6.

Analysis of the Stability of the Slopes in the Site and Recommendations for
Foundations

6.1 Stability of the Slopes

The site of the proposed development is with a sloping terrain and it is necessary to
establish the state of stability of the slopes with the proposed development. Six
representative slope sections; AB, CD, EF, GH, IJ and KL were obtained on this regards.
There orientation and the locations of the boreholes are presented in Figure 3. The levels
of the cross sections were provided with reference to an arbitrary datum. The ground
levels at the top of the boreholes were also provided with reference to the same datum.
The proposed development involved significant excavations from the existing ground.
The depth of excavation at different parts of the proposed structure is varied. The
excavation levels corresponding different parts were given with reference to a different
datum as; 1.95m, 5.45 m etc. There were few cross sectional drawings and indicating the
depths of excavations. The relationship between the two systems of level was
established through these cross sections. The positions of columns and the column
loadings were provided by the structural consultants STEMS Consultants (Pvt) Ltd.
(Figure 4).

To assess the stability of the slopes the sub soil profiles across the six cross sections
were idealized. The structural loading for the stability analysis of the sections were
determined assuming the total column loads corresponding to a given design elevation
is applied as a uniform distributed load (as a raft). The loaded areas considered, their
elevations, the estimated loading and the relevant slope sections are summarized in
Table 5. The plan of the areas and cross sections are presented in Figure 4.

Table 5 - Elevations and Estimated loading in different loaded areas

Loaded Elevation (m) Estimated Loading Relevant slope

Area kN/m2 sections
1 9.95 (108.45) 75 KL
2 5.45 (103.95) 100, 75 KL, IJ, GH, EF
3 1.95 (100.45) 75 KL, IJ, GH, EF
4 6.95 (105.45) 50 EF,CD,AB
5 5.95 (104.45) 25
6 6.5 (105.0)
7 7.5 (106.0)
8 8.5 (107.0) AB
7 9.5 (108.0) CD
6 6.0 (104.5)
Stability of the sections were analysed under three conditions; existing natural state,
after excavation to the proposed design level and after application of the estimated
structural load. The analysis was done using the GEOSLOPE SLOPE/W software. Both
circular and non circular failure surfaces were considered using the grid and radius
approach and auto locate approach and the most critical case is presented. Spencer’s
method which considers both moment and force equilibrium and capable of analyzing
both circular and non circular failure surfaces was used for the analysis. The ground
water table had not been encountered in borehole BH 7, BH 8 and BH 9. However at the
other boreholes the ground water table was encountered at an elevation of around
100.0m. As such, the ground water table was assumed to be around that elevation for all
slope sections.

Based on the field descriptions, SPT N value recoded and the experience under similar
conditions five different soil/weathered rock/rock layers were used in the idealization.
In this context even the rock layer was assigned properties corresponding to weathered
rock to be conservative. The assumed shear strength parameters are presented in Table
6.

The excavations done to different depth at various local areas will leave vertical cuts. In
the stability analysis for the excavation stage and thereafter theses cuts were supported
by gravity retaining walls. (Appropriate high strength parameters were assigned for the
material forming the gravity wall).

Table 6 – Effective shear strength parameters assigned for different soil layers

Layer
Description N value kN/m3 c / kN/m2 / Colour
Code
Sandy clay 1-3 16 4 26
Sandy clay 4-8 16 6 28
Sandy gravelly 8-15 18 6 30
clay
Highly 15-25 20 10 32
weathered
rock
Weathered  25 20 15 36
rock
The factor of safety values obtained under the three different conditions; natural state,
after excavation to the desired level and after application of the foundation loading as a
raft were evaluated for the six sections and the results are summarized in Table 7. The
soil profiles deduced, the excavation levels and critical failure surfaces are presented in
Figure 5 to Figure 22.

