January 20, 2025
Mr. Zak Ponsen, PE
Assistant City Engineer
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
910 Calle Negocio, Suite 100
San Clemente, CA 92673 GMU Proposal P-25005
Subject: Proposal for On-Call Geotechnical Plan Check Services, City of San Clemente
Reference: City of San Clemente “Request for Proposal, On-Call (As-Needed) Geotechnical Plan Check Services”, dated December 23, 2024 Dear Mr. Ponsen:
GMU is pleased to submit this proposal for providing on-call geotechnical plan check services.
GMU is a small business enterprise (SBE) with over 30 years of experience providing geotechnical plan check services to municipalities. Given our history, background, and technical expertise, GMU believes we are highly qualified to provide the requested services. We appreciate the opportunity to provide this proposal and look forward to continuing to work with the City of San Clemente in the future.
The key elements of our proposal include:
x Our methodology and approach to providing on-call plan check services such that City Staff and the applicant find the process straight-forward and efficient. x Our detailed work plan explaining how we perform reviews such that we meet our typical turnaround times of 10 working days for new submittals and 5 working days for responses.
x Details of our project team, consisting of a Certified Engineering Geologist, Geotechnical Engineer, and oversight by our President and Geotechnical Engineer, who have been working together on review/plan check services for current clients for over 19 years. x Discussion of review costs and sample review sheets.
x Discussion of the fee sheet developed by GMU for our clients’ use in streamlining application budget tracking.
x References for current clients that have used GMU for on-call geotechnical plan check services for up to 30 years.
The enclosed proposal and fees are valid for a period of 90 days. $WWDFKPHQW
Mr. Zak Ponsen, Assistant City Engineer, CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE Proposal for On-Call Geotechnical Plan Check Services
January 20, 2025 2 GMU Proposal P-25005
Our qualifications are summarized as follows:
x Over 30 years’ experience providing geotechnical review services to municipalities, particularly in south Orange County.
x Project team members’ experience ranges from 19 to over 30 years providing review services to municipalities.
x Provide innovative ideas to streamline review process for both City Staff and applicants. x No conflict of interest issues within the City of San Clemente. x Office within 25 minutes of City Hall and all staff available 24/7 via cell phones for emergencies.
x Fee-free initial consultation for various issues throughout the City.
GMU is a full-service geotechnical engineering firm offering a variety of geotechnical engineering services as well as a list of specialty services that complement our geotechnical engineering capabilities. GMU is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) with over 50 years of experience in Southern California and South Orange County. GMU has established a reputation for reliability, innovation, accuracy, efficiency, and excellent service, resulting in reduced cost, reduced man-hours spent on scheduling or project coordination, and reduced risk for our clients.
These clients choose to maintain long-term relationships with us because of the benefits of our reputation and experience. Our clients include City, County, and other public agencies, in addition to private owners, developers, and contractors. GMU is an award winning firm recognized by ASCE, CELSOC, and CalGeo.
GMU is an “S” Corporation with three company owners and principals; Mr. Gregory Silver, Mr.
Michael Moscrop, and Mr. Aron Taylor.
Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions regarding this information.
Respectfully submitted,
Gregory Silver, M.Sc., PE, GE
President/CEO
Principal Engineer
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949-888-6513
Attachments:
Appendix A – Sample Correction Lists and Forms
Appendix B – Resumes
Proposal, On-Call Geotechnical Plan Check Services 1
BACKGROUND AND APPROACH
Based on our review of the Request for Proposal, our experience working with the City of San Clemente, and our experience as geotechnical reviewers for similar agencies, our understanding of the City, the work to be done, and the goal objectives are as follows:
x The City is well-established, with a variety of development types, ranging from multifamily apartments to custom single-family residences, with retail, commercial, and master planned communities. The City’s geography ranges from beach-front property to hillside developments, with a variety of geologic and geotechnical challenges. x The City is seeking at least one consultant for on-call geotechnical plan check services, particularly consultants with review experience in hillside areas prone to landsliding.
These reviews will be performed by a Certified Engineering Geologist and Geotechnical Engineer licensed in the State of California. Review comments and fees will be prepared and distributed per the City’s requirements.
o In performing reviews for a variety of agencies, GMU has developed a review sheet form as well as a unique fee sheet that delivers the review comments in a clear and concise manner, and provides fees to City Staff at the time of the review for immediate tracking. This review sheet and fee sheet form are currently used for City of San Clemente reviews provided by GMU. Samples of these forms are included in this proposal in Appendix A, and discussed further in the Sample Plan Review Correction Lists and Forms section.
x Geotechnical plan check services will include planning, engineering, grading, and building permit submittals, including geotechnical review of reports, plans, calculations, and specifications for a variety of projects. These services may be done using plan software or other electronic means.
o GMU staff are comfortable with a variety of software programs, including Bluebeam. In addition, we are familiar with agency portals such as EPL, etc.
Should the City request GMU perform reviews using specific software programs, GMU is prepared to utilize the systems requested.
x Awarded consultants will be expected to provide exemplary customer service within the specified review time period. GMU is dedicated to providing excellent service to all of our clients. This will be further discussed in the Methodology section, and can be verified by contacting the references we provide in this proposal. x GMU has worked on many projects within and adjacent to the City of San Clemente, including the Cypress Shores landslide, Talega, the Sea Pointe Estates landslide (west of Camino de las Mares), Miramar Theater, La Pata Avenue extension, Interstate 5 widening, Villa Pacifica slope failure, and landslide complex studies within Prima Deshecha landfill; however, currently we do not have projects of significance within the City and do not anticipate conflicts of interest during the duration of this contract.
Should a project arise that could potentially result in a conflict, our policy is to discuss this potential conflict with City Staff so that an alternative plan for review of any permits may be established prior to permit application submittal.
Proposal, On-Call Geotechnical Plan Check Services 2
METHODOLOGY
We propose to continue to provide geotechnical plan check services to the City of San Clemente using the same methodology and work plan that we currently utilize for the City. Our goal is to provide a complete geotechnical review based on current Codes, Agency manuals, regulations, and industry standards in south Orange County.
Our review methods are a team effort; GMU’s geologist and engineer typically review the submittal separately, and then meet to discuss any comments or concerns. In some cases, submittals may only require review by our Geologist; in these cases, both time and cost can be saved. Some projects may require multiple discussions, and complex projects often require in-house discussion between geologist and engineer prior to review. These projects with complex or high-profile elements are often overseen by our President and Principal Geotechnical Engineer as a quality control measure. If necessary, questions or observations of the report or plans will be conveyed to City Staff during the review process.
GMU takes a proactive stance on the review process and welcomes discussion with consultants, engineers, applicants, and City Staff. With Staff permission, we will review draft responses submitted by email, particularly for difficult projects. This draft review often expedites response turnaround times and also the overall geotechnical approval of submittals, providing a better service to applicants.
Another aspect of our plan check service methodology is to provide a clear and concise format for review comments, as shown in the sample review sheets attached to this proposal in Appendix A. In addition, GMU has developed a fee sheet format that provides our fees in a cumulative spreadsheet to City Staff at the time of the review for more efficient tracking and processing of fees and maintenance of deposit accounts.
In addition to the above, we also currently provide additional services to our agency clients including attendance at meetings with applicants and project teams, Planning Commission and Council meetings, as well as site meetings and emergency response during rain events or slope movement issues.
WORK PLAN
The work plan for our review process is proposed to continue as follows:
1. Immediately upon receipt of submittal, package is logged into our electronic database, tagged with the due date, and placed in a specific file in the Project Manager’s office. a. Note that for all agency clients, including San Clemente, our turnaround times are:
i. New submittal – 10 working days
ii. Response – 5 working days
2. The submittal is given an initial review by the Project Manager within 3 working days.
At this time, it may be decided that the review can be completed by only one reviewer, saving time and cost in the review process.
Proposal, On-Call Geotechnical Plan Check Services 3
3. Geologist review is completed within 7 working days.
4. Engineer review is completed within 9 working days, concurrent with geology review.
5. Deliverable – Review sheet and fee sheet is finalized within 10 working days and distributed per the City’s requirements.
a. Note that currently, GMU distributes the review and fee sheet to City Staff via email.
b. We prefer to use electronic distribution where possible and where approved by the agency, and are also familiar with uploading to portals such as Bluebeam Studio, Sharepoint, etc.
6. Response review times are shortened to meet the 5 working day deadline.
7. In general, 100 percent of this work will be performed at our office in Rancho Santa Margarita.
PROJECT ORGANIZATION AND STAFFING
The Project Manager and key contact for these on-call services will continue to be Ms. Lisa Bates, PG, CEG, QSD, QSP, Associate Geologist/Director of Municipal Geotechnical and Engineering Services. Lisa currently fulfills this role for all agency reviews by GMU, including San Clemente, and has performed this role for the past 19 years. Lisa’s responsibilities for this work will include tracking incoming submittals, performing geologic reviews, tracking engineering review timelines, and ensuring the review is completed within the turnaround time.
Lisa will also contact City Staff with any issues or concerns in regards to any submittals. GMU strives to minimize the support required of City Staff; however, basic information for each review will be required, such as permit number, address, project description, and applicant contact information. Lisa also provides additional services such as attendance at meetings, conference calls, emergency needs, or any other geotechnical services that may assist the City.
The Reviewing Engineer for this work will continue to be Mr. David Hansen, M.Sc., PE, GE, Associate Engineer. David currently provides this role for most agency reviews by GMU, and has performed engineering reviews for agencies for over 19 years. David’s responsibilities will include performing engineering reviews, preparing review sheets, and coordinating with Lisa to ensure the review is completed within the turnaround time.
Oversight and supplemental engineering input will continue to be provided by Mr. Gregory Silver, M.Sc., PE, GE, President/Principal Engineer. Greg currently provides this role for all agency reviews by GMU, and also performs engineering reviews for complex projects. Greg has provided geotechnical engineering review services to many agencies for over 35 years, including cities with complex landslide issues such as Malibu and agencies on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Hours spent per review vary depending on the type of review and complexity of the proposed construction and/or geotechnical conditions. This is discussed further in the Cost Data Section.
All team members identified above are available on an as-needed basis for reviews for the length of this contract. Resumes for each team member are attached to this proposal in Appendix B, and an organization chart is shown below.
Proposal, On-Call Geotechnical Plan Check Services 4
RELATED EXPERIENCE
GMU and its staff have a long history providing services to Cities and various municipalities throughout Orange County and Southern California.
Current City/Municipality Geotechnical Review/Plan Check/Field QA/QC Work x City of San Clemente – City geotechnical plan check services. x City of Laguna Niguel – City’s geotechnical consultant for 25 years, providing on-call services to Community Development, Engineering, and Public Works departments. x City of Chino Hills – City geotechnical services providing both plan check and design level services as well as inspection services.
x City of Mission Viejo – City geotechnical services including review/plan check, Public Works design and inspection services.
x City of Lake Forest – City QA/QC field services and consultation on public works projects.
x City of Rancho Santa Margarita – City Geotechnical and Pavement Engineering Consultant since 2005 for both reviews and public works projects. x City of Newport Beach – City geotechnical consultant providing: geotechnical design, pavement engineering, pavement testing and inspections, forensic/expert witness consulting, and QA/QC services for major public works projects. x City of Anaheim – City geotechnical plan check services.
Lisa Bates, PG, CEG, QSD, QSP
Associate Geologist
Project Manager
Reviewing Geologist
David Hansen, M.Sc., PE, GE
Associate Engineer
Reviewing Engineer
Gregory Silver, M.Sc., PE, GE
President
Principal Engineer
QA/QC Oversight
Proposal, On-Call Geotechnical Plan Check Services 5
References
City of Laguna Niguel
Contact: Ms. Katie Crockett, Planning Manager
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
[email protected]
949-362-4363
Project Description: Geotechnical review/plan check services, attendance at applicant and project team meetings, Planning Commission and Council meetings, teleconferences with City Staff on complex projects, emergency services for landslides and slope issues.
Key GMU Staff: Lisa Bates, Greg Silver, David Hansen
City of Anaheim
Contact: Mr. Cesar Morales, Principal Traffic Engineer
200 S. Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
[email protected]
714-765-5286
Project Description: Geotechnical review/plan check services.
Key GMU Staff: Lisa Bates, Greg Silver, David Hansen
City of Mission Viejo
Contact: Mr. Rich Schlesinger, Deputy Director/City Engineer 200 Civic Center
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
[email protected]
949-470-3079
Project Description: Geotechnical review/plan check services, attendance at applicant and project team meetings, teleconferences with City Staff on complex projects, emergency response services.
Key GMU Staff: Lisa Bates, Greg Silver, David Hansen
Proposal, On-Call Geotechnical Plan Check Services 6
SAMPLE PLAN REVIEW CORRECTION LISTS AND FORMS
We have provided sample correction lists in Appendix A for a variety of permit types, including:
x Building permits – retaining walls, foundation underpinning, swimming pools x Grading permits – multi-family residential, retail/commercial x Planning/Engineering/Grading - Landslide repairs and complex slope stability issues Also included in this Appendix is a sample of the fee sheet developed by GMU, currently used for City of San Clemente reviews.
