Observations/Finding

At the request of the client’s representative, our AS ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING, LLC (ASEC) representative, Amin Azimi visited the job site to observe the contractor’s work activities from a quality standpoint to verify compliance with project drawings/specifications, applicable codes, and materials submittals and conducted QC testing per the project drawings and specifications.  The following observations were made on site this shift:

1:  Evaluate the footing conditions at the bottom of excavated footings for the Church education center.

The footings excavations were observed to be excavated to the specified size and appeared to be at the proper depth based on the contractor’s layout. The footing excavation was observed to be clear of loose soil, debris, and water.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (ASTM STP-399) and general probing testing were performed for the excavated footings.

Test results indicated that the shallow soils, at the location and elevation tested met the minimum requirements outlined in the specs for a net allowable bearing pressure of 1500 psf. (location highlighted red in sketch)

DCP1              DCP2

1′ 6                  1′ 6

2′ 8                  2′ 6

3′ 7                   3′ 6

4′ 7                   4′ 7

Not: there was existing asphalt pavement under the footing location highlighted in the attached sketch.  We recommend that the asphalt be removed and the underlying subgrade soils recompacted prior to continued construction.

Footing subgrade conditions should remain dry and free of loose soils/debris prior to concrete placement. If exposed to inclement weather, the foundation subgrade should be re-observed by ASEC,