Certified Testing Services, Inc.

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING REPORT

___________________________________

Water Treatment Plant Building Addition

North Sioux City, South Dakota

Prepared For:
Stockwell Engineers, Inc.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

CTS Project No. G6926

Geotechnical Engineering • Construction Materials Testing

www.certifiedtestingservices.com
 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING REPORT

WATER TREATMENT PLANT BUILDING ADDITION

NORTH SIOUX CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

CTS PROJECT NO. G6926

PREPARED FOR

ATTN: MR. SHANE DENNIS, P.E.

PROJECT ENGINEER
STOCKWELL ENGINEERS, INC.
801 PHILLIPS AVENUE, SUITE 100
SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA 57104

FEBRUARY 16, 2023

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.
PROJECT INFORMATION...................................................................................................1

Project Authorization ................................................................................................................. 1

Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 1
Purpose and Scope of Services .................................................................................................. 2

SITE AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS .......................................................................... 2

Site Location and Description .................................................................................................... 2

Subsurface Conditions ............................................................................................................... 2
Water Level Measurements........................................................................................................ 3

EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................... 4

Geotechnical Discussion ............................................................................................................ 4

Site Preparation .......................................................................................................................... 5
Stabilization Method .................................................................................................................. 6
Foundation Recommendations ................................................................................................... 7
Floor Slab Recommendations .................................................................................................... 8
Below Grade Wall Design and Construction ............................................................................. 8

CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS.............................................................................. 10

Moisture Sensitive Soils/Weather Related Concerns ................................................................. 10

Drainage and Groundwater Considerations ............................................................................... 10
Excavations ................................................................................................................................ 10

REPORT LIMITATIONS ...................................................................................................... 11

Appendix

Boring Location Plan

Boring Logs
Boring Profiles
Soil Classification Chart and General Notes
 1

PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Authorization

Certified Testing Services, Inc. has completed a subsurface exploration for the Water
Treatment Plant Building Addition Project located in North Sioux City, South Dakota. Mr. Jon
Brown, President of Stockwell Engineers, Inc., authorized our work by signing our proposal on
January 16, 2023. Our work was performed generally in accordance with CTS Proposal Number
6249 dated January 13, 2023.

Project Description

Mr. Shane Dennis, P.E. of Stockwell Engineers presented project information in a

telephone conversation and email on January 13, 2023. The email included project information,
as well as a plan titled, “Water Treatment Plant Expansion” dated January 10, 2023. CTS
understands that the project will consist of an addition to the west side of the existing Streeter
Drive water treatment plant building. It is understood that the actual building location, size, and
loading has not been determined at this time. It is also understood that a 5,000 gallon below
grade water storage tank will be installed and the location is also unknown at this time. It is
further understood that a water tower previously existed in the general building footprint and
Mr. Dennis is interested in determining if a spread footing exists at the bottom of the existing
piers and the depth of footing, if present. The following is our understanding of the project,
which contains assumed loading information.

Building

• Single-story structure with slab-on-grade and heated

• Building will store media filtration tanks supported on the slab
• Report is based on an assumed maximum column loads of 100 kips, assumed maximum
wall loads of 4 KLF and assumed floor slab loading of 250 PSF
• Report is also based on less than 2 feet of cut/fill being required to bring the site to grade

Below Grade Water Storage Tank

• Cast-in-place concrete or pre-fabricated tank is assumed

• Tank will hold 5,000 gallons and be located below grade
• Report is based on an assumed loading of less than 1,000 PSF
• Report is also based on the bottom of tank elevation being less than 15 feet below the
existing grade

The geotechnical recommendations presented in this report are based on the available
project information and the subsurface materials described in this report. If the noted
information is incorrect, please inform CTS in writing so that we may amend the
recommendations presented in this report, if appropriate. CTS will not be responsible for the
implementation of its recommendations when it is not notified of changes in the project.
 2

Purpose and Scope of Services

The purpose of this study was to explore the subsurface conditions at the site to prepare
recommendations for foundation systems for the proposed construction. Our original scope of
services included drilling three soil test borings to depths of 20 feet below the existing grade in
the proposed building area, however Boring B2 was not completed due to existing utilities on
site, and one boring was also performed to a depth of 20 feet below the existing grade next to
an existing water tower pier foundation. CTS also performed several shallow borings in the old
water tower foundation area to determine foundation depths for the old tank. The scope of work
also included select laboratory testing, and preparation of this geotechnical report. This report
briefly outlines the testing procedures, presents available project information, describes the site
and subsurface conditions, and presents recommendations regarding the following:

• Suitability of site for the construction of the proposed project

• Site preparation and grading procedures for project
• Foundation types, depths, allowable bearing capacities and estimate for potential
settlement
• Comments regarding factors that will impact construction and performance of the
proposed construction.

The scope of services does not include an environmental assessment of the site.

