Geotechnical Exploration & Foundation Evaluation
- Location Jacksonville, FL (Whitehouse Mills)
- Owner West Fraser – Whitehouse Mills
- Markets Industrial, Geotechnical Engineering
- Services Geotechnical Exploration, Subsurface Investigation, Laboratory Testing, Foundation & Earthwork Recommendations
Project Description
NicNevol Engineering Services performed a geotechnical exploration to support the design and construction of a new rotary crane and track foundation at the West Fraser Sawmill in Whitehouse, Jacksonville, FL.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate foundation soils beneath the proposed crane pad (located on a 20-ft mound covered with timber waste) and track alignment areas, and to develop geotechnical recommendations for shallow foundation support.
The field program consisted of six (6) Standard Penetration Test (SPT) borings — two to depths of 50 ft at the crane pad and four to 30 ft along the track alignment. Laboratory testing included soil classification, moisture content, and fines analysis. Subsurface conditions revealed 3–6 ft of timber waste and organic soils over medium dense to very dense sands, with localized weak zones of loose sands at 23–30 ft (B-4). Groundwater was observed between 8.5–13.5 ft depth.
Engineering recommendations included removal of timber waste, replacement with compacted structural fill, allowable bearing capacity of ~2,000 psf, and control of groundwater and surface water during construction to ensure long-term stability of the crane and track foundation.
NicNevol Responsibilities
- Performing SPT borings with CME drill rig and split spoon sampling.
- Conducting laboratory testing for classification, moisture, and fines content.
- Evaluating foundation soil conditions for crane pad and track alignment.
- Providing foundation design parameters and allowable bearing capacity.
- Preparing recommendations for site preparation, compaction, and fill replacement.
- Advising on groundwater and surface water control during excavation.
- Delivering final geotechnical report to West Fraser Whitehouse Mills.
Project Highlights
- 6 SPT borings: 2×50 ft (crane pad) and 4×30 ft (track alignment).
- 3–6 ft timber waste/organic soils over medium dense to very dense sands.
- Localized weak soils (B-4: loose sands at 23–30 ft).
- Groundwater: 8.5–13.5 ft below grade.
- Allowable bearing capacity ≈2,000 psf (spread/continuous footings).
- Recommendations: remove organics, replace with compacted fill, control groundwater.