The results indicates that in the natural condition there are possibilities of local failures
with safety margins closer to unity or just under unity. The prevailing matric suction
may have prevented the local failures is some cases. The comparison of the slope
sections at different stages clearly indicate that significant excavations are made. The
soils encountered near the surface are of a weaker/softer consistency but high
thicknesses of such soils are excavated for the construction. As such, in all sections
except for section AB the weight of load applied on the ground is less than the weight of
the soil removed. With this condition and with the removal of the weaker soil, the
safety margins after application of the proposed building loads are much greater than
those in the natural state as presented in Table 7. For the state of stability after
application of the building load, both critical failure surface and a failure surface
through or close to the loaded area are presented in last column of Table 7. These results
clearly indicate that the safety margins after the application of the building loads are
quite high except for the section AB. Even at section AB the value of the safety margin is
quite adequate.

The proposed construction activity at locations with levels marked as +6.5, +7.5, +8.5
and +9.5 just outside the periphery of the building is not clear. No loading was
indicated in these areas. However, in section AB this level is higher than the current
ground level. In section CD it is with small cut.

There are no slope cross sections or sub soil data for the area at the top left in plan with
a designated ground level of 5.95m. However, the column loading specified there are
quite low.

Table 7 – Factor of Safety Values obtained under different Conditions

 Section FOS at natural state FOS after FOS after application of
excavation building loads
Minimum , Including load
KL 1.010 (Figure 5) 5.706 (Figure 6) 3.234 (Figure 7)
IJ 1.119 (Figure 8) 1.744 (Figure 9) 3.746,5.730 (Figure 10)
GH 1.128 (Figure 11) 1.652 (Figure 12) 2.603,7.620 (Figure 13)
EF 1.040 (Figure 14) 1.289 (Figure 15) 1.289, 2.712 (Figure 16)
CD 0.992 (Figure 17) 1.008 (Figure 18) 1.008,2.458 (Figure 19)
AB 1.393 (Figure 20) 1.443 (Figure 21) 1.443,1.531 (Figure 22)

6.2 Recommendations for Foundations

The impact on the global stability of the slope sections were assessed by distributing the
column loads over in the respective areas at the prescribed ground levels. Based on that
principle one option is to provide raft foundations at the respective levels. The resulting
bearing pressures are less than 100 kN/m2 at all areas under these conditions.
Considering the reduced thickness of compressible material, the settlements would be
less than 25 mm.

However, if raft foundations are used, the foundations for the columns at lines with
sudden level difference should be taken to the raft at the lower level. The retaining wall
to support the level difference can be incorporated with the line of columns and a “L
form” reinforced concrete wall of appropriate base width may be used. After an initial
excavation the “L wall” may be backfilled.

As some of the loads are very moderate it may be possible to use combined footings or
strip foundations to make it more economical. The compressible layer thickness under
the designated levels for the different sections, relevant borehole data and allowable
bearing pressures for strip foundations (or combined footings) of width around 2.0 m
are presented in Table 8. In preparation of this table both the ultimate shear failure and
settlement criteria are considered. Meyerhof’s method, Peak Hanson and Thornburn
method, and Burland and Burbidge methods were used in this analysis. This
information could be provided for any other form of proposed foundation if the shape
of the foundation, the founding level and the loads are informed.

A local raft foundation may be used to support some columns carrying heavy loads in
the order of 6000 kN in the area with designated level +1.95m. The use of a piled raft
foundation shall be considered in view of the shallow depth to the bedrock.
The excavation level is below the natural ground water table at some areas. The
methods to ensure water tightness at the floor levels must be considered in these
conditions. A raft foundation would be a suitable alternative.

As indicated in the safety factor computations of section AB and in the summarized

bearing capacity recommendations in Table 8, the loaded area of elevation 6.95 m is
underlain by weaker material. The excavation depth there is very limited. Hence, the
possibility of lowering the designated level may be an option to be considered.

Considering the varied sub soil condition and different base levels structural separation
of different parts of the structure shall be considered.

