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23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone 949 629 2539 | Email info@rmccarthyconsulting.com
January 24, 2019
Mylinda Viola File No: 8283-00
4709 Cortland Drive Report No: 20181106-1
Corona del Mar, California 92625
Subject: Geotechnical Investigation
Proposed Retaining Wall Replacement
4709 Cortland Drive
Tract 3519, Lot 2
Cameo Highlands
Corona del Mar, California
APN: 475-065-02
INTRODUCTION
This report presents the results of our geotechnical investigation for replacement of the
southwest bluff retaining wall at 4709 Cortland Drive in Corona del Mar, Newport Beach,
California. The purpose of our review and investigation was to evaluate the subsurface conditions,
determine the compatibility of the proposed wall replacement with respect to the geotechnical
features of the site, and provide preliminary geotechnical recommendations and design
parameters.
Project Authorization
The work performed was per your authorization based on our Proposal No: 20180918-4, dated
September 24, 2018.
Scope of Investigation
The investigation included the following:
1. Review of collected geologic, geotechnical engineering and seismological reports
and maps pertinent to the subject site. A reference list is included in Appendix A.
2. Subsurface exploration consisting of three auger borings to a maximum depth of
13.5 feet and auger borings on the adjoining lot to a depth of 23.5 feet. The
locations of the borings are shown on the Geotechnical Plot Plan, Figure 1.
3. Logging and sampling of the exploratory borings, including collection of soil samples
for laboratory testing. The Logs of the exploration are included in Appendix B.
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5. Laboratory testing of soil samples representative of subsurface conditions. The
results are presented in Appendix C.
6. Geotechnical engineering and geologic analyses of collected data, including
preparation of geotechnical cross-sections, Figures 2 and 3.
7. Preparation of this report containing our geotechnical recommendations for the
design and construction in accordance with the 2016 California Building Code (CBC)
and for use by your design professionals and contractors.
Site Description
The subject property is located on the south side of Cortland Drive as shown on the Location
Map, Figure 4. The general area is within the Cameo Highlands community of Corona del Mar in
the City of Newport Beach, California. The property is flanked to the southeast by a developed
lot, and to the northwest by a lot that is under construction. The northeast side of the lot fronts
Cortland Drive. A keystone retaining wall is in place along the southwest side of the lot. The
wall has a maximum height of about 14.5 feet. The wall parallels Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
and is contiguous with the wall along other lots to the southwest along Cortland. The
northwesterly terminus of the wall is at 4709 Cortland where it meets a fill slope in the westerly
corner. There is a fairly level shoulder between the base of the wall and the curb for PCH.
There are utility easements in the road shoulder.
The Topographic Map prepared by Don Barrie & Associates (Reference 1) was used as a base
map for our Geotechnical Plot Plan, Figure 1. The existing lot at the top of the wall is at about
elevation 160.8 and the base of the wall is approximately 146.5 according to Reference 1.
Site History
The subject site is designated as Lot 2 of Tract 3519. Previous rough grading of the entire tract,
which is thought to have been done in the 1950’s, consisted of cuts and fills to create the
current level pads and terraced hillside topography. Lot 2 appears to be a cut and fill lot. The
keystone wall is approximately along the location of the former bluff or road cut that parallels
PCH. The historic bluff turned to the northeast near the boundary with Lot 1 on the northwest
property line. Geologic investigation for 4701 Cortland was reported in References 24-26.
Findings indicated that fill was placed against the bluff to form Lot 1 and the westerly corner of
Lot 2. The maximum fill thickness is estimated to be approximately 10 to 15 feet below Lot 2.
The keystone wall was constructed approximately 25 to 30 years ago on the southwest side of
the lots along this segment of Cortland Drive. Based on the references the wall was designated
the “Cortland Trust Retaining Wall.” The purpose of the wall was to add stability to the bluff
slope along PCH and, in turn, the yards along Cortland Drive. The construction also extended
portions of the lots toward PCH along much of the wall.
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The wall design was addressed by Geobase (1987). It was not determined if the Geobase report
was used for design of the existing wall. Based on subsequent references, the wall was to be
constructed as a reinforced earth wall with keystone blocks forming the outer face. Petra
reported observation and testing during construction of the reinforced earth wall in 1992 and
1993. Problems with the wall were reported in 1994. The problems included deformation of the
wall and settlement in localized areas. In some locations it was determined that the geogrid
was improperly placed or not placed at all (Petra 1995). A repair of the keystone wall was done
at 4709 Cortland in 1998 (Reference 23). The repair consisted of the installation of a grade
beam with tieback anchors to improve lateral support along the wall. The grade beam was
reportedly installed at about 4 to 6 feet below the top of the wall with eight tiebacks installed at
8 feet on center extending about 12 to 15 feet into the lot. The repair is depicted in excerpts
included from Reference 23 in Appendix F and on the Geotechnical Plot Plan, Figure 1.
The City of Newport Beach contacted our office on November 27, 2018 to inquire about our
investigation for the wall at 4709 Cortland. The city official expressed that the wall was failing
and that a remedy was needed.
Findings
Our site observations indicated that the keystone reinforced wall was distressed and deformed.
Bulges were evident along the mid to lower portions of the wall, which are indicative of lateral
movement. Cracks were observed in the lot sidewalls that abut the keystone wall.
The wall backfill soil was tested and determined to contain plastic clay material. No geogrid
reinforcement was encountered in our boring at the back of the wall. Monterey Formation
bedrock materials are present below the existing fill material at depths of about 11 to 15 feet.
Proposed Development
We understand that construction of a new retaining wall is under consideration to replace the
existing keystone reinforced earth wall.
GEOTECHNICAL CONDITIONS
Geologic Setting
The property lies within the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province of southern California. The
property is situated at the seaward margin of a broad marine terrace of Quaternary aged
marine sediments (Qtm) that occurs along the coastal margin of the San Joaquin Hills. The
marine terrace was developed as a wave cut terrace overlying older Monterey Formation (Tm)
sedimentary bedrock strata of Miocene age that was uplifted, then cut flat by the onset of an
encroaching ocean with resulting marine terrace at the surface. Bedrock assigned to the
Monterey Formation was encountered at a depth of 13 feet behind the wall and less than 2 feet
in front of the wall below this site. This bedrock formation is also exposed along the sloping
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margins of the nearby coastal bluffs to the southwest and Buck Gully to the northwest where
past erosion has cut into the terrace deposits and underlying bedrock.
Portion of: GEOLOGIC MAP OF THE SAN BERNARDINO AND SANTA ANA 30’ X 60’ QUADRANGLES, CALIFORNIA
U. S. Geological Survey, Open File Report 2006-1217
Compiled by Douglas M. Morton and Fred K. Miller, 2006
Earth Materials
The site is underlain at depth by bedrock strata of the Monterey Formation of late Miocene age
which is successively overlain by terrace deposits and/or artificial fill soil. As observed in the
borings and nearby road cuts, the Monterey Formation consists of firm but friable, thinly
bedded, light grey/brown/yellow, diatomaceous and siliceous shale with planar bedding
surfaces displaying iron and manganese staining and scattered concretionary beds.
Terrace deposits in the vicinity generally consist of silty sand, clayey sand and sandy clay.
Artificial fill derived from terrace deposits and the Monterey Formation ranged in thickness from
about 13 feet at the back of the wall to less than 2 feet at the front of the wall. The existing fill
materials consist of red-brown clayey to silty sand and sandy clay. Due to lack of adequate
documentation about their placement and consistency, these deposits are not considered
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suitable in their present condition for structural support. Much of the existing artificial fill within
the cut and backfill zone will be removed by the proposed construction of a new retaining wall.
The terrace deposits and artificial fill may be prone to caving in steep-sided excavations and
borings; however, caisson boreholes and excavation cuts on Lot 1 were relatively stable.
Idealized profiles of the various materials encountered in the exploratory borings are depicted
on Figure 2, Geotechnical Cross-Section A-A’. The fill material has a moderate plasticity and is
expansive.
The majority of the on-site earth materials should excavate readily with conventional moderate
to heavy duty grading and excavation equipment. Bedrock will be encountered in shoring
excavations for soldier piles and deepened foundations. Bedrock may be difficult to excavate in
sandstone or concretion layers. Drilling into the bedrock for soldier piles will, therefore, require
appropriate equipment for the very dense/hard bedrock conditions. Most materials derived on-
site are not suitable as structural backfill. Imported backfill soil or gravel is recommended.
Geologic Hazard
The geologic hazards at the site are primarily from shaking due to movement of nearby or
distant faults during earthquake events. The site is a previously graded hillside lot with a flat to
gently sloping building pad located on older marine terrace sediments and bedrock. There is no
adverse geologic structure or active faulting near the site indicative of geologic hazards that
would affect the site as further detailed below.
Structure
The underlying bedrock is not exposed at the site. Our findings indicate that the existing wall
has a height of 14.5 feet. Bedrock and associated bedding below the site is favorable to slope
stability based on regional mapping. The terrace and artificial fill deposits at the site have no
significant geologic structure. Bedding structure in the area shown on regional geology maps
indicate that the bedding generally dips at angles of about 26 degrees to the northwest (Morton
and Miller, 1981) in the vicinity. Since the bedrock is not present within slope areas, and is
covered by artificial fill and/or terrace deposits, there is no known adverse geologic bedding
structure that is likely to affect stability at the site. The State of California has mapped several
geologic faults trending northwest-southeast in the vicinity of the site. The faults are within the
underlying bedrock and are concealed by the overlying Quaternary-age massive terrace
deposits. The fault is considered inactive at this time; however, sympathetic movement may
occur during significant shaking on one of the nearby active fault traces.
Groundwater
Perched groundwater may occur at the bedrock contact and was observed along the property
line joining Lot 1. Groundwater seepage should be addressed as part of the design or
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construction. Proper surface drainage and subdrainage systems should, therefore, be
incorporated into the project. The presence of groundwater in deeper caisson borings during
construction is possible and may promote caving in caisson excavations.
Additionally, subdrains and waterproofing should be included in retaining wall design and
construction as a precaution against the development of hydrostatic wall loading and possible
wall seepage.
Water Infiltration
On-site water infiltration is not recommended due to potential for future seepage and perched
water. Surface and subsurface drainage should be directed toward approved outlets.
Surficial Runoff
Proposed development should incorporate engineering and landscape drainage designed to
transmit surface and subsurface flow to the storm drain systems via non-erosive pathways.
