RFI Questions BlackRiver.pdf

12445525B0018

Question and Answer Document

1. Ref: sheet C-1 131, Detail 1/S1 302

a. Question: Sheet C-1 131 references detail 1/S-1 302 but there is no S-1 302 sheet provided. Please provide clarification for detail 1/S-1 302.

See Detail 6 S-1 301

2. Please confirm whether the new stair structures at Sandstone Falls should exactly follow the existing alignment or if minor deviations are acceptable to avoid environmental or geotechnical conflicts.

Minor Deviations in the field can be approved by the CO or designated COR.

3. Are there any restrictions on contractor staging areas beyond those shown in the drawings?

Staging areas are limited to those in the drawings and minor amounts adjacent to where work is being performed

4. Please confirm whether invasive species wash-down protocols (noted in the drawings) require certified inspection reports or just contractor documentation.

Contractor documentation with inspection/approval by CO’s designated representative.

5. Are there any weight restrictions on access roads/bridges leading to the sites that could limit delivery of equipment or materials?

None known on the public roads accessing the sites.

6. Please confirm if any underground utilities are present near the work areas. Drawings state none are shown — is it safe to assume “none exist”?

C-0 001 has contractor responsible for locating utilities

7. The geotechnical report recommends inspection and density testing for fill. Please confirm whether a third-party geotechnical firm will be hired by the Owner or if the Contractor must retain one.

Testing is to be provided by the contractor

8. For erosion control, the drawings list both temporary and permanent seeding. Please confirm if soil amendments (topsoil, fertilizer) are required.

Amendments are required for permanent seeding.

9. Geotech recommendations require MDOT Class II or 21AA aggregate for backfill. Are recycled aggregates meeting MDOT gradations acceptable?

Recycled materials that meet the specification are acceptable.

10. Specs do not explicitly list exposure class (e.g., ACI durability requirements for freeze-thaw, sulfates, etc.). Please confirm if concrete should be designed for Exposure Class F3 (severe freeze-thaw) given site conditions near the falls.

See S-0 002 of the planset

11. Are air-entrainment and admixtures (e.g., corrosion inhibitors) required for cast-in-place piers exposed to splash zone moisture?

See S-0 002 of the planset

12. Helical pile notes require battered or cross-braced piles for lateral stability, while the geotechnical report recommends battered piers only “where required”. Please clarify if all piles must be battered, or only select ones.

See S-0 002 of the planset Helical Pile Note 2

13. Specs require Contractor-designed helical piles and also reference Techno Metal Post as “basis of design.” Please confirm whether alternate manufacturers will be acceptable if design criteria are met.

Specifications list multiple companies and allow for substitutions

14. Specs say contractor must control groundwater, does a formal dewatering plan need to be submitted for approval before construction?

No formal dewatering plan is required, BMPs and permit requirements must be followed

15. Specs say concrete testing is to be perform but don’t call out the frequency, will onsite batch testing (slump, air, cylinders) be required at every pour, or only at critical structural pours?

See 033000 3.06 D

16. Please confirm if archaeological or environmental monitoring will be required during excavation in this protected area.

Monitoring of soil conditions will be performed

17. Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals? No

18. Is silt fence required along the entire length of the project?

Silt fence is required in designated areas, where needed per BMPs, and section 015713

19. Is phasing required?

The project is to be completed in a singles phase, however individual sites may be completed and accepted prior to completion of the whole project.

20. Can we shut down the entire trail for construction?

The trails for specific sites should be shut down, trail cross traffic should be maintained.

Closure signage location is found on trail plans

21. Which type of foundation should be used at each location—concrete piers or helical piers?

Per plans

22. What is the procedure for inspection and acceptance of helical pier installation torque records and calibration certificates?

Helical Pile System is a delegated design per S-0 002.

23. What contractor access routes are permitted to reach the steep slopes with equipment?

Restrict equipment to existing trail corridors. Where deviation is required to avoid trail structures the use of mats or other mitigation methods approved by the CO will be required.