SITE AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS

Site Location and Description

The site for the proposed project is located at the existing Water Treatment Facility on
Streeter Drive in North Sioux City, South Dakota. The property is bordered by trees to the north,
an existing building to the east, trees to the south, and a grass covered field to the west.

At the time of drilling the site was a grass field. The site was relatively level at the time
of our visit with less than a foot of elevation change between the boring locations. The site was
firm at the time of our site visit and the drill rig did not experience difficulty moving around
the site.

Subsurface Conditions

The site subsurface conditions were explored with three soil test borings sampled to
depths of 20 feet below the existing ground surface in the project area. The boring locations
and depths were chosen by CTS personnel. CTS personnel staked the boring locations in the
field using a measuring wheel and measuring from known surface features. The approximate
boring locations are indicated on the “Boring Location Plan” provided in the Appendix. The
surface elevations at the borings were determined in the field using conventional leveling
techniques and are for general reference only. The slab at the entrance door on the north side of
the existing building east of the site was used as the benchmark and an elevation of 100 feet
was assigned for the benchmark.
 3

The borings were advanced utilizing flight auger drilling methods and soil samples were
routinely obtained during the drilling process. Select soil samples were later tested in the
laboratory to determine the material’s engineering properties for our evaluation. Soil sampling
and the laboratory testing were accomplished generally in accordance with ASTM procedures.
The borings were backfilled with on-site material after performing our work; however, it should
be noted that some settlement of the backfill material may occur and it is the client’s
responsibility to backfill the borings once we have left the site.

The subsurface conditions below the surface material generally consisted of lean clay
fill, lean to fat clay fill, fat clay alluvium, and lean clay with calcium deposits alluvium. These
materials are described in more detail in the following table.

Penetrometer
Content (%)

Dry Density

Penetration
Test (BPF)
Saturation

LL/PL/PI
Standard
Moisture

Material
(PCF)

(TSF)
Hand
(%)
Lean Clay Fill 14-21 - - - 9-10 -
Lean to Fat Clay Fill 27 - - - 7 -
Fat Clay Alluvium 20-29 87-95 86-95 3.5-4.5 9-12 66/26/40
Lean Clay Alluvium 30-36 87 98 0.5 2-4 -

The boring logs included in the Appendix should be reviewed for specific information
at individual boring locations. The boring logs include soil/rock descriptions, stratifications,
penetration resistances, locations of the samples, and laboratory test data. The stratifications
shown on the boring logs represent the conditions only at the actual boring locations. Variations
may occur and should be expected between boring locations. The stratifications represent the
approximate boundary between subsurface materials and the actual transition may be gradual.
Water level information obtained during field operations is also shown on these boring logs.
Samples that were not altered by laboratory testing will be retained for 30 days from the date
of this report and then will be discarded.

Water Level Measurements

Free water was encountered at depths ranging from 17 feet to 18.5 feet below the
existing grade at the time of drilling. It should be noted that with the relatively impervious
material encountered in the borings that a long monitoring period would be required in order to
determine the static water level, which was beyond our scope of work. Water levels should be
expected to fluctuate with changes in climatic conditions. The water level measurements
presented in this report are the levels that were measured at the time of our field activities.
 4

EVALUATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Geotechnical Discussion

CTS has several concerns for the site from a geotechnical standpoint. The first concern
is the existing lean clay fill material encountered in the top 3.5 feet in Borings B1 and B3, and
expansive lean to fat clay fill material encountered in the top 3.5 feet in Boring B4. The existing
fill material has moisture contents that range from 14 percent to 27 percent and standard
penetration test values that range from 7 BPF to 10 BPF. Based on this information, the existing
lean clay fill material appears to have been placed considerable compactive effort and would
be suitable for support of the proposed building if the existing lean clay fill is density tested to
confirm that the existing lean clay fill material meets the recommendations in the “Site
Preparation” section of this report. Existing lean clay fill material that does not meet the
recommendations in the “Site Preparation” section of this report should be removed, moisture
conditioned, and recompacted to meet the recommendations in the “Site Preparation” section
of this report or replaced with material meeting the recommendations in the “Site Preparation”
section of this report. The existing expansive lean to fat clay material would not be suitable for
use under structures and should be removed and replaced with material meeting the
recommendations in the “Site Preparation” section of this report.