Care should be taken to not allow water to pond or infiltrate soil adjacent to foundation
elements and slopes. Existing subdrains for walls or improvements that are not scheduled for
abandonment as part of the new construction, if present, should be adequately marked,
safeguarded and maintained in good working order through the construction period and
beyond.
Faulting/Seismic Considerations
The major concern relating to geologic faults is ground shaking that affects many properties
over a wide area. Direct hazards from faulting are essentially due to surface rupture along fault
lines that could occur during an earthquake. Therefore, geologists have mapped fault locations
and established a criteria for determining the risks of potential surface rupture based on the
likelihood of renewed movement on faults that could be located under a site.
Based on criteria established by the California Division of Mines and Geology (CDMG), now
referred to as the California Geological Survey (CGS), faults are generally categorized as active,
potentially active or inactive (Jennings, 1994). The basic principle of faulting concern is that
existing faults could move again, and that faults which have moved more recently are the most
likely faults to move again and affect us. As such, faults have been divided into categories
based on their age of last movement. Although the likelihood of an earthquake or movement to
occur on a given fault significantly decreases with inactivity over geologic time, the potential for
such events to occur on any fault cannot be eliminated within the current level of
understanding.
By definition, faults with no evidence of surface displacement within the last 1.6 million years
are considered inactive and generally pose no concern for earthquakes due renewed
movement. Potentially active faults are those with the surface displacement within the last 1.6
million years. Further refinement of potentially active faults are sometimes described based on
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the age of the last known movement such as late Quaternary (last 700,000 years) implying a
greater potential for renewed movement. In fact, most potentially active faults have little
likelihood of moving within the time frame of construction life, but the degree of understanding
of fault age and activity is sometimes not well understood due to absence of geologic data or
surface information, so geologists have acknowledged this doubt by using the term "potentially
active." A few faults that were once thought to be potentially active, have later been found to
be active based on new findings and mapping. Active faults are those with a surface
displacement within the last 11,000 years and, therefore, most likely to move again. The State
of California has, additionally, mapped known areas of active faulting as designated Alquist-
Priolo (A-P) "Special Studies Zones,” which requires special investigations for fault rupture to
limit construction over active faults.
A potential seismic source near the site is the San Joaquin Hills Blind Thrust Fault (SJHBT), which
is approximately 2 to 8 kilometers beneath the site at its closest point, based on the reported fault
structure. The SJHBT is a postulated fault that is suspected to be responsible for uplift of the San
Joaquin Hills. This fault is a blind thrust fault that does not intercept the ground surface and,
therefore, presents no known potential for ground rupture at the property.
The site is not located near an active fault, or within a special studies zone for earthquake fault
rupture. Inactive, northwest-trending faulting has been mapped to occur in close proximity to
the site. The potential for surface rupture at the site is low.
SITE
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The closest active fault to the site is the Newport Inglewood fault (north branch) located
approximately 2.5 kilometers southwest of the site. As such, the potential for surface rupture at
the site is very low, but the site will experience shaking, during earthquake events on nearby or
distant faults. Site improvements should take into consideration the seismic design parameters
outlined below.
Site Classification for Seismic Design
Seismic design parameters are provided in a later section of this report and in Appendix E for
use by the Structural Engineer. The soil underlying the subject site has been classified in
accordance with Chapter 20 of ASCE 7, per Section 1613 of the 2016 CBC.
SITE
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The results of our on-site field investigation, as well as nearby investigations by us and others,
indicate that the site is directly underlain by Class D dense to medium dense artificial fill, terrace
deposits and sedimentary bedrock. Most of the artificial fill materials are expected to be
removed as part of the proposed basement excavation and remedial grading. We, therefore,
recommend using a characterization of this property as a Class D, “Stiff Soil,” Site Classification.
Secondary Seismic Hazards
Review of the Seismic Hazards Zones Map (CDMG, 1998) for the Newport Beach Quadrangle,
1997/1998 and the City of Newport Beach Seismic Safety Element (2008) indicates the site is
not located within a zone of required investigation for earthquake-induced liquefaction or
landslide. This finding is in keeping with the results of our study.
Other secondary seismic hazards to the site include deep rupture, shallow ground cracking,
lurching with lateral movement and settlement. With the absence of active faulting on-site, the
potential for deep fault rupture is not present. The potential for shallow ground cracking to
occur during an earthquake is a possibility at any site, but does not pose a significant hazard to
site development. The potential for seismically-induced lurching and settlement to occur is
considered remote for the site. The potential for tsunami inundation at the site elevation is nil
at the foundation levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on our findings, the existing retaining wall has experienced excessive deformation.
Previous repair attempts have not stopped wall movement and continued movement of the
keystone blocks is expected. Future movements could result in catastrophic failure of the wall,
which could damage adjoining properties.
The existing wall was to be constructed as a reinforced earth wall with keystone block facing to
protect the reinforced earth from erosion. The archived records for the site suggest that the
geogrid reinforcement was not properly installed and/or designed resulting in the existing
deformed wall conditions. Repair of the existing wall is not practically feasible if the geogrid
reinforcement behind the wall is missing or inadequate.
A new caisson supported wall is therefore recommended for the property. Construction of a
caisson supported retaining wall would be expected to include the following:
1. Adjoining properties will need to be protected during demolition and construction.
2. Utilities along the base of the wall will need to be located by the contractor prior to
demolition and construction.
3. Shoring should be installed along the southeast property line to stabilize improvements
on the adjoining lot.
4. Shoring is not expected to be necessary on the northwest property line due to the
topography and the abandoned shoring along the property line from the current
development at 4701 Cortland.
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5. Demolition should include cutting of the wall at the south corner of the lot in a manner
that preserves the integrity of the contiguous wall at the property line; removal of the
grade beam and anchors; and removal of the keystone wall facing.
6. Following demolition a drilling platform may be cut or filled to allow excavation for the
pile/caisson support elements; the existing backfill may be excavated and removed.
7. Wall construction.
8. Drain and backfill installation behind the new wall.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Structural Design of Retaining Walls
1. Lateral Loads
Active pressure forces acting on the backfilled new retaining wall may be computed
based on an equivalent fluid pressure of 40 pounds per cubic foot when backfilled with
non-expansive sand or gravel per the recommendations below. Other topographic and
structural surcharges should be addressed by the structural engineer.
2. Earthquake Loads on Retaining Walls
The structural engineer should determine which retaining walls at the site within their
purview will be subject to design lateral loads due to earthquake events. Section
1803.5.12 of the 2016 CBC states that the geotechnical investigation shall include the
determination of dynamic seismic lateral earth pressures on foundation walls and
retaining walls supporting more than 6 feet (1.83 m) of backfill height due to design
earthquake ground motions.
The proposed new wall retaining a level backfill condition may be considered using an
additional dynamic load (∆PaE) of 36 pounds per cubic foot equivalent fluid pressure.
This force is presumed to act at 0.33H above the base of the wall (Al Atik and Sitar,
ASCE 2010). This value is preliminary and we recommend that each wall be evaluated
individually as plans are prepared. Note that the load diagrams and lateral pressures
may vary based on wall height, orientation and backfill conditions. We therefore
recommend that structural design not proceed until each wall is addressed by the
geotechnical engineer based on the planned retaining wall configurations.
3. Foundation Bearing Values for Walls
The wall will be caisson supported. Recommendations are provided below.
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4. Wall Backfill
The on-site soils are not considered suitable for use as retaining wall backfill. Imported
backfill should consist of select, non-expansive soil or gravel. Gravel may consist of pea
gravel or crushed rock. Where space for compaction equipment is adequate, on-site or
imported granular, non-expansive sand materials may be compacted into place in thin
lifts per the compaction requirements provided herein. Imported pea gravel or crushed
rock should be placed in lifts and tamped or vibrated into place. The lift thickness for
gravel is dependent on the type of material and method of compaction. Gravel lifts of
18- to 24-inches or less are recommended. Soil lifts should be 6-inches or less. The
Geotechnical Engineer should observe the backfill placement of soil or gravel behind
each wall following approval of wall backdrains. Gravel wall backfill material should be
completely surrounded with a suitable filter fabric such as Mirafi 140N and capped with
on-site soil or concrete.
Fill and backfill soils should be free of debris, organic matter, cobbles and rock
fragments greater than 6-inches in diameter. Fill materials should be placed in 6 to 8-
inch maximum lifts at above optimum moisture content and compacted under the
observation and testing of the soil engineer. The recommended minimum density for
compacted material is 90 percent of the maximum dry density as determined by ASTM D
1557-12. Field density tests should be performed at intervals of 2 vertical feet or less
within the backfill zone and in accordance with agency requirements at the time of
grading.
5. Subdrains
An approved exterior foundation subdrain system should be used to achieve control of
seepage forces behind retaining walls. The details of such subdrain systems are deferred
to the wall designer, builder or waterproofing consultant. The subdrain is not a
substitute for waterproofing. Water in subdrain systems should be collected and
delivered to suitable disposal locations or facilities. Additional recommendations may be
provided when plans are available.
Retaining walls should be provided with an approved drain at the base of the backfill.
Subdrains should consist of a 4-inch diameter perforated pipe (Schedule 40 or similar)
surrounded by at least 3 cubic feet per foot of ¾-inch gravel wrapped in geofabric
(Mirafi 140N or similar). Perforations should be placed down and filter fabric should be
lapped at least 12-inches at seams.
6. Dampproofing and Waterproofing
Waterproofing should be installed in accordance with the architectural specifications or
those of a waterproofing consultant. A Miradrain type system is recommended for the
height of the basement wall backfills. Waterproof systems and materials should be
installed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, based on geologic
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conditions. The criteria in Section 1805 of the 2016 CBC should be followed as a
minimum.
Piles/Caissons
Piles should have a minimum length of 30 feet below the grades along the base of the retaining
wall and should extend through fill or terrace deposits and into competent, undisturbed, and
geotechnically approved bedrock materials. Actual depths will be determined in the field during
drilling. Cast-in-Drilled Hole (CIDH) Piles may be designed for a dead plus live load end bearing
value of 9,000 pounds per square foot for the minimum embedment depth into the terrace
deposits. A skin friction value of 300 pounds per square foot at depths below 5 feet (or the
depth of any adjacent utility line backfill or trench, whichever is deeper) may also be utilized.
