Report_GEO_ER-HWY-248_3.23.20.pdf
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- Landslide repairs in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico
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This document is a geotechnical engineering report evaluating a landslide that impacted a road in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico. The report summarizes a geotechnical investigation conducted at the site, describes subsurface soil conditions, and provides recommendations for design and construction of landslide stabilization alternatives. Specifically, the report details field exploration activities including drilling one boring, describes soil profiles consisting of fill and clay/silt layers, analyzes slope instability issues, and recommends stabilization options such as retaining walls or reconstructed slopes designed according to provided specifications. Earthwork recommendations and design considerations like drainage and lateral earth pressures are also included. Appendices provide boring logs, laboratory test results, and site photos supporting the engineering analysis and recommendations contained in the report.
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LUIS O. GARCIA & ASSOCIATES
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
Partners Luis Oscar García, MSCE, CE Carlos García Echevarría, MSCE
Associate Alejandro E. Soto, MS, PG
AMELIA DISTRIBUTION CENTER, EMMA STREET NO. 26A, GUAYNABO, PR 00968-8007
TEL. (787) 792-2626 FAX (787) 782-5990
Email: cgarcia@geocim.com
GEOTECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
TO : Dr. Eusebio Iglesias
Iglesias Vázquez & Associates iva@ivapr.com
FROM : Eng. Carlos García Echevarría, P.E.
Geol. Alejandro Soto, P.G.
RE : Landslide Evaluation PR-152, Km. 3.4, Barranquitas, PR
JOB NO. : 5159
DATE : January 23, 2019
This memorandum presents the results of a geotechnical investigation of a landslide that impacted State Road PR-152 at Kilometer 3.4 in the Quebradillas Ward of the municipality of
Barranquitas. The approximate location of the project site is shown in Figure 1 – Site Location
Map. The objective of the investigation was to evaluate subsoil conditions at the site in order to provide geotechnical recommendations for the design and construction of landslide stabilization alternatives that would enable the full reopening of PR-152. The Puerto Rico Highway and
Transportation Authority (PRHTA) are the project sponsors and Iglesias Vázquez & Associates
(IVA) are the Project Designers. The work was performed in general accordance with our proposal dated May 3, 2018. This report provides a summary of the activities performed during
Landslide at PR-152, Km. 3.4, Barranquitas, PR January 23, 2019.
the course of the investigation, a description of subsurface conditions encountered at the site, and geotechnical recommendations for the design and construction of landslide stabilization alternatives for the project.
The project site contains one (1) landslide on the outside edge of the roadway where part of the edge of the roadway was damaged and existing guard rails were displaced; concrete barriers were eventually installed for security measures. There is a relatively level area at the toe of the slope where the topography slopes down gently toward the east to north-east. The landslide area extends approximately 50 to 60 feet in length along the roadway. Some of the soils within the landslide remained on the slope as a slumped mass and some deposited at the toe of the slope. Additionally, some construction debris and/or vegetative material has been deposited at or near the toe of the slope.
The geotechnical investigation performed consisted of the drilling one (1) boring (B-1) to a depth of 30 feet for a total of 30 lineal feet of drilling exploration. The location of the boring at the site was established in the field by GeoCim by visual observation from existing local references; the presence of underground and areal utilities in the area and vehicle traffic requirements on the roadway were also taken into consideration in the selection of the location of the boring. The approximate boring location is shown on Figure 2 – Boring Location Plan;
boring B-1 was located adjacent to the landslide and at one end of the concrete barriers on the outer edge of the roadway.
Geo Cim, Inc., our affiliate geotechnical testing services firm, performed the field and laboratory work. The borings were drilled with a CME-45 drill rig using the "Hollow Stem
Auger-Dry Sample" method of drilling and an Automatic SPT hammer. Soil samples were collected beginning at the ground surface, at 2.5-foot depth intervals to a depth of 10 feet, and at
5-foot depth intervals from a depth of 10 feet to the bottom of the borings. The samples were collected with a split-spoon sampler driven into the ground. The number of blows required to drive the split-spoon sampler into the soil was recorded in the field; the N-value of the SPT represents the number of blows required for the penetration of the last 12 inches of the sampler.