The second concern is the fat clay material that will be encountered within two feet of
the bottom of the frost depth foundations and may be encountered below the bottom of the
below grade storage tank, depending on the depth of the tank. The fat clay material has moisture
contents ranging from 20 percent to 29 percent, a liquid limit of 66 percent, plastic limit of 26
percent and a plasticity index of 40 percent. Based on this information, the fat clay has a
moderate to high expansion potential at the existing moisture content; however, if the fat clay
material should undergo a decrease in moisture content it would have a high to very high
expansion potential. This means that the material will shrink causing settlement, if the material
should undergo a decrease in moisture content and if it should undergo an increase in moisture
content, the material will swell causing upward movement. This vertical movement will cause
cracking in foundation walls, floor slabs and pavement. The only way to eliminate the potential
for vertical movement would be to remove the fat clay material and replace it with material
meeting the “Site Preparation” section of this report. Based on the fat clay material extending
to a depth of 13 feet below the existing grade, it may not be economically feasible to remove
the fat clay material in the foundations areas; however, it may be possible to remove the fat clay
in the tank area, depending on the depth of the below grade tank. A method that has been used
to reduce the amount of vertical movement in the shallow footing foundations and tank areas
would be to remove the fat clay alluvium to a minimum depth of 2 feet below the bottom of
spread footing foundations and tank and replace the material with nonexpansive material
meeting the requirements of the “Site Preparation” section of this report. The minimum 2 feet
of new structural fill material below the floor slabs may exist in some areas based on the lean
clay fill being density tested as discussed in the first concern and will be created in most areas
with the removal and replacement of the expansive lean to fat clay material. If the owner is not
willing to assume the risk of movement, the fat clay materials would need to be removed and
replaced with material meeting the requirements of the “Site Preparation” section of the original
 5

report. The foundations should be overexcavated a minimum of 10 inches horizontally in each

direction beyond the outer edges of the foundation for each foot of cut beneath the bottom of
the foundations.

The third concern is the very moist to wet, soft lean clay alluvium that may be
encountered at the bottom of the below grade storage tank, depending on the depth of the bottom
of the tank. It is anticipated that the very moist to wet, soft lean clay alluvium material will
become unstable due to normal construction activity. Unstable material will need to be
stabilized in accordance with the recommendations in the “Stabilization Method” section of this
report.

CTS personnel performed additional exploratory borings at the northeast abandoned

water tower foundation. CTS personnel encountered auger refusal in concrete at a depth of 1
foot below the existing grade at the apparent top of abandoned footing, then moved
approximately 2 feet north and encountered auger refusal in concrete at a depth of 4 feet below
the existing grade and then moved approximately 2 feet further north and the boring, designated
as Boring B4, extended to a depth of 20 feet below the existing grade.

Due to the silty nature of the soils used as fill material in the area, CTS recommends
that slabs, driveways and sidewalks that adjoin to the building be supported on polystyrene
foam board with a minimum thickness of 1.5 inches in order to minimize the potential for frost
heave at the doorways or they should be supported on frost depth footings. The polystyrene
foam board should extend under driveways to at least the first joint. The owner should be aware
that the polystyrene foam board will greatly reduce the amount of frost heave but frost heave
may still occur. It should also be noted that frost can form on top of concrete where polystyrene
foam board is placed which will require deicing of the concrete. Granular material should not
be placed under exterior slabs or sidewalks unless drains are installed to remove the water. This
includes patios. Plants needing excessive water should also be avoided.

The seismic site classification for the site soils, in accordance with ASCE 7, Chapter
20, is a Class D. Due to the low seismic activity in the area, we are not aware of special designs
or details for foundation structures due to seismic action.

Site Preparation

CTS recommends that topsoil, lean to fat clay fill, vegetation, soft material, organic
material, material containing frost and unsuitable soils in the construction areas be stripped
from the site and either wasted or stockpiled for later use in landscaping. CTS does not
recommend that this material be used for structural fill material. The on-site lean to fat clay,
material mixed with lean to fat clay, fat clay material, and material mixed with fat clay are not
suitable for structural fill in the building or tank areas. A representative of the geotechnical
engineer should determine the depth of removal at the time of construction.

After stripping and excavating to the proposed subgrade level, as required, and prior to
new area fill placement, the floor slab areas should be proofrolled with a loaded tandem axle
 6

dump truck, similar piece of heavy rubber tired vehicle (typically with an axle load greater than
9-tons), or the heaviest equipment that will be used on the site. Soils that are observed to rut or
deflect excessively (typically greater than 1-inch) under the moving load should be undercut
and replaced with properly compacted fill. The proofrolling and undercutting activities should
be witnessed by a representative of the geotechnical engineer and should be performed during
a period of dry weather. If excessive movement is observed during the proofrolling, the
proofrolling should be stopped and the site evaluated by the geotechnical engineer or their
representative.

After subgrade preparation and observation have been completed, fill placement may
begin. Fill materials should be lean clay or silt material in the building and tank areas; however,
granular material may be used for fill material below the tank. Fill materials should free of
organic or other deleterious materials, have a maximum particle size of less than 3 inches and
have a liquid limit less than 45 and plasticity index less than 22. Close moisture content control
of the lean clay and silt will be required to achieve the recommended degree of compaction.
Fill/backfill material should not contain frost or be placed on frozen ground.