Lateral resistance may be calculated utilizing 300 pounds per cubic foot equivalent fluid
pressure, acting on a tributary area of twice the CIDH Pile diameter, with a maximum lateral
value of 6,000 pounds per square foot. No lateral resistance should be utilized in the upper 5
feet.
Pile/Caisson Construction Considerations
CIDH pile excavations should be filled with concrete on the same day they are drilled unless
adequately covered and subsequently checked for caving and slough at the bottom of the shaft
immediately prior to pouring concrete. Sequencing of the drilling may be required where piles
are spaced less than 8 feet center to center. It is essential that the geotechnical
engineer/geologist be present to observe all CIDH pile excavations, as they are drilled, to
determine soil and bedrock horizons and to verify that the excavation depths are in
conformance with the design criteria. Shaft casing, if utilized, should be installed under full-time
observation of the geotechnical engineer/ geologist.
CIDH piles should have a minimum embedment into competent material in accordance with the
recommendations herein and the structural engineer’s foundation plans. Excavations should be
visually observed after completion to determine that disturbed materials and/or water are not
present at the base.
Safety requirements demand that where hand-cleaning and/or “down-shaft” inspection
personnel are required, the shaft must be cased full-length prior to personnel entering the
shaft. Other safety requirements, including Cal-OSHA, should be adhered to as appropriate.
Prior to pouring concrete, bottoms of the shafts should be cleaned of disturbed materials, if
present. The project specifications should indicate that the contractor is responsible for
removing any disturbed material from the bottom of the shaft. Water is not anticipated in
excavations, although could be present as a localized perched condition in some shafts. If
present, water should be removed.
Caving of fill and terrace deposit materials is possible within excavations. The potential for
caving increases the longer the excavations are left open, as the pile diameter increases, and
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with the presence of perched water zones that result in seepage into the shaft. Caving
problems may be reduced by the use of casing and prompt placement of concrete.
Shoring
Excavations for proposed retaining wall at the site will necessitate the use of shoring since slope
laybacks steeper than 1:1 from the property line to the bottom of the overexcavation are
necessary. Selection of an appropriate shoring system should consider the potential effects of
vibrations, deflections and lateral support of adjoining properties. The current City of Newport
Beach policy requires that temporary shoring along property lines be designed for At-Rest (Not
free to rotate) lateral earth pressures. This aspect of the design is left to the structural
engineer. We anticipate that soldier pile and lagging systems will be used for shoring.
Design lateral loading values for a cantilevered shoring system should be based upon an
equivalent fluid pressure of 72 pounds per cubic foot at-rest pressure for level backfill
conditions. Recommended lateral passive resistance for soldier piles founded in dense bedrock
is 300 pounds per cubic foot, acting on a tributary area of twice the pile diameter. The passive
pressure should not exceed 6,000 psf. Passive resistance may start at the bedrock excavation
level along the below grade segment of pile (24-inch diameter). Piles may use an allowable
bearing value of 9,000 pounds per square foot for a minimum 10 foot embedment depth into
bedrock. A friction angle, phi, of 30 degrees may be used for temporary shoring design for that
portion of the pile that extends into bedrock.
We anticipate that shoring will be primarily within undocumented fill material. Some terrace
deposit materials are also possible between the fill and bedrock. It is the contractor’s
responsibility to develop appropriate means and methods of construction to avoid damage to
adjacent properties. Proper installation of shoring is the responsibility of the contractor. The
adjacent property owners should be notified and advised of the risks and the owner and builder
should provide arrangements to repair possible damages.
Existing soil conditions behind shoring elements may result in collapse and caving of soils during
removal of shoring. Permanent shoring is therefore recommended unless the contractor can
demonstrate a safe system for removal of shoring elements.
All soldier pile installations should be observed by the geotechnical consultant to verify that the
intent of the recommendations herein are implemented. After the soldier piles have been
placed and backfilled, site excavations may begin. Sufficient curing time for concrete and grout
should be allowed before excavating. Care should be taken to make sure that the lagging drops
into place as the excavations advance. Gaps in the lagging or behind the lagging are
undesirable and could cause undermining of adjacent soils and should be immediately filled with
grout or slurry.
Prior to drilling and installing the shoring system, the shoring plans and calculations should be
forwarded to the project geotechnical consultant for review to confirm that the shoring has
been designed in accordance with the recommendations herein.
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The placement of shoring should consider that onsite soils may have local variably loose or
fractured zones that may be prone to caving and or settlement. Vibratory techniques for
placement of piles or steel sheet lagging should not be utilized, as damage to adjoining
property improvements may otherwise occur. It is the contractor’s responsibility to develop
appropriate means and methods of construction to avoid damage to adjacent properties. Casing
of pile excavations is at times necessary in granular materials such as terrace deposits as well
as in fractured bedrock materials.
If temporary shoring elements are to be utilized, the builder and owner must be aware that
removal could result in settlement and possible damage to improvements on the adjacent
property. The adjacent property owners must be advised of the risks and the builders should
provide arrangements to repair any possible damages. The contractor should also recognize the
risk of leaving voids during removal of shoring elements. Lagging, plates and piles should
therefore be removed slowly and the voids created should by filled immediately. Consideration
should be given to continuously inject grout at the base of piles and plates as they are being
removed to fill the resultant voids.
Site Preparation and Grading
1. General
Site grading should be performed in accordance with the requirements of the City of
Newport Beach, the recommendations of this report, and the Standard Grading
Guidelines of Appendix D. All excavations should be supervised and approved in writing
by a representative of this firm. Remedial grading is recommended to include excavation
and disposal of the existing wall elements, backfill and improvements in the construction
zone.
2. Demolition and Clearing
Deleterious materials, including those from the demolition, vegetation, organic matter
and trash, should be removed and disposed of off-site. Subsurface elements of
demolished structures should be completely removed, including any trench backfills,
basements, foundations, anchors, septic tanks, cisterns, abandoned utility lines, etc.
3. Site Excavation
Temporary shoring should be installed as necessary to accomplish the wall and soil
removals while protecting adjacent properties. The older fills on the pad area of the lot
should be removed to competent native terrace deposits within the wall backfill zone,
which should consist of a 1:1 projection from the base of the wall back.
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R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
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Site profiles and geologic units are depicted in Cross-Sections A-A’, Figure 2. The
depicted profile is based on exploratory boring data and are idealized cross-sections
through the site. Actual removals will need to be verified and adjusted as necessary in
the field during grading as conditions are exposed.
Excavations that require filling should be replaced with compacted engineered fill.
Removals of unsuitable soils should extend property line to property line along the side
yards below building areas in order to eliminate the existing fills that are present below
the site.
The depths of overexcavation should be reviewed by the Geotechnical Engineer or
Geologist during the actual construction. Any surface or subsurface obstructions, or
questionable material encountered during grading, should be brought immediately to the
attention of the Geotechnical Engineer for recommendations.
4. Construction Dewatering
Perched water and seepage zones are familiar conditions within the Cameo Highlands
area. The Contractor should anticipate these conditions and have a plan in place prior to
shoring and excavation to deal with seepage. Casing may be required in shoring
elements. Temporary drains and stops may be necessary during lagging installation and
a diversion drain system is recommended to keep nuisance water out of the work areas.
Subgrade stabilization may also be necessary if basement grade soils are saturated.
5. Fill Soils
The on-site soils are not suitable for use as retaining wall backfill but may be used as
compacted fill outside of the backfill zones. Fill soils should be free of debris, organic
matter, cobbles and concrete fragments greater than 6-inches in diameter.
Soils imported to the site for use as fill and backfill should be predominantly granular,
non-expansive, non-plastic and approved by the Geotechnical Engineer prior to
importing.
8. Compaction Standard
Fill materials should be placed at near optimum moisture content and compacted under
the observation and testing of the Soil Engineer. The recommended minimum density
for compacted material is 90 percent of the maximum density as determined by ASTM
D1557-12.
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R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
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9. Temporary Construction Slopes
Temporary slopes exposing onsite materials should be cut in accordance with Cal/OSHA
Regulations. It is anticipated that the exposed onsite earth materials may be classified
as Type B soil overlying Stable Rock. Temporary cuts of 1:1 (horizontal: vertical) above
the bedrock are expected be appropriate. Temporary excavation cuts should be a 1:1 or
flatter plane extending downward from the property line unless shoring is present or
installed. The material exposed in temporary excavations should be evaluated by the
contractor and geotechnical consultant during excavation and construction. Trenches
away from property lines may be cut vertical to a maximum depth of 4 feet.
Shoring should be anticipated where space limitations preclude temporary slope layback
and should be anticipated for portions of retaining wall constructed along the southeast
side property margins where vertical height exceeds 5 feet in the fill materials. Lateral
support of adjacent public and private property improvements should be maintained
during grading and construction. The use of lagging or plates between shoring elements
will be required for excavations. Excavations should be reviewed by the Geologist as
these materials are exposed.
The safety and stability of temporary construction slopes and cuts is deferred to the
general contractor, who should implement the safety practices as defined in Section
1541, Subchapter 4, of Cal/OSHA T8 Regulations (2006). The geotechnical consultant
makes no warranties as to the stability of temporary cuts. Soil conditions may vary
locally and the contractor(s) should be prepared to remedy local instability if necessary.
Contract documents should be written in a manner that places the Contractor in the
position of responsibility for the stability of all temporary excavations. Stability of
excavations is also time dependent. Unsupported cuts should not be allowed to dry out
and should not be left open for extended time periods.
11. Adjacent Property Assessments and Monitoring
The proposed excavations into hard or dense terrace deposits and bedrock materials will
cause vibrations and sound pressure (noise) that may be potentially disturbing to
occupants of neighboring properties. If appropriate equipment and experienced
operators and contractors perform the excavations, it is unlikely that such vibrations will
be sufficient to promote structural damage in the vicinity.
The following measures may be considered in order to reduce the potential risks of
damage, and perceived damage, to adjoining improvements:
• Visual inspections and walk-throughs of each of the adjacent properties should
be arranged in order to document pre-existing conditions and damages.
• Measurements of all existing damages observed, including crack lengths, widths
and precise locations should be made.
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R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
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• Photographs should be taken to accompany written notes that refer to damages
or even lack of damages. Video may also be considered; however, videos that
attempt to show these types of damages are often lacking in detail.
• Floor level surveys of nearby structures may be considered especially if pre-
existing damage is evident.
• Vibrations from construction equipment may be monitored with portable
seismographs during excavation into bedrock materials. Vibration monitoring is,
therefore, highly recommended during demolition and installation of shoring.
