FORENSIC GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS FOR FLOOR FAILURE

OF AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING NEAR BHOPAL, INDIA-A CASE STUDY

S.B. Suri1, Nakul Dev2, Thomas Joseph3 & Jancy Mathew4

1, 2, 3 & 4
AECS Engineering and Geotechnical Services Pvt. Ltd., D-245, Sector-10,
Noida (U.P.)-201301, India, PH (91) 129-4212096; FAX (91) 129-4218283; email:
sbsuri@aecs.co, enndev@aecs.co, thomasj@aecs.co & jmathew@aecs.co

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with determining causes of subsidence of PCC floor panels of an
industrial building in Madhya Pradesh, India. The industrial building had developed
cracks in some concrete floor panels and the subsidence was up to 100mm at certain
locations. Investigations were undertaken to ascertain causes of floor failure and to
suggest remedial measures to ensure arrest of such subsidence in future. The
investigations comprised of drilling boreholes in affected and non-affected areas and
conducting SPT, DCP & field permeability tests as well as collecting undisturbed
soil samples for analysis. Requisite laboratory tests were conducted on collected
samples. Soil primarily comprises of SC, GC and CI-MI Groups as per Bureau of
Indian Standards classification system.

The test results were analysed to ascertain reasons for subsidence of floor slab panels
and conclusions were drawn based on site observations and field & laboratory test
results. Use of not so suitable backfill material and inadequate compaction of the
backfill material were attributed to the subsidence of floor panels besides ingress of
water from some external source as observed at site & confirmed from test data from
two boreholes which were closely located. Recommendations were made by
suggesting remedial measures using cement grouting for compacting the soil beneath
the flooring and diversion/mitigation of ingress of water from external source so that
the subsidence does not repeat especially during rainy season.

INTRODUCTION
A renowned home products company has constructed its new unit for manufacture &
storage of its products in an industrial area in Madhya Pradesh, India. The building
comprises of manufacturing plant area, warehouse area and other pertinent
structures.
During mid 2011, it was observed that some panels of the concrete flooring of the
industrial shed had subsided and cracks had appeared in the floor slab at a number of
locations. The subsidence varied from a few mm to about 100mm. The subsidence
phenomenon had occurred after heavy rains during the rainy season in the area.
AECS Engineering & Geotechnical Services Pvt. Ltd., Noida (U.P.) undertook
investigations for finding out causes leading to the settlement of PCC slab and
suggest remedial measures so that the phenomenon of subsidence is arrested and
does not repeat itself especially during rainy season.

SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONS
Based on the site visit and discussions with site engineers, the following
investigations were planned:
1. Extract 150mm dia. set concrete cores from floor slab; careful & accurate
thickness measurements of the voids at all locations around the cored hole below
the concrete slab. Excavate test pits at specific locations and drill boreholes to a
depth of 6.0m.
2. Majority of the test borings were chosen where settlement had occurred while
some were in areas where no settlement had occurred.
3. Conduct SPT at regular intervals up to refusal and collection of 75mm shelby
tube undisturbed soil samples wherever soft or medium stiff soil conditions are
encountered.
4. Conduct specified laboratory tests on disturbed and/or undisturbed soil samples.
5. Conduct field dynamic cone penetrometer tests and to correlate field DCP values
with California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values.
6. Conduct field permeability tests at specified test locations

FIELD INVESTIGATIONS & DISCUSSIONS

The field investigations work which was undertaken during July, 2011 comprised of:

Boreholes
11 Nos. auger holes were made in the industrial building premises at different
locations where settlement of floor had taken place and also at some locations where
settlement was not observed. The boreholes were made in pits (about 60cmx60cm)
excavated after removing about 150mm thick concrete slab and about 200mm stone
fill below the concrete slab. The hole was advanced by use of an auger to a depth
where SPT was planned. After performing SPT (Photo No. 1), the hole was further
advanced to the next depth for collecting undisturbed sample/performing SPT. This
way, the hole was augured to the depth where either rock was met with or SPT
indicated refusal or to a depth of about 6.5m. At locations where no pit was
proposed, auger hole was made in a hole made by extracting 150mm core from
concrete using portable core drilling machine (Photo No. 2) and removing the stone
fill below the drilled concrete location manually. Water table depth was monitored
and recorded during auger operations. The depth of holes varied from 2.10m to
6.45m below the existing ground elevation (top of the concrete slab). The depth of
water table was found to vary from 2.4m to 4.15m at the time of investigations.
Photograph No. 1: Standard Penetration Photograph No. 2: A Core Being Drilled
Test (SPT) Under Progress in a Test Pit in concrete floor Slab Using Portable
Core Drilling Machine