In addition, GMU has assisted City clients in developing various guidelines, memos, and handouts for applicants to streamline the permit application process. Examples of these guidelines are also included in Appendix A. We have found the use of these guidelines assists applicants and their consultants in understanding what needs to be submitted, as well as expediting our review process by using the guidelines as a review checklist.
PROJECT SCHEDULE
As discussed, our typical turnaround times for existing review clients, including the City of San Clemente, is 10 working days for new submittals, and 5 working days for subsequent response submittals. We are prepared to continue to provide these same turnaround times to the City of San Clemente for typical reviews, shortening the schedule requirements within the RFP by several days. Expedited reviews can be performed upon request by City Staff at no additional charge.
COST DATA
Our experience with providing a variety of review and plan check services to various agencies over the past several decades tells us that review/plan check time and cost varies widely by type of project and the complexity of the design and underlying geotechnical conditions. We provide these services via both hourly rate and flat fee, depending on negotiations with the agency.
Currently, reviews for the City of San Clemente vary from flat fee to hourly fees. GMU is prepared to continue to provide services based on the current Engineering Fee Schedule. Below are cost ranges for the most common types of project permits. Our current Fee Schedule is provided in a separate envelope submitted with this proposal. x Residential retaining wall, foundation underpinning, swimming pool permit – o Typically 2 to 4 hours of Associate Geologist/Engineer time o Cost range $600 - $1000 depending on number of responses x Single-family residential grading permit –
o Typically 2 to 5 hours of Associate Geologist/Engineer time o Cost range $600 to $1,200 depending on number of responses x Planning level review, residential/retail/commercial development – o Typically 4 to 8 hours of Associate Geologist/Engineer time o Cost range $1,100 to $2,200 depending on number of responses Proposal, On-Call Geotechnical Plan Check Services 7
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
This proposal is in strict compliance with the Request for Proposal and Draft Agreement, and no exceptions to either are proposed.
It should be noted this statement of compliance also includes Item 12 under Proposal Format and Content of the Request for Proposal.
APPENDIX A
Sample Correction Lists and Forms
APPENDIX A-1
Sample Correction Lists
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
Engineering Department – Land Development
910 Calle Negocio
San Clemente, California 92673
Phone (949) 361-6136 | Fax (949) 366-4741
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 x Fax: (949) 888-1380 x email: [email protected] Page 1 PROJECT/PERMIT NO.: ENG23-220 DATE: August 29, 2023
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Proposed Single Family Residence ________________________________ LOCATION: 2868 Via Bellota __________________________________________________________ DEVELOPER/OWNER: Pritesh Patel ____________________________________________________ GEOTECHNICAL FIRM: W.C. Hobbs, Consulting Engineer __________________________________ THEIR JOB NO.: 20015-1A ____________________________________________________________ GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER: Willam Hobbs, PE 42265 ____________________________________ ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST: Mark Slatten, CEG 1605 _____________________________________ DOCUMENT(S) REVIEWED: (1) “Geotechnical Report, Foundation Design Parameters and Recommendations, Proposed Single Family Residence, Lot 26, 2868 Via Bellota, San Clemente, California,” prepared by W.C. Hobbs, Consulting Engineer, dated September 1, 2021; (2) Supplemental Geotechnical Report, Slope Stability Analysis, Proposed Single Family Residence, Lot 26, 2868 Via Bellota, San Clemente, California,” prepared by W.C. Hobbs, Consulting Engineer, dated April 15, 2023; (3) Precise Grading Plan for 2868 Via Bellota, Lot 26, Tract 9764, San Clemente, prepared by W.C.
Hobbs, Consulting Engineer, dated June 29, 2023.
ACTION:
RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED
CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED
X REQUEST ADDITIONAL DATA FOR REVIEW – See COMMENTS.
Please send responses directly to the City of San Clemente, Land Development Division.
GMU Geotechnical can only accept responses forwarded from the City.
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
Engineering Department – Land Development
910 Calle Negocio
San Clemente, California 92673
Phone (949) 361-6136 | Fax (949) 366-4741
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 x Fax: (949) 888-1380 x email: [email protected] Page 2 PROJECT/PERMIT NO.: ENG23-220 DATE: August 29, 2023
COMMENTS
1. The report provides recommendations that are based on the 2019 CBC rather than the current 2022 CBC. Either revise the report to reflect the 2022 CBC or provide a statement that the recommendations of the report are also applicable to the 2022 CBC.
2. The seismic design parameters are based on Soil Class C; however, no deep exploration was performed to determine the shear wave values or the N values of the onsite soils with depth.
Therefore, the seismic design parameters should be re-evaluated based on Soil Class D.
3. The report does not describe the total height of the adjacent descending slope and the geologic sections do not show the slope all the way to its toe. Therefore, please provide the overall height of the slope (H) and the recommended corresponding slope setback distance (H/3) to meet current CBC slope setback requirements.
4. The report states that monitoring indicates that the site is experiencing lateral movement due to possible residual movement of the landslide mass. No evidence was provided to indicate that this movement has ceased and will not continue; therefore, will any mitigating measures be required such as flexible connections for utility lines running from the residence into the adjacent street or a mat or post-tension foundation system for the proposed residence?
5. The retaining wall proposed along the southern side of the site and up against the existing property line wall will need to be constructed in sections using slot cutting. Coordinate with the project civil engineer to add a note to the grading plans stating that this wall should be constructed in sections using slot cutting. In addition, the backcut behind the wall cannot be laid back to place non-expansive soil to a distance of H/2 behind the wall as shown on Figure 2 of the wall. Therefore, please provide a revised active earth pressure for this retaining wall that is based on native moderately expansive soil backfill rather than imported non-expansive soil.
6. The geotechnical consultant should review the finalized grading plans, retaining wall structural plans and calculations, and building foundation plans and calculations for conformance with the parameters and recommendations of their geotechnical report, supplemental report and forthcoming response letter. Once approved, the geotechnical consultant should stamp and sign the plans. This may be a condition of approval.
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
Engineering Department – Land Development
910 Calle Negocio
San Clemente, California 92673
Phone (949) 361-6136 | Fax (949) 366-4741
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 x Fax: (949) 888-1380 x email: [email protected] Page 3 PROJECT/PERMIT NO.: ENG23-220 DATE: August 29, 2023
Note: The City of San Clemente, through the permitting process, previously approved the evaluation and repair of the existing landslide performed by other professional consultants; however, the City did not own or sell this lot, nor did the City supervise the repair work. This clarifies the content of the reviewed reports. No response to this note is required.
REVIEWED BY: _______________________________________________________________ Lisa Bates, PG, CEG 2293 David Hansen, M.Sc., PE, GE 3056 Associate Geologist Associate Engineer
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 x Fax: (949) 888-1380 x email: [email protected] Page 1 REFERENCE NO.: G23-0009 DATE: August 3, 2023
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Proposed Precise Grading _______________________________________ LOCATION: 30652 San Felipe, TTM 17721, The Cove at El Niguel ____________________________ APPLICANT/OWNER: WJK Development Co. ____________________________________________ GEOTECHNICAL FIRM: American Geotechnical, Inc. ______________________________________ THEIR JOB NO.: 33348-09 ____________________________________________________________ GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER: Fei-Chiu Huang, GE 2601; Gregory W. Axten, GE 103 ____________ ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST: Craig Chase, CEG 2225 _____________________________________ DOCUMENT(S) REVIEWED: (1) “Geotechnical Review of Final Rough Grading Plan, Construction Plans for the Improvement of The Cove at El Niguel, Rough Grading Plan, 30667 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, California,” prepared by American Geotechnical, Inc., dated May 22, 2023; (2) “Geotechnical Review of Verdura Retaining Wall Plans and Design Report dated June 26, 2023, The Cove at El Niguel, 30667 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, California,” prepared by American Geotechnical, Inc., dated June 27, 2023; (3) Construction Plans for the Improvement of The Cove - Residential Development, Rough Grading Plan, prepared by Blue Engineering and Consulting, Inc., print dated May 23, 2023; (4) Construction Plans for the Improvement of The Cove - Residential Development, Precise Grading Plan, prepared by Blue Engineering and Consulting, Inc., print dated May 23, 2023; (5) Verdura Retaining Wall Plans, The Cove at El Niguel, prepared by Soil Retention Designs, Inc., dated June 26, 2023; (6) Verdura Retaining Wall Design, The Cove at El Niguel, prepared by Soil Retention Designs, Inc., dated June 26, 2023.
REFERENCES (SP16-04): See Page 3.
ACTION:
RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED
CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED
X REQUEST ADDITIONAL DATA FOR REVIEW – See COMMENTS.
Please send responses directly to the City of Laguna Niguel, Building Department.
GMU Geotechnical can only accept responses forwarded from the City.
DISTRIBUTION: Amber Gregg, Daniel Kesicbasian, City of Laguna Niguel (email) Grant Keene, WJK Development Co., Applicant (email)
Jerry Huang, American Geotechnical, Inc. (email)
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 x Fax: (949) 888-1380 x email: [email protected] Page 2 REFERENCE NO.: G23-0009 DATE: August 3, 2023
COMMENTS
1. Section DR-DR' of Plate 2 of the rough grading plan review report indicates that for the short term, the toe of the existing westerly ascending gravity buttress fill will be removed during the proposed 5-foot-deep over-excavation of the building pad and for the long-term will be partially removed when the pad is brought down to a lower grade using a retaining wall. Therefore, address the temporary stability of the slope at this location during the over-excavation of the site and address the long-term stability of the slope with the grade lowered by the retaining wall.
Provide supporting temporary and long-term stability calculations, as necessary.
2. In a similar manner, please address the temporary stability of the westerly ascending slope at the location of Section G-G during the over-excavation of the site and the temporary stability of the northerly ascending slope at the northern end of Section E-E' during the over-excavation of the site and the construction of the proposed tiered retaining walls. Provide supporting temporary stability calculations, as necessary.
3. Please review the precise grading plans, including the MSE wall plans, after they have been revised to satisfy the first round of plan check comments. Provide a summary of the review and provide any additional or revised geotechnical recommendations, as necessary.
4. Please provide updated monitoring results (including inclinometers within the property).
5. Please coordinate with the civil engineer to show all corrective grading on the civil sections.
6. Please provide the laboratory testing program for the MSE wall backfill, including types of testing and frequency. This testing program should be added to the MSE wall plans as a note.
7. Please provide discussion and supporting data for the shear strengths used in the MSE wall backcut stability analysis.
8. Per Condition of Approval 14 of Resolution 22-15, a series of slope inclinometers shall be installed on the slope (i.e., gravity buttress toe) and monitored during construction. Please provide recommendations for installation, including locations and depths.
REVIEWED BY: _______________________________________________________________ Lisa Bates, PG, CEG 2293 David Hansen, M.Sc., PE, GE 3056 Associate Geologist Associate Engineer
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 x Fax: (949) 888-1380 x email: [email protected] Page 3 REFERENCE NO.: G23-0009 DATE: August 3, 2023
REFERENCES (SP16-04): (1) “Geotechnical Review of Tentative Tract Map, Tenatative Tract No. 17721, The Cove at El Niguel, 30667 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, California,” prepared by American Geotechnical, Inc,. dated January 8, 2021; (2) Tentative Tract Map No. 17721, The Cove at El Niguel, 30667 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, prepared by Hunsaker & Associates Irvine, Inc., dated January 21, 2021; (3) “Response to City of Laguna Niguel Geotechnical Review Sheet Dated February 15, 2021 and Notice of Incompleteness dated February 23, 2021, Tenatative Tract No. 17721, The Cove at El Niguel, 30667 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, California,” prepared by American Geotechnical, Inc,. dated April 2, 2021; (4) “Addendum Report – Adding Geology to Current Site Plan, The Cove at El Niguel, 30667 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, California,” prepared by American Geotechnical, Inc,. dated April 2, 2021; (5) “Comments to Slope Monitoring Report No. 6 by David H.
Lee and Associates dated November 27, 2022, The Cove at El Niguel, 30667 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, California,” prepared by American Geotechnical, Inc,. dated November 30, 2022; (6) “Monitoring Report No. 6 for the Slope Inclinometers Installed within the Niguel Summit Landslide Stabilization Area, Laguna Niguel, California,” prepared by David H. Lee & Associates, Inc., dated November 27, 2022.
FEES INCURRED
ATTENTION: Engineering Department, City of San Clemente PROJECT/PERMIT NO.: ENG22-181
CITY W.O. NO.: 400767-00-69-056
ACCOUNT NO.: 001-000-21512
VENDOR NO.: 015195
PROJECT ADDRESS: 2421 Calle Frontera
SERVICE TYPE: Geotechnical Review
Document(s) Reviewed Date of
Review Sheet
Status of Review Charge
(1) “Geotechnical Investigation, Memory Care
and Assisted Living Development, Intersection
of Calle Frontera and Calle Ola Verde, San
Clemente, California,” prepared by Geocon
West, Inc., dated June 16, 2022; (2) Precise
Grading Plans, San Clemente Memory
Care/Assisted Living, prepared by David Evans
and Associates, Inc., dated June 6, 2022.
