PRELIMINARY GEOTECHNICAL

INVESTIGATION FOR
Wael Mubarak Building
Bethlehem - Palestine

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 Date: July 24th, 2019 No. Soil/69/2019

Wael Mubarak Building

Bethlehem – Palestine

SUBJECT: Wael Mubarak Building Project

Dear Sirs:

You can find herein the report of our geotechnical investigation for the
above-mentioned project proposed in Bethlehem.
This report includes the results of the laboratory tests results and
recommendations to choose the type and depth of foundations.

The investigation was conducted on 11/7/2019

In the event that additional information or clarifications are needed, please

don't hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.

I would like to thank you for your confidence and look forward to further
cooperation in the near future.

Respectfully Submitted,

Eng. Abdalla Aqel

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 Purpose................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Scope of Work...................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Authorization........................................................................................................................ 6
1.4 Standard of Care.................................................................................................................. 7
2.0 SITE & PROJECT DESCRIPTION............................................................................................7
2.1 Site Description.................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Project Characteristics........................................................................................................ 7
3.0 FIELD EXPLORATION AND TESTING.....................................................................................7
3.1 Drilling................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Sampling............................................................................................................................... 8
4.0 LABORATORY TESTING......................................................................................................... 8
5.0 SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS......................................................................11
5.1 Surface Conditions:...........................................................................................................11
5.2 Subsurface Conditions:.....................................................................................................11
5.3 Ground Water and Cavities:..............................................................................................11
5.4 Swelling Potential:.............................................................................................................11
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................................11
6.1 Foundation Type and Depth.............................................................................................12
6.1.1 Shallow Foundation Design.......................................................................................12
6.2 Foundation Settlement.....................................................................................................14
6.3 Excavation Methods:.........................................................................................................14
6.4 Excavation Side Slopes:....................................................................................................14
6.5 Siesmic Activity:................................................................................................................ 15
6.5.1 Potential for liquefaction and recommendations for liquefaction mitigation.........16
6.6 Foundation Excavation Inspection:..................................................................................16
6.6.1 Preparation of excavated surfaces for placement of foundations..........................16
6.7 Drainage requirements for buried wall surfaces and beneath buried structures.........16
6.8 Site Preparation.................................................................................................................. 18
6.9 Structural Fill...................................................................................................................... 19
6.10 Floor Slab Subgrade Preparation....................................................................................20
7.0 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................................................22
8.0 ADDITIONAL SERVICES.......................................................................................................22
9.0 CLOSURE.............................................................................................................................. 23

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APPENDICES
Appendix A Limitations ……………………………………………………………………………………
Appendix B Test pit Logs & profile ……………………………………………………………………
Appendix C Laboratory Test Results …………………………………………………………………..
Appendix D Charts ………………………………………………………………………………………….

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose
This report presents the results of a Geotechnical Site Assessment prepared by the labs of
the International Center for Geotechnical & Engineering Studies (ICGES) for the proposed
building in Bethlehem.The purpose of the assessment is to provide recommendations for
the design of safe and economic foundations and other geotechnical aspects of the
proposed construction.

1.2 Scope of Work

The scope of work is:
Perform geotechnical investigations in field as needed and prepare geotechnical
engineering reports for a multi story building in Bethlehem.

Tests to be performed on the test pit' samples:

 SPT where possible and applicable
 Cores where applicable
 Seive analysis, atterberg limits and soil classification according to USCS
 Direct shear test on all test pit and at several depths
 Unconfined on undisturbed and remolded samples as applicable
 Free swell test as applicable
 Consolidation test as applicable
 Information on ground water table as applicable
 Moisture content and dry unit weight

Seismicity:
 UBC 1997 seismic design criteria
 (10% chance of exceedance in 50 years seismic event)
 Seismic Zone Factor, Z.
 Soil profile type such as Sc or Sd.
 Estimated Peak Ground Acceleration.

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  Response spectra for critical damping of 0.5 and 5 percent on a plot relating period,
velocity, displacement, and acceleration. The period scale shall extend to 10
seconds.
 Potential for liquefaction and recommendations for liquefaction mitigation:
 Potential for settlement and recommendations for mitigation:
 Potential for on site surface displacement due to faulting or lateral spreading, and
recommendations for mitigation.

Factual Geotechnical Data

Sampling and test methods
Soil boring logs
Laboratory test results for soil/rock samples
Ground water recommendations
Site preparation recommendations
Preparation of excavated surfaces for placement of foundations.
Temporary excavation slope during construction.
Permanent, fill and cut slopes and draining recommendation and slopes.

