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GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION WORK FOR


PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX
AT GANDERBAL IN THE STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

SUBMITTED TO

EXECUTIVE ENGINEER R&B DIVISION GANDERBAL

SUBMITTED BY

MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.


WATHOORA, BATPORA, CHADOORA BUDGAM
J & K – 191113
Email Address: Mountgeotech@gmail.com
MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

S.NO PAGE N0
1.0 INTRODUCTION 3

1.1 SCOPE OF THIS REPORT 3


2.0 PLANNING OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAMME 4
2.1 INVESTIGATION OF THIS WORK 4
3.0 GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION OF THE REGION 5

3.1 LOCATION 5
3.2 CLIMATE 5
3.3 GENERAL GEOLOGY OF PROJECT AREA 6
3.4 SIESMICITY 6
3.5 LIQUEFACTION ASSESMENT 7
4.0 METHODOLOGY OF INVESTIGATION 8
4.1 BORHOLES 8

4.2 8
STANDARD PENETRATION TESTS (SPT)
4.3 DISTURBED SAMPLING (SOIL) IN BOREHOLES 9
4.4 UNDISTURBED SAMPLING (SOIL) IN BOREHOLES) 9
4.5 LABORATORY TESTING 9
5.0 GEOTECHNICAL ASSESSMENT / PROPOSED DESIGN PARAMETERS 9
5.1 SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS 9
6.0 FOUNDATION SUPPORT 10
6.1 OPEN FOUNDATION 10
6.2 PILE FOUNDATION 11
7.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 11
8.0 ANNEXURE-1 12
Borelogs including laboratory test results
Standard penetration Test Curves
Grain Size analysis
Bearing Capacity calculations and settlement
Pile capacity sheets

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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT FOR


PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX
AT GANDERBAL J&K

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Client R&B Division Ganderbal has undertaken the construction of Proposed
structures at mentioned location. This report covers the Geotechnical Investigation Work
carried out for exploration of soil.
Field identification tests and some in situ strength tests as well as laboratory tests on
soil/rock samples were carried out. All the field work and laboratory tests were conducted
as per the IS specifications and instructions of client.
Geotechnical investigation is an essential preliminary step for civil engineering design
and construction works and primarily, the objects for conducting such investigations are
as follows:
 Suitability - to assess the general suitability of the site;
 Design - to enable an adequate and economic design;
 Construction - to plan the most feasible method of construction, to foresee and
provide against difficulties and delays that may arise during construction due to ground,
groundwater.
In order to collect data and achieve the project objectives, studies and site Investigations
were conducted. Main purpose of these studies was to obtain the relevant geotechnical
design data including sub-surface profile (soil/rock interface), classification, behavior and
engineering properties.

1.1 Scope of This Report

This report contains the following information;


 Introduction
 Planning of geotechnical Investigation programme including scope of work
 Methodology of Investigation
 Geotechnical assessment / proposed design soil parameters/ Foundation Support

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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

2.0 PLANNING OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAMME

A Geotechnical study was proposed to be carried out for deciphering the subsurface
strata for the design of proposed Structure in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Based on nature of the project, soil borings under the structures were planned to:
(i) obtain soil samples, both representative and undisturbed (wherever possible) for
classification tests and other laboratory tests for determining engineering
properties;
(ii) conduct Standard Penetration test in the boreholes

2.1 Investigation of this Wok


2.1.1 The summary of the fieldwork for proposed structure is mentioned below

S.NO LOCATION BORE HOLE STRUCTURE Depth of


NO. Investigation
below EGL
(m)
1.

Ganderbal BH-01 Building 20


2.
Ganderbal BH-02 Building 20
3.
Ganderbal BH-03 Building 20
Borehole Location was given by client

2.1.2 Details of Laboratory Testing


Exploratory Boreholes
This Report present the information based on test results performed on boreholes below
the existing grade level. Borehole locations is mentioned in this report.

Tests performed on soil samples


S.No. Relevant Code / Testing Conducted
Test Description
Standard in the Laboratory
Sieve Analysis /Hydrometer
1 IS: 2720 (Part IV) √

Natural Moisture Content /


2 Bulk / Dry Density IS: 2720 (Part II) √

Specific gravity,
3
Moisture content IS :2720 (Part III) √

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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

Liquid limit/ plastic √


4 IS: 2720 (Part V)
limit/ plasticity index

5 Gradation of soil IS :2720 (Part IV) √

6 Direct Shear Test (for non- IS :2720 (Part XIII) √


cohesive soils / mixed soils)
7 Triaxial Test IS :2720 (Part XI) √

8 Consolidation Tests √
(Cohesive soils below water IS :2720 (Part XV)
table) if required

All field work, field tests, collection of samples and laboratory Tests were carried out as per
relevant IS specifications.

