GROUP:

Geotechnical Exploration and Evaluation Report of

Gymnastic and Meeting Building Florida




CLIENT
The Parks and Recreation Department of Relax City, Florida







Dale: _____________



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M/s The Parks and Recreation Date. 27-11-2013
Department of Relax City,
Florida


Subject: Geotechnical Exploration and Evaluation Report of Gymnastic and Meeting Building,
Near City Hall, Florida

Dear Sir,
Reference your request regarding the geotechnical investigation for the subject site; enclosed
please find copy of the geotechnical investigation report. The 'Geotechnical Investigation
Report' has been prepared for the foundation design of proposed Gymnastic and Meeting
Building, near City Hall, Florida. The report includes information regarding subsoil stratigraphy,
field as well as laboratory determinations of soil characteristics and foundation design
recommendations.
We hope that the investigation results presented in this report will provide all the necessary
information for the construction of the subject facility. In case there is any query, please do
not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Best Regards,


(Student Name)





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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION 3
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3
3. THE SITE GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY 3
3.1. The Site Geology 3
3.2. The Seismicity at the Site 4
4. THE SCOPE OF WORK 4
5. THE INVESTIGATION DETAILS 4
5.1. Drilling Of Bore Holes 4
6. THE SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS AT THE SITE 5
6.1. Site Conditions 5
6.2. Subsoil Conditions (Stratigraphy) 5
6.3. Groundwater 5
7. FOUNDATION DESIGN CONSIDERATION 6
7.1. General 6
7.2. Selection Of Foundation Types 6
7.3. Depth of Foundation 6
8. THE EARTHWORK 9
8.1. Clearing, Grubbing, Leveling And Grading 9
8.2. Excavations 9
8.3. Fill Materials 10
9. CONSTRUCTIONAL ASPECTS 10
10. INSPECTION AND MONITORING 10
11. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 11
11.1. Type Of Foundation 11
11.2. Minimum Depth Of Foundation 11
11.3. Bearing Pressure 11
12. GENERAL COMMENTS 11
13. APPENDIX - A 12


