposits. We reviewed field reports from the construction phase of the current transportation center which indicated that parking area improvements consisted of a 12-inch-deep overexcavation, placement of Mirafi 500X, and replacement with 2-inch clean crushed rock. Visual on-site reconnaissance indicates that the near-surface remedial improvements were effective in providing structural support of the paved parking areas. We observed no concerning settlement or cracking, and the paved surface appeared to be performing well. New Exploration Pits For the current study, two new exploration pits were completed by Northwest Excavating, an independent firm working under subcontract to AESI, at the locations shown on Figure 2. The pits were completed using a 2.5-foot-wide, toothed bucket on a E50, tracked Bobcat Excavator. The pits permitted direct, visual observation of subsurface conditions. During excavation, samples were generally collected upon observation of a lithology change with depth. The excavation process was continuously observed and logged by a geologist from our firm. After logging the exposed soils, pits were backfilled with the excavated soil and lightly tamped with the excavator bucket. The various types of materials and sediments encountered in the explorations, as well as the depths where characteristics of these materials changed, are indicated on the exploration logs included in Appendix A. The depths indicated on the logs where conditions changed may represent gradational variations between sediment types in the field. Disturbed soil samples were selected from the pits, placed in moisture-tight containers, and transported to AESI’s laboratory for further visual classification and testing, as necessary. The exploration logs in Appendix A are based on the field observations and inspection of the samples. SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS Subsurface conditions at the project site were inferred from our field explorations accomplished for this study, visual reconnaissance of the site, and review of selected applicable geologic literature. Published Geologic and Soils Map Review of the regional geologic map, titled “Geologic Map of the Renton Quadrangle, King County, Washington,” U.S. Geological Survey, Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-405, scale 1:24,000, prepared by D.R. Mullineaux (1965) indicates that the subject property is underlain by Renton School District Transportation Facility Limited Geotechnical New Parking Lot Engineering Study October 4, 2024 ASSOCIATED EARTH SCIENCES, INC. FGR/ld – 20240196E001-002 Page 4 widespread artificial fill with Quaternary alluvium deposited by the ancestral Cedar River mapped nearby. Review of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey indicates that the soils in the vicinity of the site consist predominately of Urban Land. The regional mapping is consistent with our subsurface observations. Stratigraphy As shown on the field logs, our explorations in the area of the planned parking lot generally encountered native, Holocene alluvium at shallow depths, overlain by about 1 to 3 feet of fill and topsoil. The following section presents more detailed subsurface information organized from the youngest (shallowest) to the oldest (deepest) sediment types. Copies of our exploration logs are included in Appendix A. Sod and Topsoil Both exploration pits in the current project area encountered up to 10 inches of sod and topsoil; the sod and topsoil are not suitable for structural support and should be stripped from structural areas. Fill Existing fill was encountered in both explorations; EP-1 was mixed with topsoil to a dept of about 10 inches and in EP-2 there was up to about 2 feet of variable fill under the topsoil, where the new parking lot will be constructed. Existing fill generally consisted of moist, gray, fine to coarse sandy, fine to coarse gravel with some plastic and brick debris. Excavation through fill was difficult for the contractor’s equipment and appeared firm. Fill in EP-2 extended to approximately a depth of about 3 feet below the ground surface. Existing fill is also expected to be found around buried utilities and structures, in areas of past grading, and beneath landscape improvements. Where existing