Design recommendations for structures

Active, passive and at-rest coefficient of lateral soil pressures on walls.
Friction values between native soil and subase and footings.
Anticipated settlement for each structure.
Coefficient of sub-grade reaction for mat foundations.

General Foundation recommendations:

Minimum plan dimensions for spread footings or length of pile in case of deep foundation.
Depth of embedment below finished grade.

1.3 Authorization
This assessment was performed and the report was prepared in accordance with the
scope of work preset by our client. ICGES received authorization from the client to
proceed with the work.

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1.4 Standard of Care
The services performed by ICGES were conducted in a manner consistent with the level of
care and skill ordinarily exercised by members of the geotechnical profession practicing
under similar conditions in the locality of the project. No other warranty, expressed or
implied, is made.
Limitations of this report are discussed in Appendix A. These limitations further explain
the realities of geotechnical engineering and the limitations that exist in evaluating
geotechnical issues.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Wael Mubarak Building with
specific application to the specified project.

2.0 SITE & PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Site Description

The site is located in Bethlehem. A site plan is enclosed in Appendix B.
Basin Number of floors
Piece Area m2
Location Bethlehem Number of test pit 3
City Bethlehem Depth of test pit 3*5

2.2 Project Characteristics

It is understood that the proposed development is composed of 7 floors building as shown
on the site plan in Appendix B. If the locations of the assumed loadings, proposed
structures, elevations, or any other site features change from what is shown on the site
plan included in this report, ICGES should be notified so that the changes can be reviewed
to determine if the recommendations presented in this report are still applicable.

3.0 FIELD EXPLORATION AND TESTING

3.1 Drilling
Three test pit (5, 5 and 5) meters depth were drilled to the said depth in the proposed
building site to obtain representative samples and conducting field tests to determine the
engineering characteristics of the subsurface materials. Some of the depths were
increased to cound for the top soil which will be removed.
Elevations and total depths of these drilled test pit are as shown on the following table:

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 Approximate
Test pit No Elevations Drilled Depth(m)
(relative)
TP1 *** 5.0
TP2 *** 5.0
TP3 *** 5.0

Number, depths and locations of the drilled test pit are determined according to the
Jordanian Code for Subsurface Exploration, additional depths were added either to count
for expected foundation level or the uneven topography in the land. The drilling was
conducted on 11/7/2019. The drilling was conducted using backhoe.

3.2 Sampling
Soil samples were obtained at 1.0 meter intervals in the soil test borings or whenever a
change in layer was noticed. All samples were identified according to project number,
boring number and depth, encased in polyethylene plastic bags to protect them against
moisture loss, and transported to the laboratory.

Water level observations were made during the boring operations and the results are
noted on the boring logs (no signs of water). Seasonal variations, temperature and recent
rainfall conditions may influence the levels of the ground water table and volumes of water
will depend on the permeability of the soils.
A field log was prepared for each boring. Each log contained information concerning the
boring method, indications of the presence of various materials such as silt, clay, gravel or
sand. The boring logs are included in Appendices.

4.0 LABORATORY TESTING

In order to determine physical, mechanical and chemical properties of ground materials,
laboratory tests were performed on selected samples from test pit. The following table
shows the conducted lab tests on representative samples obtained from the drilled test pit
were applicable:

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 Test
Tests Carried Out Standards
No
Dry Preparation of Disturbed Soil & Soil Aggregate Samples for
1 AASHTO T 87
Test
2 Particle-Size Analysis of Soils ASTM D 422-63
3 Determination of Atterberg limits of soil ASTM D 4318
4 Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils ASTM D 2166
5 Specific Gravity of Soils AASHTO T 100
6 Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes ASTM D 2487
Standard Test Method for Direct Shear of Soils Under
7 ASTM D 3080
Consolidated Drained Conditions
8 Unified Soil Classification System ****
9 Determination of Water Content of Soils ASTM D2216

The laboratory test results are presented in Appendices.

