REAFFIRMATION

August 2002

Process Industry Practices

Civil

PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation
Specification
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these
technical requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and
engineering costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While
this Practice is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users,
individual applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take
precedence over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and
particular matters or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering
situations should not be made solely on information contained in these materials. The
use of trade names from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of
preference but rather recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the
same specifications are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All
Practices or guidelines are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and
regulations including OSHA requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines
should conflict with OSHA or other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or
regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate professional before applying or
acting on any material contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time by the responsible Function Team and
will be reviewed every 5 years. This Practice will be revised, reaffirmed, or withdrawn.
Information on whether this Practice has been revised may be found at www.pip.org.

Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The

University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin,
Texas 78759. PIP member companies and subscribers may copy this Practice
for their internal use. Changes, overlays, addenda, or modifications of any
kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written
authorization of PIP.

PIP will not consider requests for interpretations (inquiries) for this Practice.
PRINTING HISTORY
July 1997 Issued
August 2002 Reaffirmed

Not printed with State funds


Process Industry Practices
Civil
PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation
Specification
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................. 2
1.1 Purpose ............................................. 2
1.2 Scope................................................. 2
2. References ................................... 2
2.1 Industry Codes and Standards .......... 2
2.2 Government Regulations ................... 3
3. Definitions .................................... 3
4. General ......................................... 3
4.1 Quality Control ................................... 3
4.2 Permits............................................... 3
4.3 Submittals .......................................... 3
Process Industry Practices
REAFFIRMATION
August 2002
5. Products ....................................... 4
5.1 Field Reports ..................................... 4
5.2 Preliminary Report ............................. 4
5.3 Final Report(s) ................................... 5
6. Execution ..................................... 5
6.1 General .............................................. 5
6.2 Examination of Site............................ 5
6.3 Utilities ............................................... 6
6.4 Field Work ......................................... 6
6.5 Laboratory Testing............................. 6
6.6 Reporting ........................................... 6
Appendix -
Required Geotechnical Services
Page 1 of 8
PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification August 2002

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose
This Practice provides the geotechnical consultant with a geotechnical engineering
investigation specification that harmonizes the requirements of major process
industry companies and engineering/construction firms into a single document.

1.2 Scope
This Practice describes the minimum requirements for a geotechnical engineering
investigation. The investigation shall consist of subsurface exploration, field and
laboratory testing as needed, analyses, and preparation of report(s) presenting
engineering recommendations for design and construction.
The geotechnical investigation specified herein includes no environmentally related
investigation or analysis.

2. References
When adopted in this Practice or in the contract, the edition of the following codes, standards
and specifications in effect on the date of the contract award shall be used unless otherwise
specified. Short titles will be used herein when appropriate.

2.1 Industry Codes and Standards

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

ASTM D420 - Standard Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering,
Design, and Construction Purposes
ASTM D698 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN -
m/m3))
ASTM D1557 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN -
m/m3))
ASTM D1883 - Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
Laboratory-Compacted Soils
ASTM D2166 - Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength
of Cohesive Soil
ASTM D2435 - Standard Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation
Properties of Soils
ASTM D2487 - Standard Test Method for Classification of Soils for
Engineering Purposes (United Soil Classification System)
ASTM D2850 - Standard Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial
Compressive Test on Cohesive Soils

Page 2 of 8 Process Industry Practices

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
August 2002 Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

ASTM D4253 - Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
ASTM D4254 - Standard Test Method for Minimum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
ASTM D5434 - Standard Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations
of Soil and Rock

2.2 Government Regulations

Federal Standards and Instructions of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), including any additional requirements by state or local
agencies that have jurisdiction where the work is performed shall apply.

3. Definitions
buyer: The party who awards the contract. The buyer may be the owner or the owners
authorized agent.

geotechnical consultant: The party responsible for performing the geotechnical engineering
investigation described in this Practice

contract: The legal agreement between the buyer and the geotechnical consultant to perform
the work described in this Practice

4. General

4.1 Quality Control

4.1.1 Final report(s) shall be submitted under the seal and signature of a
geotechnical engineer who is legally entitled to practice engineering in the
state in which the project is located.
4.1.2 Unless waived by the buyer, the geotechnical consultant shall provide an
engineer or geologist in the field full time during exploration activities. The
engineer/geologist shall supervise and observe all subsurface exploration
operations and shall classify samples and prepare logs of borings, soundings,
pits, etc.

