B08_Attachment_5_-_NPS_Gaston_Motel_Shear_Wave_Survey_Report.pdf
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This document is a Report of In-Situ Shear Wave Survey prepared by NOVA Engineering and Environmental, LLC for the rehabilitation of the A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham, Alabama. The survey was conducted on February 27, 2024, with two seismic traverse lines established on the western and eastern sides of the existing building to evaluate the site's seismic characteristics.
The study utilized a geophone array to record ambient seismic "noise" and determine shear wave velocities. The results indicated average shear wave velocities of 2,652 and 2,788 feet per second over the upper 100 feet of the subsurface for Line 1 and Line 2, respectively. According to the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) Section 1613.2.2, the site is classified as Site Class "C". The survey was part of a broader project involving interior rehabilitation and the addition of an interior hydraulic elevator, with previous subsurface exploration and geotechnical evaluations having been conducted by NOVA in March 2023.
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P R O F E S S I O N A L | P R A C T I C A L | P R O V E N
3 9 0 0 K e n n e s a w 7 5 P a r k w a y , S u i t e 1 0 0 , K e n n e s a w , G e o r g i a 3 0 1 4 4 t . 7 7 0 . 4 2 5 . 0 7 7 7 / f . 7 7 0 . 4 2 5 . 1 1 1 3 / u s a n o v a . c o m
March 14, 2024
HOUSER WALKER ARCHITECTURE
1819 Peachtree Rd
Unit 102
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Attention: Mr. Hank Houser, AIA, LEED AP
Principal Architect
Subject: Report of In-Situ Shear Wave Study
REHABILITATION INTERIOR OF A.G GASTON MOTEL
Birmingham, Jefferson County, Georgia
NOVA Project Number 10102-2022150
Dear Mr. Walker:
NOVA Engineering and Environmental, LLC (NOVA) has completed the authorized In-Situ Shear
Wave Survey for the rehabilitation of the Interior of A.G Gaston Motel located in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. The services were performed in general accordance with NOVA
Proposal Number 10102-2022150 dated August 1st, 2023, and authorized by you on August
28, 2023. This report briefly discusses our understanding of the project at the time of the survey, describes the geotechnical consulting services provided by NOVA, and presents our findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
NOVA understands that renovation of the existing A.G. Gaston Motel’s interior, including the addition of an interior hydraulic elevator are planned. NOVA previously conducted a subsurface exploration and geotechnical evaluation of the subsurface conditions at alternate areas for the proposed elevator pit. For further information regarding the previously completed exploration and assessments, please refer to NOVA’s Report of Subsurface Exploration and
Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Evaluation dated March 31, 2023. NOVA has been requested to perform a seismic site class evaluation for the subject site.
On February 27, 2024, NOVA completed an in-situ shear wave study of the site at the approximate locations shown in the below Figure 1. In summary, 2 shear-wave velocity profiles were obtained utilizing a seismic traverse consisting of an array of geophones. The testing was performed on the western and eastern sides of the existing building.
Report of In-Situ Shear Wave Survey March 13, 2024
Rehabilitation Interior of A.G Gaston Motel NOVA Project Number 10102-2023136
Figure 1: Traverse Location Plan
Ambient seismic “noise”, also known as microtremors, is constantly created by cultural and natural noise. These microtremors were recorded using the geophone array set up along each traverse line. Several noise records were obtained during the survey. The wavefield transformation of the noise record was obtained from commercially available software. The shear-wave dispersion curve along each traverse line was manually selected from the wavefield transformation, and the selections were modeled to determine the shear-wave velocity profile.
The profile is an average of the shear wave velocity over the length of the geophone array.
Consequently, it should not be considered a physical soil profile.
The two shear wave profiles indicate that the average shear wave velocities over the upper 100 feet of the subsurface are 2,652 and 2,788 feet per second (fps) at current grades for Line 1 and Line 2, respectively. In accordance with the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) Section
1613.2.2, a soil profile associated with a Site Class “C” is generally appropriate for this site.
The shear wave profiles for the traverses are shown in the below Figure 2a and Figure 2b.
Report of In-Situ Shear Wave Survey March 14, 2024
Figure 2a: Shear Wave Profile
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0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
D ep th ft
Shear-Wave Velocity, ft/s
Vs100'= 2652 ft/s
AG Gaston Motel, Line 1: Vs Model
Figure 2b: Shear Wave Profile
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0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
D ep th ft
Shear-Wave Velocity, ft/s
Vs100'= 2788 ft/s
AG Gaston Motel, Line 2: Vs Model
3-14-2024
Rehabilitation Interior of A.G Gaston Motel NOVA Project Number 10102-2023136
We thank you for the opportunity to be of service on this project. Please contact us if you have any questions or if we may be of further service.
Sincerely, NOVA ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL, LLC
Alabama Engineering License No. ECA3351
Usenmfon I. Udo, P.E. Randall L. Bagwell, P.E.
Geotechnical Services Manager Principal Geotechnical Engineer
AL P.E. License 50872 AL P.E. License 17844
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