CEMEX Eliot Quarry

Geotechnical Characterization Report

Alameda County, California
Page 19
of 2,100-psf to 3,300-psf. Laboratory parameters are summarized in Table 2. Slope stability
analyses using the modified Bishop method were performed using a cohesion value of 200-psf
and a friction angle of 50E for the gravelly deposits, and cohesion of 500-psf and a friction angle
of 32E for the fine-grained soils. Berlogar et al. did not explain this discrepancy between the
laboratory test results and the shear strengths used in the slope stability analyses. Berlogar
performed a seismic slope stability analysis using the Recommended Procedures of
Implementation of DMG Publication 117. Based on an allowable displacement threshold of 6-in
for the slope, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake, 0.45-g maximum horizontal acceleration for bedrock
from the Mount Diablo Fault located approximately 7-mi away, a seismic coefficient of 0.16 was
calculated. The results of Berlogar’s slope stability analysis indicated static safety factors ranging
from 1.68 to 2.61 and seismic safety factors ranging from 1.57 to 1.91. Based on Berlogar’s
calculated seismic safety factors, the slopes proposed for Lake B were determined to be stable
during a seismic event.

4. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
4.1 Field Study
Twenty-two borings were drilled, under the direction of CEMEX and logged for geotechnical
purposes by KANE GeoTech personnel. In conjunction with KANE GeoTech’s slope stability
investigation, a quarry reserve study was performed. Borings were advanced using a Becker
hammer. The Becker hammer was chosen to provide direct sampling of subsurface material for
the quarry reserve study. This drilling method used a 9-in double-walled, hollow pipe that was
advanced by means of percussion. The depth of drilling was marked in 10-ft increments. Cuttings
were removed with compressed air and concentrated into a cyclone with a wheel barrow beneath
to collect and transport them into windrows.

The standard penetration test (SPT) was used for sampling within the hollow casing. It is a
common in-situ test used to obtain strength and density values of soils. It also provides soil

TABLE 2. MATERIAL PARAMETERS USED FOR LAKE B SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS,

(BERLOGAR, 2012).

Material Parameters Test Type Avg. Unit Cohesion Friction

Weight (psf) Angle
(pcf) (Deg)

Laboratory Results

Brown Gravel Direct 123 40 to 1,100 27 to 37

Shear

Brown Clay* 150 2,100 to 3,300 20

Parameters Used in Analyses**

Gravelly Deposits None 140 200 50

Silts & Clays None 130 500 32

*Shear strength determination method not reported
**Unknown source, not noted in report.

KANE GeoTech, Inc.