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What is NYC BC § 1806.2.3?

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This section outlines the requirements for using uncontrolled fills as satisfactory bearing material in construction. It specifies the necessary exploration methods, including test pits and borings, and the criteria for the fill material. Applies to building owners utilizing uncontrolled fill in foundation work.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

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1806.2.3 Uncontrolled fills.

BC § 1806.2.3

Fills other than controlled fill may be considered as satisfactory bearing material of applicable class, subject to the following: 1. Where spread footings will be used, the soil within the built-up area shall be explored using test pits at every column. All test pits shall extend to depths equal to the smaller width of the footing and at least one test pit shall penetrate at least 8 feet (2438.4 mm) below the level of the bottom of the proposed footings. All test pits shall be backfilled with properly compacted fill. Borings may be used in lieu of test pits, provided that continuous samples of at least 3 inches (76.2 mm) in diameter are recovered. Where mat foundations will be used, one test pit or minimum 3 inch (76.2 mm) diameter sampler boring shall be provided for every 1,000 square feet (92.9 m 2 ) of building footprint area. For continuous concrete footings, one test pit or minimum 3 inch (76.2 mm) diameter sampler boring shall be provided for every 25 linear feet (7620 mm).

2.The building area shall be additionally explored using one standard boring for every 2,500 square foot (232.3 m 2 ) of building footprint area. These borings shall be carried to a depth sufficient to penetrate into natural ground, but not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) below grade.

3.The fill shall be composed of material that is free of voids and free of extensive inclusions of mud and organic materials such as paper, wood, garbage, cans, or metallic objects and debris.

4.The allowable soil bearing pressure on satisfactory uncontrolled fill material shall not exceed 2 tons per square foot (191.5 kPa). One and two-family dwellings may be founded on satisfactory uncontrolled fill provided the dwelling site has been explored using at least one test pit, penetrating at least 8 feet (2438.4 mm) below the level of the bottom of the proposed footings, and the fill has been found to be composed of material that is free of voids and generally free of mud and organic materials, such as paper, garbage, cans, or metallic objects, and debris. Test pits shall be backfilled with properly compacted fill.

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