Anaerobic Digestion and Energy Recovery Project Lewiston Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority, Maine

October 2009 http://www.lawpca.org/Anaerobic%20Digestion/Conceptual%20Design%20Re port.pdf

6.3.2.3 Vibration
Design will be performed for the effects of vibration to provide appropriate protection against structural deterioration, mechanical deterioration, and significant occupant discomfort. Under normal circumstances, the guidelines below will generally be followed. If deemed necessary by the supervising structural personnel, a dynamic analysis of the system will be performed. Mechanical Vibration Concern for mechanical vibration is greatest for equipment such as blowers, generators, compressors, steady bearings at pump shafts and centrifuges. Operating frequencies, unbalanced loads, and specific design recommendations will be obtained from the manufacturer by the discipline specifying the equipment. To avoid resonant vibration, the ratio of the structures natural frequency to the operating frequency of the equipment will be restricted to less than 0.50 or greater than 1.50. Where practical, the latter will be used to avoid resonance during equipment startup and shutdown. Consideration will be given to applicable modes of vibration, including vertical, lateral, and rotational. Design will be performed in accordance with the following guidelines for equipment which produce significant vibrational effects, where possible and appropriate. Equipment will be mounted on concrete foundations or supporting systems rather than metal supporting systems. A foundation mat will be provided with a mass equal to ten times the rotating mass of the equipment or three times the gross mass of the equipment (minimum), whichever is greater. Major equipment foundations and supporting systems will be isolated by expansion joints or independent supports from the remaining structure to minimize vibrational transmission. Vibration isolators, dampeners, and/or inertia blocks will be provided where appropriate. Anchorage to foundations will be provided by embedded anchor bolts. Drilled anchors will not be used. Transient Vibration For elevated steel walkways or platforms, beams will be provided with a depth greater than or equal to 1/20 of the span.

6.3.3 Foundation Design

6.3.3.1 Scope
Criteria will be established for the design of structure foundations in coordination with the geotechnical recommendations. Permanent structure foundation elements will be designed to distribute loads to the supporting soil in accordance with their allowable loads, and to accommodate predicted deformations of the structure caused

by settlement or movement of the supporting elements. Structure foundation elements will be designed to resist effects of groundwater, including buoyancy.

6.3.3.2 Frost Protection

Protection will be provided for structures against excessive heave or settlement due to the action of frost. In most cases, the bearing level of frost-susceptible foundation elements will be established below the frost depth as provided in the geotechnical report. For minor structures that are tolerant to some movement, bearing level may be established above the frost depth, provided that frost formation can be inhibited in the zone between the bearing level and frost depth by providing a layer of freedraining material.

6.3.3.3 Shallow Foundation Support

Design of shallow foundation elements (footings and mats), including excavation and backfill limits and details, will be performed in accordance with the recommendations of the geotechnical report. To the extent possible, buried piping and ductbanks will be maintained outside the influence zone of the foundation elements. Limits of this zone will be established based on bearing materials characteristics as documented in the geotechnical report. A reinforced concrete encasement or other appropriate protection will be provided for any utilities extending into this zone.

6.3.3.4 Retaining Walls

The stability of retaining walls will be confirmed for appropriate lateral soil and groundwater pressures, surcharges and other applicable loads. Passive pressures from the soil in front of the wall or footing keys will not be used to reduce loads, stresses, or overturning and sliding effects, unless measures are taken to ensure against erosion or removal of the soil and approved. Design will be performed for the following factors of safety.
Overturning: 2.0 Sliding: 1.5

For design of retaining walls with portions below the design groundwater level, the effects of uplift pressures will be considered in stability analyses.

6.3.4.2 Codes and Standards

Concrete structures will be designed in accordance with the following, as appropriate.
General structures: ACI 318 Environmental engineering structures: ACI 350 Reinforcing steel, welding: AWS D1.4

Structures that convey, store or treat liquid, are subjected to severe exposures, or have restrictive leakage requirements will be designed as environmental engineering structures. Design of miscellaneous roadway structures, such as culverts and headwalls will be performed in accordance with the state highway standards and the AASHTO Specification.