Table 8 – Allowable bearing pressures for some typical foundation arrangements

Column Line Designated Corresp Sub soil condition below designated Allowable
Level (m) onding level bearing
slope pressure for
section 2m wide
strip kN/m2
A3 6.95(105.45) AB BH 9, 5.85m of Nav=5 soil
N> 50 thereafter 75
B 2 6.95(105.45) AB BH 9, 5.85 m of Nav=5 soil
N>50 thereafter 75
B7 6.95(105.45) CD BH8, 2m of Nav=13 soil, then N>50
BH 7 2.45m of Nav=12, then N>50 175-200
B 10 5.45 (103.95) EF BH 8, 2.5m of Nav =12 soil, then N>50
1.95 (100.45) BH 7, N>50 200
D3 5.45 (103.95) GH BH 6, Nav =15 for 3m, Nav =34for 5m, then
1.95 (100.45) N>50
BH 5, Nav =17 for 6m, then N>50 200
BH 4, Nav =32 for 2m, then rock
D 10 5.45 (103.95) IJ BH 6, Nav=15 for 3m, Nav =34 for 5m, then
1.95 (100.45) N>50 200
BH 5, Nav =17 for 6m, then N>50
BH 4, Nav =32 for 2m, then rock
F6 9.95(108.45) KL BH 3, Nav =14 for 3.95m, then N>50
5.45 (103.95) BH 2, Nav =6 for 7.8m, Nav =25 for 2m,then 150-175
1.95 (100.45) rock
BH 1, Nav =2 for 3.75m, then N>50
 53

52

51

54
57

20
19 60
120 18
118
34
9
116 16 68 17
114 15 30
67 35
36 46
7 5844
112
110 13 14 66
1126
12 37 49
108 31 65
55 47
106 27 2 63
22 9 69
10 45 32
104 6 78 8 23 41 38
48 3
102 56 705 39 62
100 3 4 61 24
40
982 64 1 4 25 28
33 42
96
50 29 6
94
43 5
92 59
1 21
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106 110

Figure 5 – (a) – Section KL - Natural state

53

52

51

1.010 54
57
126
124 20
122 19 60
120 18
118
34 9
116 16 68 17
35
114 15 46 67
30
36 7 5844
112
13 14 66
110
1126
12 37 49
108 47 31 65
55 27 2 63
106
22 9 69
10 45 32
104 6 78 8 23 48
41 38 3
102 56 705 39 62
3 4 61 24
100
64 40
982 42 1 425 28
33
96
505 29 6
43
94
921 59 21
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106 110

Figure 5 – (b) – Safety margin of Section KL - Natural state

 53

52

51

54
57

20
19 60
120 18
118
34
116 16 68 17
114 15 30
67 35
36 46 5844
112
110 13 14 66
1126
12 37 7971 49
108 31 65
55 47 7
106 27 63 9
22 9 69
10 457772 32 76 8075
104 6 78 23 41 38
48
102 56 705 39 62 73 8
7874
100 3 4 615 24 6
40
982 64 1 2 25 28
33 42
96 29 4
50
3
94
43
92 59
1 21
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106 110

Figure 6 – (a) – Section KL – After excavation and construction of gravity walls

53

52

51

54
57

20
19 60
120 18
118
34
116 16 68 17
114 15 3067 35
5.076 36 46 5844
112
110 13 14 66
1126
12 37 7971 49
108 31 65
47
106
55
69
27 63 9 7
22 9 10 45 77 72 32 76 80 75
104 6 78 23 41 3848
102 56 70 5 39 62 73 8
78 74
100 3 4 615 24 6
40
982
64 1 2 25 28
33 42
96 29 4
50
3
94
43
92 59
1 21
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106 110

Figure 6 – (b) – Safety margin of Section KL – After excavation and construction of

gravity walls
 53

52

51

54
57

20
19 60
120 18
118
34
116 16 68 17
114 15 3067 35
46 44
112
36 81 8258
110 13 14 66
1126
12 83 37 31 87
4971 49
108 47 65
106
55 27 63 9 7
22 9 69
10 45 77 72 32 76 80 75
104 6 78 23 41 3848
102 56 70 5 39 62 73
85
8
7874
3 4 615 24
100 40 6
982 64 1 2 25 28
33 42
96 29 4
50
3
94
43
92 59
1 21
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106 110

Figure 7 – (a) – Section KL – After excavation and application of building loads

53

52

51

54
57
20
19 60
120 18
118
34
116 16 68 17
114 15 67
30 35
3.234 36 46 81 5844
82
112
13 14 66
110
1126
12 8337 7971
84 49
108 47 31 65
55 27 63 7
106
22 9 69
10 457772 32 76 9
8075
104 6 78 23 48
41 38
102 56 705 39 62 73
85 8
7874
3 4 615 24 6
100
64 40
982 42 1 225 28
33
96
503 29 4
43
94
921 59 21
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106 110