3.0 GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION OF THE REGION

3.1 Location
Project Site is located in District Ganderbal.

3.2 Climate
The climate found in the zone of the Middle Mountains and the valleys is of a particular type.
Altitude determines the degree of coolness and elevation the form of precipitation and summer
temperature. Winter is cold and of long duration. When the monsoons are strong, rain is caused.
In higher mountains round the valley of Kashmir, winter is very cold and there is snow-fall.
Summer is very short and milder. The climate in the Valley of Kashmir has its own peculiarities.

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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

Winter is very cold. It lasts from November to March. During these months strong winds bring
snow and rain from the Mediterranean depressions. Spring begins after 15th of March when rain
falls heavily. It causes landslides. But for sowing crops this rain is extremely useful. Rainfall in July
and August is as high as 70% and with summer temperature, it causes discomfort. The lakes and
waterways make the atmosphere damp and oppressive. The entire valley is covered with a haze
that hides the surrounding mountains from view. The seasons are marked with sudden change
and the year is divided into six seasons of two months each.
Spring March 15 to May 15.
Summer May 15 to July 15.
Rainy Season July 15 to Sept. 15.
Autumn Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.
Winter Nov. 15 to Jan 15.
Ice Cold Jan. 15 to March 15.
From December 24 to March 8 temperature is often below zero. Strong winds blow from south
and southeast. It snows during winter and there are thick black clouds in the sky. Annual rainfall
of the valley recorded is about 75 cms. It rains in July and August and also in March and April.
August is the warmest month. Temperature rises to 85 deg. F. January is the coldest month.

3.3 General geology of project area


Kashmir or the Jhelum Valley is situated between the Pir Panjal range and the Zanskar range
and has an area of 15220 sq kms. It is bounded on all sides by mountains. The river Jhelum,
which flows out from the spring at Verinag in Anantnag district, passes through this Valley at
a very slow speed and ultimately flows out through a narrow gorge at Baramulla. Districts of
Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara and Pulwama Kulgam lie in this valley. Average
height of the valley is 1850 meters above sea level but the surrounding mountains, which are
always snow-clad, rise from three to four thousand meters above sea level. The surface of
the valley is plain and abounds with springs, lakes and health resorts.
3.4 Seismicity

The state of Jammu & Kashmir is the western most extension of the Himalayan mountain range
in India. Here it comprises of the Pir Panjal, Zanskar, Karakoram and Ladakh ranges. The
boundary of the Punjab plain and the mountains forms the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFF),
which in this area is the Murree Thrust. The Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) underlies the Pir
Panjal Range and is known as the Pir Panjal Thrust in the region. The Zanskar ranges which
are part of the Great Himalayan range are underlain by the Zanskar Thrust. The Kashmir Valley
lies between the Pir Panjal and the Zanskar thrusts, making it very vulnerable to earthquakes.
Other northern parts of Jammu & Kashmir are heavily faulted. Along the Zanskar and the
Ladakh ranges runs a NW-SE trending strike-slip fault, the longest in the Jammu & Kashmir
area. Apart from the routine small tremors moderate to large earthquakes have hit nearly all
parts of the state. However, it must be stated that proximity to faults does not necessarily
translate into a higher hazard as compared to areas located further away, as damage from
earthquakes depends on numerous factors such as subsurface geology as well as adherence
to the building codes. The area under study and its surroundings are seismically active falls in
Seismic Zone – V and the tectonic elements of the area are considered capable of generating
an earthquake of magnitude of 7.5. In seismic design Zone factor, Z of 0.36 is recommended.

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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

3.5 Liquefaction

Liquefaction is the sudden loss of shear strength of the loose fine-grained sands due to
earthquake-induced vibration under saturated conditions. Assessment of liquefaction potential of
foundation strata is made by simplified approach proposed by Seed & Idriss (1983 – 1985) / from
the SPT data and peak ground acceleration likely to occur at the site. In this method, cyclic shear
stress likely to be induced in the foundation strata by Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) is first
evaluated. Next threshold cyclic shear stress, which is good enough to cause liquefaction, is
determined from SPT data and the empirical relations. Finally, comparison of these two stresses
is used in the estimation of liquefaction susceptibility of the foundation strata.

