Thanks to everyone for the guidance. I'm still a relative geotech rookie and I guess I have heard so many horror stories in this regard that I'm still a bit overly conservative.
I have performed a geotechnical exploration for a proposed parking lot. The area planned for construction is currently a field and will require 3-4 feet of fill from present ground surface in order to meet required grades. The site is approximately 150' by 350' and was explored with test pits in...
In addition to coring on the interior, it might be worthwhile to excavate along the perimeter footing on the outside of the house to verify that the cracking does indeed extend into the foundation and to get an idea of subsurface conditions. A cracked foundation carries a lot of weight legally...
Let me start by saying that you need to decide for sure if this is what you want to do. It sounds like you have the education and credentials to pursue other careers in civil engineering if you so desire. You have put in too much time in school to pursue a career you can't stand.
As a fellow...
It doesn't make sense that the specimens would lose compressive strength over time. As long as Portland cement is exposed to moisture it will undergo hydration. The moisture in the air is often enough to bring cylinder samples to 75% f'c at 7 days, provided the mix was correct. Therefore, I...
TBell,
I live and work in the upstate of sc, and I agree with SlideRuleEra. Its unlikely that the frost depth penetrates 6 inches anywhere except possibly in the mountains.
As was pointed out in the IBC 2003, the depth required for seismic stability anywhere in sc extends well below the...
I use Sowers' "Soil Mechanics and Foundations" constantly. I would recommend this and many other of his publications for those working in the southeastern US, especially with regard to Piedmont soils.
I assume you were not present at the time of placement, which presents a problem.
Some questions for you.
You mention a stone subbase, but was a vapor barrier installed between the stone and slab? That would be more important in my mind than whether grid, which is not universally required in...
During the installation of a french drain around the perimeter of a residence, water was encountered which appeared to be septic based on smell. We therefore have reason to believe that the septic tank is leaching.
We are also in the process of obtaining samples and sending to a lab for testing...
In the region of SC where I live and work, a design value of 12-18 inches is used. In actuality, I don't think frost ever embeds more than 6 inches around here. A chart I have shows a maximum frost depth in central alabama to be .25 meters, or about 10 inches. 12 inches would be a good estimate...
Thanks for the replies. I should clarify that I am not designing in this instance, only trying to evaluate the existing system to determine its adequacy.
The ANSI code was a help. I think in this case the downspouts were undersized for the gutters that were designed.
Here is an excellent...
