Geotechnical Report A geotechnical engineering study was conducted on the project site by an outside agency; the following is a summary

of the results. In addition to the field exploration, a supplemental laboratory-testing program was conducted to determine additional engineering characteristics of the subsurface materials necessary in evaluating the soil parameters. The study was realized by drilling 6 borings using a drilling rig equipped with a rotary head. This process took place within the proposed areas, to perform laboratory testing and characterized subsurface conditions. During the sampling procedures, standard penetration tests were performed in the borings in conjunction with the split-barrel sampling. The purpose of this was to prepare an engineering report in following specific construction guidelines. After reviewing the Geologic Atlas of Texas, indicates that the project site is located within the Leona Formation. The Leona Formation is defined as a fine calcareous silt that begins grading down into coarse gravel. Also, its indication is that there is no seismic risk or is considered to be minimal at this project site. For the laboratory-testing program all phases were performed in general accordance with the indicated applicable ASTM Specifications. As a part of this classification procedure, the natural water contents of selected specimens were determined. Liquid and plastic limit tests were performed on representative specimens to determine he plasticity characteristics of the different soil strata encountered.

Figure 1.

During the field observations ground water was not encountered in the borings during drilling process. It is known that observations during a short term do not offer accuracy in in terms of ground water levels. However, for accuracy and security is recommended that the contractor should revise water conditions before excavation activities. After reviewing the borings and the test data it must be known that sub soils underlie the site from moderate to high plasticity. Structures supported at shallow depths will be subjected to potential vertical movements on the order of 2 to 3 12 inches.

This issue may be decreased by the implementation of limestone treatment on top layer of soil. The underlying clays may be removed to a depth of 2-5-ft and replaced by compacted crushed limestone. The depth options and the respective anticipated movements after selection of one of the depth options are presented in the following table.

Figure 2.

The plasticity index for the first two feet is at 43, which is considered a regular plastic material; the next five feet have a plasticity index of 37, which is also considered plastic material.

Figure 3.

However each of the borings should be studied for accurate information about the soil characteristics. Within Boring No.2, which is the boring test in which almost all of the building construction is going to take place, the soils are described to be dark brown clay overlaying tan gravel. The subgrade shear strength characterization was determined using a penetrometer.

Foundation Report After reviewing the geotechnical report was determined that the best foundation type eligible for the project site was slab-on-grade foundation. The area where the building is being proposed consist of just over a foot of brown dark clay material followed by a little over 7 feet of tan sandy clay or gravel. It is proposed to remove all clay on top layers of soil in a depth range from 2 to 5 ft. All clay material will be removed and replaced by crushed limestone. The office building will sit on the layer of crushed limestone. The foundation is to be designed following the specifications on a 3-story building. The loads about to be supported will be uniformly distributed over the slab-on-grade foundation. Soil layer depths are even throughout the project site, and soil layers are homogenous across the project site. The slab-on-grade foundation proposed has a length of 200 ft, a width of 125 ft, and 8 inches depth. The foundation is to be constructed using Portland Cement Concrete with a unit weight of 150 pcf and an fc=3,000. After doing a research it was found that slab-ongrade foundation it is clear the most common option for South Texas climate conditions and it is also the best option in terms of project budget.