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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix F - Geotechnical Investigation September 9, 2025 Project No. 25-8074 DLJ Fontana LLC 9895 Double R Blvd. Reno, NV 89521 Attention: Matt Englhard, President Subject: Geotechnical Report, Proposed Almond Avenue Trailer Yard, 9822 Almond Ave (APN 0234-061-04), Fontana, California. Matt, In accordance with your request and authorization, TGR Geotechnical, Inc. (TGR) has completed our geotechnical report for the proposed development at the subject site. SITE DESCRIPTION AND PROPOSED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT The subject site is located at west side of Almond Avenue, approximately 700 feet south of intersection of Almond Avenue and San Bernardino Avenue (Figure 1) in City of Fontana, California. The area of the proposed trailer yard is an unimproved parcel of land, approximately 9.49 acres in size. The proposed development consists of a graded base trailer yard, an approximately 1,248 sq ft prefabricated office building, trash enclosure etc. SCOPE OF SERVICES Our scope of work included performing the following tasks: • Review of readily available geotechnical documents for the site. • Site visit to observe current site conditions. • Preparation of this pavement recommendation report. SITE RECONNAISSANCE A site reconnaissance was performed on February 21, 2025 by members of our firm who observed current site conditions. The site is covered in most areas by aggregate base and is currently occupied by few concrete debris stockpiles, concrete “K” rails and other miscellaneous items. 25-8074 Page 2 DOCUMENT REVIEW The following previous geotechnical reports were reviewed for the subject site. Richard Mills Associates (1986) The subsurface evaluation consisted of six (6) test holes to a maximum depth of 11 feet with a backhoe using a 24-inch-wide bucket. The test holes were excavated into alluvium at the base of the quarry. The report indicates that the site contained a closed depression and that the property had been used as a borrow site during construction of the nearby I-10 Freeway (circa 1955). Richard Mills Associates (1988) A Soil Grading Report prepared by Richard Mills Associates documents placement of compacted fill within the eastern side of the quarry extending from Almond Avenue to about 250 feet to the west. A descending slope is shown on a map in the report extending from 250 to 292 feet west of Almond Avenue. The maximum depth of fill placed during grading was reported to be 28 feet. The Mills report states that fill soils consisted of onsite and imported soils. A table of field density tests shows that the fill was compacted to at least 90% relative compaction. RMA Group (2017) A geotechnical investigation was performed at the subject site to estimate depths of uncontrolled fill dumped in a former quarry. The investigation consisted of estimating depths of uncontrolled fill within the site using available information and geophysical methods. The seismic refraction data indicated that the contact between the uncontrolled fill and underlying geologic units slopes downward from all sides and that maximum depth of the uncontrolled fill within the site is on the order of 60 feet. Based on the results of the investigation, the uncontrolled fill in its current condition is not suitable for support of structures due to its method of placement, the type of materials placed and the potential for significant future ground settlement. FINDINGS Geology Regional Geologic Setting The project site is located in the northwest portion of the Fontana 7.5-minute quadrangle, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, California (Morton, D.M., 2003). Per the Geologic Map, the site is underlain by young alluvial fan deposits consisting of unconsolidated cobbly and bouldery alluvium of Lytle Creek fan. Figure 2 presents the Regional Geology Map. Earth Units Based on the review of reference reports, the subject site is underlain by uncontrolled fill (afu), and compacted fill (afc). The approximate contact between afu and afc are shown on the enclosed Geotechnical Map (Plate 1). 