7/20/2022 NOT APPROVED $ 1,560.60
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 Fax: (949) 888-1380 email: [email protected] Page 1 REFERENCE NO.: G24-1001 DATE: November 19, 2024
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Proposed Residential Development Rough Grading ____________________ LOCATION: 2 Hombre de Guerra, VTTM 17433 ____________________________________________ APPLICANT/OWNER: Charles Mallon for Euland Capital Enterprises ___________________________ GEOTECHNICAL FIRM: GeoTek, Inc.____________________________________________________ THEIR JOB NO.: 3782-SD ______________________________________________________________ GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER: Russell C. Lamb, GE 2207____________________________________ ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST: Christopher D. Livesey, CEG 2733______________________________ DOCUMENT(S) REVIEWED: (1) “Preliminary Geotechnical Evaluation and Rough Grading Plan Review for SunPointe Development, 2024 Vesting Tentative Tract Map 17433, Laguna Niguel, California,” prepared by GeoTek, Inc., dated August 16, 2024; (2) Rough Grading Plan, TTM 17433, Sunpointe, prepared by Hunsaker & Associates, Inc., print date October 16, 2024.
REFERENCES (SP12-007): Page 9.
ACTION:
RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED
CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED
X REQUEST ADDITIONAL DATA FOR REVIEW – See COMMENTS.
Please send responses directly to the City of Laguna Niguel, Grading Department.
GMU Geotechnical can only accept responses forwarded from the City.
DISTRIBUTION: Daniel Kesicbasian, Katie Crockett, Kyle Webber, City of Laguna Niguel (email) Charles Mallon for Euland Capital Enterprises, Applicant (email) Geotek, Inc. (email)
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 Fax: (949) 888-1380 email: [email protected] Page 2 REFERENCE NO.: G24-1001 DATE: November 19, 2024
COMMENTS
1. Geotechnical Map (Plate 2)
a. Show and label existing slope drains (hydroaugers) and permanent outlet devices. b. Show limits or delineate area of FS<1.5 near south end of “C” Drive (cross section F2). c. Show limits or delineate area of FS<1.1 where seismic deformation analysis applies (cross section A).
2. Geotechnical Cross Sections (general):
a. Show currently proposed rough grading and previously entitled grades from the SP12-007 conditional approval in April 2021.
b. Show remedial grading to be consistent with text of report, slope stability analyses, and Geotechnical Map. There are numerous instances where remedial grading shown on the sections does not coincide with text, analysis, and/or the map. c. Label backcut and frontcut inclinations on remedial grading and keyways. d. Label all keyway dimensions (depth and width).
e. Show MSE walls on all cross sections where applicable. f. Show proposed subdrain/backdrain systems at top of lime treatment areas.
3. The descriptions of artificial fills on Pg. 8 of report are not consistent with the Geotechnical Map explanation. In addition, artificial fills associated with existing development to the north are described in the wrong section on Pg. 8 of report. Please revise to include in “Afo” section of report to be consistent with Geotechnical Map.
4. Alluvium/colluvium is given symbol “Qac” in text of report and Geotechnical Map Explanation, but symbol “Qal” on Geotechnical Map. Please revise to be consistent. Also please indicate on Pg. 9 of report if these soil materials are considered suitable or not for support of the planned grading.
5. GeoTek appears to conclude that slope drains do not affect the underlying groundwater conditions (pg. 12), which is in contrast with prior studies by SMC and Earth Forensics. If this is the case, please discuss and reconcile this discrepancy with supporting data and analysis.
6. Offsite landslides and surficial slumps are described to the west/uphill from the proposed development. Pg. 11 of report indicates that similar landslide features to the south of the site occurred as “fluid (mudflow)” failures. Describe, analyze, and quantify the potential for similar failures on the westerly slope, along with mitigation measures for protecting the streets and homes at the toe of this slope.
7. Settlement: Please address settlement/subsidence/compressibility of the underlying landslide debris when subjected to the loading from proposed fills (including settlement magnitude, time duration, etc.). Provide quantitative evaluation or technical justification.
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 Fax: (949) 888-1380 email: [email protected] Page 3 REFERENCE NO.: G24-1001 DATE: November 19, 2024
COMMENTS (continued)
8. Slope Stability (general):
a. Stability analyses was performed for overall global stability of the site; however, additional stability analysis needs to be performed for each interior slope shown on the cross sections to confirm the size and depth of proposed interior keyways and buttresses, etc. The search windows should be narrowed to specifically evaluate each interior slope. b. Add/incorporate specific Qls rupture surfaces shown on the cross sections in the stability analyses. Numerous rupture surfaces are shown on the cross sections and these need to be analyzed with adopted strengths of 12.5 degrees friction and 250 psf cohesion. It should be clear that the rupture surfaces on the maps/sections were evaluated for stability. c. For translational/block stability analyses, submitted analyses do not follow geologic structures (i.e., rupture surfaces do not run along landslide rupture surfaces or relic bedding orientations). Please search for various failures along specified landslide rupture surfaces and relic bedding orientations (i.e., along-bedding) using the rupture surface shear strengths. Block searches should be set up in a manner that searches for likely/reasonable failure surfaces which are governed by geologic conditions such as rupture surface and/or geologic structure. Deep seated landslide analyses should be consistent with prior analyses prepared by SMC as part of the entitlement phase of the project. d. Pg. 22 of the report states that temporary front and backcut inclinations of 1:1 were analyzed. This is not consistent with front and backcuts shown on the cross sections. Please reconcile sections and analyses.
9. Strength model:
a. For revised shear strength for across-bedding condition in landslide block, Figure 4.7.2-4 is discussed on Pg. 17 of report, but figure is missing. b. Provide further and specific justification for increasing the cohesion values for landslide block, along and across bedding.
10. Cross Section A:
a. The recommended buttress widths and depths in the text do not match the cross section or Plate 8.
b. Deformation analysis: Show zone of seismic FS<1.1 on Geotechnical Map and clarify which Lot(s) this condition applies to. Seismic FS<1.1 does not meet City of Laguna Niguel standards and will therefore require a deviation request. c. Lime treatment area is very close to slope face. Please confirm if this is recommended and justify.
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 Fax: (949) 888-1380 email: [email protected] Page 4 REFERENCE NO.: G24-1001 DATE: November 19, 2024
COMMENTS (continued)
d. For the groundwater rise scenario: The evaluation should consist of computing safety factors for a realistic potential rise in groundwater with the current dewatering and maintenance requirements. The safety factor for this case should be a minimum 1.5.
Potential groundwater rise scenario should be justified/supported by data such as seasonal high groundwater after multiple wet winters, and/or high groundwater levels from consultant’s groundwater monitoring.
11. Cross Section A2:
a. The recommended fill width and depth in the text do not match Plate 8.
12. Cross Section B:
a. The recommended buttress widths and depths in the text do not match the cross section or Plate 8.
b. Lower keyway excavation extends below the water table. Please describe anticipated conditions for wet removals, temporary stability, etc. for this area.
13. Cross Section C:
a. The recommended buttress widths and depths in the text do not match the cross section or Plate 8.
14. Cross Section D:
a. The recommended buttress elevation and lime treated fill bottom elevation do not match the cross section or Plate 8.
b. Lime treatment area is very close to slope face. Please confirm if this is recommended and justify.
c. Please analyze temporary stability of western backcut and adjacent remedial grading which undercuts the base of QlsA.
d. Backcut near center of section is roughly 50-ft high 1:1 backcut in landslide material.
Please revise or justify temporary stability with analysis.
15. Cross Section E:
a. The recommended buttress widths and depths in the text do not match the cross section or Plate 8.
16. Cross Section F:
a. Provide further justification for 10-ft setback or revise as necessary. 10-ft setback doesn’t meet CBC minimum slope setback requirements unless deepened foundations are planned.
Show resulting setback on Geotechnical Map and grading plans.
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 Fax: (949) 888-1380 email: [email protected] Page 5 REFERENCE NO.: G24-1001 DATE: November 19, 2024
COMMENTS (continued)
17. Cross Section F2:
a. Show zone with FS<1.5 on Geotechnical Map and confirm that this area does not intersect building pads and street. Also show recommended setback zone on Geotechnical Map.
18. Cross Section G:
a. The recommended buttress widths and depths in the text do not match the cross section or Plate 8.
b. Please analyze temporary stability of western backcut and adjacent remedial grading which undercuts the base of QlsG and QlsA.
19. Cross Section H:
a. Please correct line types and labels for existing ground and proposed grade. b. Analyses need to prove that static and pseudostatic safety factors meet code minimums within the site (i.e., show FS>1.5 and 1.1 within the development slopes/streets/lots). c. Report describes offsite FS<1.0 for seismic analysis, whereas the stability analyses indicate FS<1.0 for static and seismic conditions. Please discuss/clarify.
20. Cross Section H1:
a. Cross Section H1 is missing from report. Please provide. b. Analyses need to prove that static and pseudostatic safety factors meet code minimums within the site (i.e., show FS>1.5 and 1.1 within the development slopes/streets/lots).
21. Cross Section J:
a. Revise remedial grading to illustrate remedial grading below entire fill area per the report text.
22. Cross Section K:
a. Label underlying geologic formation (QlsD).
23. Cross Section L:
a. Revise remedial grading to illustrate removal of all artificial fill (Afo) per the report text.
24. Cross Section M:
a. Revise remedial grading to illustrate removal of all artificial fill (Afo) per the report text.
25. Cross Section N:
a. Revise remedial grading to illustrate removal of all artificial fill (Afo) per the report text.
26. Cross Section A2:
a. Clarify contact between Afo and QlsC.
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 Fax: (949) 888-1380 email: [email protected] Page 6 REFERENCE NO.: G24-1001 DATE: November 19, 2024
COMMENTS (continued)
27. Lime Treatment of Soils:
a. Discuss effects of permeability of lime-treated soils on groundwater migration. b. Given that lime treatment is shown extending at or near slope face in several areas, discuss impacts on slope maintenance, slope landscaping, slope irrigation, slope drainage, etc. c. Report Pg. 21 indicates average sulfate content and concludes “Low concern”. However, some samples (and presumably some portions of the site) have “Moderate concern”. Do low concern and moderate concern still present a concern for swell potential? Please provide clear conclusions and recommendations for mitigation to avoid swell given the site conditions.
d. Further describe placement of subdrain system on top of lime treatment zones and drainage of these zones to areas that will be able to receive perched groundwater. These zones need to be placed deep enough to allow drains on top and not be in conflict with utilities, MSE walls, building foundations, etc.
e. Provide clear conclusions that the recommended lime treatment will not have any adverse impact to site stability, groundwater migration, heave/swell, etc.
28. MSE Walls:
a. Show proposed MSE walls on all sections where they occur. b. Provide global stability analyses for MSE walls.
c. MSE walls occur as part of Rough Grading and therefore need to be addressed with final design details, including full design recommendations and geotechnical, civil, and structural design plans.
29. Buried Pier Wall: Given that the proposed Rough Grading and related slope stability is dependent on the buried per wall for stability, full design details and plans will be required as part of Rough Grade permit application. Include geotechnical, civil, and structural design plans and specifications.
30. Inclinometers:
a. Inclinometer recommendations should be incorporated into text of report rather than within the Groundwater Monitoring Appendix E.
b. Recommendations were provided for northern inclinometer but were not provided for western inclinometer. Please provide details for western inclinometer. c. Show inclinometers on cross sections D and K.
31. Western Slope Gradient: Slope proposed at 1.7:1 to 1.8:1 inclination will need to have a request to deviate from City standards. Provide surficial stability calculations to justify slope steeper than 2:1.
Provide recommendations for mitigation, as necessary.
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 Fax: (949) 888-1380 email: [email protected] Page 7 REFERENCE NO.: G24-1001 DATE: November 19, 2024
COMMENTS (continued)
32. Subdrains:
a. Eastern subdrain system ends at a low point with no connection to the outlet. Please clarify recommendation.
b. Subdrain system shows “outlet to be determined”. Please clarify recommendations to confirm feasible outlet location.
33. Temporary Excavations:
a. Report describes maximum 20-ft high slopes which will not work with the proposed keyway elevations. Please clarify.
b. Construction sequence for westerly buttress indicates 100-ft vertical excavation which is not consistent with cross sections or stability analysis. Please reconcile text, map, sections, and stability analyses.
c. Construction sequence for westerly buttress indicates ramps to be no steeper than 3:1.
Flatter ramps would expose more backcut, which is undesirable. Please clarify if recommendation is to have ramps no flatter than 3:1.
34. Shrink/Bulk: Provide detailed estimation of shrink and bulk quantities (CY) to assist the project civil engineer in designing a balanced site with reduced import/export. Volume estimate should be provided in geotechnical report and Rough Grade plans.
35. Setbacks: Applicant should review setback criteria and confirm the intended future housing will be feasible with the required setbacks which can be up to 40-ft high for tall descending slopes.
36. Retaining Wall Design:
a. Provide quantification to show if there will be enough crushed misc. base generated onsite to satisfy the wall backfill volume needed. Or clarify if additional select fill will need to be imported.
b. Use of CMB derived from existing asphalt may not be suitable for placement as a drainage material behind retaining walls due to environmental concerns. Please clarify recommendations.
c. Please justify revised design parameters that appear high based on the onsite soil engineering characteristics (passive pressure, coefficient of friction, earth pressures).
Provide calculations to justify the parameters.
d. Seismic pressure indicates level backfill. Please clarify if this applies to both sloping and level backfill, since sloping backfill conditions exist onsite.