6.3.4.3 Materials and Design Strengths

Design will be performed for concrete with the following minimum 28-day compressive strengths (fc).
Structural concrete: 4,000 psi Concrete topping: 4,000 psi Precast concrete: 5,000 psi Prestressed concrete: 5,000 psi

Design will be performed for the strengths and properties of the following materials.
Deformed reinforcing bars: ASTM A615, Grade 60 Deformed reinforcing bars, welded or field bent: ASTM A706 Welded wire fabric, plain: ASTM A185

Welded wire fabric, deformed: ASTM A497

Section 9 Preliminary Geotechnical, Civil and Site Design Recommendations

9.1 General
As part of the current preliminary design process, CDM has developed the following discussion summarizing conceptual geotechnical, site improvements and site design recommendations and standards associated with the LAWPCA Anaerobic Digestion/Energy Recovery Project.

9.2 Conceptual Geotechnical Recommendations

9.2.1 Existing Conditions
The existing Lewiston Auburn Water Pollution Control (LAWPCA) Facility is located at 535 Lincoln Street in Lewiston, Maine. The site is bounded to the west and northwest by Androscoggin River, to the south by a wooded area, and to the east by Lincoln Street. The gated access road on the north side of the plant connects the facility to Lincoln Street. There are a few commercial buildings located immediately to the east of the plant off Lincoln Street. The existing site is relatively flat, sloping gently from El. 135 to El. 137 over a horizontal distance of 120 feet. The facility mixes and stores compost on the west side of the property. The compost is available for public purchase. Piles of compost were not shown on the recent ground surface survey.

9.2.2 Proposed Construction

The proposed construction for the anaerobic digestion and energy recover project includes two 0.8-million-gallon digester tanks, a combined digester gas holding and sludge storage tank, a digester equipment building, above and below grade utilities and several at-grade pads for equipment. Two locations are being considered for the new structures. The first location (Option 1) is outside the existing fence line to the south of the existing chlorine contact chamber. The second location (Option 2) is within the existing facility to the northwest of the existing clarifiers, between the existing chlorine contact chamber and process building. Two different configurations have been proposed for the proposed digester tanks. The first option is a 50-foot diameter tank with side wall of 52 feet in height. This type of tank will extend about 20 feet below ground surface (bgs) at the side wall and have a foundation bearing load of approximately 5 kips per square foot (ksf). The second option is a 65-foot diameter tank with side wall of 30.5 feet in height. This type of tank is proposed to extend approximately 15 feet bgs at the side wall of the tank. We understand that the second type of tank will have a foundation bearing load of about 2.5 ksf.

The proposed combination digester gas and sludge storage tank has a diameter of about 50 feet and will extend about 15 feet below grade. We understand the new pump house building is a one story structure above grade

with one level below grade. The structure is about 40 feet by 50 feet in plan dimensions A new cogeneration equipment pad is also proposed. The proposed pad has plan dimensions of 70 feet by 25 feet. Existing conditions as well as approximate location of the new facilities for the two options are shown on Figure 9-1 and Figure 9-2.

9.2.3 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this study was to investigate the subsurface conditions at the two proposed areas for the digester tanks and to provide conceptual geotechnical engineering recommendation for foundation design and construction considerations as required for the project. Specifically, the scope of work included the following: Review existing drawings and available subsurface information; Conduct a subsurface exploration program (Phase 1) consisting of two test borings (CDM-1 and CDM-3) to investigate subsurface conditions and obtain soil samples for geotechnical laboratory testing; Conduct laboratory tests on select soil samples to assist with classification of soils encountered and determine engineering properties; Develop preliminary geotechnical recommendations for design and construction; Present CDMs preliminary recommendations, including the data collected as part of previous and recent subsurface investigations; and Make recommendations for additional investigations (Phase 2).

9.2.4 Subsurface Investigations

Previous Test Boring Programs Previously a geotechnical exploration program was conducted at the site for the initial construction of the facility. Twelve test borings (L-1 through L-6, L-9, L-10, L-12, L-14, L-15 and L-17), were drilled between April 21 and May 6, 1969 by Jon J. Boyle of Milton, Massachusetts. The test borings were drilled to depths ranging from 15 to 64 feet below ground surface. The previous test boring locations in the vicinity of the proposed structures are shown on Figure 9-1. Previous test boring logs are provided in Appendix A.