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Test
Depth % % S.G UCS C
Pit Group W.C L.L P.L P.I % Sand Φo Classification & Color
(m) Gravel Fines g/cm2 Kg/cm2 Kg/cm2
NO.
0-2 4.8
Medium Hard Rock (Dark
TP1 2-3 1 5.6 *** NP *** *** *** *** 2.630 *** 41.02 0.07
Yellowish Orange)
3-5 4.6
0-1 1.2
Medium Hard Rock (Dark
1-3 1 3.3 *** NP *** *** *** *** 2.630 *** 41.02 0.07
Yellowish Orange)
TP2 3-4 8.0
Medium Hard Rock (Grayish
4-5 2 5.8 *** NP *** *** *** *** 2.622 *** 40.70 0.14
Orange)
0-1 12.8
3 *** NP *** *** *** *** 2.563 *** 32.42 0.13 Soft Rock (Very Pale Orange)
1-2 12.9
TP3 2-4 22.5 Very Soft Rock (Pale
4 30.8 26.1 4.8 *** *** *** 2.449 *** 28.15 0.13
4-5 23.7 Yellowish Brown)

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5.0 SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS

5.1 Surface Conditions:

The site shape, dimensions and test pit locations are shown on the attached site plan in
Appendix B. The site is vergin, has encountered no previous construction activities.

5.2 Subsurface Conditions:

Detailed description of the type of soil layers encountered during drilling is given in the test
pit logs (Appendix C). The lines designating the interface between soil strata on the boring
logs represent approximate boundaries; transition between materials may be gradual.
Bottom
Top depth
depth
Test Pit from
from Thick(m) Color Description
Number ground
ground
level
level
Dark Yellowish
TP1 0.0 5.0 5.0 Medium Hard Rock
Orange
Dark Yellowish
0.0 4.0 4.0 Medium Hard Rock
Orange
TP2
4.0 5.0 1.0 Grayish Orange Medium Hard Rock

0.0 2.0 2.0 Very Pale Orange Soft Rock

TP3
Pale Yellowish
2.0 5.0 3.0 Very Soft Rock
Brown

5.3 Ground Water and Cavities:

Groundwater levels may fluctuate with seasonal climatic variations and changes in the
land use. Low permeability soils will require several days or longer for ground water to
enter and stabilize in the test borings. No water was detected neither cavities.

5.4 Swelling Potential:

The material has no swelling potential.

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations presented in the following sections of this report are based on the
scope of work set before, the results obtained from our soil test borings and laboratory

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tests, and our experience with similar projects. Because the test borings represent a very
small statistical sampling of subsurface conditions, it is possible that conditions may be
encountered during construction that are substantially different from those indicated by the
soil test borings. In these instances adjustments to design and construction may be
necessary.
This geotechnical report is based on the site plan and project information developed by the
designer and the assumptions stated in this report. Changes in the proposed location or
design of the structures can have significant effects on the conclusions and
recommendations of the geotechnical report. ICGES should be contacted in the event of
such changes.

6.1 Foundation Type and Depth

In the design of foundations, the designer should take into account two different criterion
and should be met simultaneously. The two criterion are:
1. Bearing capacity, which means that there should be enough safety factor against shear
failure within the soil supporting the structure. The applied loads should not exceed the
allowable load capacity of soil foundation layer.
2. The expected settlement (total and differential) of the soil under any part of the structure
should not exceed the tolerable settlements determined beforehand by the client, codes or
per the type of structure.
The foundation type selection depends on the soil properties, water table, loads and type
of structure.

6.1.1 Shallow Foundation Design

Shallow foundations can be isolated, strip, combined or strap footings. The bearing
capacity calculations are made based on Shultze equation.
The ultimate bearing capacity of a
rectangular or strip footing according to
Shultze:
qult=(1+0.3B/L)*cNc+ɣ0DNq+0.5(1-0.2B/L)ɣ1BNg
………………………. eqn(1)
ɣ unit weight of soil above foundation level.
o
ɣ unit weight of soil below foundation level.
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 B,L= width & length of foundation in m respectively.
D= depth of foundation below ground level.
Nc,Nq and Nɣ=bearing capacity coefficients depending
on the angle of internal shearing resistance of the soil
(Ø) below foundation level (dimensionless).
In the case of circular footing of radius R :
qult=1.3cNc+ɣ0DNq+0.6ɣ1RNg …………..…………………………. eqn(2)
Allowable Bearing
Capacity
qsafe: The safe bearing capacity of soil beneath a given
foundation can be determined from the following
equation:

qsafe=(qult)/F ………………..…………………………..…………………. eqn(3)

F= Safety factor.

The following table summarizes the sets of strength

parameters which were found in the test pit as obtained
from the direct shear test. The conservative set will be
used in the calculations of the bearing capacity. The
values obtained for unconfined compressive strength
using the unconfined compression test were higher than
those obtained from direct shear, so the direct shear
results were adopted in the bearing capacity
calculations.

