HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2023-0137_20230726_Geotech Report dated 07-24-23
LIMITED GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
PROPOSED NEW ROOM ADDITION AND A GARAGE EXTENSION
1812 GALAXY DRIVE, NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER
July 24, 2023
J.N. 23-234
ENGINEERS + GEOLOGISTS + ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS
Offices Strategically Positioned Throughout Southern California
ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE
3186 Airway Avenue, Suite K, Costa Mesa, California 92626
T: 714.549.8921 F: 714.668-3770
For more information visit us online at www.petra-inc.com
July 24, 2023
J.N. 23-234
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER
1812 Galaxy Drive
Newport Beach, California 92672
Subject: Limited Geotechnical Investigation, Room Addition and a Garage Extension,
1812 Galaxy Drive, Newport Beach, California
Dear Mr. Macomber:
Petra Geosciences, Inc. (Petra) is submitting herein is our limited geotechnical investigation report for
the property located at 1812 Galaxy Drive in the city of Newport Beach, California. This work was
performed in accordance with the scope of work outlined in our Proposal No. 23-234P, dated June 6, 2023.
This report presents the results of our field investigation, laboratory testing, and our engineering judgment,
opinions, conclusions, and recommendations pertaining to the geotechnical design aspects of the proposed
development.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you on this project. If you have any questions regarding
the contents of this report, or should you require additional information, please contact the undersigned at
(949) 633-7765.
Respectfully submitted,
PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC.
Evan Price
Associate Geologist
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 1
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND GRADING ...................................................................................................... 1
Proposed Construction ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Proposed Grading ............................................................................................................................................... 1
SITE RECONNAISSANCE AND SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION ......................................................................... 2
LABORATORY TESTING .......................................................................................................................................... 2
FINDINGS .................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Background Information .................................................................................................................................... 3
Regional Geology............................................................................................................................................... 3
Local Geology and Subsurface Conditions ........................................................................................................ 3
Groundwater ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Faulting .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Seismic Hazard Zones ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Seismically Induced Flooding ............................................................................................................................ 5
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................ 5
General ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Grading Plan Review ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Site/Slope Stability .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Effect of Proposed Grading on Adjacent Properties ................................................................................................ 6
Primary Geotechnical ConcernS .................................................................................................................................... 6
Existing Undocumented Fill and Unsuitable Soils ............................................................................................. 6
Earthwork ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
General Earthwork and Grading Specifications ................................................................................................. 7
Site Clearing ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Contaminant-Affected Soils ............................................................................................................................... 7
Ground Preparation ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Fill Placement and Testing ................................................................................................................................. 8
Excavation Characteristics ................................................................................................................................. 8
Stability of Temporary Excavation Sidewalls .................................................................................................... 9
Monitoring of Adjacent Properties ..................................................................................................................... 9
Geotechnical Observations ............................................................................................................................... 10
Post-Grading Considerations ................................................................................................................................. 10
Site Drainage .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Bottomless Trench Drains ................................................................................................................................ 11
Utility Trench Backfill ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Slope Landscaping and Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 12
Foundation Design Guidelines ............................................................................................................................... 12
Near-Fault Site Determination ......................................................................................................................... 12
Seismic Design Parameters .............................................................................................................................. 12
Discussion - General ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Allowable Bearing Capacity, Estimated Settlement and Lateral Resistance ......................................................... 16
Existing Footings ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Allowable Soil Bearing Capacities................................................................................................................... 16
Estimated Footing Settlement .......................................................................................................................... 17
Lateral Resistance ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Guidelines for Footings and Slabs on-Grade Design and Construction ................................................................. 17
Conventional Slabs on-Grade System .............................................................................................................. 18
Foundation Observations ....................................................................................................................................... 20
General Corrosivity Screening ............................................................................................................................... 21
Masonry Block Walls ............................................................................................................................................ 22
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Construction on Level Ground (Front Yard) .................................................................................................... 22
Planter Walls .......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Exterior Concrete Flatwork .................................................................................................................................... 23
General ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
Thickness and Joint Spacing ............................................................................................................................ 23
Reinforcement .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Edge Beams (Optional) .................................................................................................................................... 23
Subgrade Preparation ....................................................................................................................................... 24
Drainage ........................................................................................................................................................... 24
Tree Wells ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
Construction Along Top of Adjacent Descending Slope ................................................................................. 25
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 25
REPORT LIMITATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 25
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................................ 27
ATTACHMENTS
FIGURE 1
SITE LOCATION MAP
FIGURE 2
GEOTECHNICAL MAP
APPENDIX A
EXPLORATION LOGS
APPENDIX B
LABORATORY TEST PROCEDURES / LABORATORY DATA SUMMARY
APPENDIX C
SEISMIC DESIGN ANALYSIS
LIMITED GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
PROPOSED ROOM ADDITION AND GARAGE EXTENSION
1812 GALAXY DRIVE, NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA
INTRODUCTION
Petra Geosciences, Inc. (Petra) is presenting herein the results of our limited geotechnical investigation
of the subject property. The purposes of this investigation were to determine the nature of the surface and
subsurface soils, to evaluate their in-place characteristics, and to provide geotechnical recommendations
with respect to site clearing and grading, and for the design and construction of new building foundations
and other site improvements. The subsurface investigation, laboratory testing, conclusions, and
recommendations presented herein are limited the improvements described below to be located in the front
yard portion of the site. Our scope of services did not include geotechnical investigation within the rear
yard of the property and did not include evaluation or stability analysis of the bluff slope descending from
the rear yard of the property. Therefore, this report does not contain adequate information for use in the
design and construction of any improvements in the back yard of the site and provides no opinions,
recommendations, or conclusions regarding the stability of the back yard descending slope.
SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
The subject property is located at 1812 Galaxy Drive in the city of Newport Beach, California (see
Figure 1). The roughly rectangular-shaped property is currently the site of a one-story, single-family
residence with an attached 2-car garage. Other improvements include a rear yard pool, spa, and associated
flatwork. The property is bounded on the northeast and southwest by existing single-family residences, on
the northwest by Galaxy Drive, and on the southeast by an approximately 85 foot high, roughly 1.25:1
(horizontal to vertical), northeast-southwest trending bluff that descends to the Upper Newport Bay.
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND GRADING
Proposed Construction
Based on our review of the architectural plans prepared by Graphic Impact, dated January 26, 2023, for the
subject project, it is our understanding that the proposed construction will consist of a one-story bedroom
addition to the northwestern portion of the single family-residence and an extension to the existing two-car
garage. It is expected that the proposed additions will be of wood-frame construction and will be supported
on conventional foundations (i.e., concrete spread or pad footings). No subterranean levels are currently
anticipated.
Proposed Grading
Based on the information presented on the architectural plans, the proposed building will be constructed at
essentially the same grades as the existing structure. Based on this condition, cuts and fills of generally a
foot or less are anticipated to achieve final design grades. It should be noted, however, that the ultimate fill
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
Page 2
thicknesses throughout the site will be greater due to the required remedial grading (i.e., removal and
recompaction of existing unsuitable surficial soils) as recommended in subsequent sections of this report.
Recommendations for site grading, and for the design and construction of building foundations, are
presented in the “Conclusions and Recommendations” section of this report.
SITE RECONNAISSANCE AND SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION
A site reconnaissance and subsurface exploration were performed on June 13, 2023. The site reconnaissance
consisted of a visual evaluation of the existing surface conditions of the site as described in the “Site
Location and Description” section of this report.
Our subsurface exploration consisted of the advancement of two hand-augured exploratory borings (HA-1
and HA-2) to depths ranging from approximately 12 to 5.5 feet below the ground surface, respectively. The
purpose of the subsurface exploration was to assess the quality of the near-surface earth materials and to
determine the depth of existing fill. The soil materials encountered were visually classified and logged in
general accordance with the visual-manual guidelines associated with the Unified Soil Classification
System. The approximate locations of the borings are shown on the enclosed Geotechnical Map (Figure 2),
and descriptive exploration logs are presented in Appendix A.
Associated with our subsurface exploration was the collection of bulk and relatively undisturbed samples
of soil materials for laboratory testing. The relatively undisturbed samples were obtained at various depths
using a 3-inch outside diameter, modified California split-spoon sampler lined with 1-inch brass ring liners
that was driven into the ground by repetitive drops of a hand operated drop hammer. The central portions
of the driven core samples were placed in sealed containers and transported to our laboratory for testing.
LABORATORY TESTING
To evaluate the engineering properties of the soils underlying the subject site, several laboratory tests were
performed on selected samples considered representative of the materials encountered. Laboratory tests
included the determination of in-situ dry unit weight and moisture content, laboratory maximum dry density
and optimum moisture content, expansion potential, Atterberg Limits, soluble sulfate and chloride content,
pH, minimum resistivity, and shear strength analyses. A description of laboratory test procedures and a
summary of the laboratory test results are provided in Appendix B and in our “Exploration Logs”,
Appendix A. An evaluation of the test data is reflected throughout the “Conclusions and
Recommendations” section of this report.
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
Page 3
FINDINGS
Background Information
A search of the website of the City of Newport Beach Building Department’s archived permit history
revealed the construction of the original residence was performed in 1965 under Lot 32 of Tract No. 4224.
As-Built Grading plans prepared by Boyle Engineering for Tract 4224, dated January 26, 1965 indicate that
the site had a 2-foot think fill blanket and indicated no other changes to the original topography in the
vicinity of the subject property. Permits for additions and remodels were pulled for the subject property in
1981, 1982, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1998.
Regional Geology
Based on our review of published geologic references, the area of the subject site is located on an elevated
coastal marine terrace deposits at the southern end of the Los Angeles Basin within the Peninsular Ranges
Geomorphic Province. This elevated terrace is characterized by an upper surface that slopes very gently
from the inland hills southwest to the sea cliffs along the Pacific Coast. The local geology is characterized
by old marine deposits (terrace deposits), which were deposited on the now emergent wave cut abrasion
platforms preserved by regional uplift.
