The Project.
This project consists of a new 750 seat two-story classroom building with one level of subterranean parking and a one-story Multi-Purpose Building. Strategic placement of the buildings coupled with underground parking maximizes the use of the available acreage creating a large playground area.
Client:
Los Angeles Unified School District
Location:
South Gate, CA
Services:
- Geotechnical
- Geotechnical Testing
Project Fact:
The elementary school is located on approximately 2.9 acres in the City of South Gate.
The Leighton Solution.
Leighton provided a seismic risk evaluation and geotechnical investigation for the site. Our work consisted of soil borings, laboratory testing, and providing recommendations for earthwork and foundation design for the proposed building structures and other improvements. We also provided parameters for the design of the subterranean walls including both static and seismic pressures.
With conditions of relatively loose site soil, which is susceptible to earthquake-induced settlement, Leighton provided recommendations to the structural engineer for several foundation alternatives including a mat foundation, post-tension foundation, and conventional shallow foundation with ground improvements.
Because of the previous industrial use of the site, a vapor barrier was required by DSA. Leighton also evaluated the impact of this vapor barrier on the foundation system and the potential for corrosion of the concrete and other underground utilities by the organic vapor.
Leighton also provided geotechnical observation and testing during construction.