It was found that soil from below the PCC slab and stone fill, up to a depth of about
4.5m is filled up and below this depth, it comprises of yellowish to brownish sandy
clay with few gravels to a depth of about 6.45m where weathered rock is encountered
at some locations.
It was further found that the natural moisture content of disturbed soil samples
determined at site is increasing with depth and ranges from about 15% to about 30%
in bore holes except in case of bore hole Nos. BH5 & BH8 where it was found to
vary from about 40%-53% (water table depth 2.60m) with slush being observed at
about 6m depth and from 24%-51% (water table depth 2.40m) respectively in these
bore holes. Insitu dry density and natural moisture content obtained from
undisturbed samples from these two bore hole locations was found to be 14.00kN/m3
& 32% and 14.05kN/m3 & 37% respectively. The above observations indicated that
natural moisture content in these boreholes was very high in comparison to other pit
locations leading to apprehension of ingress of water from some external source to
the two nearby borehole locations.

SPT values observed at various depths in all boreholes, in general, varied from 1 to
10. At a few locations, these were observed to be 11, 14 & 19. Average observed
‘N’ value at depth of about 1.5m was found to be 7 with values ranging from 3 to 11
with exception of 17 & 19 at two locations which could be attributed to the presence
of stray boulders in the fill. Based on these values, the layer upto 1.5m depth could
be considered to be very loose to loose.
Observed SPT ‘N’ values between 1.5m to about 5.0m depth were varying from 1 to
maximum of 9 except at pit locations Nos. 9 & 10 where these values were observed
to be varying from 5 to 14 and the strata could be considered to be loose to medium.
On perusal of observed SPT ‘N’ values, it was inferred that there was no specific
trend noticeable and the values were found to decrease with depth and the values in
general were found to vary from 1 to 10 except higher values at a few isolated
locations, the SPT data thus indicating inadequate and non- uniform compaction of
the borrow soil in the foundation.

Insitu density & natural moisture content of undisturbed soil samples collected from
various depths from all borehole locations varied from 14.00kN/m3 to 17.10kN/m3
with average value of 15.10kN/m3 with the exception of 19.00kN/m3 in bore hole
No. BH7 location while natural moisture content varied from 12.80% to 36.60% with
average value of 24.5%.
The measured values of insitu dry density were thus found to be low for SC type of
soil which normally range between 16.80kN/m3 to 20.00kN/m3 (Table 6, IS: 1498-
1970) and the natural moisture content was much higher than expected optimum
moisture content for such soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetration Test

One Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) Test was performed at each (Photo No. 3) of
the 10 Nos. pit locations except pit No. 7A. Additionally, two Nos. DCP tests
DCPT-11 & DCPT-12 were conducted in warehouse area between two sets of
columns. The tests were performed to find out the CBR of the sub-grade material in
lieu of laboratory CBR value. The repeatability of DCP data is considerably higher
than that of field CBR data.
CBR value corresponding to a DCP value was determined by use of the following
equation based on Klevn Van Harden model:
CBR=log-1{2.628-1.273 log (DCP)}
Where DCP = penetration in mm/blow for the layer.
Typical test results of a DCP test are presented in Figure 1 below along with
corresponding CBR values.

