We traditionally recommend NOT using soil with more than 4% organics for engineered fill.

Thanks.  Material in question came in at 3% and I was thinking a 2% limit was too strict but 5% seemed a bit too lax.  So that 4% limit works for me.  I'll consider your response standard of practice :).  Kidding.  But if anyone else has a comment I'd be interested.  

DougB,

We generally recommend 3% max by dry weight. Obviously, no large organics (stumps, branches, roots, leaves, lumber or construction debris, etc.).

Jeff

Jeffrey T. Donville, PE
TTL Associates, Inc.
www.ttlassoc.com

DougB - why use a silty clay borderline silt as structural fill below a foundation?  Wouldn't a granular material be a better choice (for compaction and sturctural capacity).  Silt and silty clay are highly moisture sensitive and depending on the location of the job, the contractor could have serious compaction problems if the jobsite gets wet.  Of course, a good contractor could make the material work, but I've learned to plan for the worst case scenario (i.e., low bidder!j/k).

I agree with the 3% under footings and maybe up to 6% under slabs that could tolerate a little settlement and cracking.