PM Submission - Thomas Kearney - MCU18/0015

FW: 27 Attunga Heights - Review of Core Geotech. Report by Rod Jeffery
1 message

Gavin Simpson <[email protected]>                                             Mon, 17 Dec. 2018 at 9:50 am
To: Tom Kearney <[email protected]>


 Hi Tom. Further report from Paul Nicholas, Senior Structural Engineer with huge
 experience overseas in major earthworks etc

 Will give a call tonight

 Best regards Gavin



 From: Paul Nicholas <paul.nicholas7@-)yahoo.com.au>
 Sent: Monday, 17 December 2018 10:46 AM
 To: Gavin Simpson <benzak@bigponci,com>
 Cc: Jan and Rod <[email protected]>
 Subject: 27 Attunga Heights - Review of Core Geotech. Report by Rod Jeffery




  Hi Gavin,

  I've received all emails complete with attachments etc. including Dr. Tom's email with his
 address (34 Edgar Bennett Avenue). I Googled that and from the aerial plus street views and of
 course some info from the report itself, his property is perched on a ridge adjoining to and
 higher than the development site at the east.

  Rod's review of the Geotech report is extremely thorough and throws up several major
 concerns. I draw your particular attention to the following points:-



 Point 1. Generally, inadequate to properly identify issues



 Point 2. Marginally stable slope conditions. - Ref Core Geotech Report Section 7.0 in which
 they give a factor of safety of 1.0 for the existing slope stability and explain/qualify that further
 by identifying the surface stability provided by the existing vegetation, particularly its root
 systems. Nb The site photos indicate that larger older trees probably existed here in earlier
 times and have been likely chopped down some time ago (several years probably). This factor
 basically defines the slope as marginally stable. Any removal of vegetation automatically
 compromises that stability. So there is no inherent "spare" factor of safety on such a site
 against soil slippage and all new structures will require strict retaining measures together with
 compaction of all bearing surfaces. (And please note they rule out any use of vibratory
 compaction of the ground or any piling involving impact driving).

   As Rod Jeffery has pointed out, the system of storey heights and secure achievement of the
  substantially different relative levels necessary will be complex and substantial. These two
  issues, coupled together, produce the need for the most stringent approach to the development
  of this site.