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Geotechnical Investigation Report Detroit Lake Water Reservoir <br />Detroit, Oregon <br />4.2 Excavation <br />Materials at the site include 6 inch topsoil underlain by colluvium and fill to a depth of 4 feet <br />underlain by generally fine-grained (silt and clay) soil with variable sand and gravel content <br />that is interpreted to be decomposed volcanic tuff. Excavations in these upper soils may be <br />readily accomplished with conventional earthwork equipment. <br />Trench cuts should stand vertical to a depth of approximately 4 feet, provided no <br />groundwater seepage is present in the trench walls. Open excavation may be used to <br />excavate trenches with depths between 4 and 8 feet, with the walls of the excavation cut at <br />a slope of 1H:1V, provided groundwater seepage is not present and with the understanding <br />that some sloughing may occur. The trenches should be flattened to 1.5H:1V if excessive <br />sloughing occurs or seepage is present. Groundwater was not observed during our field <br />investigation. However, if shallow groundwater is observed during construction, use of a <br />trench shield or other approved temporary shoring is recommended for cuts that extend <br />below groundwater seepage or if vertical walls are desired for cuts deeper than 4 feet. If <br />shoring or dewatering is used, we recommend that the type and design of the shoring and <br />dewatering systems be the responsibility of the contractor, who is in the best position to <br />choose systems that fit the overall plan of operation. <br />These excavations should be made in accordance with applicable Occupational Safety and <br />Health Administration (OSHA) and State regulations. <br />5.0 CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATIONS <br />Satisfactory earthwork performance depends on the quality of construction. Sufficient observation of <br />the contractor's activities is a key part of determining that the work is completed in accordance with <br />the construction drawings and specifications. We recommend that a geotechnical engineer from <br />PBS be retained to observe general excavation, stripping, fill placement, footing subgrades, and <br />subgrades and base rock for floor slabs and pavements. Subsurface conditions observed during <br />construction should be compared with those encountered during the subsurface explorations. <br />Recognition of changed conditions requires experience; therefore, qualified personnel should visit <br />the site with sufficient frequency to detect whether subsurface conditions change significantly from <br />those anticipated. <br />6.0 LIMITATIONS <br />This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the addressee, and their architects and <br />engineers for aiding in the design and construction of the proposed development. It is the <br />addressee's responsibility to provide this report to the appropriate design professionals, building <br />officials and contractors to ensure correct implementation of the recommendations. <br />The opinions, comments, and conclusions presented in this report are based upon information <br />derived from our literature review, field investigation, and laboratory testing. Conditions between, or <br />beyond, our exploratory borings may vary from those encountered. <br />Unanticipated soil conditions and seasonal soil moisture variations are commonly encountered and <br />cannot be fully determined by merely taking soil samples or soil borings. Such variations may result <br />in changes to our recommendations and may require that additional expenses to attain a properly <br />constructed project. Therefore, we recommend a contingency fund to accommodate such potential <br />extra costs. <br />November 23, 2009 <br />Project No. 72852.000 <br />7 <br />