Regional geologic maps indicate that the subject site and surrounding properties are underlain by very old
paralic deposits. The soil materials are reported to consist of silt, sand, and cobbles on emergent wave-cut
abrasion platforms. Although not encountered in our investigation, the regional geologic map (Morton,
2004) indicate that the bedrock in the vicinity of the site is derived from the Capistrano Formation and dips
generally in a northeasterly direction at an angle of 15 degrees.
Local Geology and Subsurface Conditions
Undocumented fill materials (map symbol afu) were encountered within our hand-augured exploratory
borings to approximate depths of 3 to 4 feet below the existing ground surface. The undocumented fills
consisted of a mantle of fine grained sandy clay over medium- to coarse-grained sand with abundant shell
fragments that were likely derived from the Newport bay dredging operations.
Very old paralic deposits (map symbol Qvop) were encountered in both borings HA-1 and HA-2 to the
maximum depth explored (approximately 12 feet). These materials were observed to consist of fine-grained
sandy clay that was olive gray to gray, moist, and stiff.
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
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Although not encountered during our subsurface exploration, regional geologic maps indicate that the site
is underlain at depth by bedrock materials of the Capistrano Formation. Bedrock materials are reported to
consist of very stiff to hard, massive to crudely bedded, siltstones and mudstone. Regional geologic maps
(Morton and Miller, 1981) indicate that the bedrock materials in the vicinity of the site dip 15 degrees
generally in a north-easterly direction.
Groundwater
No groundwater was encountered within our exploratory borings to the maximum depth explored
(approximately 12 feet). Furthermore, published literature indicates that the depth to historically high
groundwater in the area of the subject site is generally considered to be greater than 30 feet below the
surface (CDMG, 2001).
Faulting
Based on our review of the referenced geologic maps and literature, no active faults are known to project
through the property. Furthermore, the site does not lie within the boundaries of an “Earthquake Fault Zone”
as defined by the State of California in the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (CGS, 2018). The
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (AP Act) defines an active fault as one that “has had surface
displacement within Holocene time (about the last 11,000 years).” The main objective of the AP Act is to
prevent the construction of dwellings on top of active faults that could displace the ground surface resulting
in loss of life and property.
According to the 2014 USGS PSHA (probabilistic seismic hazard assessment) Interactive Deaggregation
web site tool and/or the 2010 CGS ‘Fault Activity Map of California’, the subject site is located
approximately 4.8 kilometers (2.9 miles) northeast of the Newport-Inglewood fault zone. The Newport-
Inglewood fault consists of a series of parallel and en-echelon, northwest-trending faults and folds
extending from the southern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains southeast to the offshore area of south
Orange County. This zone has a history of moderate to high seismic activity and has generated several
historic earthquakes greater than magnitude 4.0, including the March 11, 1933 Long Beach earthquake
(magnitude 6.3), the October 21, 1941 earthquake (magnitude 4.9), and the June 18, 1944 earthquake
(magnitude 4.5).
In addition, the San Joaquin Hills Blind Thrust Fault (SJHBTF) is believed to underlie the San Joaquin
Hills (Grant, et al, 1999) and was incorporated into the State of California probabilistic seismic hazard
database by the California Geological Survey (Cao, et al. 2003). Although the San Joaquin Hills thrust has
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
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not been observed directly at the surface, structural modeling indicates that this fault has a slip rate of
approximately 0.5 millimeter per year and a recurrence interval of approximately 1,650 to 3,100 years for
moderate-sized earthquakes. Recent blind thrust earthquakes, including the 1987 magnitude 5.9 Whittier
Narrows and the 1994 magnitude 6.7 Northridge events, have demonstrated the significance of these
features with respect to the tectonic setting of southern California.
Seismic Hazard Zones
Through the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, the California Geological Survey (formerly the California
Division of Mines and Geology) has established Seismic Hazard Zones for the more densely populated
areas of southern and northern California. According to the Seismic Hazard Zone map for the Newport 7.5-
minute quadrangle (CDMG, 1998), the location of the subject improvements are not located within an area
that has been mapped as being potentially susceptible to either earthquake-induced liquefaction or
landsliding. Based on our subsurface exploration and geologic study, we concur that the site is not
susceptible to either earthquake-induced liquefaction or landsliding.
Seismically Induced Flooding
The types of seismically induced flooding that are generally considered as potential hazards to a particular
site normally include flooding due to a tsunami (seismic sea wave), a seiche, or failure of a major reservoir
or other water retention structure upstream of the site. Since the site lies at an estimated elevation of
approximately 85 to 88 feet MSL (based on a review of Google Earth and the topographic map of the
Newport Beach Quadrangle produced by the United States Geological Survey, USGS), and lies roughly 85
feet above the adjacent Upper Newport bay, and does not lie downstream of a major reservoir retention
structure, the probability of flooding from a tsunami, seiche, or dam-break inundation is considered non-
existent. Additionally, the site is not located within a Tsunami Inundation Area on the Tsunami Inundation
Map for Emergency Planning, produced by the State of California (2019).
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
General
From a soils engineering and engineering geologic point of view, the subject property is considered suitable
for the proposed construction provided the following conclusions and recommendations are incorporated
into the design criteria and project specifications.
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
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Grading Plan Review
Although a grading plan is not yet available for review, it is expected that the proposed addition will be
constructed at essentially the same elevations as existing ground surface elevations; therefore, only minor
cuts and fills would be anticipated to be achieve proposed finish grades. However, additional fill will be
created as a result of the remedial overexcavation and recompaction of near-surface soils recommended
herein. Recommendations for site grading and for the design and construction of building foundations are
presented later in this report.
Site/Slope Stability
The proposed improvements are located in the front portion of the existing residence, near where the
property borders Galaxy Drive. An approximately 85 feet high, roughly 1.25:1 (horizontal to vertical),
northeast-southwest facing slope descends from the rear yard of the subject property. This slope exhibits a
moderate cover of natural vegetation. No previous evidence or documentation of gross or surficial
instability at the site was found during our background review.
No additions or improvements are proposed within the rear yard area adjacent to this slope. Given the
location of the proposed improvements, the gross and surficial instability of the rear yard slope are not
considered to impact the proposed improvements.
Effect of Proposed Grading on Adjacent Properties
It is our opinion that the proposed grading and construction will not adversely affect the stability of
adjoining properties provided that grading and construction are performed in accordance with the
recommendations presented herein.
PRIMARY GEOTECHNICAL CONCERNS
Existing Undocumented Fill and Unsuitable Soils
The existing undocumented fill an approximate depth of 3 to 4 feet are not suitable as a bearing media for
new fill or structure foundations. In addition, it is expected that existing surficial soils will be disturbed
during the demolition of the existing improvements. Therefore, the existing undocumented fill and any
unsuitable native soils will require complete removal to competent very old parlic deposits prior to re-
placement as engineered fill to design grade. Recommendations for remedial grading and for design and
construction of foundations are provided in the “Earthwork” and “Foundation Design Guidelines” sections
of this report.
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
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Earthwork
General Earthwork and Grading Specifications
All earthwork and grading should be performed in accordance with Chapter 15 of the Municipal Code of
the City of Newport Beach, the 2022 California Building Code (CBC), and in accordance with the following
recommendations prepared by this firm.
Site Clearing
Clearing operations should include the removal of all landscape vegetation and existing structural features
to be demolished, such as footings, retaining walls, concrete sidewalks and driveways. Trees and large
shrubs, when removed, should be grubbed out to include their stumps and major root systems. Existing
underground utilities lines located in areas of proposed grading should also be removed and the resultant
excavations backfilled with engineered fill. Should any unusual soil conditions or subsurface structures be
encountered during grading, they should be brought to the immediate attention of the project geotechnical
consultant for corrective recommendations.
Contaminant-Affected Soils
If hydrocarbon-affected soils or soils affected by potentially hazardous materials are encountered during
grading, it is recommended that the earthwork within the affected area be terminated pending further
evaluation by the project environmental consultant.
Ground Preparation
Existing fill materials to depths of approximately 3 to 4 feet are subject to compression under the anticipated
footing loads. Therefore, in order to provide suitable and relatively uniform support for the proposed
structural foundations and exterior site improvements and reduce the potential for differential settlement, it
is recommended that the fill be over-excavated to expose competent very old paralic deposits, or to a depth
of 1 foot below the bottoms of proposed structural footings, whichever is deeper, and the excavated
material replaced as engineered fill.
It is possible that localized areas may be encountered where low-density soils extend to depths in excess of
3 to 4 feet below the surface. Where such materials are encountered during grading, deeper remedial
excavation will be required to remove all low-density soils and expose competent very old paralic deposits
that are suitable for support of new engineered fills and building loads. The actual depth of required
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
Page 8
remedial removals should be determined during grading based on field observations by a representative of
this firm
Following removal of the unsuitable surficial soils and prior to replacing these soils as engineered fill, the
exposed bottom surfaces in each removal area should first be scarified to a depth of 6 inches, watered as
necessary to achieve a slightly-above optimum moisture content, and then recompacted to a minimum
relative compaction of 90 percent of the applicable laboratory maximum density standard as determined in
accordance with the current version of ASTM Test Method No. D 1557.
In order to provide adequate support for sidewalks, driveways, and similar perimeter improvements,
overexcavation and recompaction of the existing ground should essentially extend to a horizontal distance
of approximately 3 feet beyond the proposed construction; however, consideration should be given to the
protection of adjacent structures as described in the following section of this report. Further, the bottom of
the overexcavation should not encroach within an area behind a projected descending 45-degree angle with
the property line, otherwise shoring will be required per City of Newport Beach Policy No. NBMC
15.10.140. In addition, any undocumented fill exposed in the temporary overexcavation backcuts within
the footprint of the proposed improvements should also be benched out during fill placement operations.