The samples were placed in tightly closed plastic bottles and transported to the GeoCim
Geotechnical Testing Laboratory in Guaynabo for unconfined compression testing (in cohesive samples using a spring tester and/or pocket penetrometer), natural moisture content determinations, and visual/manual soil descriptions following standard laboratory procedures.
One (1) Classification Test, including Sieve Analysis and Atterberg Limits, was performed on a selected sample from the boring. The results of the field operations, laboratory testing, and detailed descriptions of the soils encountered are documented in the boring log included in
Appendix A. Appendix B contains a description of the GeoCim, Inc. drilling, sampling, and testing procedures. Results of the Classification test is provided in Appendix C.
GEOLOGY AND SUBSOIL CONDITIONS
According to the Geologic Map of the Barranquitas Quadrangle, Puerto Rico published by the US Geological Survey (USGS) in 1962, the project site lies within the Formation L (Kl) and is described as “Dominantly dark-bluish-gray to dark-greenish-gray lava …. Includes some dark-greenish-gray flow breccia”. The geologic map also identifies this area as Lateritic Soil and Saprolite which is described as “Dusky-red to dark-reddish-brown clayey material with relatively high alumina and iron oxide content …”. The subsurface conditions encountered at the site are in general agreement with those described in the geologic map.
The subsoil profile seen in boring B-1 consist of an upper Fill layer underlain by a Clay and residual Silt layer to the bottom of the boring. The Fill layer extends from the existing ground surface to about 2 feet depth and is described as a Gravel with some sand and trace silt in in a medium dense condition as indicated by N-values of 21 blows per foot (bpf); this Fill layer probably represent the pavement base course placed during construction of the roadway.
Underlying the Fill layer and extending to the bottom of the boring at 30 feet depth is a
Clay and residual Silt layer which is encountered in a medium stiff to stiff consistency as indicated by N-values of 6 to 16 bpf which after adjusting for the N-values for hammer energy
(automatic hammer) and depth the referenced N-values (N1
60) would be on the order of 10 to 21 bpf indicating stiff to very stiff consistency. In general the N-values and consistency of the soils in this formation generally increase with increasing depth as would be expected in a residual soil profile where the soils are formed in-place by weathering and decomposition of the parent rock over geologic time. Results of a Classification Tests performed on a sample from the Fill layer at 7.5 feet depth indicate that it classifies as a high plasticity Silt (MH) in accordance with the
Unified Soil Classification System with 93.3% of fines (passing the #200 sieve), and Liquid
Limit (LL) of 51% and Plasticity Index of 6%. Groundwater was not observed in the boring.
A detailed description of the soils encountered is provided in the boring log in Appendix
A. Groundwater observations were made during drilling operations or within the open borehole immediately after drilling operations were completed and the augers were removed from the ground. For more accurate determination of groundwater levels or to determine groundwater level variations under different conditions (at times of heavy rain, etc.) and on a long term basis, then installation of piezometers and observation wells and their monitoring during extended periods of time would be required.
ANALYSIS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This section of the report presents our analysis, conclusions and recommendations based on the results of the geotechnical investigation and site reconnaissance performed for the landslide within the site. It is important to note that the main objective of these recommendations is to provide stability to the reconstructed roadway in the landslide area identified.
Based on the results of the boring drilled and the site reconnaissance performed we understand that the landslide on the outside edge of the roadway is occurring within the upper
Fill and the underlying Clay/Residual Silt layers. This landslide is probably due to erosion of the
Fill and Clay/Residual Silt layers due to uncontrolled surface water runoff over the outside edge of the roadway and saturation of the soils near the slope surface during the heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane María. Several photos of the site obtained during our visit to the site in
May 2018 are contained in Appendix D. Any stabilization alternative in this area will have to extend below the upper Fill layer and into the underlying Silt layer. The stabilization alternatives may include the following:
1. Gravity retaining wall such as a Gabion or Concrete wall – this will require an excavation of a minimum of about say 5 feet in order for the wall to bear on the underlying residual
Silt layer. The location of the wall shall be established such that the top of the proposed wall extends to the edge of the reconstructed roadway; the final depth of the wall shall also provide for the outside bottom edge of the wall to be located a minimum of 3 to 5 feet from the outside edge of the residual Silt layer on the existing slope which may be approximately established by the Designer using the topographic survey information. At the required excavation level within the upper 15 feet depth an Allowable Soil Bearing
Pressure (Qall) 3,500 pounds per square foot (psf) may be utilized for wall design; below about 15 feet depth the consistency of the residual Silt increases as indicated by an increase in the N-values and a Qall of 4,500 psf may be utilized for the wall design.