37. Seismic Design Parameters: Please justify change to Site Class C. On-site soil and geologic conditions are more appropriately characterized as D.
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 Fax: (949) 888-1380 email: [email protected] Page 8 REFERENCE NO.: G24-1001 DATE: November 19, 2024
COMMENTS (continued)
38. Rough Grade plans shall include geotechnical features presented by GeoTek, such as remedial grading quantities, shrink/swell quantities, keyways, lime treatment zones, buried pier wall, inclinometers, monitoring well, hydro-augers, subdrains/outlets, etc.
39. Volumetric Comparison Map: Earthwork comparison map should compare currently proposed grades vs. the grades used for entitlement review and conditional approval in April 2021.
40. Items Not Reviewed: The following items are not a part of Rough Grading and are therefore not reviewed (Not A Part): Post-tension foundation design, under-slab moisture membrane, misc.
Foundation and slab recommendations, foundation setbacks, seismic design, pavement design, flatwork design, etc.
REVIEWED BY: ______________________________________________________________________ Aron R. Taylor, M.Sc., PG, CEG 2455 David Hansen, M.Sc., PE, GE 3056 Principal Geologist Associate Engineer
REVIEWED BY: ______________________________________________________________________ Lisa Bates, PG, CEG 2293 Greg Silver, M.Sc., PE, GE 2336 Associate Geologist Principal Engineer
___________________________
Aron R. Taylor, M.Sc., PG, CE
___________________
Greg Silver, M.Sc., PE,
rincipal Engineer
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
Phone (949) 362-4300 | Fax (949) 362-4340
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SHEET
Reviewed by:
GMU GEOTECHNICAL, INC.
30336 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-6513 Fax: (949) 888-1380 email: [email protected] Page 9 REFERENCE NO.: G24-1001 DATE: November 19, 2024
REFERENCES (SP12-007):
1. “Geotechnical Feasibility Review, SunPointe, Tentative Tract Map 17433, Southwest of Avenida del Caballo, Laguna Niguel, California,” by Stoney-Miller Consultants, Inc., dated August 21, 2014.
2. “Feasibility Investigation/Review of 50-Scale Map Uunpointe, Tentative Tract 17433 Colinas Sur, Laguna Niguel, California,” by Stoney-Miller Consultants, Inc., dated October 9, 2014 (Revised February 17, 2015).
3. “Response to City of Laguna Niguel, Geotechnical Review Sheet, dated March 20, 2015, SunPointe, Tentative Tract 17433, Colinas Sur, Laguna Niguel, California,” by Stoney-Miller Consultants, Inc., dated April 24, 2015.
4. “Geotechnical Review of 2019 Vesting Tentative Tract Map, SunPointe, Vesting Tentative Tract 17433, Colinas Sur, Laguna Niguel, California,” by Stoney-Miller Consultants, Inc., dated August 29, 2019.
5. “Response to City of Laguna Niguel Verbal Review of: Geotechnical Review of 2019 Vesting Tentative Tract Map, SunPointe, Vesting Tentative Tract 17433, Colinas Sur, Laguna Niguel, California,” by Stoney-Miller Consultants, Inc., dated October 9, 2019.
6. “Response to City of Laguna Niguel Review of: Supplemental Geotechnical Investigation, Groundwater and Slope Stability Evaluation, 2019 Vesting Tentative Tract Map, SunPointe, Vesting Tentative Tract 17433, Colinas Sur, Laguna Niguel, California,” by Stoney-Miller Consultants, Inc., dated March 31, 2021.
APPENDIX A-2
GMU Fee Sheet Form
FEES INCURRED
ATTENTION: Engineering Department, City of San Clemente PROJECT/PERMIT NO.: ENG24-081
CITY W.O. NO.: N/A
ACCOUNT NO.: 001-411-43535
VENDOR NO.: 015195
PROJECT ADDRESS: 12 Mar del Rey
SERVICE TYPE: Geotechnical Review
Document(s) Reviewed Date of
Review Sheet
Status of Review Charge
(1) “Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation
Report, Proposed Single-Family Residence, 12
Mar del Rey, San Clemente, California,”
prepared by GeoMat Testing Laboratories, Inc.,
dated February 13, 2024; (2) Structural
Calculations, 12 Mar del Rey, prepared by David
York, Architect, dated March 11, 2024; (3)
Grading Plan, 12 Mar del Rey, prepared by
David York, Architect, undated.
4/2/24 NOT APPROVED $ 1,560.60
“Response to City Review Sheet Dated April 2,
2024, Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation
Report, Proposed Single-Family Residence, 12
Mar del Rey, San Clemente, California,”
prepared by GeoMat Testing Laboratories, Inc.,
dated April 4, 2024.
6/21/24 CONDITIONALLY
APPROVED
No Charge
APPENDIX A-3
City Handouts Developed by GMU
APPENDIX B
GMU Resumes
30336 Esperanza, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | ph: 949.888.6513 | fax: 949.888.1380 | web: www.gmugeo.com LISA L. BATES, PG, CEG
Associate Geologist
Director of Municipal Geotechnical and Engineering Services
PROFESSION
Engineering Geologist
REGISTRATIONS
Certified Engineering Geologist,
State of California
Professional Geologist,
State of California
CERTIFICATIONS
Qualified SWPPP Practitioner,
State of California
Qualified SWPPP Designer,
State of California
EDUCATION
B.S., Geological Sciences,
University of California, Santa
Barbara
Summer Field Studies, Oregon
State University
AFFILIATIONS
National Association of Women In
Construction, Orange County
Chapter – Past Chapter President
(NAWIC)
South Coast Geological Society
Lisa has over 26 years of experience in various aspects of the geotechnical field. She has worked successfully with
homeowners’ associations, residential and commercial
developers, master community planners, and governmental agencies on both private and public works projects. She has extensive experience in a wide variety of projects including:
residential and commercial development, public works
projects, hillside grading, landslide investigation and mitigation, and forensic investigations. Ms. Bates excels at landslide and slope failure investigations and repairs, and has worked with many homeowners’ associations on slope issues.
In addition, she has served as an expert witness for several legal matters. She is also the Reviewing Geologist for several public agencies. Her goal is to provide an outstanding product to her clients in a timely and cost efficient manner, while upholding the high standards and mission of GMU. Selected project categories representative of Ms. Bates’ experience are
described below:
x Landslide/Slope Failure Investigation and Repair
x Construction Management
x Geotechnical Review/Consulting Services for Multiple
Cities
x Public Works Projects
x Fault Studies
x Legal Consultation
x Residential/Commercial Projects
x Single Family Residential Custom Developments
Additional information and notable projects from Lisa’s portfolio are summarized on the following pages.
Lisa L. Bates 2
LANDSLIDE/SLOPE FAILURE INVESTIGATION AND/OR REPAIR
Ms. Bates’ experience investigating and/or repairing landslides, slope failures, and erosion includes dozens of projects. The list below includes highlights of her project experience, including high-profile or complex landslides.
x Hacienda Road, La Habra Heights - City of La Habra Heights: Project included geotechnical investigation of a portion of roadway with steep natural slopes and existing distress. Investigation included large and small diameter borings, installation and monitoring of a slope inclinometer, geologic analyses, and development of repair options. Project also included development of design repair plans and specifications, as well as coordination with bidders and impacted agencies. x Poppy Trail Landslide, Rolling Hills – California Joint Powers Insurance Authority: Project included geotechnical investigation and design of repair of a large landslide within a hillside residential area.
Challenges included steep terrain, adjacent properties, and complex geology. Duties included geologic investigation and grading observations, project oversight, and construction management advisor services.
x Philemon Landslide, Dana Point – Private Developer: Project included geotechnical investigation and design of repair of a landslide impacting four residential structures. Challenges included existing residences and adjacent properties, adverse geologic structure, and poor shear strengths for onsite soils.
Repair design included innovative slurry backfill of keyway excavation. Duties included geologic investigation, project oversight, and grading observations. Project won 2014 CalGeo Project Award and was presented at 2013 Geo-Congress in San Diego.
x Horseshoe Landslide, Anaheim Hills – Homeowners Association: Project included emergency geotechnical services after re-activation of ancient landslide within developed area. Duties included geotechnical investigation, construction management advisor services, long-term monitoring, groundwater monitoring, development of repair plan, coordination with the Association and their legal counsel, and communication with public agencies. Landslide is underlain by complex geology, and crosses City boundary.
x Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, Rancho Palos Verdes – Various Clients: Multiple projects within the ancient landslide complex included investigations of:
o Active Portuguese Bend Landslide
o “Parcel 4” Landslide
o Abalone Cove Landslide
Tasks included coordinating complex geologic field investigations with multiple drilling methodologies, analyzing data collected to prepare maps and geologic cross-sections, creation of a structure contour map of the entire landslide complex, and development of mitigation measures to stabilize the landslides.
x South Shores Landslide, Rancho Palos Verdes – Harris & Associates: Project included study of the inactive landslide’s potential impact on a new storm drain system, including large diameter and continuous core drilling, analyses, and development of conceptual designs.
Lisa L. Bates 3
CONSULTANT TO PUBLIC AGENCIES
Lisa has over 26 years’ experience working with various governing agencies, including 20 years providing on-call geotechnical services to a variety of agency clients. A chronological list of Ms. Bates’ experience is described below:
x City of Aliso Viejo (2011 to 2012):
o Construction Observation
o Emergency Services (Slope Failures)
x City of Rancho Santa Margarita (2008 to current):
o Development Reviews
o Geotechnical Investigation and Design
x City of Laguna Niguel (2002 to current):
o Development Reviews (Building, Grading, and Planning/Entitlement) o Geotechnical Investigation and Design
o Construction Observation
o Emergency Services (Landslides, Public Safety, “Red Tagging”, etc.) o Geotechnical Monitoring
x City of Chino Hills (2002 to current):
o Development Reviews (Building, Grading, and Planning/Entitlement) o Geotechnical Investigation and Design
o Construction Observation
o Emergency Services (Landslides, Public Safety, etc.)
o Geotechnical Monitoring
x City of Dana Point (2008 to current):
o Geotechnical Investigation and Design
o Construction Observation
o Emergency Services (Slope Failures, Blufftop Failures, Public Safety, etc.) o Geotechnical Monitoring
x City of Laguna Hills (2010 to 2020):
o Development Reviews (Grading, Planning, and Entitlement) o Geotechnical Investigation and Design
x City of Mission Viejo (2016 to current):
o Development Reviews (Engineering)
o Geotechnical Investigation and Design
o Construction Observation
o Emergency Services (Landslides, Public Safety, etc.)
o Geotechnical Monitoring
x City of Anaheim (2021 to current):
o Development Reviews (Engineering)
Lisa L. Bates 4
x City of Laguna Beach (2022 to present):
o Development Reviews (Hydrology and WQMP)
RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
x Cielo Vista Residential Development, County of Orange – Residential development planned on undeveloped land required fault studies, geotechnical investigation, and foundation investigation for entrance bridge. Tasks included developing recommendations for rough grading, retaining wall, bridge, and residential structure design and providing design input during plan preparation. Provided project management for structural design of retaining and MSE walls. Project required approval from MWD for geotechnical impacts to existing Lower Feeder pipeline, involving detailed analyses, multiple meetings with MWD staff, and coordination of responses to MWD requirements and comments.
Project is currently under construction, with GMU providing geotechnical observation and testing, materials testing, and Special Inspection services, as well as vibration monitoring services. x Talega, San Clemente – Geotechnical investigation and geotechnical design recommendations for master planned community, including landslide and slope stability mitigation for hillside development.
Investigation included drilling and logging numerous bucket auger and hollow stem borings. x Geotechnical Investigation, Grading & Observations, Rancho Mission Viejo/DMB Ladera, LLC, Ladera Ranch – Geotechnical investigation and grading/construction observations of 8000+ unit master planned community. Tasks include drilling numerous bucket auger and hollow stem borings and geologic mapping and observation during mass and rough grading.
PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
x Lower Curtis Park Expansion Project, City of Mission Viejo – Geotechnical investigation for proposed park expansion to include 4 new sports fields and associated improvements. Project included study of multiple large landslides and impacts of proposed development on landslide stability. Project is currently under construction, including landslide removal, mass grading, and import of over 1 million cubic yards of fill soil.
x Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 Improvement Projects, Crown Valley Community Park, City of Laguna Niguel – Three phases of improvements at the City’s largest park included: New tot lot, splashground, amphitheater, parking lots, bridge, and community building, as well as retaining walls, and other nonstructural elements. Scope included geotechnical investigations and design support for these improvements, as well as construction geotechnical observations, testing, special inspection, nondestructive testing, and materials testing. x La Pata Avenue Gap Closure, South, County of Orange – Geotechnical investigation for proposed alignments of widening and extension of La Pata Avenue from Ortega Highway to San Clemente.