4.2 Permits
The geotechnical consultant shall obtain all work permits, excavation permits, and
other permits or authorizations required by the buyer or by governmental or
regulatory agencies and/or local jurisdictions for performance of the work, including
permits or authorizations for borings, soundings, pits, wells, piezometers,
transportation of samples, etc.

4.3 Submittals
4.3.1 The following requirements apply to the geotechnical consultants proposal
submitted to the buyer before award of contract.

Process Industry Practices Page 3 of 8

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification August 2002

4.3.1.1 When buyer provides a required program for field and/or laboratory
testing, include either a statement supporting the adequacy of the
proposed program or suggested modifications.
4.3.1.2 When buyer does not provide a required program for field and
laboratory testing, include a detailed proposed program of field
exploration, field testing, and laboratory testing containing the
following:
a. Plan showing locations and depths of proposed borings and any
other proposed exploration
b. Proposed field-sampling and testing program, including types
and frequency of samples and tests
c. Proposed laboratory-testing program, including types and
numbers of tests
d. Descriptions of any proposed methods/tests not referenced
herein
4.3.1.3 Include a schedule of beginning and completion dates of field and
laboratory work and dates for submittal of preliminary and final
reports.
4.3.1.4 Include descriptions of any structures, equipment, utilities,
vegetation, or other facilities that will require removal or that will be
damaged due to equipment access to boring locations.
4.3.1.5 Include resumes, or statement of qualifications and experience, of
technical and professional personnel to be assigned to the project,
including field personnel. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and
degree of involvement of each individual.

5. Products

5.1 Field Reports

5.1.1 Provide field logs of borings, soundings, pits, wells, and other field
exploration/testing activities in accordance with ASTM D5434.
5.1.2 Provide progress reports including the following:
5.1.2.1 Summary of work completed
5.1.2.2 Description of unusual or unanticipated conditions encountered
5.1.2.3 Assessment of adequacy of work scope and any recommended
modifications
5.1.2.4 Statement of progress relative to planned schedule

5.2 Preliminary Report

5.2.1 Preliminary report shall contain findings, conclusions, and recommendations
and shall include as a minimum the following:

Page 4 of 8 Process Industry Practices

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
August 2002 Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

5.2.1.1 Logs and location plan of borings, soundings, pits, wells, and other
field exploration/testing activities
5.2.1.2 Subsurface cross-sections
5.2.1.3 Discussion of groundwater and impact on proposed construction
5.2.1.4 Results and interpretations of field testing
5.2.1.5 Recommended foundation type(s) and design parameters
5.2.1.6 Discussion of foundation settlements
5.2.1.7 Discussion of potential problems that may affect project planning,
schedule, cost, design, or construction

5.3 Final Report(s)

5.3.1 The final report shall respond to buyers comments and questions on the
preliminary report.
5.3.2 The final report shall include all information required in the Appendix of
this Practice.

6. Execution

6.1 General
6.1.1 Furnish all labor, equipment, tools, supervision, supplies, and transportation
required to perform the geotechnical investigation, exploration, testing,
analyses, and reporting in accordance with ASTM D420 and with this
Practice, including requirements in the Appendix.
6.1.2 Comply with the federal standards and instructions of OSHA, including any
additional requirements by state or local agencies that have jurisdiction
where the work will be performed.
6.1.3 Comply with all aspects of safety programs and policies of the buyer and/or
owner.
6.1.4 Comply with ASTM procedures referenced in this Practice and with other
widely accepted standards or specifications when approved by buyer.
6.1.5 If initial field work and/or testing indicate a need for modifications in the
work scope, immediately inform the buyer.

6.2 Examination of Site

The geotechnical consultant shall examine the site and become familiar with all
existing conditions and shall evaluate the conditions with respect to performance of
the work and to the design/construction of the proposed facilities.