PRHTA standard drawings for these walls may be utilized.
For a detailed design, the lateral pressures acting on the retaining wall shall be determined using a triangular earth pressure diagram acting on a vertical plane passing through the heel of the wall and extending from the bottom of the wall to the proposed ground surface. This triangular earth pressure diagram shall be calculated using an
“active” lateral earth pressure coefficient, Ka, and an angle of internal friction (Ø) of 32 degrees for the backfill material to be utilized; a unit weight (γ) of 130 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) may also be used for the backfill material behind the walls. Any other surcharge loads acting on the ground surface at or near the walls must be added to the previously mentioned earth pressures to determine the final design lateral loads acting on the walls.
The above lateral earth pressure recommendations assume that the backfill material behind the wall will consist of an engineered compacted fill constructed as described under the Earthwork Recommendations section of this report. The backfill material within 10 feet from the wall shall be placed in 4 to 6 inch thick layers and compacted with light, hand operated compaction equipment to 90% of the maximum dry density as obtained in the Modified Proctor Test (ASTM D 1557). The backfill material beyond 10 feet from the wall shall be placed in 8 to 12 inches thick layers and each layer compacted to 95% of the maximum dry density as obtained in the Modified Proctor Test
(ASTM D 1557) using conventional compaction equipment.
We have also assumed that the design of the retaining wall will include a drainage system that will provide a fast and efficient way to collect and dispose of any water that may infiltrate behind the wall in order to prevent the development of unbalanced water forces behind the wall; a typical drainage system would include a free draining crushed stone layer behind the retaining wall separated from the backfill material by a geotextile filter fabric (such as Mirafi 140N or equivalent), and a perforated drainage pipe placed at the bottom of the wall and connected to a proper outlet.
Alternatively, other types of drainage composites specifically manufactured for drainage behind retaining walls may be used.
Prior to beginning construction of the retaining wall, the foundation bearing surface for the wall shall be cleaned and any soil disturbed during the excavation operations (or any time thereafter) shall be compacted or removed to provide an undisturbed soil bearing surface. We recommend that a Geotechnical Engineer and/or
Engineering Geologist be present at the site when the landslide area is excavated in order to observe and confirm that the proposed excavation depths extend below the landslide sliding surface and that a firm bearing surface is reached; therefore, the final bearing surface for the retaining wall shall be determined in the field based on observations of the materials exposed by the excavation.
2. Reinforced concrete retaining wall – in this alternative a reinforced concrete retaining wall may be designed following the same recommendations provided above for the
Gravity Retaining Wall, including bearing on the Clay/Residual Silt layer and the inclusion of adequate drainage measures behind the wall.
3. Re-construction of the Slope – with the construction of an engineered compacted Fill with final slope not exceeding 2(H):1(V) that would allow re-establishment of the roadway to the original grades. The slumped mass that slid down and remains on the existing slope and any other material deposited at the toe of the existing slope, including any construction debris and/or vegetative material, shall be excavated until the natural in-situ soils are exposed; the engineered compacted fill may then be placed as recommended in the Earthwork Recommendations section of this report. The amount of excavation of the slumped and deposited material on the slope shall be determined based on visual inspection of the materials exposed by the excavation by the Geotechnical Engineer for the project. This alternative may require construction beyond the roadway limits but this would be determined by the Designer based on surveying information from the site
Earthwork Recommendations
The following general earthwork recommendations are provided for construction of any fill or backfill that may be required within the project in the landslide area.