Lab Results Reduced Adapted Values

Group Layer Type
C qu C qu
∅ (° ) ∅ (° )
Kg/cm2 Kg/cm2 Kg/cm2 Kg/cm2

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 Dark Yellowish Orange
1st Set 41.02 0.07 *** 34.84 0.04 ***
Medium Hard Rock
Grayish Orange Medium Hard
2nd Set Rock
40.70 0.14 *** 34.53 0.09 ***

3rd Set Very Pale Orange Soft Rock 32.42 0.13 *** 25.47 0.09 ***
Pale Yellowish Brown
4th Set Very Soft Rock
28.15 0.13 *** 19.63 0.09 ***

For shallow foundation, the bearing capacity calculations from shear test results using
conservative values are 2.5 and 2.3 kg/cm2 for isolated and strip footings respectively at
a minimum depth of -1.0 meters from current ground level (at time of drilling).

6.1.2 Soil replacement

Soil replacement involves excavating the soil that needs to be improved and replacing it
with a different material with more suitable properties(bascource)for the proposed
application.
The soil replacement rise the bearing capacity to become 4.0 kg/cm2 provided that it is
placed in layers of 25 cms and compacted to 100% degree of compaction according to
modified proctor.
For soil replacement, the following table shows the needed thickness as per the maximum
service load which is based on ∅=40 for the basecourse:
Column Service Load (tons) 400 350 300 250 200 150 100
Thickness of base course (m) 0.84 0.78 0.73 0.66 0.59 0.51 0.42

6.1.3 Recommendations for foundation

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 ICGES has shown the bearing capacity values for different alternatives. It is
to the structural engineer to decide which option should be adapted based on
the superstructure loads.

6.2 Foundation Settlement

The settlement is to be determined by the structural engineer according to the values of
superstructure loads and type of foundation selected. Settlement joint should be used in
case there is a difference in the type of foundation and/or applied stress level.

6.3 Excavation Methods:

The INTERNATIONAL CENTER should be notified at the completion of the excavation so
that to confirm the reach of the subsurface conditions described in the report. The center
is ready to make a one unpaid visit to the site. This means that the contractor should call
the center in the appropriate time. Excavation can be achieved using big tire backhoe
and/or crawler backhoe.

6.4 Excavation Side Slopes:

Only extremely rough and indicative values concerning the critical heights of unbraced
vertical cuts and of slopes of any inclination can be given in view of the fact we were
commissioned by our client to carry out the bare minimum number of investigation and test
sampling. For this case, excavation slope of 1:1 is reasonable according to the following
chart.

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 MAXIMUM ALLOWBALE OF REPOSE FOR THE SIDE OF AN EXACAVATION IN EXCESS OF 5' DEPTH

GRANULAR SOIL (WET CLAY OR SILT SEAMS);

DRY SAND OR CLAY FILL ; DRY SAND AND

RUBBLE OR TRASH FILL FIRM OR MEDIUM

CLAY (LOAM) MIXTURES ; MEDIUM CLAY
STIFF CLAY WITH MINIMUM 2.5 T.S.F*

CLAY WITH RUNNING SAND SEAMS

RUNNING SOIL (SAND OR CLAY)

FRACTURED ROCK FORMATION

FIRM CLAY A MINIMUM OF 1.5

SOILD ROCK FORMATION (90°)

WITH MINIMUM OF 1.0 T.S.F*

GRANULAR SOIL (DRY)

1 12 :1 (34°)
4 :1 (75°)

2 :1 (83°)

3 :1 (56°)

3:1 (18°)
1:1 (45°)
T.S.F*
1

NOTE: JOB CONDITIONS MAY REQUIRE THE

ANGEL OF RESPONSE SHOWN IN THIS TO
BE REDUCED TO PREVENT THE SIDE OF
THE EXCAVATION FROM FAILURE.
*STRENGTH VALUES ARE GIVEN IN UNCONFINED
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AS MEASURED BY A
PENTROMETER OR LABORATORY TESTS.

The above chart can be used as a guidline for side slopes unless detailed analysis is
made.
If detailed slope stability analysis was made then the results should be followed.

