RE: Alabama soils

I hate being sarcastic but my opinion I’d rather have to use an engineering judgment to require a soil report especially if it’s a high end residential that requires seal of approval. Pass it on to the client and explain to him/her the pros and cons.

 

 

Engr. Julius Micayas

P.E. license no.32969

Senior Structural Engineer

River Consulting- New Orleans

111 Veterans Memorial Boulevard

Metairie, LA 70005

Phone - 504-841-3014 (direct)

504 837-5275 (office)

Fax - 504-837-2986

E-mail:            jmicayas@riverconsulting.com

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From: Scott Maxwell [mailto:smaxwell@umich.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 6:23 PM
To: seaint@seaint.org
Subject: Alabama soils

 

We have a residential project in Alabama (near Heflin to be more precise).  The project does NOT have a soil report (why on earth would anyone want to do something logical like that <grin>).  I don't have a problem assuming worst case soils type loads for the lateral pressures and such, but I wanted to see if anyone could tell if there are "special" soils situations to be aware of (i.e. expansive soils or such)?  Can any one give me some thoughts on the types of soils that should be expected?  The site is at 1000+ feet above sea level.   Right now it will be typical spread footings.

 

Thanks,

 

Scott

Adrian, MI