NYCDDC HWK-472W

Reconstruction of Streets, Sewers and Water Mains

Flushing Avenue from Navy Street to Cypress Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

Pre-Construction Report

Section 5.36
Item 59.27

Prepared for:
Demicco Brothers Construction, Inc.
1580 Stillwell Ave
Bronx, NY 10461

April 10, 2006

Glenn Newmark, NYSPE (#068432-1)

Prepared By:

Newmark Engineering, P.C.

18 Pierson Place
Glen Ridge, NJ 07028
(646) 529 2577(Phone) (973) 337 2871 (Fax)
Project HWK-472W Reconstruction of Flushing Ave and Area
Pre-Construction Report April 10, 2006

Table of Contents

Table of Contents…………………………………………………………… i
1.0 Executive Summary……………………………………………………… 1-4
2.0 Description of Contractors’ Proposed Methods ………………………… 5-8
3.0 Building Condition Survey Requirements ……………………………… 9
4.0 Definition of “Radius of Influence” ……………………………………… 10-11
5.0 Anticipated Vibration Levels……………………………………………… 12-13
6.0 Recommended Allowable Vibration Levels……………………………… 14-15
7.0 Description of Recommended Vibration Monitoring Program………… 16-17
8.0 Settlement and Settlement Monitoring…………………………………… 18-19

Appendices

Appendix “A”…………… …. Range of PPV for Various Construction Activities

Appendix “B” ………………. Design Computations for Underpinning Requirements
Appendix “C” ………………. Cross-Sections at Flushing and Franklin Avenues
Appendix “D” ………………. Relevant Contract Drawings
Appendix “E” ………………. Building Condition Survey at 398-414 Flushing Ave
(Prepared by Others)

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1.0 Executive Summary

Newmark Engineering, P.C. has been retained by Demicco Brothers Construction, Inc. to
prepare a preconstruction report and monitor and summarize the effect of construction
activities on structures within the influence line of work to be performed so as to ensure
that the Contractor’s operation will not create or aggravate any hazardous conditions, in
accordance with the requirements identified in Project ID HWK-472W, Section 5.35,
pages A5-13 through A5-16. Also included in this report is an analysis of underpinning
requirements in accordance with special note entitled “Shoring, Bracing, Underpinning,
Protection and Maintenance of Buildings and/or Structures”, pages A4-304 to A4-306.

For purposed of construction, the project has been broken into four phases as follows:
Phase I: a) Flushing Ave between N. Portland Ave and Franklin
b) N. Portland Ave between Park Ave and Flushing Ave
Phase II: a) Flushing Ave between Cypress Ave and Humboldt Street
b) Flushing Ave between Humboldt Street and Broadway
Phase III: a) Humboldt Street Between Flushing Ave and Varet
b) Flushing Ave between Broadway and Franklin
Phase IV: a) Flushing Ave between N. Portland and Flatbush Ave Ext.
b) Gold Street between Nassau Street and Sand Street
c) Sand Street Between Gold Street and Jay Street

Overall, construction project is 56.6% complete, as indicated on latest Resident

Engineer’s monthly progress statement. Major phase construction activities that could
impact or damage existing building structures in Phase I and Phase II are substantially
complete. Therefore, this report will incorporate impact of remaining critical activities in
Phase III and Phase IV limits as described above only.

The purpose of this interim report is as follows:

¾ Identify and document the Contractor’s proposed construction activities that may
cause damage.

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¾ Identify location of existing structures that could potentially be damaged by the

proposed operations.

¾ Provide anticipated and allowable threshold vibration and settlement.

¾ Provide a recommended procedure and protocol for performing vibration and

settlement monitoring.

On 3/31/06, Newmark Engineering, P.C. visited the site, interviewed contractor’s project
manager, reviewed the overall construction plans in the field and photographed the
exterior of existing buildings within the project limits.