Project included study of multiple large landslide complexes, fault alignments, and complex geology. x La Pata Interim Widening for New High School, San Juan Capistrano – Capistrano Unified School District: Project included geotechnical investigation and construction observation during widening and re-paving of existing roadway.
x Reclaimed and Domestic Water Reservoirs, City of Chino Hills – Geotechnical investigation for proposed water reservoirs in semi-developed areas. Project included subsurface investigation for reservoir sites and access roadways as well as review of proposed plans. Scope during construction of Lisa L. Bates 5
reservoirs included geotechnical observation and testing, and special inspection. x Dana Point Harbor, City of Dana Point – Geotechnical investigation for redevelopment of existing harbor facilities, including new parking structure, retail, restaurants, boat storage and supporting improvements.
x Long Beach Sports Park, Long Beach – Geotechnical investigation for planned recreational sports complex including artificial turf soccer and baseball fields, clubhouse/concessions, office building and skate park to be constructed on property used for oil field operations and debris disposal. Project included complex investigation to evaluate buried alluvial channel and marshland overlain by debris and fill soils, and development of geotechnical recommendations for corrective grading and design of structures.
x Sports Park, Chino Hills, City of Chino Hills – Project included geotechnical investigation, input on design, and construction observations during rough and precise grading, including paving and construction of artificial grass fields.
x City Hall, City of Laguna Niguel – Geotechnical investigation for proposed City Hall site on existing graded area. Project included subsurface investigation, design support, and grading observations. x Portuguese Bend Beach Club, Rancho Palos Verdes – Army Corps of Engineers: Geotechnical investigation for proposed seawall and buttress at toe of active Portuguese Bend landslide.
Investigation included design and analysis of alternative methods to preserve coastal environment. x Government Center, City of Chino Hills – Geotechnical investigation, design recommendations, plan review, and observation of construction of new civic center. Center includes new parking structure, City Hall, fire, and police buildings as well as residential development. x Ortega Highway (State Route 74) Widening between San Juan Creek and Orange/Riverside County Line, Orange County, Private Contractor – Project included providing on-call geotechnical services to general contractor, including evaluation of temporary slope stability in hard rock and rock fill.
FAULT STUDIES
x Cielo Vista Residential Development, County of Orange, North County BRS Project, LLC – Supplemental fault study of site crossed by Whittier Fault. Included excavation and detailed logging of over 500 feet of trench. Fault study analyses methodologies included fracture mechanics, physical characteristics, geomorphology, and datable sediments. Fault study reviewed and approved by County of Orange as part of development approval.
x The Ranch Plan, Orange County – Rancho Mission Viejo: Fault investigation of Mission Viejo fault located within proposed development bubble.
x Seacliff Shopping Center, Huntington Beach - Shea Homes: Fault investigation of branch of Newport-Inglewood fault zone located within Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Studies Zone for proposed shopping center. Investigation included extensive trenching and design review. x Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach - Hoag Hospital: Fault investigation of Newport-Inglewood fault zone and observation during grading of additional parking area and proposed structures.
Lisa L. Bates 6
x Foothill Transportation Corridor, CP Alignment, Orange County - Transportation Corridor Agencies: Fault investigation of branch of Cristianitos fault crossing proposed toll road alignment.
LEGAL CONSULTATION
Ms. Bates has provided geotechnical consultation for litigation on a variety of projects for over 17 years in the State of California. She has been deposed, testified at trial, and participated in mitigation for several cases, including the following issues:
x Landslides
x Slope failure
x Construction dispute
x Slope repair
x Concrete type/source
PUBLICATIONS:
Silver, Gregory, Bates, Lisa, 2012, “Landslide Stabilization Using High Strength Aggregate-Cement Slurry”.
30336 Esperanza, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | ph: 949.888.6513 | fax: 949.888.1380 | web: www.gmugeo.com
DAVID HANSEN
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
PROFESSION
Registered Civil Engineer
Registered Geotechnical Engineer
EDUCATION
B.S. Geological Engineering,
University of Arizona, Tucson
M.S. Civil Engineering, California State
University, Long Beach
AFFILIATIONS
American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE)
Dave has over 35 years of progressively responsible positions, from Field Soils Technician to Senior Associate Engineer and Project Manager. He has managed and completed
multiple projects on time and on budget. Dave is experienced with planning, implementing, and supervising geotechnical, percolation and landslide investigations. He is also experienced in residential distress evaluations for a wide variety of residential and commercial projects ranging from single lots to large scale mass-grading projects and master planned communities. He has helped develop tools and methods for estimating project costs, preparing proposals, and tracking project budgets. He has provided services to a wide range of clients including
homeowners, homeowner’s associations, developers, architects, and water and school districts throughout Southern California.
He is also very knowledgeable in local and state regulations and building codes in providing third-party review and technical advice for the Building Departments of several Southern California cities.
Technical abilities include:
x Settlement Evaluation
x Design of Earth Retention Systems
x Shallow and Deep Foundation Design Recommendations
x Slope Stability Analysis
x On-site Sewage Absorption System Design
x Storm Water Infiltration Analysis
x Liquefaction Analysis
x In-situ Ground Improvement and Modification Techniques x Pile Analysis and Design
x Shoring Recommendations
x Pavement Design
x Landslide Stabilization
x Seawall Design
David Hansen 2
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS/MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITIES:
• Moulton Ranch, Brock Homes, Nellie Gail, Laguna Niguel, CA – Project Geotechnical Engineer – Geotechnical investigation and design for residential tract (400+ homes, park sites)
• San Joaquin Hills Residential Development, S&S Development, Laguna Niguel, CA – Project Geotechnical Engineer – Geotechnical investigation and design for residential tract (500+ homes, recreation centers, park sites)
• Alberhill Ranch, Castle & Cooke Development, Lake Elsinore, California CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for major master planned community (1200+ homes, water reservoirs, recreation centers, park sites), geotechnical engineering issues such as hard rock, blasting, and rock fall issues. • Bridlewood Estates, Avalon Homes, Yorba Linda, CA - Lead Geotechnical Engineer – Oversight of geotechnical engineering for rough and precise grading and residential development, (400+ homes, recreation centers, park sites), geotechnical engineering issues such as landslide mitigation and highly expansive and corrosive soils. • Sierra Peak, Capital Pacific Homes, Corona, CA - Lead Geotechnical Engineer – Geotechnical investigation and design for rough and precise grading and residential development (450+ homes, recreation centers, park sites), geotechnical engineering issues such as landslide mitigation, rockfall, and geogrid-reinforced slopes. • Amalfi Hills Residential Development, S&S Development, Yorba Linda, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for rough and precise grading and residential development (600+ homes, recreation centers, park sites), geotechnical engineering issues such as landslide mitigation and highly expansive and corrosive soils. • Aurora, William Lyon Homes, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (90 attached homes, pocket parks). • Aubergine, TriPointe Homes, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (66 detached homes, pocket parks). • Aria, Phases 1 and 2, Tri-Pointe Homes, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer – Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (151 attached homes, pocket parks).
David Hansen 3
• Viridian, Tri-Pointe Homes, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (72 detached homes, pocket parks). • MR-18, Warmington Homes, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (97 detached homes, pocket parks). • Reverie, William Lyon Homes, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (118 detached homes, pocket parks). • Topaz, The New Home Company, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (25 detached homes, pocket park). • Vida, Pulte Homes, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (66 attached homes, pocket parks). • Alma, Pulte Homes, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (66 detached homes, pocket parks). • Azure, The New Home Company, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (80 attached homes, paver courtyards, pocket parks). • Cobalt, The New Home Company, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (36 multi-family, three-story attached homes, pocket park). • Sterling, The New Home Company, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and residential development (63 detached homes, MSE retaining wall, pocket park).
APARTMENT SITES:
• Sendero Bluffs Apartments, Western National Properties, Sendero, Rancho Mission Viejo, California – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for rough and precise grading and site development.
• Esencia Sur Apartments, Western National Properties, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for rough and precise grading and site development.
David Hansen 4
• Esencia Norte Apartments, Western National Properties, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for rough and precise grading and site development.
RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES:
• Sun Lakes Master Planned Community, Presley Homes, Banning/Beaumont, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for major master planned community (1500+ homes, 18-hole golf course, country club, shopping centers), geotechnical engineering issues such as hard rock, blasting, hydro-collapsible alluvial soils. • Reata Glen Continuing Care and Retirement Center, Sendero Area, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development (3-story apartment complex with underground parking structure, multistory condominiums, townhomes, recreation center), geotechnical engineering issues such as highly expansive and corrosive soils.
LUXURY SEMI-CUSTOM AND CUSTOM HOME PROJECTS:
• Artisan I & II, William Lyon Homes, Covenant Hills, Ladera Ranch, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development (29 custom homes and exterior improvements), geotechnical engineering issues such as highly expansive and corrosive soils.
• Coral Crest and Coral Canyon, The New Home Company, Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development (28 custom homes and exterior improvements), geotechnical engineering issues such as expansive and corrosive soils, deep fills. • Sky Ranch, The New Home Company, Covenant Hills, Ladera Ranch, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development (28 custom homes and exterior improvements), geotechnical engineering issues such as highly expansive, corrosive soils, post-tension foundations, and deepened foundations for slope setback issues.
• Villa Del Lago, Pelican Crest, Newport Coast, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for rough and precise grading and site development (large custom home complex with main residence, guest/pool house, pool, lake with bridge and waterfall, equestrian barn and arena, tennis court), geotechnical engineering issues such as highly expansive, corrosive soils, deepened foundations for slope setback issues. • The Strand at the Headlands, Dana Point, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigations and designs for precise grading and site development (multiple custom home sites), geotechnical engineering issues such as expansive soils, shoring, deepened foundations for slope setback issues, evaluation of influence of construction on existing MSE walls).
David Hansen 5
• Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigations and designs for precise grading and site development (multiple custom home sites), geotechnical engineering issues such as expansive soils, shoring, deepened foundations for slope setback issues).
• Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigations and designs for precise grading and site development (multiple custom home sites), geotechnical engineering issues such as expansive soils, shoring, hard rock conditions.
• 2 Via Terracaleta, Coto De Caza. Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for rough and precise grading and site development (9 custom homes, access roadways, and exterior improvements), geotechnical engineering issues such as expansive soils, slope stability issues.
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
• Del Prado Mixed-Use Development, Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer – Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development - Two four-story mixed-use buildings over 2-story subterranean parking structures. Design included mat foundation design, spread footing design, shoring design, and permanent retaining wall design.
• Sendero Gateway Marketplace, Western National Properties, Sendero, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development – retail buildings, gas station, grocery building. Design included mat foundation design, spread footing design, retaining wall design. • The Gathering at Los Patrones Retail Site, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development – Two self-storage buildings, three tilt-up retail buildings.
Design included mat foundation design, spread footing design. • Capistrano Mazda and Volkswagon Dealerships, Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development – New showroom buildings and parking. Design included foundations for highly expansive soils.
CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS FACILITIES:
• Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Stonehill Drive, Dana Point, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development – Sanctuary, Preschool/Administration building, gymnasium. Design included mat foundation design, spread footing design, deepened foundations, retaining wall design, soldier pile wall.
David Hansen 6
• St. Michaels Abbey, Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado Canyon, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for rough and precise grading and site development – Hydro-arch bridges, Monastery, church, chapel, administration building, school, and gymnasium. Design included mat foundation design, spread footing design, retaining wall design, and onsite sewage absorption system design.
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES:
• Engineering Building, California Polytechnic University at Pomona, CA – Project Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for remedial grading and site development – Design included, settlement analysis, spread footing design, retaining wall design.
• Parking Structure and Engineering Building, California State University Northridge, CA – Project geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for remedial grading and site development – Design included, settlement analysis, liquefaction analysis, foundation design.
• Child Care Facility, Naval Air Weapons Station, Point Magu, CA – Project Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for remedial grading and site development – Design included, liquefaction analysis, remediation of adverse shallow groundwater conditions, settlement analysis, foundation design.
• Chemistry Building, University of California, Irvine – Project geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for remedial grading and site development – Design included settlement analysis and deep foundation design. • Rancho Mission Viejo Joint-Use Pavilion, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development – Geotechnical design for joint-use gymnasium and community building with OSHPD compliance.
MEDICAL BUILDINGS:
• The Orchards Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facility, Reata Glen, Sendero Area, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for rough and precise grading and site development, geotechnical engineering issues such as OSHPD compliance, highly expansive and corrosive soils.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SPORTS PARKS:
• Belmont Plaza Revitalization, Olympic Plaza, Long Beach, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for remedial grading and site development – Geotechnical design for temporary Olympic pool and stadium, geotechnical engineering issues such as shallow groundwater and liquefaction.
David Hansen 7
• Bonita Canyon Sports Park, City of Newport Beach Public Works Department, Newport Beach, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer for geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development. Geotechnical design for sportspark complex with synthetic fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, recreational pool, and community building.
Infiltration design of subsurface field drainage system. • Newport Beach Country Club, Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development – Geotechnical design for new country club recreation building, swimming pool, tennis courts, townhome and access roadways.
• Oso Creek Trail, Forbes Road, Laguna Niguel, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development.
Geotechnical design of retaining walls and permeable pavement systems. • Hilltop Club, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer.
Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development.
Geotechnical design for recreational facility with two community buildings, recreational pool and spa, and bocce ball courts. Design included post-tension foundation design and retaining wall design.
• Esencia Sportspark, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development – Geotechnical design for sports park complex with synthetic fields – baseball fields, tennis courts, recreational pool, and community building. Infiltration design of subsurface field drainage system.