Figure 7– (b) – Safety margin of Section KL – After excavation and application of

building loads
 53

54

52

56
26
25
24
23
21 22
114 19 20
18 57
112 30
110 16
33 17 1 34
51 14 15 31 32
108
106 2
910 11 12 13 39
104 6 7 8 35 50
55 5 47 48 49
102 2 3 4 46 29 36
1001 45 3
44
98 37 40
38 41
96 42
43
94 4
92 58
28 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106 110

Figure 8 – (a) – Section IJ - Natural state

53

54

52
1.119

56
26
120 25
24
118 23
116 22
19 20 21
114 18 57
112 30
110 16
33 17 1 34
51 14 15 31 32
108
106 2
910 11 12 13 39
104 6 7 8 35 50
55 49
102 2 3 45 46
47
29
48
1001 36
45 37
3
44
98 40
38 41
96 42
43
94 4
92 58
28 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106

Figure 8 – (b) – Section IJ - Natural state – State of Stability

 53

54

52

56
26
120 25
24
118 23
116 22
19 20 21
114 18 57
112 30
110 16
33 17 34
51 14 15 31 32
108
106
910 11 12 13 65 60 59
104 6 7 8 50 39
55 35
5 47 48 49
102 2 3 4 46 29 62 64 4
63 61
1001 36
45 37 3 2
44
98 41 40
38
96 42
43
94 1
92 58
28 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106 110

Figure 9 – (a) – Section IJ – After excavation

53

54

52

56
26
25
24
23

21 22
19 20
18 57
30
16
33 17 34
51 14 15 31 32
1.744
910 11 12 13 65 60 59
39
6 7 8 35 50
55 49
2 3 45
46
47
29 62 48 64 4
63 61
1 36
45 37 3 2
44 40
38 41
42
43 1
58
28 27

Figure 8 – (b) – Section IJ – After excavation – State of Stability

 53

54

52

56
26
120 25
24
118 23
116 22
19 20 21
114
18 57
112 30
110 16
33 17 34
51 14 15 31 32
108 63 64
106
910 11 65 12 13 67
6660 59
104 6 7 8 50 39
55 35
49
102 2 3 45 46
47
29 62
48
68
614
1001 36
45 37 3 2
44
98 40
38 41
96 42
43
94 1
92 58
28 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 102 106 110

Figure 10– (a) – Section IJ – After excavation and application of building loads
53

54

52
3.746

56
26
25
24
23

21 22
19 20
18 57
30
16
33 17 34
51 14 15 31 32
63 64

910 11 65 12 13 6
667
60 59
39
6 7 8 35 50
55 49
2 3 45 47 62 48 68
614
46 29 36
1 45 3
44 37 2 40
38 41
42
43 1
58
28 27

53

5.730

54

52

56
26
25
24
23

21 22
114 19 20
18 57
112 30
110 16
33 17 34
51 14 15 31 32
108 63 64
106
910 11 65 12 13 67
6660 59
39
104 6 7 8 35 50
55 49
102 2 3 45 46
47
29 62 48 68614
1001 36
45 37 3 2
44
98 40
38 41
96 42
43
94 1
92 58
28 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90

Figure 10– (b) – Safety margin of Section IJ – After excavation and application of
building loads
 44

45

43

47
120 18

118 17
15 16
116 14

114
12 13
11
112 9 10
1 28
110

108 23
42
8 48
106 46 2
4 5 6 7
3 26
104 41
2932 39 24 40
1021 2 38
33
37
100 36 3 27
25
35
21
98
31 30
96 22
94
34 4
92
49
19 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86

Figure 11 – (a) – Section GH - Natural state

44

45

1.128

43

47
120 18

118 17
15 16
116 14

114
12 13
112 11
9 10
1 28
110

108 23
42
8 48
106 46 2
4 5 6 7
3 26
104 41
2932 39 24 40
1021 2 38 33
37
100 36 3 27
25
35
98 21
31 30
96 22
94
34 4
92
49
19 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86

