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1 <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br />stability analysis previously described indicates that, if <br />significantly higher pore pressures exist in isolated locations, <br />the safety factor could drop below acceptable limits. The higher <br />phreatic surface stability analysis still cannot necessarily be <br />considered the worst case conditions. Even though, it is difficult <br />to conceive of higher pore pressures occurring in the vicinity of <br />piezometer P-1, there may be other areas where higher pore <br />pressures occur which are not accounted for in the analysis. <br />Because there are remaining questions, we do not believe the issue <br />of stability can be completely resolved based on the existing <br />information. We suggest that, as a minimum, the following three <br />items be addressed as described below: <br />1.) As was previously mentioned, the strength of the alluvial <br />foundation material used in the analysis is based on <br />assumed values. Since the foundation strength has a <br />significant impact on pile stability, we recommend that <br />the values be confirmed with a program of sampling and <br />laboratory testing to determine both general soil <br />characteristics and specific strength values. Samples <br />for testing could be taken from proposed piezometer drill <br />holes extending into the foundation in the area of wells <br />P-1 and P-2. <br />2.) Even though we suspect that the existing wells are <br />neither sealed nor significantly influenced by surface <br />runoff, it would be relatively easy to confirm this by <br />bailing the wells dry and observing their rate of <br />recovery. <br />3.) The limitation of the current open-well type piezometers <br />is that, in a heterogeneous material, as this pile <br />appears to be, they are incapable of providing <br />information concerning pore pressures at specific depths. <br />In fact, in a horizontally zoned system, the water levels <br />may not reflect pressures at any specific depth but <br />rather present a composite of several water bearing <br />zones. We suggest that additional piezometers be <br />installed which are hydraulically isolated at specific <br />depths. This is done by slotting the piezometer tube <br />along a limited interval, providing a sand pack around <br />the slots and sealing that interval of hole with a <br />bentonite seal. Small diameter piezometer tubes should <br />be used to allow piezometer tips to be placed at 3 or <br />depths in a single drill hole. Plate 13 of the Appendix <br />shows a typical multi-tipped piezometer installation. <br />The holes should be continuously sampled and logged to <br />identify any apparent water bearing zones as well as any <br />low permeability layers. It is difficult to determine <br />the number and location of piezometers until the work is <br />started. The results of initial piezometer installations <br />will determine subsequent locations and configurations. <br />18 <br /> <br />