Fill Placement and Testing
All fill should be placed in lifts not exceeding 6 inches in thickness, watered or air dried as necessary to
achieve at or above optimum moisture conditions, and then compacted in place to a minimum relative
compaction of 90 percent of the applicable laboratory maximum dry density in accordance with ASTM
Test Method D 1557. Each fill lift should be treated in a similar manner.
Imported soils, if any, should consist of clean granular materials exhibiting a Very Low expansion potential
(Expansion Index between 0 and 20) and be free of deleterious materials, oversize rock and any organic
materials. Soils to be imported should be approved by the project geotechnical consultant prior to
importation.
Excavation Characteristics
Based on the results of our subsurface investigation, all soils within the site are expected to be readily
excavatable with conventional earthmoving equipment.
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Stability of Temporary Excavation Sidewalls
During site remedial grading, temporary excavations with sidewalls of up to approximately 3 to 4 feet in
height will be required to overexcavate the existing unsuitable soils. The sidewalls of these temporary
excavations are expected to expose approximately 3 to 4 feet of fill materials that overlie very old paralic
deposits. Based on the physical characteristics of the on-site soil materials, temporary slopes of this height,
and at least 5 feet away from the property line, may be tentatively planned at a slope gradient no steeper
than 1:1 (horizontal to vertical).
However, to protect property line structures along the property lines, a 1:1 (horizontal to vertical) cut may
be excavated beginning at approximately the existing property line/structures. This 1:1 temporary backcut
should be performed in two sections. A representative of the project geotechnical consultant should observe
the first section of the temporary backcut to evaluate the necessity for alternate recommendations for
removal of the remaining wedge of soil along the property line.
Temporary slopes excavated at the above slope configurations are expected to remain stable during
construction; however, the temporary excavations should be observed by a representative of the project
geotechnical consultant for any evidence of potential instability. Depending on the results of these
observations, revised slope configurations may be necessary. Other factors that should be considered with
respect to the stability of temporary slopes include construction traffic and storage of materials on or near
the tops of the slopes, construction scheduling, presence of nearby walls or structures, and weather
conditions at the time of construction. All applicable requirements of the California Construction and
General Industry Safety Orders, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and the Construction
Safety Act should also be followed.
No temporary excavations along the property lines should be left open without proper protections to
mitigate safety hazards. The grading contractor is solely responsible for ensuring the safety of
construction personnel and the general public, and for appointing a designated “Competent Person”
to observe and classify temporary excavation sidewalls pursuant to 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA Safety
and Health Regulations for Construction).
Monitoring of Adjacent Properties
Existing adjoining residential structures in the immediate vicinity of temporary excavations may have pre-
existing damage, which go unnoticed (hairline cracks, etc.) until some construction activity draws attention
to such conditions. Then, it becomes difficult to identify whether damage was pre-existing or has been
caused by the construction. To help reduce the risk of such conflicts, it is advisable, though not required, to
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perform a pre-construction condition survey of existing structures, especially those located directly along
the property lines. This would involve visual inspection and photo and video documentation.
The proposed construction is likely to create vibrations in the vicinity of adjoining structures, due to
activities such as excavations into hard or dense earth materials. At your discretion, vibrations be monitored
on or near existing buildings and structures in order to reduce the risk of damage to existing buildings and
defend against potential future claims.
Geotechnical Observations
Exposed bottom surfaces in each removal/excavation area should be observed and approved by the project
geotechnical consultant prior to placing fill. No fills should be placed without prior approval from the
geotechnical consultant. The project geotechnical consultant should also be present on site during grading
operations to verify proper placement and adequate compaction of fill, as well as to evaluate compliance
with the other recommendations presented herein.
Post-Grading Considerations
Site Drainage
Positive drainage devices such as sloped concrete flatwork, graded swales and area drains should be
provided around the new construction to collect and direct all water to a suitable discharge area. Neither
rain nor excess irrigation water should be allowed to collect or pond against building foundations. The
owner is advised that the drainage system should be properly maintained throughout the life of the proposed
development. The purpose of this drainage system will be to reduce water infiltration into the subgrade
soils and to direct surface water away from building foundations, and walls. The following
recommendations should be implemented during construction.
1. Area drains should be extended into all planters and landscape areas that are located within 10 feet
of building foundations to reduce excessive infiltration of water into the foundation soils. Per the
2022 CBC, the ground surfaces within all landscape areas located within 10 feet of building
foundations should be sloped at a minimum gradient of 5 percent away from the walls and
foundations and to the area drains. The ground surfaces of planter and landscape areas that are
located more than 10 feet away from building foundations may be sloped at a minimum gradient
of 2 percent away from the foundations and towards the nearest area drains.
2. Per the 2022 CBC, concrete flatwork surfaces that are located within 10 feet of building foundations
should be inclined at a minimum gradient of 2 percent away from the building foundations and
towards the nearest area drains. Concrete flatwork surfaces that are located more than 10 feet away
from building foundations may be sloped at a minimum gradient of 1 percent away from the
foundations and towards the nearest area drains.
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3. A watering program should be implemented for the landscape areas that maintain a uniform, near
optimum moisture condition in the soils. Overwatering and subsequent saturation of the soils will
cause excessive soil expansion and heave and, therefore, should be avoided. On the other hand,
allowing the soils to dry out will cause excessive soil shrinkage. As an alternative to a conventional
irrigation system, drip irrigation is strongly recommended for all planter areas. The owner is
advised that all drainage devices should be properly maintained throughout the lifetime of the
development.
Bottomless Trench Drains
Infiltration is not recommended for this site.
Utility Trench Backfill
All utility trench backfill should be compacted to a minimum relative compaction of 90 percent. Onsite
soils cannot be densified adequately by flooding and jetting techniques; therefore, trench backfill materials
should be placed in lifts no greater than approximately 6 inches in thickness, watered or air dried as
necessary to achieve a uniform moisture content that is equal to or slightly above optimum moisture, and
then mechanically compacted in-place to a minimum relative compaction of 90 percent. A representative
of the project geotechnical consultant should probe and test the backfills to document that adequate
compaction has been achieved.
For shallow trenches where pipe may be damaged by mechanical compaction equipment, such as under the
building floor slab, imported clean sand exhibiting a sand equivalent value (SE) of 30 or greater may be
utilized. The sand backfill materials should be watered to achieve near optimum moisture conditions and
then tamped in place. No specific relative compaction will be required; however, observation, probing, and,
if deemed necessary, testing should be performed by a representative of the project geotechnical consultant
to document that the sand backfill is adequately compacted and will not be subject to excessive settlement.
Where utility trenches enter the footprint of the building, they should be backfilled through their entire
depths with on-site fill materials, sand-cement slurry or concrete rather than with any sand or gravel
shading. This “plug” of less- or non-permeable materials will mitigate the potential for water to migrate
through the backfilled trenches from outside of the building to the areas beneath the foundations and floor
slabs.
If clean, imported sand is to be used for backfill of exterior utility trenches, it is recommended that the
upper 12 inches of trench backfill materials consist of property compacted on-site soil materials. This is to
reduce infiltration of irrigation and rainwater into granular trench backfill materials.
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Where an interior or exterior utility trench is proposed parallel to a building footing, the bottom of the
trench should not be located below a 1:1 plane projected downward from the outside bottom edge of the
adjacent footing. Where this condition exists, the adjacent footing should be deepened such that the bottom
of the utility trench is located above the 1:1 projection.
Slope Landscaping and Maintenance
A permanent slope maintenance program should be initiated that should include the care of deep rooted
landscape vegetation, drainage and erosion control provisions, rodent control, and repair of leaking
irrigation systems. The owner should be advised that potential problems can develop when drainage on the
building pad is allowed to run onto the descending slope.
Foundation Design Guidelines
Near-Fault Site Determination
Based on our review of the referenced geologic maps and literature, no active faults are known to project
through the property. Furthermore, the site does not lie within the boundaries of an “Earthquake Fault Zone”
as defined by the State of California in the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (CGS, 2018). The
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (AP Act) defines an active fault as one that “has had surface
displacement within Holocene time (about the last 11,000 years).” The main objective of the AP Act is to
prevent the construction of dwellings on top of active faults that could displace the ground surface resulting
in loss of life and property.
However, it should be noted that according to the USGS Unified Hazard Tool website and/or 2010 CGS
Fault Activity Map of California, the Newport Inglewood Fault zone, located approximately 2.9 miles
southwest of the site, would probably generate the most severe site ground motions and, therefore, is the
majority contributor to the deterministic minimum component of the ground motion models. The subject
site is located at a distance of less than 8.5 miles (13.6 km) from the surface projection this fault system,
which is capable of producing a magnitude 7 or larger events with a slip rate along the fault greater than
0.04 inch per year. As such, the site should be considered as a Near-Fault Site in accordance with ASCE
7-16, Section 11.4.1.
Seismic Design Parameters
Earthquake loads on earthen structures and buildings are a function of ground acceleration which may be
determined from the site-specific ground motion analysis. Alternatively, a design response spectrum can be
developed for certain sites based on the code guidelines. To provide the design team with the parameters
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necessary to construct the design acceleration response spectrum for this project, we used two computer
applications. Specifically, the first computer application, which was jointly developed by Structural
Engineering Association of California (SEAOC) and California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and
Development (OSHPD), the SEA/OSHPD Seismic Design Maps Tool website, https://seismicmaps.org, is
used to calculate the ground motion parameters. The second computer application, the United Stated
Geological Survey (USGS) Unified Hazard Tool website, https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/interactive/,
is used to estimate the earthquake magnitude and the distance to surface projection of the fault.
To run the above computer applications, site latitude and longitude, seismic risk category and knowledge
of site class are required. The site class definition depends on an evaluation of the average small-strain
shear wave velocity, Vs30, within the upper 30 meters (approximately 100 feet) of site soils.
A seismic risk category of II was assigned to the proposed building in accordance with 2022 CBC,
Table 1604.5. No shear wave velocity measurement was performed at the site, however, the subsurface
materials at the site appears to exhibit the characteristics of stiff soils condition for Site Class D designation.
