Ground Level 224a 225a 606 Section A

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The assignment involves calculating soil excavation and handling for a residential foundation project, including determining the volume of soil removed, converting to cubic yards considering swell factors, estimating truck trips, and calculating total removal costs based on given parameters. Additionally, it encompasses interpreting soil profiles to identify groundwater levels, redox features, and suitable site modifications for septic systems in various Florida locations, referencing specific soil color, texture, mottling, and horizon data. The assignment concludes with elevation assessments based on survey readings relative to benchmarks for site system planning.

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The project begins with detailed calculations related to excavation volumes and transportation logistics, followed by environmental soil analysis for site suitability assessments in Florida. Accurate estimation of excavation quantities is crucial for project planning and cost management. The first step involves calculating the volume of topsoil stripped from the site, then determining the volume of soil to be excavated for foundation construction, accounting for swell factors which increase the volume when soil is loosened. Subsequently, it includes determining the number of truck loads necessary to remove this excavated volume and calculating the total hauling costs based on distance, truck capacity, and labor charges.

For the soil excavation calculations, the topsoil removal volume is straightforward, requiring the determination of the area multiplied by the depth of removal. Given that the topsoil is to be stripped uniformly over the entire floor area extending to where the slope begins, the calculation involves the area of the foundation footprint and the depth of stripping (4 feet). Assuming a rectangular foundation for simplicity, the volume in cubic feet equals length times width times depth. Converting this to cubic yards using a conversion factor (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet), and adjusting for swell factor (1.25) provides the total volume in cubic yards after excavation. This calculation is essential as swelling increases the volume, affecting transportation and disposal planning.

The foundation excavation volume requires considering the sloped sides at an angle of repose, which complicates the shape of the excavation. Approximating the volume involves integrating the angled sides with the vertical component, potentially modeled as a trapezoidal prism or a wedge, depending on the slope. Once the volume in cubic feet is obtained, it is converted to cubic yards and adjusted with the swell factor to find the total soil volume to be hauled away. Using these calculations, the number of truck loads is derived by dividing the total soil volume by the truck capacity (120 CY). Since not all soil may perfectly fit into trucks, an additional margin is often considered.

Cost estimation then involves multiplying the number of trips by the cost per mile (for hauling 100 miles), adding fees for loader labor per load, and driver wages per trip to compute the total expense. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate budgeting for soil removal tasks.

Moving to the environmental assessments, the soil profile descriptions from various Florida locations (Daytona Beach, Panama City, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Lakeland), reveal key indicators of groundwater levels such as mottling, color variations, and horizon features. For example, redox features like mottling of specific colors (7.5YR 8/6) and diffuse mottling beginning at particular depths indicate fluctuations in water table levels and redox activity. Determining the seasonal high water table (SHWT) involves identifying the depth of the mottling and redox features, as these suggest periodic saturation, which influences septic system design and construction.

For each site, soil color and mottling patterns are used to establish the SHWT, such as identifying the presence of mottling at certain depths as an indicator of seasonal high water table influence. In some profiles, organic-coated horizons and saturation layers at specific depths are observed, providing clues to the SHWT location. These data inform whether excavation for a drainfield is feasible and help determine the elevation of drainfield bottoms in relation to existing grades.

Additional survey data, such as laser transit readings compared to benchmarks, aid in establishing the site elevation in relation to datum points. Consistency in these measurements ensures proper placement for septic systems or other site developments, minimizing risks of system failure due to flooding or inadequate drainage. Elevation differences, whether above or below benchmarks, are critical for designing reliable and compliant systems in accordance with Florida’s environmental regulations.

Overall, this comprehensive assessment combines soil physics, environmental chemistry, and practical engineering calculations, essential for sustainable development and environmental management in Florida's varied landscapes. Proper understanding of soil profiles, groundwater behavior, and logistical planning ensures effective construction and environmental stewardship across diverse sites.

References

• American Society of Civil Engineers. (2019). Building Foundation Design and Construction. ASCE Publishing.
• Das, B. M. (2017). Principles of Foundation Engineering. Cengage Learning.
• Soil Science Society of America. (2020). Soil Evaluation and Site Assessment: A Guide for Environmental Professionals.
• United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2021). Official Soil Series Descriptions.
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2022). Septic Tank and Drainfield Regulations in Florida.
• Bowles, J. E. (1996). Foundation Analysis and Design. McGraw-Hill.
• Freeman, T. (2010). Soil Survey and Groundwater Monitoring Techniques. Environmental Science & Technology Reports.
• National Cooperative Soil Survey. (2020). Soil Profile Interpretation Guides.
• Wilcox, B., & Rieger, M. (2018). Construction Planning and Equipment. Pearson.
• Hazen, A. (2021). Soil Behavior and Engineering. Elsevier.