25-8074 Page 3 Groundwater The project site has an approximate elevation of 1068 feet (NAVD 88). A review of the California Water Data Library groundwater data from wells indicates that the seasonal high groundwater in nearest Station 340935N1174885W001 (approximately 1 mile north of subject site) between 10/25/1925 to 03/01/2022 was 309.4 ft below ground surface elevation of 1164.7 ft above NAVD88. The seasonal high groundwater in Station 340481N1174911W001 recorded between 01/07/2000 to 03/26/2025 was 225.15 feet below ground surface elevation (NAVD88 ft) of 935 feet. This station is approximately 2 miles south from the site. Figure 3 presents the Groundwater Monitoring Well Location Map. Seasonal and long-term fluctuations in the groundwater may occur as a result of variations in subsurface conditions, rainfall, run-off conditions and other factors. Therefore, variations from our observations may occur. Static groundwater is not anticipated to impact the proposed development. Static groundwater is not anticipated to impact the proposed development. Seismic Review Faulting and Seismicity The subject site, like the rest of Southern California, is located within a seismically active region as a result of being located near the active margin between the North American and Pacific tectonic plates. The principal source of seismic activity is movement along the northwest- trending regional faults such as the San Andreas, San Jacinto and Elsinore fault zones. These fault systems produce approximately 5 to 35 millimeters per year of slip between the plates. We consider the most significant geologic hazard to be the potential for moderate to strong seismic shaking that is likely to occur at the subject site. The subject site is located in the highly seismic Southern California region within the influence of several faults that are considered to be Holocene-active, pre-Holocene or age-undetermined faults. A Holocene-active fault is defined by the State of California as a fault that has exhibited surface displacement within the Holocene time (about the last 11,700 years). A pre-Holocene fault is defined by the State as a fault whose history of past movement is older than 11,700 years ago and does not meet the criteria for a Holocene-active fault. An age-undetermined fault is defined by the State as a fault where the recency of fault movement has not been determined. These Holocene-active, pre-Holocene and age-undetermined faults are capable of producing potentially damaging seismic shaking at the site. It is anticipated that the subject site will periodically experience ground acceleration as the result of small to moderate magnitude earthquakes. Other Holocene-active, pre-Holocene and age-undetermined faults without surface expression (blind faults) that are not currently zoned and may be capable of generating an earthquake are known to be present in the region. The subject site is not included within any Earthquake Fault Zones as created by the Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (CGS, 2018). Our review of geologic literature pertaining to the site area indicates that there are no Holocene-active, pre-Holocene or age-undetermined faults located within or immediately adjacent to the subject property. 25-8074 Page 4 The nearest fault to the subject site is an unnamed inferred fault near Fontana mapped approximately 0.6 miles southeast of the site. Other nearby faults include the Red Hill-Etiwanda Avenue fault mapped approximately 5.4 miles to the northwest of the site, the Sierra Madre fault zone (Cucamonga section) mapped approximately 5.9 miles to the northeast of the site, the San Jacinto fault (San Bernardino Valley section) mapped approximately 6.8 miles to the southeast of the site. The Regional Fault Map, Figure 4, shows the location of the subject site in respect to the regional faults. Secondary Seismic Hazards Surface Fault Rupture and Ground Shaking Since no known faults are located within the site, surface fault rupture is not anticipated. However, due to the proximity of Holocene-active, pre-Holocene or age-undetermined faults, severe ground shaking should be expected during the life of the proposed structures. Liquefaction Liquefaction is a seismic phenomenon in which loose, saturated, fine-grained granular soils behave similarly to a fluid when subjected to high-intensity ground shaking. Liquefaction occurs when these ground conditions exist: 1) Shallow groundwater; 2) Low density, fine, clean sandy soils; and 3) High-intensity ground motion. Effects of liquefaction can include sand boils, settlement and bearing capacity failures below foundations. A review of the Geologic Hazard Overlay Map, San Bernardino County Land Use Plan (Figure 5) indicates that the subject site is not located in an area identified as having a potential for soil liquefaction. Seismically