HOTELS:
• Hampton Inn and Suites, Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA – Project Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development, geotechnical engineering issues such as collapsible soils, expansive and corrosive soils. • The Wave Resort, Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and site development, geotechnical engineering issues such as bedrock/fill transitions, hard rock conditions, highly expansive soils, shoring, and impact on stability of existing Soil Nail wall.
WATER RESOURCE PROJECTS:
• 30-inch San Juan Creek Effluent Transmission Main Replacement, Moulton Niguel Water District, San Juan Capistrano, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for replacement of main effluent line below San Juan Creek. geotechnical engineering issues such as deep shaft excavation and shoring, micro-tunneling, dewatering.
David Hansen 8
• La Sienna Mainline Replacement Project, Moulton Niguel Water District, Laguna Niguel, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - construction oversight of water line removal and replacement.
• Esencia PA-2 Zone B Pump Station, Santa Margarita Water District, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for precise grading and construction. geotechnical engineering issues such as bedrock/fill transitions, soldier pile retaining wall design. • Middle Chiquita Canyon Water Facilities, Santa Margarita Water District, Chiquita Canyon, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for installation of main transmission lines,. geotechnical engineering issues such as bedrock/native soil transitions, shallow groundwater, shoring, dewatering • La Paz/Moulton PW System Reconfiguration Project, Moulton Niguel Water District, Laguna Hills, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - construction oversight of water line removal and replacement.
• Upper Salada Lift Station Site Expansion and Generator Replacement, Moulton Niguel Water District, Niguel Road, Laguna Niguel, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for expansion of site and installation of new generator and retaining walls.
• 2016-2017 Reservoir Management Systems Replacement Project, Moulton Niguel Water District, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - construction oversight of precise grading and installation of new Chemical Facility buildings and associated water line removal and replacement.
• 2017-2018 Reservoir Management Systems Replacement Project – Phase 2, Moulton Niguel Water District, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - construction oversight of precise grading and installation of new Chemical Facility buildings and associated water line removal and replacement.
ONSITE SEWAGE ABSORTION SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECTS:
• Iacono Residence, Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for onsite sewage absorption system design with shallow rock concerns.
• Ramsey Residence, Jackson Ranch Road, Santiago Canyon, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for onsite sewage absorption system design.
• St. Michaels Abbey, Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado Canyon, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for secondary sewage treatment plant and onsite sewage absorption system design.
David Hansen 9
CITY GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT/THIRD PARTY REVIEW:
• City of Buena Park, CA (2005 – 2011) – Review of geotechnical reports, general geotechnical consultation, Public works project design and geotechnical and materials inspection.
• City of Mission Viejo, CA (2005 – 2011) – Review of geotechnical reports, general geotechnical consultation, Public works project design and geotechnical and materials inspection.
• City of Laguna Niguel, CA (2012-Present) – Review of geotechnical reports, general geotechnical consultation.
• City of Chino Hills, CA (2012-Present) – Review of geotechnical reports, general geotechnical consultation.
GEO-STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EARTH (MSE) WALLS:
• La Chance Residence, Via Colinas, Coto De Caza, County of Orange, CA – Design and construction oversight of 8- to 12-foot-high MSE wall to support rear yard improvements. • Topaz Residential Development, MR30, The New Home Company, Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA – Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Design and construction oversight of 8-foot-high MSE wall to support side yard improvements. • Siddiqi Residence, Waves End, Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, County of Orange, CA – Design and construction oversight of six tiered 4- to 8-foot-high MSE walls to support rear yard improvements.
REDI-ROCK GRAVITY WALLS:
El Camino Real Wall, City of San Juan Capistrano, CA – Design and construction oversight of 12- to 18-foot-high stacked gravity block wall to support El Camino Real Road.
Saint Margaret’s Episcipol Church Parking Lot, San Juan Capistrano, CA – Design and construction oversight of 10- to 12-foot-high stacked gravity block wall to support Ortega Highway
David Hansen 10
PROJECT AWARDS
The following project awards are for projects where Mr. Hansen served a primary role in either the geotechnical engineering design or management of the project. • Project Award – APWA 2014
o Belmont Revitalization Project and Temporary Pool, Long Beach • Project Award– APWA 2014
o El Camino Real Wall, San Juan Capistrano
• Outstanding Bikeways and Trails Project – ASCE 2015
o Oso Creek Multi-use Trail
• Outstanding Urban or Land Development Project – ASCE 2016 o Esencia Residential Development, Rancho Mission Viejo • Community Improvement Project of the Year – ASCE 2018 o Rancho Mission Viejo Joint-Use Pavilion, Rancho Mission Viejo 30336 Esperanza, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 | ph: 949.888.6513 | fax: 949.888.1380 | web: www.gmugeo.com GREGORY SILVER, M.SC., PE, GE
President/CEO
PROFESSION
Geotechnical Engineer
Civil Engineer
REGISTRATIONS
Registered Civil Engineer,
State of California
Registered Geotechnical Engineer,
State of California
Registered Civil Engineer, State of
Nevada
Registered Civil Engineer, State of
Utah
EDUCATION
M.S. Civil Engineering, California
State University, Long Beach
B.A. Geological Sciences,
University of California, Santa
Barbara, Goleta
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
ASCE
ACEC
BIA
CalGeo, Past President
Greg. has over 36 years of progressively responsible
engineering and management experience in a wide variety of geotechnical engineering projects. He has worked
successfully for and with industrial, residential, and
commercial developers, master community planners, and
governmental agencies. He has extensive experience in
landslide evaluation and remediation design, geotechnical instrumentation, residential and commercial development, public works projects, municipality consultation,
mechanically stabilized earth walls, and forensic projects. In addition, he has served as an expert witness in regard to numerous geotechnical issues over the last 25 years. Over the period of 1988 to 1997, Greg was City Geotechnical
Engineer for numerous cities throughout Southern
California. He currently serves as President and Principal Engineer of GMU.
Selected types of projects representative of Mr. Silver’s experience are listed below:
x Commercial Development Projects
x High-rise Structures
x Landslides
x Residential Development Projects/Master Planned
Communities
x Major Roadways
x Bridges
x Water Resource Projects
x Dewatering Projects
x Miscellaneous Public Works Projects
x Government/Civic Centers
x Sports Parks
x Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls
x Soil Nail Walls
x Geotechnical Instrumentation
x Tie-back Slope Reinforcement
x Pavement Engineering and Design
x City Geotechnical Engineer/Consultant
x Legal Consultation
x Special Studies
Gregory P. Silver 2
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
20/40 Pacifica Office Towers, Irvine, CA: Lead Geotechnical Engineer – Two high-rise office buildings and one 5 story parking structure. Design involved foundation systems consisting of driven piles and geopiers.
520 Newport Center Drive Office Tower, Newport Beach, CA: Principal-in-charge – one 20- story high-rise office building and adjacent 6-story parking structure. Design involved mat and spread footing foundation design and analyses, shoring design, and permanent retaining wall design.
650 Newport Center Drive Office Tower, Newport Beach, CA: Principal-in-Charge – one 20- story high-rise office building and two adjacent multi-story parking structures with up to 2-story subterranean sections. Design included mat foundation design, spread footing design, shoring design, and permanent retaining wall design.
200 Spectrum Center Drive Office Tower, Irvine, CA: Principal-in-Charge – 21 story office building and one adjacent 6 story parking structures. Design included driven pile foundation design, spread footing design, shoring design, and permanent retaining wall design. 400 Spectrum Center Drive Office Tower, Irvine, CA: Principal-in-Charge – one 21 story office building and one adjacent 6-story parking structures with up to 2-story subterranean sections.
Design included mat foundation design, spread footing design, shoring design, and permanent retaining wall design.
Irvine Spectrum Marriott Hotel, Irvine CA: Principal-in-Charge – one 15 story hotel building with adjacent 2 story event center. Design included mat foundation design, spread footing design, and permanent retaining wall design.
Sand Canyon Business Park, Irvine, CA: Principal-in-Charge/Lead Geotechnical Engineer – multi-story campus masonry block buildings on highly expansive soils with associated parking, walkways, etc. Geotechnical design included innovative partial mat/partial conventional slab to minimize expansive soil movements.
Discovery Business Center, Irvine, CA: Principal-in-Charge/Lead Geotechnical Engineer – multi-story campus masonry block buildings on highly expansive soils with associated parking, walkways, etc. Geotechnical design included innovative partial mat/partial conventional slab to minimize expansive soil movements.
Capitol Group Office Campus, Irvine, CA: Lead Geotechnical Engineer – Large office campus on highly expansive soils. Project involved geopier and select soil replacement subgrade improvement strategies.
Spectrum 5, Spectrum 7, Spectrum 1, Irvine, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight of investigation design and construction.
Gregory P. Silver 3
Bridgepark Plaza, Mercantile East, Mercantile West, and Corporate Terrace, Ladera Ranch, CA:
Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight of investigation design and construction.
University Research Park Office Development, Irvine, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight of investigation design and construction.
LANDSLIDES:
Poppy Trail Landslide, Palos Verdes, CA: Lead Engineer and Investigator - Detailed geotechnical engineering analyses of landslide that resulted in damage to an existing home and Poppy Trail Drive. Determined causation and led forensic team to a legal settlement. Developed stabilization plan that involved creating two lots where only one had existed before to create an economically viable repair. Repair consisted of buttress grading, temporary stabilization measures, deep-seated and surficial geogrid stabilization and MSE walls. GMU performed the geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering and construction management for the project.
Philemon Landslide, Dana Point, CA: Lead Engineer and Investigator - Detailed geotechnical engineering analyses of a deep seated geologically controlled landslide that resulted in the demolition of several homes. Evaluated and determined causation and developed innovative and award-winning stabilization plan using high strength aggregate cement slurry. The stabilization approach is documented in a paper published by the ASCE Geo-Institute.
China Cove Slope Stabilization, Newport Beach, CA: Lead Engineer and Investigator - Developed aesthetically pleasing soil nail Slope stabilization to mitigate years of surficial slumping and shallow slumping on slope face. Evaluated and determined geotechnical characteristics of the failures, developed the repair methodology and developed complete structural plans for bidding.
Palos Verdes Drive Roadway Stabilization, Palos Verdes, CA: Lead Engineer and Investigator - Developed 50-year road stabilization plan to protect roadway from adjacent deep seated landslide movement. Performed geotechnical and structural engineering for the stabilization plan consisting a mut-tier tie-back wall.
Sunset Crossing Landslide, City of Diamond Bar, CA: Lead Engineer and Investigator - Working with the Slope remediation contractor, the City and several private landowners.
Developed landslide repair for deep seated landslide where several other groups failed. Repair involved using tie-backs and multi-tied slot grading.
Gregory P. Silver 4
Brancato Landslide, Gill Properties, San Jose, CA: Lead Engineer - Provided detailed geotechnical engineering analysis of large, deep-seated landslide including shear strength determination, static and pseudo-static analyses, seismic deformation analyses, and development of geotechnical mitigation schemes.
Horseshoe Landslide, Anaheim Hills, CA: Lead Investigator – Comprehensive geological and geotechnical engineering evaluation of re-activated ancient landslide. Development of remediation scheme consisting of horizontal drains, buttress grading, and tie-backs.
Voyager Lane Landslide, Laguna Niguel, CA: Lead Investigator – Detailed evaluation of longterm monitoring data leading to the development of an innovative long-term repair consisting of a horizontal drain system, a surface water infiltration mitigation system, and roadway stabilization and subgrade strengthening.
Rambla Pacifico Landslide Stabilization, Malibu, CA: Project Director on one million dollar landslide stabilization design. Involved working with FEMA and OES and within NEPA/CEQUA guidelines.
Calle Montecillo Roadway Stabilization, Agoura Hills, CA: Project Director - Evaluation and design of roadway slope stabilization. Design, plans, and specifications.
Big Rock Mesa Landslide Area, County of Los Angeles, CA: Project Engineer - Large-scale geotechnical investigation and evaluation, deep dewatering and horizontal drain installation, pump tests, and geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring.
Montellano Landslide, Hacienda Heights, CA: Project Manager/Engineer - Pump tests, geotechnical monitoring, and long-term surface drainage improvement design with plans and specifications.
Mystic Hills Landslide, City of Laguna Beach, CA: Project Geotechnical Engineer - Third party geotechnical evaluation of the stability of an ancient landslide for the City of Laguna Beach.
Kanan Dume Road Landslide, Malibu, CA: Project Director - Monitoring, geotechnical evaluation, geological evaluation, remediation design for a 100-foot roadway embankment failure.
Via Estoril Landslide, Laguna Niguel, CA: Emergency response to large landslide which endangered numerous residential structures, emergency geotechnical recommendations, review of interim and final repairs.
South Facing Slope Landslide, BRM Landslide Assessment District/City of Malibu Public Works, Malibu, CA: Project Director - Provided detailed geotechnical engineering evaluation of an ancient landslide. Investigation included specialty laboratory testing including ring shear testing and x-ray diffraction, two- and three-dimensional stability analyses, and parametric groundwater and seismic evaluation.
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Tract 33410 Slope Failures, Agoura Hills, CA: Project Director - Detailed geotechnical evaluation of one deep-seated and two surficial slope failures. Tasks included preparation of plans and specifications for repair and expert witness-related consultation.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS/MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITIES:
Santaluz, City of San Diego, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight – Project direction and oversight for complex geotechnical engineering issues including: hard rock, blasting, rock fills and utility over-excavation.