Recent Test Boring Program Recent test borings were conducted at the two proposed locations for the digester tanks. Two test borings, CDM-1 and CDM-3, were drilled by Maine Test Boring, Inc. of Orrington, Maine between September 9 and 10, 2009. The test borings were conducted with a truck-mounted drill rig using four-inch inside diameter flushjointed casing with drive and wash drilling techniques. Test borings, CDM-1 and CDM-3, were drilled to depths of 59.7 and 65 feet below the existing ground surface, respectively. Split spoon sampling was typically conducted in soils at five-foot intervals in accordance with ASTM D1586 (using a 2-inch-outside-diameter sampler driven 24 inches by blows from a 140-pound safety hammer falling freely for 30 inches). The number of blows required to drive the sampler each 6-inch increment was recorded and the Standard Penetration Resistance (SPT) N-value was determined as the sum of the blows over the middle 12 inches of penetration. Representative soil samples from each split spoon were collected, logged and stored in jars from later review and geotechnical laboratory testing. Undisturbed tube sampling of fine-grained (cohesive) soils was conducted at select locations in general accordance with ASTM D-1587 using a pushed Shelby tube sampler. The Shelby tube samples were trimmed and both ends of the tube samples were sealed with plastic caps, tape and wax for subsequent review and laboratory testing. A CDM representative visually classified the soil

samples recovered in the field using the modified Burmister classification system. When possible, groundwater levels at the test boring locations were estimated from the condition of the samples obtained and by the observed water levels within the borehole at the time of drilling. However, with the drive and wash drilling method, measured ground water level readings are not considered stable due to the introduction of the drilling fluids in the borehole. Each borehole was backfilled with drill cuttings upon completion. The recent borings were located in the field by taping and line of sight from existing site features. The as-drilled locations are shown on Figures 9-1 and 9-2. Test boring logs prepared by CDM are included the Appendix B. The locations of the test borings are shown on Figures 9-1 and 9-2.

9.2.5 Geotechnical Laboratory Testing

Geotechnical laboratory tests were performed on select split spoon samples obtained from the recent test borings. Gradation analyses were performed on six samples in accordance with ASTM D422. Atterberg Limit tests were performed on two samples in accordance with ASTM D-4318. The purpose of these tests was to assist with soil classification, to assign soil parameters to use in engineering analyses and to assess the reuse potential of the soils to be excavated. Results of the geotechnical laboratory testing are summarized in Table 9-1. The complete geotechnical laboratory test results are included as Appendix C.

Subsurface Conditions In general, subsurface conditions encounter during the recent test boring program consisted of a sequence of silty sand, clay, silt and sand underlain by a sand layer. Silty sand was encountered at both test boring locations. Typically, the silty sand layer consisted of dry to wet, loose to medium dense, brown, gray, and orange, fine SAND, with varying amounts of silt and occasionally trace gravel. The silty sand is about 8 to 19 feet in thickness at CDM-1 and CDM-3 respectively. SPT N-values ranged from 8 blows/foot (bl/ft) to 16 bl/ft at the recent exploration locations. Below the silty sand, a layer of clay was encountered. The clay stratum consisted of wet, soft to medium stiff, gray, silty CLAY with occasionally little to trace sand and trace gravel. The clay layer was approximately 12.5 and 9 feet in thickness at CDM-1 and CDM-3, respectively. SPT N-values ranged from 3 bl/ft to 8 bl/ft. Below the clay stratum, silt and sand was encountered at test boring CDM-3 with a thickness of 35 feet. Typically, the silt and sand consisted of wet, loose to very dense, gray, SILT with little fine sand. SPT N-values ranged from 6 bl/ft to 52 bl/ft at the recent exploration location. A sand layer was encountered below the clay layer at CDM-1 and below the silt and sand layer at CDM-3. Typically, the sand layer consisted of wet, medium dense to very dense, brown or gray, fine to coarse SAND, with some to trace gravel and trace silt. This layer was not fully penetrated at either test boring location. SPT N-values ranged from 11 bl/ft to 53 bl/ft at the recent exploration locations. Refusal was encountered at 59.7 ft below ground surface at test boring CDM-1. A summary of the subsurface conditions encountered at our recent test boring locations is presented in Table 9-2. Groundwater Conditions Groundwater was observed in all of the recent test borings at the completion of drilling. Groundwater levels measured in the boreholes ranged from 16.5 to 17 feet below existing ground surface (approximately El. 118.4 to El. 118.8). However, stabilized groundwater levels can be difficult to obtain in borings drilled using drive and wash drilling methods due to the introduction of drilling fluid in the borehole. In addition, due to the sites close proximity to the Androscoggin River, the