6.5 Siesmic Activity:

As far as seismic activities are concerned, the investigated site lies within zone “2B” as
found in the attached Palestinian Siesmic Activities Map. The following seismic
parameters can be used in designing the proposed project:

Siesmic Zone 2B
Siesmic Zone Factor (Z) 0.20
Siesmic Soil Type Soft Rock & Very Dense Soil
Siesmic Soil Section Name SC
Siesmic Factor Related to Acceleration (Ca) 0.24
Siesmic Factor Related to Speed (Cv) 0.33
Siesmic Importance Factor Related to Occupancy 1.00

SEISMIC ZONE FACTOR Z

ZONE 1 2A 2B 3 4

Z 0.075 0.15 0.20 0.30 0.40

NOTE: The zone shall be determined from the seismic zone map

SOIL PROFILE TYPES

AVERAGE SOIL PROPERTIES FOR TOP 100 FEET (30 480 mm) OF SOIL PROFILE

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 Shear Wave Velocity, Standard Penetration Test, [or for Undrained Shear Strength, psf
SOIL PROFILE SOIL PROFILE NAME/GENERIC feet/second (m/s) cohesionless soil layers] (blows/foot) (kPa)
TYPE DESCRIPTION
SA Hard Rock > 5,000
(1,500)
Rock — —
SB 2,500 to 5,000
(760 to 1,500)
SC Very Dense Soil and Soft Rock 1,200 to 2,500 > 50 > 2,000
(360 to 760) (100)
SD Stiff Soil Profile 600 to 1,200 15 to 50 1,000 to 2,000
(180 to 360) (50 to 100)
SE1 Soft Soil Profile < 600 < 15 < 1,000
(180) (50)
SF Soil Requiring Site-specific Evaluation. See Section 1629.3.1.
1Soil Profile Type SE also includes any soil profile with more than 10 feet (3048 mm) of soft clay defined as a soil with a plasticity index,
PI> 20,wmc≥40 percent and su < 500 psf (24 kPa). The Plasticity Index, PI, and the moisture content, wmc, shall be determined in
accordance with approved national standards.

SEISMIC COEFFICIENT a
SEISMIC ZONE FACTOR,
SOIL PROFILE TYPE z= 0.075 z= 0.15 Z=0.20 z= 0.3 z= 0.4
SA 0.06 0.12 0.16 0.24 0.32Na
SB 0.08 0.15 0.20 0.30 0.40Na
SC 0.09 0.18 0.24 0.33 0.40Na
SD 0.12 0.22 0.28 0.36 0.44Na
SE 0.19 0.30 0.34 0.36 0.36Na
SF See Footnote 1
1Site-specific geotechnical investigation and dynamic site response analysis shall be performed to determine seismic coefficients for Soil Profile Type
SF

SEISMIC COEFFICIENT

SEISMIC ZONE FACTOR,

SOIL PROFILE TYPE
z= 0.075 z= 0.15 z= 0.2 z= 0.3 z= 0.3
SA 0.06 0.12 0.16 0.24 0.32Nv
SB 0.08 0.15 0.20 0.30 0.40Nv
SC 0.13 0.25 0.32 0.45 0.56Nv
SD 0.18 0.32 0.40 0.54 0.64Nv
SE 0.26 0.50 0.64 0.84 0.96Nv
SF See Footnote 1
1Site-specific geotechnical investigation and dynamic site response analysis shall be performed to determine seismic coefficients for Soil
Profile Type SF.

6.5.1 Potential for liquefaction and recommendations for liquefaction mitigation

Liquefaction is not a hazard for the types of soil that have been encountered. Also the
water table is is too deep to worry about liquefaction.

6.6 Foundation Excavation Inspection:

The recommendations given in this report are based on the assumption that the
subsurface materials and conditions do not deviate appreciably from those disclosed in the
borings.

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Our office should be notified, in writing, immediately after foundation excavation and
before foundation construction to inspect the excavations and confirm that the required
ground is reached and all the undesirable and loose materials are removed. The
foundation excavations inspection may be carried out at the request of the client, at
separate fees.

6.6.1 Preparation of excavated surfaces for placement of foundations

The excavated surfaces should be cleaned from loose material before the pouring of the
concrete of foundation. If founding on soil layer, the soil surface should be compacted to a
degree not less than 98% on modified proctor.

6.7 Drainage requirements for buried wall surfaces and beneath buried structures.
In order to prevent water dampness at the basement walls and ground floor, all subsurface
walls and bottom of foundations should be water insulated with proper insulating materials.
Water stops should be used at all construction joints.

Drainage of percolating water behind basement walls should be considered to prevent the
build up of lateral water pressures and leakage problems. The subsurface walls shall be
backfilled with filter material as directed by the Engineer. The upper portion of the wall
shall then be backfilled with an impervious soil which shall be compacted.
Trenches for under drains shall be excavated to a minimum width equal to the outside
diameter of the pipe plus 30 cm and to the specified depth shown on the drawings or as
directed by the Engineer. Unless otherwise specified, perforated pipe shall be laid with the
perforations at the bottom and sections shall be jointed with couplers.