fill is found to be firm and unyielding during a proof-roll with a fully loaded, tandem-axle dump truck, it may be suitable for structural support of the paved parking area. We recommend remedial preparation of surfaces where fill is not encountered to be consistent with preparation in areas where fill is encountered. Excavated existing fill may be suitable for reuse in structural fill applications provided it is free of excessive organic material and other deleterious material, at proper moisture content, and is allowed by project plans and specifications. Renton School District Transportation Facility Limited Geotechnical New Parking Lot Engineering Study October 4, 2024 ASSOCIATED EARTH SCIENCES, INC. FGR/ld – 20240196E001-002 Page 5 Holocene Alluvium Sediments encountered below the fill and topsoil generally consisted of interbedded clean sand, silty sand, and silt with some woody debris present. We interpret these sediments to be representative of alluvium deposited in former channels of the Cedar River. The alluvium extends past the depth of our deepest exploration pit of 11 feet below current ground surface. This concurs with the 2007 study which indicates a maximum boring depth of 95 feet below surface elevation. In general, the alluvium is very loose/soft to medium dense at depths shallower than 75 feet, as indicated by the 2007 study. Remedial action is recommended in planned paved areas to mitigate compressive settlement within the loose/soft soil. In general, the Holocene alluvium where moisture content is within the compactable range is considered suitable for reuse as structural fill. It should be noted that where soils are above their optimum moisture content for compaction, their reuse as structural fill during all but the driest times of the year will be difficult. However, it should be noted that the existing alluvial soil was observed to have a high silt content and is considered moisture-sensitive. Hydrology No groundwater was encountered during our current phase of exploration to depths of approximately 11 feet below the ground surface, or approximately elevation 25 feet (surface elevation 36). Groundwater is expected to be present at depth within the Holocene alluvium as an unconfined local aquifer. Shallow perched water may be present within the alternating silt and sand interbeds. During our previous study (2007, referenced above), groundwater was encountered at approximately 10 feet below the surface, or approximately elevation 25 (surface elevation 35). To our knowledge, the project specified no deep cuts that might encounter the regional groundwater aquifer. It should be noted that fluctuations in the level of the groundwater may occur due to the time of the year, variations in rainfall, and adjacent river levels. No utilities are anticipated to be installed at depths where the anticipated groundwater table might be encountered. Renton School District Transportation Facility Limited Geotechnical New Parking Lot Engineering Study October 4, 2024 ASSOCIATED EARTH SCIENCES, INC. FGR/ld – 20240196E001-002 Page 6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Our explorations completed in the location of the proposed new parking lot encountered loose/soft Holocene alluvium underlying 1 to 3 feet of existing fill which contains up to 10 inches of topsoil. These same conditions were reported in AESI’s “Subsurface Exploration, Geologic Hazard, and Geotechnical Engineering Report” dated in 2007. Recommendations in this letter-report included near-surface remedial improvements for preparation of paved parking areas. Given that the adjacent parking areas with similarly described subsurface conditions performed well with the completion of near-surface remedial improvements, it is our opinion that the site is suitable for the proposed parking lot development, provided that recommendations contained herein are properly followed. Recommendations Site preparation of the planned paved parking area should include removal of all grass, topsoil, and any other deleterious surface materials and the remaining roots grubbed to a depth that will allow at least 12 inches of imported base material under the pavement section. Any loose existing fill soils below this elevation should be recompacted to a firm and