Induced Settlement Ground accelerations generated from a seismic event can produce settlements in sands or in granular earth materials both above and below the groundwater table. This phenomenon is often referred to as seismic settlement and is most common in relatively clean sands, although it can also occur in other soil materials. Due to the absence of shallow groundwater, the potential for seismic settlement is negligible. Earthquake Induced Landsliding Earthquake induced landsliding involve downhill motion of earth materials during or subsequent to earth shaking. Historically, landslides triggered by earthquakes have been a significant cause of damage. Areas that are most susceptible to earthquake-induced landslides are areas with steep slopes in poorly cemented or highly fractured bedrock, areas underlain by loose, weak soil, and areas on or adjacent to existing landslide deposits. Based on a review of the Geologic Hazard Overlay Map, San Bernardino County Land Use Plan, this property is not located within a mapped zone of landsliding (Figure 5). Based on the above and the relatively flat topography of the surrounding area, the general landslide susceptibility is considered to be negligible. 25-8074 Page 5 Lateral Spreading Seismically induced lateral spreading involves primarily movement of earth materials due to earth shaking. Lateral spreading is demonstrated by near-vertical cracks with predominantly horizontal movement of the soil mass involved. The topography in the vicinity of the subject site is relatively flat. Therefore, the potential for lateral spreading at the subject site is considered very low. RECOMMENDATIONS Seismic Design Parameters When reviewing the 2022 CBC the following parameters should be incorporated into the design. The Site Class is based on site soil conditions per Section 11.4.3 of the ASCE 7-16. It is our opinion Site Class D- Stiff is the most appropriate based on-site soil conditions. Parameter Value Latitude (degree) 34.07288 Longitude (degree) -117.49415 Site Class (ASCE 7-16 Section 11.4.3) D- Stiff Site Coefficient, Fa (CBC Table 1613A.2.3 (1)) 1.0 Site Coefficient, Fv (CBC Table 1613A.2.3 (1)) 1.7 Mapped Spectral Acceleration at 0.2-sec Period, Ss (CBC Section 1613A.2.1) 1.781 g Mapped Spectral Acceleration at 1.0-sec Period, S1 (CBC Section 1613A.2.1) 0.664 g Spectral Acceleration at 0.2-sec Period Adjusted for Site Class, SMS (CBC Section 1613A.2.3) 1.781 g Spectral Acceleration at 1.0-sec Period Adjusted for Site Class, SM1 (CBC Section 1613A.2.3) 1.129 g Design Spectral Acceleration at 0.2-sec Period, SDS (CBC Section 1613A.2.4) 1.187 g Design Spectral Acceleration at 1.0-sec Period, SD1 (CBC Section 1613A.2.4) 0.753 g Seismic Response Coefficient (Cs) ASCE 7-16 Per 12.8-6 Mapped MCEG, Peak Ground Acceleration, PGA 0.759 g Site Coefficient for Mapped MCEG, FPGA 1.1 Site Modified Peak Ground Acceleration, PGAM 0.834 g In general, ASCE 7-16 Section 11.4.8 requires site-specific hazard analysis for structures on Site Class D for values of S1 greater than or equal to 0.2 g. When using Equivalent lateral Force (ELF) and Modal Response Spectrum Analysis (MRSA), the ASCE 7-16 Section 11.4.8 Item 1 exception shall be utilized. Increasing SM1 by 50% in Eq. (11.4-2) results in an increase in the 25-8074 Page 6 value of SD1 determined by Eq. (11.4-4) by 50%. These increased values of SM1 and SD1 are to be used for all applications of these parameters throughout the Standard, including for the formulation of the design response spectrum where a design response spectrum is needed per this standard. It should be noted that the 50% increase in SD1 also increases Ts by 50% resulting in an extension of the acceleration-controlled plateau of the design response spectrum. Cs is determined in accordance with Eq. (12.8-6). Conformance to the criteria presented in the above table for seismic design does not constitute any type of guarantee or assurance that significant structural damage or ground failure will not occur during a large earthquake event. The intent of the code is “life safety” and not to completely prevent damage of the structure, since such design may be economically prohibitive. Foundation Design Recommendations The proposed office building may be supported on continuous and/or spread footings. An allowable bearing pressure of 2000 pounds per square foot may be used in the design. These recommendations assume that the footings will be supported on a minimum of three (3) foot of engineered fill below