Chicken Ranch Casino

Overview:

The construction of Chicken Ranch Casino in Jamestown, California presents a unique challenge due to its location on a hillside in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada. To accommodate the split-level structure design, extensive cut and fill grading operations were required, resulting in the use of thick fill layers below recently constructed slabs-on-grade. Settlement issues have been observed in this area, necessitating the removal of the floor slab, excavation of the fill down to the bedrock level, and subsequent backfilling to the original building pad grade. This project spotlight explores the potential use of Lightweight Cellular Concrete (LCC) as an engineered backfill material to address these settlement concerns.

Objective:

The primary objective is to stabilize the slope by utilizing LCC as a replacement for the existing fill material. By removing the settled fill and replacing it with LCC, the aim is to mitigate potential settlement issues and provide a stable foundation for the reconstructed concrete floor slab. The LWCC backfill should be capable of supporting the estimated structural load of 100 to 200 pounds per square foot (psf) imposed by the slab-on-grade.

Implementation:

1. Removal and Excavation: The floor slab of Level 2 will be removed, and the existing fill material will be excavated down to the field-verified bedrock level using appropriate techniques.
2. Lightweight Cellular Concrete Placement: LCC will be placed between the foundation walls and against the excavated rock surface. This engineered backfill material possesses low lateral loading on adjacent walls, provided proper drainage is incorporated to eliminate hydrostatic pressure from potential water ingress.
3. Lateral Pressure Management: During the placement and setting of LCC, hydrostatic pressure equivalent to the density of the material multiplied by the lift thickness will be temporarily exerted. However, the design will include adequate drainage provisions to minimize lateral pressure on existing walls, ensuring it remains significantly lower than that exerted by the previous soil backfill.

Benefits:

1. Enhanced Stability: The use of LCC as a replacement backfill material will address settlement concerns, preventing potential structural issues and ensuring long-term stability.
2. Reduced Lateral Pressure: With appropriate drainage measures, the lateral pressure exerted by LWCC on existing walls will be significantly lower than that experienced with the previous soil backfill, minimizing the risk of structural damage.
3. Efficient Construction: The lightweight nature of LWCC facilitates ease of placement, reducing construction time and labor requirements.
4. Environmentally Friendly: LWCC is a sustainable material that promotes eco-conscious construction practices, as it is made from recycled materials and has a minimal carbon footprint.

Conclusion:

By implementing Lightweight Cellular Concrete as an engineered backfill material, the Chicken Ranch Casino construction project aims to resolve settlement issues and ensure the long-term stability of the structure. This innovative solution offers enhanced performance, reduced lateral pressure, and efficient construction practices while upholding environmental sustainability.