Photograph No. 4: A Field Permeability

Photograph No. 3: A View of Dynamic Test (Falling Head Method) under
Cone Penetration Test Being Performed Progress
DCP test was conducted up to a maximum depth of 1.0m below the concrete floor
level. CBR value was found to be less than 10 at 4 locations. Except at the above
four locations, CBR value of sub-grade is found to be above 12 and quite high at
most of the locations for depth up to 1.0m below the existing floor level.
Typical values of CBR rating for different materials are (Head, 1982):
Clay (1-3), Sandy clay (4-7), well graded sand (15-40), well graded sandy gravels
(20-60) & High quality crushed rock (over 80).

Figure 1. Typical Plot (No. of Blows Vs Penetration) & Determination of CBR

from DCPT Data
Field Permeability Tests
Field permeability tests were conducted at 3 locations in the vicinity of bore hole
Nos. BH-10 & BH-3 and Pit between columns F26&F27 as per relevant IS Code
IS:5529 (Part-1)-1985. Field permeability tests near BH-10 & BH-3 were conducted
using falling head method (Photo 4). The bored/drilled hole was cleaned up to the
test section. No packer was used. However, a casing pipe perforated at the bottom
portion for the test section length was driven up to the test section. The test was
conducted below the water table. Water was filled in the casing pipe slightly above
the ground level and it was ensured that the water level in casing pipe was always
above the water table. The fall of water level with time was recorded. The
coefficient of permeability was calculated using the following relationship.
 log e h1
d2 L h2
K * log e *
8L R t 2  t1

Where K = coefficient of permeability, d = diameter of the casing, L = length of test

zone, h1 = head of water in the casing at time t1 above piezometric surface, h2 = head
of water in the casing at time t2 above piezometeric surface, and R = radius of hole.

The test between columns was done at a depth of 3.0m from the existing ground
level by constant head method by inserting a blind casing pipe open at the end up to
3m depth. The values of coefficient of permeability in this case were determined
using the relation for the constant head method as per IS: 5529 (Part-1)-1985.
It was found that permeability at four test locations varied from 10-6 m/sec to 10-9
m/sec, which falls in the category of low to practically impermeable. As the soil
around these test locations varied from SC to GC, the observed values seem to be
reasonable except that between columns where it is low.

LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS
A total of 15 Nos. undisturbed soil samples were collected from 11 Nos. test pit
locations where holes were drilled. 43 Nos. representative (disturbed soil samples)
from SPT were also tested in the laboratory. The laboratory tests performed on 15
Nos. undisturbed samples included Sieve Analysis, Hydrometer Analysis,
Atterbergs’ Limits, Insitu Density & Natural Moisture Content (Table 1).

Table 1. Summary of Laboratory Tests Results

Insitu Natural Insitu
Bore Hole Depth Sand Gravel Liquid density moisture dry
BIS Classification Clay (%) Silt (%) PL PI
No. (m) (%) (%) Limit (kN/m3) content density
(%) (kN/m3)
2.00 SW-SC 7 38 34 21 37 25 12 20.0 17.8 17.1
BH-1
4.50 GC 8 26 22 44 37 25 12 20.5 24.0 16.50
2.50 SC 7 37 53 3 49 41 8 20.0 25.2 15.7
BH-2
4.60 SC 9 40 41 10 56 29 27 20.7 25.3 16.5
BH-3 2.60 CI-MI 8 50 28 14 39 26 13 20.0 22.4 16.3
BH-4 1.60 SC 9 21 37 33 45 27 18 18.0 18.0 15.4
BH-5 5.60 GC 5 10 38 47 27 20 7 18.5 31.9 14.0
BH-6 1.30 MI 9 50 33 8 45 29 16 18.0 24.9 14.3
BH-7 1.30 SW-SC 16 41 35 47 31 21.0 32.9 15.6
8 16
BH-7A 1.10 SW-SC 19 41 35 44 29 21.5 12.9 19.0
5 15
BH-8 1.80 MI 51 33 9 39 28 20.0 36.6 14.5
7 11
1.80 SC 25 41 30 34 27 18.0 12.8 16.1
4 7
BH-9
3.80 SC 40 32 21 45 28 18.5 20.1 15.4
7 17
1.75 SC 36 40 18 44 30 22.0 31.2 17.0
6 14
BH-10
4.50 SW-SC 9 31 39 21 48 31 17 22.2 30.3 17.0.
Based on the above tests, the soil was classified as per IS: 1498-1970 (Reaffirmed
2002). Unconfined compression tests could not be performed on any of the
undisturbed soil samples as 38mm dia. test specimen could not be extracted owing to
the presence of high percentage of gravel in the undisturbed soil samples.
A perusal of test results indicates that the soil predominantly comprises of SC group
with 12 out of the 15 undisturbed samples tested belonging to SC , GC or SW-SC
groups, & the remaining 3 undisturbed samples belonging to MI or MI-CI groups.
The classification showed the material to be coarse grained with material above 75
micron IS sieve being slightly above 50%. The soil was found to possess medium
plasticity with maximum clay content of 8%.
Grain size distribution curves of some undisturbed samples are presented in Figure 2.