Based on a detailed review of the project plans, contractor’s means and field conditions;
and review of a pre-construction building survey performed at 398-414 Flushing Avenue
(attached herewith to this report), quantitative analysis of existing building structure, we
have concluded that proposed watermain and sewer construction activities at the
intersection of Franklin Ave and Flushing Avenue, as indicated on contract drawings,
will result in potentially dangerous movement and settlement of this particular structure,
and would therefore create a life-safety hazard. In accordance with the referenced
building condition survey there is substantial structural distress in the west façade and
load-bearing wall contiguous to the proposed construction activities, which has
compromised the ability of this building to accommodate additional loads and strains that
would be effectively imposed by removal of groundwater, loss of lateral support and
construction-induced vibrations immediately adjacent to this building.

At 398 Flushing Ave underpinning of existing foundation would be required prior to

adjacent excavation activities, so as to prevent creation of an unsafe condition caused by
removal of fill immediately adjacent to the existing foundation wall. Attached design
computations indicate that excavation for 24” sewer and 72” water main at this location
in a 10-12’ deep excavation adjacent to existing wall would not be safe. These
calculations show that the existing building foundation currently derives 90% of its
support from the material that would need to be excavated to install the 24” sewer, the
existing footing is fully stressed to capacity, and that excavating adjacent to existing
building would cause a 63% reduction in available bearing capacity leading to a possible

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general shear failure of the foundation wall. Because of the poor condition of the west
wall of this building and foregoing quantitative analysis, any underpinning performed
would need to consist of “top down” methods (i.e. methods working from existing grade
that do not require placement of support devices in pre-excavated pits) such as bored-in
secant pile wall, grout column and/or bored-in offset piles connected to existing
foundation wall.

It is therefore recommended that alternative means be investigated by NYCDDC that will

accomplish project goals and objectives while limiting impact of construction activities
on this highly fragile structure.

We further recommend that settlement monitoring be performed of adjacent buildings

whenever removal of more than eighteen inches of groundwater from trench excavation
is required. Based on review of soil borings and proposed construction, this will be
required during Phase IV installation of 48” Trunk Water Main with 8-9 feet of cover
along Flushing Ave/Nassau Street between N Portland and Gold Street.

We recommend that allowable peak particle velocity (PPV) for this project be established
at a level of 1.0in/sec for the project corridor, with the exception of the building located
at 398-414 Flushing Ave, where vibration levels exceeding 0.25 in/sec could easily cause
damage of an already fragile structure. Continuous vibration and crack monitoring at
multiple locations will be required when performing any construction work within 100
feet of this building. Anticipated vibrations levels within the corridor shall remain within
these allowable threshold levels so as to preclude structural damage.

“Benchmark” vibration monitoring can be performed at commencement of remaining

vibration-producing activities planned near other sensitive locations to ensure that that
activity or phase will not produce vibrations at the other existing buildings in excess of
the recommended threshold. “Spot” vibration monitoring can also be deployed at any
location where individual building owners express concern regarding “annoyance”
vibration levels.

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Continuous vibration monitoring using recording seismographs should be installed at

selected locations and throughout the duration of critical construction activities that are
likely to produce large and potentially damaging vibrations, such as dynamic compaction
(i.e. “proof” rolling) of existing subgrade or asphalt concrete wearing surface if vibratory
rollers are employed; and excavation and removal of concrete pavement or backfilling in
close proximity (i.e. less than 10’) to existing building foundations.

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2.0 Description of Contractor’s Proposed Method of Construction – The following

discussion will pertain to applicable remaining construction stage activities in
Phase III and Phase IV:

2.1 Stage 1 – Installation of Trolley Tracks: Trolley Track Removal will be

performed in shallow grade open trenches that will not require sheeting in
accordance with OSHA and NYCDDC contract requirements. Within this phase,
the location of the excavation required is generally above the water table and
beyond the influence lines of existing foundations and other structures. Shallow
grade excavation and localized pavement removal operations will typically occur
25-35 feet from existing building structures. As a result, pre- and post-
construction monitoring of this work is not required.
2.2 Stage 2 – Installation of Water Mains: Distribution mains will be installed in
shallow grade open trenches that will be sheeted in accordance with OSHA and
NYCDDC contract requirements. Within this phase, the location of the excavation
required for distribution mains is generally above the water table and beyond the
influence lines of existing foundations and other structures. As a result, pre- and
post- construction monitoring of this work is not required. 48” or 60” Steel Trunk
Mains will be installed in 9-12’ deep open trenches using either sliding rail
sheeting, tight timber sheeting or trench boxes, with the exception of 48” Steel
Trunk Main between N Portland and Gold and section of 48” Steel Trunk main
presently called to be installed inside existing 72” watermain, using pipe to be
abandoned as a casing. During this phase, removal of groundwater will not be
required with the exception of the two noted locations. Between N Portland and
Gold up to six feet of groundwater may need to be removed from outside existing
trenches. We recommend that all existing buildings between N Portland and Gold
be monitored for settlement during de-watering activities. At Flushing Ave and
Franklin, we recommend that NYCDDC evaluate alternative design options that
will eliminate excavation of 25 ft deep approach and receiving pits and removal
of 15 feet of groundwater immediately adjacent to existing fragile structure, as
these construction operations will likely comprise a life-safety hazard. One