1. Prior to commencing construction the site shall be cleared and grubbed of vegetation cover and topsoil that may exist at the ground surface and any existing asphalt/concrete pavement from the existing roadway shall be demolished and removed from the site. After the clearing, grubbing, and demolition operations of the existing facilities are completed, and after any cut excavations are performed, the exposed surfaces shall then be proof-rolled with several passes of a heavy vibratory roller to detect any soft soil spot that may have to be removed and to densify any surface soil that may have been disturbed during the clearing and grubbing, and/or cut excavation operations.
2- Excavations into the fill and existing soils near the ground surface may be performed with conventional excavating equipment, including bulldozers and/or excavators, as indicated by the results of the borings.
3- Materials from required cuts at the site shall not be used as Fill at the site. Fill and/or backfill material to be used at the site shall consist of a non-expansive A-2-4 soil or better in accordance with the AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials) Soil Classification system. All fill within the site shall be placed as engineered compacted fill in 8 to 10 inch thick layers and each layer compacted to a minimum of 95% of the Maximum Dry Density as obtained in the Modified Proctor Test (ASTM D-1557); in excavations of limited extent the thickness of the fill layers placed shall be reduced to about 4 to 6 inches in order to attain the above compaction level. Fill required on sloped surfaces shall be placed in horizontal layers starting from the lower elevations and each horizontal layer shall be keyed into the in-situ soils so as to prevent the development of a preferred surface of sliding along the contact of the natural soils and the engineered compacted fill.
4- Temporary cut excavations deeper than 4 feet shall be performed with cut slopes not steeper than 1(H):1(V); alternatively, the cut shall be properly braced and supported. Since bracing and support of cut excavations is a temporary construction feature, the Contractor shall design and select the most suitable support system for the excavation equipment and technique that he will use in the project.
5- We recommend that final cut and fill slopes (if any) be constructed at inclinations not to exceed 1.5(H):1(V) and 2(H):1(V), respectively. All cut and fill slopes shall be properly and promptly vegetated in order to prevent excessive erosion of the soils that may cause instability of the slopes.
6- The project should be provided with adequate surface drainage measures to collect and conduct runoff to the project storm water system. Under no circumstance should water be allowed to accumulate anywhere within the project or to spill over the recommended retaining walls.
We request to be consulted should there be any questions on the intent and general scope of our recommendations. Likewise, we request to be informed of any changes in the scope of this project that may require our revision of these recommendations or if additional recommendations are needed.
N:\0000-project files\5160 Lanslide Evaluations IVA\PR-152 Km 3.4 Barranquitas\PR-152 Km 3.4 Landslide Report.doc
Fi gu re
Fi gu re lgarcia Text Box Approximate Boring Location
APPENDIX A
BORING LOGS
APPENDIX B
FIELD AND LABORATORY TEST PROCEDURES
GEO CIM, INC.
Appendix B
Field and Laboratory Test Procedures
I. DRILLING METHODS
A. Hollow Stem Auger Boring - Dry Sample method (ASTM-D-1452)
In the auger method, borings are advanced by turning a hydraulic powered auger into the ground in 5 feet increments or less. As the auger penetrates the cuttings rise to the surface on the spirals. The depth from which the material comes, however, cannot be accurately determined. Therefore, soil samples are not taken from the spiral augers. With the use of a hollow stem auger, a sampling apparatus may be inserted in the hollow stem to the bottom of the auger, eliminating the need for casings. The sampling procedures are described in the following paragraphs. Geo Cim, Inc. normally uses CME (Central Mining Equipment) drilling rigs which are trailer mounted and pulled with a 4 x 4 wheel drive F-350 or equivalent truck. The drilling rigs are either CME-45 or CME-55 models.