Figure 11 – (b) – State of Stability - Section GH - Natural state

 44

45

43

47
120 18

118 17
15 16
116 14
114
12 13
112
11
9 10
28
110
23
108 42
8 48
106 46
4 5 6 7 54 51 50
104
57 3 26
29
32 40 41
5 39 24
1021 56 2 38 4 33
37 53 55 52
3
100 36 25 27
35 21 2
98 30
31
96 22
34
94 1
92
49
19 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90

Figure 12 – (a) – Section GH – After excavation and construction of gravity walls

44

45

43

47
120 18

118 17
15 16
116 14
114
12 13
11
112 9 10
28
110

108 23
42
8 48
106 46 1.652
4 5 6 7 54 51 50
57 3 26
104 41
2932 39 24 40
1021
5
56 2 38 4
53 55 52 33
3 37
100 36 25 27
35 21 2
98 30
31
96 22
34
94 1
92
49
19 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86

Figure 12 – (b) – Safety margin of Section GH – After excavation and construction of

gravity walls
 44

45

43

47
18
17
15 16
14
114
12 13
112 11
9 10
28
110

108
23
42 58 59
8 48
106 46
4 5 6 7
57 53 51
61 3 26 50
104 56 41
2932 39 24 40
5
2 38 4
1021 60 33
37 55 54 52
3
100 36 25 27
35 21 2
98 30
31
96 22
34
94 1
92
49
19 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90

Figure 13– (a) – Section GH – After excavation and application of building loads
44

45

43

47
18
17
15 16
14
114
12 13
11
112 9 10
28
110

108 42
2.603 23
58 59
8 48
106 46
4 5 6 7
104
61 3 56 57 53 51 26 50
41
29
32 39 24 40
1021 60 5
2 38 4
55 54 52 33
3 37
100 36 25 27
35 21 2
98 30
31
96 22
34
94 1
92
49
19 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110

44

45

7.620

43

47
18
17
15 16
14
114
12 13
11
112 9 10
28
110

108 23
42 58 59
8 48
106 46
4 5 6 7
104
61 3 56 57 53 51 26 50
41
2932 39 24 40
1021 60 52 38 4 33
37 55 54 52
3
100 36 25 27
35 21 2
98 30
31
96 22
34
94 1
92
49
19 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110

Figure 13– (b) – Safety margin of Section GH – After excavation and application of
building loads
 43

44

120

118

116
42
114 46

112
17 19
18
16
110 14 15
12 13
108 2
27
10 11 1 26 24
106 9 22
104 25 32
23
8 28 47
5 6 7 40
102
38 39
41 4
37 4
100
36
45 3
98 3
35
96
34 29 5

94
33
1 2
92
31 30 48
21 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76

Figure 14 – (a) – Section EF - Natural state

43

44

120
1.040

118

116
42
114 46

112 19
17 18
16
110 14 15
12 13
108 2
27
10 11 1 26 24
106
9 22
104 25 32
23
8 28 47
102 5 6 7 39 40
41 4 38
37 4
100
45 3
36
98 3
35
96
34 29 5

94 33
1 2
92
31 30 48
21 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70

Figure 14 – (b) – Safety margin of Section EF - Natural state

 43

44

42
114 46

112
17 18 19
16
110 14 15
12 13
108 27
11 26 24
10
106
9 22 50 49

104
55 52 25 51 1 32
23
8 28 47
102 5 6 7 5 39 40
41 4 38
37 54 56 53
100
45 36
4
98 3
35
96
29
2
34 33
94 3
1 2
92
31 30 48
21 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

Figure 15 – (a) – Section EF – After excavation and construction of gravity walls

43

44

120

118

116
42
114 46

112
17 19
18
16
110 14 15
12 13
108 27
1.289 11 26
10 24
106
9 22 50 49
55 52 25 51 1 32
104 23
8 28 47
102 5 6 7 5 39 40
41 4 38
37 54 56 53
100
45 36
4
98 3
35
96
29
2
34 3 33
94
1 2
92
31 30 48
21 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

