HomeMy WebLinkAboutEX07_Geotechnical_report
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, Washington 98028
www.cobaltgeo.com (206) 331-1097
January 8, 2019
Inderjit Mangat
aqhomes@yahoo.com
RE: Stormwater Feasibility Evaluation
Proposed Two-Lot Development
2732 Aberdeen Avenue
Renton, Washington
In accordance with your authorization, Cobalt Geosciences, LLC has prepared this letter to
discuss the results of our stormwater feasibility evaluation at the above-referenced location.
Site and Project Description
The site is located at 2732 Aberdeen Avenue Northeast in Renton , Washington (Figure 1). The
site consists of one rectangular tax parcel (No. 3343901400) with a total area of 15,180 square
feet.
The site slopes gently toward the northwest at magnitudes ranging from 0 to 10 percent. The
overall topographic relief across the property is approximately 3 feet.
The south half of the property is developed with a single family residence and accessory
structures. The north half is undeveloped. The property is vegetated with sparse evergreen and
deciduous trees and grasses.
The site is bordered to the east and south by single family residences, to the west by Aberdeen
Avenue NE, and to the north by NE 28th Street.
The project includes construction of two new residences in the east and west portions of the
property. Stormwater runoff will be infiltrated into the near-surface soils if feasible.
Area Geology
The site lies within the Puget Lowland. The lowland is part of a regional north -south trending
trough that extends from southwestern British Columbia to near Eugene, Oregon. North of
Olympia, Washington, this lowland is glacially carved, with a depositional and erosional history
including at least four separate glacial advances/retreats. The Puget Lowland is bounded to the
west by the Olympic Mountains and to the east by the Cascade Range. The lowland is filled with
glacial and non-glacial sediments consisting of interbedded gravel, sand, silt, till, and peat lenses.
The Geologic Map of King County, indicates that the site is near the contacts between Vashon
Glacial Till and Vashon Recessional Outwash.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 161A4F20-D494-466C-B2E0-C93C3D6DC51E
January 8, 2019
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Stormwater Feasibility Evaluation
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Vashon Glacial Till is typically characterized by an unsorted, non-stratified mixture of clay, silt,
sand, gravel, cobbles and boulders in variable quantities. These materials are typically dense and
relatively impermeable. The poor sorting reflects the mixing of the materials as these sediments
were overridden and incorporated by the glacial ice.
Vashon Glacial Till is commonly overlain by Vashon Recessional Outwash on till planes.
Recessional outwash includes normally consolidated sands with local interbeds of silt and clay.
These deposits are typically less than 20 feet thick and groundwater is often found near the
contact of the outwash and underlying till.
Site Explorations
We advanced four hand borings to 8 feet below grade to evaluate the shallow soil conditions. All
of the hand borings encountered 4 to 6 inches of grass and topsoil underlain by approximately 1
to 1.5 feet of loose fill. This layer was underlain by approximately 1 to 3 feet of loose, silty-fine to
medium grained sand with trace gravel (Vashon Recessional Outwash). This layer was underlain
by loose to medium dense, fine to medium grained sand with trace gravel (Vashon Recessional
Outwash), which continued to the termination depths of the hand borings.
Groundwater and soil mottling were not observed in any of the explorations at the time of the
investigation.
Conclusions & Recommendations
The hand borings encountered medium grained sand at relatively shallow depths. Shallow
infiltration trenches appear to be suitable for use as stormwater management BMPs. We
recommend a minimum bottom of trench depth of 4 feet below grade. If soils with significant silt
content (weathered soils, fill, till-like materials) are encountered at this depth, they should be
removed and replaced with clean rock. It is possible for pieces of glacial till to be found within
recessional outwash. We should be on site to observe the soil conditions in the trenches .
We recommend that any system be set back at least 5 feet from any structures and property lines.
We should be provided with the final plans to verify that our recommendations have been
implemented.
Infiltration
Infiltration of surface water runoff is feasible based on the results of our subsurface investigation.
