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Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower
Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018
Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
Prepared for:
City of Iowa City
Iowa City, Iowa
Prepared by:
Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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REPORT TOPICS
REPORT TOPICS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1
SITE CONDITIONS ......................................................................................................... 1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................. 2
GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERIZATION ...................................................................... 3
GEOTECHNICAL OVERVIEW ....................................................................................... 5
SITE PREPARATION ..................................................................................................... 5
EARTHWORK................................................................................................................. 6
SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS ........................................................................................... 9
SEISMIC CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................................... 11
FLOOR SLABS............................................................................................................. 12
FROST CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................... 14
GENERAL COMMENTS ............................................................................................... 14
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ATTACHMENTS
EXPLORATION AND TESTING PROCEDURES
SITE LOCATION AND EXPLORATION PLANS
EXPLORATION RESULTS (Boring Logs, Laboratory Data, Geotechnical Model,
Summary of Testing by Model Layer)
SUPPORTING INFORMATION (General Notes and Unified Soil Classification System)
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INTRODUCTION
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower
Napoleon Lane SE
Iowa City, Iowa
Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
July 6, 2018
INTRODUCTION
This report presents the results of our subsurface exploration and geotechnical engineering
services performed for the proposed ICPW Fire Training Tower to be located at Napoleon Lane
SE in Iowa City, Iowa. The purpose of these services is to provide information and geotechnical
engineering recommendations relative to:
■Subsurface soil conditions ■Groundwater conditions
■Site preparation and earthwork ■Seismic site classification per IBC
■Foundation design and construction ■Floor slab design and construction
■Frost considerations
The geotechnical engineering scope of services for this project included the advancement of two
test borings to depths of approximately 30.5 feet below existing site grades.
Maps showing the site and boring locations are shown in the Site Location and Exploration
Plan sections, respectively. The results of the laboratory testing performed on soil samples
obtained from the site during the field exploration are included on the boring logs and/or as
separate graphs in the Exploration Results section of this report.
SITE CONDITIONS
The following description of site conditions is derived from our site visit in association with the
field exploration and our review of publicly available geologic and topographic maps.
Item Description
Project Location
The project is located at Napoleon Lane SE in Iowa City, Iowa
Existing Iowa City Public Works (ICPW) facility
See Site Location
Existing
Improvements
Mass graded site, existing buildings, parking, drive areas and sidewalks,
subsurface utilities
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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Item Description
Current Ground Cover Primarily grass and bare earth or wooded in unimproved areas
Existing Topography
(Johnson Co. GIS 2014
topographic contours)
Planned fire tower area generally slopes downward to the southwest, with
surface elevations ranging from about 638 to 643 feet
Geology
Primary landform type per the USDA NRCS Soil Survey of Johnson County,
Iowa is flood plain (alluvial deposits) overlying glacial till that extends to
dolomite bedrock of the Cedar Valley Group of the Upper Middle and lower
Upper Devonian formation
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Our understanding of the project at the time of this report is as follows.
Item Description
Information Provided
Schematic Design (Sheet CO-101, preliminary, undated) by Neumann
Monson
Proposed Fire Training Tower Layout (architectural elevations dated
9/22/2017)
Project Description New fire tower structure: 4-story, slab-on-grade structure with plan dimensions
of about 25 feet by 32 feet
Building Construction Not provided, but anticipated to be steel frame, sheet metal siding, and
concrete deck floors
Finished Floor
Elevation Not provided, but anticipated to be near 640 feet
Maximum Loads
(assumed)
■Columns: 75 kips
■Walls: 6 kips per linear foot (klf)
■Slabs: 100 pounds per square foot (psf)
Grading Not provided, but anticipated cuts and fills of about 3 feet or less
Below Grade
Structures None anticipated
Free-Standing
Retaining Walls None anticipated
Pavements Not included in our scope of services
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERIZATION
Subsurface Profile
We have developed a general characterization of the subsurface soil and groundwater conditions
based upon our review of the data and our understanding of the geologic setting. A graphical
representation of the characterization is provided in the Exploration Results section. A statistical
summary of field and laboratory data is also included. The geotechnical characterization forms
the basis of our geotechnical calculations and evaluation of site preparation and foundation
options. As noted in General Comments, the characterization is based upon widely spaced
exploration points across the site, and variations are likely.
Conditions encountered at each boring location are indicated on the individual boring logs shown
in the Exploration Results section and are attached to this report. Stratification boundaries on
the boring logs represent the approximate location of changes in soil types; in situ, the transition
between native materials may be gradual.
Groundwater Conditions
The boreholes were observed while drilling and after completion for the presence and level of
groundwater. The water levels observed in the boreholes can be found on the boring logs in
Exploration Results, and are tabulated below.
Boring
Number
Approximate Groundwater while
Drilling (feet)
Approximate Groundwater after
Completion of Drilling (feet)
Depth 1 Elevation 2 Depth 1 Elevation 2
B-301 10.5 629.5 9 631
B-302 9 631 10 630
1.Below existing ground surface.
2.North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88).
These water level observations provide an approximate indication of the groundwater conditions
existing on the site at the time the observations were made. Longer-term observations using
cased holes or piezometers, sealed from the influence of surface water, would be required for a
better evaluation of the groundwater conditions on this site.
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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Fluctuations of the groundwater levels will likely occur due to seasonal variations in the amount
of rainfall, runoff, Iowa River stage, and other factors not evident at the time the borings were
performed. Therefore, groundwater levels during construction or at other times in the life of the
structure may be different than the levels indicated on the boring logs. Also, trapped or “perched”
water could be present within the sand or silt seams within native clay soils and/or in cohesionless
soils above lower hydraulic conductivity clay soil layers. The possibility of groundwater level
fluctuations and perched water should be considered when developing the design and
construction plans for the project.