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possible solution would be to connect the proposed 48” x 72” Tee connection
between existing and proposed water main and install new 48” trunk main over
existing 72” sewer using shallow cover protection rather than casing inside of the
existing 72” water main, eliminating the need for deep excavation support and
eliminating vibratory sheeting and deep de-watering. Vibration monitoring,
including provision for multiple seismographs and vibrating-wire transducer (i.e.
crack displacement sensors) to monitor real-time movement of existing major
building cracks is recommended for all construction activities to occur within 100
feet of the building at 398-414 Flushing Ave.
2.3 Stage 3 – Reconstruction of Sewers: Sewer reconstruction within this stage will
generally be installed in 8-12’ deep open trenches located above the water table
and beyond the radius of influence of existing structures, with the exception of the
24” RCP called to be installed in a combined trench with existing 72” water main
contiguous with the fragile west foundation wall of the building structure located
at 398-414 Flushing Ave (SE Corner of Franklin). Typically sewer reconstruction
will be installed in sheeted trenches using sliding rail sheeting, tight timber
sheeting or trench boxes. During this phase, removal of some groundwater may be
necessary, generally, depth of groundwater removal will be less than 2’. At 398
Flushing Ave underpinning of existing foundation would be required prior to
excavation activities, so as to prevent creation of a life-safety hazard caused by
removal lateral and overburden restraint provided by fill immediately adjacent to
the existing foundation wall. Design computations, attached herewith as
Appendix “B”, indicate that 10-12’ deep excavation immediately adjacent to this
structure will result in a 2.5 tsf reduction in bearing capacity, which comprises
62% of the presumptive bearing capacity of 4.0tsf of the fully stressed 8-65
material that the building is founded on. These computations indicate that
excavation for 24” sewer at this location a 10-12’ deep excavation adjacent to
existing wall would not be safe, and can cause a general shear failure and
subsequent collapse of the wall. Because of the poor condition of the west wall of
this building, underpinning would need to consist of “top down” methods (i.e.
methods that do not require pre-placement of support devices in excavated pits)
such as bored-in secant pile wall, grout column and/or bored-in offset piles

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connected to existing foundation wall. As a result, it is recommended that

NYCDDC investigate and consider design alternatives that accomplish project
goals and objectives and eliminating need to excavate and underpin immediately
adjacent to this structure, such as rehabilitation of existing 24” sewer by lining
methods.
2.4 Stage 4 – Construction of Catch Basins and Connections: During installation of
catch basins, contractor proposes to use wet pavement saw-cutters followed by
manually operated pneumatic hammers to initially rubbelize existing pavement,
and excavator equipped with bucket to complete pavement excavation. Basin
excavation proper will be accomplished using steel trench boxes or timber
sheeting, advancing excavation along with box. Basin connections will be
constructed separately after completion of basin installation in shallow grade open
trenches that will be sheeted in accordance with OSHA and NYCDDC contract
requirements. Pavement demolition activities for basin excavation can occur
within 10’ of existing buildings and could cause vibration levels above safe
threshold levels. As a result, vibration monitoring and control are recommended
during basin excavation activities whenever these activities are to occur closer
than 10 feet away from locations deemed sensitive to vibrations by NYCDDC
Resident Engineer.

