02-385-890 Me. Code R. § C-II

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 385-890-C-II - Soil Classifications and Bearing Capacity

The soil classification and bearing capacity of the soil must be determined before the foundation is constructed and anchored.The soil classification and bearing capacity must be determined by one or more of the following methods, unless the soil bearing capacity is established as permitted in Paragraph F of this section:

A. Soil tests that are in accordance with generally accepted engineering practice; or

B. Soil records of the applicable LAHJ; or

C. If the soil class or bearing capacity cannot be determined by test or soil records, but its type can be identified, the soil classification, allowable pressures, and torque values shown in the table to this section may be used.

D. A pocket penetrometer; or

E. In lieu of determining the soil bearing capacity by use of the methods shown in the table, an allowable pressure of 1,500 psf may be used, unless the site-specific information requires the use of lower values based on soil classification and type.

F. If the soil appears to be composed of peat, organic clays or uncompacted fill, or appears to have unusual conditions, a registered professional geologist, registered professional engineer, or registered architect must determine the soil classification and maximum allowable soil bearing capacity.

Table to Subchapter C, Section II - Soil Classifications and Bearing Capacity

ASTM D 2487-00 or D 2488-00, (incorporated by reference)

Soil classification		Soil description	Allowable soil bearing pressure (psf)1	Blow count ASTM D 1586-99	Torque probe3 value4(inch-pounds)
Classification number
1 ................	..................................	Rock or hard pan .......................................	4000+ .......................
2................	GW, GP, SW, SP, GM, SM.	Sandy gravel and gravel; very than dense and/or cemented sands; course gravel/ cobbles; preloaded silts, clays and coral.	2000 .........................	40+	More than 550.
3................	GC, SC, ML, CL ......	Sand; silty sand; clayey sand; silty gravel; medium dense course sands; sandy gravel; and very stiff silt, sand clays.	1500 .........................	24-39	351-550.
4A..............	CG, MH2.................	Loose to medium dense sands; firm to stiff clays and silts; alluvial fills.	1000 .........................	18-23	276-350.
4B..............	CH, MH2..................	Loose sands; firm clays; alluvial fills .........	1000 .........................	12-17	175-275.
5 ................	OL, OH, PT .............	Uncompacted fill; peat; organic clays .......	Refer to Subchapter C Section II(F)	0-11	Less than 175.

Notes to Table

1. The values provided in this table have not been adjusted for overburden pressure, embedment depth, water table height, or settlement problems.

2. For Soils classified as CH or MH, without either torque probe values or blow count test results, selected anchors must be rated for a 4B soil.

3. The torque test probe is a device for measuring the torque value of soils to assist in evaluating the holding capacity of the soil in which the ground anchor is placed.The shaft must be of suitable length for the full depth of the ground anchor.

4. The torque value is a measure of the load resistance provided by the soil when subject to the turning or twisting force of the probe.

02-385 C.M.R. ch. 890, § C-II