USDA NRCS Soil Mapping
The Soil Survey of Johnson County, Iowa was reviewed to identify soil types in the area of the
subject site. The document was published in 1983 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Soil Conservation Service, now known as the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
Terracon utilized the NRCS on-line Web Soil Survey (WSS)1 to identify soil types.The
classifications provided are for the USDA textural soil classification system for approximately the
upper 80 inches of the soil profile.
The soil type mapped on the site by the NRCS is the Perks-Spillville complex, 0 to 2 percent
slopes, frequently flooded. The NRCS rates the Perks-Spillville complex as follows:
n Very limited for the construction of small commercial buildings due to flooding and shrink-
swell;
n Very limited for the construction of local streets and roads due to flooding, low strength,
frost action and shrink-swell;
n Good for the Perks component and Poor for the Spillville component as a potential as a
source of roadfill due to low strength, shrink-swell, and dusty;
n Low (Perks component) to moderate (Spillville component) potential for frost action;
n Low (Perks component) to moderate (Spillville component) risk of corrosion to uncoated
steel;
n Low (Spillville component) to moderate (Perks component) risk of corrosion to concrete.
The Soil Survey of Johnson County, Iowa was also reviewed for information relating to anticipated
seasonally high groundwater levels. In undisturbed areas, the Spillville component of the Perks-
Spillville complex soils is reported to have apparent seasonal high groundwater of about 4 to 6
feet below its natural grades. No seasonal high water level is reported for the Perks component
of the Perks-Spillville complex soils mapped by the NRCS on the site.
1 Posted at:http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm, accessed June 19, 2018.
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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GEOTECHNICAL OVERVIEW
Support of the building on shallow footing foundations appears feasible, as long as the bearing soils
are prepared as discussed in the Site Preparation,Earthwork, and Shallow Foundations
sections. Due to the presence of lower strength/density native soils, some foundation bearing soil
overexcavation and backfilling should be expected, even with the relatively low recommended
design bearing pressure.
The near surface soils are also susceptible to disturbance from construction activities, particularly
if the soils are wetted by surface water or seepage. Care should be taken during construction to
reduce disturbance of the exposed soils. Consideration should be given to placing a crushed
stone working platform across the building area, and establishing aggregate surfaced haul roads
and staging areas to help minimize disturbance of subgrade soils.
The General Comments section provides an understanding of the report limitations.
SITE PREPARATION
Topsoil, vegetation, soils with organic contents greater than 5 percent, and any otherwise
unsuitable materials should be removed from the construction areas. Excessively wet or dry
material should either be removed or moisture conditioned and recompacted. Soft and/or low-
density soil should be removed or compacted in place prior to placing new fill. Subgrade
conditions should be observed by Terracon during construction.
After rough grade has been established, the exposed subgrade should be proofrolled by the
contractor and test probed by Terracon. However, obviously unstable subgrades should not be
proofrolled to reduce disturbance of the subgrade soils, until after these soils have been stabilized.
Proofrolling could be accomplished by using heavy, rubber-tired construction equipment or a
partially-loaded tandem axle dump truck (gross weight of about 25 tons). This surficial proofroll
would help to provide a stable base for the compaction of new structural fill, and delineates low
density, soft, or disturbed areas that may exist below subgrade level. Soft or loose areas should
be undercut, moisture conditioned, and recompacted or replaced with approved structural fill.
Corrective measures will probably be required to increase subgrade stability during subgrade
preparation. The City should budget for additional costs to provide the required corrective
measures. Based on our experience in soils of these types, crushed stone working mat on the
order of 1 to 2 feet thick could be required to stabilize subgrade soils. A geotextile stabilization
material could also be placed below the crushed stone to help stabilize the subgrade soils. As an
alternative, the unstable subgrade soils could be undercut, scarified on-site, and compacted with
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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moisture and density control in maximum 9-inch loose lifts up to final subgrade elevation to
provide a uniform thickness of well-compacted material.
Dewatering during construction could be required. We expect that sump pits and pumps would
generally be adequate for dewatering excavations in clay soils. More extensive dewatering
measures, such as well points and sheeting, may be required for excavations that encounter
water bearing sand soils.
Upon completion of filling and grading, care should be taken to maintain the subgrade moisture
content prior to construction of grade-supported slabs a. Construction traffic over the completed
subgrade should be avoided to the extent practical. The site should also be graded to prevent
ponding of surface water on the prepared subgrades or in excavations. If the subgrade should
become frozen, desiccated, saturated, or disturbed, the affected material should be removed or
these materials should be scarified, moisture conditioned, and recompacted prior to slab
construction.
EARTHWORK
Fill Material Types
Fill placed in the building area should be low plasticity cohesive soil or granular soil. Fill placed
in confined excavations should consist of relatively clean and well-graded granular material. This
should provide for greater ease of placement and compaction in confined areas where larger
compaction equipment cannot be operated. The use of granular fill in these isolated and
potentially deeper excavations would reduce the potential for differential settlement of building
components.
The inorganic lean clay (Model Layer 2) and sand soils (Model Layers 3 and 4) encountered in
the borings are considered suitable for use as site mass grading fill. Moisture conditioning (e.g.
drying of clays, wetting of sands) should be anticipated if on-site soils are used as fill.
Compacted structural fill should meet the following material property requirements:
Fill Type 1 USCS Classification Acceptable Location for Placement
Low plasticity
cohesive 2 CL-ML, CL (LL<45, PI<23)General site grading fill
Higher plasticity
cohesive
CL (LL≥45, PI≥23), CL/CH,
CH Green (non-structural) locations
Granular GW, GP, GM, GC
SW, SP, SM, SC General site grading fill
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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Fill Type 1 USCS Classification Acceptable Location for Placement
GW, GP, GM, GC General site grading fill, below foundations 3
Unsuitable ML, MH, CL-OL, OL, CH-
OH, OH, PT Green (non-structural) locations
On-site soils CL, SP-SM, SP Per the USCS classifications noted in this table
1.Structural fill should consist of approved materials that are free of organic matter and debris. Frozen
material should not be used, and fill should not be placed on a frozen subgrade. A sample of each
material type should be submitted to the geotechnical engineer for evaluation prior to use on this
site.