Streams are not to be forded with equipment Where wetlands are to be crossed, cross at the narrowest point and protect with matting or other mitigation measures approved by the CO. Cross drainage is to be maintained during the contract period.

24. What are the tree clearing limits and protection requirements for mature vegetation near the structures?

Mature vegetation is to be protected, removal of vegetation shall be approved on a case by case basis on site.

25. What timber species and treatment requirements are specified for stair framing, decking, and railings?

See S-0 003

26. Should hardware be hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel given the riverside conditions?

Galvanized per plans

27. What are the required connection details between helical piers or concrete piers and the superstructure?

S-3 302, S-3 303, and S-0 003 have connection details

28. What is the design intent for battered piers in resisting lateral loads?

Design calculations for lateral stability is a submittal by the contractor.

29. What erosion control blankets, vegetation, or drainage channel methods are acceptable?

Erosions Control Blankets to be Jute matting open weave. Non Bio degradable or blankets with plastic netting will not be accepted. Seed mix is on section 329219

30. What engineered fill sources are acceptable if on-site soils are unsuitable?

Fill to be MDOT Type 21AA or Class II

31. What is the procedure for compaction testing frequency and acceptance criteria in difficult slope conditions?

32. What is the maximum spacing of stair supports where the slope alignment changes sharply?

Spacing of stair supports is as indicated on the Sandston Falls Plans. Where structures are being repaired; match existing.

33. What rail height and code compliance requirements apply to the overlook platforms?

Rail heights shall be as dimensioned in the plans for new structures and match existing for repaired structures unless otherwise indicated in the plans

34. Are prefabricated stair and railing sections acceptable to minimize site disturbance?

Prefabricated sections may be proposed as evaluated for compliance with plans and specifications.

35. What warranty requirements apply to timber structures and galvanized steel?

Standard warranty requirements for the project as found in the solicitation, no additional warranties are required.

36. What are the Buy American Act compliance requirements for treated wood and steel components?

Buy American Act requirements are found in the Solicitation Document Section I

37. Which prevailing wage classifications apply to stair and platform construction crews?

Davis Bacon Wage Rates can be found on SAM.Gov for the most current and were listed with the solicitation.

38. What sediment and runoff control measures must be implemented during construction near waterways?

39. What permits are required for erosion control, dewatering, or access in protected areas?

A Joint permit though EGLE and any other permits necessary.

40. What OSHA excavation classifications and slope or benching methods are acceptable for this site?

Generally, equipment operations on slopes between 18-35% would be avoided, and would exclude slopes greater than 35%. Unavoidable circumstances requiring equipment use on slopes over 35% (up to 55%) may require a tethering approach. For a tethering approach:

a. Tethered corridors would be approved by Forest Service prior to construction and use, and mechanized equipment would operate on approved corridors only.

b. Tethered machinery would be operated to prevent turn berms and rutting. If berms and/or ruts are created, they will be brought back to the contour of the surrounding slope. Cross slope travel would be avoided as much as possible. To the extent practical, utilize a slash mat or matting to travel on.

When trails are no longer needed for project access, restore the grade of the access trails and at stream and wetland crossings, leveling ruts and seeding where necessary. On slopes, restore the contour to match that of the surrounding hillside. Provide water diversions to prevent gully formation and install closure and stabilization measures to prevent additional use and erosion and rehabilitate the site in conjunction with the project specifications.

41. Ref: Rough Carpentry Spec 061000

a. Question: Would .60 CCA treated material suffice in lieu of .80 CCA treated material?

b. Question: Would 19 percent kiln dried material suffice in lieu of 15 percent? Also, is 23 percent acceptable for any material larger than 3x, such as 4x12s or 8x8s?

All treated lumber to be Use Category UC4C CCA will not be accepted for any wood in contact with the ground or human contact. That includes posts, railings, and deck boards.

19% kiln dried material is acceptable in lieu of 15 percent. 23% is acceptable for any material larger than 3x, such as 4x12s or 8x8s An alternative acceptable treatment is Copper Napthenate in Type A hydrocarbon solvent.