TRANSMITTAL

Date: May 5, 2008

File: 87390
To:
Jerry Lane
OBEC
920 Country Club Rd., Suite 100B
Eugene, OR 97401-6089
Subject:
DRAFT
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT
SIGNAL POLE FOUNDATION DESIGN
SE POWELL BLVD AND 57TH/75TH AVENUES
US26: SE 51ST TO I-205 (POWELL BLVD)
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON
ODOT Key# 13712
We are sending the following:
Two (2) copies of the above referenced report.
Remarks:
The enclosed is for your use. If you have any questions, please call at (503) 644-9447.
Thank you.
By:

Mark Swank, R.G.

Project Manager

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KLEINFELDE R

15050 S.W. Koll Parkway, Suite L, Beaverton, OR 97006-6028

May 5, 2008
(503) 644-9447

(503) 643-1905 fax

DRAFT
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT
SIGNAL POLE FOUNDATION DESIGN
SE POWELL BLVD AND 57TH/75TH AVENUES
US26: SE 51ST TO I-205 (POWELL BLVD)
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON
ODOT Key# 13712
KLEINFELDER PROJECT NO. 87390

May 5, 2008

This document was prepared for use only by the client, only for the purposes stated, and within
a reasonable time from issuance. Non-commercial, educational, and scientific use of this report
by regulatory agencies is regarded as a "fair use" and not a violation of copyright. Regulatory
agencies may make additional copies of this document for internal use. Copies may also be
made available to the public as required by law. The reprint must acknowledge the copyright and
indicate that permission to reprint has been received.
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KLEINFELDE R

May 5, 2008
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15050 S.W. Koll Parkway, Suite L, Beaverton, OR 97006-6028

(503) 644-9447

(503) 643-1905 fax

May 5, 2008

Kleinfelder Project No. 87390

KLEINFELDER WEST, INC.

15050 SW Koll Parkway, Suite L
Beaverton, OR 97006

To:
Jerry Lane
OBEC
920 Country Club Rd., Suite 100B
Eugene, OR 97401-6089
Subject:
DRAFT
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT
SIGNAL POLE FOUNDATION DESIGN
SE POWELL BLVD AND 57TH/75TH AVENUES
US26: SE 51ST TO I-205 (POWELL BLVD)
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON
ODOT KEY# 13712

Scott Ward, P.E.

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Mark Swank, R.G.

Project Manager

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KLEINFELDE R

May 5, 2008
Page ii of iv

15050 S.W. Koll Parkway, Suite L, Beaverton, OR 97006-6028

(503) 644-9447

(503) 643-1905 fax

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3

Page

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
General................................................................................................................1
Project Description..............................................................................................1
Scope of Services...............................................................................................2

2.0

GEOLOGIC SETTING............................................................................................3

3.0

FIELD EXPLORATION AND LABORATORY TESTING.......................................4

3.1
3.2
4.0
4.1
4.2
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3

Field Explorations...............................................................................................4
Laboratory Testing...............................................................................................4
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS................................................................................5
Subsurface Soils.................................................................................................5
Groundwater........................................................................................................6
OPINIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................7
General................................................................................................................7
Analyses..............................................................................................................7
General Guidelines.............................................................................................9

6.0

UNCERTAINTY AND LIMITATIONS....................................................................10

7.0

REFERENCES.....................................................................................................12

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FIGURES
1
2

Site Vicinity Map

Boring and Signal Pole Location Map

APPENDIX
A
B
C

Field Explorations
Laboratory Testing
Signal Pole Specifications

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DRAFT GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT

SIGNAL POLE FOUNDATION DESIGN
SE POWELL BLVD AND 57TH/75TH AVENUES
US26: SE 51ST TO I-205 (POWELL BLVD)
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON
1.0
1.1