The soil classifications at potential infiltration system d epths are presented in the following table:
Exploration
Number
Sample
Elevation
(Feet Below
Grade)
Organic
Content
Cation
Exchange
Capacity
Soil Classification
(USDA/USCS)
HB-1 4 2.9% 5.3 meq Medium Sand/SP
HB-3 4 3.3% 6.0 meq Medium Sand/SP
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www.cobaltgeo.com (206) 331-1097
We performed a small-scale pilot infiltration test to confirm infiltration suitability. The test was
performed in HB-3 at a depth of 3 feet below grade. Following an approximate 6-hour saturation
period, we performed the falling head portion of the test. After a pplication of correction factors
for site variability (0.33), testing method (0.5), and influent control (0.9), the final design
infiltration rate of 2.6 inches per hour was obtained.
We would classify the upper weathered soils (0-4 feet below grade) as Loamy Sand (USDA) and
silty-sand to poorly graded sand (SM-SP per USCS). Soils below this level consist of Sand
(USDA) and poorly graded sand (SP per USCS). The shallow soils that underlie the site consist of
medium sand as described in the 2016 Surface Water Design Manual (King County).
From the SWDM, infiltration trenches or drywell in medium sand may accept runoff from 1,000
square feet of impervious surface. Each trench (per 1,000 square feet of runoff) should be at least
2 feet wide and 30 feet long. As noted above, we recommend a bottom of trench elevation of
about 4 feet below existing site elevations. More information can be found in the SWDM on pages
C-50 and C-51 (and others).
We should be provided with final plans for review to determine if the intent of our
recommendations has been incorporated or if additional modifications are needed. Verification
testing of infiltration systems should be performed during construction.
Erosion and Sediment Control
Erosion and sediment control (ESC) is used to reduce the transportation of eroded sediment to
wetlands, streams, lakes, drainage systems, and adjacent properties. Erosion and sediment
control measures should be implemented and these measures should be in general accordance
with local regulations. At a minimum, the following basic recommendations should be
incorporated into the design of the erosion and sediment control features for the site:
Schedule the soil, foundation, utility, and other work requiring excavation or the disturbance
of the site soils, to take place during the dry season (generally May through September).
However, provided precautions are taken using Best Management Practices (BMP’s), grading
activities can be completed during the wet season (generally October through April).
All site work should be completed and stabilized as quickly as possible.
Additional perimeter erosion and sediment control features may be required to reduce the
possibility of sediment entering the surface water. This may include additional silt fences, s ilt
fences with a higher Apparent Opening Size (AOS), construction of a berm, or other filtration
systems.
Any runoff generated by dewatering discharge should be treated through construction of a
sediment trap if there is sufficient space. If space is limited other filtration methods will need
to be incorporated.
Closure
The information presented herein is based upon professional interpretation utilizing standard
practices and a degree of conservatism deemed proper for this project. We emphasize that this
report is valid for this project as outlined above and for the current site conditions and should not
be used for any other site.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 161A4F20-D494-466C-B2E0-C93C3D6DC51E
January 8, 2019
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Stormwater Feasibility Evaluation
www.cobaltgeo.com (206) 331-1097
Sincerely,
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
Phil Haberman, PE, LG, LEG
Principal
Figure 1; Site Plan
Figure 2; Hand Boring Logs
DocuSign Envelope ID: 161A4F20-D494-466C-B2E0-C93C3D6DC51E
N
Stormwater Feasibility Evaluation
2732 Aberdeen Avenue
Renton, Washington
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, WA 98028
(206) 331-1097
www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltgeo@gmail.com
SITE PLAN
FIGURE 1
Subject Property