• Surveys to monitor lateral and vertical position of adjacent improvements and
shoring elements is recommended.
• It is recommended that the Project Geologist be on-site during excavation in
order to evaluate conditions as the project advances.
Construction activities, particularly excavation equipment, produce vibrations that can be
felt by occupants of adjoining properties. People will often be annoyed by the noise and
vibration caused by construction activities, which prompts them to personally perform
detailed inspections of their property for damage. Pre-existing damage, that previously
went unnoticed, can be unfairly attributed to current construction activities, particularly
when pre-construction property inspections are not performed. At that point, it may be
difficult to determine what caused the damage, especially damages such as wall
separations, cracks in drywall, stucco and masonry. Other common problems that may
be scrutinized can include uneven doors, sticking windows, tile cracks, leaning patio
posts, fences, gates, etc. Implementation of measures such as those listed above can
help avoid conflicts by monitoring construction activities that may be problematic as well
as provide valuable data to defend against unwarranted claims.
Swimming Pools, Spas and Decks
Caisson support of swimming pools and spa improvements is recommended. Plans should be
forwarded to our office for review for any such improvements between the house and the
planned retaining wall.
Hardscape Design and Construction
Hardscape and landscape plans should be forwarded to our office for review, comment and
approval during the design phase and prior to construction.
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R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
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Seismic Design
Based on the geotechnical data and site parameters, the following is provided by the USGS
(ASCE 7, 2010 – with March 2013 errata) to satisfy the 2016 CBC design criteria:
Table 2, Site and Seismic Design Criteria
For 2016 CBC
Design
Parameters
Recommended
Values
Site Class D (Stiff Soil)
Site Longitude (degrees) -117.8582 W
Site Latitude (degrees) 33.5896 N
Ss (g) 1.677 g
S1 (g) 0.611 g
SMs (g) 1.677 g
SM1 (g) 0.917g
SDs (g) 1.118 g
SD1 (g) 0.611 g
Fa 1.0
Fv 1.5
Seismic Design Category D
Supporting documentation is also included in a previous section of this report, Site Classification
for Seismic Design, and in Appendix E.
Concrete Construction Components in Contact with Soil
The onsite soils and bedrock may have a high soluble sulfate content and moderate to severe
soluble chloride levels. Type V cement is therefore anticipated to be suitable for concrete in
contact with the subgrade soils. A minimum design strength of 4,000 psi and water to cement
ratio of 0.5 maximum should be used for sulfate considerations. It is recommended that a
concrete expert be retained to design an appropriate concrete mix to address the structural
requirements. In lieu of retaining a concrete expert, it is recommended that the 2016 CBC,
Section 1904 and 1905, be utilized which refers to ACI 318.
Metal Construction Components in Contact with Soil
Metal rebar encased in concrete, iron pipes, copper pipes, etc., that are in contact with soil or
water that permeates the soil should be protected from corrosion that may result from salts
contained in the soil. Recommendations to mitigate damage due to corrosive soils, if needed,
should be provided by a qualified Corrosion Specialist. Additional testing should be done during
grading to confirm preliminary test results.
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R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
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Surface and Subsurface Drainage
1. Finished Grade and Surface Drainage
Finished grades should be designed and constructed so that no water ponds in the
vicinity of footings, subterranean walls or slopes. Drainage design in accordance with
the 2016 CBC, Section 1804.4, is recommended or per local City requirements. Drainage
should be provided and outflow directed away from structures in a non-erosive manner
as specified by the Project Civil Engineer or Landscape Architect. Surface and subsurface
water should be directed away from slope and retaining wall areas. Proper interception
and disposal of on-site surface discharge is presumed to be a matter of civil engineering
or landscape architectural design.
2. Drainage and Drainage Devices
The performance of the planned foundation and improvements is dependent upon
maintaining adequate surface drainage both during and after construction. The ground
surface around foundations and improvements should be graded so that surface water
will not collect and pond. The impact of heavy irrigation can artificially create perched
water conditions. This may result in seepage or shallow groundwater conditions where
previously none existed.
Attention to surface drainage and controlled irrigation will significantly reduce the
potential for future problems related to water infiltration. Irrigation should be well
controlled and minimized. Seasonal adjustments should be made to prevent excessive
watering.
Sources of uncontrolled water, such as leaky water pipes or drains, should be repaired if
identified.
The Owner should be aware of the potential problems that could develop when drainage
is altered through construction of swimming pools, retaining walls, paved walkways,
utility installations or other various improvements. Ponded water, incorrect drainage,
leaky irrigation systems, overwatering or other conditions that could lead to unwanted
groundwater infiltration must be avoided.
Area drains should be installed in all planter and landscape areas. Planter surfaces
should be sloped away from slope and retaining wall areas in accordance with Code
requirements.
3. Infiltration
It is strongly recommended that surface water be collected and directed to a suitable off-
site outlet rather than allowed to infiltrate into the soil. It is important to not purposely
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R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
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introduce site water into the gravel zones along retaining walls or into slope areas. Cleaner
sand zones within subsurface soils may create pockets for collection of perched water that
can back up along retaining walls or travel distances to outlet at lower elevation on slopes.
This may result in unwanted water infiltration around structures, nuisance water and
potential instability.
Utility Trench Backfill
Utility trench backfill should be placed in accordance with Appendix D, Standard Grading
Guidelines. It is the Owner’s and Contractor’s responsibility to inform Subcontractors of these
requirements and to notify R McCarthy Consulting, Inc. when backfill placement is to begin. It
has been our experience that trench backfill requirements are rigorously enforced by the City of
Newport Beach.
The on-site soils are anticipated to be generally suitable for use as trench backfill outside of wall
backfill zones; however, fine-grained silt or clay materials may be difficult to mix and compact
to a uniform condition. The use of imported backfill is sometimes more efficient when on-site
soil materials are at high moisture contents. Fill materials should be placed at near optimum
moisture content and compacted under the observation and testing of the Soil Engineer. The
minimum dry density required for compacted backfill material is 90 percent of the maximum dry
density as determined by ASTM D1557-12.
Foundation Plan Review
The undersigned should review final foundation plans and specifications prior to their
submission to the building official for issuance of permits. The review is to be performed only
for the limited purpose of checking for conformance with design concepts and the information
provided herein. Review shall not include evaluation of the accuracy or completeness of details,
such as quantities, dimensions, weights or gauges, fabrication processes, construction means or
methods, coordination of the work with other trades or construction safety precautions, all of
which are the sole responsibility of the Contractor. R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.’s review shall be
conducted with reasonable promptness while allowing sufficient time in our judgment to permit
adequate review. Review of a specific item shall not indicate that R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
has reviewed the entire system of which the item is a component. R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
shall not be responsible for any deviation from the Construction Documents not brought to our
attention in writing by the Contractor. R McCarthy Consulting, Inc. shall not be required to
review partial submissions or those for which submissions of correlated items have not been
received.
Pre-Grade Meeting
A pre-job conference should be held with representative of the Owner, Contractor, Architect,
Civil Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, and Building Official prior to commencement of
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R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
construction to clarify any questions relating to the intent of these recommendations or
additional recommendations.
Observation and Testing
General
Geotechnical observation and testing during construction is required to verify proper removal of
unsuitable materials, check that foundation excavations are clean and founded in competent
material, to test for proper moisture content and proper degree of compaction of fill, to test and
observe placement of wall and trench backfill materials, and to confirm design assumptions. It
is noted that the CBC requires continuous verification and testing during placement of fill, pile
driving, and pier/caisson drilling.
An R McCarthy Consulting, Inc. representative shall observe the site at intervals appropriate to
the phase of construction, as notified by the Contractor, in order to observe the work completed
by the Contractor. Such visits and observation are not intended to be an exhaustive check or a
detailed inspection of the Contractor’s work but rather are to allow R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.,
as an experienced professional, to become generally familiar with the work in progress and to
determine, in general, if the grading and construction is in accordance with the
recommendations of this report.
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc. shall not supervise, direct, or control the Contractor’s work.
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc. shall have no responsibility for the construction means, methods,
techniques, sequences, or procedures selected by the Contractor, the Contractor’s safety
precautions or programs in connection with the work. These rights and responsibilities are
solely those of the Contractor.
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc. shall not be responsible for any acts or omission of any entity
performing any portion of the work, including the Contractor, Subcontractor, or any agents or
employees of any of them. R McCarthy Consulting, Inc. does not guarantee the performance of
any other parties on the project site, including the Contractor, and shall not be responsible for
the Contractor’s failure to perform its work in accordance with the Contractor documents or any
applicable law, codes, rules or regulations.
Construction-phase observations are beyond the scope of this investigation and budget and are
conducted on a time and material basis. The responsibility for timely notification of the start of
construction and ongoing geotechnically involved phases of construction is that of the Owner
and his Contractor. We request at least 48 hours’ notice when such services are required.
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List of Guidelines
The Geotechnical Consultant should be notified to observe and test the following activities
during grading and construction:
• To observe proper removal of unsuitable materials;
• to observe the bottom of removals for all excavations for grading, trenching, swimming
pool, spa, exterior site improvements, etc.;
• to observe side cut excavations for shoring, retaining walls, swimming pool, spa,
trenches, etc.;
• to test for proper moisture content and proper degree of compaction of fill;
• during CIDH Pile/Caisson drilling, if used for shoring and/or deepened foundation
support;
• to check that foundation excavations are clean and founded in competent material;
• to check retaining wall subdrain installation when the pipe is exposed and before it is
covered by the gravel and fabric; and again after the gravel and fabric have been
placed;
• to test and observe placement of wall backfill materials;
• to test and observe placement of trench backfill materials;
• to test and observe patio, pool deck and sidewalk subgrade materials;
• to observe any other fills or backfills that may be constructed at the site.
It is noted that this list should be used as a guideline. Additional observations and testing may
be required per local agency and Code requirements at the time of the actual construction. The
2016 CBC requires continuous verification and testing during placement of fill materials and
during pile/caisson drilling.
LIMITATIONS
This investigation has been conducted in accordance with generally accepted practice in the
engineering geologic and soils engineering field. No further warranty, expressed or implied, is
made as to the conclusions and professional advice included in this report. Conclusions and
recommendations presented are based on subsurface conditions encountered and are not
meant to imply that we have control over the natural site conditions. The samples taken and
used for testing, the observations made and the field testing performed are believed
representative of the general project area; however, soil and geologic conditions can vary
significantly between tested or observed locations.