INTRODUCTION

GENERAL

This Draft Geotechnical Investigation Report (GIR) presents a summary of the

geotechnical data that was obtained and compiled from the geotechnical field
explorations and laboratory tests completed for the US26: SE 51st TO I-205 (Powell Blvd)
Project, Site Vicinity Map (Figure 1). The objective of the project was to characterize
subsurface conditions to support the foundation design for signal poles. The four signal
poles are located along US26/SE Powell Blvd in Multnomah County, Oregon. Two poles
are approximately 100 feet east of the intersection of US26/SE Powell Blvd and SE 57 th
Avenue (MP 3.84) and the other two poles are approximately 20 feet east of the
intersection of US26/SE Powell Blvd and SE 75 th Avenue (MP 4.72). At each
intersection, one pole will be placed on the north side controlling westbound traffic and
one pole will be placed on the south side controlling eastbound traffic of Powell
Boulevard. Figure 2 illustrates the locations of the signal pole sites with respect to
surrounding geographic features. These poles will be used to mount signs for proposed
mid-block pedestrian crossings.
OBEC, of Eugene, Oregon, is leading the design team to prepare and compile the
baseline information, including geotechnical data, for the construction bidders. The work
described herein was performed under Contract No. 26436, Key No. 13712, contingency
Task 5. The Work Order Contract is for preliminary engineering services necessary to
develop the Design Acceptance Package and complete final design of the project.
1.2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

US26/SE Powell Blvd is generally a four lane thoroughfare traversing west-east between
Interstates I-5 and I-205 through southeast Portland. Land use in the vicinity of the
project site includes light commercial and residential parcels. Overhead utility poles and
lines flank the north side of US26/SE Powell Blvd in the vicinity of the intersections of
both 57th and 75th Avenues.

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Four new signal poles (TYPE SM2) are being installed along US26/Powell Blvd; two near
the intersection of SE 57th Avenue and the other two will be placed near the intersection
of 75th Avenue in Multnomah County, Oregon. The advancement of the project
necessitates construction of mid-block pedestrian crossings in both the westbound and
eastbound directions at the aforementioned intersections. One pole will be placed in the
westbound direction and one pole will be placed in the eastbound direction along
US26/Powell Blvd.
Based on Oregon Standard Drawings, Traffic Signal Supports, General Details and
Design Criteria (TM650, effective dates 11/08/2007 to 05/31/2008) specifications
provided by ODOT for the design of Signal Pole Foundations, the expected loads are not
to exceed the following at the ground level:

1.3

Axial Load of 2.66 kips

Shear Load of 6.23 kips

Overturning Moment of 105.41 kips-ft

Torque of 42.54 kip-ft

Uplift Load Not Applicable

Allowable Deflection at ground level less than -inch.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The purpose of the geotechnical investigation was to characterize the subsurface

conditions and geologic units that underlie the poles. Included in the geotechnical
investigation were field explorations, laboratory testing, and preparation of this Draft GIR.
The following sections are included in this report: Site Geology; Field Explorations;
Laboratory Tests; Subsurface Conditions; Recommendations for Drilled Shaft
Foundations; and References.

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2.0

GEOLOGIC SETTING

The project site is located within the Portland Basin. The Portland Basin is part of the
Puget Sound-Willamette Lowland physiographic province, a structural basin filled with
igneous and sedimentary rocks of late Miocene, Pliocene and Pleistocene age. The
basin extends northward into the State of Washington, bounded by the Tualatin
Mountains (also called the Portland West Hills) on the west and the Cascade Range on
the east, north and south.
Northwest and northeast trending topographic lineations, faults and folds exist
throughout the Portland Basin (Swanson, et. al., 1993). Based on geologic mapping by
Beeson et al. (1989), no structural features have been identified in the immediate area
of the project. The basin is a structural downwarp of the earth's crust that was steadily
filled during the Pliocene and early Pleistocene age with sediments deposited by
waters of the ancestral Columbia River and other streams entering the basin.
The near-surface native soils at the sites consist of Upper Pleistocene Sand and Silt
deposits (Qs) and Lacustrine deposits (Qlg). These alluvial deposits (Qs) are generally
unconsolidated sand and silt, mostly stratified with a maximum thickness of 100 feet.
The Lacustrine deposits (Qlg) consist of coarse gravel within a sandy matrix (Trimble,
1963). In general, the gravel fraction becomes less coarse westward with an increase
in the sand fraction. The thickness of the alluvium in the vicinity of the site is estimated
to be in the order of 100 feet (Trimble, 1963).
Alluvium at the site is underlain by the Troutdale Formation, which was deposited as a
great alluvial fan located on the west side of the Cascade Range. The Troutdale
Formation in this area generally consists of weathered sandstone and conglomerates,
with minor amounts of siltstone and claystone. The formation also occasionally
consists of lenticular beds of weathered basalt and quartzite gravels, cobbles, and
boulders. The Troutdale Formation is, in turn, underlain by the Sandy River Mudstone
Formation and by Columbia River Basalt at depth.