Figure 15 – (b) – Safety margin of Section EF – After excavation and construction of

gravity walls
 43

44

42
114 46
112
17 19
18
16
110 14 15
12 13
108 57 27
11 26 58 59
10 24
106 9 22 50
62 49

104 60 61 55 52 2564 63
516 1 32
23
8 28 47
102 5 6 7 5 39 40
41 4 38
37 54 56 53
100

45 36
4
98 3
35
96
29
2
34 33
94 3
1 2
92
31 30 48
21 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76

Figure 16– (a) – Section EF – After excavation and application of building loads

43

44

120

118

116
42
114 46

112
17 19
18
16
110 14 15
12 13
108
1.289 57 27
11 26 58 59
10 24
106 9 22 6250 49

104 60 61 55 52 2564 6351

6 1 32
23
8 28 47
102 5 6 7 5 39 40
41 4 38
37 54 56 53
100
45 36
4
98 3 35
96 29
2
34 3 33
94
1 2
92
31 30 48
21 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72

43

2.712
44

120

118

116
42
114 46

112
17 19
18
16
110 14 15
12 13
108 57 27
11 26 58 59
10 24
106 9 22 6250 49
52 2564 6351
6 1 32
104 60 23 61 55
8 28 47
102 5 6 7 5 39 40
41 4 38
37 54 56 53
100
45 36
4
98 3 35
96 29
2
34 3 33
94
1 2
92
31 30 48
21 20
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72

Figure 16– (b) – Safety margin of Section EF – After excavation and application of
building loads
 51

52

50

54

114 26
112 25
2223 24
21
33 20
110 17 18 19
16
108 15 1 2 34
14
13 31 29
106 12 55 39
104 35 32
41 30
102 7 8 9 10 11
4 46 47 48
100 45
49 6 3 36
44
98 5 43
96 53 5
42 37
94 3 4 40
921 2 38
28 56 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

Figure 17 – (a) – Section CD - Natural state

51

52

50

0.992 54

114 26
112 25
222 24
33 20 21 3
110 16 17 18 19
15 2 34
108 14 1
13 31 29
106 12 55 39
104 35 3241 30
102 7 8 9 10 11
4 46 47 48
100 45
6 36
49 3 44
98 5 43
96 53 5
42 37
94 3 4 40
921 2 38
28 56 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

Figure 17– (b) – Safety margin of Section CD - Natural state

 51

52

50

54

114 26
112 2223 24 25
33 20 21
110 17 18 19
16
60 61 59
108 15 34
14
63 3
106 13 31 2 58 29 57
12 55 39
104 32
41 30
35
102 8 9 10 11
7 47 48
46
100 45 4
49 6 5 36
44
98 5 43
96 53 1
42 62
37
94 3 4 40
921 2 38
28 56 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

Figure 18 – (a) – Section CD – After excavation

51

52

50

120 54
118
116
114 26
1.008
112 25
222 24
33 20 21 3
110 16 17 18 19
108 1560 61 59 34
6 14
3 3
13 31 2 58 29 57
106 12 55 39
104 35 3241 30
102 7 8 9 10 11
46 47 48
100 36
45 4
6
49 5 44
98 5 43
96 53 1
42 37
62
94 3 4 40
921 2 38
28 56 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

Figure 18 – (b) – Section CD – After excavation – State of Stability

 51

52

50

54

114 26
112 22 24 25
33 20 21 23
110 16 17 18 19
1560 61 59
65 6634
108 14
6
133 3
31 2 29
106 56
84 57
12 55 39
104 3241 30
35
8 9 10 11
102 7 47 48
46
100 45 4
49 6 36
5 44
98 5 43
96 53 1
42 37
62
94 3 4 40
921 2 38
28 56 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

Figure 19– (a) – Section CD – After excavation and application of building loads
51

52

50

120 54
118
116
114 26
1.008
112 25
222 24
33 20 21 3
110 16
60 17 18 19
15 61 59
65 6634
108 14
6
133 31
3 2 56
84 29 57
106 12 55 39
104 35 3241 30
102 7 8 9 10 11
46 47 48
100 36
45 4
6
98
49 5 44
5 43
96 53 1
42 36
72
94 3 4 40
921 2 38
28 56 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