After the pipe has been placed, the trench shall be backfilled with filter material to the
elevation shown on the drawings, or as directed by the Engineer.
Adequate provisions for positive discharge of the water collected in the drains should be
made. It is recommended that the drainage system be designed for a factor safety of 5 in
terms of the line capacity.

The site should be graded to provide positive drainage to reduce storm water infiltration. A
minimum gradient of one percent for paved areas should be maintained. A three percent
gradient should be maintained for landscaped areas immediately adjacent (within 3 m) to

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the building. In general, water should not be allowed to collect near the surface of the
foundation or floor slab areas of the structures during or after construction. If water was
allowed to accumulate next to the foundation, it would provide an available source of free
water to the soil underlying the foundation. Similarly, surface water drainage patterns or
swales must not be altered so that runoff is allowed to collect next to the foundation.
Temporary drainage provisions should be established, as necessary, to minimize water
runoff into the construction areas. Also, undercut or excavated areas should be sloped
toward one corner to facilitate the collection and removal of rainwater or surface runoff.
Ground water seepage was not encountered in our borings during drilling. However,
minor ground water seepage may be encountered within the proposed building foundation,
utility trenches and grading excavations at the time of construction, especially after periods
of heavy precipitation. Small quantities of seepage may be handled by conventional sump
and pump methods of dewatering.
Cross section is shown next for the the detail of basement walls and retaining wall
drainage systems.

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6.8 Site Preparation
Building rubble and any other debris noted at or below the existing ground surface should
be removed as part of the site preparation for the proposed construction area. In all new
fill and excavation areas, vegetation, topsoil, roots and other deleterious materials
(typically 10 to 15 cms), deemed unsuitable shall be removed from the proposed
construction areas, and replaced with controlled fill. Site clearing, grubbing and stripping

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will need to be performed only during dry weather conditions. Operation of heavy
equipment on the site during wet conditions could result in excessive rutting and mixing of
organic debris with the underlying soils.

6.9 Structural Fill

It is recommended that structural fills be constructed as controlled, well-compacted
engineered fills. Structural engineered fill should be inorganic, low plastic clay, sand, or
gravel. Any existing soils with a high organic content (browns) are suitable for reuse as fill
in landscaping areas only. It is recommended that only granular fill be used within the
building footprint and within 1.5m of the building footprint. The intent of these
recommendations is to reduce the potential for settlement of new fills.
For the select fill or backfill we recommend granular material with A-1, A-2 or A-3
classification on AASHTO M 145. The select fill angle of friction is >32°, so for the
calculations we use 30° which will yield the earth pressure coefficients as follows:
Ka = (1-sin Φ) / (1 + sin Φ) = 0.33
Kp = (1+sin Φ) / (1 - sin Φ) = 3.00
Ko = (1-sin Φ) = 0.50
Laboratory testing should be performed on the fill materials to determine the appropriate
moisture-density relationship of the fill being placed. Adjustments to the soil moisture by
wetting or drying should be made as needed during fill placement.

During grading operations, representative samples of the proposed imported structural fill
materials should be periodically checked via laboratory testing. A full-time representative
from the testing agency should be called to monitor excavation and grading operation as
well as the suitability of fill materials.

Suitable fill material should be placed in thin lifts (lift thickness depends on type of
compaction equipment, but in general, lifts of 20 cm loose measurement is
recommended). The soil should be compacted by the necessary compaction equipment
to meet the specified compaction recommendations.

If the fill material is granular (sands and gravels) with less than 10% clays and silts,
smooth-drum vibratory compactors should be used. In addition, a smooth-drum roller
should be provided to “seal” the fill at the end of each workday to reduce the impact of

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precipitation. In areas undergoing removal of seepage water, the engineered fill should be
limited to well-graded sand and gravel or crushed stone.

Within small excavations, such as in utility trenches (less than 60 cm in width), around
manholes or behind retaining walls, we recommend the use of "wacker packers",
"Rammax" compactors or vibrating plate compactors to achieve the specified compaction.
Loose lift thickness of 10 cm are recommended in small area fills.