2.Low plasticity cohesive soil has a liquid limit less than 45 and a plasticity index less than 23.
3.If placed during mass site grading. Foundation bearing soil correction overexcavation backfill should
be a dense-graded crushed stone.
Appropriate laboratory tests, including Atterberg Limits for cohesive soils, organic content tests
for dark colored soils and/or those that exhibit a noticeable odor, and standard Proctor (ASTM
D698) moisture-density relationship tests should be performed on proposed fill materials prior to
their use as structural fill. Further evaluation of any on-site soils or off-site fill materials should be
performed by Terracon prior to their use in compacted fill sections.
Compaction Requirements
Item Description
Maximum fill lift thickness
■9 inches or less in loose thickness when heavy, self-propelled
compaction equipment is used
■4 inches in loose thickness when hand-guided equipment (i.e.
jumping jack or plate compactor) is used
o May be increased to 6 inches if the fill is a
granular material
Minimum compaction
requirements 1, 2
■98% beneath foundations
■95% above foundations
Moisture content range 1 ■Low plasticity cohesive: -2% to +3%
■Granular: -3% to +3%
1.As determined by the standard Proctor test (ASTM D698).
2.If the granular material is a coarse sand or gravel, or of a uniform size, or has a low fines content,
compaction comparison to relative density may be more appropriate. In this case, granular materials
should be compacted to at least 70% relative density (ASTM D 4253 and D 4254).
Utility Trench Backfill
For low permeability subgrades, utility trenches are a common source of water infiltration and
migration. All utility trenches that penetrate beneath the building should be effectively sealed to
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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restrict water intrusion and flow through the trenches, which could migrate below the building.
The trench should have an effective trench plug that extends at least 5 feet out from the face of
the building exterior. The plug material should consist of cementitious flowable fill or low
permeability clay. The trench plug material should be placed to surround the utility line. If used,
the clay trench plug material should be placed and compacted to comply with the water content
and compaction recommendations for structural fill stated previously in this report.
Grading and Drainage
All grades should provide effective drainage away from the building during and after construction,
and need to be maintained throughout the life of the structure. Water retained next to the building
can result in soil movements greater than those discussed in this report. These greater
movements can result in unacceptable differential floor slab and/or foundation movements,
cracked slabs and walls, and roof leaks. The roof should have gutters/drains with downspouts
that discharge into the storm sewer system or onto splash blocks at a distance of at least 10 feet
from the building.
Exposed ground should be sloped and maintained at a minimum 5 percent away from the building
for at least 10 feet beyond the perimeter of the building. After building construction and
landscaping, final grades should be verified to document effective drainage has been achieved.
Grades around the structure should also be periodically inspected and adjusted as necessary as
part of the structure’s maintenance program. Where paving or flatwork abuts the structure, a
maintenance program should be established to effectively seal and maintain joints and prevent
surface water infiltration.
Earthwork Construction Considerations
As a minimum, excavations should be performed in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR, Part 1926,
Subpart P, “Excavations” and its appendices, and in accordance with any applicable local, and/or
state regulations.
Construction site safety is the sole responsibility of the contractor who controls the means,
methods, and sequencing of construction operations. Under no circumstances shall the
information provided herein be interpreted to mean Terracon is assuming any responsibility for
construction site safety, or the contractor's activities; such responsibility shall neither be implied
nor inferred.
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
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Construction Observation and Testing
Earthwork should be observed and tested by Terracon, including site stripping, fill placement, and
slab subgrade preparation. Foundation bearing soils should be evaluated by Terracon.
In addition to the documentation of the essential parameters necessary for construction, the
continuation of Terracon into the construction phase of the project provides the continuity to
maintain our evaluation of geotechnical conditions, including assessing variations and associated
design changes.
SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS
Based on the project information, the results of the subsurface exploration, laboratory testing, and
our analysis, the structure may be supported on spread footing foundations; however, due to the
presence of lower strength/density native soils, bearing soil correction overexcavation and
backfilling may be required. To decrease the quantity of foundation bearing soil correction, a
relatively low bearing pressure has been recommended.
The following design parameters are applicable for spread footing foundations.
Design Parameters – Shallow Foundations
Item Description
Maximum net allowable bearing
pressure 1, 2 1,500 psf
Required bearing stratum 3
■Native, medium stiff or greater consistency clay soil
o Should have a field tested shear strength of at least
half the design bearing pressure
■Native, medium dense or greater relative density sand
o Native very loose to loose sand that has been
compacted to a medium dense condition
■Granular fill or lean concrete extending to suitable native
bearing materials
Minimum foundation widths ■Columns: 30 inches
■Continuous: 16 inches
Minimum embedment depths
below
finished grade 4, 5
■Perimeter footings for heated areas: 42 inches
■Interior footings in heated areas: 18 inches
Estimated total settlement from
structural loads 2 Less than about 1 inch
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ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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Item Description
Estimated differential settlement 2 About 2/3 of total settlement
1.The maximum net allowable bearing pressure is the pressure in excess of the minimum surrounding
overburden pressure at the footing base elevation.
2.Values provided are for maximum loads noted in Project Description.
3.Unsuitable, and/or lower strength/density native soils should be overexcavated and replaced according to
the recommendations presented in Foundation Construction Considerations.