the bottoms of footings and shall be observed by TGR. The exposed bottom shall be approved by the geotechnical engineer prior to placement of fill. All shallow foundations should extend a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches below the lowest adjacent grade. The minimum recommended footing width is twelve (12) inches for continuous footing and twenty-four (24) for pad footings. A minimum reinforcement of two (2) No. 4 steel bar top and two (2) No. 4 steel bar bottom is required for continuous footings from a geotechnical viewpoint. Foundation design details such as concrete strength, reinforcements, etc should be established by the Structural Engineer. A one-third (1/3) increase on the aforementioned bearing pressure may be used in design for short-term wind or seismic loads. The total and differential static settlement is anticipated to be 1 inch and 0.5 inch or less over 60 feet, respectively. Resistance to lateral loads including wind and seismic forces may be provided by frictional resistance between the bottom of concrete and the underlying fill soils and by passive pressure against the sides of the foundations. A coefficient of friction of 0.4 may be used between concrete foundation and underlying soil. The recommended passive pressure of the engineered fill may be taken as an equivalent fluid pressure of 280 pounds per cubic foot (2,800 psf max). Footing located near property lines where the lateral removal cannot be achieved shall be designed for a reduced bearing capacity of 1,500 pounds per square foot and the passive resistance shall be ignored. Slab-On-Grade The thickness and reinforcement of the slab shall be designed by the structural engineer per the 2022 California Building Code and should include the anticipated loading condition (forklift etc.), the anticipated use of the building and the expansion index of the soil. The subgrade material should be compacted to a minimum of ninety (90) percent of the maximum laboratory dry density at near optimum moisture content to a minimum depth of three (3) feet. 25-8074 Page 7 For moisture sensitive flooring, the floor slab should be underlain by minimum 15-mil impermeable polyethylene membrane (Stego Wrap, Moistop Plus, or any equivalent meeting the requirements of ASTM E1745, Class A rating) as a capillary break. Sand may be placed above and below the impermeable polyethylene membrane at the discretion of the project structural engineer/concrete contractor for proper curing and finish of the concrete slab-on- grade and protection of the membrane and is considered outside the scope of geotechnical engineering. Preliminary Pavement Design The Caltrans method of design was utilized to develop the following pavement section. The section was developed based on an assumed “R-Value” of 50 for compacted site subgrade soils. Traffic indices of 6.5 were assumed for use in developing graded base pavement section. The traffic indices are subject to approval by controlling authorities and shall be approved by the project civil engineer. Pavement Utilization Traffic Index Aggregate Base (Inch) Truck Parking-CAB 6.5 12.0 Truck Parking-CMB 6.5 14.0 Aggregate base material for Asphalt Pavement should consist of CAB/CMB complying with the specifications in Section 200.2.2/200.2.4 of the current “Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction” and should be compacted to at least ninety-five (95) percent of the maximum dry density per ASTM D1557. The surface of the base should exhibit a firm and unyielding condition just prior to the placement of asphalt concrete paving. The pavement subgrade shall be compacted to a minimum depth of two (2) feet at a minimum of ninety-five (95) percent relative compaction at near optimum moisture content per ASTM D1577. The R-value and the associated pavement section should be confirmed at the completion of site grading. Long-Term Site Settlement General The limits of the undocumented fill presented on Plate 1 may undergo significant settlement over time. Paving The presence of the undocumented fill, which will continue to consolidate and/or decompose over time will result in short pavement life and the need to provide regular maintenance. 