Process Industry Practices Page 5 of 8

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification August 2002

6.3 Utilities
6.3.1 Before commencing the field work, the geotechnical consultant shall locate
all public underground utilities and shall request that the buyer locate all
plant underground utilities.
6.3.2 The geotechnical consultant shall perform all work a sufficient distance
away from underground and aboveground utilities to protect personnel and
utilities.

6.4 Field Work

6.4.1 Unless specifically made a responsibility of the buyer in the contract,
provide any site modifications, improvements, special equipment, or clearing
required to access locations of borings, soundings, pits, etc. Restore site to
original condition, or as required by the contract.
6.4.2 If any indication of soil or groundwater contamination is detected,
immediately suspend all work and inform the buyer. Do not resume work
until notification to proceed is received from the buyer.
6.4.3 In each test boring, perform soil sampling at intervals of no greater than
2.5 feet (75 cm) in the upper 10 feet (3 m), and thereafter every 5 feet
(1.5 m) and at changes in strata.
6.4.4 Use minimum 3-inch (76-mm) -diameter tubes for thin-walled tube
sampling.
6.4.5 Determine groundwater levels.
6.4.6 Notify buyer at least 3 days before completion of field work and/or removal
of equipment from the site.
6.4.7 Grout all completed boreholes and soundings, from the bottom of the hole
up, with a grout mixture of portland cement and between 4% and 15% by
weight of bentonite. Use potable water or water from a source approved by
the buyer.

6.5 Laboratory Testing

6.5.1 Perform laboratory testing as required by contract.
6.5.1.1 Classification testing shall be in accordance with ASTM D2487.
6.5.1.2 Other soil properties shall be determined in accordance with
ASTM D698, ASTM D1557, ASTM D1883, ASTM D2166,
ASTM D2435, ASTM D2850, ASTM D4253, and ASTM D4254.
6.5.2 Notify buyer immediately of any indicated need for modifications to the
testing program.

6.6 Reporting
6.6.1 Prepare and submit to the buyer the following reports:
6.6.1.1 Weekly field reports including information contained in Section 5.1,
Field Reports, unless waived by the buyer.

Page 6 of 8 Process Industry Practices

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
August 2002 Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

6.6.1.2 Three copies of a preliminary report in accordance with Section 5.2,

Preliminary Report, unless waived by the buyer.
6.6.1.3 Final report(s) in accordance with Section 5.3, Final Report(s).
Unless otherwise stated in the contract, submit six (6) copies.

Process Industry Practices Page 7 of 8

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification August 2002

This page is intentionally blank.

Page 8 of 8 Process Industry Practices

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
August 2002 Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

Appendix
Required Geotechnical Services
The final report of the geotechnical consultant shall include information and recommendations on
items marked in the following list.
1. Introduction
___ 1.1 Description of proposed construction
___ 1.2 Purpose and scope of investigation
___ 1.3 Abstract of findings and recommendations
2. Site Conditions
___ 2.1 Site geology, general description
___ 2.2 Potential geologic hazards
___ 2.3 Site surface description
___ 2.4 Site topography, general description
___ 2.5 Description of aboveground obstructions
3. Subsurface Conditions
___ 3.1 Stratigraphy
___ 3.2 Subsurface material properties, general description
___ 3.3 Groundwater elevations and expected variations
___ 3.4 Description of underground obstructions encountered or otherwise identified
4. Field Investigation
___ 4.1 Summary of operations
___ 4.2 Description of sampling procedures
___ 4.3 Description of field tests
___ 4.4 Logs of borings, soundings, pits, wells, etc., in accordance with ASTM D5434 and
containing the following:
4.4.1 Complete descriptions and thicknesses of all strata, including near-surface
materials such as paving, base course, topsoil, fill, etc.
4.4.2 Locations referenced to plant coordinate system
4.4.3 Ground surface elevations referenced to plant datum, if available; if not, then
referenced to mean sea level (MSL)
4.4.4 Standard penetration test values in blows per 6-inch increment
4.4.5 Results of all field tests
___ 4.5 Location plan, containing as a minimum
4.5.1 Scale plan with locations of borings, soundings, pits, wells, etc.
4.5.2 Plant coordinate system
5. Laboratory Tests
___ 5.1 Description of tests
___ 5.2 Test results
6. Hydrology
___ 6.1 Erosion potential