Therefore, an average shear wave velocity of 600 to 1,200 feet per second for the upper 100 feet was
assigned to the site based on engineering judgment and geophysical experience. As such, in accordance
with ASCE 7-16, Table 20.3-1, Site Class D (D- Default as per SEA/OSHPD software) has been assigned
to the subject site.
The following table, Table 1, provides parameters required to construct the seismic response coefficient,
Cs, curve based on ASCE 7-16, Article 12.8 guidelines. A printout of the computer output is attached in
Appendix C.
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TABLE 1
Seismic Design Parameters
Ground Motion Parameters Specific Reference Parameter
Value Unit
Site Latitude (North) - 33.6367 °
Site Longitude (West) - -117. 8918 °
Site Class Definition Section 1613.2.2 (1), Chapter 20 (2) D-Default (4) -
Assumed Seismic Risk Category Table 1604.5 (1) II -
Mw - Earthquake Magnitude USGS Unified Hazard Tool (3) 7.5 (3) -
R – Distance to Surface Projection of Fault USGS Unified Hazard Tool (3) 4.8 (3) km
Ss - Mapped Spectral Response Acceleration
Short Period (0.2 second) Figure 1613.2.1(1) (1) 1.342 (4) g
S1 - Mapped Spectral Response Acceleration
Long Period (1.0 second) Figure 1613.2.1(2) (1) 0.478 (4) g
Fa – Short Period (0.2 second) Site Coefficient Table 1613.2.3(1) (1) 1.2 (4) -
Fv – Long Period (1.0 second) Site Coefficient Table 1613.2.3(2) (1) Null (4) -
SMS – MCER Spectral Response Acceleration Parameter
Adjusted for Site Class Effect (0.2 second) Equation 16-36 (1) 1.611 (4) g
SM1 - MCER Spectral Response Acceleration Parameter
Adjusted for Site Class Effect (1.0 second) Equation 16-37 (1) Null (4) g
SDS - Design Spectral Response Acceleration at 0.2-s Equation 16-38 (1) 1.074 (4) g
SD1 - Design Spectral Response Acceleration at 1-s Equation 16-39 (1) Null (4) g
To = 0.2 SD1/ SDS Section 11.4.6 (2) Null s
Ts = SD1/ SDS Section 11.4.6 (2) Null s
TL - Long Period Transition Period Figure 22-14 (2) 8 (4) s
PGA - Peak Ground Acceleration at MCEG (*) Figure 22-9 (2) 0.582 g
FPGA - Site Coefficient Adjusted for Site Class Effect (2) Table 11.8-1 (2) 1.2 (4) -
PGAM –Peak Ground Acceleration (2)
Adjusted for Site Class Effect Equation 11.8-1 (2) 0.698 (4) g
Design PGA ≈ (⅔ PGAM) - Slope Stability (†) Similar to Eqs. 16-38 & 16-39 (2) 0.465 g
Design PGA ≈ (0.4 SDS) – Short Retaining Walls (‡) Equation 11.4-5 (2) 0.430 g
CRS - Short Period Risk Coefficient Figure 22-18A (2) 0.915 (4) -
CR1 - Long Period Risk Coefficient Figure 22-19A (2) 0.924 (4) -
SDC - Seismic Design Category (§) Section 1613.2.5 (1) Null (4) -
References:
(1) California Building Code (CBC), 2022, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Volume I and II.
(2) American Society of Civil Engineers/Structural Engineering Institute (ASCE/SEI), 2016, Minimum Design Loads and Associated
Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, Standards 7-16.
(3) USGS Unified Hazard Tool - https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/interactive/ (4) SEI/OSHPD Seismic Design Map Application – https://seismicmaps.org
Related References:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 2015, NEHERP (National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program)
Recommended Seismic Provision for New Building and Other Structures (FEMA P-1050).
Notes:
* PGA Calculated at the MCE return period of 2475 years (2 percent chance of exceedance in 50 years).
† PGA Calculated at the Design Level of ⅔ of MCE; approximately equivalent to a return period of 475 years (10 percent chance of
exceedance in 50 years).
‡ PGA Calculated for short, stubby retaining walls with an infinitesimal (zero) fundamental period.
§ The designation provided herein may be superseded by the structural engineer in accordance with Section 1613.2.5.1, if applicable.
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Discussion - General
Owing to the characteristics of the subsurface soils, as defined by Site Class D-Default designation, and
proximity of the site to the sources of major ground shaking, the site is expected to experience strong ground
shaking during its anticipated life span. Under these circumstances, where the code-specified design
response spectrum may not adequately characterize site response, the 2022 CBC typically requires a site-
specific seismic response analysis to be performed. This requirement is signified/identified by the “null”
values that are output using SEA/OSHPD software in determination of short period, but mostly, in
determination of long period seismic parameters, see Table 1.
For conditions where a “null” value is reported for the site, a variety of design approaches are permitted by
2022 CBC and ASCE 7-16 in lieu of a site-specific seismic hazard analysis. For any specific site, these
alternative design approaches, which include Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) procedure, Modal Response
Spectrum Analysis (MRSA) procedure, Linear Response History Analysis (LRHA) procedure and
Simplified Design procedure, among other methods, are expected to provide results that may or may not be
more economical than those that are obtained if a site-specific seismic hazards analysis is performed. These
design approaches and their limitations should be evaluated by the project structural engineer.
Discussion – Seismic Design Category
Please note that the Seismic Design Category, SDC, is also designated as “null” in Table 1. For conditions
where the mapped spectral response acceleration parameter at 1 – second period, S1, is less than 0.75, the
2022 CBC, Section 1613.2.5.1 allows that seismic design category to be determined from Table 1613.2.5(1)
alone provided that all 4 requirements concerning fundamental period of structure, story drift, seismic
response coefficient, and relative rigidity of the diaphragms are met. Our interpretation of ASCE 7-16 is
that for conditions where one or more of these 4 conditions are not met, seismic design category should be
assigned based on: 1) 2022 CBC, Table 1613.2.5(1), 2) structure’s risk category and 3) the value of SDS, at
the discretion of the project structural engineer.
Discussion – Equivalent Lateral Force Method
Should the Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) method be used for seismic design of structural elements, the
value of Constant Velocity Domain Transition Period, Ts, is estimated to 0.541 seconds and the value of
Long Period Transition Period, TL, is provided in Table 1 for construction of Seismic Response Coefficient
– Period (Cs -T) curve that is used in the ELF procedure.
As stated herein, the subject site is considered to be within a Site Class D-Default. A site-specific ground
motion hazard analysis is not required for structures on Site Class D-Default with S1 > 0.2 provided that
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the Seismic Response Coefficient, Cs, is determined in accordance with ASCE 7-16, Article 12.8 and
structural design is performed in accordance with Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) procedure.
Allowable Bearing Capacity, Estimated Settlement and Lateral Resistance
Existing Footings
Existing footings that are at least 12 inches deep may be used to support the new additions provided that
total loads from the existing and new construction do not exceed 1,500 pounds per square foot. If this load
limit is exceeded, or if the existing footings do not meet the recommended embedment of at least 12 inches
below adjacent finish grade, the existing footings will need to be underpinned or the new loads will need
to be transferred to new footings.
After the foundation plans have been prepared, the existing footings in all areas to receive
additional loads should be randomly exposed and observed by the project structural engineer to
verify that they will adequately support any new loads.
Allowable Soil Bearing Capacities
Pad Footings
An allowable soil bearing capacity of 1,500 pounds per square foot may be utilized for design of isolated
24-inch-square footings founded at a minimum depth of 12 inches below the lowest adjacent final grade
for pad footings that are not a part of the slab system and are used for support of such features as roof
overhang, second-story decks, patio covers, etc. This value may be increased by 20 percent for each
additional foot of depth and by 10 percent for each additional foot of width, to a maximum value of 2,500
pounds per square foot. The recommended allowable bearing value includes both dead and live loads, and
may be increased by one-third for short duration wind and seismic forces.
Continuous Footings
An allowable soil bearing capacity of 1,500 pounds per square foot may be utilized for design of continuous
footings founded at a minimum depth of 12 inches below the lowest adjacent final grade. This value may
be increased by 20 percent for each additional foot of depth and by 10 percent for each additional foot of
width, to a maximum value of 2,500 pounds per square foot. The recommended allowable bearing value
includes both dead and live loads, and may be increased by one-third for short duration wind and seismic
forces.
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Estimated Footing Settlement
Based on the allowable bearing values provided above, total static settlement of the footings under the
anticipated loads is expected to be on the order of ½ inch. Differential settlement is estimated to be on the
order of 1/4 inch over a horizontal span of 40 feet. The majority of settlement is likely to take place as
footing loads are applied or shortly thereafter.
Lateral Resistance
A passive earth pressure of 230 pounds per square foot per foot of depth, to a maximum value of 2,300
pounds per square foot, may be used to determine lateral bearing resistance for footings. In addition, a
coefficient of friction of 0.35 times the dead load forces may be used between concrete and the supporting
soils to determine lateral sliding resistance. The above values may be increased by one-third when designing
for transient wind or seismic forces. It should be noted that the above values are based on the condition
where footings are cast in direct contact with compacted fill or competent native soils. In cases where the
footing sides are formed, all backfill placed against the footings upon removal of forms should be
compacted to at least 90 percent of the applicable maximum dry density.
Guidelines for Footings and Slabs on-Grade Design and Construction
The results of our laboratory tests performed on representative samples of near-surface existing fill soils
within the site during our investigation indicate that these materials predominantly exhibit expansion
indices that are less than 20. As indicated in Section 1803.5.3 of 2022 California Building Code (2022
CBC), these soils are considered non-expansive. As such, the design of slabs on-grade is considered to be
exempt from the procedures outlined in Sections 1808.6.2 of the 2022 CBC and may be performed using
any method deemed rational and appropriate by the project structural engineer. However, the following
minimum recommendations are presented herein for conditions where the project design team may require
geotechnical engineering guidelines for design and construction of footings and slabs on-grade at the project
site.
