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Fieldwork

Geotechnical Investigations

The CRC project is conducting geotechnical investigation fieldwork in downtown Vancouver beginning November 2012 and ending February 2013. Work schedules are coordinated to ensure that effects to businesses and residents are minimized.

A variety of soil conditions exist within the project area. The geotechnical investigations will obtain more information about the physical properties of soil and rock, such as stability and drainage rates to refine designs for stormwater treatment and grading and foundations for structures.

Field crews obtain subsurface soil and rock samples through geotechnical borings, which are holes drilled into the ground. Approximately 35 geotechnical borings measuring four inches in diameter will be drilled 30 feet deep. Holes will then be backfilled and repaved before crews move to a new location. This schedule is subject to change based on weather and site conditions.

See our utility and geotechnical fieldwork fact sheet for additional information or call the fieldwork hotline at 877-567-2033.

Utility Fieldwork

The CRC project is conducting utility fieldwork starting early November and ending in February 2013 in Portland and Vancouver. Field crews are verifying utility locations as part of an ongoing effort to accurately and comprehensively identify, characterize, and map underground utilities and structures.

Existing utility lines for water, sewer, natural gas and communications are located underground throughout the project area. The utility fieldwork will obtain more precise information about utility locations so lines may be avoided or moved when necessary. This pre-work allows project construction to proceed efficiently and cost effectively once project funding is secured.

Field crews locate utilities through surveying and conducting vacuum excavations at discrete test-hole locations. Vacuum excavation uses high pressure air and a vacuum to remove the soil. Approximately 250 test holes measuring eight to 12 inches in diameter are planned in Vancouver and Portland. See our utility fieldwork fact sheet for additional information or call the fieldwork hotline at 877-567-2033.