Site geotechnical conditions may change with time due to natural processes or the works of
man on this or adjacent properties. In addition, changes in applicable or appropriate standards
may occur as a result of the broadening of knowledge, new legislation, or agency requirements.
The recommendations presented herein are, therefore, arbitrarily set as valid for one year from
the report date. The recommendations are also specific to the current proposed development.
Changes in proposed land use or development may require supplemental investigation or
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Report No: 20181106-1
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R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
recommendations. Also, independent use of this report without appropriate geotechnical
consultation is not approved or recommended.
Thank you for this opportunity to be of service. If you have any questions, please contact this
office.
Respectfully submitted,
R MCCARTHY CONSULTING, INC.
Robert J. McCarthy
Principal Engineer, G.E. 2490
Registration Expires 3-31-20
Date Signed: 1/24/2019
Distribution: (1) Addressee
Accompanying Illustrations and Appendices
Text Figure - Geologic Map of the San Bernardino and Santa Ana 30’ x 60’ Quadrangle,
California
Text Figure - Fault Map, Newport Beach, California
Text Figure - CDMG Seismic Hazards Zones, Laguna Beach Quadrangle Map
Figure 1 - Geotechnical Plot Plan
Figure 2 - Geotechnical Cross-Section A-A’
Figure 3 - Cross Section for Proposed Wall
Figure 4 - Location Map
Appendix A - References
Appendix B - Field Exploration
Figures B-1 through B-5
Appendix C - Laboratory Testing
Figures C-1 through C-7
Appendix D - Standard Grading Guidelines
Appendix E - Seismicity Data
PA2019-107
Figure 1: Geotechnical Plot Plan
4709 Cortland Drive
Corona Del Mar, CA
File: 8283-00 January 2019
0 40 feet
N
Af/Tm
HA-1
Existing
Structure
HA-2
A
A’
Base map: Don Barrie & Associates
EXPLANATION
Approximate location of exploratory hand auger
Af Articial ll
Tm Monterey Formation
HA-3 Existing tieback anchors (lengths and
locations estimated based on
references)
Existing tie-back grade beam
Existing keystone
retaining wall
P-14
Estimated location of exploratory boring
PA2019-107
Raised planter Existing structure
Figure 2: Geotechnical Cross-Section A-A’
4709 Cortland Drive
Corona Del Mar, CA
File: 8283-00 January 2019
Estimated location of exploratory hand auger
Af Articial ll
Tm Monterey Formation
Contact between geologic units
Af
Tm
Af
Tm
EXPLANATION
PL
HA-3
TD 13.5’
HA1
TD 1.5’
Waterline
Existing grade beam
(approximately 4’ - 6’
below top of wall)ELEVATION, feetN31°E
A A’ELEVATION, feet175
165
155
145
135
175
165
155
145
135
0 10 feet
IDEALIZED PROFILE
Notes:
1. All elevations estimated; gure is idealized.
2. Actual proles may vary signicantly; based on
topographic and geologic interpretation.
Pacic Coast
Highway
CL
?
?
?
?
?
?
Existing tieback anchors (lengths and
locations based on references)
Note that utility easements
are located at base of wall
to be determined by others
Existing wall
footing dimensions
not determined
Existing keystone
retaining wall
PA2019-107
Existing structure
Figure 3: Cross-Section for Proposed Wall
4709 Cortland Drive
Corona Del Mar, CA
File: 8283-00 January 2019
Af Articial ll
Tm Monterey Formation
Contact between geologic units
Af
Tm
Af
Tm
EXPLANATION
PL
WaterlineELEVATION, feetN31°E
A A’ELEVATION, feet175
165
155
145
135
175
165
155
145
135
125
115
125
115
0 10 feet
IDEALIZED PROFILE
Notes:
1.All elevations estimated; figure is idealized.
2.Actual profiles may vary significantly; based on
topographic and geologic interpretation.
3.Details for wall design, caissons and grade
beam to be designed by structural engineer.
4. Location of new retaining subject to other
authorities; presented herein for illustration
purposes only (not for construction).
Pacic Coast
Highway
CL
?
?
?
?
?
?
New retaining wall -
caisson supported
New grade beam
Caissons for support
of new wall
Ef
New subdrain
New engineered
wall backfill
Various Easements - to be
determined by others
PA2019-107
Feet
Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the
data provided, however, The City of Newport Beach and its
employees and agents disclaim any and all responsibility from or
relating to any results obtained in its use.
Disclaimer:
1/22/2019
0 400200
8283-00 JANUARY 2019 LOCATION MAP - FIGURE 4
PA2019-107
R McCarthy Consultants, Inc.
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
APPENDIX A
REFERENCES
PA2019-107
APPENDIX A
REFERENCES
(4709 Cortland Drive)
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
1. Don Barrie & Associates, Wall/ESMT Location, scale: 1” = 10’, 3/19/18, Sheet 1
of 1.
2. California Building Code, 2016 Edition.
3. California Division of Mines and Geology, 1998, “Seismic Hazards Zones Map,
Newport Beach Quadrangle”.
4. California Divisions of Mines and Geology, 2008, “Guidelines for Evaluating and
Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California,” Special Publication 117A.
5. Department of the Navy, 1982, NAVFAC DM-7.1, Soil Mechanics, Design Manual
7.1, Naval Facilities Engineering Command.
6. Gem Designs, Incorporated, 1994, Letter Regarding the Cortland Noise Wall,
June 8.
7. Gem Designs, Incorporated, 1994, Letter Expressing Another Viewpoint in
Addressing the Situation that Exists at 4839 Cortland Avenue, Lot 13, Tract No.
3519, Corona del Mar, CA, January 14.
8. Geobase, 1987, “Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Retaining Wall Along
East Side of P.C.H. Immediately South of Cameo Highlands Drive, Newport
Beach, California,” File No. R.115.01.00, October 23.
9. Hart, E. W., and Bryant, W. A., 1997, “Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones in California,
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act: California Division of Mines and
Geology,” Special Publication 42 (Interim Supplements and Revisions 1999,
2003, and 2007).
10. Jennings, Charles W., et al., 1994, “Fault Activity Map of California and Adjacent
Areas,” California Division of Mines and Geology, Geologic Data Map No. 6.
11. Landmark Engineering Corporation, 1992, “Verification of Bottom of Footing for
Cortland Trust Retaining Wall,” September 2.
12. Landmark Engineering Corporation, undated, “Keystone Retaining Wall, Plan
View and Profile, Grading Plan, Cameo Highlands,” Sheet 2 of 4.
13. Mark Company, 1994, “Courtland Noise Wall Trust,” June 14.
14. Martin, G. R., and Lew, M., 1999, “Recommended Procedures for Implementation
of DMG Special Publication 117, Guidelines for Analyzing and Mitigating
Liquefaction Hazards in California,” SCEC, March.
15. Morton and Miller, 1981, Geologic Map of Orange County, CDMG Bulletin 204.
16. Morton, P. K., Miller, R. V., and Evans, J. R., 1976, “Environmental Geology of
Orange County, California,” California Division of Mines and Geology, Open File
Report 79-8 LA.
17. Morton, Douglas M., and Miller, Fred K., Compilers, 2006, “Geologic Map of the
San Bernardino and Santa Ana 30’ X 60’ Quadrangles, California,” U. S.
Geological Survey Open File Report 2006-1217.
18. Petersen, M. D., Bryant, W. A., Cramer, C. H., Cao, T., Reichle, M. S., Frankel, A.
D., Lienkaemper, J. J., McCrory, P. A., and Schwartz, D. P., 1996, “Probabilistic
Seismic Hazard Assessment for the State of California,” Department of
Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, DMG Open-File Report 96-08, USGS
Open File Report 96-706.
PA2019-107
APPENDIX A
REFERENCES
(4709 Cortland Drive)
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
19. Petra Geotechnical, Inc., 1995, “Subsurface Investigation and Geotechnical
Recommendations, Distressed Keystone Wall and Backyard, 4839 Cortland Drive,
Corona Del Mar, California,” J.N. 337-92, May 23.
20. Petra Geotechnical, Inc., 1993, “Drain Placement and Backfill at Toe of Crib Wall
Adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway, South of Cameo Highlands, Corona del Mar,
California,” J.N. 337-92, October 1.
21. Petra Geotechnical, Inc., 1992, “Review of Grading Plan for Construction of Block
and Glass Walls, Adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway, South of Cameo Highlands,
Corona del Mar, California,” J.N. 337-92, December 26.
22. Petra Geotechnical, Inc., 1992, “Geotechnical Report of Keystone Wall Backfill,
Adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway, South of Cameo Highlands, Corona del Mar,
California,” J.N. 337-92, December 22.
23. Randle, C. J., 1998, “Certification of Wall Repair and Rear Yard Drainage Re:
Residence of Ms. Mary Roach, 4709 Cortland Dr., Corona del Mar, California,”
September 29.
24. R McCarthy Consulting, Inc., 2018, “Earthwork Observation/Testing Report,
Residential Basement Construction, Cameo Highlands, Tract 3519, Lot 1, 4701
Cortland Drive, Corona del Mar, California,” File No: 8143-10, Report No:
20180717-1, December 17.
25. R McCarthy Consulting, Inc., 2018, Addendum, Evaluation of East Property Line
Geologic Conditions, Shoring and Slope Setback Recommendations, Planned
Custom Home, 4701 Cortland Drive, Corona del Mar, California,” File No: 8143-
01, Report No: 20180111-1, January 11.
26. R McCarthy Consulting, Inc., 2017, “Geotechnical Investigation, Proposed
Residential Construction, 4701 Cortland Drive, Corona del Mar, California,” File
No: 8143-00, Report No: 20170214-1, October 17.
27. Tan, Siang, S., and Edgington, William J., 1976, "Geology and Engineering
Geology of the Laguna Beach Quadrangle, Orange County, California," California
Division of Mines and Geology, Special Report 127.
28. Terzaghi, Karl, Peck, Ralph B., and Mesri, Ghoamreza, 1996, “Soil Mechanics in
Engineering Practice, Third Edition,” John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
29. U. S. Geological Survey, Earthquake Hazards Program, 2014, U. S. Seismic
Design Maps, U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
30. Vedder, J. G., Yerkes, R. F., and Schoellhamer, J. E., 1957, “Geologic Map of the
San Joaquin Hills-San Juan Capistrano Area, Orange County, California,” U. S.