The design and construction guidelines that follow are based on the above soil conditions and may
be considered for reducing the effects of variability in fabric, composition and, therefore, the
detrimental behavior of the site soils such as excessive short- and long-term total and differential
heave or settlement. These guidelines have been developed on the basis of the previous experience
of this firm on projects with similar soil conditions. Although construction performed in accordance
with these guidelines has been found to reduce post-construction movement and/or distress, they
generally do not positively eliminate all potential effects of variability in soils characteristics and
future heave or settlement.
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It should also be noted that the suggestions for dimension and reinforcement provided herein are
performance-based and intended only as preliminary guidelines to achieve adequate performance
under the anticipated soil conditions. However, they should not be construed as replacement for
structural engineering analyses, experience and judgment. The project structural engineer,
architect and/or civil engineer should make appropriate adjustments to slab and footing
dimensions, and reinforcement type, size and spacing to account for internal concrete forces (e.g.,
thermal, shrinkage and expansion) as well as external forces (e.g., applied loads) as deemed
necessary. Consideration should also be given to minimum design criteria as dictated by local
building code requirements.
Conventional Slabs on-Grade System
Given the expansion index of less than 20, and the characteristics as generally exhibited by onsite soils, we
recommend that footings and floor slabs be designed and constructed in accordance with the following
minimum criteria.
Footings
1. Exterior continuous footings supporting one- and two-story structures should be founded at a minimum
depth of 15 inches below the lowest adjacent final grade. Interior continuous footings may be founded
at a minimum depth of 12 inches below the top of the adjacent finish floor slabs. Interior continuous
footings width and spacing should be designed by the project structural engineer.
2. In accordance with Table 1809.7 of 2022 CBC for light-frame construction, all continuous footings
should have minimum widths of 12 inches for one- and two-story construction. We recommend all
continuous footings should be reinforced with a minimum of two No. 4 bars, one top and one bottom.
3. A minimum 12-inch-wide grade beam founded at the same depth as adjacent footings should be
provided across the garage entrances or similar openings (such as large doors or bay windows). The
grade beam should be reinforced in a similar manner as provided above.
4. Interior isolated pad footings, if required, should be a minimum of 24 inches square and founded at a
minimum depth of 12 inches below the bottoms of the adjacent floor slabs. Pad footings should be
reinforced with No. 4 bars spaced a maximum of 18 inches on centers, both ways, placed near the
bottoms of the footings.
5. Exterior isolated pad footings intended for support of colonnades, roof overhangs, upper-story decks,
patio covers, and similar construction should be a minimum of 24 inches square and founded at a
minimum depth of 18 inches below the lowest adjacent final grade. The pad footings should be
reinforced with No. 4 bars spaced a maximum of 18 inches on centers, both ways, placed near the
bottoms of the footings.
6. Exterior isolated pad footings may need to be connected to adjacent pad and/or continuous footings via
tie beams at the discretion of the project structural engineer. Further, where excessive soils settlement
issues have been identified for this site elsewhere in the report, it is strongly recommended to tie all
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footings both interior and exterior with a network of grade beams to reduce the potential differential
settlement or isolated bearing distress issues below any independent footings.
7. The spacing and layout of the interior concrete grade beam system required below floor slabs should
be determined by the project architect or structural engineer in accordance with the WRI publication
using the effective plasticity index value provided previously.
8. To reduce the potential for distress due to differential settlement between the existing building footings
and the new dwelling addition footings, the new footings should be doweled into the existing footings.
This connection between the new and existing footings should be designed by the project structural
engineer.
9. The minimum footing dimensions and reinforcement recommended herein may be modified (increased
or decreased subject to the constraints of Chapter 18 of the 2022 CBC) by the structural engineer
responsible for foundation design based on his/her calculations, engineering experience, and judgment.
Building Floor Slabs
1. Concrete floor slabs should be a minimum 4 inches thick and reinforced with a minimum No. 3 bars
spaced a maximum of 18 inches on centers, both ways. All slab reinforcement should be supported
on concrete chairs or brick to ensure the desired placement near mid-depth.
Slab dimension, reinforcement type, size and spacing need to account for internal concrete forces
(e.g., thermal, shrinkage and expansion) as well as external forces (e.g., applied loads), as deemed
necessary.
It should be noted that some of the non-climatic site parameters, which may impact slabs on-
grade performance, are not known at this time, as it is the case for many projects at the design
stage. Some of these site parameters include unsaturated soils diffusion conditions pre- and
post-construction (e.g., casting the slabs at the end of long, dry or wet periods, maintenance
during long, dry and wet periods, etc.), landscaping, alterations in site surface gradient,
irrigation, trees, etc. While the effects of any or a combination of these parameters on slab
performance cannot be accurately predicted, maintaining moisture content equilibrium within
the soils mass and planting trees at a distance greater than half of their mature height away
from the edge of foundation may reduce the potential for the adverse impact of these site
parameters on slabs on-grade performance.
2. To reduce the potential for distress due to differential settlement between the existing building slab and
the new slabs of the dwelling additions, the new slabs should be doweled into the existing slab. This
connection between the new and existing slabs should be designed by the project structural engineer.
3. Living area concrete floor slabs and areas to receive moisture sensitive floor covering should be
underlain with a moisture vapor retarder consisting of a minimum 10-mil-thick polyethylene or
polyolefin membrane that meets the minimum requirements of ASTM E96 and ASTM E1745 for vapor
retarders (such as Husky Yellow Guard®, Stego® Wrap, or equivalent). All laps within the membrane
should be sealed, and at least 2 inches of clean sand should be placed over the membrane to promote
uniform curing of the concrete.
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In general, to reduce the potential for punctures, the membrane should be placed on a pad surface that
has been graded smooth without any sharp protrusions. If a smooth surface cannot be achieved by
grading, consideration should be given to lowering the pad finished grade an additional inch and then
placing a 1-inch-thick leveling course of sand across the pad surface prior to the placement of the
membrane. Foot traffic on the membrane should be reduced to a minimum. Additional steps would also
need to be taken to prevent puncturing of the vapor retarder during concrete placement. To comply with
Section 1907.1.1 of the 2022 CBC, the living area concrete floor slab should also be underlain with
capillary break consisting of a minimum of 4 inches of gravel or crushed stone containing not more
than 10 percent of material that passes through a No. 4 sieve. The capillary break should be placed
below the 10-mil moisture vapor retarder.
At the present time, some slab designers, geotechnical professionals and concrete experts view
the sand layer below the slab (blotting sand) as a place for entrapment of excess moisture that
could adversely impact moisture-sensitive floor coverings. As a preventive measure, the
potential for moisture intrusion into the concrete slab could be reduced if the concrete is placed
directly on the vapor retarder. However, if this sand layer is omitted, appropriate curing
methods must be implemented to ensure that the concrete slab cures uniformly. A qualified
contractor with experience in slab construction and curing should provide recommendations
for alternative methods of curing and supervise the construction process to ensure uniform slab
curing.
4. Garage floor slabs should be a minimum 4 inches thick and reinforced in a similar manner as living
area floor slabs. Garage slabs should also be poured separately from adjacent wall footings with a
positive separation maintained using ¾-inch-minimum felt expansion joint material. To control the
propagation of shrinkage cracks, garage floor slabs should be quartered with weakened plane joints.
Consideration should be given to placement of a moisture vapor retarder below the garage slab, similar
to that provided in Item 2 above, should the garage slab be overlain with moisture sensitive floor
covering.
5. To reduce the potential for excessive settlement and/or heave, slabs on-grade should be structurally
connected to interior and exterior footings, and to grade beams if any, utilizing an appropriate
reinforcement configuration at the discretion of the project structural engineer, for a monolithic
performance.
6. Prior to placing concrete, the subgrade soils below living area floor slabs should be prewatered to
achieve a moisture content that is at least 1.2 times the optimum moisture content. This moisture should
penetrate to a depth of approximately 12 inches into the subgrade.
7. The minimum dimensions and reinforcement recommended herein for building floor slabs may be
modified (increased or decreased subject to the constraints of Chapter 18 of the 2022 CBC) by the
structural engineer responsible for foundation design based on his/her calculations and engineering
experience and judgment.
Foundation Observations
All foundation excavations should be observed by a representative of the project geotechnical consultant to
verify that they have been excavated into competent fill materials. These observations should be performed
prior to the placement of forms or reinforcement. The excavations should be trimmed neat, level and square.
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All loose, sloughed or moisture-softened materials and/or any construction debris should be removed prior
to the placement of concrete. Excavated soils derived from footing and utility trenches should not be placed
in slab-on-grade areas unless they are compacted to at least 90 percent of maximum dry density.
General Corrosivity Screening
As a screening level study, limited chemical and electrical tests were performed on samples considered
representative of the onsite soils to identify potential corrosive characteristics of these soils. The common
indicators that are generally associated with soil corrosivity, among other indicators, include water-soluble
sulfate (a measure of soil corrosivity on concrete), water-soluble chloride (a measure of soil corrosivity on
metals embedded in concrete), pH (a measure of soil acidity), and minimum electrical resistivity (a measure
of corrosivity on metals embedded in soils). Test methodology and results are presented in Appendix B.
It should be noted that Petra does not practice corrosion engineering; therefore, the test results,
opinion and engineering judgment provided herein should be considered as general guidelines
only. Additional analyses, and/or determination of other indicators, would be warranted,
especially, for cases where buried metallic building materials (such as copper and cast or ductile
iron pipes) in contact with site soils are planned for the project. In many cases, the project
geotechnical engineer may not be informed of these choices. Therefore, for conditions where such
elements are considered, we recommend that other, relevant project design professionals (e.g., the
architect, landscape architect, civil and/or structural engineer, etc.) to be involved. We also
recommend considering a qualified corrosion engineer to conduct additional sampling and testing
of near-surface soils during the final stages of site grading to provide a complete assessment of
soil corrosivity. Recommendations to mitigate the detrimental effects of corrosive soils on buried
metallic and other building materials that may be exposed to corrosive soils should be provided by
the corrosion engineer as deemed appropriate.
