Observations/Finding

As requested, the site was visited by our AS Engineering and Consulting (ASEC) representative for the purpose of providing quality control inspection and testing services.  Visual observation techniques were employed to verify compliance with project drawing/specifications, applicable codes, and materials submittals. The following observations were observed on site this day.

On the above date our representative was on site to observe existing conditions for the foundation wall after several rain events in which water was observed covering the footing and the bottom portion of the wall. The contractor had pumped most of the water off the top of the footing but due to the project being shut down our representative could not access areas close to the base of wall which were also still inundated with water and washed silt. Information obtained from the contractor concerning the wall construction was that the design  bearing pressure for the footing wall was 2000 psf and the bottom of footing elevation encountered groundwater where recommendations were made to undercut 2 feet and replace with No. 57 stone which was suitable for the design bearing pressure of 2000 psf. Due to the current conditions mentioned above, the suitability of the underlying stability of the wall could not be verified. It is recommended to complete pumping out the existing water so the outside edge of the footing can be visually inspected.  It is our opinion that with the size of the footing being 8 to 12 feet in width, the foundation under the wall has not been compromised and will be verified with further observation after the water and washed silt are removed. The writer also observed onsite stockpiled soils which were found to be saturated with moisture contents ranging from 5 % to 8% over optimum moisture content and would be difficult to obtain the required compaction efforts of 95%. Also, most offsite fill soils will be saturated and due to in place saturated conditions and ground water levels it is recommended to use M-10 sand for starting the backfill with an initial thickened lift over the top of the footing (2′ to 3′ in thickness) and compacting using a smooth drum roller. Depending on obtaining drier soils the remaining fill depths can be mixed with M-10 sand to lessen moisture contents of saturated onsite soils. Fill placement should be observed and density tests performed by a technician from ASEC. It is also recommended to perform field proctors during fill placement when mixing M-10 sand which can then be verified by a Moisture-Density Relationship. The section of wall observed today was Wall C and Wall B located at the south side of the project along Delevan St.

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Observed wall location

Existing observed conditions at inside wall

Existing observed outside wall conditions