Geological Survey, Oil and Gas Investigations Map OM-193.
PA2019-107
APPENDIX B
FIELD EXPLORATION
PA2019-107
APPENDIX B
FIELD EXPLORATION
(4709 Cortland Drive)
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
General
Subsurface conditions were explored by excavating three hand-auger borings. In addition to
the three exploratory borings a recently logged shoring pile boring located on the adjacent
property is presented for review. The approximate locations of the borings are shown on the
Geotechnical Plot Plan, Figure 1. Boring Logs are included as Figures B-2, B-3, B-4 and B-5. A
Key to Logs is included as Figure B-1. Excavation of the borings was observed by our field
engineer and geologist who logged the soils and obtained samples for identification and
laboratory testing.
Exploratory excavations were located in the field by pacing from known landmarks. Their
locations as shown are, therefore, within the accuracy of such measurements. Elevations were
determined by interpolation between points on the Topographic Survey, Reference 1.
Sample Program
1.Hand Augers - Relatively undisturbed drive samples were obtained by utilizing a sampler
lined on the inside with brass rings, each 1-inch long and 2.5-inches outside diameter.
The sample is typically driven for a total length of about 8-inches. The number of blows
per 8-inches of driving are recorded on the boring logs. The slide hammer used to drive
the samples has a weight of 10.3 pounds with effort. The slide hammer drop height was
18-inches. The hammer weight alone was not sufficient to drive the sample; additional
energy was applied by the drilling operator by thrust force on the hammer from the
topmost position. The brass rings were removed from the sampler and transferred into a
plastic tube and sealed.
2.Bulk samples representative of subsurface conditions were collected from the
excavations and sealed in plastic bags.
Summary
The soils were classified based on field observations and laboratory tests. The classification is in
accordance with ASTM D2487 (the Unified Soil Classification System). Collected samples were
transported to the laboratory for testing. No groundwater was encountered in the borings.
PA2019-107
UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION CHART
CLEAN
GRAVELS
GRAVEL
WITH
FINES
CLEAN
SANDS
SANDS
WITH
FINES
GW
GP
GM
GC
SW
SP
SM
SC
ML
CL
OL
MH
CH
OH
PT
GROUP
SYMBOLS SYMBOLMAJOR DIVISIONS TYPICAL NAMES
HIGHLY ORGANIC SOILS
SILTS AND CLAYS:
Liquid Limit 50% or less
SILTS AND CLAYS:
Liquid Limit greater
than 50%
Well graded gravels and gravel-sand mixtures, little or
no fines
Inorganic clays of low to medium plasticity, gravelly
clays, sandy clays, silty clays, lean clays
Poorly graded gravels and gravel-sand mixtures, little
or no fines
Silty gravels, gravel-sand-silt mixtures
Clayey gravels, gravel-sand-clay mixtures
Well graded sands and gravelly sand, little or no fines
Poorly graded sands and gravelly sands, little or no
fines
Silty sands, sand-silt mixtures
Clayey sands, sand-clay mixtures
Inorganic silts, very fine sands, rock flour, silty or
clayey fine sands
Organic silts and organic silty clays of low plasticity
Inorganic silts, micaceous or diatomaceous fine sands
or silts, elastic clays
Inorganic clays of high plasticity, fat clays
Organic clays of medium to high plasticity
Peat, muck, and other highly organic soils
KEY TO LOGS
COARSE-GRAINED SOILS:
more than 50% retained on
No. 200 sieve (based on the
material passing the 3-inch
[75mm] sieve)
FINE-GRAINED SOILS:
50% or more passes
No. 200 sieve*
GRAVELS:
50% or more of
coarse fraction
retained
on No. 4 sieve
SANDS:
more than 50% of
coarse fraction
passes No. 4 sieve
Water level
SYMBOL
Figure B-1:
Unied Soil Classication
Chart / Key To Logs
NOTATION SAMPLER TYPE
C Core barrel
CA California split-barrel sampler with
2.5-inch outside diameter and a 1.93-inch
inside diameter
D&M Dames & Moore piston sampler using
2.5-inch outside diameter, thin-walled
tube
O Osterberg piston sampler using 3.0-inch
outside diameter, thin-walled Shelby tube
PTB Pitcher tube sampler using 3.0-inch
outside diameter, thin-walled Shelby tube
S&H Sprague & Henwood split-barrel sampler
with a 3.0-inch outside diameter and a
2.43-inch inside diameter
SPT Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
split-barrel sampler with a 2.0-inch
outside diameter and a 1.5-inch inside
diameter
ST Shelby Tube (3.0-inch outside diameter,
thin-walled tube) advanced with hydraulic
pressure
NR No Recovery
Modified California Sampler (3" O.D.)
Modified California Sampler, no recovery
Standard Penetration Test, ASTM D 1586
Standard Penetration Test, no recovery
Thin-walled tube sample using Pitcher barrel
Thin-walled tube sample, pushed or used Osterberg
sampler
Disaggregated (bulk) sample
PA2019-107
FIGURE
R MCCARTHY CONSULTING, INC.
23.1
MONTEREY FORMATION ( Tm )
At 1.5 - 3': Yellow brown clayey SILTSTONE,
moist, medium dense, weathered in upper 8"
T.D. - 3 feet (refusal on bedrock)
No groundwater
4709 Cortland (SW Base of
Retaining Wall Along PCH)SITE LOCATION:
DATE: 10/16/2018
EQUIPMENT:
SURFACE ELEVATION:
Hand- Auger
SM
BY: GM147 +/-
10
88
0
66
44
B-2LOG OF BORINGDRY DENSITY (PCF)DEPTHNOTESMATERIAL DESCRIPTION
BORING NO: HA-1
DEPTHUSCSBLOW COUNTIN-PLACE SAMPLEBAG SAMPLEMOISTURE (%)22
0ARTIFICIAL FILL (Af)
At 0 - 1.5': Reddish brown fine to medium grained
silty SAND, moist, medium dense, abundant rock
fragments
10
FILE NO:8283-00
PA2019-107
FIGURELOG OF BORING B-3
R MCCARTHY CONSULTING, INC.
6 6
4 4
0
SM
SITE LOCATION:4709 Cortland (NW Base of
Retaining Wall Along PCH)EQUIPMENT: Hand- Auger
SURFACE ELEVATION: 146 +/- BY: GM
BLOW COUNTIN-PLACE SAMPLEBAG SAMPLEMOISTURE (%)DRY DENSITY (PCF)NOTES DEPTHBORING NO: HA-2
10 10
FILE NO:8283-00
8 8
2 2
ARTIFICIAL FILL (Af)
At 0-2': Reddish brown fine to medium grained
silty SAND, moist, loose, with abundant gravel
T.D. - 2 feet (refusal on utility line running parallel
to PCH)
No groundwater
MATERIAL DESCRIPTIONDEPTHUSCS
0
DATE: 10/16/2018
PA2019-107
FIGURE
~ 6" Planter Soil
ARTIFICIAL FILL (Af)
At 0.5 - 4.5': Reddish brown fine to medium
grained clayey SAND/sandy CLAY, very moist,
medium dense, fine to coarse rock fragments
At 3' No recovery
At 10': Reddish brown fine to medium grained
clayey to silty SAND/sandy CLAY, very moist,
medium dense, abundant fine rock fragmentsSM/
SC/
CL
SC/
CL
SC/
CL
MONTEREY FORMATION ( Tm )
At 13 - 13.5': Pale olive grey to yellow brown
clayey SILTSTONE, moist, medium dense,
weathered in upper 12", plastic
8 8
9/6"
17.9
SITE LOCATION:4709 Cortland (6' from wall,
middle of rear yard)EQUIPMENT: Hand- Auger
DATE: 10/16/2018 SURFACE ELEVATION: 161 +/- BY: GM
FILE NO:8283-00 LOG OF BORING B-4
20 20
R MCCARTHY CONSULTING, INC.
T.D. - 13.5 feet (refusal on bedrock)
No groundwater
16 16
12 12
18.6
17.2
4 4
0 0DEPTHUSCSBLOW COUNTIN-PLACE SAMPLEBAG SAMPLEMOISTURE (%)DRY DENSITY (PCF)NOTES DEPTHBORING NO: HA-3
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION
At 8.5': Reddish brown clayey SAND/sandy CLAY,
very moist, medium dense, abundant fine rock
fragments
PA2019-107
FIGURE B-5LOG OF BORINGDRY DENSITY (PCF)DEPTHNOTESMATERIAL DESCRIPTION
BORING NO: P14
DEPTHUSCSBLOW COUNTIN-PLACE SAMPLEBAG SAMPLEMOISTURE (%)88
0
40
FILE NO:8283-00
40
3232
0
2424
1616
30SM/
SC
BY: PA+/- 159
4701 Cortland Drive, Corona del
MarSITE LOCATION:
DATE: 5/18/2018
EQUIPMENT:
SURFACE ELEVATION:
Drilco Auger Boring
SM 16
End at 23.5 feet, no groundwater encountered.
R MCCARTHY CONSULTING, INC.
0-11' Artificial Fill (Af): Silty SAND and Clayey
SAND, reddish brown, fine to medium grained ,
moist, medium dense, with abundant bedrock
fragments
11 - 23.5' Monterey Formation ( Tm ): Clayey
SILTSTONE, pale olive gray to yellow brown,
moist, medium dense
PA2019-107
APPENDIX C
LABORATORY TESTING
PA2019-107
APPENDIX C
LABORATORY TESTING
(4709 Cortland Drive)
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
The laboratory testing program was designed to fit the specific needs of this project and was
limited to testing the soil samples collected during the on-site exploration. The test program was
performed by our laboratory.
Soils were classified visually and per the results of our laboratory testing according to ASTM
D2487, the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The field moisture content and dry densities
of the soils encountered were determined by performing laboratory tests on the collected samples.
The results of the moisture tests, density determinations and soil classifications are shown on the
Boring Logs, Figures B-2 through B-4.
Grain Size Determination
Particle size analysis consisting of mechanical sieve analysis were performed on representative
samples of the on-site soils in accordance with ASTM D 1140 and C-136. The test results are
presented on Figures C-1 through C-4.
Atterberg Limits
Atterberg Limits were determined on a representative sample of the on-site soils in accordance
with ASTM D 4318. The test results are presented on Figures C-5.