HB-3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 161A4F20-D494-466C-B2E0-C93C3D6DC51E
PT
Well-graded gravels, gravels, gravel-sand mixtures, little or no fines
Poorly graded gravels, gravel-sand mixtures, little or no fines
Silty gravels, gravel-sand-silt mixtures
Clayey gravels, gravel-sand-clay mixtures
Well-graded sands, gravelly sands, little or no fines
COARSE
GRAINED
SOILS
(more than 50%
retained on
No. 200 sieve)
Primarily organic matter, dark in color,
and organic odor Peat, humus, swamp soils with high organic content (ASTM D4427)HIGHLY ORGANIC
SOILS
FINE GRAINED
SOILS
(50% or more
passes the
No. 200 sieve)
MAJOR DIVISIONS SYMBOL TYPICAL DESCRIPTION
Gravels
(more than 50%
of coarse fraction
retained on No. 4
sieve)
Sands
(50% or more
of coarse fraction
passes the No. 4
sieve)
Silts and Clays
(liquid limit less
than 50)
Silts and Clays
(liquid limit 50 or
more)
Organic
Inorganic
Organic
Inorganic
Sands with
Fines
(more than 12%
fines)
Clean Sands
(less than 5%
fines)
Gravels with
Fines
(more than 12%
fines)
Clean Gravels
(less than 5%
fines)
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
Poorly graded sand, gravelly sands, little or no fines
Silty sands, sand-silt mixtures
Clayey sands, sand-clay mixtures
Inorganic silts of low to medium plasticity, sandy silts, gravelly silts,
or clayey silts with slight plasticity
Inorganic clays of low to medium plasticity, gravelly clays, sandy clays,
silty clays, lean clays
Organic silts and organic silty clays of low plasticity
Inorganic silts, micaceous or diatomaceous fine sands or silty soils,
elastic silt
Inorganic clays of medium to high plasticity, sandy fat clay,
or gravelly fat clay
Organic clays of medium to high plasticity, organic silts
Moisture Content Definitions
Grain Size Definitions
Dry Absence of moisture, dusty, dry to the touch
Moist Damp but no visible water
Wet Visible free water, from below water table
Grain Size Definitions
Description Sieve Number and/or Size
Fines <#200 (0.08 mm)
Sand
-Fine
-Medium
-Coarse
Gravel
-Fine
-Coarse
Cobbles
Boulders
#200 to #40 (0.08 to 0.4 mm)
#40 to #10 (0.4 to 2 mm)
#10 to #4 (2 to 5 mm)
#4 to 3/4 inch (5 to 19 mm)
3/4 to 3 inches (19 to 76 mm)
3 to 12 inches (75 to 305 mm)
>12 inches (305 mm)
Classification of Soil Constituents
MAJOR constituents compose more than 50 percent,
by weight, of the soil. Major constituents are capitalized
(i.e., SAND).
Minor constituents compose 12 to 50 percent of the soil
and precede the major constituents (i.e., silty SAND).
Minor constituents preceded by “slightly” compose
5 to 12 percent of the soil (i.e., slightly silty SAND).
Trace constituents compose 0 to 5 percent of the soil
(i.e., slightly silty SAND, trace gravel).
Relative Density Consistency
(Coarse Grained Soils) (Fine Grained Soils)
N, SPT, Relative
Blows/FT Density
0 - 4 Very loose
4 - 10 Loose
10 - 30 Medium dense
30 - 50 Dense
Over 50 Very dense
N, SPT, Relative
Blows/FT Consistency
Under 2 Very soft
2 - 4 Soft
4 - 8 Medium stiff
8 - 15 Stiff
15 - 30 Very stiff
Over 30 Hard
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, WA 98028
(206) 331-1097
www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltgeo@gmail.com
Soil Classification Chart Figure C1
DocuSign Envelope ID: 161A4F20-D494-466C-B2E0-C93C3D6DC51E
Log of Hand Boring HB-1
Date: January 4, 2019
Contractor:
Method: Hand Auger
Depth: 8’
Elevation: N/A
Logged By: PH Checked By: SC
Initial Groundwater: None
Sample Type: Grab
Final Groundwater: N/A
Material Description
SPT N-Value
Moisture Content (%)Plastic
Limit
Liquid
Limit
10 20 30 400 50
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
End of Hand Boring 8’
Vegetation/Topsoil
Loose, silty-fine to medium grained sand with to trace gravel,
dark yellowish brown to yellowish brown, moist. (Fill)
SM-
SP
Medium dense, fine to medium grained sand trace gravel,
grayish brown, moist. (Recessional Outwash)
SP
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, WA 98028
(206) 331-1097
www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltgeo@gmail.com
Stormwater Feasibility Evaluation
2732 Aberdeen Avenue
Renton, Washington
Hand
Boring
Log
SM-
SP
Loose to medium dense, fine to medium grained sand trace to some
silt, yellowish brown to grayish brown, moist.
