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13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070
(408) 867 -3435
MEMORANDUM
TO: Iveta Harvaiicik, Associate Engineer DATE: July 6, 2006
FROM: City Geotechnical Consultant
SUBJECT: Supplemental Geotechnical Peer Review (S0076B)
RE: Hall, DR -06 -307 - Grading for Private Road
Wardell Road
We have completed a supplemental geotechnical peer review of the subject application using:
• Geotechnical Peer Review Response (letter), prepared by Terrasearch, Inc., datad June 27,2006;
• Slope Stability of New Road (letter- report), prepared by Terrasearch, Inc., dated June 5, 2006;
• Response to Geotechnical Peer Review (letter), prepared by Terrasearch, Inc., dated May 10, 2006;
• Geotechnical /Geologic Assessment (report), prepared by Terrasearch, Inc., dated March 20, 2006; and
• Grading and Drainage Plan (4 sheets, various scales), prepared by TS Civil Engineering, dated
March 15, 2006.
In addition, we have reviewed pertinent technical documents from our office files and been in
communication with the Project Geotechnical Consultant.
DISCUSSION
The applicant is proposing construction of a new private access road. We understand that this roadway
would serve three (presently) undeveloped properties intended for future residential development. The
referenced plans indicate that cuts are proposed for retaining walls up to 5 feet in height, and 2:7 cut slopes are
proposed up to 10 feet in height. Proposed earthwork will include an estimated 629 cubic yards of cut and 66
cubic yards of fill.
In our previous peer review report (dated June 16, 2006), we indicated that the Project Geotechnical
Consultant should perform additional evaluations to address the stability of slopes near the proposed
Iveta Harvancik
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July 6, 2006
S0076B
roadway segment from station 10 +00 to 13 +00. We were primarily concerned that appropriate site specific
strength data may not have been utilized in slope stability calculations.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDED ACTION
The referenced Terrasearch letter of rune 27, 2006, indicates that additional subsurface exploration is not
warranted because completed borings identified generally similar subsurface conditions (including relatively
granular Santa Clara Formation bedrock). The consultant has clarified that correlations with collected site SPT
data were utilized to check earth material strength values, and that site specific data supports higher strengths
than utilized in slope stability calculations. We understand that triaxial strength testing procedures may be
inappropriate based on the generally granular nature of site bedrock materials. Given the above, we find the
that consultant has adequately addressed the issues of our previous peer review, and we recommend Project
Geotechnical Clearance with the following conditions:
1. Geotechnical Plan Review - The Project Geotechnical Engineer shall review and approve all
geotechnical aspects of the final project construction plans (i.e., site preparation and grading, site
drainage improvements, pavement design, and design parameters for retaining walls) to ensure
that their recommendations have been properly incorporated.
The results of the plan review shall be summarized by the Project Geotechnical Engineer in a
letter and submitted to the City Engineer for review prior to issuance of grading permits.
2. Geotechnical Field Inspection - The Project Geotechnical Engineer shall inspect, test (as
needed), and approve all geotechnical aspects of the project construction. The inspection shall
include, but not necessarily be limited to: site preparation and grading, site surface and
subsurface drainage improvements, and excavations for retaining walls prior to the placement of
steel and concrete.
The results of these inspections and the as -built conditions of the project shall be described by the
Project Geotechnical Engineer in a letter and submitted to the City Engineer for review prior to
final project approval.
Iveta Harvancik
Page 3
July 6, 2006
S0076B
This peer review has been performed to provide technical advice to assist the City of Saratoga in its
discretionary permit decisions. Our services have been limited to review of the documents previously
identified, and a visual review of the property. Our opinions and conclusions are made in accordance with
generally accepted principles and practices of the geotechnical profession. This warranty is in lieu of all other
warranties, either expressed or implied.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Suzanne Thomas
CC: Terrence Szewczyk - Applicant
FROM: Iveta Harvancik, Associate Engineer
SUBJECT: Geotechnical Conditions for 06 -307, Wardell Road
DATE: July 7, 2006
1. The Project Geotechnical Engineer shall review and approve all geotechnical aspects of the
final project construction plans (i.e., site preparation and grading, site drainage
improvements, pavement design, and design parameters for retaining walls) to ensure that
their recommendations have been properly incorporated.
The results of the plan review shall be summarized by the Project Geotechnical Engineer in
a letter and submitted to the City Engineer for review prior to issuance of the grading
permit.
2. The Project Geotechnical Engineer shall inspect, test (as needed), and approve all
geotechnical aspects of the project construction. The inspection shall include, but not
necessarily be limited to: site preparation and grading, site surface and subsurface drainage
improvements, and excavations for retaining walls prior to the placement of steel and
concrete.
The results of these inspections and the as -built conditions of the project shall be described
by the Project Geotechnical Engineer in a letter and submitted to the City Engineer for review
prior to final project approval.
3. The owner (applicant) shall pay any outstanding fees associated with the City Geotechnical
Consultant's review of the project prior to Zone Clearance.
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4. The owner (applicant) shall enter into agreement holding the City of Saratoga harmless from
any claims or liabilities caused by or arising out of soil or slope instability, slides, slope failure
or other soil related and/or erosion related conditions.
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