Direct Shear
Direct shear tests representative of the Monterey Formation bedrock are presented in Figures C-6
and C-7. The samples were from a nearby site in Cameo Shores to the south at 4615 Orrington
Road.
Direct shear tests were performed on selected undisturbed samples which were saturated under a
surcharge equal to the applied normal force during testing. The apparatus used is in conformance
with the requirements outlined in ASTM: D3080. The test specimens, approximately 2.5 inches in
diameter and 1 inch in height, were subjected to simple shear along a plane at mid-height after
allowing time for pore pressure dissipation prior to application of shearing force. The samples were
tested under various normal loads, a different specimen being used for each normal load. The
samples were sheared at a constant rate of strain of 0.005 inches per minute. Shearing of the
specimens was continued until the shear stress became essentially constant or until a deformation
of approximately 10 percent of the original diameter was reached. The peak and ultimate shear
stress values were plotted versus applied normal stress, and a best-fit straight line through the
plotted points was determined to arrive at the cohesion and the angle of internal friction
parameters of the soil samples.
PA2019-107
CLPARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS COMPARISONFile No.: 8283-00 Date:C-1Medium1.5'Brown Sandy CLAY with Gravel55.3SAMPLE IDENTIFICATIONFigure No.:CULOCATIONDEPTH (FT) COBBLEGRAVELSANDJanuary 2019HA-1SILTSOIL DESCRIPTION CoarseCCFineUSCSCLAYPASSING NO. 200 (%)01020304050607080901000.0010.0100.1001.00010.000100.000PERCENT PASSINGPARTICLE SIZE (MILLILMETERS)PARTICLE SIZE (INCHES OR SIEVE NO.)3" 1 1/2" 3/4" 3/8" 4 10 20 40 60 100 200PA2019-107
USCSCLAYPASSING NO. 200 (%) COBBLEGRAVELSANDJanuary 2019HA-3SILTSOIL DESCRIPTION CoarseCCFineMedium3.5'Brown Clayey SAND with gravel35.1SAMPLE IDENTIFICATIONCULOCATIONDEPTH (FT)SCPARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS COMPARISONFile No.: 8283-00 Date:C-2Figure No.:01020304050607080901000.0010.0100.1001.00010.000100.000PERCENT PASSINGPARTICLE SIZE (MILLILMETERS)PARTICLE SIZE (INCHES OR SIEVE NO.)3" 1 1/2" 3/4" 3/8" 4 10 20 40 60 100 200PA2019-107
SCPARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS COMPARISONFile No.: 8283-00 Date:C-3Medium5.5'Brown Clayey SAND with gravel40.1SAMPLE IDENTIFICATIONFigure No.:CULOCATIONDEPTH (FT) COBBLEGRAVELSANDJanuary 2019HA-3SILTSOIL DESCRIPTION CoarseCCFineUSCSCLAYPASSING NO. 200 (%)01020304050607080901000.0010.0100.1001.00010.000100.000PERCENT PASSINGPARTICLE SIZE (MILLILMETERS)PARTICLE SIZE (INCHES OR SIEVE NO.)3" 1 1/2" 3/4" 3/8" 4 10 20 40 60 100 200PA2019-107
USCSCLAYPASSING NO. 200 (%) COBBLEGRAVELSANDJanuary 2019HA-3SILTSOIL DESCRIPTION CoarseCCFineMedium11'Brown Clayey SAND with gravel33.5SAMPLE IDENTIFICATIONCULOCATIONDEPTH (FT)SCPARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS COMPARISONFile No.: 8283-00 Date:C-4Figure No.:01020304050607080901000.0010.0100.1001.00010.000100.000PERCENT PASSINGPARTICLE SIZE (MILLILMETERS)PARTICLE SIZE (INCHES OR SIEVE NO.)3" 1 1/2" 3/4" 3/8" 4 10 20 40 60 100 200PA2019-107
C-5
38
Date:January 2019 Figure No.:
PLASTICITY
INDEX
LIQUID
LIMIT USCS
CL
SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION
LOCATION DEPTH (FT)
HA-3 5.5' 23
ATTERBERG LIMITS
File No.: 8283-00
30
35
40
45
50
10 100Moisture Content (%)Number of Blows
Flow Curve
MH or OH
ML or OLCL-ML
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0 102030405060708090100Plasticity Index (PI)Liquid Limit (LL)
PA2019-107
Initial Dry Density Avg: 115 pcfIntitial Moisture Content % Avg: 15 %RESULTS PEAKULTIMATEProject: 4615 Orrington Road, Corona del MarBoring: B-1 Sample Depth: 9.0 ftSample Description: Clayey SAND (SC)Test Condition: Inundated; shear rate=0.001313 in/minCohesion 190 psf277 psfFriction Angle 36 deg34 degFILE NO: 8117-00FIGURE: C-6y = 0.7352x + 184.5y = 0.6736x + 277010002000300040005000600070000 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000Shear Stress (psf)Normal Load (psf)Direct Shear Test Results B‐1 @ 9.0 ft (Undisturbed) Maximum Shear Reading (psf)Ultimate Shear Reading (psf)Linear (Maximum Shear Reading (psf))Linear (Ultimate Shear Reading (psf))PA2019-107
Initial Dry Density Avg: 109 pcf
Intitial Moisture Content % Avg: 9 %
RESULTS PEAK ULTIMATE
Project: 4615 Orrington Road, Corona del Mar
Boring: B-1 Sample Depth: 18.0 ft
Sample Description: SANDSTONE
Test Condition: Inundated; shear rate=0.001382 in/min Cohesion 0 psf 149 psf
Friction Angle 46 deg 37 deg
FILE NO: 8117-00 FIGURE: C-7
y = 0.9651x + 624.5
y = 0.7479x + 148.5
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000Shear Stress (psf)Normal Load (psf)
Direct Shear Test Results B-1 @ 18.0 ft (Undisturbed)
Maximum Shear Reading (psf)
Ultimate Shear Reading (psf)
Linear (Maximum Shear Reading (psf))
Linear (Ultimate Shear Reading (psf))
PA2019-107
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
APPENDIX D
STANDARD GRADING GUIDELINES
PA2019-107
APPENDIX D
STANDARD GRADING GUIDELINES
(4709 Cortland Drive)
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
GENERAL
These Guidelines present the usual and minimum requirements for grading operations observed
by R McCarthy Consulting, Inc., or its designated representative. No deviation from these
guidelines will be allowed, except where specifically superseded in the geotechnical report
signed by a registered geotechnical engineer.
The placement, spreading, mixing, watering, and compaction of the fills in strict accordance
with these guidelines shall be the sole responsibility of the contractor. The construction,
excavation, and placement of fill shall be under the direct observation of the geotechnical
engineer or any person or persons employed by the licensed geotechnical engineer signing the
soils report. If unsatisfactory soil-related conditions exist, the geotechnical engineer shall have
the authority to reject the compacted fill ground and, if necessary, excavation equipment will be
shut down to permit completion of compaction. Conformance with these specifications will be
discussed in the final report issued by the geotechnical engineer.
SITE PREPARATION
All brush, vegetation and other deleterious material such as rubbish shall be collected, piled and
removed from the site prior to placing fill, leaving the site clear and free from objectionable
material.
Soil, alluvium, or rock materials determined by the geotechnical engineer as being unsuitable
for placement in compacted fills shall be removed from the site. Any material incorporated as
part of a compacted fill must be approved by the geotechnical engineer.
The surface shall then be plowed or scarified to a minimum depth of 6 inches until the surface
is free from uneven features that would tend to prevent uniform compaction by the equipment
used. After the area to receive fill has been cleared and scarified, it shall be disced or bladed by
the contractor until it is uniform and free from large clods, brought to the proper moisture
content and compacted to minimum requirements. If the scarified zone is greater than 12
inches in depth, the excess shall be removed and placed in lifts restricted to 6 inches.
Any underground structures such as cesspools, cisterns, mining shafts, tunnels, septic tanks,
wells, pipe lines or others not located prior to grading are to be removed or treated in a manner
prescribed by the geotechnical engineer.
MATERIALS
Materials for compacted fill shall consist of materials previously approved by the geotechnical
engineer. Fill materials may be excavated from the cut area or imported from other approved
PA2019-107
APPENDIX D
STANDARD GRADING GUIDELINES
(4709 Cortland Drive)
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
sources, and soils from one or more sources may be blended. Fill soils shall be free from
organic (vegetation) materials and other unsuitable substances. Normally, the material shall
contain no rocks or hard lumps greater than 6 inches in size and shall contain at least 50
percent of material smaller than 1/4-inch in size. Materials greater than 4 inches in size shall be
placed so that they are completely surrounded by compacted fines; no nesting of rocks shall be
permitted. No material of a perishable, spongy, or otherwise of an unsuitable nature shall be
used in the fill soils.
Representative samples of materials to be utilized, as compacted fill shall be analyzed in the
laboratory by the geotechnical engineer to determine their physical properties. If any material
other than that previously tested is encountered during grading, the appropriate analysis of this
material shall be conducted by the geotechnical engineer in a timely manner.
PLACING, SPREADING, AND COMPACTING FILL MATERIAL
Soil materials shall be uniformly and evenly processed, spread, watered, and compacted in thin
lifts not to exceed 6 inches in thickness. Achievement of a uniformly dense and uniformly
moisture conditioned compacted soil layer should be the objective of the equipment operators
performing the work for the Owner and Contractor.
When the moisture content of the fill material is below that specified by the geotechnical
engineer, water shall be added by the contractor until the moisture content is near optimum as
specified. Moisture levels should generally be at optimum moisture content or greater.
When the moisture content of the fill material is above that specified by the geotechnical
engineer, the fill material shall be aerated by the contractor by blading, mixing, or other
satisfactory methods until the moisture content is near the specified level.
After each layer has been placed, mixed, and spread evenly, it shall be thoroughly compacted
to 90 percent of the maximum laboratory density in compliance with ASTM D1557 (five layers).
Compaction shall be accomplished by sheepsfoot rollers, vibratory rollers, multiple-wheel
pneumatic-tired rollers, or other types of acceptable compacting equipment. Equipment shall be
of such design that it will be able to compact the fill to the specified density. Compaction shall
be continuous over the entire area and the equipment shall make sufficient passes to obtain the
desired density uniformly.
A minimum relative compaction of 90 percent out to the finished slope face of all fill slopes will
be required. Compacting of the slopes shall be accomplished by backrolling the slopes in
increments of 2 to 5 feet in elevation gain or by overbuilding and cutting back to the compacted
inner core, or by any other procedure, which produces the required compaction.
