I've had some time to purge random thoughts about the business, and had noticed that grout (sand only) has significantly higher F'c than concrete. Is this just because of the higher cement content? Does aggregate just fill up space without significantly detracting from the compressive...
I saw a project today where the contractor was backfilling his 6-8' steam line trench with wet sand out of the back of a concrete truck! I walked over it after it was filled- not compacted. The sand was well graded, saturated, and less than 2000pcf (yielded to foot pressure). My question is...
I am working on a project where the plans specify epoxy dowel installation according to ICBO ER-5193 (also allows for Simpson SET). My question is, is there a standard minimum embedment depth specified for a certain size bar that one can use on a jobsite (that's what the plans imply)? I think...
This is a very green question, but could someone explain the angle of phi as it relates to soil mechanics? My textbook defines it as the angle formed by the normal stress v. shearing resistance. Does this in some way give you the actual angle that the sample will shear? Does the shear...
I had a question. I've seen specs that call out 90% compaction below a certain depth, say 2', for a trench or roadway(95% on top). I am under the impression that this assumes the sphere of influence does not go below this depth, or somesuch. Isn't it the case, wouldn't that 90% compacted...
I am hoping to reach the experienced and knowlegable members of this forum for participation in the ASBOG discussion page. I am just a sprout new in the field, and am looking to take the test for PG here in Washington State. We could use as much information from the field as possible, as there...
I am hoping to reach the experienced and knowlegable members of this forum for participation in the ASBOG discussion page. I am just a sprout new in the field, and am looking to take the test for PG here in Washington State. We could use as much information from the field as possible, as there...
I am taking the online Phase 1 ESA course, and have a question about the 1/2 mile raduis eyes-and-ears site reconniasance. I believe it may not be possible to gain access to areas outside of a property that fall within that 1/2 mile raduis. How do you handle this- is it just what you can see...
I was just wondering if anyone has had any bad experiences using coal as backfill. The situation is a cut/fill operation for a plat on a slope overlooking a valley, with a great view of Mt. Ranier, I might add. Coal is being considered for use below 4 feet, mainly for backfill below...
I am just curious about documentation for a metal probe rod that I ususally use for near-surface stabiliby of a native cut. I know the concept is based on square area- the weight of my body on a very small area (the tip of the rod) will simulate a much larger weight over a larger area (like a...
I have a question about a project I never felt comfortable with.
A few years ago, I inspected pile driving for a building built entirely on timber piles, a number of which simply didn't meet the criteria upon initial driving. It was only after we ran into this shortcoming that the engineer...
I have a sort of easy question. If compaction requirements are met, is it important to an engineer that the moisture also be within range of the optimum?
I have inspected projects where the contract documents read, "...fill shall be within 3% of optimum moisture content and be placed to 95%...
This may be a dud thread, but I'm wondering if anyone's using the new 2000 IBC for design/construction. In the world of testing and inspection, we're still seeing mostly '97 UBC, but I know the transition is coming. I just wanted to know if there were any problems/issues with the new code...
Not to appear subversive, but I've been contemplating for the better part of the day on why our geotech has recommended that 2" perf pipe be placed around our slab and footings. The building consists of a metal frame on spread footings and a slab with thickened edges, about 6K square feet...
Does anyone use ground penetrating radar in their business? I used one in college, and we've been throwing the idea around at the office, but they seem expensive. Anyone actually use them in the real world for practical application? Just curious about cost/effectiveness/usefulness. Thanks.
Alright, guys and gals,
I am asking this with full knowledge of the implications as to the obviousness of the answer. I also didn't find a forum for discussing the 97 UBC, and I realize this may be out of place.
What the heck is meant by bar diameter sec. 1907.2.1? The best information I...
I have been given a fill estimate for a project that exactly match the estimates for volume from excavation to grade. My question is, shouldn't this volume be increaced to account for compaction? Last I heard, volumes of fill sold by a pit was calculated using yards hauled in a truck-loose...
I'm bracing myself for the impending flood of responses to this question.... The importance of consolidation using a vibrator just doesn't seem intuitive to me.
I am aware that consolidation of fresh concrete is as common at a concrete pour as the presence of forms or reinforcing steel, and...
I have an opportunity to work as a geologist in a job that involves hillside grading, fault mapping, and field mapping, and a 4X4. Does anyone have any experience with a job like this? Am i going to need autocad, or will regular set of colored pencils do? I have a BS in geology, but i don't...