Process Industry Practices Page A1

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification August 2002

___ 6.2 Surface run-off coefficients

___ 6.3 Percolation
7. Seismic Analysis
___ 7.1 Seismicity based on seismic risk map
___ 7.2 Soil profile type and site coefficient(s)
___ 7.3 Site specific seismic risk study
8. Foundation Recommendations
___ 8.1 Type(s) of foundation recommended
___ 8.2 Basis for selecting recommended foundation type(s)
___ 8.3 Recommendations for foundation type(s) selected
___ 8.4 Recommendations for deep foundations regardless of foundation type selected
___ 8.5 Recommendations for shallow foundations regardless of foundation type selected
___ 8.6 Soil strength parameters used in determining design capacities
9. Shallow Foundation Recommendations
___ 9.1 Spread footings: Depth below grade, size, and shape restrictions
___ 9.2 Mat foundations: Depth below grade, modulus of subgrade reaction
___ 9.3 Tank foundations: Recommendations and restrictions, excavation and backfill,
ringwall or mat considerations, extended water tests
___ 9.4 Vibratory equipment foundations: Dynamic shear modulus, Poissons ratio, other
considerations
___ 9.4.1 Based on correlations from published literature
___ 9.4.2 Based on in-situ testing
___ 9.5 Ultimate and allowable net soil-bearing capacity
___ 9.5.1 As a function of the shape and size of foundation, depth of
embedment, and soil strength
___ 9.5.2 Any increase in net allowable bearing capacity for hydrotest loads,
and short-term loads such as wind and earthquake
___ 9.6 Foundation settlement
9.6.1 As a function of loading, shape and size of foundations, and compressibility
of sub-soils
9.6.2 Immediate settlement during construction
9.6.3 Long-term settlement
9.6.4 Time rate of settlement
9.6.5 Adjacent foundation settlement
9.6.6 Differential settlement for tanks
9.6.6.1 Along the perimeter
9.6.6.2 Center of tank to perimeter
9.6.6.3 Slope of tank bottom after anticipated settlement
9.6.6.4 Limitations or recommendations for hydrotest procedures to
minimize differential settlement
9.6.6.5 Anticipated settlement and rebound during hydrotest and specific
measurements during hydrotest

Page A2 Process Industry Practices

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
August 2002 Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

10. Deep Foundation Recommendations

___ 10.1 Type of pile or drilled pier and basis for recommendation
___ 10.2 Ultimate and allowable axial compression capacity through end bearing and skin
friction
10.2.1 Capacity vs. length
10.2.2 Any increase in capacity for hydrotest loads or for short-term loads such as
wind and earthquake
___ 10.3 Minimum and maximum tip elevations, when applicable
___ 10.4 Ultimate and allowable axial uplift capacity
10.4.1 Uplift capacity vs. length
10.4.2 Any increase in capacity for hydrotest loads or for short-term loads such as
wind and earthquake
___ 10.5 Allowable lateral capacity
___ 10.5.1 Applied lateral loading vs. deflection of pile head
___ 10.5.2 Pile moment vs. depth
___ 10.5.3 P-Y curves
___ 10.5.4 Recommendations for generation of P-Y curves and required
parameters (cohesion, friction angle, E50)
___ 10.6
Down drag considerations
___ 10.7
Spacing, group action, and use of batter piles
___ 10.8
Settlement considerations
___ 10.9
Vibratory equipment foundations, spring constants in each direction for
recommended pile type
___ 10.10 Driven pile installation considerations
___ 10.10.1 Driving criteria, including refusal criteria
___ 10.10.2 Wave equation analysis
___ 10.10.3 Pre-drilling requirements/restrictions
___ 10.10.4 Potential problems and recommended solutions
___ 10.10.5 Pile installation near existing facilities
___ 10.11 (Non-driven) drilled pile and pier installation considerations
10.11.1 Installation equipment requirements
10.11.2 Casing/slurry considerations
10.11.3 Installation criteria and recommendations
10.11.4 Potential problems and recommended solutions
___ 10.12 Load test requirements, procedures, and acceptance criteria
11. Earth Pressures
___ 11.1 Active earth pressure, at-rest earth pressure
___ 11.2 Ultimate and allowable passive soil resistance for on-site soils, and recommended
fill and backfill material
___ 11.3 Groundwater considerations
___ 11.4 Drainage requirements