GRADING OBSERVATIONS
The geotechnical engineer shall observe the fill placement during the course of the grading
process and will prepare a written report upon completion of grading. The compaction report
shall make a statement as to compliance with these guidelines.
PA2019-107
APPENDIX D
STANDARD GRADING GUIDELINES
(4709 Cortland Drive)
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
As a minimum, one density test shall be required for each 2 vertical feet of fill placed, or one for
each 1,000 cubic yards of fill, whichever requires the greater number of tests; however, testing
should not be limited based on these guidelines and more testing is generally preferable.
Processed ground to receive fill, including removal areas such as canyon or swale cleanouts,
must be observed by the geotechnical engineer and/or engineering geologist prior to fill
placement. The contractor shall notify the geotechnical engineer when these areas are ready for
observation.
UTILITY LINE BACKFILL
Utility line backfill beneath and adjacent to structures; beneath pavements; adjacent and
parallel to the toe of a slope; and in sloping surfaces steeper than ten horizontal to one vertical
(10:1), shall be compacted and tested in accordance with the criteria given in the text of this
report. Alternately, relatively self-compacting material may be used. The material specification
and method of placement shall be recommended and observed by the soil engineer, and
approved by the geotechnical engineer and Building Official before use and prior to backfilling.
Utility line backfill in areas other than those stated above are generally subject to similar
compaction standards and will require approval by the soil engineer.
The final utility line backfill report from the project soil engineer shall include an approval
statement that the backfill is suitable for the intended use.
PROTECTION OF WORK
During the grading process and prior to the complete construction of permanent drainage
controls, it shall be the responsibility of the contractor to provide good drainage and prevent
ponding of water and damage to adjoining properties or to finished work on the site.
After the geotechnical engineer has finished observations of the completed grading, no further
excavations and/or filling shall be performed without the approval of the geotechnical engineer.
PA2019-107
R McCarthy Consulting, Inc.
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150 Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone 949-629-2539
APPENDIX E
SEISMICITY DATA
PA2019-107
9/20/2017 Design Maps Summary Report
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/cn1/designmaps/us/summary.php?template=minimal&latitude=33.5896&longitude=-117.8582&siteclass=3&riskcategory=0…1/1
Report Title
Building Code Reference Document
Site Coordinates
Site Soil Classification
Risk Category
Design Maps Summary Report
User–Specified Input
4701 Cortland Dr., Corona del Mar
Thu September 21, 2017 03:58:57 UTC
ASCE 7-10 Standard
(which utilizes USGS hazard data available in 2008)
33.5896°N, 117.8582°W
Site Class D – “Stiff Soil”
I/II/III
USGS–Provided Output
SS =1.677 g SMS =1.677 g SDS =1.118 g
S1 =0.611 g SM1 =0.917 g SD1 =0.611 g
For information on how the SS and S1 values above have been calculated from probabilistic (risk-targeted) and
deterministic ground motions in the direction of maximum horizontal response, please return to the application and
select the “2009 NEHRP” building code reference document.
For PGAM, TL, CRS, and CR1 values, please view the detailed report.
Although this information is a product of the U.S. Geological Survey, we provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the
accuracy of the data contained therein. This tool is not a substitute for technical subject-matter knowledge.
PA2019-107
9/20/2017 Design Maps Detailed Report
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/cn1/designmaps/us/report.php?template=minimal&latitude=33.5896&longitude=-117.8582&siteclass=3&riskcategory=0&e…1/6
From Figure 22-1 [1]
From Figure 22-2 [2]
Design Maps Detailed Report
ASCE 7-10 Standard (33.5896°N, 117.8582°W)
Site Class D – “Stiff Soil”, Risk Category I/II/III
Section 11.4.1 — Mapped Acceleration Parameters
Note: Ground motion values provided below are for the direction of maximum horizontal
spectral response acceleration. They have been converted from corresponding geometric
mean ground motions computed by the USGS by applying factors of 1.1 (to obtain SS) and
1.3 (to obtain S1). Maps in the 2010 ASCE-7 Standard are provided for Site Class B.
Adjustments for other Site Classes are made, as needed, in Section 11.4.3.
SS = 1.677 g
S1 = 0.611 g
Section 11.4.2 — Site Class
The authority having jurisdiction (not the USGS), site-specific geotechnical data, and/or
the default has classified the site as Site Class D, based on the site soil properties in
accordance with Chapter 20.
Table 20.3–1 Site Classification
Site Class vS N or Nch su
A. Hard Rock >5,000 ft/s N/A N/A
B. Rock 2,500 to 5,000 ft/s N/A N/A
C. Very dense soil and soft rock 1,200 to 2,500 ft/s >50 >2,000 psf
D. Stiff Soil 600 to 1,200 ft/s 15 to 50 1,000 to 2,000 psf
E. Soft clay soil <600 ft/s <15 <1,000 psf
Any profile with more than 10 ft of soil having the
characteristics:
Plasticity index PI > 20,
Moisture content w ≥ 40%, and
Undrained shear strength su < 500 psf
F. Soils requiring site response
analysis in accordance with Section
21.1
See Section 20.3.1
For SI: 1ft/s = 0.3048 m/s 1lb/ft² = 0.0479 kN/m²
PA2019-107
9/20/2017 Design Maps Detailed Report
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/cn1/designmaps/us/report.php?template=minimal&latitude=33.5896&longitude=-117.8582&siteclass=3&riskcategory=0&e…2/6
Section 11.4.3 — Site Coefficients and Risk–Targeted Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCER)
Spectral Response Acceleration Parameters
Table 11.4–1: Site Coefficient Fa
Site Class Mapped MCE R Spectral Response Acceleration Parameter at Short Period
SS ≤ 0.25 SS = 0.50 SS = 0.75 SS = 1.00 SS ≥ 1.25
A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
C 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0
D 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.0
E 2.5 1.7 1.2 0.9 0.9
F See Section 11.4.7 of ASCE 7
Note: Use straight–line interpolation for intermediate values of SS
For Site Class = D and SS = 1.677 g, Fa = 1.000
Table 11.4–2: Site Coefficient Fv
Site Class Mapped MCE R Spectral Response Acceleration Parameter at 1–s Period
S1 ≤ 0.10 S1 = 0.20 S1 = 0.30 S1 = 0.40 S1 ≥ 0.50
A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
C 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3
D 2.4 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.5
E 3.5 3.2 2.8 2.4 2.4
F See Section 11.4.7 of ASCE 7
Note: Use straight–line interpolation for intermediate values of S1
For Site Class = D and S1 = 0.611 g, Fv = 1.500
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Equation (11.4–1):
Equation (11.4–2):
Equation (11.4–3):
Equation (11.4–4):
From Figure 22-12 [3]
SMS = FaSS = 1.000 x 1.677 = 1.677 g
SM1 = FvS1 = 1.500 x 0.611 = 0.917 g
Section 11.4.4 — Design Spectral Acceleration Parameters
SDS = ⅔ SMS = ⅔ x 1.677 = 1.118 g
SD1 = ⅔ SM1 = ⅔ x 0.917 = 0.611 g
Section 11.4.5 — Design Response Spectrum
TL = 8 seconds
Figure 11.4–1: Design Response Spectrum
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Section 11.4.6 — Risk-Targeted Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCER) Response Spectrum
The MCER Response Spectrum is determined by multiplying the design response spectrum above by
1.5.
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From Figure 22-7 [4]
Equation (11.8–1):
From Figure 22-17 [5]
From Figure 22-18 [6]
Section 11.8.3 — Additional Geotechnical Investigation Report Requirements for Seismic Design
Categories D through F
PGA = 0.688
PGAM = FPGAPGA = 1.000 x 0.688 = 0.688 g
Table 11.8–1: Site Coefficient FPGA
Site
Class
Mapped MCE Geometric Mean Peak Ground Acceleration, PGA
PGA ≤
0.10
PGA =
0.20
PGA =
0.30
PGA =
0.40
PGA ≥
0.50
A 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
B 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
C 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0
D 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.0
E 2.5 1.7 1.2 0.9 0.9
F See Section 11.4.7 of ASCE 7
Note: Use straight–line interpolation for intermediate values of PGA
For Site Class = D and PGA = 0.688 g, FPGA = 1.000
Section 21.2.1.1 — Method 1 (from Chapter 21 – Site-Specific Ground Motion Procedures for
Seismic Design)
CRS = 0.902
CR1 = 0.922
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Section 11.6 — Seismic Design Category
Table 11.6-1 Seismic Design Category Based on Short Period Response Acceleration Parameter
VALUE OF SDS
RISK CATEGORY
I or II III IV
SDS < 0.167g A A A
0.167g ≤ SDS < 0.33g B B C
0.33g ≤ SDS < 0.50g C C D
0.50g ≤ SDS D D D
For Risk Category = I and SDS = 1.118 g, Seismic Design Category = D
Table 11.6-2 Seismic Design Category Based on 1-S Period Response Acceleration Parameter
VALUE OF SD1
RISK CATEGORY
I or II III IV
SD1 < 0.067g A A A
0.067g ≤ SD1 < 0.133g B B C
0.133g ≤ SD1 < 0.20g C C D
0.20g ≤ SD1 D D D
For Risk Category = I and SD1 = 0.611 g, Seismic Design Category = D
Note: When S1 is greater than or equal to 0.75g, the Seismic Design Category is E for
buildings in Risk Categories I, II, and III, and F for those in Risk Category IV, irrespective
of the above.
Seismic Design Category ≡ “the more severe design category in accordance with
Table 11.6-1 or 11.6-2” = D
Note: See Section 11.6 for alternative approaches to calculating Seismic Design Category.
References
1. Figure 22-1: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/downloads/pdfs/2010_ASCE-7_Figure_22-1.pdf
2. Figure 22-2: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/downloads/pdfs/2010_ASCE-7_Figure_22-2.pdf
3. Figure 22-12: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/downloads/pdfs/2010_ASCE-7_Figure_22-12.pdf
4. Figure 22-7: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/downloads/pdfs/2010_ASCE-7_Figure_22-7.pdf
5. Figure 22-17: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/downloads/pdfs/2010_ASCE-7_Figure_22-17.pdf
6. Figure 22-18: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/downloads/pdfs/2010_ASCE-7_Figure_22-18.pdf
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APPENDIX F
Figure Excerpts from
Reference 23
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