51

52

50

120 54
118
116
114 26
2.458
112 25
222 24
33 20 21 3
110 16
6 17 18 19
15 0 61 56
95 6634
108 14
6
133 31
3 2 29
106 56
84 57
12 55 39
104 35 3241 30
102 7 8 9 10 11
46 47 48
100 36
45 4
6
49 5 44
98 5 43
96 53 1
42 36
72
94 3 4 40
921 2 38
28 56 27
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

Figure 19– (b) – Safety margin of Section CD – After excavation and application of
building loads
 36

37

35

39

110
17
108
14 15 16
11 1213

106
10
9
104 42 8

24 25
102 3 20
34 4 5 7 32 33
3 6 43 1 31
30
100
40
29
98 38
28 21
2
96
27 2
941
26 22
92
23
19 41 18
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

Figure 20 – (a)) – Section AB - Natural state

36

37

35

39
1.393

110
17
108 14 15 16
11 1213

106 10
9
104 42 8

24 25
102 3 20
34 4 5 7 32 33
3 6 43 1 31
30
100
40
29
98 38
28 21
2
96
27 2
94 1
26 22
92
23
19 41 18
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

Figure 20 – (b) – Safety margin of Section AB - Natural state

 36

37

35

39

110
17
108 49 50
14
47 11 121346 15 16

106 45 44
10 48
9
104 42 8

24 25
102 2 20
34 7 33
3 4 5 6 43 31 32
30
100 3
40
29
98 38
28 21
96 2

27 1
941
26 22
92
23
19 41 18
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

Figure 21 – (a) – Section AB – After excavation

36

37

35

39

17
49 14 50
47 11 121346 15 16

10 48 45 44

1.443 9
42 8

24 25
2 20
34 4 5 7 32 33
3 6 43 31
30
3
40
29
38
28 21
2

27 1
1
26 22

23
19 41 18

Figure 21– (b) – Section AB – After excavation – State of Stability

 36

37

35

39

110
17
108 49 50
47 14 15 16
11 121346
106 45 44
10 48
9
104 42 8

24 25
102 2 20
34 7 33
3 4 5 6 43 31 32
30
100 3
40
29
98 38
28 21
2
96
27 1
941
26 22
92
23
19 41 18
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

Figure 22– (a) – After excavation and application of building loads

36

37

35

39

17
49 14 50
47 11 12 1346 15 16

10 48 45 44

1.443 9
42 8

24 25
2 20
34 4 5 7 32 33
3 6 43 31
30
3 40
29
38
28 21
2

27 1
1
26 22

23
19 41 18

36

1.531

37

120

118
35

116

114 39

112

110
17
108 49 14 50
47 11 121346 15 16

106 45 44
10 48
9
104 42 8

24 25
102 2 20
34 7 33
3 4 5 6 43 31 32
30
100 3 40
29
98 38
28 21
2
96

27 1
941
26 22
92
23
19 41 18
90
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

Figure 22 – (b) – Safety margin of Section AB – After excavation and application of

building loads

7. Concluding Comments
The proposed excavation includes extensive excavations in the form of vertical cuts.
These cuts may remain stable for a short period during the periods of dry weather. As
such, it is proposed to construct gravity wall after excavation to the desired depth.
These excavations and constructions should be done during a period of dry weather in
segments of short length (say 5m). The surface drainage above the cut level should be
enhanced by cut off drains. With many excavations it is very important dispose the
excavated material quickly and prevent any water logging condition in the site.

Accumulation of water in the foundation pits should be prevented. If there is

uncontrolled infiltration into the ground or stagnation of water is allowed, a perched
water table condition could develop and the slopes would be unstable. (Factor of safety
may get lowered below 1.0). As such, it is extremely important to control the surface
drainage of the site. Natural water paths should not be blocked and drainage along any
such observed paths should be facilitated by providing lined drains.

There should be clear plan to collect rainwater from roof by a series of gutters and to
connect to a lined drain flowing towards the main drainage system of the road
Rainwater falling on the developed site and the wastewater from the building should
also be directed to a similar system of drains.

Prof. S A S Kulathilaka

B.Sc.Eng. (Moratuwa). Ph.D.(Monash) C.Eng. M.I.E. (Sri Lanka)