groundwater level is likely influenced by the river level. Variation in Subsurface Conditions Interpretation of general subsurface soil conditions presented herein is based on soil and groundwater conditions observed in the recent test boring program and test boring logs of previous explorations conducted by others. However, subsurface conditions may vary between exploration locations. If conditions are found to be different than assumed, recommendations contained in this report should be reevaluated by CDM and confirmed in writing.

.2.6Conceptual-Level Geotechnical Evaluation

Geotechnical Engineering Evaluation Geotechnical engineering evaluations have been made related to the subject project. In general, these evaluations have been based on results of subsurface investigations, published correlations with soil properties and the minimum requirements of the Maine Model Building Code (MMBC), which references to the International Building Code. In addition, recommended design criteria are based on performance tolerances, such as allowable settlement, as understood to relate to similar structures. Primary Foundation Considerations The primary foundation considerations related to the design and construction of the proposed tanks and structure include (but are not limited to): The presence and depth of the soft compressible clay layer: Based on the recent test boring data, the soft clay layer extends to a depth of approximately 21 feet bgs at the Option 1 location and 27 feet bgs at the Option 2 location. The presence of loose silt and sand underlying the clay layer at the Option 2 location: A loose silt and sand layer is underlying the soft clay layer at the Option 2 location whereas a well graded and denser sand layer is below the soft clay layer at the Option 1 location. The depth and foundation bearing load of the proposed structure foundations: The relatively large loads of the proposed 50-foot diameter sludge tanks (5 ksf) are anticipated to induce larger settlements than are typical considered tolerable for structures. The distance from and potential impact on nearby existing structures at the Option 2 location. The proposed structures at the Option 2 location are located within approximately 4 feet of the existing TWAS tank No. 4 and 13 feet off the existing sludge thickener tanks. Since the existing structures are understood to be supported on mat foundations on loose to medium dense silt and sand, those existing structures will be susceptible to construction vibration-induced settlements. In addition, the excavation for the 50-foot diameter digester tank extends at least 6 feet below the adjacent TWAS tanks. The excavation will extend within the zone of influence of the TWAS tank, potentially causing settlement/deformation of the existing tank.

9.2.7 Conceptual-Level Foundation Recommendations

Layout Option 1 Based on our understanding of the proposed structures and the anticipated foundation loads, the proposed digester tanks, gas holding/sludge storage tank and pump house structure can potentially be supported on shallow foundation provided the underlying soft compressible clay layer is overexcavated and replaced with compacted structural fill. Based on conditions encountered at test boring CDM-1,

between 1 and 6 feet of additional overexcavation will be required for the proposed tanks and pump house structure at this location. For the 65-foot diameter tank alternative, preliminary settlement estimates indicate total settlements of approximately 1 inch. However, total settlements are anticipated to be up to 2 inches for the for the 50-foot diameter tank alternative. If these anticipated settlements cannot be tolerated, deep foundations may be required. Additional explorations and evaluations will need to be conducted to verify the suitability of shallow foundation support for Option 1. Layout Option 2 Due to the deeper extent of the soft clay layer and the presence of loose silt and fine sand below the clay layer, deep foundations will likely be required for support of the tanks and associated structures at the Option 2 location. For the 50-ft diameter tank alternative, the proposed digester 2 will extend within the zone of influence of the existing TWAS Tank No. 4. To minimize the risk of impacting the TWAS tank during construction, a stiff excavation support system with braces will be required for the construction of the new digester tank. In addition, underpinning of the adjacent TWAS tank may be required to prevent excessive settlement/deformation of the existing tanks. Earthquake Considerations For purposes of determining design earthquake forces for the structures in accordance with the Code, Site Class should be considered as D, provided the soft clay layer is over excavated and replaced with structural fill or the structures are founded on deep foundations. Based on previous and recent subsurface investigation, the soils encountered at the site are not considered susceptible to liquefaction. Ground Water Elevation For the purpose of design, the groundwater level should be assumed to be at the 100year flood elevation, which we understand to be at El. 136.