unyielding condition prior to the placement of subsequent base stabilization. The finished parking lot subgrade should receive similar near-surface stabilization improvements as performed in the adjacent transportation center parking lot. Generally, this consists of a minimum of 12 inches of aggregate (crushed rock) over geotextile reinforcement fabric (Mirafi 500X equivalent or structurally better) on the stripped surface. Overexcavation to accommodate the specified thickness of aggregate may be necessary, depending on design elevations. Surface aggregate shall be comprised of a granular crushed rock or crushed recycled concrete material, compacted to a firm and unyielding condition prior to asphalt paving. Once the subgrade elevation is achieved, we recommend performing a proof-roll with a fully loaded, tandem-axle dump truck on the exposed excavated surface prior to placing geotextile fabric. This will allow the opportunity for visual performance verification of the exposed subgrade, and if needed, less invasive access to remedy any concerns that may arise. We recommend allowing budgetary flexibility should we identify any necessity for additional near-surface improvements. After recompaction of the exposed ground, if needed, additional structural fill may be placed to attain desired grades. Structural fill placed below parking areas should consist of a granular imported material such as crushed base course or clean chip rock which are free of organics and Renton School District Transportation Facility Limited Geotechnical New Parking Lot Engineering Study October 4, 2024 ASSOCIATED EARTH SCIENCES, INC. FGR/ld – 20240196E001-002 Page 7 other deleterious materials, placed in maximum 8-inch loose lifts. Each lift should be compacted to 95 percent of the modified Proctor maximum density using ASTM D-1557 as the standard. In the case of utility trench filling, the backfill should be placed and compacted in accordance with applicable codes and standards. The contractor should note that any proposed fill soils must be evaluated by AESI prior to their use in fills. This would require that we have a sample of the material 72 hours in advance to perform a Proctor test and determine its field compaction standard. Pavement Recommendations AESI recommends that an engineering stabilization geotextile reinforcement such as Mirafi 500x (or approved equivalent) be placed over the stripped subgrade. The geotextile should be overlain with a minimum of 12 inches of 2-inch clean crushed rock or crushed recycled concrete. The fabric acts as a separation barrier between relatively fine-grained surficial materials on the site and the load-distributor aggregate. As a separator, it reduces the loss of costly aggregate material into the subgrade and prevents the upward pumping of contaminating silt into the aggregate. The high tensile strength and low modulus of elongation of the fabric also act to reduce localized stress by redistributing the traffic loads over a wider area of subgrade. In addition, the recommended method of installation (proof-rolling) identifies weak areas, which can be improved prior to paving. The majority of the new parking lot will accommodate light vehicle loads from passenger vehicles. In these light traffic load areas, we recommend a pavement section consisting of 3 inches of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) underlain by 4 inches of crushed surfacing. The eastern edge of the parking lot is proposed for a heavy-duty section. In these areas we recommend a minimum of 4 inches of HMA over 4 inches of crushed rock surfacing. The crushed rock will provide improved and consistent drainage. The crushed rock courses must be compacted to 95 percent of the maximum density, as determined by ASTM D-1557. All paving materials should meet gradation criteria contained in the current Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Standard Specifications. CLOSURE We are available to provide geotechnical engineering and monitoring services during construction if required. The integrity of the paved parking areas depend on proper site preparation and construction procedures. In addition, engineering decisions may have to be made in the field in the event that variations in subsurface conditions become