We recommend that the structural fill and backfill be compacted in accordance with the
criteria stated in Table below. A qualified field representative should periodically observe
fill placement operations and perform field density tests at various locations throughout
each lift, including trench backfill, to indicate if the specified compaction is being achieved.
STRUCTURAL FILL PLACEMENT GUIDELINES
Compaction
Recommendation Moisture Content
Areas of Fill Placement
(ASTM D698-Standard (Percent of Optimum)
Proctor)
Granular cushion beneath Floor Slab As necessary to obtain
98%
and over Footings density
Structural fill supporting Footings 98% -1 to +3 percent
Structural fill placed within 1.5m
beyond the perimeter of the building 98% -1 to +3 percent
pad
Grade-raise fill placed within 0.3m of
98% -1 to +3 percent
the base of the pavement
Structural fill placed below the base of
95% -1 to +3 percent
the Pavement Soil Subgrade
Utility Trenches - Within building and
98% -1 to +3 percent
pavement areas
As necessary to obtain
Beneath Landscaped/Grass Areas 92%
density

The top materials such as brown sandy clay with gravel is not suitable as backfill material.
The materials to be used for backfilling purposes behind underground walls and basement
floor slab shall be a soil or soil- rock mixture which is free from organic matter or other
deleterious substances. It shall not contain rocks or lumps over 15 cm in greatest
dimension, and not more than 15 percent larger than 7 cm. the plasticity index for the
backfill material shall not be more than 15 percent.

6.10 Floor Slab Subgrade Preparation

The soil subgrade in the areas of concrete slab-on-grade support is often disturbed during
foundation and superstructure construction. Additionally, floor slab areas are often
[Project # 069] Wael Mubarak Building Project Page 22
disturbed by construction equipment traffic between the time of initial grading and final
pavement construction. The subgrade should be excavated to the design depth of the
bottom of slab gravels. To prepare the subgrade, the top 20 cm of the subgrade should be
compacted to a minimum of 98% of the maximum dry density as determined by ASTM
D698, Standard Proctor Moisture-Density Relationship. The moisture content should also
be controlled to -1 to +3% of the optimum.
The final subgrade should be proof-rolled and evaluated by a representative of ICGES
immediately prior to placement of the engineered fill to detect any localized areas of
instability or soft areas. If unstable soils are encountered which cannot be adequately
densified in place, such soils should be removed and replaced with well-compacted fill
material placed in accordance with the Structural Fill section of this report. The subgrade
should be graded to a shallower slope than five horizontal to one vertical (5H:1V) prior to
receiving general engineered fill material to reduce the effects of differential fill
thicknesses. The prepared subgrade should be protected from drying, excessive
moisture, and freezing.

-Allowable Bearing Capacity

 The recommended bearing capacity values are shown in sec. 6.1.1.

-Type of Foundation

 The shallow foundation can be in the form of strip, rectangular or raft based on the
superstructure loads.

-Depth of Foundation

 The foundation is planned at -1.0 m from the current level. In all cases the
foundation should be protected by at least 1 .0 meter from the final soil
elevation.

[Project # 069] Wael Mubarak Building Project Page 23

7.0 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

 The construction operations should not endanger adjacent existing

structures.
 During construction, the site should be protected from running or percolating
water.
 A layer of blinding concrete 10 cm thick should be placed under the
foundation in order to minimize chemical reaction between cement mortar
and native soil.
 The Soil Engineer should be informed after the excavation of foundations
and prior to any pouring in order to visit the site and reconcile field conditions
with the findings of this report.
 The recommendations of this report are based on the assumption that the
subsurface conditions do not deviate appreciably from those disclosed in the
exploratory test pit.
 Should any variations or undesirable conditions be encountered during
construction, the Soil Engineer should be immediately notified. Site
conditions provided as dictated by the field conditions.
 This report is issued with the understanding that it is the responsibility of
the owner, or his representative, to ensure that the information and the
recommendations contained herein are brought to the attention of the
Architect and the Civil Engineer for the project and are incorporated into
the plans and that the necessary steps are taken to see that the
contractor carries out such recommendations in the field.

8.0 ADDITIONAL SERVICES

The recommendations presented in this report are contingent on ICGES observing and/or
monitoring:
Backfilling and compaction of excavations;
Suitability of borrow materials;
Fill placement and compaction;
Foundation subgrades; and Compliance with the geotechnical recommendations.