Structural fill should be placed in maximum compacted lifts of 3 inches for hand
compaction equipment and 6 inches for riding compaction equipment and compacted to at least
95 percent of the material’s standard Proctor maximum dry density. Backfill for the foundation
excavations should be compacted to a minimum of 93 percent around the perimeter of the
building with the exception of pavement, sidewalks and other structural areas. Lean clay should
be compacted to within a minus 3 percent to a plus 3 percent of the optimum moisture content
and silt should be compacted to within a minus 5 percent to a plus 2 percent of the optimum
moisture content as determined in general accordance with ASTM D 698 procedures. The
moisture content of the material should be maintained between the recommended moisture
contents until concrete is placed on the material. Materials that undergo increases or decreases
in moisture content beyond the recommended moisture content ranges should be scarified,
moisture conditioned and compacted to meet these moisture ranges prior to foundations, floor
slabs and pavement being placed. Every other lift of compacted-engineered fill should be tested
by a representative of the geotechnical engineer prior to placement of subsequent lifts.

Stabilization Method

Based on the very moist soil conditions that may be encountered, depending on the
depth of the bottom of the below grade storage tank, it is anticipated that normal construction
activity may cause the lean clay alluvial subgrade soils below the fat clay to become unstable
and pump. Based on this, CTS recommends that low bearing track equipment be used if the
tank extends below the fat clay material. Unstable areas will need to be stabilized. CTS
recommends that stabilization consist of placing a geogrid on the subgrade and compacting a
minimum of 12 inches of 3-inch to 4-inch crushed stone on top of the geogrid with an additional
6 inches of 1½ inch minus well-graded crushed stone placed on top of the larger crushed stone.
In order to not damage the geogrid during installation, the larger stone should be placed on the
geogrid and not dumped. CTS recommends that the architect or engineer include a bid item
for stabilization if the bottom of the tank will extend into the soft lean clay alluvial
material.
 7

The 1½ inch minus crushed stone should be 100 percent crushed material and meet
IDOT Gradation #14 with the exception that the amount of material passing the #200 sieve
should be less than 5 percent and the material passing the #200 sieve should not contain clay.
The crushed stone should not be delivered to the site prior to approval by the geotechnical
engineer. The larger crushed stone should be placed in one lift and the smaller crushed stone
compacted in 6-inch to 9-inch layers with a self-propelled short-toothed padfoot or smooth
drum roller under the direction of the geotechnical engineer’s representative. The crushed stone
should be placed by pushing the stone onto the geogrid with a low bearing dozer. Rubber tired
equipment should not be used until the subgrade is stabilized. Sheep foot rollers with long
narrow teeth should not be used due to the long and narrow teeth causing disturbance of
the granular material and puncturing of the geogrid. In very soft conditions the initial lift
of crushed stone should not be placed with vibratory compaction. The geogrid should be
Tensar® TX140 or equivalent.

The depth of stabilization material needed will depend on the actual subgrade
conditions encountered in the field at the time of construction and the amount of
disturbance that occurs during the excavation process.

Foundation Recommendations

The planned construction can be supported on conventional foundations bearing on a

minimum of 2 feet of new structural fill material meeting the requirements of the “Site
Preparation” section of this report, as discussed in the “Geotechnical Discussion” section of this
report and if the owner is willing to assume some risk of vertical movement should the fat clay
is not removed. Spread footings for building columns and continuous footings for bearing walls
can be designed for a net allowable soil bearing pressure of 2,000 PSF based on dead load plus
design live load. Minimum dimensions of 24 inches for column footings, 12 inches for trenched
footings and 18 inches for continuous footings should be used in foundation design to minimize
the possibility of a local bearing capacity failure.

Exterior footings and footings in unheated areas should be located at a depth of 42

inches or deeper below the final exterior grade to provide adequate frost protection. If the
building is to be constructed during the winter months or if footings will likely be subjected to
freezing temperatures after foundation construction, then all footings should be protected from
freezing. Otherwise, interior footings can be located at nominal depths compatible with
architectural and structural considerations.

The foundation excavations should be observed by a representative of CTS prior to steel

or concrete placement to assess that the foundation materials are capable of supporting the
design loads and are consistent with the materials discussed in this report. Soft or loose soil
zones encountered at the bottom of the footing excavations should be removed and replaced
with properly compacted structural fill as directed by the geotechnical engineer.

After opening, footing excavations should be observed and concrete placed as quickly
as possible to avoid exposure of the footing bottoms to wetting and drying. Surface run-off
 8

water should be drained away from the excavations and not be allowed to pond. If possible, the
foundation concrete should be placed during the same day the excavation is made. If it is
required that footing excavations be left open for more than one day, they should be protected
to reduce evaporation or entry of moisture.

Consolidation testing was beyond the scope of this exploration. Based on the known
subsurface conditions and site geology, laboratory testing, and past experience, we anticipate
that properly designed and constructed footings supported on the recommended materials, as
discussed above, should experience total and differential settlements between adjacent columns
and within a 50 feet length of wall of less than l-inch and ¾-inch, unless the fat clay should
undergo changes in moisture content.