25-8074 Page 8 Utilities It is anticipated that, due to the likelihood of significant settlement of the site surface due to consolidation and decomposition of the undocumented fill materials, the gravity flow utilities, such as sewer, storm drain pipes as well as other utility lines, such as water, gas, and electric lines shall be designed with sufficient flexibility to accept potentially large differential settlement over a period of time. Site Development Recommendations General During earthwork construction, all site preparation and the general procedures of the contractor should be observed, and the fill selectively tested by a representative of TGR. If unusual or unexpected conditions are exposed in the field, they should be reviewed by this office and if warranted, modified and/or additional recommendations will be offered. During demolition of the existing buildings, large concrete slab and associated site work, voids created from removal of buried elements (footings, pipelines, septic pits, etc.) shall be backfilled with engineered fill (minimum 90% relative compaction per ASTM D1557) under the observation of TGR. Grading All grading should conform to the guidelines presented in the California Building Code (2022 edition), except where specifically superseded in the text of this report. Prior to grading, TGR’s representative should be present at the pre-construction meeting to provide grading guidelines, if needed, and review any earthwork. Oversize particles may be encountered during grading. All particles greater than 4-inches shall be removed and disposed offsite. It is recommended that the upper 3 feet of onsite soils within the proposed prefabricated building and 2 feet of onsite soils within the pavement areas be removed and recompacted to 90 percent relative compaction as determined by ASTM D1557. Site soils could be reused as engineered fill provided they are free of oversized particles and the recommendations presented in this report are implemented. Exposed bottoms should be scarified a minimum of 6-inches, moisture conditioned to near optimum moisture and compacted to a minimum ninety (90) percent relative compaction. Subsequently, site fill soils should be re-compacted to a minimum of ninety (90) percent relative compaction at near optimum moisture content. The lateral extent of removals beyond the footing limits should be equal to at least 2 feet, where possible. During earthwork construction, all site preparation and the general procedures of the contractor should be observed, and the fill and base selectively tested by a representative of TGR. If unusual or unexpected conditions are exposed in the field, they should be reviewed by this office and if warranted, modified and/or additional recommendations will be offered. Fill Placement Prior to any fill placement TGR should observe the exposed surface soils. The site soils may be re-used as engineered fill provided, they are free of organic content and particle size greater than 4-inches. All particles greater than 4-inches shall be removed and disposed offsite. Fill shall be moisture-conditioned to near optimum moisture content and compacted to a minimum relative compaction of ninety (90) percent in accordance with ASTM D1557. Any import soils shall be non-expansive and approved by TGR Geotechnical Inc. 25-8074 Page 9 Compaction Prior to fill placement, the exposed surface should be scarified to a minimum depth of six (6) inches, fill placed in six (6) inch loose lifts, moisture conditioned to near optimum moisture content, and compacted to a minimum relative compaction of ninety (90) percent in accordance with ASTM D 1557. Geotechnical Observation/Testing During Construction Per sections 1705.6 and table 1705.6 of the 2022 California Building Code, periodic special inspection shall be performed to: • Verify excavations are extended to the proper depth and have reached proper material; • Verify classification and test compacted materials; and • Prior to placement of compacted fill, inspect subgrade and verify that the site has been prepared properly Per sections 1705.6 and table 1705.6 of the 2022 California Building Code, continuous special inspection shall be performed to: • Verify use of proper materials, densities and lift thickness during placement and compaction of compacted fill. The geotechnical consultant should also perform observation and/or testing at the following stages: • During any grading and fill placement; • During placement of aggregate base; • When any unusual soil conditions are encountered during any construction operation subsequent to issuance of this report. CLOSURE This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the specific client and their design consultants. No portion of this report may be used by other parties or for other purposes. The