(Weathered Recessional Outwash)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 161A4F20-D494-466C-B2E0-C93C3D6DC51E
Log of Hand Boring HB-2
Date: January 4, 2019
Contractor:
Method: Hand Auger
Depth: 6’
Elevation: N/A
Logged By: PH Checked By: SC
Initial Groundwater: None
Sample Type: Grab
Final Groundwater: N/A
Material Description
SPT N-Value
Moisture Content (%)Plastic
Limit
Liquid
Limit
10 20 30 400 50
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
End of Hand Boring 6’
Vegetation/Topsoil
Loose, silty-fine to medium grained sand with to trace gravel,
dark yellowish brown to yellowish brown, moist. (Fill)
SM-
SP
Medium dense, fine to medium grained sand trace gravel,
grayish brown, moist. (Recessional Outwash)
SP
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, WA 98028
(206) 331-1097
www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltgeo@gmail.com
Stormwater Feasibility Evaluation
2732 Aberdeen Avenue
Renton, Washington
Hand
Boring
Log
SM-
SP
Loose to medium dense, fine to medium grained sand trace to some
silt, yellowish brown to grayish brown, moist.
(Weathered Recessional Outwash)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 161A4F20-D494-466C-B2E0-C93C3D6DC51E
Log of Hand Boring HB-3
Date: January 4, 2019
Contractor:
Method: Hand Auger
Depth: 8’
Elevation: N/A
Logged By: PH Checked By: SC
Initial Groundwater: None
Sample Type: Grab
Final Groundwater: N/A
Material Description
SPT N-Value
Moisture Content (%)Plastic
Limit
Liquid
Limit
10 20 30 400 50
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
End of Hand Boring 8’
Vegetation/Topsoil
Loose, silty-fine to medium grained sand with to trace gravel,
dark yellowish brown to yellowish brown, moist. (Fill)
SM-
SP
Medium dense, fine to medium grained sand trace gravel,
grayish brown, moist. (Recessional Outwash)
SP
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, WA 98028
(206) 331-1097
www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltgeo@gmail.com
Stormwater Feasibility Evaluation
2732 Aberdeen Avenue
Renton, Washington
Hand
Boring
Log
SM-
SP
Loose to medium dense, fine to medium grained sand trace to some
silt, yellowish brown to grayish brown, moist.
(Weathered Recessional Outwash)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 161A4F20-D494-466C-B2E0-C93C3D6DC51E
Log of Hand Boring HB-4
Date: January 4, 2019
Contractor:
Method: Hand Auger
Depth: 8’
Elevation: N/A
Logged By: PH Checked By: SC
Initial Groundwater: None
Sample Type: Grab
Final Groundwater: N/A
Material Description
SPT N-Value
Moisture Content (%)Plastic
Limit
Liquid
Limit
10 20 30 400 50
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
End of Hand Boring 8’
Vegetation/Topsoil
Loose, silty-fine to medium grained sand with to trace gravel,
dark yellowish brown to yellowish brown, moist. (Fill)
SM-
SP
Medium dense, fine to medium grained sand trace gravel,
grayish brown, moist. (Recessional Outwash)
SP
Cobalt Geosciences, LLC
P.O. Box 82243
Kenmore, WA 98028
(206) 331-1097
www.cobaltgeo.com
cobaltgeo@gmail.com
Stormwater Feasibility Evaluation
2732 Aberdeen Avenue
Renton, Washington
Hand
Boring
Log
SM-
SP
Loose to medium dense, fine to medium grained sand trace to some
silt, yellowish brown to grayish brown, moist.
(Weathered Recessional Outwash)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 161A4F20-D494-466C-B2E0-C93C3D6DC51E