Process Industry Practices Page A3

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification August 2002

12. Soil Properties

___ 12.1 Coefficient of friction or adhesion values between soil and concrete
___ 12.2 Unit weight of soil
___ 12.3 Cohesion and angle of internal friction
___ 12.4 Chemical analysis and other properties of soil and groundwater at depths of
proposed structural elements and utilities, as follows:
___ 12.4.1 pH value
___ 12.4.2 Electrical conductivity (laboratory determination)
___ 12.4.3 Chloride ion (Cl) concentration
___ 12.4.4 Sulfate ion (SO4) concentration
___ 12.4.5 Electrical resistivity of soil (field determination)
___ 12.4.6 Yearly average moisture content of soil
___ 12.4.7 Thermal resistivity of soil
___ 12.5 Permeability
___ 12.5.1 Laboratory determination
___ 12.5.2 In situ determination
13. Slabs and Pavements
___ 13.1 Natural soil and fill, subgrade suitability
___ 13.2 Recommended California bearing ratio value for pavement design
___ 13.2.1 Based on correlations from published literature
___ 13.2.2 Based on laboratory testing
___ 13.2.3 Based on in-situ testing
___ 13.3 Recommended modulus of subgrade reaction for slab design
___ 13.4 Treatment for improving subgrade, if required
___ 13.5 Base course, sub-base course, and shoulder recommendations
___ 13.6 Surfacing recommendations
___ 13.7 Base, sub-base, and subgrade drainage recommendations
___ 13.8 Complete pavement system design
14. Other Considerations; Discuss and Provide Recommendations for the Following:
___ 14.1 Frost susceptibility of soils, frost depth
___ 14.2 Liquefaction potential of soils
___ 14.3 Swelling potential of soils, including depth of zone of soil moisture content
fluctuation
___ 14.4 Collapsible or dispersive soils
___ 14.5 Effects of proposed construction on existing facilities or adjacent property
___ 14.6 Geologic or other potential hazards
15. Excavation Considerations
___ 15.1 Allowable excavation slope inclinations, temporary and permanent
___ 15.2 Groundwater control
___ 15.2.1 Recommended dewatering method
___ 15.2.2 Temporary and permanent groundwater control
___ 15.2.3 Flow quantities

Page A4 Process Industry Practices

PIP CVS02010 REAFFIRMATION
August 2002 Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

15.3 Foundation subgrades

___ 15.3.1 Heave control
___ 15.3.2 Protection/preserving integrity of subgrade
___ 15.4 Effects on existing facilities
___ 15.5 Potential excavation problems
___ 15.6 Rock excavation
___ 15.6.1 Rippability of rock
___ 15.6.2 Definition of rock for contract documents
___ 15.6.3 Rock quantity estimate guidance
___ 15.7 Pressure diagrams for shoring design
___ 15.8 Applicability of specialized shoring/stabilization procedures
___ 15.9 Classification of soil types per OSHA regulations (Types A, B, C)
16. Dikes and Embankments
___ 16.1 Recommended slope inclination
___ 16.2 Slope stability analysis
___ 16.3 Settlement
___ 16.4 Seepage analysis
___ 16.5 Erosion protection of slopes
___ 16.6 Foundation and subgrade preparation
___ 16.7 Fill material: Type, compaction, and moisture content control
17. Railroads
___ 17.1 Natural soil and fill subgrade preparation
___ 17.2 Ballasting, with consideration to availability of local materials
18. Earthwork
___ 18.1 Topsoil: Thickness for stripping; definition for contract documents
___ 18.2 Suitability of on-site material for structural and non-structural fill
___ 18.3 Special preparations or other requirements for use of on-site material
___ 18.4 Availability of imported fill
___ 18.5 Subgrade preparation
___ 18.6 Recommended compaction criteria and moisture content control
___ 18.7 Potential compaction difficulties and recommended solutions

Process Industry Practices Page A5