apparent. Renton School District Transportation Facility Limited Geotechnical New Parking Lot Engineering Study October 4, 2024 ASSOCIATED EARTH SCIENCES, INC. FGR/ld – 20240196E001-002 Page 8 We have enjoyed working with you on this study and are confident these recommendations will aid in the successful completion of your project. If you should have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, ASSOCIATED EARTH SCIENCES, INC. Kirkland, Washington ______________________________ Forest Gheen-Regouski Matthew A. Miller, P.E. Natural Resource Scientist Principal Engineer Attachments: Figure 1: Vicinity Map Figure 2: Site and Exploration Plan Appendix A: Exploration Logs G:\ G I S _ P r o j e c t s \ 2 0 2 4 \ 2 4 0 1 9 6 R e n t o n S D T r a n s p o r a t i o n S i t e \ _ a p r x \ 2 0 2 4 0 1 9 6 E 0 0 1 F 1 V M _ R e n t o n S D T r a n s p o r a t i o n . a p r x | 2 0 2 4 0 1 9 6 E 0 0 1 F 1 V M _ R e n t o n S D T r a n s p o r t a t i o n | 2 0 2 4 - 1 0 - 0 1 | m t r o p COUNTY LOCALE LOCATION PROJECT NO.DATE FIGURE 19/2420240196E001 RENTON SD TRANSPORATION SITE PARKING EXPANSION RENTON, WASHINGTON VICINITY MAP ESRI, USGS, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC,DELORME, NATURALVUE, I-CUBED, GEBCO:ARCGIS ONLINE BASEMAP. WADOT STATEROUTES 24K (12/20). KING CO: PARCELS,ROADS (8/24). NOTE: LOCATION AND DISTANCES SHOWNARE APPROXIMATE. BLACK AND WHITEREPRODUCTION OF THIS COLOR ORIGINALMAY REDUCE ITS EFFECTIVENESS AND LEADTO INCORRECT INTERPRETATION. KinJ CoXnt\ WE L L S A L Y N PE L L Y A V E N PE L L Y A L Y N GA R D E N A V E N N 5TH ST PA R K A V E N 405 16 900 169 /DNH WDVKLQJWRQ KING C O U N T Y KING COUNTY RENTON SEATTLE 0 2,000 FEET m SITE LOCATION AND DISTANCESSHOWN ARE APPROXIMATE. BLACK AND WHITE REPRODUCTION OFTHIS COLOR ORIGINAL MAY REDUCEITS EFFECTIVENESS AND LEAD TOINCORRECT INTERPRETATION.G:\ G I S _ P r o j e c t s \ 2 0 2 4 \ 2 4 0 1 9 6 R e n t o n S D T r a n s p o r a t i o n S i t e \ _ a p r x \ 2 0 2 4 0 1 9 6 E 0 0 1 F 2 E S _ R e n t o n S D T r a n s p o r a t i o n . a p r x | 2 0 2 4 0 1 9 6 E 0 0 1 F 2 E S _ R e n t o n S D T r a n s p o r t a t i o n | 2 0 2 4 - 1 0 - 0 3 | m t r o p PROJECT NO.DATE FIGURE ± 210/2420240196E001 RENTON SD TRANSPORATION SITE PARKING EXPANSION RENTON, WASHINGTON EXISTING SITE AND EXPLORATION PLAN DATA SOURCES/REFERENCES:KING COUNTY: PARCELS, ROADS (8/24). EAGLEVIEW TECHNOLOGIES,INC.: AERIAL IMAGERY (2023). WA DNR LIDAR:KING_COUNTY_WEST_2021, ACQUIRED 4/21, 1.5' CELL SIZE.CONTOURS DERIVED FROM LIDAR. 0 100 FEET GA R D E N A V E N PA R K AVE N N 4TH ST N 5TH ST EP124 EP224 EB10EB20 EB30 EB40 EB50EB0 4 42 38 34 3 32 44 40 3 3 2 4 4 4 3 3 32 3 3 3 3 3 34 LEGEND SITE EXPLORAION TYPE-YEAR EXPLORATION BORING EXPLORATION PIT CONTOUR 10 FT CONTOUR 2 FT PARCEL APPENDIX A Exploration Logs Classifications of soils in this report are based on visual field and/or laboratory observations, which include density/consistency, moisture condition, grain size, and plasticity estimates and should not be construed to imply field or laboratory testing unless presented herein. Visual-manual and/or laboratory classification methods of ASTM D-2487 and D-2488 were used as an identification guide for the Unified Soil Classification System. OH PT CH OL MH CL ML SM SC GW SP GC SW GM GP Well-graded gravel and gravel with sand, little to no fines Poorly-graded gravel and gravel with sand, little to no fines Clayey gravel and clayey gravel with sand Silty gravel and silty gravel with sand Well-graded sand and sand with gravel, little to no fines Poorly-graded sand and sand with gravel, little to no fines Clayey sand and clayey sand with gravel Organic clay or silt of low plasticity Organic clay or silt of medium to high plasticity Peat, muck and other highly organic soils Silty sand and silty sand with gravel Silt, sandy silt, gravelly silt, silt with sand or gravel Clay of low to medium plasticity; silty, sandy, or gravelly clay, lean clay Elastic silt, clayey silt, silt with micaceous or diatomaceous fine sand or silt Clay of high plasticity, sandy or gravelly clay, fat clay with sand or gravel (1 ) Hi g h l y Or g a n i c So i l s Fin e - G r a i n e d S o i l s - 5 0 % o r M o r e P a s s e s N o . 2 0 0 S i e v e (1 ) Co a r s e - G r a i n e d S o i l s - M o r e t h a n 5 0 % R e t a i n e d o n N o . 