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1. Introduction
This report present the results of geotechnical investigation for the foundation design of
proposed Gymnastic and Meeting Building, Near City Hall, Florida.
The principal objective of the investigation was to evaluate the surficial and subsurface
conditions at the site, select appropriate geotechnical parameters and to make
recommendations for the design and construction of foundation including the selection of
most appropriate foundation type, foundation depth and the allowable bearing pressure for
design of the foundations.
This report on geotechnical investigation covers the reporting requirement stipulated in the
scope of work. The report contains the main text together with 1 Appendix A (containing
tables, chats, figures, and borehole).
The main text of the report presents description of the site, a general geotechnical assessment
of the project area, details of the investigation performed and an appreciation of the
subsurface conditions as well as recommendations and conclusions with respect to the
foundation design for the proposed structure based on the investigation results. The report
also includes recommendations on earthwork including grading, excavation, fill and
compaction.
2. Project Description
The project site is located in Florida near City Hall. The proposed area is rectangular in shape,
and has width of 175 ft and length of 300 ft. the total gross area of the proposed site is 52,500
square feet.
Based on the plan provided, the proposed construction is to build a Gymnastic and Meeting
Building. The height of the proposed building is approximately 45 feet. It is noticed that project
site is at final grade elevation and no mass excavation or fill is required.
3. The Site Geology And Seismicity
3.1. The Site Geology
It is known from the investigation that the geology at the site is characterized by sandy soil
underneath is lime stone loose to medium rock strata.
The geology of Florida is composed of a thick section of mostly unreformed carbonate rocks.
This carbonate platform has been developing since the late Triassic opening of the North
Atlantic. The rocks generally deposited in shallow water are undeformed. Floridan plateau is
associated with the Bahaman platform to the east; contiguous until later development of
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Florida straits. Rocks gently dip to south. The deepest wells have penetrated up to 18,000 ft of
sedimentary rocks in South Florida Basin
3.2. The Seismicity at the Site
The City Florida is located on the North American Plate passive margin. This active margin is
confined by faults that cause earthquakes when there is movement along them. This is the
major reason that Florida has a particularly low incidence of earthquakes. In a highly unusual
event, some Floridians felt a strong (Magnitude 5.8) earthquake that occurred on September
10 at 10:56 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time in the Gulf of Mexico, about 250 miles (405 km) south-
southwest of Apalachicola, Florida.
4. The Scope Of Work
The purpose of the investigation was to determine the subsoil conditions and to evaluate the
subsoil parameters for the foundation design of proposed Gymnastic and Meeting Building,
Florida.
Specifically the scope of work included:
Field exploration, in-situ testing and sampling.
Laboratory testing
Analyses of data gathered through field and laboratory investigations and preparation of
report including recommendations for:
a. Bearing capacity for proposed foundation.
b. Construction aspects
5. The Investigation Details
5.1. Drilling Of Bore Holes
The field investigation included drilling of 05 bore holes at the locations specified by the client.
The locations of the boreholes are marked on Figure - 1. Boreholes were drilled down to a
depth 25 ft below the existing ground level.
Exploratory borings of 2 feet long diameter and 2 inch split spoon sampler were drilled using
straight rotary technique. Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) were performed in accordance
with ASTM D-1586 at surface and at 0.5 ft depth intervals below the existing ground level up to
the final depth explored. SPT Resistance values (N values) are shown on boring logs attached in
Appendix A (Figure 3 to 7). Figure 2 represents legends and symbols used on boring logs.
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Estimates of relative density of soils and consistency of the cohesive soils given on the boring
logs, in general, are based on the SPT resistance as recommended by Terzaghi and shown in
Table 1.
6. The Subsurface Conditions at The Site
6.1. Site Conditions
The site for the design of proposed Gymnastic and Meeting Building is located near City Hall,
Florida. At present the site is an open piece of land surrounded on three sides by buildings and
the front side by main road. The site is nearly even and is at final grade elevation adjacent to
road level. The site is covered by grass, shrubs and vegetation.
6.2. Subsoil Conditions (Stratigraphy)
The ground surface of the site is covered by grass and few trees. The subsoil conditions are
fairly uniform and consist of deposits consisting of silica sand with trace of fragmented
limestone. In general the subsurface strata exist in a medium dense to dense condition of
compactness. The natural sub soil can be broadly divided into the following stratum:
Stratum # 1: In general the top stratum starts off below a thick cover of dense dark brown
silica sand consisting of sand mixed with fragmented limestone. The dark sand consists of
limestone fragmented particles and in general extends to a depth of about 10 ft below the
existing ground level. The top stratum exists in a medium dense to dense condition of
compactness with SPT values ranging from 13 to 45. The soil can in general be classified as SP.
In borehole No 05, gray concrete fill with brown sand of 02 feet layer is encountered.
Stratum # 2: This stratum underlying stratum # 2 consists of tan fragmented limestone and
extends to the final depth explored. In borehole No 01 & 03, again tan sand with fragmented
limestone of depth 5 ft is encountered. This stratum is rock and exists in a soft to medium
dense condition of compactness with SPT value ranging 14 to 40 ft.
The actual thicknesses and occurrence of different soil/rock layers at different depth horizons
observed during drilling are documented in borehole logs attached at figure 08 & 09 in
Appendix A.
6.3. Groundwater
The groundwater level was established at a depth of about 07 ft below the existing ground
level during drilling operations. The static groundwater is ranges from approx. el +0 to el+3
based on experiences. It is important to mentioned that tidal and seasonal variation in the
above given limit is expected.
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7. Foundation Design Consideration
7.1. General
In order for the foundations to be safe, the load carrying strata must be competent to sustain
the imposed loading without undergoing shear failure and at the same time any settlements of
the foundations must not exceed the tolerable limits. Therefore, the load carrying
characteristics of the strata must be evaluated from these two considerations.
7.2. Selection Of Foundation Types
Considering the competence of the strata, as evaluated from the investigation results and the
type of the structures to be constructed, any type of shallow foundation (isolated, strip or mat)
would be technically feasible and economical in construction; provision of deep foundation
will not be required. However taking into consideration the presence of sandy soils it is
recommended that if isolated foundations are used. The foundations should be tied to reduce
the chances of differential settlement.
The preference of a type of the shallow foundation over the other for a particular structure
must be carefully evaluated, considering the resistance of a foundation type to the shear
stresses and deformation characteristics of the bearing soils, as well as consideration for the
economy of construction.
The settlement of a structure among other factors is also a function of the type of foundation
system adopted. A spread footing is more sensitive to the variations in the subsurface
conditions, and therefore may settle more than a strip footing, which has the ability of
bridging over the relatively weaker zones between adjacent columns and thereby adding
significant rigidity to the foundation system. The mat foundation provides even more
advantage in this respect.
7.3. Depth of Foundation
Regardless of the foundation type adopted for a particular structure, the foundations must be
laid at a sufficient depth, below the depth of seasonal variation zone of the subsoil.
The depth of foundation among other factors is also governed by the lateral stability
requirements and presence of surficial debris, organic matter and chemically deleterious
materials, all of which, if within the zone of influence of foundation must be replaced by a
competent material and the foundations be placed well below such materials so that these can
transmit the pressure directly onto the competent load bearing strata.
It is our understanding that the proposed structure will consist of a three storey building
without a basement. It is recommended that the foundation of the structure should be placed
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at a minimum depth of 3 ft below the existing ground level on well compacted soil. However
keeping in mind the limitations of investigation it is strongly recommended that before placing
the foundations a senior qualified engineer should inspect the foundation level after
excavation and make sure that the foundation rests on well compacted soil.
7.3.1. Settlement and Allowable Bearing Pressures
The allowable bearing pressure for the design of foundations must not exceed more than the
allowable bearing capacity of the load carrying soil with respect to shear failure. At the same
time the settlement corresponding to the allowable bearing pressure must not exceed the
maximum allowable limit of settlement for the particular foundation / structure system,
therefore the load carrying capacity of the soil has to be checked against both shear and
settlement. The lesser of the two (shear and settlement) will determine the allowable bearing
pressure for design of foundations. In order to recommend allowable bearing pressure for
design of foundations, it is first necessary to establish the allowable settlement criteria for the
structures to be constructed at the site.
The allowable total settlement for structures as reported in the literature varies between the
classical Terzaghi criteria of 1 inch (25 mm) to more than 4 inch (100 mm). Generally 2 inch (50
mm) total settlement is recommended for mat foundation. It is however to be noted that it is
usually the differential settlement, rather than the total settlement that is of concern in the
design of foundations. A state of the art criteria for tolerable settlements is developed on the
basis of the distortion that a structure can tolerate, which is then related to the differential
and total settlements which a structure can tolerate depending upon various loading
conditions and subsurface characteristics.
Typical soil parameters used for the calculations of settlement and bearing pressure for
foundations are presented in Table 2.
7.3.2. Settlement Calculations
The settlement of square isolated footings of different dimensions has been calculated using
the following relationship given by Timoshenko and Goodier (Reference Foundation Analysis
and Design 5th Edition by Joseph E. Bowles):

