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U.S. DRPARTM&NT OF AGRICULTURS
<br />NATURAL RfiSOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
<br />BUILDING SITS DEVEIAPMEN'P
<br />Endnote -- 9UILDING SITE D&VELOPMENT
<br />PAGfi 2 OF 3
<br />10/30/00
<br />This report shows the degree and kind o! eoil limitations that affect shallow excavations, dwellings with and aiChout
<br />basements, small commercial buildings, local roads and streets, and lawns and landscaping. The limitations are
<br />"Slight", ^Moderate", or "Severe•. The limitations axe considered •911ghC" if soil properties and Bite features are
<br />generally favorable for Che indicated use and limitaiona are minor and easily overcome; "MOderaCe• if soil properties
<br />or efts features are not favorable for Che indicated use and special planning, design, or maintenance is needed to
<br />overcome or minimize the limitations; and •Severe• if Boil px'operCiee or site features axe so unfavorable or eo
<br />difficult Co overcome that special design, significant increases in construction costa, and possibly increased
<br />maintenance are required. Special feasibility studies maybe required where Che Boil limitations are severe.
<br />SHALLOW EXCAVAT2ON3 are trenches or holes dug Co a maximum depth of 5 or 6 feet for basements, graves, utility lines,
<br />open ditches, and ocher purposee. The ratings are based on soil properties, site features, and observed performance of
<br />the soils. The ease of digging, filling, and compacting 18 affected by the depth to bedrock, a cemented pan, or a very
<br />firm dense layer; atone content; soil texture; and elope. The Cime of the year that excavations can be made is
<br />affected by the depth Co a aeaeonal high water table and the susceptibility of the soil to flooding. The resistance of
<br />the excavation walla or bands to sloughing or Caving ie affected by soil texture and the depth to the water Cable.
<br />DWSLLING$ ANC SMALL COFQ~RCIAL HUILDING$ are structures built on shallow foundations on undisturbed soil. The load
<br />limit is the same ae that far single-family dwellings no higher Chan three stories. Ratings are made for small
<br />commercial buildings without basements, !or dwellings with basements, and for dwellings without basements. The ratings -
<br />are based on soil properties, site featuree, and observed performance of the soils. A high water Cable, depth Co bedrock
<br />ox to a cemented pan, large atones, elope, and flooding affect the ease of excavation and construction. Landscaping
<br />and grading that require cuts and fills of mare than 5 or 6 feet are nDC considered.
<br />LOCAL, ROADS AND STREETS have an all-weather surface and tarry automobile and light truck Crafffe all year. They
<br />have a eubgrade of Cut or fill soil material, a base of gravel, crushed mek, or stabilized soil material, and a
<br />flexible or rigid surface. Cute and fills are generally properties, site features, and observed performance of the
<br />soils. Depth to bedrock or to a cemented pan, a high water table, flooding, large stones, and slope affect Che ease oP
<br />excavating and grading. Soil strength (ae inferred from the engineering ciaeaification of the soil), shrink-swell
<br />potential, frost action potential, and depth to a high water Cable affect the traffic-supporting capacity.
<br />LAWNS AND LANDSCAPING require soils on which Curf and ornamental trees and shrubs can be established and
<br />maintained. The ratings are based on soil properties, site features, and observed performance of the voila. Soil
<br />reaction, a high water table, depth to bedrock or to a cemented pan, the available water capacity in the upper 40
<br />inches, and the content of salts, sodium, and sulfidic materials affect plant growth- Flooding, wetness, slope,
<br />stoniness, and the amount o! sand, clay, or organic matter in the surface layer affect tra!licability after vegetation
<br />is established.
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