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Recent content by Grouser

  1. Grouser

    Replacement for Granular Proctor?

    I've been out of the materials testing business for a few decades now and I am wondering if new research has been done to replace the Proctor lab test for granular soil compaction. I seem to recall a maximum density shake table type test but never saw it widely adopted. Anything new out there...
  2. Grouser

    Cost expectations for Soil testing

    Be prepared to be flexible about locating the structure on your site. The location with the best view may also have the worst soil conditions. I assume the Ontario government has a soil conservation service like in the US. Get a map of your site from them. Try to get an aerial photo of the...
  3. Grouser

    Nuclear Vs. Non Nuclear Density Testing of Asphalt

    The contractor should be responsible for the quality of the completed construction. Let him do the quality control testing to prevent production delays. You do the QA testing to verify his results. Florida DOT has been doing this now for about 10 years and it works quite well, especially for...
  4. Grouser

    Geotechnical Bore Holes

    Most state environmental agencies have requirements for abandoning/closing of water wells. This often includes geotechnical boreholes. Check with them and the municipality that may have jurisdiction. Most holes must be grouted closed and reported as such by the driller. Failure to do so is a...
  5. Grouser

    Geothermal Piles - Geotechnical Considerations

    How will the owner access the heating/cooling system for preventive maintenance or repairs? I'll bet sunny/shady side temperature differentials will cause more stress than the HVAC effects unless there are geothermal temperatures close to the system. Cheers
  6. Grouser

    Residential Foundation

    Pay a local geotechnical engineer his $1000 and get a professional report with boring or test pit logs. Simple situations allow simple designs and conversly... What if the site was a medical waste dump or hazardous material dumping ground? It is called a foundation for a reason. Cheers
  7. Grouser

    Training for Soils Lab Techs

    The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has sampling and lab testing training of PCC and HMA aggregate materials. Your state DOT may also have a certification program for aggregate and base course testing & sampling. Proctor test, Atterberg limits, hydrometer, shrinkage, swell, etc., etc. are...
  8. Grouser

    Best to use fill or excavate on basalt rock for residential foundation

    What is the frost depth at your site? Are there high winds that require uplift resistance? Fill should provide a better "cushion" if seismic activity is a concern. Will high rainfall amounts be an erosion concern? [cheers] Cheers
  9. Grouser

    Shrinkage factors for sand

    If you are estimating truck counts, it is the fluff factor you are interested in. The soil will "fluff" as it is being excavated. "Fluff" is very moisture content dependent. It may pay to spread and dry the soil before trucking in order to reduce the fluff and decrease the trucks. If this is...
  10. Grouser

    Drilled Shaft subject to lateral loads & torsion

    STRengineer007 See the link below for Florida DOT design standards. I recall that "wings" are added to the shaft to resist torsion rather than resorting to excessive shaft length. I haven't opened the file as it may require microstation which I don't have. See Drilled Shaft Design for Sign...
  11. Grouser

    Foundation on bedrock

    AlpineEngineer I'd put the dowels in. They can't cost very much and will provide resistance against sliding or uplift if water gets under the slab and freezes. As a guess how about one every 10' along the perimeter and a few in the center (16 + 4 for a 40' x 40' slab = 20). I guess uplift...
  12. Grouser

    Sheet Pile Wall - Aesthetic Facing Options

    If not too high a wall, trailing vines/plants planted at the top would partially cover and "naturalize" the sheet piling. [cheers]
  13. Grouser

    work reviews

    Per Ashereng's comment, many companies use the review for salary evaluation. It is also your opportunity to request/suggest a promotion. Maybe not directly, depends on how your company does it, but while setting your performance goals for the next period. If you are performing at the higher...
  14. Grouser

    Question about job hunt (in US)with a foriegn degree

    I'd suggest getting an in-depth letter of recommendation from each of your relevent past employers to attach to your resume/application. Although I'm terrible at it, one should keep in touch with people who can give good references in order to keep ones's network up and to be able to provide...
  15. Grouser

    Spread footing or Helical pier for near surface organic soil

    It sounds workable to me. A trench box would hold the excavation open better for backfilling but would require a bigger machine to drag it. See if the backfill can be placed as an advancing slope that will push less dense material in front of it. This slow deposition will help eliminate...
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