B. Wash Boring - Dry Sample Method
For inaccessible locations a portable drilling unit is used which consists of a tripod mounted motorized cathead which is used to drive casings and sampling rods to conduct this method of drilling. Borings are advanced into the ground by the wash-boring-dry sample method. The borings are normally cased through most of this length by the drop of either a 350 or 140 lbs. hammer from a height of 30 inches. The casing diameter is 2-1/2 inches. The number of blows for every foot of penetration the casing advanced is recorded and is reported in the boring logs. When driving of the casing becomes too difficult due to the hardness of the soils encountered, and the hole does not cave-in, the boring may be advances without casing by continuous washing out of the soils with the drill rods. The color and nature of the soils washed out (gravel, sand, silts or clay) is examined and recorded in order to determine the extent of each soil strata this is complemented with the sampling operations which are regularly made every five feet.
C. Core Borings (ASTM-D-2113)
Core Borings are used when necessary to penetrate into rock and obtain a continuous rock sample. The sample is obtained by means of a core barrel which is attached to the drill rods. At the end of the core barrel is a special bit studded with industrial diamonds which cuts into the rock. The drill rod, and hence the core barrel and diamond bit are rotated as downward pressure is applied. As the bit cuts into the rock, the rock core is free to move into the inner core barrel head, which is suspended on a swivel and therefore does not follow the motion of the outer core barrel with its bit. Cooling water or bentonite slurry is circulated through the drill rod and the core barrel. Penetration depends on the length of the core barrel and the quality of the rock (amount of joints or fractures). Rock discontinuities such as joints and fractures affect the length of penetration in a given core run. The runs are longer as the rock quality increases. As the core barrel is withdrawn, the core lifter, located inside the diamond bit, wedges itself around the bottom of the rock core and thus permits it to be pulled free from the underlying rock. The two most common core sizes are NWM which produces a core of 2.15 inches diameter and HWM which produces a core 3.00 inches in diameter.
II. SAMPLING IN SOILS
A. Standard Penetration Test (ASTM-D-1586)
The standard penetration tests are made with a split-spoon sampler 2.0 inches/O.D.
diameter, 1,375 inches I.D. diameter, 18 inches long. The sampler is driven into the ground by the drop of a 140 pounds hammer from a height of 30 inches. The number of blows from the three consecutive six inches of penetration of the sampler is recorded and the number of blows for the last foot of penetration is reported as the N-value. The samples are stored and sealed in glass jars for future classification tests in the laboratory.
The standard penetration test has been correlated with the consistency of fine grained soils and with the angle of internal friction or the relative density of sands. Such correlations can be used for preliminary estimates and to aid in the stratigraphic classification of the soil strata at a given site.
In the case of fine grained soils, the correlations of the SPT with the undrained shear strength of medium and stiff silts and clays of low sensitivity have been found to be fairly good; however, in the case of the soft silts and clays the SPT gives poor estimates of the undrained shear strength. Testing in undisturbed samples and vane shear tests are recommended in such cases.
B. Undisturbed Sampling
Undisturbed Samples are obtained using thin wall brass or zinc coated steel shelby tubes 2" to 3"O.D. by 24" to 30" long. The sampler is forced to penetrate the soil by static force or downward pressure and is pulled out also using static pull. The samplers are sealed in the field and shipped to the laboratory where the samples are extruded at the time of testing by pushing in the same direction that the sample penetrated the sampler. Special care is taken in packing and handling these samples to avoid disturbance.
III. LABORATORY TESTING
A. Atterberg Limits (ASTM-D-2166)
The Atterberg limits and related indices are very commonly used in soil mechanics works mainly for soil identification and classification purposes. They are also used in connection with some semi-empirical methods of design for preliminary estimates.
B. Unconfined Compression Test (ASTM-D-2166)
The best quality samples recovered in the split-spoon sampler are subjected to unconfined compression to failure. These samples cannot be regarded as “undisturbed” and the strengths obtained are lower than the “true” in-situ value due to the effect of disturbances and sensitivity of the soil. Furthermore, increased brittleness of friability of the soil structure results in strength values lower than the in-situ undrained strength.
Therefore, the unconfined strength values measured in the split-spoon samples are used only as an index property for classification and identification purposes. When more accurate values of strength are needed, undisturbed samples from thin-wall shelby tubes are used.