[Project # 069] Wael Mubarak Building Project Page 24

9.0 CLOSURE
We trust that this report will assist you in the design and construction of the proposed
project. ICGES appreciates the opportunity to provide our services on this project and
looks forward to working with you during construction and on future projects. Should you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

[Project # 069] Wael Mubarak Building Project Page 25

 APPENDIX A
LIMITATIONS

[Project # 069] Wael Mubarak Building Project Page 26

 This report was prepared for the exclusive use of Wael Mubarak Building project described in
Section 2. The report may not be relied upon by any other person or entity without the written permission of
ICGES. This report was prepared in accordance with current, generally accepted geotechnical engineering
practices. No other warrantee is provided.
ICGES should be given the opportunity to review the geotechnical aspects of plans and
specifications prior to construction, to allow confirmation of the correct interpretation of the recommendations
provided in this report. Foundations, earthworks, underground construction, and pavement construction
should be undertaken only with full time monitoring by qualified personnel. ICGES can provide these
services on request.
The conclusions and recommendations submitted in this report are based upon the data obtained
from a limited number of widely spaced subsurface explorations. The nature and extent of variations
between these explorations may not become evident until construction or further investigation. If variations
or other latent conditions do become evident, it will be necessary to re-evaluate the recommendations of this
report.
The recommendations contained herein are not intended to dictate construction methods or
sequences. Instead, they are furnished solely to help designers identify potential construction problems
related to foundation and earth plans and specifications, based upon findings derived from sampling.
Depending upon the final design chosen for the project, the recommendations may also be useful to
personnel who observe construction activity. Potential contractors for the project must evaluate potential
construction problems on the basis of their review of the contract documents, their own knowledge of and
experience in the local area, and on the basis of similar projects in other localities, taking into account their
own proposed methods and procedures.
The scope of services did not include any environmental assessment for the presence or absence of
wetlands or hazardous or toxic materials in the soil, surface water, groundwater, or air, on or below or
around this site. Any statements in this report or on the boring logs regarding odors, colors or unusual or
suspicious items or conditions are strictly for the information of the client.

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 APPENDIX B

TEST PIT LOGS

&
GEOLOGICAL PROFILE

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 APPENDIX C
Lab Test Results

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APPENDIX D
CHARTS
 Design Response Spectrum As per UBC 1997 Code

seizmic Soil
zone Profile            

2B Sc            
Spectrum Parametrs Factor 1.429 *
Damping Ratio= 5 % Damping Ratio= 0.50 %
Seismi
Seismic c Seismic Seismic
Coeff. Coeff. Coeff. Coeff.
Ca Cv Ts T0 Ca Cv Ts T0
0.240 0.330 0.550 0.110 0.343 0.471 0.550 0.110
Period( Accele Displac Period( Displac
T) r. Velocity e. T) Acceler. Velocity e.
2
second m/s m/s mm second m/s2 m/s mm
0 0.240 0 0 0 0.343 0 0
0.00334 0.85714 0.00477
0.110 0.6 0.0462 1 0.110 3 0.066 3
0.02089 0.85714 0.18385 0.02985
0.248 0.6 0.1287 6 0.248 3 7 1
0.03891 0.85714 0.25457 0.05559
0.330 0.6 0.1782 5 0.330 3 1 3
- 0.85714 0.41957 -
0.523 0.6 0.2937 0.00301 0.523 3 1 0.00773
- 0.85714 0.44314 -
0.550 0.6 0.3102 0.01598 0.550 3 3 0.02626
0.17748 0.25355 -
1 0.330 6 -0.1438 1 0.471 2 0.20886
0.40622 - 0.58032 -
2 0.165 5 0.12762 2 0.236 1 0.18574
0.54002 0.09920 0.77146 0.13829
3 0.110 8 9 3 0.157 9 9
0.63496 0.45371 0.64473
4 0.083 3 8 4 0.118 0.90709 9
0.70860 0.90012 1.01228 1.28246
5 0.066 1 7 5 0.094 7 7
0.70860 1.41837 1.01228 2.02281
6 0.055 1 1 6 0.079 7 6
0.76876 1.99559 1.09823 2.84741
7 0.047 7 2 7 0.067 8 7
0.81963 2.62283 1.17090 3.74348
8 0.041 7 9 8 0.059 9 4
0.86370 3.29352 4.70160
9 0.037 2 3 9 0.052 1.23386 4
4.00258 1.28938 5.71455
10 0.033 0.90257 9 10 0.047 6 6
*Note:factor as per Japanese (JPN 2001) Guidelines
 Design Acceleration Spectrum
0.900

0.800

0.700

0.600
Spectral Acceleration/g

0.500

0.400
m/s2

0.300

0.200

0.100

0.000
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Period / second

0.50 % 0.50 %
 Design Displacement Spectrum
7

4
Displacement/g

3
m

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

-1

Period / second

5% 0.50 %
 Design Velocity Respons Spectrum
1.4

1.2

0.8
Velocity/g
m/s

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Period/ second

Damping Ratio= 0.50 % 5%