2 0 0 S i e v e Gr a v e l s - M o r e t h a n 5 0 % o f C o a r s e F r a c t i o n Re t a i n e d o n N o . 4 S i e v e 12 % F i n e s 5% F i n e s Sa n d s - 5 0 % o r M o r e o f C o a r s e F r a c t i o n Pa s s e s N o . 4 S i e v e Si l t s a n d C l a y s Li q u i d L i m i t L e s s t h a n 5 0 Sil t s a n d C l a y s Li q u i d L i m i t 5 0 o r M o r e (1 ) (1 ) 12 % F i n e s 5% F i n e s (2 ) (2 ) (2 ) (2 ) Terms Describing Relative Density and Consistency Estimated Percentage Moisture Content Percentage by Weight <5 5 to <12 12 to <30 30 to <50 Component Definitions Component Trace Some Modifier (silty, sandy, gravelly) Very modifier (silty, sandy, gravelly) Size Range and Sieve Number Larger than 12" Descriptive Term Smaller than No. 200 (0.075 mm) 3" to 12" Coarse- Grained Soils Fine- Grained Soils Density Very Loose Loose Medium Dense Dense Very Dense SPT blows/foot 0 to 4 4 to 10 10 to 30 30 to 50 >50 (3) 0 to 2 2 to 4 4 to 8 8 to 15 15 to 30 >30 Consistency Very Soft Soft Medium Stiff Stiff Very Stiff Hard SPT blows/foot(3) Test Symbols No. 4 (4.75 mm) to No. 200 (0.075 mm) Boulders Silt and Clay Gravel Coarse Gravel Fine Gravel Cobbles Sand Coarse Sand Medium Sand Fine Sand Dry - Absence of moisture, dusty, dry to the touch Slightly Moist - Perceptible moisture Moist - Damp but no visible water Very Moist - Water visible but not free draining Wet - Visible free water, usually from below water table G = Grain Size M = Moisture Content A = Atterberg Limits C = Chemical DD = Dry Density K = Permeability No. 4 (4.75 mm) to No. 10 (2.00 mm) No. 10 (2.00 mm) to No. 40 (0.425 mm) No. 40 (0.425 mm) to No. 200 (0.075 mm) 3" to No. 4 (4.75 mm) 3" to 3/4" 3/4" to No. 4 (4.75 mm) Symbols Sampler Type and Description Blows/6" or portion of 6"15 10 20 California Sampler Ring Sampler Continuous Sampling Grab Sample Portion not recovered Split-Spoon Sampler (SPT) Cement grout surface seal Bentonite seal Filter pack with blank casing section Screened casing or Hydrotip with filter pack End cap ATD At time of drilling Static water level (date) (1) Percentage by dry weight(2) Combined USCS symbols used for fines between 5% and 12%(3) (SPT) Standard Penetration Test (ASTM D-1586)(4) In General Accordance with Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (ASTM D-2488) Groundwater depth i n c o r p o r a t e d e a r t h s c i e n c e s a s s o c i a t e d EXPLORATION LOG KEY FIGURE:A1Blo c k s \ d w g \ l o g _ k e y 2 0 2 2 . d w g L A Y O U T : L a y o u t 5 - 2 0 2 2 L o g d r a f t 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 17.5 20 Topsoil / Fill - 10 inches Moist, dark brown, silty, gravelly, fine to medium SAND; angular gravel (SM). Holocene Alluvium Moist, light brown, silty, fine SAND (SM). Very moist, gray with orange mottling, fine sandy, SILT; micaceous (ML). Becomes less orange mottling. Very moist, dark gray, fine to coarse SAND; some organic wood (2 to 4 inches thick); interbeds of gray, silt (SP). Occasional orange, fine sand. No seepage. No caving. Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. Exploration Pit EP-1 Renton SD Transportation Site Parking Expansion Renton, WA Date:9/13/2024 Logged By:FGR 20240196E001 Total Depth (ft):11 Approved By:JHS De p t h ( f t ) Description US C S 20 2 4 0 1 9 6 E 0 0 1 10 / 4 / 2 0 2 4 Elev.: »36 ft NAVD88 Sheet: 1 of 1 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 17.5 20 Topsoil - 6 inches Fill Slightly moist, gray, silty, fine to coarse sandy, fine to coarse GRAVEL; some plastic; brick debris (SM). Holocene Alluvium Very moist, orangish brown and gray, SILT; some interbed (2 to 3 inches thick) of orange, fine sand (ML). Moist, brown, fine SAND, some silt; discontinuous; interdeposits of gray, silt; bed (1 to 3 inches thick) (SP). Becomes gray. Very moist, gray, SILT; beds (0.5 to 2 inches thick) of gray, fine sand, and orange, fine to medium sand (ML). No seepage. No caving. Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. Exploration Pit EP-2 Renton SD Transportation Site Parking Expansion Renton, WA Date:9/13/2024 Logged By:FGR 20240196E001 Total Depth (ft):11 Approved By:JHS De p t h ( f t ) Description US C S 20 2 4 0 1 9 6 E 0 0 1 10 / 4 / 2 0 2 4 Elev.: »36 ft NAVD88 Sheet: 1 of 1