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3.0

FIELD EXPLORATION AND LABORATORY TESTING

3.1 FIELD EXPLORATIONS

Field explorations at the intersections of US26/SE Powell Blvd and SE 57 th and SE 75th
Avenues consisted of advancing two borings (one at each intersection). The borings
(designated B-1 and B-2) were drilled adjacent to proposed locations of signal poles.
Boring B-1, drilled near the intersection of SE 57 th, was located in the south lane in the
eastbound direction and boring B-2 was drilled near the intersection of SE 75 th Avenue, in
the north lane in the westbound direction. Both borings were drilled to a depth of
approximately 25 feet below ground surface under the supervision of a Kleinfelder
geologist. Western States Soil Conservation, Inc., of Aurora, Oregon, drilled the borings
using a truck-mounted CME-75 drilling rig. The borings were advanced using hollow stem
auger (HSA) drilling techniques. The boring locations are illustrated on Figure 2.
Disturbed soil samples were collected with a two-inch outside diameter split-spoon barrel
sampler. Logs of the borings and descriptions of the techniques used to advance the
borings and obtain soil and rock samples are provided in Appendix A, Field Explorations.
The Boring Log Legend, Figure A1, describes the geotechnical data and symbols used in
the logs. Table A1 describes the terminology used for soil and rock descriptions.
3.2 LABORATORY T ESTING
A laboratory testing program was performed in order to characterize physical and
engineering properties of the soil units. Laboratory tests on selected soil samples
included standard classification tests, which consisted of visual-manual description,
natural moisture content, Atterberg limits, and grain-size sieve analysis. The results of
the laboratory tests and a brief description of the test procedures are presented in
Appendix B.

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4.0
4.1

SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS

SUBSURFACE SOILS

SE 57th Avenue. Boring B1 was drilled at this location to characterize the subsurface
soil conditions. Two general geologic units were encountered during our subsurface
exploration at the signal pole site. The units consisted of fill overlying alluvium. A
summary of the geologic units is provided below. The surface at the boring was paved
with 4 inches of asphalt concrete overlying 12 inches of portland cement concrete.
Fill. The fill materials encountered below the pavement to a depth of
approximately 4.5 feet below ground surface in the boring and consisted of gray
brown sand with silt and gravel. Density of the sand was medium dense, with a
N60-value of 21 blows per foot. The silt was non-plastic. The fill extended to a
depth of 4.5 feet below the pavement.
Alluvium. The alluvium encountered in the boring consisted of brown silty sand
with trace gravel. The alluvium consisted of fine to coarse sand, with fine to
coarse gravel. The sand extended to approximately 26.5 feet below the
pavement. The alluvium was medium dense to dense, with N 60-values between
19 and 39 blows per foot.
SE 75th Avenue. Two general geologic units were encountered during our subsurface
exploration at the signal pole site. The units consisted of fill overlying alluvium. A
summary of the geologic units is provided below. The surface at the boring was paved
with 4 inches of asphalt concrete overlying 10 inches of portland cement concrete.
Fill. Fill was encountered below the pavement to a depth of approximately 4.5
feet below the surface in the boring and consisted of brown silt with sand and a
trace of gravel. Consistency of the silt fill was very stiff, an N 60-value of 21 blows
per foot. The silt had medium plasticity.
Alluvium. The alluvium encountered in the boring consisted of brown sand,
dark brown silty sand with a trace of gravel, and brown sand with a trace of silt.
The alluvium was typically fine to coarse sand. The gravel was fine and rounded
to subrounded. The alluvium extended to approximately 26.5 feet below the
pavement. The alluvium was medium dense to dense, with N 60-values between
11 and 32 blows per foot.