2.5 Stage 5 – Construction of Curbs and Sidewalks: Curb and sidewalk removal
operations will be accomplished using pavement sawcutters and pneumatic
hammers to initially rubbelize existing sidewalk, and hydraulic excavator with
bucket to complete curb and sidewalk excavation. Demolition activities for curb
and sidewalk may occur within 10’ of existing buildings and could potentially
cause vibration levels above safe threshold levels. Also, portable pneumatic
vibrators may be used to proof roll subgrade, these also could cause vibration
levels above safe thresholds immediately adjacent to existing buildings. As a
result, vibration monitoring and control are recommended during curb and
sidewalk removal and subgrade compaction activities at locations deemed
sensitive to vibrations and directed by NYCDDC Resident Engineer.

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2.6 Stage 6 – Reconstruction of Roadway: Roadway pavement removal operations

will be accomplished using hydraulic excavations to initially rubbelize existing
pavement, and excavators equipped with bucket to complete pavement removal.
Demolition activities for pavement will mostly occur beyond 10’ of existing
buildings, but at a few localized spots may occur within 10, of existing buildings
resulting vibration levels above safe threshold levels. If vibratory rollers are used
to proof roll subgrade and to compact asphalt pavement, these also may cause
vibration levels above safe thresholds immediately adjacent to existing buildings.
As a result, vibration monitoring and control are recommended during pavement
removal, subgrade compaction and asphalt concrete paving activities at locations
deemed sensitive to vibrations and directed by NYCDDC Resident Engineer.

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3.0 Building Condition Survey Requirements

Detailed pre-construction building condition surveys will be required at the following

two buildings, prior to the following critical construction activities in accordance with the
following table. Pre-construction building condition survey for the first building has been
completed by others and is attached herewith as an appendix to this report. Should
NYCDDC develop alternative means that eliminate the 25’ deep excavation adjacent to
these buildings, detailed survey of the second building located at Block 2262 Lot 48
(New Building at 413 Flushing Ave) would not be necessary, although shoring designed
to restore lateral support of existing foundation during excavation of existing 72”
adjacent to the foundation would be required.

Survey of the building at 413 Flushing Ave will be included in future revision Pre-
Construction report if required:

Street Location Structures to be Inspected

Description of Activity Between/
On Address Blk Lot Description
Int
Construction of 48” Steel Trunk Intersection NE 6-Sty Brick
413 2262 48
WM sleeve in 72” sewer Franklin/ Corner Bldg
including sheeting, 25’ deep Flushing 3&5-Sty Brick
excavation and 15’ de-watering SE Corner 398-414 1885 3 Bldgs
for approach pits.

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4.0 Definition of “Radius of Influence”

4.1 De-Watering Operations: Within limits of Stage IV, between Gold Street and N.
Portland, the contractor proposes to remove groundwater from trenches using
open pumping or well-points beyond trenches. Proposed sheeting may not be fully
watertight, therefore it is anticipated that some lowering of the groundwater table
outside the sheeted trench limits can occur. An empirical relationship developed
by Sichart provides a Ro as a function of drawdown:

Ro = 3 (H-h) √ K, where K is measured in microns per second.

Soil types encountered within this phase consist predominantly of fine, loose sand
with silts(SM). According to Powers, permeability for this soil type will range
from 10 to 50 microns per seconds, because of relatively low N values 50 microns
per second is assumed. Based on the foregoing, the radius of influence will vary
as a function of drawdown in accordance with:

Ro = 21.2 (H-h)

Building lines are located approximately minimum 30’ from proposed trench
lines. Therefore if drawdown is under 1.5’ depth, de-watering will not
substantially impact existing buildings. According to plans, drawdown of greater
than 1.5’ depth will be required during installation of 48” Trunk Water Main
along Flushing Ave/Nassau Street between No. Portland and Gold Streets.
However, the exact position of water table may vary and this should be verified in
the field by Resident Engineer during excavation.

We recommend that settlement monitoring be performed of adjacent building

foundations whenever removal of more than eighteen inches of groundwater from
trench excavation is required, because drawdown of over eighteen inches will
result in Radius of Influence encroaching to existing building foundations. An
initial allowable differential vertical settlement of 3/8” (0.03’) should be used. If
this level is exceeded during de-watering operations, a separate engineering

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review should be undertaken to determine corrective action to prevent building

damage.