In general, a soil’s water-soluble sulfate levels and pH relate to the potential for concrete degradation;
water-soluble chlorides in soils impact ferrous metals embedded or encased in concrete, e.g., reinforcing
steel; and electrical resistivity is a measure of a soil’s corrosion potential to a variety of buried metals used
in the building industry, such as copper tubing and cast or ductile iron pipes. Table 2, below, presents test
results with an interpretation of current code approach and guidelines that are commonly used in building
construction industry. The table includes the code-related classifications of the soils as they relate to the
various tests, as well as a general recommendation for possible mitigation measures in view of the potential
adverse impact of corrosive soils on various components of the proposed structures in direct contact with
site soils. The guidelines provided herein should be evaluated and confirmed, or modified, in their entirety
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by the project structural engineer, corrosion engineer and/or the contractor responsible for concrete
placement for structural concrete used in exterior and interior footings, interior slabs on-ground, garage
slabs, wall foundations and concrete exposed to weather such as driveways, patios, porches, walkways,
ramps, steps, curbs, etc.
TABLE 2
Soil Corrosivity Screening Results
Test Test Results Classification General Recommendations
Soluble Sulfates
(Cal 417) 0.0015% S01 - Not
Applicable
Type II cement; minimum fc’ = 2,500 psi; no
water/cement ratio restrictions.
pH
(Cal 643) 7.9 Moderately
Alkaline2 Type I-P (MS) Modified or Type II Modified cement
Soluble Chloride
(Cal 422) 240 ppm C13
C24
Residence: No max water/cement ratio, f’c = 2,500 psi
Spas/Decking: water/cement ratio 0.40, f’c = 5,000 psi
Resistivity
(Cal 643) 1,500 ohm-cm Highly
Corrosive(5) Consult a corrosion engineer
Notes:
1. ACI 318-14, Section 19.3
2. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, formerly Soil Conservation Service
3. ACI 318-14, Section 19.3
4. Exposure classification C2 applies specifically to swimming pools and appurtenant concrete elements
5. Pierre R. Roberge, “Handbook of Corrosion Engineering””
Masonry Block Walls
Construction on Level Ground (Front Yard)
Footings for free-standing (non-retaining) masonry block walls may be designed in accordance with the
bearing and lateral resistance values provided previously for building footings. However, as a minimum,
the wall footings should be embedded at a minimum depth of 12 inches below the lowest adjacent final
grade. The footings should also be reinforced with a minimum of two No. 4 bars, one top and one bottom.
In order to reduce the potential for unsightly cracking related to the possible effects of differential settlement
and/or expansion, positive separations (construction joints) should also be provided in the block walls at
each corner and at horizontal intervals of approximately 20 to 25 feet. The separations should be provided
in the blocks and not extend through the footings. The footings should be poured monolithically with
continuous rebars to serve as effective “grade beams” below the walls.
Planter Walls
Low-height planter walls should be supported by continuous concrete footings constructed in accordance
with the recommendations presented previously for masonry block wall footings.
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Exterior Concrete Flatwork
General
Near-surface compacted fill soils within the site are variable in expansion behavior and are expected to
exhibit very low to low expansion potential. For this reason, we recommend that all exterior concrete
flatwork such as sidewalks, patio slabs, large decorative slabs, concrete subslabs that will be covered with
decorative pavers, and private vehicular driveways within the site be designed by the project architect
and/or structural engineer with consideration given to reducing the potential cracking and uplift that can
develop in soils exhibiting expansion index values that fall in the low category.
The guidelines that follow should be considered as minimums and are subject to review and revision by the
project architect, structural engineer and/or landscape consultant as deemed appropriate.
Thickness and Joint Spacing
To reduce the potential of unsightly cracking, concrete walkways, patio-type slabs, large decorative slabs
and concrete subslabs to be covered with decorative pavers should be at least 4 inches thick and provided
with construction joints or expansion joints every 6 feet or less. Private driveways that will be designed for
the use of passenger cars for access to private garages should also be at least 5 inches thick and provided
with construction joints or expansion joints every 10 feet or less.
Reinforcement
All concrete flatwork having their largest plan-view panel dimension exceeding 5 feet should be reinforced
with a minimum of No. 3 bars spaced 24 inches on centers, both ways. The reinforcement should be
properly positioned near the middle of the slabs.
The reinforcement recommendations provided herein are intended as guidelines to achieve
adequate performance for anticipated soil conditions. The project architect, civil and/or structural
engineer should make appropriate adjustments in reinforcement type, size and spacing to account
for concrete internal (e.g., shrinkage and thermal) and external (e.g., applied loads) forces as
deemed necessary.
Edge Beams (Optional)
Where the outer edges of concrete flatwork are to be bordered by landscaping, it is recommended that
consideration be given to the use of edge beams (thickened edges) to prevent excessive infiltration and
accumulation of water under the slabs. Edge beams, if used, should be 6 to 8 inches wide, extend 8 inches
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
Page 24
below the tops of the finish slab surfaces. Edge beams are not mandatory; however, their inclusion in
flatwork construction adjacent to landscaped areas is intended to reduce the potential for vertical and
horizontal movement and subsequent cracking of the flatwork related to uplift forces that can develop in
expansive soils.
Subgrade Preparation
Compaction
To reduce the potential for distress to concrete flatwork, the subgrade soils below concrete flatwork areas
to a minimum depth of 12 inches (or deeper, as either prescribed elsewhere in this report or determined in
the field) should be moisture conditioned to at least equal to, or slightly greater than, the optimum moisture
content and then compacted to a minimum relative compaction of 90 percent.
Pre-Moistening
As a further measure to reduce the potential for concrete flatwork cracking, subgrade soils should be
thoroughly moistened prior to placing concrete. The moisture content of the soils should be at least 1.2
times the optimum moisture content and penetrate to a minimum depth of 12 inches into the subgrade. Pre-
watering of the soils is intended to promote uniform curing of the concrete, reduce the development of
shrinkage cracks and reduce the potential for differential expansion pressure on freshly poured flatwork. A
representative of the project geotechnical consultant should observe and verify the density and moisture
content of the soils, and the depth of moisture penetration prior to pouring concrete.
Drainage
Drainage from patios and other flatwork areas should be directed to local area drains and/or graded earth
swales designed to carry runoff water to the adjacent streets or other approved drainage structures. The
concrete flatwork should be sloped at a minimum gradient as discussed earlier in the Site Drainage section
of this report, or as prescribed by project civil engineer or local codes, away from building foundations,
retaining walls, masonry garden walls and slope areas.
Tree Wells
Tree wells are not recommended in concrete flatwork areas since they introduce excessive water into the
subgrade soils and allow root invasion, both of which can cause heaving and cracking of the flatwork.
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
Page 25
Construction Along Top of Adjacent Descending Slope
Improvements are not proposed within the rear yard area along the top of slope. Recommendations
presented in this report are not applicable for other site locations other than those described in the “Proposed
Construction” section of this report. An extensive supplemental field investigation would be required to
prepare recommendations for any top of slope structures, should these improvements be proposed in the
future.
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Should any new structures or improvements be proposed at any time in the future other than those shown
on the enclosed site plan and discussed herein, our firm should be notified so that we may provide design
recommendations. Design recommendations are particularly critical for any new improvements that may
be proposed on or near descending slopes, and in areas where they may interfere with the proposed
permanent drainage facilities. As discussed above, an extensive supplemental field investigation would be
required to prepare recommendations for any top of slope structures, should these improvements be
proposed in the future.
Potential problems can develop when drainage on the pad is altered in any way (i.e., excavations or
placement of fills associated with construction of new walkways, patios, block walls and planters).
Therefore, it is recommended that we be engaged to review the final design drawings, specifications and
grading plan prior to any new construction. If we are not given the opportunity to review these documents
with respect to the geotechnical aspects of new construction and grading, we can take no responsibility for
misinterpretation of our recommendations presented herein.
REPORT LIMITATIONS
This report is based on the proposed project and geotechnical data as described herein. The materials
encountered on the project site, described in other literature, and utilized in our laboratory investigation are
believed representative of the project area, and the conclusions and recommendations contained in this
report are presented on that basis. However, soil and bedrock materials can vary in characteristics between
points of exploration, both laterally and vertically, and those variations could affect the conclusions and
recommendations contained herein. As such, observation and testing by a geotechnical consultant during
the grading and construction phases of the project are essential to confirming the basis of this report. To
provide the greatest degree of continuity between the design and construction phases, consideration should
be given to retaining Petra for construction services.
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
Page 26
Our scope of services did not include geotechnical investigation within the rear yard of the property and
did not include evaluation or stability analysis of the bluff slope descending from the rear yard of the
property. Therefore, this report does not contain adequate information for use in the design and
construction of any improvements in the back yard of the site and provides no opinions, recommendations,
or conclusions regarding the stability of the back yard descending slope. Future development within the
rear yard of the site should be based on additional testing and evaluation of site conditions in consideration
of proposed development. A geotechnical consultant should be retained to provide additional investigation
as deemed necessary to develop design and construction recommendations and to provide a bluff slope
stability analysis.
This report has been prepared consistent with the level of care being provided by other professionals
providing similar services at the same locale and time period. The contents of this report are professional
opinions and as such, are not to be considered a guarantee or warranty.
This report should be reviewed and updated after a period of one year or if the project concept changes
from that described herein. This report has not been prepared for use by parties or projects other than those
named or described herein as it may not contain sufficient information for other parties or other purposes.
This opportunity to be of service is sincerely appreciated. Please call if you have any questions pertaining
to this report.
Respectfully submitted,
PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC.
