Word of the Week #2

Curve

The curve is used to determine compaction or soil density. The compaction of your foundation is required to be 90%. In order to determine what 90% compaction is in the field, a special soils consultant takes samplings of the soil on site and completes an analysis in the lab that measures the amount of silt, clay, sand, organic matter and moisture in the native soil. The soil consultant is able to tell us how tightly to pack the soil to achieve the desired compaction. This compaction represents how much load the soil can comfortably support without giving way and beginning to settle. The key is moisture content. Too little moisture and the soil will not be cohesive and potentially settle, too much and it will potentially heave or pump, causing several possible unpleasant conditions that could lead to future problems with the foundation.

The soils consultant determined the curve for PPUMC and sent a special inspector out to the site, armed with a nuclear density gauge. Using the nuclear gauge, the consultant has determined that the foundation compaction is slightly above the 90% requirement, allowing us to proceed yesterday with the foundation pour.

There will be a flurry of work happening over the next few days to try to pour the SOG by Wednesday (the 27th) at the earliest. The deadline of the 29th is quickly approaching and any significant rain will jeapordize that date.

Tune in next week for MEP