Where
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H = Allowable Settlement
q = Allowable Bearing Pressure
B' = Least lateral dimension of the foundation
I
f
= Influence factor for reduction of settl ement when foundation is placed at some depth "D"
in the ground.
I
s
= Influence factor which depends upon L/B, thickness of stratum H and Poisson's ration 0.3.
E
s
= Elastic soil parameter.
7.3.3. Allowable Bearing Capacity
The allowable bearing capacity is smaller of the safe bearing capacity (foundation should not
fail in shear) and the bearing capacity calculated on the bases of tolerable settlement.
Therefore, the load carrying characteristics of the strata must be evaluated from these two
considerations. The width of the foundation along with other factors generally controls the
allowable bearing capacity, as the width of the foundation increases it is the allowable
settlement of foundation rather than shear failure of the ground which will govern the
assignment of the allowable bearing pressure for design of foundation.
Generally the allowable settlement for framed building structures supported on square / strip
footing is taken as 25mm.
Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity Theory
Q
u
= c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.5 B N

= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow strip footings, (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
)
Q
u
= 1.3 c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.4 B N

= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow square footings, (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
)
Q
u
= 1.3 c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.3 B N

= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow circular footings, (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
)
Where:
c = Cohesion of soil (lb/ft
2
),
= effective unit weight of soil (lb/ft
3
)
D = depth of footing (ft)
B = width of footing)(ft),
N
c
=cot(N
q
1)
N
q
=e
2
(3
/4-/2)tan
/ [2 cos
2
(45+/2)],
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N

=(1/2) tan(k
p
/cos
2
- 1)
e = Napier's constant = 2.718
k
p
= passive pressure coefficient
= angle of internal friction (degrees).
Taking into consideration the above described criteria the net allowable bearing pressure has
been calculated at 3 ft (1 m) depth below the existing ground surface. The recommended
allowable bearing pressure values in general are as follows:
Depth of
Foundation
Type of
Foundation
Least lateral
Dimension
of
Foundation
Net
Allowable
Bearing
Pressure
3 ft
Isolated
Square
5.25 ft 6,564 Ib/ft
2