______________________________
Don Obert
Associate Engineer
RGE 2872
______________________________ ______________________________
Evan Price Kurtis Morenz
Associate Geologist Senior Staff Geologist
CEG 2589
DO/EP/KM/lv
W:\2020-2025\2023\200\23-234\Reports\23-234 110 Geotechnical Investigation.docx
MR. CRAIG MACOMBER July 24, 2023
1812 Galaxy Drive / Newport Beach J.N. 23-234
Page 27
REFERENCES
American Concrete Institute, 2014, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-14) and
Commentary, Committee 318.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 2016, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
(Standard 7-16).
California Building Standards Commission, 2022, California Building Code, California Code of Regulations, Title
24, Part 2, Volume 1 of 2, dated July.
California Division of Mines and Geology, 1997, Seismic Hazard Zone Report for the Newport Beach 7.5-Minute
Quadrangle, Orange County, California: California Department of Conservation Division of Mines and
Geology, Seismic Hazard Zone Report 012.
California Emergency Management Agency, 2019, Tsunami Inundation Map for Emergency Planning, State of
California, County of Orange, Newport Beach Quadrangle: map prepared in cooperation with the California
Geologic Survey and the University of Southern California, dated March 21.
California Geological Survey, 2010, ‘Fault Activity Map of California, Geologic Data Map No. 6,
http://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/fam/.
California Geological Survey, 2018, Earthquake Fault Zones, A Guide for Government Agencies, Property
Owners/Developers, and Geoscience Practitioners for Assessing Fault Rupture Hazards in California, Special
Publication 42.
Cao, T., Bryant, W.A., Rowshandel, B., Branum, D., and Willis, C.J., 2003, “The Revised 2002 California
Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Maps”: California Division of Mines and Geology, Open-File
Report 96-08.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 2015, NEHERP (National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program) Recommended Seismic Provision for New Building and Other Structures (FEMA P-1050).
Grant, L. B. et al., 1999, Late Quaternary Uplift and Earthquake Potential of the San Joaquin Hills, Southern Los
Angeles Basin, California. Geology, Vol. 27 No. 11, p. 1031-1034.
Miller, R.V., and Tan, S.S., 1976, Geology and Engineering Geologic Aspects of the South Half Tustin Quadrangle,
Orange County, California: California Division of Mines and Geology, Special Report 126
Morton, D.M., 2004, Preliminary Digital Geologic Map of the Santa Ana 30’ x 60’ Quadrangle, Southern California,
United States Geological Survey, Open File Report 99-172, 2 Sheets, Scale 1:100,000.
Morton, P.K., and Miller, R.V., 1981, Geologic Map of Orange County, California Showing Mines and Mineral
Deposits: California Division of Mines and Geology, Scale 1" = 4000'.
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.
SEAOC & OSHPD Seismic Design Maps Web Application – https://seismicmaps.org/
United States Geological Survey (USGS), 2014, Unified Hazard Tool,
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/interactive/
FIGURES
Scale: 1” = 2,000’
Base Map: Portions of USGS Newport Beach, Newport Beach South,
Tustin, and Laguna Beach Quadrangles 7.5-Minute Topographic Series, 2015
N 3186 Airway Avenue, Suite K
Costa Mesa, California 92626
PHONE: (714) 549-8921
SITE LOCATION MAP
1812 Galaxy Drive
Newport Beach, California
DATE: July 2023
J.N.: 23-234 Figure 1
COSTA MESA TEMECULA LOS ANGELES PALM DESERT CORONA ESCONDIDO
PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC.
SITE
N
COSTA MESA TEMECULA LOS ANGELES PALM DESERT CORONA ESCONDIDO
3186 Airway Avenue, Suite K
Costa Mesa, California 92626
PHONE: (714) 549-8921
BORING LOCATION MAP
1812 Galaxy Drive
Newport Beach, California
DATE: July, 2023
J.N.: 23-234 Figure 2
PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC.
HA-2
TD=5.5’
HA-2
TD=8’
af
Qes
B-1
TD=51.5’
B-2
TD=26.5’
B-3
TD=26.5’
B-4
TD=26.5’
365365TP-1
TD=5’
TP-2
TD=5’
Qyf
af
B-1
TD=5’
B-2
TD=21.5’
B-3
TD=61.5’
EXPLANATION
Artificial Fill, undocumented
Very Old Paralic Deposits; circled where buried
Approximate Location of Exploratory Boring
TD= Total Depth
afu
HA-2
TD=5.5’
Proposed
Remodel
HA-1
TD=12’
PR Limits of
Report
Base Map: Graphic Impact “Site Plan & Details for 1812 Galaxy Dr., NB” Sheet A1, dated 1/26/23.
Qvop
afu
Qvop
afu
Qvop
Scale: 1” = 20’
0 10 20
GEOTECHNICAL MAP
APPENDIX A
EXPLORATION LOGS
Key to Soil and Bedrock Symbols and Terms
Co
a
r
s
e
-
g
r
a
i
n
e
d
So
i
l
s
>1
/
2
o
f
m
a
t
e
r
i
a
l
s
i
s
la
r
g
e
r
t
h
a
n
#
2
0
0
si
e
v
e
Fi
n
e
-
g
r
a
i
n
e
d
S
o
i
l
s
>
1
/
2
o
f
m
a
t
e
r
i
a
l
s
i
s
sm
a
l
l
e
r
t
h
a
n
#
2
0
0
si
e
v
e
Th
e
N
o
.
2
0
0
U
.
S
.
S
t
a
n
d
a
r
d
S
i
e
v
e
i
s
a
b
o
u
t
t
h
e
sm
a
l
l
e
s
t
p
a
r
t
i
c
l
e
v
i
s
i
b
l
e
t
o
t
h
e
n
a
k
e
d
e
y
e
GRAVELS
more than half of coarse
fraction is larger than #4
sieve
SANDS
more than half of coarse
fraction is larger than #4
sieve
SILTS & CLAYS
Liquid Limit
Less Than 50
SILTS & CLAYS
Liquid Limit
Greater Than 50
Clean Gravels
(less than 5% fines)
Gravels
with fines
Clean Sands
(less than 5% fines)
Sands
with fines
Highly Organic Soils
Well-graded gravels, gravel-sand mixtures, little or no finesGW
GP
GM
GC
SW
SP
SM
SC
ML
CL
OL
MH
CH
OH
PT
Poorly-graded gravels, gravel-sand mixtures, little or no fines
Silty Gravels, poorly-graded gravel-sand-silt mixtures
Clayey Gravels, poorly-graded gravel-sand-clay mixtures
Well-graded sands, gravelly sands, little or no fines
Poorly-graded sands, gravelly sands, little or no fines
Silty Sands, poorly-graded sand-gravel-silt mixtures
Clayey Sands, poorly-graded sand-gravel-clay mixtures
Inorganic silts & very fine sands, silty or clayey fine sands,
clayey silts with slight plasticity
Organic silts & clays of low plasticity
Inorganic silts, micaceous or diatomaceous fine sand or silt
Inorganic clays of high plasticity, fat clays
Organic silts and clays of medium-to-high plasticity
Peat, humus swamp soils with high organic content
Description Sieve Size Grain Size Approximate Size
Boulders >12">12"Larger than basketball-sized
Cobbles 3 - 12"3 - 12"Fist-sized to basketball-sized
Gravel
Sand
Fines
Inorganic clays of low to medium plasticity, gravelly clays,
sandy clays, silty clays, lean clays
coarse
fine
coarse
medium
fine
3/4 - 3"3/4 - 3"
#4 - 3/4 0.19 - 0.75"
Thumb-sized to fist-sized
#10 - #4 0.079 - 0.19"
Pea-sized to thumb-sized
#40 - #10 0.017 - 0.079"
#200 - #40 0.0029 - 0.017"
Passing #200 <0.0029"
Rock salt-sized to pea-sized
Sugar-sized to rock salt-sized
Flour-sized to sugar-sized to
Flour-sized and smaller
Trace
Few
Some
Numerous
< 1%
1 - 5%
5 - 12%
12 - 20%
Laboratory Test Abbreviations
MAX Maximum Dry Density
EXP Expansion Potential
SO4 Soluble Sulfate Content
RES Resistivity
pH Acidity
CON Consolidation
SW Swell
CL Chloride Content
RV R-Value
MA Mechanical (Particle Size) Analysis
AT Atterberg Limits
#200 #200 Screen Wash
DSU Direct Shear (Undisturbed Sample)
DSR Direct Shear (Remolded Sample)
HYD Hydrometer Analysis
SE Hydrometer Analysis
OC Organic Content
COMP Mortar Cylinder Compression
Approximate Depth of Seepage
Approximate Depth of Standing Groundwater
Modified California Split Spoon Sample
Standard Penetration Test
Bulk Sample
No Recovery in Sampler
Shelby Tube
Soft
Moderately
Hard
Hard
Very Hard
Can be crushed and granulated by
hand; "soil like" and structureless
Can be grooved with fingernails;
gouged easily with butter knife;
crumbles under light hammer blow
Cannot break by hand; can be
grooved with a sharp knife; breaks
with a moderate hammer blow
Sharp knife leaves scratch; chips
with repeated hammer blows
Notes:
Blows Per Foot: Number of blows required to advance sampler 1 foot (unless a lesser distance is specified). Samplers in general were driven into the soil or
bedrock at the bottom of the hole with a standard (140 lb.) hammer dropping a standard 30 inches unless noted otherwise in Log Notes. Drive samples collected
in bucket auger borings may be obtained by dropping non-standard weight from variable heights. When a SPT sampler is used the blow count conforms to ASTM
D-1586.
Unified Soil Classification System
Grain Size
Modifiers
Sampler and Symbol Descriptions Bedrock Hardness
Dry
Slightly Moist
Moist
VeryMoist
Wet (Saturated)
Moisture Content
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
ARTIFICIAL FILL, undocumented (afu)
Sandy Clay (CL): Brown, moist, soft to firm, fine-grained sand.
Sand (SP): Off-white to yellow, moist, medium-dense, medium- to
coarse-grained sand, poorly sorted, abundant shells (Bay dredge
fill).