Floor Slab Recommendations

The floor slab should be supported on a minimum of 2 feet of new structural fill material
meeting the requirements of the “Site Preparation” section of this report, which may exist in
some areas based on the lean clay fill being density tested and will be created in other areas
with the removal and replacement of the lean to fat clay fill material, as discussed in the
“Geotechnical Discussion” section of this report. Final floor slab preparation, including
density testing of the existing lean clay fill, should occur just prior to concrete placement
for proper floor slab support. CTS recommends that a compacted free draining granular mat
with a minimum thickness of 4 inches be placed beneath the floor slab to enhance drainage.
The granular mat should consist of coarse sand or well-graded gravel with a maximum size
particle of 1-inch and have less than 5 percent passing the #200 sieve. It should be noted that
the material passing the #200 sieve should not contain clay. Polyethylene sheeting, if used,
should be placed in accordance with the “Manual of Concrete Practice of the American
Concrete Institute”. The floor slabs should have an adequate number of joints to reduce cracking
resulting from differential movement and shrinkage. If the floor slabs are rigidly connected to
foundations, the owner should be aware that some cracking of floors and walls may be noted
due to the potential for vertical movement caused by moisture changes in the fat clay material.
Floor slabs should not be constructed on frozen ground.

Subgrade prepared as recommended would have a modulus of subgrade reaction, k

value, of 72 kips per cubic foot (kcf), based on an allowable settlement of an inch, and friction
factor of 0.3 for silt and lean clay materials that may be used in the slab-on-grade design.

Below Grade Wall Design and Construction

The below grade walls such as retaining walls and exterior basement walls designed as
retaining walls will need to be designed to resist lateral earth pressures. Based on the types of
subsurface materials encountered by the borings, equivalent fluid pressures of 85 PSF/F may
be used as the horizontal components of the at-rest earth pressure on the below grade walls. An
equivalent fluid pressure of 70 PSF/F may be used as the horizontal components of the active
earth pressure on the freestanding below grade walls, which are permitted to rotate slightly and
an equivalent fluid pressure of 150 PSF/F may be used as the horizontal components of the
passive earth pressure. A friction factor for the base of 0.3 may be used for the base of below
 9

grade walls. These pressures are limited to a horizontal grade above the foundation wall and no
additional pressures at the surface. The following coefficients were used to determine the
equivalent fluid pressures:

Internal friction angle 10 to 15 degrees

At-Rest Ko 0.75
Active Pressure Ka 0.6
Passive Pressure, Kp 1.7

If granular material is used for wall backfill and the backfill extends a minimum of 2
feet beyond the wall, the below grade walls may be designed using equivalent fluid pressures
of 55 PSF/FT may be used as the horizontal components of the at-rest earth pressure on the
below grade walls, an equivalent fluid pressure of 35 PSF/FT may be used as the horizontal
components of the active earth pressure on the freestanding below grade walls, which are
permitted to rotate slightly and an equivalent fluid pressure of 400 PSF/FT may be used as the
horizontal components of the passive earth pressure. A friction factor for the base of 0.4 may
be used for the base of below grade walls. These pressures are limited to a horizontal grade
above the foundation wall and no additional pressures at the surface. The following coefficients
were used to determine the equivalent fluid pressures:

Internal friction angle 30 - 34 degrees

At-Rest Ko 0.45
Active Pressure Ka 0.3
Passive Pressure, Kp 3.25

The values presented above were calculated assuming positive foundation drainage is
provided to prevent the buildup of hydrostatic pressure. If surface loads are placed near the
walls, such as traffic loads, they should be designed to resist an additional uniform lateral load
of one-half of the vertical surface loads.

CTS recommends that footing drains be installed. The purpose of the drainage system
is to remove surface water that may infiltrate in from the surface due to lawn watering and rain.
The drainage system should include a 4-inch or 6-inch diameter dual walled HDPE perforated
draintile at the bottom of the backfill to collect seepage water with the tile connected to a
suitable means of disposal. A clean 1½-inch or 1-inch gravel classified as "GW" and containing
less than 5 percent passing a #200 sieve should surround the draintile and either extend to two
feet above the draintile with a drainage matting consisting of filter fabric being installed against
the wall or the granular material should extend to within 2 feet of the surface. A non-woven 4-
ounce per square yard geotextile should be installed between the drainage material and the on-
site soils to prevent infiltration of fine-grained soils into the draintile, granular drainage blanket,
or granular backfill. A 2 feet thick clay cap should be placed at the surface to minimize
infiltration of surface water.

The wall excavation should be benched or stepped in horizontal and vertical surfaces to
prevent the wall backfill from slipping along the interface of the existing subsoil and the backfill
material. The backfill material should be compacted to a density of 93 percent of the maximum
 10

laboratory density as determined by ASTM D698 in non-structural areas and to at least 95

percent in structural areas. Care should be exercised during the backfilling operation to prevent
overstressing and damaging the walls.

CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS

CTS should be retained to provide observation and testing of construction activities

involved in the foundation, earthwork, and related activities of this project. CTS cannot accept
responsibility for conditions that deviate from those described in this report, nor for the
performance of the foundation system if not engaged to also provide construction observation
and testing for this project.

Moisture Sensitive Soils and Weather Related Concerns

The fine-grained soils encountered at this site may be sensitive to disturbances caused by
construction activity and to changes in moisture content. During wet weather periods, increases
in the moisture content of the soil can cause significant reduction in the soil strength and support
capabilities. In addition, soils that become wet may be slow to dry and thus significantly retard
the progress of grading and compaction activities. It will, therefore, be advantageous to perform
earthwork and foundation construction activities during dry weather.

Drainage and Groundwater Considerations

Water should not be allowed to collect in the foundation excavations, on floor slab areas,
or on prepared subgrade of the construction area either during or after construction. Undercut
or excavated areas should be sloped toward one corner to facilitate removal of collected
rainwater, groundwater, or surface runoff. Positive site drainage should be provided to reduce
infiltration of surface water around the perimeter of the structure and beneath the floor slabs.
The grades should be sloped away from the building and surface drainage should be collected
and discharged such that water is not permitted to infiltrate the backfill and floor slab areas.
Footings and slab subgrade should be inspected prior to placing of reinforcing steel and
concrete, particularly after heavy rains or when water has set on the subgrade.

Free groundwater was encountered in the borings at depths varying from 17 feet to 18.5
feet below the existing grade at the time of drilling and should not cause problems during
construction. It is possible that seasonal variations will cause fluctuations or a water table to be
present in the upper soils. Additionally, perched water may be encountered in discontinuous
zones within the overburden. Water should be removed from excavations by pumping. Should
excessive and uncontrolled amounts of seepage occur the geotechnical engineer should be
consulted.

Excavations

In Federal Register, Volume 54, Number 209 (October 1989), the United States
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) amended its
"Construction Standards for Excavations, 29 CFR, part 1926, Subpart P". This document was
 11

issued to better enhance the safety of workers entering trenches or excavations. It is mandated
by this federal regulation that excavations, whether they be utility trenches, basement
excavation or footing excavations, be constructed in accordance with the new OSHA
guidelines. It is our understanding that these regulations are being strictly enforced and if they
are not closely followed, the owner and the contractor could be liable for substantial penalties.

The contractor is solely responsible for designing and constructing stable, temporary
excavations and should shore, slope, or bench the sides of the excavations as required to
maintain stability of both the excavation sides and bottom. The contractor's "responsible
person", as defined in 29 CFR Part 1926, should evaluate the soil exposed in the excavations
as part of the contractor's safety procedures. In no case should slope height, slope inclination,
or excavation depth, including utility trench excavation depth, exceed those specified in local,
state, and federal safety regulations. The clay materials are Class B materials in accordance
with OSHA criteria.

We are providing this information solely as a service to our client. CTS does not assume
responsibility for construction site safety or the contractor's or other party’s compliance with
local, state, and federal safety or other regulations.

REPORT LIMITATIONS

The recommendations submitted are based on the available subsurface information

obtained by CTS and design details furnished by Mr. Shane Dennis, P.E. of Stockwell
Engineers. If deviations from the subsurface conditions noted in this report are encountered
during construction, CTS should be notified immediately to determine if changes in the
foundation recommendations are required. If CTS is not retained to perform these functions,
CTS will not be responsible for the impact of those conditions on the project.

The geotechnical engineer warrants that the findings, recommendations, specifications,

or professional advice contained herein have been made in accordance with generally accepted
professional geotechnical engineering practices in the local area. No other warranties are
implied or expressed.

After the plans and specifications are complete, the geotechnical engineer should be
retained and provided the opportunity to review the final design plans and specifications to
check that our engineering recommendations have been properly incorporated into the design
documents. At that time, it may be necessary to submit supplementary recommendations. This
report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Stockwell Engineers, Inc. and City of North
Sioux City and their consultants for the specific application to the Proposed Water Treatment
Plant Building Addition in North Sioux City, South Dakota.
APPENDIX
BORING LOCATION PLAN
 STOCKWELLENGINEERS.COM | (605) 338-6668

Scale: 1" = 50'

Proposed Treatment Facility Expansion

Existing Treatment Facility

B1 B4
Approximate location of
old water tower footings STR
EE
TER
D

B3
RIV
E

Well Pumping Station

Existing Storage Facility

File Location: S:\Projects\2022\22443 - NSC WTP Upgrade\Exhibits\Working Files\CAD Files\Concept Plan Layout Option 1.dwg \ Plot Date: 1/12/2023 11:56 AM

Water Treatment Plant Expansion

West Expansion Site Layout Scale: 1" = 50' 1/10/2023 SEI#22443
BORING LOGS
 LOG OF EXPLORATORY BORING Sheet 1 of 1
Job Number: G6926
Water Treatment Plant
Boring No.: B-1
Project:
Addition Boring Location: North Sioux City, SD
Date Started: 2/2/23 Drill Type: Flight Auger
Date Completed: 2/2/23 Ground Elev.: 99.5

