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.

Our ASEC representative was on site for the observation/testing of the placement of fill/backfill. The wall crew (Orion) continued placing backfill along the retaining wall in 6in to 8in lifts and compacting via sheep-foot roller. Density testing was performed, and all test results were provided to the contractor. The wall crew appears to be running low on backfill material. The red soil stockpiled onsite, was outside of optimum moisture range to be properly compacted. This information was provided to the contractors. The retaining wall runs in-between two support cables for a powerline located on the railroad side of the site. This was the contractor decision to proceed with the installation of the wall in this area.

The road crew (Bowlin) was present on site. Our representative observed the road crew filling in the roadway in front of retaining wall with the unsuitable material that was stockpiled on site. This material consisted of large boulders, topsoil, and trash. It was also observed that the lifts being placed in the roadway were approximately 2+ feet in thickness. Our representative recommended not to use this unsuitable material, and to place smaller lifts, consisting of 8 in to 12 in in size, for proper compaction. The contractors argued with our representative about the size of the lifts and the material being used. Our ASEC representative called the road crew boss (Thomas with Bowlin) to inform him of the work his crew was conducting. Thomas made it very clear to our representative that it “was not your job to tell me (Thomas) how to do the work” and that he “had been to the site and looked at the material himself”. He said our representative had no right to stop his work and to not interfere with his crew. He also stated, ” you’re only here for density testing, and to provide him with test results”. Our ASEC representative told Thomas that this area of the roadway had not been proof-rolled and cleared prior to his crew placing the fill. Thomas said, “the whole site has been proof-rolled, and he has heard all about how the testing has been going onsite”. A large amount of water was present, from the previous night’s rain, in the lower part of the roadway where fill is being placed. It is up to the contractor to relocate this water before placing fill, or to mix it in with drier fill materials to try to achieve optimum moisture content.

Our representative called Mr. Patel to inform him of the improper work, and Mr. Patel came to the site. Mr. Patel agreed that the work was out of code, and that the fill material was unsuitable for structural fill areas. Mr. Patel also agreed that the red stockpiled fill material was outside of optimum range for proper compaction. Mr. Patel also said that this area of the roadway (in front of retaining wall) was not proof-rolled. Mr. Patel conducted a proof-roll and informed the contractor of which areas to undercut and replace with proper fill material.

Our ASEC representative will do their best to help the contractor properly complete their work but will not tolerate unwarranted disrespect. It is up to the contractor to provide proper fill material and to install the lifts and properly compact them. It is not our ASEC representative’s job to tell them how to complete their tasks. Our representative simply informs/recommends to them of how they could properly complete their work and if the work is within the spec of the site or not. If Thomas claims he doesn’t need anything but testing, then our ASEC representative will not provide any further recommendations to his crew, and it will be their responsibility to make sure the material is within proper spec/compaction. Our representative preformed density testing in the roadway as requested. All tests failed and test results were provided to the contractor.

We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you on this project. If you have any questions regarding this report, please feel free to contact us. We will be more than happy to discuss it with you.

roadway bench cut out of slope on retaining wall

unsuitable fill

large quanity of organics in fill

wall splits power line supports

road fill

water present in roadway during filling