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4.2

GROUNDWATER

Groundwater was not encountered at Boring B-1 during drilling. At B-2, slight
groundwater seepage was observed in the sidewalls of the boring during drilling.
Based on our review of nearby water well logs, the static groundwater level in the
vicinity of the project is assumed to be greater than 100 feet below the ground surface.
Based on the water content and field condition of samples recovered at the time of
drilling from B2, it is our opinion the seepage likely represents a temporary perched
water condition and not a phreatic water level.

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5.0
5.1

OPINIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

GENERAL

Based on the subsurface soils encountered during our field explorations, we recommend
drilled shaft foundations be used to support the design loading for the signal poles.
Typical shafts in the ODOT Standard Specifications are 36- to 42-inches in diameter, and
constructed of reinforced concrete. For the proposed signal poles, the lateral capacity
will govern the shaft design length and diameter.
5.2

ANALYSES

Kleinfelder estimated the lateral deflection of 36-inch diameter piles utilizing the
computer program Deep Foundation Strain and Analysis Program (DFSAP, April, 2006)
developed by J.P. Singh and Associates. We understand ODOT has approved use of
this program, which uses the strain wedge method to evaluate the behavior of large
diameter circular steel and concrete piles and shafts under axial and lateral loading.
DFSAP is especially well-suited for lateral evaluation of relatively short, stiff piles.
We performed the analyses using soil profiles and estimated soil parameters for each
signal pole location. We assumed a pile diameter of three feet and that the pile head
condition was a free head. The input parameters used for SE 57th Avenue and SE 75th
Avenue are provided in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

Table 1: Recommended DFSAP Parameters for Signal Pole Support

Depth
Interval,

Soil Type

ft
0-4
4 - 10
10 - 22
22 - 25

Sand
Sand
Sand
Sand

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Effective Angle of
Unit
Internal
Soil
Weight
Friction, Cohesion
lb/in3
lb/in2
, degrees
120
125
130
128

31
33
38
35

0
0
0
0

Strain at
50%
Stress
Level
Liquefacton

(50)
0
0
0
0

No
No
No
No

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We estimated the lateral deflection of a 3-foot diameter pile under the unfactored loading
at less than -inch for piles installed at depths of 10 feet or greater. Axial settlement
under the applied axial load was estimated at less than -inch. The DFSAP program
does not allow the evaluation of torque loading. However, we recommend the resistance
to torque loads be computed based on an ultimate unit shaft friction of one pound per
square inch (psi). A suitable factor of safety should be applied to the recommended shaft
friction.
The above parameters are based on the assumption that the drilled shaft foundations will
extend to at least 10 feet beneath the final surface grade. Resistance to lateral loads
will be provided by the resistance of the soil against the shaft and by the bending
stiffness of the shaft itself, which will also depend on the type and distribution of
reinforcing steel and strength of the concrete. We understand that the structural
components of the drilled shaft foundation supporting the signal poles will be designed
by others using the computer program DFSAP. The input parameters in the table above
should be used for a generalized soil profile for each structure. Due to typical
landscaping disturbances at the sign locations, we recommend that lateral resistances in
the upper two feet of soil be neglected.
Lateral resistances determined using the soil parameters provided in Tables 1 and 2 are
for single, isolated drilled shafts under static unfactored conditions. If pile groups are
contemplated, the analyses should also include the effects of group interaction, loading
direction, and pile cap stiffness. A suitable factor of safety should be applied for design
purposes by the designer. The designer should also check the estimated deflections
stated above after applying the factor of safety. This suitable factor of safety will depend
on the design condition and should be determined by the project structural engineer.

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Soils at the site are granular, medium dense to dense, and the static water level is
anticipated to be well below the bottom of the pile. Thus, in our opinion, the potential for
liquefaction of the soils within the support zone for proposed drilled shaft foundations is
negligible, and reductions for shaft capacity due to liquefaction are not required.
To reduce construction delays, we recommend that steel casing be maintained on-site
during the drilling for the shafts in the event of caving or perched groundwater conditions.
5.3

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The following recommendations are general guidelines for drilled shaft construction.