Penetrometer (TSF)

Cone Penetrometer
Shelby Standard Water Level

Unconfined Comp.
Strength (TSF)

(Blows/ 1-3/4")
Tube Split Spoon ATD
Sample Type

% Saturation
Blow Counts
Graphic Log

Dry Density
Blows/Foot

Content, %

Plasticity
Moisture
Depth in

SPT (N)

Index %
Limit %

Limit %
Plastic
USCS

(PCF)

Liquid
Hand
Feet

Modified Grab Water Level

California Sample After 24-Hours

SOIL DESCRIPTION

6-Inch Root Zone, 6-Inch Frost Zone at

Surface
FILL, Lean Clay, Light Brown and Light Gray,
5-4-5
Moist N= 9
14

FAT CLAY, Dark Gray to Gray Brown, Moist, CH

Stiff to Very Stiff, Alluvium 24 95 86 4.50 66 26 40

4-5-6
26
(Medium Gray and Gray Brown) N= 11

26 95 95 3.75 2.40

10

LEAN CLAY WITH CALCIUM DEPOSITS, CL

Light Gray and Light Brown, Very Moist to
Wet, Soft to Medium, Oxidized, Alluvium 1-1-1
30
N= 2
15
LOG OF BORING G6926.GPJ CERTIFIED TESTING.GDT 2/10/23

0-2-2
36
N= 4
20
END OF BORING AT 20 FEET
FREE WATER WAS ENCOUNTERED AT
18.5 FEET AT TIME OF DRILLING
 LOG OF EXPLORATORY BORING Sheet 1 of 1
Job Number: G6926
Water Treatment Plant
Boring No.: B-3
Project:
Addition Boring Location: North Sioux City, SD
Date Started: 2/2/23 Drill Type: Flight Auger
Date Completed: 2/2/23 Ground Elev.: 99.2

Penetrometer (TSF)

Cone Penetrometer
Shelby Standard Water Level

Unconfined Comp.
Strength (TSF)

(Blows/ 1-3/4")
Tube Split Spoon ATD
Sample Type

% Saturation
Blow Counts
Graphic Log

Dry Density
Blows/Foot

Content, %

Plasticity
Moisture
Depth in

SPT (N)

Index %
Limit %

Limit %
Plastic
USCS

(PCF)

Liquid
Hand
Feet

Modified Grab Water Level

California Sample After 24-Hours

SOIL DESCRIPTION

6-Inch Root Zone, 6-Inch Frost Zone at

Surface
FILL, Lean Clay, Light Brown and Light Gray,
4-5-5
Moist N= 10
21

FAT CLAY, Dark Gray to Gray Brown, Dry to CH

Very Moist, Stiff to Very Stiff, Alluvium 26 93 88 4.50

4-5-6
20
(Brownish Gray) N= 11

26 94 92 3.00 2.50
(Medium Gray and Medium Brown)
10

LEAN CLAY WITH CALCIUM DEPOSITS, CL

Light Gray and Light Brown, Very Moist to
Wet, Medium to Soft, Oxidized, Alluvium 2-2-2
33
N= 4
15
LOG OF BORING G6926.GPJ CERTIFIED TESTING.GDT 2/10/23

2-1-1
33
N= 2
20
END OF BORING AT 20 FEET
FREE WATER WAS ENCOUNTERED AT 17
FEET AT TIME OF DRILLING
 LOG OF EXPLORATORY BORING Sheet 1 of 1
Job Number: G6926
Water Treatment Plant
Boring No.: B-4
Project:
Addition Boring Location: North Sioux City, SD
Date Started: 2/2/23 Drill Type: Flight Auger
Date Completed: 2/2/23 Ground Elev.: 99.5

Penetrometer (TSF)

Cone Penetrometer
Shelby Standard Water Level

Unconfined Comp.
Strength (TSF)

(Blows/ 1-3/4")
Tube Split Spoon ATD
Sample Type

% Saturation
Blow Counts
Graphic Log

Dry Density
Blows/Foot

Content, %

Plasticity
Moisture
Depth in

SPT (N)

Index %
Limit %

Limit %
Plastic
USCS

(PCF)

Liquid
Hand
Feet

Modified Grab Water Level

California Sample After 24-Hours

SOIL DESCRIPTION

6-Inch Root Zone, 6-Inch Frost Zone at

Surface
FILL, Lean to Fat Clay, Medium Gray and
2-3-4
Gray Brown, Moist N= 7
27

FAT CLAY, Dark Gray to Gray Brown, Moist, CH

3-4-5
Stiff, Alluvium N= 9
26

29 87 86 3.50
(Medium Gray and Gray Brown)