Sendero Development, County of Orange, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight – Project direction and oversight for complex geotechnical engineering issues including: time delayed settlement and resulting solutions involving surcharge and wick drain design and debris flow evaluation and mitigation and slope stability.
Banning Ranch Development, Newport Beach, CA: Project Director – Comprehensive geotechnical and fault evaluation study for proposed residential and hotel development. Fault investigation included thousands of lineal tests of fault trench through the Newport-Inglewood fault zone.
Ladera Ranch Planned-Community Development, Rancho Mission Viejo Company, County of Orange, CA: Project Engineer - Geotechnical investigation and design for portions of major master planned community.
Crystal Cove Planned Development, ICDC, Newport Coast/County of Orange, CA: Principal in Charge - Oversight of geotechnical engineering for mass grading, public works improvements, and residential development.
Talega Planned-Community Development, San Clemente, CA: Principal – Oversight of geotechnical engineering for mass grading, public works improvements, and residential development.
Rancho Santa Margarita Planned-Community Development, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA:
Project Engineer/Manager - Geotechnical investigation, grading and foundation design, and construction observation for a number of planning areas in a major residential planned community development.
Edgewater Development, Chino, CA: Project Director – Geotechnical investigation and design for large residential development area with recreational lake network.
Planning Area 19A Feasibility Study, City of Irvine, CA: Project Engineer - Geotechnical investigation to advise on planning-related issues for roadway and general development in a marsh/soft clay site environment.
Various Foundation Investigations 1984-88: Single-family residences, large tracts, commercial/industrial structures and high-rise buildings throughout Los Angeles County.
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MAJOR ROADWAYS:
Ortega Highway Widening, County of Orange/City of San Juan Capistrano, CA: Lead Geotechnical Engineer/Principal-in-Charge – Geotechnical investigation and development of design recommendations.
Irvine Center Drive, Lake Forest Drive, and Sand Canyon Boulevard Street Widening, ICOP, Irvine, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight of design and construction.
Avenida Vista Hermosa, Avenida La Pata, Avenida Fresas, Avenida Saluda, and Avenida Talega, City of San Clemente/Talega Associates, San Clemente, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight of design and construction.
La Pata Avenue Extension, City of San Juan Capistrano/City of San Clemente/ County of Orange, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Oversight and project management for planning, EIR and design.
BRIDGES:
Ortega Bridge Widening, County of Orange, CA: Project Director – Geotechnical investigation and development of design recommendations for Caltrans bridge.
Cow Camp Bridges, County of Orange, CA: Project Director – Geotechnical investigation and development of design recommendations for two bridges crossing complex geotechnical environs.
San Juan Creek Bridge Widening, Orange County Public Works, County of Orange, CA: Project Director - Geotechnical investigation, detailed geotechnical evaluation of seismic retrofit, and development of widening foundation recommendations.
Wildlife Crossing Bridge Widening, County of Orange/Ladera, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Oversight of widening project of existing bridge.
Las Flores Bridge, Malibu, CA: Project Engineer/Manager - Evaluation of bridge design and alternatives for the City of Malibu.
Crown Valley Parkway Bridge, County of Orange, CA: Lead Geotechnical Engineer for 238- meter-long, 27-meter-high bridge. Detailed geotechnical analysis for pile foundation design, abutment design, and geotechnical input to bedrock scour design.
Oso Parkway Pedestrian Bridge, County of Orange, CA: Project Engineer - Geotechnical design for 65-foot span pedestrian bridge.
“A” Street Bridge at Barranca Parkway, City of Irvine, CA: Project Engineer/Manager - Geotechnical investigation and design for new bridge over San Diego Creek.
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“Los Angeles Avenue Bridge”, Moorpark, CA: Project Engineer/Manager - Geotechnical assessment of proposed bridge expansion and retrofit. Development of preliminary design recommendations.
Tustin Avenue Bridge Widening, Anaheim, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight for widening project of existing bridge.
Washington Boulevard Bridge, Moorpark Public Works/CAA Los Angeles County, CA: Project Engineer - Provided geotechnical investigation and design for seismic retrofit of existing bridge.
WATER RESOURCE PROJECTS:
Tesoro Reservoirs, Zone II and B, Santa Margarita Water District/RMV, County of Orange, CA:
Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Provided geotechnical evaluation of 2-3MG reservoirs.
Horno Basin Detention Basin, RMV/Orange County Public Works, County of Orange, CA:
Project Director for the geotechnical investigation and design of a detention basin, spillway, biofiltration system, and sub-drainage recapture system.
Oso Creek Geotechnical Scour Study, RMV/Orange County Public Works, Mission Viejo, CA:
Project Director - Provided geotechnical evaluation of in-situ geotechnical materials for scour evaluation and revetment study.
Various Water Lines, Sewer Lines, Talega Lift Station, South Ranch Lift Station, San Juan Creek Lift Station, and Ladera Zone 2 Reservoir, Talega Zone 1 Reservoir and Covenant Hills Reservoir and Lift Station, Santa Margarita Water District, Rancho Santa Margarita, Las Flores, Coto de Caza, and Ladera Ranch, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight.
Las Flores Canyon Sedimentation - Debris Flow Study, City of Malibu Public Works, Malibu, CA: Project Manager/Engineer for the geotechnical and geological input for hydraulic analyses.
Northwood Reservoir, Irvine, CA: Project Geotechnical Engineer - Evaluation of foundation design and settlement potential for 4.5 MG reservoir.
Hicks Canyon Detention Basin, Irvine, CA: Geotechnical Consultant for the geotechnical analysis and design of two large detention basins.
San Diego Creek Channel Improvements, Orange County Public Works, Irvine, CA: Project Manager/Engineer for the geotechnical investigation of proposed channel improvements consisting of soil cement and “keystone” geogrid-type revetments.
Trampas Canyon Dam, Santa Margarita Water District, Orange County, CA: Provided geotechnical engineering support and oversight during construction of 1.6 billion gallon earth dam reservoir for the Santa Margarita Water District.
Various Reservoirs, Santa Margarita Water District, Ladera Ranch, CA: Lead Geotechnical Engineer for numerous steel tank reservoirs throughout the master planned community of Ladera Ranch for the Santa Margarita Water District
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San Diego Clean Water Project, City of San Diego, CA: Geotechnical Engineer for portions of the Clean Water project. Tasks included field drilling, and geotechnical design.
MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS:
Marina Park Project, City of Newport Beach, CA: Geotechnical Project Manager of geotechnical and Materials Inspections. Project involved stone columns for liquefaction remediation, concrete sheet pile walls with tie-backs and specialty foundation design City of Laguna Niguel - Metrolink Station, Laguna Niguel, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight for a regional OCTA-funded commuter rail station.
BRM Storm Drain Replacement Project, Malibu, CA: Project Manager/Engineer - Evaluation of storm drainpipe design in landslide and erosion prone area following destruction of system by fire.
Metro-Rail Vibration Testing, Los Angeles, CA: Project Engineer - Geotechnical exploration and input for vibration study.
Big Rock Mesa Dewatering Well Project, Malibu, CA: Project Engineer/Manager - Design, plan and specification preparation, installation and construction oversight for six dewatering wells to 350 feet and four horizontal drains.
Montellano Winterization, Hacienda Heights, CA: Project Engineer/Manager - Design and construction oversight of long-term, multi-year landslide winterization.
Pavement Evaluation, Pomona, CA: Project Manager/Engineer - Pavement evaluation for 4000 lineal feet of distressed pavement.
GOVERNMENT/CIVIC CENTERS:
Chino Hills Government Center Complex, Chino Hills, CA: Project Director – Geotechnical investigation, development of recommendations and plans for multi-faceted government center consisting of multi-story government buildings and a four-story parking structure.
Vista Civic Center, Vista, CA: Project Director – Development of final geotechnical design recommendations for Vista Civic Center.
Lake Forest Civic Center, City of Lake Forest, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer. Design oversight for geotechnical engineering aspects of the project including: Geotechnical Foundation Design, Slope Stability, and MSE wall design.
Laguna Niguel Civic Center, City of Laguna Niguel, CA: Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Geotechnical design oversight for investigation and design recommendation development.
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SPORTS PARKS:
La Paz Sports Park, City of Laguna Niguel, CA: Project Director - Geotechnical design for sports park complex with synthetic fields. Infiltration design of subsurface field drainage system.
Chino Hills Sports Park, Chino Hills, CA: Project Director – Geotechnical investigation and design for large Sports Park complex with numerous synthetic fields.
Long Beach Sports Park, Long Beach, CA: Project Director – Geotechnical investigation and design for planned regional Sports Park in oil fields operation area. Developed unique design recommendations for proposed facilities to be placed on top of buried rubble and debris.
Jarupa Water Park, Jarupa, CA: Project Director – Geotechnical investigation and design for multi-acre water park facility.
GEOTECHNICAL INSTRUMENTATION:
Monitoring and evaluation of slope inclinometers and piezometers for various select projects:
Poppy Trail Landslide, Palos Verdes, CA
Horseshoe Landslide, Anaheim, CA
Cyprus Shores Landslide, San Clemente, CA
South Shores Landslide, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
La Paz Road Movement, Laguna Niguel, CA
Palos Verdes Drive Roadway Distress, Palos Verdes Estates, CA Canyon Wren Slope/Street Deformation, Aliso Viejo, CA
Philemon Landslide, Dana Point, CA
Suncrest Landslide, San Jose, CA
Sierra Road Landslide, San Jose, CA
Ladera Residential Development, County of Orange, CA: Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight of “real time” monitoring system for electrical towers above temporary slopes during grading.
La Paz Road Monitoring Project, City of Laguna Niguel, CA: Project Manager - Long-term monitoring of on-going slope movements. Monitoring program enables City of Laguna Niguel to implement roadway stabilization projects incrementally and cost-effectively on an as-needed basis. Instrumentation includes slope inclinometers, multi-stage piezometers, and survey.
Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA: Project Director - Long-term evaluation of surface and subsurface survey network and slope inclinometers to evaluate deep fill/fill slope performance.
Oceanside Dewatering, Oceanside, CA: Project Engineer - Construction overview and monitoring of dewatering tunnel, horizontal drain, and tie-back installation.
Port of Los Angeles, Pier 300 Expansion, POLA, CA: Project Manager/Engineer - Design, installation, and monitoring of specialty geotechnical instrumentation for port expansion.
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Big Rock Mesa, Malibu, CA: Project Manager/Engineer - Managed monitoring and dewatering district consisting of dewatering wells, horizontal drains, slope inclinometers, piezometers, multi-position extensometer, survey network, and groundwater discharge analysis.
Calle del Barco, Malibu, CA: Project Manager/Engineer - Managed monitoring and dewatering district consisting of dewatering wells, horizontal drains, slope inclinometers, piezometers, and crack gauges.
Malibu Road, Malibu, CA: Project Manager/Engineer - Managed monitoring and dewatering district consisting of piezometers, horizontal drains, and crack gauges.
Latigo Canyon, Malibu, CA: Project Manager/Engineer - Managed monitoring and dewatering district consisting of slope inclinometers, piezometers, horizontal drains, dewatering wells, and crack gauges.
Rambla Pacifico Landslide, Malibu, CA: Project Engineer - Installation and monitoring of slope inclinometers and multi-stage pneumatic piezometers.
La Conchita Landslide, Ventura County, CA: Project Engineer/Manager - Design, installation, and monitoring of a system of slope inclinometers and multi-stage piezometers.
Hope Church, Rancho Bernardo, CA: Project Engineer/Manager - Design, installation, and monitoring of complex monitoring array consisting of tiltmeters, survey network, slope inclinometers, and multi-stage pneumatic piezometers.
DEWATERING DESIGN &MANAGEMENT PROJECTS:
Dewatering Remediation, CZ Master Association, Coto de Caza, CA: Project Engineer - Hydrogeologic modeling and Modeling design of dewatering cut-off trench to lower groundwater below home foundations.
Dewatering District Oversight, Big Rock, Latigo Canyon, Malibu Road, Malibu, CA:
Engineer/Manager - Work included: dewatering district management, hydrogeologic modeling, well design and maintenance, horizontal drain design as well as maintenance and monitoring.
Montellano Landslide Dewatering, Hacienda Heights, CA: Project Engineer/Manager – Pump tests, dewatering wells design and construction, design and construction oversight of horizontal drains.
CITY GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER/CONSULTANT:
City of Mission Viejo (2016 – Present): Review of geotechnical reports, general geotechnical consultation, Public works project design and geotechnical and materials inspection.
Geotechnical Report Reviews, City of Laguna Niguel, CA (1997-Present): Review of geotechnical reports, preparation of guidelines, public works projects, geotechnical hazards analysis including testimony in front of state legislative committees, emergency response and legal consultation.
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Various Projects, City of Newport Beach, CA (2009-Present): Public Works projects including street rehabilitation, construction observations and testing, marina construction, and legal consultation.
Geotechnical Consultation, City of Chino Hills, CA (1992-97 & 2002-Present): Review of geotechnical reports, preparation of guidelines for report submittal and grading procedure requirements, public works projects, and general geotechnical consultation.
