Observations/Finding

At the request of the client’s representative, Amin Azimi, a representative of AS Engineering and Consulting, LLC (ASEC), visited the job site to observe and monitor the contractor’s work activities from a quality standpoint. The objective was to verify compliance with project drawings, specifications, applicable codes, and materials submittals, and to conduct quality control (QC) testing as required by the project drawings and specifications. The following observations were made during this shift:

• Approximately 1.5 feet of soft, wet soil was undercut and replaced with suitable material for retaining wall footing 9 (location shown in pictures).
• The reinforcement steel for the footings of retaining wall 9 was visually inspected (location shown in pictures). The inspection included verifying the correct size, number of bars, location, spacing, cleanliness, support against displacement, splicing, clearance, and steel grade. Based on observation and field measurements, the reinforcing steel at the previously omitted locations appeared to be installed according to the shop/field-use drawing for the detention pond retaining wall, sheet 4 of 4, dated October 30, 2023.
• It was observed that the structural fill materials on site had significantly higher moisture content than allowed by the job specifications. Our representative recommended that these soils be scarified, aerated, and recompacted. Given the current wet conditions, the fine-grained nature of the on-site soils, and anticipated upcoming rain events, the grading contractor anticipates challenges during final roadway subgrade preparation. Both the grading contractor and the owner requested alternative construction recommendations to address the wet conditions and provide more effective solutions for subgrade preparation. Mr. Ram Mogulla, P.E., with AS Engineering & Consulting LLC, will provide further recommendations as requested by the owner (Toll Brothers).