findings contained in this report are based upon our site visit and review of the referenced reports. As part of the engineering analysis, it has been assumed, and is expected, that the geotechnical conditions, which exist across the site, are similar to those presented in the referenced report. Our findings were obtained in accordance with currently accepted professional engineering principles and local practice in the field of geotechnical engineering and reflect our best professional judgment. We make no other warranty, either express of implied. If you have any questions regarding this report, please do not hesitate to contact this office. We appreciate this opportunity to be of service. 25-8074 Page 10 Respectfully submitted, TGR GEOTECHNICAL, INC. Prakash Khanal, MS, PE C 94431 Project Engineer Sanjay Govil, PhD, PE, GE 2382 Edward L Burrows, MS, PG, CEG 1750 Principal Geotechnical Engineer Principal Engineering Geologist Attachments: Plate 1 –Geotechnical Map Figure 1 – Site Location Map Figure 2 – Regional Geology Map Figure 3 – Groundwater Monitoring Well Location Map Figure 4 – Regional Fault Map Figure 5 – Geologic Hazard Overlay Map Appendix A – References Distribution: (1) Addressee afu: uncontrolled fill GEOTECHNICAL MAP 9822 ALMOND AVENUE (APN 0234-061-004) FONTANA, CALIFORNIA PLATE 1 PROJECT NO. 25-8074 afc afc afu afu afc: compacted fill Approximate geologic contact 60 60 28 28 EXPLAINATION 28 Approximate depth of Compacted fill 60 Approximate depth of Undocumented fill SITE LOCATION MAP 9822 ALMOND AVENUE (APN 0234-061-004) FONTANA, CALIFORNIA FIGURE 1 PROJECT NO. 25-8074 SITE APN 0234- 061-004 Morton, D.M., 2003, Preliminary geologic map of the Fontana 7.5' quadrangle, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, Californi a, U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report OF-2003-418, 1:24,000. FIGURE 2 PROJECT NO. 25-8074REGIONAL GEOLOGY MAP 9822 ALMOND AVENUE (APN 0234-061-004) FONTANA, CALIFORNIA SITE FIGURE 3 PROJECT NO. 25-8074GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELL LOCATION MAP 9822 ALMOND AVENUE (APN 0234-061-004) FONTANA, CALIFORNIA SITE ~ 1 mile ~ 2 mile 1 Mile FIGURE 4 PROJECT NO. 25-8074 Modified From: Jennings, C. W., 2010, Fault Activity Map of California and Adjacent Areas, California Division of Mines and Geology, Geologic Data Map Series, No. 6, Scale 1:750,000. REGIONAL FAULT MAP 9822 ALMOND AVENUE (APN 0234-061-004) FONTANA, CALIFORNIA SITE FIGURE 5 PROJECT NO. 25-8074 Modified From: San Bernardino County Land Use Plan, 2007, General Plan, Geologic Hazard Overlay, Map No. FH29 -C, plotted May 30, 2007. GEOLOGIC HAZARD OVERLAY MAP 9822 ALMOND AVENUE (APN 0234-061-004) FONTANA, CALIFORNIA SITE SITE 25-8074 Page 11 APPENDIX A References Morton, D.M., 2003, Preliminary geologic map of the Fontana 7.5' quadrangle, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, California, U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report OF-2003-418, 1:24,000. International Code Council (ICC), California Building Code, 2022 Edition San Bernardino Land Use Plan, 2010, General Plan, Geologic Hazard Overlay, Map No. FH29- C, plotted May 30, 2007. J.F. Davidson, 1986, Topographic Map and Grading Plan, Almond Avenue Quarry, Fontana, CA. Richard Mills Associates, 1986, Soil Engineering Investigation, Easterly ½ of 20 Acre Site between Banana Street and Almond Street, Fontana Area, San Bernardino County, California, dated October 21, 1986 (Job No. 86-264- 11). Richard Mills Associates, 1988a, Interim Soil Grading Report, Almond Avenue North of Valley Boulevard, Fontana Area, California, dated February 1, 1988 (Job No. 86- 264-21). Richard Mills Associates, 1988b, Soil Engineering Report, 8 Acre Parcel West of Almond Avenue, Fontana, and California, dated June 22, 1988 (Job No. 86-264- 31). RMA Group, Geotechnical Investigation of Former Almond Avenue Quarry, Phases 1 and 2- Estimation of Uncontrolled Fill Depths Using Available Information and Geophysical Methods, 9822 Almond Avenue (APN 0234-061-04-0000), Fontana, California, Project No: 17-0207-01, dated May 12, 2017      !"# $ %'' '(")")*+,"  )-) .  /$ 0  +1+(& *2 23+4- .0 23+ ' '(")"*+,"  )")-) .  /$ 0  +1+%' "6+378( *2 23+ 4-*2 0+('+"+93+(1(63((++61'+(93+'((++("+7' 11'"1+-106+3+3((+"'/ 11"1+-106+3+36('+((87+('" '+'+37'+76+1+++1(6+1++41++1(6+3"19+1+9"()((3 (6+1+++((+""+1(+3:+(+9'"1+(6(3"1+78(+(9"+93+( '("3(+3+(11+3+(''+71(+17(+" @<?ABCDAEFGDCAHJ3 5% K .$9++ 3 K 2K . 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