4.2 Construction Vibrations: Most construction operations tend to attenuate with

distance according to an exponential decay function. As a result, at distances of
30 feet or more from vibration source, ground motions typically are less than one
half the level within 10 feet of the vibration source. At distances of 100 feet,
vibrations typically attenuate to 20% of source values. For the type of operations
proposed under this contract, with the exception of vibratory sheet piling if this is
used, a 100 foot influence radius is recommended.

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5.0 Anticipated vibration levels:

The following table summarizes the anticipated construction activities likely to generate
significant vibrations by stage, along with the expected range of vibration levels (peak
particle velocity or PPV) at the adjacent building lines (i.e. receptor sites):

Table 1.0 – Expected PPV by Construction Stage

Stage Construction Activity Distance to Expected PPV
# Description Buildings Range(4)
Pavement Removal(1) 2.0in/s to 0.1in/s
Installation of
2 Sheeting & Excavation (2) 6’ to 40’ 0.6in/s to 0.04 in/s
Water Main
Backfilling(3) 0.75in/s to 0.05 in/s
Reconstruction Pavement Removal(1) 2.0in/s to 0.15in/s
3 of Sanitary& Sheeting & Excavation (2) 6’ to 30’ 0.6in/s to 0.05 in/s
Storm Sewer Backfilling(3) 0.75in/s to 0.07 in/s
Pavement Removal(1) >2.0in/s to 0.15 in/s(7)
Pipe Jacking at
Vibratory Sheeting (6) >2.0in/s to 0.5 in/s
3A Franklin/ 2’ to 30’
Flushing Excavation (2) 0.6in/s to 0.05 in/s(7)
Backfilling, Compaction(3) >2.0 in/s to 0.07in/s(7)
Pavement Removal(1) 2.0in/s to 0.15in/s
Catch Basins &
4 Sheeting & Excavation (2) 6’ to 30’ 0.6in/s to 0.05 in/s
Connections
Backfilling(3) 0.75in/s to 0.07 in/s
Curb & Curb/SW Excavation(1) 0.2in/s to AMB(7)
5 1’ to 15’
Sidewalk Compaction of Subgrade (3) 2.0in/s to 0.2 in/s
Reconstruct Pavement Removal(1) 2.0in/s to 0.15in/s
6 Roadway Compaction of Subgrade (2) 6’ to 35’ 0.6in/s to 0.05 in/s
Pavement AC Pvmt Compaction(1) 2.0in/s to 0.15in/s
Notes: 1. Assumes equivalent to 2-ton ball 4 ft drop
2. Assumes “Krings”, trench box or tight timber sheeting & large excavator.
3. Assumes mechanically assisted backfilling using pneumatic button head compactors.
4. Larger PPV values correspond to closer distances to buildings.
5. Excluding special Drop Pipe MH#1, see Stage 2A
6. Assumes steel sheeting/cofferdam driven using vibratory/extractor.
7. AMB = PPV expected at or below ambient levels

Note that these levels will vary depending upon actual equipment used, precise location
of water table, and variations in density and type of geological profile between
construction activity and building line.

See Appendix “A” for a copy of a graph published by ASCE Journal of Geotechnical
Engineering which plots ranges of PPV expected at various distances for a variety of
construction activities. This graph was used to develop the expected PPV ranges in Table
1.0 above, however, values were not merely “picked” off the chart; engineering judgment

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and experience were used in combination with the published graph to establish the
predicted PPV ranges.

It should be noted that it is anticipated that all proposed vibration-producing construction

activities performed more than 10’ from existing building foundations, with the exception
of vibratory sheet piling installation and dynamic compaction using vibratory rollers,
will produce vibrations (PPV) under 1.0 in/sec. Certain activities to be performed within
10’ of existing building may cause PPV above 1.0 in/sec, it is recommended that these
activities be monitored to ensure that PPV do not reach potentially damaging levels, and
that Contractor be directed by Resident Engineer to modify his means and methods so as
to keep vibration levels within safe levels at all times.

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6.0 Recommended allowable vibration levels:

A considerable amount of research has been done to correlate vibrations from single
events such as dynamite blasts with architectural and structural damage. The US Bureau
of Mines (USBM) and other researchers have established a safe vibration level as one
which a peak particle velocity of 2in/sec in any one of three mutually perpendicular
components is not exceeded by the ground motion at the structure of concerns. This is so
stated in USBM RI-8507.