Figure2. Grain Size Distribution Curves of Some Undisturbed Soil Samples

CONCLUSIONS
Based on site observations, field investigations & laboratory tests, the following
conclusions were drawn:
 Soil primarily comprised of SC, GC and CI-MI groups as per Bureau of
Indian Standards classification system. The fines content of these soils was
found to be varying from 15% to about 50%. These types of soils require
special considerations and testing for use as backfill material as their
suitability depends on gradation & plasticity. Plasticity Index (PI) of the
borrow soil used was found to be varying from 7% to 27% (average 14.8%).
Backfill materials with PI exceeding 6 are not considered suitable as
engineered backfill material (MODT, Section 1010).
 Water Table depth was found to vary from 2.40m to 4.15m. Water table was
not encountered at locations where auger hole depth was less than 2.40m.
  SPT values at different test locations were found to vary from 1 to 14. In
clayey type of soils, SPT values are dependent on water content. Because of
increased moisture content due to heavy rain & ingress of water, SPT values
were observed to be low at some locations. Weathered rock/refusal was
observed at depths varying from 2.15m to 6.0m.
 Based on DCP test results, it was found that except at a few locations in top
17cm to about 70cm below the existing floor level, the CBR values were
found to be reasonably high indicating the sub-grade to be fairly well
compacted to a depth of about 1.0m.
 Based on field permeability tests, the soil falls in low to practically
impermeable category with poor to practically impervious drainage
characteristics with coefficient of permeability between 10-6 to 10-9 m/sec.
 Unconfined compression tests could not be performed as intact 38mm dia.
test specimens could not be obtained because of the presence of high
percentage of gravel in undisturbed samples.
 There appears to be ingress of water from some external source as observed
from test data from bore hole Nos. BH5 & BH8 which are closely located.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the test results and on-site observations, it was recommended to strengthen
the soil in place to obviate any settlement of foundation in future by specifying that:
(i) Suitable grout should be injected in the soil below the concrete slab to a depth of
6.0m or rock level whichever is earlier so as to cover the entire area to improve its
bearing characteristics for strengthening the soil mass & for impermeation. For areas
where subsidence of floors had taken place, concrete floor slab was recommended to
be re-laid before grouting the subsoil.
(ii) The suspected ingress of water below the floor slab needs to be ascertained and
steps initiated to arrest the same or alternately, divert the same from the building.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Authors would like to thank the owner and the contractor for the project for
extending their cooperation during the full period of field investigations undertaken
by AECS Engineering & Geotechnical Services Pvt. Ltd.
REFERENCES
IS: 1498-1970 (Reaffirmed 2002), “Classification and identification of soils for
general engineering purposes”
Klen, E. G., and Van Heerden (1983), Using DCP soundings to optimize pavement
rehabilitation”, Paper submitted for Annual Transportation Convention,
Johannesburg, July 1983, Report LS/83, Materials Branch, Transvaal roads
department, Pretoria, South Africa
IS: 5529 (Part 1)-1985, Code of practice for in-situ permeability tests”
Head, K. H., 1982, Manual of soil laboratory testing, Vol 2, Pentech Press, ISBN 0-
7273-1305-3
MoDT (Missouri Department of Transportation, Section 1010, “Select Granular
Backfill for Structural Systems”