4.Embedment necessary to minimize the effects of frost. Finished grade is defined as the lowest adjacent
grade within 5 feet of the foundation for perimeter (or exterior) footings and finished floor level for interior
footings.
5.Interior footings should be constructed to a minimum embedment of 42 inches if they will be subjected to
frost conditions during construction.
Foundation Construction Considerations
Foundation excavations should be observed by Terracon. If the soil conditions encountered differ
significantly from those presented in this report, supplemental recommendations will be required.
Very loose to loose sands will likely be encountered in footing excavations; these sands exposed
at the base of shallow foundations should be densified in place to at least 98 percent of the
material’s standard Proctor maximum dry density or at least 70 percent relative density using
appropriate compaction equipment prior to foundation construction. The sands should be
densified to a depth of at least 2 feet below footing bearing elevation using excavator mounted
vibratory or hand-held dynamic compaction equipment (e.g., jumping jack). However; if the water
table is within 2 feet of the foundation excavation bottom, dewatering measures should be used
to lower the water table to at least 2 feet below the bottom of the excavation prior to performing
in-situ densification.
Where loose sands cannot be densified in place and/or if unsuitable bearing soils are encountered
in footing excavations, excavations should be extended deeper to suitable soil and the footings
should bear on properly compacted crushed stone backfill extending down to the suitable soils.
Overexcavation for backfill placement below footings should extend laterally beyond all edges of
the footings at least 8 inches per foot of overexcavation depth below design footing level. The
overexcavation should then be backfilled up to the design footing level with dense-graded crushed
stone placed in lifts of 6 inches or less in loose thickness and compacted to at least 98 percent of
the material's maximum standard Proctor dry density (ASTM D698). The overexcavation and
backfill procedures are shown in the figure below.
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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The base of all foundation excavations should be free of water, soft to medium stiff soils, and
loose/disturbed material prior to placement of backfill, reinforcing steel, and/or concrete. If
groundwater is encountered at the time of construction, it should be lowered and controlled to a
minimum depth of 2 feet below the excavation elevation. Should the soil at the bearing level
become disturbed, the affected soil should be removed prior to placement of concrete. Concrete
should be placed as soon as possible after excavating to minimize disturbance of bearing soils.
SEISMIC CONSIDERATIONS
The seismic design requirements for buildings and other structures are based on Seismic Design
Category. Site Classification is required to determine the Seismic Design Category for a structure.
The Site Classification is based on the upper 100 feet of the site profile defined by a weighted
average value of either shear wave velocity, standard penetration resistance, or undrained shear
strength in accordance with Section 20.4 of ASCE 7-10.
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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Description Value
2015 International Building Code Site Classification (IBC)1 D 2
Site Latitude 41° 37.77' N
Site Longitude 91° 31.86' W
SDS Spectral Acceleration for a Short Period 3 0.091 g
SD1 Spectral Acceleration for a 1-Second Period 3 0.089 g
1.Seismic site classification in general accordance with the 2015 International Building Code, which refers to
ASCE 7-10.
2.The 2015 International Building Code (IBC) uses a site profile extending to a depth of 100 feet for seismic
site classification. Borings at this site were extended to a maximum depth of 30.5 feet. The site properties
below the boring depth to 100 feet were estimated based on our experience and knowledge of geologic
conditions of the general area. Additional deeper borings or geophysical testing may be performed to confirm
the conditions below the current boring depth.
3.These values were obtained using online seismic design maps and tools provided by the USGS
(http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/designmaps/).
Based on the results of our site characterization program, we recommend Site Class D be used
for the subject site. As noted in the table above, additional testing would be necessary to confirm
soil conditions below the maximum explored depth are consistent with the Site Class noted for
this site.
FLOOR SLABS
Design parameters for floor slabs assume that the recommendations in Site Preparation and
Earthwork have been followed. These parameters are for interior floor slabs and appurtenances
that will not be used to support vehicles. Based on the potential for shallow groundwater, specific
attention should be given to positive drainage away from the structure. This also includes positive
drainage of the aggregate base beneath the floor slab.
Floor Slab Design Parameters
Item Description
Floor slab support 1
■Minimum 6 inches of free-draining (less than 6 percent passing the U.S.
No. 200 sieve) crushed aggregate compacted to at least 95 percent of
ASTM D 698 2
Estimated modulus of
subgrade reaction 2 100 pounds per square inch per inch (psi/in) for point loads
1.Floor slabs should be structurally independent of any building footings or walls to reduce the possibility of
floor slab cracking caused by differential movements between the slab and foundation.
2.Modulus of subgrade reaction is an estimated value based upon our experience with the subgrade
condition, the requirements noted in Earthwork, and the floor slab support as noted in this table. It is
provided for point loads. For large area loads the modulus of subgrade reaction would be lower.
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The use of a vapor retarder should be considered beneath concrete slabs on grade that will be
covered with wood, tile, carpet, or other moisture sensitive or impervious coverings, or when the
slab will support equipment sensitive to moisture. When conditions warrant the use of a vapor
retarder, the slab designer should refer to ACI 302 and/or ACI 360 for procedures and cautions
regarding the use and placement of a vapor retarder.
Where floor slabs are tied to perimeter walls or turn-down slabs to meet structural or other
construction objectives, our experience indicates that any differential movement between the
walls and slabs will likely be observed in adjacent slab expansion joints or floor slab cracks that
occur beyond the length of the structural dowels. The structural engineer should account for this
potential differential settlement through use of sufficient control joints, appropriate reinforcing or
other means.
Floor Slab Construction Considerations
On most project sites, the site grading is generally accomplished early in the construction phase.
However, as construction proceeds, the subgrade will likely be disturbed due to utility excavations,
construction traffic, desiccation, rainfall, etc. Correction to subgrades prior to placement of base
course crushed stone and concrete should be anticipated, particularly where subgrades consist
of and/or are underlain by high moisture content clay soils.