City of Dana Point (2001-2014; 2015-Present): Review of complex geotechnical projects, emergency and litigation consultation, and public works projects.
City of Vista (2000-2005): Review of geotechnical reports and general geotechnical consultation.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes (2004-2006): Alternate member of Geotechnical Appeals Board.
City of Malibu (1991-97): Review of geotechnical reports, preparation of guidelines, policy and standards for report submittal, public works projects, geotechnical hazards analysis, emergency response, planning evaluation, legal consultation.
City of Moorpark (1995-97): Review of geotechnical reports, preparation of guidelines, policy and standards for report submittal.
City of Agoura Hills (1988-97): Review of geotechnical reports, preparation of guidelines, policy and standards for report submittal, public works projects, geotechnical hazards analysis, emergency response, planning evaluation, legal consultation.
City of Palos Verdes Estates (1992-97): Review of geotechnical reports, preparation of guidelines, policy and standards for report submittal, public works projects, geotechnical hazards analysis, emergency response, planning evaluation, legal consultation.
City of Hidden Hills (1992-97): Review of geotechnical reports, preparation of guidelines, policy and standards for report submittal.
Additional Geotechnical Consultation to Cities: Cities of Lake Forest, La Habra Heights, and Laguna Beach, CA.
PAVEMENT ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
Various Projects, City of Irvine Public Works Department, CA (2012-2014): Principal-in-Charge - Various projects including: Irvine Center Drive, Campus Drive, Jamboree Boulevard, and Jeffrey Road pavement rehabilitations.
Street Widening and Overlays, Cities of Irvine and Lake Forest, CA (1997-2010): Principal-inCharge - Geotechnical Engineer - Oversight of design and construction for various projects including: Irvine Center Drive, Lake Forest Drive, Bake Parkway, Portola Parkway, and Sand Canyon Boulevard street widening and overlays.
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City of Dana Point, Dana Point, CA (2002-2014): Principal-in-Charge - Various projects including: Street of the Golden Lantern, Stonehill Drive, Del Obispo Street, Camino Capistrano, Pacific Coast Highway, Del Prado overlays, and miscellaneous residential street overlays and slurry seals.
City of Aliso Viejo, Aliso Viejo, CA (2012-2014): Principal-in-Charge - Various projects including: Aliso Creek Road, Pacific Park Drive, Moulton Parkway, Oso Parkway, La Paz Road overlays.
City of Laguna Niguel, Laguna Niguel, CA (2002-2014): Principal-in-Charge - Various projects including: Street of the Golden Lantern, Camino del Avion, Niguel Road, Cabot Road, Paseo de las Colinas, Camino Capistrano, Aliso Creek Road, La Paz Road rehabilitation and overlays, and miscellaneous residential street overlays and slurry seals.
City of Newport Beach, Newport Beach, CA (2009-2014): Principal-in-Charge - Various projects including: Newport Center Drive, Balboa Avenue, River Avenue, Mesa Drive, Bayside Drive overlays, and miscellaneous residential street overlays and slurry seals.
City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (2011-2014): Principal-in-Charge - Various projects including: Santa Margarita Parkway, Antonio Parkway, Robinson Ranch Road overlays and slurry seals (2006-2014); and miscellaneous residential street overlays and slurry seals.
City of Laguna Niguel, Laguna Niguel, CA (2002-2014): Principal-in-Charge - Various projects including: Street of the Golden Lantern, Camino del Avion, Niguel Road, Cabot Road, Paseo de las Colinas, Camino Capistrano, Aliso Creek Road, La Paz Road rehabilitation and overlays, and miscellaneous residential street overlays and slurry seals.
County of Orange Ortega Highway Widening, San Juan Capistrano, CA (2009-2011): Principalin-Charge - Pavement design for Phase 1 widening of Ortega Highway from the City of San Juan Capistrano border to Antonio Parkway. Design involved pavement rehabilitation of existing roadway and widening of both roadway shoulders.
GEO-STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EARTH (MSE) WALLS:
The Irvine Company Development Areas 2C4 and 5, County of Orange, Newport Coast, CA:
Design and construction oversight of numerous Loffel walls throughout the Newport Coast development area for The Irvine Company. Wall heights range up to 25 feet in height.
Ladera Development, County of Orange, CA: Design and construction oversight of 50-foot-high “Loffel”-type MSE wall at the entrance to the Ladera Development in South Orange County.
The wall was the highest wall permitted in the County of Orange to date. Due to the wall’s height, it involved an extensive design and review process. In addition, the wall was instrumented with slope inclinometers and an array of specially designed survey points integrated into the block facing. An abstract for a paper describing the wall design and instrumentation results was accepted to the ASCE GEO-DENVER 2000 Conference.
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Distressed “Keystone” Wall Evaluations: 1) Placentia, Forensic evaluation of distressed “Keystone” wall for Shea Homes, 2) Agoura Hills, Forensic evaluation of distress behind “Keystone” wall for Oaks Christian School, 3) Rancho Bernardo, CA: Comprehensive forensic evaluation of severely distressed “Keystone” Wall at the Legacy/Toshiba development.
Crystal Cove Access Road, The Irvine Company, Orange County, CA: Design of up to 40-foothigh “Loffel”-type MSE wall to support a major access road to a detention basin and recreation area. Special design considerations included: High seismic area, use of select backfill in both reinforced and retained zones, and erosion protection at the toe of the wall.
Spectrum 5 Commercial Development Area, Irvine, CA: Design and construction oversight for over 1700 lineal feet of a “Loffel”-type MSE wall.
San Dimas Residential Development (Tract 52717), San Dimas, CA: Development of design plans and specifications for over 30 MSE walls incorporated into rough grading plans for a large residential development.
SOIL NAIL AND TIE-BACK WALLS/SLOPES:
China Cove Soil Nail Wall/Slope, City of Corona Del Mar, CA: Structural and geotechnical design and construction oversight for soil nail wall and slope with “boulderscape” facing.
Design done to mitigate long-term surficial failure problem and upgrade the look of a high profile slope.
Placentia Slope Stabilization, Placentia, CA: Structural design for soil nail wall at the rear of several homes in residential development. Wall was designed to stabilize slope while minimizing space impacts in rear yard.
HOA Tie-back Slope Stabilization, City of Orange, CA: Structural and geotechnical design and construction oversight for tie-back slope stabilization project. Complete design plans and specifications were provided. Geotechnical and special inspections performed during construction. Services also included construction management.
MASONRY RETAINING WALLS:
Masonry Wall Design, Sendero Development of Rancho Mission Viejo, CA: Complete geotechnical and structural design for masonry walls for level ground, toe-of-slope and top-ofslope conditions. Includes complete structural plans and details. Designs for miscellaneous structures such as pilasters, monuments also provided.
Masonry Wall Design, Esencia Development of Rancho Mission Viejo, CA: Complete geotechnical and structural design for masonry walls for level ground, toe-of-slope and top-ofslope conditions. Includes complete structural plans and details. Designs for miscellaneous structures such as pilasters, monuments also provided.
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CAISSON WALLS:
Palos Verdes Drive Roadway Stabilization, Palos Verdes Estates, CA: Performed geotechnical and structural design and construction oversight for caisson tie-back wall to provide lateral support to a portion of Palos Verdes Drive North. Complete plans and specifications were developed.
Berquist Residence Caisson Supported Retaining Wall, Dana Point, CA: Performed structural engineering for caisson supported top of slope retaining wall. Complete plans and specifications were developed.
LEGAL CONSULTATION
Mr. Silver has provided geotechnical consultation for litigation on a wide variety of projects for over 20 years in the States of CA and Nevada. He has been deposed numerous times and testified in court on a number of occasions. The type of litigation cases that Mr. Silver has been involved in include:
Landslides
Foundation distress due to expansive soils and settlement Settlement adjacent multi-story buildings.
Concrete corrosion/sulfate damage
MSE walls/retaining walls
Dewatering/groundwater issues
Public works failures
Site drainage
SPECIAL STUDIES
Residential Foundation Deterioration Study for the Cities of Lakewood, La Palma, and Cypress, CA: Staff Engineer - Regional evaluation of concrete corrosion performed for CDMG. Study included: analysis of soil and groundwater conditions, review of construction practice and code requirements and other geotechnical/geological contributing factors.
RECENT PROJECT AWARDS
The following project awards are for projects where Mr. Silver served a primary role in either the geotechnical engineering design or management of the project.
Outstanding Geotechnical Project – CalGeo 2019
Inn at the Mission
Project Awards – ASCE 2018
Lido House Hotel
Outstanding Geotechnical Project – ASCE 2016
Emerald Bay Widening
Outstanding Structural Engineering Project – ASCE 2016
400 Spectrum Center Drive Soil Nail wall
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Project Awards – APWA 2016
Marina Park
Oso Creek Multi-use Trail
La Pata Extension
Geotechnical Project of the Year – 2016 – OC/LA ASCE
Cow Camp Road Design – Phases 1A & 1B
Geotechnical/Structural Project of the Year Award – 2015 – OC/LA ASCE 650 Newport Center Drive Office Tower and 670 Newport Center Drive Parking Structure
Airport and Ports Award – OC ASCE 2015
Marina Park
Community Improvement Project Award – OC ASCE 2015
PCH/Del Prado Bridge and Street Improvements
PUBLICATIONS
Sandri, D., Silver, G., Trazo, R., 2000, “Design, Construction, and Monitoring of a 14.9M High Geosynthetic Reinforced Segmental Retaining Wall in a Seismically Active Region”, ASCE Geotechnical Special Publication (GSP) “Advances in Transportation and Geoenvironmental Systems using Geosynthetics”.
Silver, G., Van Thiel, D., 2006, “Permanent Deflection and Performance Study of Drivable Grass”, Published in Stormwater Magazine 2007 and Stormwater Solutions Magazine – 2008.
Shlemon, Roy J., Davis, Paul, and Silver, Gregory, 2008, “Relative Activity of North Branch Splays (NBS) of the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone, West Newport Oil Field, Newport Beach, CA”.
Silver, Gregory, Bates, Lisa, 2013, “Landslide Stabilization Using High Strength AggregateCement Slurry”, ASCE/Geo Institute 2013 Geo-Congress: Stability and Performance of Slopes and Embankments III, Geotechnical Special Publication No. 231.
Bastani, A., Silver, G., Atkinson, D., 2014, “CPT Based Settlement Prediction Over CA Soft Rock, CPT-14 – 3rd International Symposium on Cone Penetrometer Testing.
Bastani, A., Silver G., 2017, “CPT Based Settlement Prediction Over CA Soft Rock, Stiff Alluvium and Soft Alluvium Sites” – International Foundation Congress and Equipment Expo (IFCEE) 2018.
Farrington, Katie M., Silver, Gregory P., Varni, Ashley A., 2024, “Coastal Erosion-Induced Landslide in South Orange County”, ASCE/Geo Institute 2024 Geo-Congress: Geotechnics of Natural Hazards, Selected Papers from Sessions of Geo-Congress 2024, Geotechnical Special Publication No. 349.
2025 SCHEDULE OF CHARGES
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Document Preparation and Project Services $ 110.00/hour CAD/GIS Design Engineer $ 132.00/hour
Staff Engineer or Geologist $ 175.00/hour
Senior Staff Engineer or Geologist $ 192.00/hour
Project Engineer or Geologist $ 215.00/hour
Senior Engineer or Geologist $ 255.00/hour
Associate Engineer or Geologist $ 272.00/hour
Principal/Director $ 295.00/hour
FIELD INSPECTION & TESTING SERVICES
Staff Engineering Technician $ 110.00/hour*
x Services provided under direct supervision of a Senior Engineering Technician Senior Engineering Technician $ 130.00/hour*
x Inspections for soils/grading, asphalt, concrete, batch plants, piles/caissons, etc. x Certifications by ACI, ICC, Caltrans, local jurisdictions, etc.
Registered Special Inspector (No 4-hour minimum) $ 130.00/hour* x Certifications by ACI, ICC, Caltrans, local jurisdictions, etc. x Reinforced concrete, Post-Tension, Masonry, Welding, Bolting, Fireproofing Instrumentation Engineer $ 175.00/hour
x Slope inclinometer and Piezometer monitoring
x Manometer for floor-level surveys
x Stormwater turbidity & pH meter
x Groundwater monitoring - pressure transducer, datalogger, water chemistry meter, etc. x Pipeline video camera for drains, wells, etc.
Engineering Seismological Technician (includes 3-channel seismograph) $ 175.00/hour x Blast vibration monitoring
x Construction vibration & noise monitoring (pile driving, drilling, demolition, etc.) *Notes:
(1) Rates include vehicle, nuclear density gauge, and equipment for testing, inspection, and sampling. (2) No 4-hour minimum charges apply, except for night work. (3) Overtime is charged at 1.5 times the base rate. Overtime is defined as time worked on the project in excess of 8 hours per day and all time on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. (4) Prevailing Wage projects, additional hourly surcharge for Field Personnel per CA Labor Code §1720, et seq. Add $ 39.00/hour
LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES
Laboratory Testing $ 142.00/hour
(For special materials testing and laboratory costs on a per-test basis, see GMU’s Laboratory Fee Schedule)
OTHER CHARGES
Outside Services Cost + 15%
Reimbursables & Reprographics Cost