VERY OLD PARALIC DEPOSITS (Qvop)
Sandy Clay (CL): Gray with trace orange staining, moist, stiff,
trace roots, moderately plastic.
Total Depth= 12'
No groundwater encountered
Boring backfilled with cuttings.
84.6 32.5
Project:New Addition Boring No.:HA-1
Location:1812 Galaxy Drive, Newport Beach Elevation:±88'
Job No.:23-234 Client:Craig Macomber Date:6/13/2023
Drill Method:Hand Auger Driving Weight:Hand Driven Logged By:KTM
Depth
(Feet)
Lith-
ology Material Description
W
A
T
E
R
Blows
per
6 in.
Samples
C
o
r
e
B
u
l
k
Moisture
Content
(%)
Laboratory Tests
Dry
Density
(pcf)
Other
Lab
Tests
E X P L O R A T I O N L O G
Petra Geosciences, Inc.
PLATE A-1
Sample disturbed.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
ARTIFICIAL FILL, undocumented (afu)
Sandy Clay (CL): Dark brown, moist, soft, fine-grained sand.
Sand (SP): Brown to gray, moist, medium-dense, medium- to
coarse-grained sand, poorly sorted, abundant shells (Bay dredge
fill).
VERY OLD PARALIC DEPOSITS (Qvop)
Sandy Clay (CL): Olive gray, moist, stiff, medium-grained sand,
moderately plastic.
Total Depth= 5.5'
No groundwater encountered
Boring backfilled with cuttings.
MAX, EI,
SO4, AT,
RES, CL, pH,
DSR
Project:New Addition Boring No.:HA-2
Location:1812 Galaxy Drive, Newport Beach Elevation:±88'
Job No.:23-234 Client:Craig Macomber Date:6/13/2023
Drill Method:Hand Auger Driving Weight:Hand Driven Logged By:KTM
Depth
(Feet)
Lith-
ology Material Description
W
A
T
E
R
Blows
per
6 in.
Samples
C
o
r
e
B
u
l
k
Moisture
Content
(%)
Laboratory Tests
Dry
Density
(pcf)
Other
Lab
Tests
E X P L O R A T I O N L O G
Petra Geosciences, Inc.
PLATE A-2
Sample disturbed.
APPENDIX B
LABORATORY TEST PROCEDURES
LABORATORY DATA SUMMARY
_____________________________________________________ ______________________________________
PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC. Laboratory Address: 1251 W. Pomona Road, Unit 103, Corona, CA, 92882
J.N. 23-234
LABORATORY TEST PROCEDURES
Soil Classification
Soil materials encountered within the property were classified and described in accordance with the Unified
Soil Classification System and in general accordance with the current version of Test Method ASTM
D 2488. The assigned group symbols are presented in the exploration logs, Appendix A.
In Situ Moisture Content and Dry Unit Weight
In-place moisture content and dry unit weight of selected, relatively undisturbed soil samples were
determined in accordance with the current version of the Test Method ASTM D 2435 and Test Method
ASTM D 2216, respectively. Test data are presented on the exploration logs, Appendix A.
Laboratory Maximum Dry Unit Weight and Optimum Moisture Content
The maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content of the on-site soils were determined for a
selected bulk sample in accordance with current version of ASTM D 1557. The results of this test are
presented on Plate B-1.
Expansion Index
An expansion index test was performed on a selected bulk sample of the on-site soils in accordance with
the current version of Test Method ASTM D 4829. The test results are presented on Plate B-1.
Corrosivity Screening
Chemical and electrical analyses were performed on a selected bulk sample of onsite soils to determine
their soluble sulfate content, chloride content, pH (acidity), and minimum electrical resistivity. These tests
were performed in accordance with the current versions of California Test Method Nos. CTM 417,
CTM 422 and CTM 643, respectively. The results of these tests are included on Plate B-1.
Atterberg Limits
The Atterberg limits (liquid limit and plastic limit) were determined for a selected bulk sample of
representative materials in accordance with the current version of Test Method ASTM D 4318. The soil
was found to be non-plastic.
Direct Shear
The Coulomb shear strength parameters, i.e., angle of internal friction and cohesion, were determined for a
selected, reconstituted-bulk sample of onsite soil. The test was performed in general accordance with the
current version of Test Method ASTM D 3080. Three specimens were prepared for each test. The test
specimens were inundated and then sheared under various normal loads at a constant strain rate of 0.005
inch per minute. The results of the direct shear test are graphically presented on Plate B-2.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC. Laboratory Address: 1251 W. Pomona Road, Unit 103, Corona, CA, 92882
J.N. 23-234 PLATE B-1
LABORATORY DATA SUMMARY*
Boring
Number
Sample
Depth
(ft)
Soil Description
Max.
Dry
Density 1
(pcf)
Optimum
Moisture1
(%)
Expansion
Index2
Expansion
Potential
Classification3
Atterberg
Limits4 Sulfate
Content5
(%)
Chloride
Content6
(ppm)
pH7
Minimum
Resistivity7
(Ohm-cm) LL PL PI
HA-1 0-5 Clayey Sand
(SC) 122.0 10.0 3 Very Low NP NP NP 0.0015 240 7.9 1,500
HA-1 & HA-2 Mix of 3 & 4 Sandy Clay (CL) - - 16 Very Low - - - - - - -
*Note: Laboratory data pertaining to in-place soil moisture content and dry density are provided on the exploration logs included in Appendix A of this report.
NP = Non Plastic
Test Procedures: 1 Per ASTM Test Method D 1557 5 Per Caltrans Test Method 417
2 Per ASTM Test Method D 4829 6 Per Caltrans Test Method 422
3 Per ASTM Test Method D 4829 Table 1 7 Per Caltrans Test Method 643
4 Per ASTM Test Method D 4318
Tested By: DI
Client: Galaxy
Project: Addition Galaxy, Newport Beach
Source of Sample: 23L158 Depth: 0-3
Sample Number: HA-2
Proj. No.: 23-234 Date Sampled:
Sample Type: Remold
Description: Brown, silty fine to coarse grained sand
Specific Gravity= 2.65
Remarks:
Figure
Sample No.
Water Content, %
Dry Density, pcf
Saturation, %
Void Ratio
Diameter, in.
Height, in.
Water Content, %
Dry Density, pcf
Saturation, %
Void Ratio
Diameter, in.
Height, in.
Normal Stress, ksf
Fail. Stress, ksf
Strain, %
Ult. Stress, ksf
Strain, %
Strain rate, in./min.
In
i
t
i
a
l
At
T
e
s
t
Sh
e
a
r
S
t
r
e
s
s
,
k
s
f
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Strain, %
0 5 10 15 20
1
2
3
Ve
r
t
i
c
a
l
D
e
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n
,
i
n
.
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
-0.01
-0.02
-0.03
Strain, %
0 3 6 9 12
Dilation
Consol.
1
2
3
Ul
t
.
S
t
r
e
s
s
,
k
s
f
Fa
i
l
.
S
t
r
e
s
s
,
k
s
f
0
2
4
6
Normal Stress, ksf
0 2 4 6
C, ksf
f, deg
Tan(f)
Fail.Ult.
0.41
30.4
0.59
0.26
28.9
0.55
1
4.0
115.3
24.4
0.4350
2.42
1.01
15.5
116.3
97.3
0.4229
2.42
1.00
1.00
1.00
2.3
0.84
10.3
0.040
2
4.0
116.0
24.9
0.4259
2.42
1.00
14.6
117.4
94.5
0.4090
2.42
0.99
2.00
1.60
2.5
1.33
9.3
0.040
3
4.0
115.3
24.4
0.4345
2.42
1.01
14.7
118.7
98.6
0.3936
2.42
0.98
4.00
2.76
2.9
2.48
10.3
0.040
Plate B-2
APPENDIX C
SEISMIC DESIGN ANALYSES
7/21/23, 5:49 PM U.S. Seismic Design Maps
https://www.seismicmaps.org 1/2
Latitude, Longitude: 33.6367, -117.8918
Date 7/21/2023, 5:49:54 PM
Design Code Reference Document ASCE7-16
Risk Category II
Site Class D - Default (See Section 11.4.3)
Type Value Description
SS 1.342 MCER ground motion. (for 0.2 second period)
S1 0.478 MCER ground motion. (for 1.0s period)
SMS 1.611 Site-modified spectral acceleration value
SM1 null -See Section 11.4.8 Site-modified spectral acceleration value
SDS 1.074 Numeric seismic design value at 0.2 second SA
SD1 null -See Section 11.4.8 Numeric seismic design value at 1.0 second SA
Type Value Description
SDC null -See Section 11.4.8 Seismic design category
Fa 1.2 Site amplification factor at 0.2 second
Fv null -See Section 11.4.8 Site amplification factor at 1.0 second
PGA 0.582 MCEG peak ground acceleration
FPGA 1.2 Site amplification factor at PGA
PGAM 0.698 Site modified peak ground acceleration
TL 8 Long-period transition period in seconds
SsRT 1.342 Probabilistic risk-targeted ground motion. (0.2 second)
SsUH 1.467 Factored uniform-hazard (2% probability of exceedance in 50 years) spectral acceleration
SsD 2.566 Factored deterministic acceleration value. (0.2 second)
S1RT 0.478 Probabilistic risk-targeted ground motion. (1.0 second)
S1UH 0.518 Factored uniform-hazard (2% probability of exceedance in 50 years) spectral acceleration.
S1D 0.827 Factored deterministic acceleration value. (1.0 second)
PGAd 1.042 Factored deterministic acceleration value. (Peak Ground Acceleration)
PGAUH 0.582 Uniform-hazard (2% probability of exceedance in 50 years) Peak Ground Acceleration
CRS 0.915 Mapped value of the risk coefficient at short periods
CR1 0.924 Mapped value of the risk coefficient at a period of 1 s
CV 1.368 Vertical coefficient
7/21/23, 5:49 PM U.S. Seismic Design Maps
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