We recommend the area underlying the floor slab be rough graded and then thoroughly
proofrolled with a loaded rubber-tire skid-steer loader prior to final grading and placement of the
crushed stone base course. Particular attention should be paid to high traffic areas that were
rutted and disturbed earlier and to areas where backfilled trenches are located. Areas where
unsuitable conditions are located should be repaired by removing and replacing the affected
material with properly compacted fill. Dry and/or desiccated subgrade soils should be removed,
or subjected to a procedure of scarification, moisture conditioning, and recompaction prior to
placing the floor slab base course.
The recommended crushed stone base thickness is not intended to be used as a working surface
for construction activities. All below-grade construction, such as utility piping installation should
be completed prior to placing the base course, to avoid mixing of soil or other materials into the
base course aggregate. Some redressing and correction of the crushed stone base disturbed or
mixed with soil or other materials should be anticipated if the crushed stone base is placed early
during construction.
Where practical, we recommend “early-entry” cutting of crack-control joints in grade supported
slabs. Cutting of the concrete in its “green” state typically reduces the potential for micro-cracking
of the slabs prior to the crack control joints being formed, compared to cutting the joints after the
concrete has fully set. Micro-cracking of slabs may lead to crack formation in locations other than
the sawed joints, and/or reduction of fatigue life of the slabs.
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
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FROST CONSIDERATIONS
The soils on this site are frost susceptible, and small amounts of water can affect the performance
of grade-supported slabs. Exterior slabs should be anticipated to heave during winter months. If
frost action needs to be reduced in critical areas, we recommend the use of coarse-
grained/granular fill with 6 percent or less fines or structural slabs (e.g., structural stoops in front
of building doors). Placement of granular material with low frost susceptibility in large areas may
not be feasible; however, the following recommendations are provided to help reduce the amount
of frost heave:
■Providing surface drainage away from the building and slabs and toward the site storm
drainage system;
■Installing drain tiles around the perimeter of the building, stoops, and below exterior slabs
and connect them to the site drainage system;
■Grading clayey subgrades beneath a more permeable granular base, toward the site
drainage system;
■Placing less frost susceptible granular fill beneath slabs that are critical to the project;
■Placing a 3 horizontal to 1 vertical (3H: 1V) transition zone between less frost susceptible
granular material and other soils.
As an alternative to extending the granular fill to the full frost depth, consideration can be made
to placing extruded polystyrene or cellular concrete under a buffer of at least 2 feet of granular fill
maintained in a drained condition.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Our analysis and opinions are based upon our understanding of the project, the geotechnical
conditions in the area, and the data obtained from our site exploration. Natural variations will
occur between exploration point locations or due to the modifying effects of construction or
weather. The nature and extent of such variations may not become evident until during or after
construction. Terracon should be retained as the Geotechnical Engineer, where noted in the final
report, to provide observation and testing services during pertinent construction phases. If
variations appear, we can provide further evaluation and supplemental recommendations. If
variations are noted in the absence of our observation and testing services on-site, we should be
immediately notified so that we can provide evaluation and supplemental recommendations.
Our scope of services does not include either specifically or by implication any environmental or
biological (e.g., mold, fungi, bacteria) assessment of the site or identification or prevention of
pollutants, hazardous materials or conditions. If the owner is concerned about the potential for
such contamination or pollution, other studies should be undertaken.
ATTACH MENTS
ATTACHMENTS
Geotechnical Engineering Report
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
Responsive ■Resourceful ■Reliable
EXPLORATION AND TESTING PROCEDURES
Field Exploration
Exploration Scope: Two borings were performed to depths of about 30.5 feet below existing
grades within the planned building location at the approximate locations shown on the
Exploration Plan.
Boring Layout and Elevations: The borings were staked using a measuring wheel and/or tape
while estimating right angles from known reference features. The coordinates shown on the
boring logs are approximate and were determined by using measuring tools on the Johnson
County GIS system. Boring elevations (rounded to the nearest foot) are from plotting the boring
coordinates on the State of Iowa Lidar digital elevation model. The boring locations and elevations
should only be considered accurate to the degree of the means and methods used to obtain them.
Subsurface Exploration Procedures: We advanced the soil borings with a track-mounted drill
rig using continuous flight hollow stem augers. Groundwater levels were observed during and
immediately after the completion of drilling and sampling. Once the samples were collected and
classified in the field, they were placed in appropriate sample containers and transported to our
laboratory. The boreholes were backfilled with auger cuttings after their completion.
Our exploration team prepared field boring logs as part of standard drilling operations including
sampling depths, penetration distances, and other relevant sampling information. Field logs
included visual classifications of materials encountered during drilling, and our exploration team’s
interpretation of subsurface conditions between samples.
Laboratory Testing
Water content tests were performed on the samples obtained from the borings, and hand
penetrometer tests were also performed on selected cohesive native samples. An Atterberg
(liquid and plastic) limits test and an organic content by loss on ignition were performed on
selected samples to better evaluate the site conditions and develop engineering
recommendations for the project. Native soil samples were visually classified in accordance with
the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). Computer generated boring logs, prepared from
field logs, represent the geotechnical engineer's interpretation, and include modifications based
on observations and laboratory tests.