However, according to USBM 8507, the allowable vibration levels for ground motions
below 40hz will be less than 2in/sec, and for ground motions below 12hz allowable
vibration levels are 0.75 in/sec. Construction-induced vibrations typically result in ground
motions that typically range from 6 to 40hz.

Potential for damage to existing buildings will depend upon the type of construction, age,
and natural frequency of the structure. The amount of vibration a given structure can
safely withstand depends upon its ability to safely accommodate additional strains
imposed by construction vibrations. The existing buildings within the project corridor
consist primarily of one to four story masonry buildings, there is considerable variation in
the age, type and use of the existing buildings, with newly constructed buildings (which
may have more ductility and ability to absorb strain) intermingled with older one to three
story “brownstone” type masonry structures and older industrial use buildings that may
be more “brittle” and have a limited ability to safely accommodate additional strains.

Another important factor in establishing thresholds and developing a project-specific

monitoring program is the fact that research indicates that vibrations are readily
perceptible by humans at levels that are ten to twenty times below the generally accepted
2.0in/sec vibration threshold of “structural” damage.

Based on the foregoing, it is recommended that PPV for this project be set to a reasonable
level of 1.0in/sec for the project corridor, with the exception of the building located at
398-414 Flushing Ave, where vibration levels exceeding 0.25 in/sec could easily cause

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damage of an already fragile structure, therefore the allowable vibration threshold for
activities within 100 feet of this location will be 0.25 in/sec. Allowable vibration levels
can be increased to account for ambient or background vibration levels due to traffic and
other sources. Specialized construction means and methods will be required to keep
vibration levels within safe limits when working in the vicinity of this building.

As can be seen from Table 1, with the exception of certain construction activities
occurring closer than 10’ from existing building lines anticipated vibrations levels should
remain within allowable threshold levels to preclude structural damage. Construction
activities occurring closer than 10’ from existing building lines as specified herein should
be monitored and Resident Engineer should direct contractor to use alternative means of
construction whenever potentially damaging vibration levels are reached immediately
adjacent to existing buildings.

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7.0 Description of Recommended Vibration Monitoring Program

Benchmark Monitoring

We recommend that “benchmark” vibration monitoring be performed at commencement

of each construction vibration-producing activity to ensure that that activity or phase will
not produce vibrations at the existing buildings in excess of the recommended threshold.
“Benchmarking” will be performed as follows:

• A 3-component “roving” seismograph (Instantel Mini-Mate Plus or Blastmate III)

will be installed in close practicable proximity to source of vibration and in line
with receptor (i.e. closest occupied building) site.
• Seismographs will be set to “histogram combo” mode where they record
maximum PPV every 5 seconds and perform a detailed “event” plot if a preset
PPV is exceeded. Event trigger will be set to 0.5 in/second.
• Benchmark seismograph will be left in place for 1 hour or duration of activity,
whichever is less.
• After completion of activity “roving” seismograph will be re-deployed to monitor
another activity.
• A report of results will be printed in the field and provided to the Resident
Engineer, construction superintendent and Contractor’s project manager the day
the monitoring occurs.

Benchmark monitoring should be performed whenever a new type of activity

commences, or as directed by Resident Engineer. Benchmarking should also be used to
confirm the validity and accuracy of anticipated levels specified in Table 1, Section 2 of
this report.

Spot Monitoring

“Spot” vibration monitoring should also be deployed at any location where individual
building owners express concern regarding “annoyance” vibration levels. The protocol

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and procedure will be identical to “benchmark” monitoring. It is important that the

Construction Community Liaison work directly with Newmark Engineering, PC so as to
properly communicate to residents and occupants the fact that perceived vibrations occur
at vibration levels far below those that can cause significant or even cosmetic (i.e.
“architectural”) damage to structures.