Drilled shafts for this project should be installed in accordance with the 2008
ODOT Standard Specifications, Section 00512.

The Contractor should be advised to recognize and implement OSHA standards

for confined space, excavation, and other concerns for drilled shaft construction
and inspection, as appropriate.

Temporary casing (if used) will be required to extend the full depth of the shafts for
the protection of any construction or inspection personnel who may enter the
excavations.

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6.0

UNCERTAINTY AND LIMITATIONS

This Draft GIR has been prepared for OBEC and Oregon Department of Transportation
for use in project bid documents to select prospective Bidders/Contractors to design and
construct the signal poles. Design data is provided for use in design of signal poles by
others. Unauthorized use of this summary by any party other than the Client will release
Kleinfelder from all liability resulting from unauthorized use of the report. No other
warranty based on the contents of this summary is intended, and none shall be inferred
from the statements expressed herein. Our description of the project represents our
understanding of the significant aspects of the project relevant to the design and
construction of the signal poles at the locations described. In the event that any changes
in the site conditions, basic design, or location of the signal poles as outlined in this data
summary are planned, or occur, we recommend that a geotechnical review of the
changes be made by us to reaffirm or change in writing the information provided in this
report.
This Draft GIR is based on the assumption that subsurface conditions in the project sites
are not significantly different from those disclosed in the explorations. However,
variations in soil or groundwater conditions may exist between or beyond exploration
locations. The nature and extent of the variations may not become evident until
construction.
If subsurface conditions different from those encountered in the
explorations are observed or encountered during construction or appear to be present
beneath or beyond excavations, we should be advised at once so we can observe and
review these conditions and reconsider our recommendations where necessary.
This Draft GIR may be used only by the client and only for the purposes stated within a
reasonable time from its issuance, but in no event later than one year from the date of
this report. Land or facility use, on and off-site conditions, regulations, or other factors
may change over time, and additional work may be required with the passage of time.
Any party other than the client who wishes to use this report shall notify Kleinfelder of
such intended use. Based on the intended use of the report, Kleinfelder may require that
additional work be performed and that an updated report be issued. Non-compliance with
any of these requirements by the client or anyone else will release Kleinfelder from any
liability resulting from the use of this report by any unauthorized party and client agrees

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to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Kleinfelder from any claim or liability associated
with such unauthorized use or non-compliance.
The scope of work for this subsurface exploration and Draft GIR did not include
environmental assessments or evaluations regarding the presence or absence of
wetlands or hazardous substances in the soil, surface water, or groundwater at this site.

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7.0

REFERENCES

AASHTO 2001 Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs,
Luminaries, and Traffic Signals, 4th Edition, 2006 Interim.
Beeson, M.H., Tolan, T.L., and Anderson, J. L., 1989, The Columbia River Basalt Group
in western Oregon; geologic structures and other factors that controlled flow
emplacement patterns, in Reidel, S.P., and Hooper, P.R, eds., Volcanism and tectonism in
the Columbia River flood-basalt province: Geological Society of America Special Paper
239, p. 223246.
Oregon Department of Transportation Highway Division, 1987, Soil and Rock
Classification Manual, 50 p.
Oregon Department of Transportation Standard Specifications 2008.
Oregon Department of Transportation Oregon Standard Drawings, Traffic Signal
Supports, General Details and Design Criteria (TM650, effective dates 11/08/2007 to
05/31/2008).
Oregon Water Resources Department, Well Construction Information: from website at
http://www.wrd.state.or.us.
Singh, J.P. and Associates, 2006, Final Report, Laterally and Axially Loaded Deep
Foundation Systems, Computer Program DFSAP, Deep Foundation System Analysis
Program, Based on Strain Wedge Method. WSDOT Contract No. Y-8376-B, April 30,
2006.
Swanson, R.D., McFarland, W.D., Gonthier, J.B., and Wilkinson, J.M., 1993, A
description of hydrogeologic units in the Portland Basin, Oregon and Washington: U.S.
Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 90-4196, 56 p., scale
1:100,000.
Trimble, D.E., 1963, Geology of Portland, Oregon and Adjacent Areas: U.S. Geological
Survey Bulletin 1119, 119p.

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