SITE LOCA TION AND EXPLORATION PLANS
SITE LOCATION AND EXPLORATION PLANS
SITE LOCATION and NEARBY GEOTECHNICAL DATA
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
SITE LOCA TION P LAN
DIAGRAM IS FOR GENERAL LOCATION ONLY, AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES MAP PROVIDED BY MICROSOFT BING MAPS
EXPLORATION PLAN
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
EXPLORATION P LAN
LEGEND
- Fire Tower Boring Location and Elevation
- Existing Boring from Terracon Project No. 06995251
DIAGRAM IS FOR GENERAL LOCATION ONLY, AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES PLAN PROVIDED BY NEUMANN MONSON
B-301
(640’)
B-302
(640’)
EXPLORATION RESULTS
EXPLORATION RESULTS
3.325
22
15
4
16
18
19
11
11
33-18-15
639.5+/-
633+/-
618+/-
609.5+/-
1-2-3
N=5
1-2-2
N=4
3-5-7
N=12
3-2-2
N=4
1-1-1
N=2
7-14-9
N=23
3-7-9
N=16
3-7-8
N=15
9
12
15
14
8
12
14
15
0.3
7.0
22.0
30.5
4" Clayey Topsoil
LEAN CLAY (CL), trace sand and organics, dark brown,
medium stiff
POORLY GRADED SAND (SP), trace silt and gravel, fine
to coarse grained, brown and grayish-brown, medium dense
loose below about 9 feet
light gray and brown, very loose below about 12 feet
medium dense below about 19 feet
SANDY LEAN CLAY (CL), trace gravel, occasional sand
seams, dark gray, very stiff
Boring Terminated at 30.5 Feet
0.75
(HP)
0.75
(HP)
1.0
(HP)
4.0
(HP)
4.0
(HP)GRAPHIC LOGHammer Type: CME AutomaticStratification lines are approximate. In-situ, the transition may be gradual.THIS BORING LOG IS NOT VALID IF SEPARATED FROM ORIGINAL REPORT. GEO SMART LOG-NO WELL 06185072 ICPW FIRE TRAINING TOWER.GPJ TERRACON_DATATEMPLATE.GDT 6/21/18ORGANICCONTENT, %WATERCONTENT (%)LL-PL-PI
ATTERBERG
LIMITS
ELEVATION (Ft.)
Approximate Surface Elev: 640 (Ft.) +/-WATER LEVELOBSERVATIONSDEPTH (Ft.)5
10
15
20
25
30 SAMPLE TYPEFIELD TESTRESULTSRECOVERY (In.)MODEL LAYERDEPTH
LOCATION See Exploration Plan
Latitude: 41.6295° Longitude: -91.531°
Page 1 of 1
Advancement Method:
Hollow Stem Auger
Abandonment Method:
Boring backfilled with auger cuttings upon completion.
2640 12th St SW
Cedar Rapids, IA
Notes:
Project No.: 06185072.01
Drill Rig: CME-850XR
Boring Started: 05-31-2018
BORING LOG NO. B-301
City of Iowa CityCLIENT:
Iowa City, Iowa
Driller: SZ
Boring Completed: 05-31-2018
ARCHITECT: Neumann Monson Architects
PROJECT: ICPW Fire Training Tower
Elevation from State of Iowa Lidar digital
elevation model.
See Exploration and Testing Procedures for a
description of field and laboratory procedures
used and additional data (If any).
See Supporting Information for explanation of
symbols and abbreviations.
Napoleon Lane SE
Iowa City, Iowa
SITE:
9' after boring
Wet cave-in at 9' after boring
10.5' while sampling
9' after boring
Wet cave-in at 9' after boring
WATER LEVEL OBSERVATIONS
10.5' while sampling LABORATORYHP (tsf)1
2
4
5
5
6
5
13
16
15
11
11
639.5+/-
634+/-
618+/-
609.5+/-
2-2-2
N=4
3-3-3
N=6
3-4-4
N=8
2-1-2
N=3
1-1-2
N=3
7-7-8
N=15
6-8-9
N=17
7-8-9
N=17
12
17
18
18
13
15
17
18
0.3
6.0
22.0
30.5
4" Sandy Topsoil
POORLY GRADED SAND WITH SILT (SP-SM), trace
organics, fine to medium grained, brown and dark brown,
loose
POORLY GRADED SAND (SP), trace silt and gravel, fine
to coarse grained, brown and grayish-brown, loose
very loose below about 9 feet
light gray and brown, medium dense below about 17 feet
SANDY LEAN CLAY (CL), trace gravel, occasional sand
seams, dark gray, very stiff
Boring Terminated at 30.5 Feet
3.0
(HP)
3.0
(HP)GRAPHIC LOGHammer Type: CME AutomaticStratification lines are approximate. In-situ, the transition may be gradual.THIS BORING LOG IS NOT VALID IF SEPARATED FROM ORIGINAL REPORT. GEO SMART LOG-NO WELL 06185072 ICPW FIRE TRAINING TOWER.GPJ TERRACON_DATATEMPLATE.GDT 6/21/18ORGANICCONTENT, %WATERCONTENT (%)LL-PL-PI
ATTERBERG
LIMITS
ELEVATION (Ft.)
Page 1 of 1
Advancement Method:
Hollow Stem Auger
Abandonment Method:
Boring backfilled with auger cuttings upon completion.
2640 12th St SW
Cedar Rapids, IA
Notes:
Project No.: 06185072.01
Drill Rig: CME-850XR
Boring Started: 05-31-2018
BORING LOG NO. B-302
City of Iowa CityCLIENT:
Iowa City, Iowa
Driller: SZ
Boring Completed: 05-31-2018
ARCHITECT: Neumann Monson Architects
PROJECT: ICPW Fire Training Tower
Elevation from State of Iowa Lidar digital
elevation model.
See Exploration and Testing Procedures for a
description of field and laboratory procedures
used and additional data (If any).
See Supporting Information for explanation of
symbols and abbreviations.