C. Natural Moisture Content (ASTM-D-2216)
The natural moisture content is the water content of the soil in-situ. The soil sample is obtained from the SPT sampler or shelby tubes. Approximately 40 gms. of soil are weighed and then placed in an oven for 24 hours at a temperature of 105� - 110�C. The natural moisture content, “Wn” is obtained from the difference between the weights in the natural state and after oven drying, divided by the dry weight of the sample and expressed in percentage.
IV. SOIL DESCRIPTION (ASTM-D-2488)
The description of the soils include the type (gravel, sand, silt, clay, organic), consistency (if a fine grained soil), size and roundness (if a coarse grained soil), color, and some other special characteristic which can aid in the identification and classification of the soil such as presence of rubbish, organic matter, shells and fossils, stratification and structure, cementation, mineral composition, relict structures, stains and others.
To aid in the preparation of these descriptions some simple tests are made such as those recommended by the Unified Soil Classification system for field classification (dilatancy, dry strength, shine, toughness). To approximate the consistency of fine grained soils (soft, medium, stiff, hard), a simple test is performed with the hand: a hard fine grained soil is difficult to indent with the thumbnail, stiff soils are readily indented with the thumb, medium soils can be penetrated by moderate thumb pressure and soft soils are easily penetrated with the thumb.
The description of coarse grained soils (sands and gravel) includes size (fine, medium coarse) and roundness (angular, sub-angular, sub-rounded, rounded and well-rounded).
The relative amount of coarse fractions in fine grained soils is estimated by placing a representative sample or some 50 gms. in a graduated cylinder filled with water. The mix is shaken and allowed to settle. Particles of a size larger than a fine sand are visible to the naked eye while silts and clays are not. In this manner, estimates of the relative amounts of the coarse fraction are made and reported as:
Trace 1 10% Little 10 20%
Some 20 35% Sandy, gravelly, silty or clayey 35 50%
The relative density of sands has been correlated with the results of the Standard
Penetration Test, as follows:
For Granular Soils N-Blows/ft. Relative Density
0 – 4 Very loose 4 – 10 Loose
10 – 30 Medium 30 – 50 Dense over 50 Very dense
These are very approximate correlations which vary with, among other factors, overburden pressure (Gibbs and Holtz, 1957, and Peck and Bazaraa, 1967). These correlations are meaningless in soils with a significant amount of gravel or cobbles.
The relative amounts of the fine grained soils is estimated based on the reaction of the soils to the dilatancy, shine, dry strength and toughness tests, with adjective indicating the less active fraction i.e. a sandy clay behaves more like a clay than a sand.
The consistency of cohesive soils has also been correlated to the results of the Standard Penetration Test, as shown below. The correlation, however, is greatly affected by the clay structure and factors such as sensitivity.
For Cohesive Soils
Unconfined Compressive Strength (T.S.F.)
N-Blows/Ft.
Consistency
Less than 0.25 Less than 2 Very soft
0.25 – 0.50 2 – 4 Soft
0.50 – 1.00 4 – 8 Medium
1.00 – 2.00 8 – 15 Stiff
2.00 – 4.00 15 – 30 Very stiff More than 4.00 More than 30 Hard
Once the soil samples have been tested, they are stored for three months after the date of our final report, and then destroyed, unless required in writing by the client to store them for a longer period.
APPENDIX C
CLASSIFICATION TEST REPORTS
APPENDIX D
SITE PHOTOS
PROPOSAL
H. MARIA LANDSLIDE SITES
Road # and Station: PR-152, Km 3.4, Barranquitas Client: iva
Site Photographs:
April 29, 2019
Iglesias Vázquez & Associates
320 Fortaleza Street
San Juan, P.R. 00902-4070
Attn.: Dr. Eusebio Iglesias iva@ivapr.com
Re: Addendum Letter to Geotechnical Report for Landslide Evaluation Located at
PR-152, Km. 3.4, Barranquitas, PR
ER-HWY-248, AC-807541
Dear Dr. Iglesias:
In our geotechnical report for the subsoil investigation, evaluations and recommendations regarding the landslide at the above referenced site, we have evaluated the stability of the proposed geotechnical alternatives based on our experience, subsurface conditions encountered at the site and evaluation of allowable soil bearing pressures on the recommended bearing strata.
