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<br /> <br />0 <br />was low. Based on my experience with similar materials I believe these near-surface <br />clay soils will settle when the moisture content increases. <br />I also reviewed the photographs taken by Mr. Rold at the time of his recent site <br />visit. Damage seems to be occurring in the same general areas that were observed <br />during my site inspection in 1994. I have included with this letter a copy of my report <br />dated March 24, 1994 with photographs taken at the time of that visit. I made a <br />subsequent visit to the Tatum residence July 15, 1996 and took additional pictures, <br />these photographs are available in my files along with a log of the photographs, if <br />desired. The 1996 pictures show repair to the structure, apparently in progress, <br />because the stucco has been repaired but not painted in 1996. Based on the <br />differences in pictures between 1996 and those in December of 2001, I believe there <br />has been some reopening of cracks previously repaired. A summary of my opinions <br />regarding this structure is as follows: <br />1. The structure is a traditional adobe (mud brick) southwestern style home. <br />Adobe bricks are not fired and will degenerate over time when moisture <br />sources are available. <br />2. Sealing the exterior surface of the adobe structure with a sand and cement <br />plaster helps reduce infiltration of moisture but does not stop infiltration. <br />Further, where pre-existing cracks and discontinuities occur, it is my opinion <br />the wall is likely to re-open to allow access of moisture. The presence of the <br />hard coat cement stucco reduces evaporation and tends to trap moisture <br />within the structure and accelerate degeneration of either the bricks or the <br />original mud mortar. <br />3. As indicated in my 1994 letter, it is my opinion the surface soils are the clayey <br />soils which are underlain by a gravelly alluvium. The clayey soils are <br />relatively low density as indicated from the recent samples. It is my opinion <br />the near-surface clay will settle in response to changes in moisture <br />conditions. <br />4. As stated in my original report, drainage is poor at the southeast corner of the <br />structure and a large tree has been removed in the front area of the house. <br />These conditions lead to changes in moisture content in the near-surface <br />soils which support the majority of the house. <br />5. It is my understanding the coal mine is located several hundred feet south of <br />the residence. The recent photographs indicate re-opening of some cracks <br />similar to 1994. The damage does not appear to be oriented in direction as <br />would be expected if mine subsidence was causing the problem. <br />6. The roof drainage at the southeast corner of the residence discharges into a <br />flat area. This has the potential for continual wetting of the soils supporting <br />DAVIS GRAHAM 8 STUBBS LLP <br />TATUM RESIDENCE <br />CTL/T JOB NO. 32,485 2 <br />