GAI Geotechnical Report CB29 Nov 2006.pdf

This is a geotechnical exploration report prepared by GAI Consultants in November 2006 for a proposed VA Mental Health Building to be constructed adjacent to the VA Hospital in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The report details subsurface conditions and provides foundation recommendations for a planned 4-5 story building with two basement levels. Eight borings were conducted between September-October 2006 to depths of 27-50 feet. The site is underlain by the Pittsburgh coal seam at about 115 feet depth, requiring subsurface stabilization recommendations. Key findings include variable soil thickness from 5-13 feet, consisting mainly of silty clay and rock fragments overlying sandstone and shale bedrock. The report recommends spread footings with bearing pressures ranging from 2-8 TSF depending on elevation, drilled shaft foundations where needed, and specific backfill compaction requirements. The report includes detailed boring logs, laboratory test results, and technical specifications for foundation design and construction. The exploration was authorized by Astorino of Pittsburgh, PA who served as the architect, with the Department of Veterans Affairs as the owner.