Napoleon Lane SE
Iowa City, Iowa
SITE:
10' after boring
Approximate Surface Elev: 640 (Ft.) +/-WATER LEVELOBSERVATIONSDEPTH (Ft.)5
10
15
20
25
30 SAMPLE TYPEFIELD TESTRESULTSRECOVERY (In.)MODEL LAYERDEPTH
LOCATION See Exploration Plan
Latitude: 41.6295° Longitude: -91.5309°
Wet cave-in at 15' after boring
9' while sampling
10' after boring
Wet cave-in at 15' after boring
WATER LEVEL OBSERVATIONS
9' while sampling LABORATORYHP (tsf)1
3
4
5
605
610
615
620
625
630
635
640
645
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
605
610
615
620
625
630
635
640
645
1
2
4
5
B-301
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1
3
4
5
B-302
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
First Water Observation
Second Water Observation
Final Water Observation
NOTES:
GEOTECHNICAL MODEL
ELEVATION (MSL) (feet)7/6/2018 Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
Distance Along Baseline - Feet
LEGEND
See boring logs for more detailed conditions specific to each boring.
GeoModel provided for illustration purposes only. Actual subsurface conditions between borings will vary.
Layering shown on this figure has been developed by the geotechnical engineer for purposes of
characterization of subsurface conditions as required for the subsequent geotechnical engineering
for this project.
Topsoil Lean Clay Poorly-graded
Sand Glacial Till Poorly-graded
Sand with Silt
ICPW Fire Training Tower Iowa City, Iowa
4 POORLY GRADED SAND (SP), trace silt and gravel,
fine to coarse grained, very loose to medium dense
5 SANDY LEAN CLAY (CL), trace gravel, occasional
sand seams, very stiff
1 Clayey or Sandy Topsoil
LEAN CLAY (CL), trace sand and organics, medium stiff2
POORLY GRADED SAND WITH SILT (SP-SM), trace
organics, fine to medium grained, loose3
Termed General DescriptionModel Layer
Lower Alluvial Sand
Glacial Till
Surficial
Alluvial Clay
Upper Alluvial Sand
0N/A1515151N/A1818181N/A3333331022225242014552 Alluvial Clay020000015652014652Upper Alluvial Sand030000054191390521588Lower Alluvial Sand040000001111114011517164 Glacial Till05Note: The statistical summary of field and laboratory data are derived from the data collected for this investigation, and individual datacan be found on the individual soil boring logs included in this section.The model layers as listed above are consistent with the model layers illustrated on the Geotechnical Model.N-Value (blows/ft)Moisture Content (%)Dry Density (pcf)Liquid Limit, LLPlastic Limit, PLPlasticity Index, PIModel Layer NumberDescriptionNumber of TestsSummary of Testing by Model LayerICPW Fire Training Tower7/6/2018Terracon Project No. 06185072.01Iowa City, IowaAverageMaximum (1)MinimumStd. DeviationMaximumMaximumMaximumMinimumMaximumMinimumStd. DeviationNumber of TestsAverageMinimumMinimumMinimumMinimumStd. DeviationStd. DeviationStd. DeviationStd. DeviationStd. DeviationMaximumMaximumNumber of TestsNumber of TestsNumber of TestsNumber of TestsNumber of TestsAverageAverageAverageAverageAverageMaximumNumber of TestsAverageMinimumStd. Deviation% FinesShear Strength (psf)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
0 20 40 60 80 100CL or OLML or OL
MH or OH"U" Line"A" Line
ATTERBERG LIMITS RESULTS
ASTM D4318
P
L
A
S
T
I
C
I
T
Y
I
N
D
E
X
LIQUID LIMITCH or OHPROJECT NUMBER: 06185072.01
SITE: Napoleon Lane SE
Iowa City, Iowa
PROJECT: ICPW Fire Training Tower
CLIENT: City of Iowa City
Iowa City, Iowa
2640 12th St SW
Cedar Rapids, IA
LABORATORY TESTS ARE NOT VALID IF SEPARATED FROM ORIGINAL REPORT. ATTERBERG LIMITS 06185072 ICPW FIRE TRAINING TOWER.GPJ TERRACON_DATATEMPLATE.GDT 6/21/181.5 - 3 33 18 15 CL Lean Clay
DescriptionUSCSFinesPIPLLLBoring ID Depth
B-301
CL-ML
SUPPORTING INFORMA TION
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
7/6/2018 Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
ICPW Fire Training Tower Iowa City, Iowa
0.25 to 0.50
> 4.00
2.00 to 4.00
1.00 to 2.00
0.50 to 1.00
less than 0.25
Unconfined Compressive Strength
Qu, (tsf)
Standard
Penetration
Test
Over 12 in. (300 mm)
>12
5-12
<5
Percent of
Dry Weight
TermMajor Component of Sample
Modifier
With
Trace
Descriptive Term(s) of
other constituents
>30Modifier
<15
Percent of
Dry Weight
Descriptive Term(s) of
other constituents
With 15-29
High
Unless otherwise noted, Latitude and Longitude are approximately determined using a hand-held GPS device. The
accuracy of such devices is variable. Surface elevation data annotated with +/- indicates that no actual topographical
survey was conducted to confirm the surface elevation. Instead, the surface elevation was approximately determined from
topographic maps of the area.
Trace
PLASTICITY DESCRIPTION
Water levels indicated on the soil boring logs are
the levels measured in the borehole at the times
indicated. Groundwater level variations will occur
over time. In low permeability soils, accurate
determination of groundwater levels is not
possible with short term water level
observations.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
GENERAL NOTES
> 30
11 - 30
1 - 10Low
Non-plastic
Plasticity Index
#4 to #200 sieve (4.75mm to 0.075mm
Boulders
12 in. to 3 in. (300mm to 75mm)Cobbles
3 in. to #4 sieve (75mm to 4.75 mm)Gravel
Sand
Passing #200 sieve (0.075mm)Silt or Clay
Particle Size
Water Level After
a Specified Period of Time
Water Level After a
Specified Period of Time
Water Initially
Encountered
Soil classification is based on the Unified Soil Classification System. Coarse Grained Soils have more than 50% of their
dry weight retained on a #200 sieve; their principal descriptors are: boulders, cobbles, gravel or sand. Fine Grained Soils
have less than 50% of their dry weight retained on a #200 sieve; they are principally described as clays if they are plastic,
and silts if they are slightly plastic or non-plastic. Major constituents may be added as modifiers and minor constituents
may be added according to the relative proportions based on grain size. In addition to gradation, coarse-grained soils are
defined on the basis of their in-place relative density and fine-grained soils on the basis of their consistency.