The actual net bearing pressure value for any particular Isolated Square foundation can be
seen from Table 03.
8. The Earthwork
8.1. Clearing, Grubbing, Leveling And Grading
Prior to any construction activity at the site, it must be cleared of all debris, and surface
vegetation. This can be carried out by graders/dozers. For leveling and grading, stakes should
be installed on a grid marked by Surveying Crews. The required levels to be attained through
cut or fill at the grid points must also be identified.
The leveling and grading can be carried out by normal earth moving machine. As
predominantly sandy soils will be encountered in excavation throughout the project area, no
special problems are anticipated in excavating and moving these soils with excavators,
scrappers and dozers.
8.2. Excavations
The excavations for construction of foundations, other substructures or for trenches for utility
lines can be made by using conventional earth moving machinery including scrappers, dozers
and trenchers etc. All the excavations should be properly sloped or supported to avoid any
stability failure as well as movement in the adjacent structures.
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After reaching the designed foundation level and before placing the foundation, it is
recommended that the soil should be well compacted by using an appropriate roller or
equivalent.
8.3. Fill Materials
The on-site materials after removing about 1.5 ft. of topsoil can be used for general backfilling
at the site. However preferably the backfill material should be granular and the quantities of
fines should limit to the recommended values.
9. Constructional Aspects
We recommend the following measures for long-term stability of the structures.
Well compact the bottom of the excavation using appropriate compaction equipment (such
as tamping plates) before placing the foundations.
A pad of at least 6 inches of 1:4:8 PCC (well compacted) should be placed on the prepared
ground before placing foundations.
Engineering fill (A-1-a, A-1-b or A-3) should be used as a back fill material. The commonly
available back fill material is A-3 (sand).
Plinth protection slab sloping away from the buildings should be provided around the
structure to reduce ingress of water to foundation soils.
Proper surface drainage should be provided in the project area and the area should be
graded to keep the surface runoff away from the structure. The ingress of water from any
source should be avoided.
10. Inspection And Monitoring
It is necessary that all the geotechnical aspects of foundation construction and earthwork be
monitored by competent construction supervision staff including qualified and experienced
engineers. For this purpose a comprehensive inspection and monitoring program should be
prepared. The program must specifically address the following aspects.
1. Inspection of all stripping work to ensure that the undesirable topsoil containing refuse
and organic material has been adequately removed.
2. Making sure that all the stripped off material and other unwanted materials from the
site are disposed off in designated disposal area without any environmental hazard.
3. Identification of in-situ conditions of the subsurface during foundation excavation and
preparation of sub grades, so that over excavation is avoided. Senior engineer should
ensure that the foundation has been placed on well compacted soil.
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4. Identify the areas on the excavated slopes requiring protection, and provide suitable
remedial measures, where required to ensure stability of slopes during construction.
5. Special precautions should be observed during excavation and proper protection
should be provided to neighboring structures. Full time monitoring by an experienced
engineer should be ensured.
11. Summary Of Recommendations
11.1. Type Of Foundation
Shallow foundation Isolated Square type can be used; however foundations should be tied to
reduce chances of differential settlement.
11.2. Minimum Depth Of Foundation
Minimum depth of foundation should be 3 ft below the existing ground level on well
compacted soil.
11.3. Bearing Pressure
The recommended allowable bearing pressure values in general are as follows:
Depth of Foundation Type of Foundation
Least lateral
Dimension of
Foundation
Net Allowable
Bearing Pressure
3 ft Isolated Square 5.25 ft 6,564 Ib/ft
2

12. General Comments
Foundation should be placed on well compacted soil; a senior qualified engineer should
inspect the site before placing foundations and should ensure that the foundation has been
placed on well compacted soil.
Sulphate Resistance cement should be used for the foundation works.
Special precautions should be observed during excavation and proper protection
should be provided to neighboring structures. Full time monitoring by an experienced
engineer should be ensured.

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13. APPENDIX - A
Tables
Bore Hole Logs

























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TABLE-1
Empirical Values For , Q
u
, D
r
and Unit Weight Of Soils Based on The SPT


Table-2
Soil Parameters Used In The Analysis Of Settlement and Bearing Pressure

DESCRIPTION OF PARAMETER VALUE OF PARAMETER
Bulk unit weight 120 Ib/ft
3

Corrected average N-value 25 blows/1 ft
Angle of internal friction of top soil 33
o

Cohesion , c 0






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Table-3
Calculation of Foundation Width


Given
bearing pressure from building = 180,000 lbs/ft
2

unit weight of soil, = 120 lbs/ft
3

Cohesion, c = 0
angle of Internal Friction, = 33 degrees
footing depth, D = 3 ft

Solution
Try a width, B = 5.25 foot
Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3
Determine bearing capacity factors N

, N
c
and N
q
. See typical bearing capacity factors relating
to the soils' angle of internal friction.
N
g
= 31
N
q
= 33
N
c
= 49
Solve for ultimate bearing capacity,
Q
u
= c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.4 B N

strip footing eq.

Q
u
= 0(49) + 120lbs/ft
3
(3ft)(33) + 0.4(120lbs/ft
3
)(5.25ft)(31)
Q
u
=19,692 lbs/ft
2

Solve for allowable bearing capacity,
Q
a
= Qu
F.S.
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Q
a
=21645lbs/ft
2
= 6564lbs/ft
2
o.k.
3
Since Q
a
> 180,000/5.25
2
= 6530 lbs/ft
2
bearing pressure, Use B=5.25 ft

Conclusion
Footing shall be 5.25 feet wide at a depth of 3 feet below ground surface. Many engineers
neglect the depth factor (i.e. D N
q
= 0) for shallow foundations. This inherently increases the
factor of safety.











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Figure -1
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LEGENDS


























Figure -2
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Figure -3
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Figure -4
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Figure -5
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Figure -6
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Figure -7
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