3-5-7
28
N= 12
10

LEAN CLAY WITH CALCIUM DEPOSITS, CL

Gray and Medium Yellow Brown, Very Moist
to Wet, Soft, Alluvium 34 87 98 0.50

15
LOG OF BORING G6926.GPJ CERTIFIED TESTING.GDT 2/10/23

2-1-1
33
(with Sand) N= 2
20
END OF BORING AT 20 FEET
FREE WATER WAS ENCOUNTERED AT
18.5 FEET AT TIME OF DRILLING
 60
CL CH

50
P
L
A
S 40
T
I
C
I
T 30
Y

I
N 20
D
E
X

10
CL-ML
ML MH

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
LIQUID LIMIT

Specimen Identification LL PL PI Fines Classification

B-1 4.3 66 26 40 FAT CLAY (CH)
US ATTERBERG LIMITS G6926.GPJ CERTIFIED TESTING.GDT 2/10/23

ATTERBERG LIMITS' RESULTS

419 W. 6th Street, PO Box 1193
Sioux City, Iowa 51102 Project: Water Treatment Plant Addition
Telephone: 712-252-5132 Location: North Sioux City, SD
Fax: 712-252-0110
Number: G6926
BORING PROFILES
 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0

105 105

B-2
B-1
100 100

95 95

90 90

85 85

Elevation (ft)
80 80

75 75

70 70

65 65
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0

Distance Along Baseline (ft)

Certified Testing Services, Inc.

419 W. 6th Street, PO Box 1193 Water Storage Tank Western Iowa Energy
Sioux City, Iowa 51102
Telephone: 712-252-5132 Wall Lake, IA
Fax: 712-252-0110
Project Number: G6918

LITHOLOGY AND WATER LEVELS - A SIZE G6918.GPJ CERTIFIED TESTING.GDT 1/25/23

SOIL CLASSIFICATION CHART AND GENERAL NOTES
 SOIL CLASSIFICATION CHART
SYMBOLS TYPICAL
MAJOR DIVISIONS
GRAPH LETTER DESCRIPTIONS
CLEAN WELL-GRADED GRAVELS, GRAVEL -
GRAVEL GRAVELS GW SAND MIXTURES, LITTLE OR NO FINES
AND
GRAVELLY
POORLY-GRADED GRAVELS, GRAVEL
SOILS (LITTLE OR NO FINES) GP - SAND MIXTURES, LITTLE OR NO
FINES

COARSE
GRAINED GRAVELS WITH SILTY GRAVELS, GRAVEL - SAND -
SOILS MORE THAN 50% FINES GM SILT MIXTURES
OF COARSE
FRACTION
RETAINED ON NO.
4 SIEVE (APPRECIABLE AMOUNT CLAYEY GRAVELS, GRAVEL - SAND -
OF FINES) GC CLAY MIXTURES

WELL-GRADED SANDS, GRAVELLY

SAND CLEAN SANDS SW SANDS, LITTLE OR NO FINES
MORE THAN 50% AND
OF MATERIAL IS
LARGER THAN NO. SANDY
200 SIEVE SIZE SOILS POORLY-GRADED SANDS, GRAVELLY
(LITTLE OR NO FINES) SP SAND, LITTLE OR NO FINES

SANDS WITH
MORE THAN 50% FINES SM SILTY SANDS, SAND - SILT MIXTURES
OF COARSE
FRACTION
PASSING ON NO. 4
SIEVE (APPRECIABLE AMOUNT CLAYEY SANDS, SAND - CLAY
OF FINES) SC MIXTURES

INORGANIC SILTS AND VERY FINE

SANDS, ROCK FLOUR, SILTY OR
ML CLAYEY FINE SANDS OR CLAYEY
SILTS WITH SLIGHT PLASTICITY

SILTS INORGANIC CLAYS OF LOW TO

FINE LIQUID LIMIT MEDIUM PLASTICITY, GRAVELLY
GRAINED
AND LESS THAN 50 CL CLAYS, SANDY CLAYS, SILTY CLAYS,
CLAYS LEAN CLAYS
SOILS
ORGANIC SILTS AND ORGANIC SILTY
OL CLAYS OF LOW PLASTICITY

MORE THAN 50% INORGANIC SILTS, MICACEOUS OR

OF MATERIAL IS
SMALLER THAN MH DIATOMACEOUS FINE SAND OR SILTY
SOILS
NO. 200 SIEVE
SIZE
SILTS
LIQUID LIMIT INORGANIC CLAYS OF HIGH
AND GREATER THAN 50 CH PLASTICITY
CLAYS

ORGANIC CLAYS OF MEDIUM TO HIGH

OH PLASTICITY, ORGANIC SILTS

PEAT, HUMUS, SWAMP SOILS WITH

HIGHLY ORGANIC SOILS PT HIGH ORGANIC CONTENTS

NOTE: DUAL SYMBOLS ARE USED TO INDICATE BORDERLINE SOIL CLASSIFICATIONS