GRAIN SIZE TERMINOLOGY
RELATIVE PROPORTIONS OF FINESRELATIVE PROPORTIONS OF SAND AND GRAVEL
DESCRIPTIVE SOIL CLASSIFICATION
LOCATION AND ELEVATION NOTES
SAMPLING WATER LEVEL FIELD TESTS
N
(HP)
(T)
(DCP)
UC
(PID)
(OVA)
Standard Penetration Test
Resistance (Blows/Ft.)
Hand Penetrometer
Torvane
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
Unconfined Compressive
Strength
Photo-Ionization Detector
Organic Vapor Analyzer
Medium
0
Standard Penetration or
N-Value
Blows/Ft.
Descriptive Term
(Density)
CONSISTENCY OF FINE-GRAINED SOILS
Hard
15 - 30Very Stiff> 50Very Dense
8 - 15Stiff30 - 50Dense
4 - 8Medium Stiff10 - 29Medium Dense
2 - 4Soft4 - 9Loose
0 - 1Very Soft0 - 3Very Loose
(50% or more passing the No. 200 sieve.)
Consistency determined by laboratory shear strength testing, field visual-manual
procedures or standard penetration resistance
STRENGTH TERMS
> 30
Descriptive Term
(Consistency)
Standard Penetration or
N-Value
Blows/Ft.
RELATIVE DENSITY OF COARSE-GRAINED SOILS
(More than 50% retained on No. 200 sieve.)
Density determined by Standard Penetration Resistance
UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
ICPW Fire Training Tower ■ Iowa City, Iowa
July 6, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 06185072.01
UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Criteria for Assigning Group Symbols and Group Names Using Laboratory Tests A
Soil Classification
Group
Symbol Group Name B
Coarse-Grained Soils:
More than 50% retained
on No. 200 sieve
Gravels:
More than 50% of
coarse fraction
retained on No. 4 sieve
Clean Gravels:
Less than 5% fines C
Cu ‡ 4 and 1 £ Cc £ 3 E GW Well-graded gravel F
Cu < 4 and/or 1 > Cc > 3 E GP Poorly graded gravel F
Gravels with Fines:
More than 12% fines C
Fines classify as ML or MH GM Silty gravel F, G, H
Fines classify as CL or CH GC Clayey gravel F, G, H
Sands:
50% or more of coarse
fraction passes No. 4
sieve
Clean Sands:
Less than 5% fines D
Cu ‡ 6 and 1 £ Cc £ 3 E SW Well-graded sand I
Cu < 6 and/or 1 > Cc > 3 E SP Poorly graded sand I
Sands with Fines:
More than 12% fines D
Fines classify as ML or MH SM Silty sand G, H, I
Fines classify as CL or CH SC Clayey sand G, H, I
Fine-Grained Soils:
50% or more passes the
No. 200 sieve
Silts and Clays:
Liquid limit less than 50
Inorganic:PI > 7 and plots on or above “A”
line J
CL Lean clay K, L, M
PI < 4 or plots below “A” line J ML Silt K, L, M
Organic:Liquid limit - oven dried < 0.75 OL Organic clay K, L, M, N
Liquid limit - not dried Organic silt K, L, M, O
Silts and Clays:
Liquid limit 50 or more
Inorganic:PI plots on or above “A” line CH Fat clay K, L, M
PI plots below “A” line MH Elastic Silt K, L, M
Organic:Liquid limit - oven dried < 0.75 OH Organic clay K, L, M, P
Liquid limit - not dried Organic silt K, L, M, Q
Highly organic soils:Primarily organic matter, dark in color, and organic odor PT Peat
A Based on the material passing the 3-inch (75-mm) sieve
B If field sample contained cobbles or boulders, or both, add “with cobbles
or boulders, or both” to group name.
C Gravels with 5 to 12% fines require dual symbols: GW-GM well-graded
gravel with silt, GW-GC well-graded gravel with clay, GP-GM poorly
graded gravel with silt, GP-GC poorly graded gravel with clay.
D Sands with 5 to 12% fines require dual symbols: SW-SM well-graded
sand with silt, SW-SC well-graded sand with clay, SP-SM poorly graded
sand with silt, SP-SC poorly graded sand with clay
E Cu = D60/D10 Cc =
6010
2
30
DxD
)(D
F If soil contains ‡ 15% sand, add “with sand” to group name.
G If fines classify as CL-ML, use dual symbol GC-GM, or SC-SM.
H If fines are organic, add “with organic fines” to group name.
I If soil contains ‡ 15% gravel, add “with gravel” to group name.
J If Atterberg limits plot in shaded area, soil is a CL-ML, silty clay.
K If soil contains 15 to 29% plus No. 200, add “with sand” or “with
gravel,” whichever is predominant.
L If soil contains ‡ 30% plus No. 200 predominantly sand, add
“sandy” to group name.
MIf soil contains ‡ 30% plus No. 200, predominantly gravel, add
“gravelly” to group name.
N PI ‡ 4 and plots on or above “A” line.
O PI < 4 or plots below “A” line.
P PI plots on or above “A” line.
Q PI plots below “A” line.