Continuous Monitoring

Vibration monitoring using continuous recording seismographs should be installed at

selected locations and throughout the duration of construction activities that are likely to
produce large and potentially damaging vibrations, such as vibratory sheeting for
excavation, dynamic compaction (i.e. “proof” rolling) of existing subgrade or asphalt
concrete wearing surface if vibratory rollers are employed; and excavation and removal
of concrete pavement or backfilling in close proximity (i.e. less than 10’) to existing
building foundations. These monitors will be required at each of the two structures and
one critical activity identified in section 3.0 of this report, and will also be required at
other locations during roadway pavement reconstruction stage to ensure that vibration
levels do not exceed levels that can cause structural damage to existing buildings. At the
critical and fragile building located at the intersection of Franklin and Flushing (413
Flushing Ave), we recommend that a vibrating-wire crack meter be connected to the
spare channel of recording seismographs so as to continuously record and monitor change
in displacement across cracks in the existing structure during construction activities
occurring within 100’ of this building. The overall procedure for continuous monitoring
will be as follows:

• A 3-component seismograph (Instantel Mini-Mate Plus or Blastmate III) will be

installed in close practicable proximity to each source of vibration and in line with
receptor (i.e. closest occupied building) site. A protective “lock” box will be
provided to prevent damage, theft or harm of the seismographs.
• Seismographs will be set to “histogram combo” mode where they permanently
record and log maximum PPV (based on 1,024 readings per second) in each 5

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seconds period and perform a detailed “event” plot further analyzing vibration if a
preset PPV is exceeded. Event trigger will be set to 0.5 in/second (i.e. 50% of
threshold level). If desired, audible alarms can be provided that can be set for 85%
of allowable threshold level.
• Continuous recording seismographs will be left in place for the duration of the
day and will be removed from the site at the end of the day.
• A report of results will be printed in the field and provided to the Resident
Engineer, construction superintendent and Contractor’s project manager.

Depending upon construction activities, multiple continuous monitoring stations may be

required. The exact number and duration will depend upon the contractor’s schedule and
activities.

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8.0 Settlement and Settlement Monitoring

Proposed construction activities have the potential to cause settlement in existing

adjacent structures. We anticipate potential settlement due to two causes:

Dewatering - Based on topographic setting of the subject area, published information,

soil boring data and contract documents, it is likely that groundwater is present at
elevation 1.5, as low as 7’ below existing grade and may vary within these limits due to
both tidal variations and rainfall events. It should be noted that construction below water
table will only be a concern along Flushing Ave/Nassau Street between No Portland and
Gold Street, where low existing/proposed street grades are combined with requirement
for 8’-9’ cover for proposed 48” steel trunk water main, and at deep excavation required
for jacking/receiving pits at intersection of Flushing/Franklin Ave. In general, Proposed
Water Main, Sewer, Catch Basin & Connection excavation activities will require
excavations primarily ranging from 6 to 12 feet. Proposed dewatering for these activities
will generally consist of open pumping of up to 5 feet (but typically 0 -3 feet) of water
from tight timber, “krings” or box sheeting. Material to be excavated varies from loose to
medium nominally unsuitable fill consisting of sand with miscellaneous inorganic
material.

De-watering and trenching activities will occur primarily 25’ away from existing
buildings, with the exception of critical location at Franklin/Flushing noted herein. The
increase in effective stress imposed by open pumping up to 5 feet inside of tight sheeting
should not cause any appreciable settlement of surrounding buildings located 25’ feet
from pumping location, however these buildings should be monitored for settlement as a
safety precaution (see Section 4.1). Twenty-five feet 25’ deep excavation including 15’
deep de-watering would be required for construction of jacking and receiving pits at the
intersection of Flushing Avenue and Franklin Street, if this element is built according to
original design. Design for excavation protection system and de-watering at this location,
if required, would be submitted under a separate transmittal, however, if deep excavation

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Project HWK-472W Reconstruction of Flushing Ave and Area
Pre-Construction Report April 10, 2006

at this location is retained in the design, we will both monitor and mitigate potential
settlement of surrounding building structures due to dewatering for these deep pits.

Settlement monitoring will be required for each of the two building structures located
adjacent to critical activity identified in section 9.0 of this report, in addition to the
buildings located along Flushing Ave/Nassau Street Between No. Portland and Gold
Street or other locations where more than 1.5 feet of drawdown of water table is
anticipated or encountered.

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Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D