Special/Critical Inspections

Soils Inspection

Where shallow foundations will bear on compacted fill material, inspections must be carried out in order to verify the material and procedures set forth by the design professional. These verification typically include but are not limited to: site preparation, material properties, fill thickness, and degree of soil compaction.

Typically, the sequence of operation is as follows:
>Site preparation must be inspected for completion (e.g. existing trees removed, organic materials removed from on-site material scheduled to be used for controlled fill, clay deposits excavated and moved off-site).
>A sample of the material intended for use as controlled fill is tested by a laboratory to confirm that the material properties meet specifications (sieve gradation – particle size, moisture content, maximum dry density;hydrometer testing and/or Atterburg tests prior to placement). It is recommended to have a sample tested one week prior to the start of the compaction process. When samples do not meet specifications, alternate blends or stockpiles need to be located and tested to obtain a sample that represents an acceptable source of fill material for your project.
>During placement, an acceptable fill thickness must be verified. If the lifts are placed too thick, the contractor will not be able to properly compact the lower elevations. Testing in-situ material lifts greater than 12 inches is not cost effective and it is counterproductive to the project schedule to have fill material removed only to re-compact an area.Once proper lift thickness is achieved, testswill be performed and results documentedas per code and specifications.
>Testing to the number and frequency of each lift per your specifications will be performed by a qualified technician using either nuclear densitometer or other methods, if specified (e.g sand-cone, rubber balloon method etc.).AEIS technicians will verify if the percent compaction of the material in place meets or exceeds the requirements of the project documents.

 Soils Inspection

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