Comers_Rock_Overlook_Restoration_-_Project_Requirements.docx

Comers Rock Overlook Restoration Project Requirements Project Existing Conditions:

· Overlook Restoration: The Comers Rock Overlook consists of a 14’ wide by 19.25’ long concrete pad that has 8 masonry posts used for holding wooden railings that ring the perimeter of the concrete pad. One of these masonry posts sits in the center of the pad. The entry onto the platform is a 36” wide opening between two of the masonry posts. There appear to be evenly spaced openings between posts. The overlook has a 360 degree view of the surrounding area.

· Summary of post/railing design: The masonry posts taper from 24” square at their base to 18” square at the top and are 48” high. Rails between posts were 6”x6” rough cut dimensional lumber with approximately 6” openings between rails. There are 3 rails spaced at what appear to be even intervals. Rails are on a diagonal setting rather than orthogonal to the ground. The rails were grouted into the posts and not originally removable. The original construction appeared to use rebar inside the column area of the masonry posts. It also seemed to have concrete poured into the central column to fill the remaining space.

· Existing Trail to Overlook: The trail is made up mostly of dry laid stone steps that are irregularly spaced with a few sections of native trail tread found at random intervals. The native soil trail tread is generally rocky and varies in width from 18 to 24”. The trail is approximately 400 feet in length.

Project Final Outcomes:

· Overlook Restoration - Summary of Needs: Repairs or replacements are needed for the demolished or disintegrating masonry posts and timber railings. The Forest Service (FS) needs a system of attachment for the rails to the posts that allows for easy replacement or maintenance. There is a hole in the side of the platform face, approx 18”x16” that needs to be repaired. The concrete platform needs to have surface cracks sealed. Contractor shall prepare a technical proposal that addresses the needs for the overlook restoration.

· Trail Improvements - Summary of Needs: As a possible additional scope of work there are trail improvements needed. This work will be an optional item, considered if the pricing allows it. The work is as described below:

Project Allowances and Requirements:

· Overlook Restoration - Requirements: The final design must maintain the minimum 36” opening at the entrance onto the concrete platform. No damage will be allowed to the existing concrete pad. Top rail height at the overlook shall be 42”, with maximum horizontal openings between rails of 6”. Rails must be able to withstand 50 lbs/ft of side force. Stone masonry work shall generally be in conformance with Section 620, Stone Masonry, of the FP-03 Standard Specifications for the Construction of Roads and Bridges on Fed. Highway Proj.

· Overlook Restoration - Allowances: The FS prefers to try to replicate the general design of the existing posts and rails. However, the particular stones, or the style of masonry construction can be different from what has been used previously. The central masonry post is no longer needed and can be assumed that it will be removed and not replaced. The existing posts can be dismantled and then be rebuilt in order to salvage the existing stones. The FS will consider using a dimension of masonry post that is different (ie smaller) than those currently at the site. The FS will also consider using a different material for the rails other than timber. Any railing or post materials not reused shall be removed by the contractor, although scattering of stones on site may be acceptable. Post spacing is generally expected to be even, subject to the site dimensions and special requirements of the rail material being used.

· Trail Improvements - Requirements: Handrail design and installation procedures will be proposed by the contractor. Work identified in the trail improvement scope above (other than handrail) must be in conformance with the attached detail drawings and the Forest Service EM-7720-103 Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Trails. For the handrail, minimum top rail height is 34”, maximum 36”, above the surface of the adjacent stone steps. Final height dimension may be an average height above the majority of the steps along a given run of handrail. Handrail posts must be set into the sub-grade in such a manner that they will not shift with the application of any side forces. Include end caps for rails that use hollow tubing. Handrail material must be weather resistant and require minimal to no maintenance.

· Trail Improvements - Allowances: Use of adequate material scavenged on site for adding stone steps is acceptable, subject to FS approval of the material. Handrail identified in the scope of trail improvement work above is preferably schedule 40 galvanized steel, minimum 1-1/4” outside diameter, with two running rails and posts every 6 to 8 feet. However, material used for handrail/posts may be other than galvanized steel. The primary concern is to use a low-maintenance material and design. Use of concrete to set posts is preferred, but may not necessarily be required.

Photos of Existing Conditions at the Overlook and on the Trail:

Photos of Existing Conditions at the Overlook and on the Trail (cont’d):

image3.jpeg image4.jpeg image5.jpeg image6.jpeg image7.jpeg image8.jpeg image9.jpeg image10.jpeg image1.jpeg image2.jpeg