Additional analysis regarding the stability of the final selected alternative at this site will also be performed during the final design stage of the selected alternative when final dimensions and depth of the retaining structures are established.
Cordially, Carlos García Echevarría, P.E.
N:\0000-project files\5160 Lanslide Evaluations IVA\PR-152 Km 3.4 Barranquitas\Addendum Letter ER-HWY-248
PR-152 km3.4 Barranquitas.doc
May 6, 2019.
Iglesias Vazquez & Associates
320 Calle Fortaleza
San Juan, PR
Attn.: Dr. Eusebio Iglesias iva@ivapr.com
Re.: Geotechnical Reports for Landslide Projects due to María Hurricane at Various Locations in Puerto Rico
Dear Dr. Iglesias:
As requested by you and in response to comments that you received from ACT to our geotechnical reports for the above referenced projects, the recommended 1(H):1(V) temporary cut excavations inclinations for the proposed project were re-evaluated after Iglesias Vazquez &
Associates (IVA) indicated that construction of the proposed retaining structures would require a steeper slope in order to prevent the closure of the roadway during construction. Based on the type of subsoils encountered at the projects and observations in nearby areas where these soils stand at higher inclinations, we then recommended that temporary cut excavations at these sites may be performed at inclinations not steeper than 1(H):1.5(V); alternatively, the cut excavation shall be properly braced and supported as indicated in the Geotechnical Memorandum. All excavations shall be performed in general accordance with requirements in OSHA CFR 1926
Subpart P – Excavations.
As indicated in the Geotechnical Memorandum, a Geotechnical Engineer or Engineering
Geologist shall be present at the site during the excavation work in order to observe and confirm the type of materials exposed and that an adequate bearing surface is reached.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Cordially, Carlos García Echevarría, P.E.
N:\0000-project files\5160 Lanslide Evaluations IVA\Carta IVA Comentarios Informes Geotécnicos 5-6-2019.doc
| TABLAS DEL ITEM 1 @ 7.pdf |
| SUMMARY |
| A1 |
| A2 |
| A3 |
| A4 |
| A5 |
| A6 |
| B77 |
| APPENDIX GEOTECHNICAL STUDY.pdf |
| Relative Density |
| Consistency |
| TABLAS ITEM 1 @ 7 & SUMMARY.pdf |
| SUMMARY |
| A1 |
| A2 |
| A3 |
| A4 |
| A5 |
| A6. |
| B77 |
| 248 - PR152 - KM 3.40.pdf |
| 01-876 GR-1 |
| 02-876 EX-1 |
| 03-876 SS-1 |
| 04-876 CS--1 |
| 05-876 CS--2 |
| 06-876 RW-1 |
| 07-876-RW-2 |
| 08-876 RW-3 |
| 09-876-RW-4 |
| 10-876-RW-5 |
| 11-876 UTW-1 |
| COMPLETE 3.40.pdf |
| 01-876 GR-1 |
| 02-876 EX-C-1 |
| 03-876 SS-C-1 |
| 04-876 CS-C-1 |
| 05-876 CS-C-2 |
| 06-876 RW-C-1 |
| 07-876 RW-2 |
| 08-876 RW-3 |
| 09-876-RW-4 |
| 10-876-RW-5 |
| 11-876 UTW-1 |
| COMPLETE 3.40.pdf |
| 01-876 GR-1-Layout1 |
| 02-876 EX-C-1-LAYOUT |
| 03-876 SS-C-1-LAYOUT |
| 04-876 CS-C-1-LAYOUT |
| 05-876 CS-C-2-Layout1 |
| 06-876 RW-C-1-LAYOUT |
| 07-876 RW-2-TCR-REPORTY-Layout1 |
| 08-876-RW-4-TCR-REPORT-Layout1 |
| 09-876-RW-5-TCR-REPORT-Layout1 |
| 10-876 RW-3-Layout1 |
| 11-876 UTW-1-LAYOUT |
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