Deep Foundations Based on the considerations discussed above, deep foundations may be required to support some structures depending on the location, the type of structure selected and settlement tolerances. Option 1. Although a number of pile types are considered feasible, for the purpose of conceptual design, we recommend that precast prestressed concrete (PCP) pile be assumed for any structures requiring foundations at the Option 1 location. Typical PCP piles sizes include 12- and 14-inch square piles with approximate structural capacities of 99 and 134 tons, respectively. Option 2. Due to the close proximity of the proposed structures to the existing shallow-supported structures and the susceptibility of the existing structures to vibration induced settlements, we recommend the structures at the Option 2 location be supported on drilled, cast-in-place reinforced concrete piles. Based on the limited deep boring information, the required pile lengths are not known at this time. However, piles are anticipated to extend to a depth of at least of 65 to 70 feet bgs. Final design recommendations regarding foundation type and other geotechnical design recommendations are pending additional test borings, final facility layout and loading information for the tanks and structures.

9.2.8 Recommended Phase 2 Exploration Program

We recommend an additional five borings be drilled after the final selection of tank and structure locations. The additional borings should be located at the proposed tanks, structures and equipment pad locations. Depending on the final choice of location and design of the tanks and structures, the borings should be drilled to a

depth from 30 to greater than 75 feet in order to facilitate design of the anticipated foundation elements. The borings should be conducted using drive and wash techniques. Sampling should typically be conducted at 5-foot intervals using a standard split spoon sampler (SPT). Split spoon sampling should be conducted in accordance with ASTM D1586. Representative samples should be taken from each split spoon and stored in jars for later review and laboratory testing. Up to ten feet of rock should be cored at selected borings if encountered to confirm the competence of the rock and assist in characterizing the engineering properties rock. A CDM geotechnical engineer or geologist should monitor the borings in the field and classify the samples recovered using the Burmister soil classification system.

9.3 Site Design Considerations

9.3.1 Codes and Standards
The site design will conform to the requirements outlined in the applicable national and/or local standards and codes. Codes primarily outline design requirements and construction details. It is not intended in the scope of this memo to list every code and standard. Proper recognition of the applicable standards for a project is essential to a well-engineered, coordinated and constructed system. Listed below are those national institutes and associations that publish the most widely accepted related U.S. codes and standards. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO); Maine Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges (MHSSHB); American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM); and Maine Dept of Environmental Protection, Maine Erosion and Sediment Control Law. New structures and roadways should be located using a coordinate system based on Maine State Plane Coordinate System or dimensioned from existing structures. Dimensions will be to column lines, outside face of building corner walls, or center of circular tanks. New roadways will be established based on centerline dimensions. Minimum width for new roadways will be 20 feet for two-way traffic with the preferred width of 24 feet. Access driveways and one-way roadways will have a minimum width of 15 feet. Minimum radii at roadway intersections will be 35 feet to accommodate turning requirements of 30-foot fixed wheel or 55-foot semi-truck type vehicles. New paved areas are anticipated around the proposed Digester Facility and Gas Safety Equipment Buildings. Final dimensions will be determined based on access requirements and anticipated vehicle type. New pedestrian walkways will have a minimum dimension of 5 feet.

9.3.2 Site Preparation

In order to maintain access to existing facilities and minimize impacts on daily activities construction routes will be identified. Limits of construction will be established to protect existing structures and staging areas. Existing facilities and natural resource areas/lawn areas will be protected in areas not impacted by proposed improvements. Temporary construction access ways may be required to protect existing paved roadways. A temporary construction fence may be installed around new work during the various phases to protect existing facilities and employees and visitors.