Cyclic Stress Ratio ( CSR )


If the equivalent average of shear stress is normalized with the initial effective overburden
pressure (σo), the term is called seismic demand of soil layer or cyclic stress ratio ( CSR ).
CSR = 0.65 * (σo / σo’ )* (amax / g )* rd

Cyclic Resistance Ratio ( CRR ) It expresses capacity of soil to resist liquefaction. CRR is
determined using correlation between corrected blow count (N1)60 and CRR for earthquake of
magnitude 7.5. (N1)60 is the SPT blow count corrected to an effective overburden pressure of
100 kpa and to hammer energy efficiency of 60 %.

Hence the CRR for a particular earthquake magnitude is determined as


CRR = CRR M = 7.5 * MSF * Kσ * Kα
Kσ and Kα is taken as 1.
The factor of safety against liquefaction, FSL, is given as FSL = CRR/CSR
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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

The value of CSR and CRR are computed at different depth and depth susceptible to liquefaction
is determined. Liquefaction is probable when FSL is less than 1.0.
Liquefaction is the sudden loss of shear strength of the loose fine-grained sands due to earthquake-
induced vibration under saturated conditions. The liquefaction generally takes place in loose fine-
grained sands ( fines < 5 %, D60, 0.20 mm to 1.0 mm and Cu between 2 to 5) with N value less than
15. Seed (1969) concludes that in case of soil strata indicating Corrected N >15, the liquefaction of soil
will not possibly take place.

Effect of Liquefaction potential has not been considered for the given location but Should be taken into
account if Cohesionless soils are encountered with loose strata. Following parameters should be
considered for analysis if necessary.

Assessment of Liquefaction

Considerations for checking Liquefaction:


Water table Depth = at ground Level
Seismic Zone = V
Maximum earthquake magnitude = 7.5
Zone Factor = 3.6

4.0 METHODOLOGY OF INVESTIGATION

The investigation was planned to obtain the subsurface stratification in the proposed project site
and collect soil samples for laboratory testing to determine the engineering properties such as
shear strength, along with basic engineering classification of the subsurface stratum to arrive at
the foundation design parameters.

4.1 Boreholes

For Geotechnical investigation work, boring rig was installed at the specified borehole location.
Stability of rig was ensured by making level ground. The boreholes were progressed using a
mechanical shell and auger, where caving of the borehole occurred, 150 mm diameter casing
was used to keep the borehole stable as per IS specifications. Where hard strata were
encountered, borehole was advanced by chiseling. The chisel was attached to heavy sinker bars
to progress the borehole.

4.2 Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)


Standard Penetration Tests were conducted at 1.5 m interval as per the procedure in
IS: 2131 – 1981.

The ‘N’ values are indicative of the compactness / relative density of cohesion less soils and
consistency of cohesive soils. In case the blow count of SPT in soil (including the number of
blows for seating) exceeds 100, the corresponding penetration was recorded and this particular
test at that depth stopped. If the total penetration is more than the seating penetration of 15 cm,
then breakup of blow count for 15 cm seating penetration and for remaining portion of penetration
is also be given.
SPT ‘N’ values are correlated with relative density of non-cohesive stratum and with consistency of
cohesive stratum.

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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

CORRELATION FOR CLAY/PLASTIC CORRELATION FOR SAND/NON-PLASTIC


SILT SILT
Consistency Penetration Value Relative Density Penetration Value
Very Soft 0 to 2 Blows Very loose 0 to 4 Blows
Soft 3 to 4 Blows Loose 5 to 10 Blows
Medium Stiff 5 to 8 Blows Medium 11 to 30 Blows
Stiff 9 to 16 Blows Dense 31 to 50 Blows
Very Stiff 17 to 32 Blows Very Dense Above 50
Hard Above 32

4.3 Disturbed Sampling (Soil) in boreholes


Disturbed soil collected in the SPT sampler was preserved in polythene covers and transported
to the laboratory. One more polythene cover was provided to prevent the loss of moisture during
the transit period.

4.4 Undisturbed Sampling (Soil) in Boreholes

Undisturbed samples were collected using 100mm diameter and 450mm long MS tubes
provided with sampler head with ball check arrangement. Undisturbed samples were not
proved to be truly undisturbed in case of Non-plastic sandy soils or hard clay soil.

4.6 Laboratory testing


Laboratory tests were carried out as directed by contractor, consultant in accordance with the
procedures described in the relevant Indian Standard Codes of practice.

5.0 GEOTECHNICAL ASSESSMENT / PROPOSED DESIGN PARAMETERS

This Project is about the proposed construction of Transmission towers at specified locations .
Boreholes were used to characterize subsurface conditions at site.

5.1 Subsurface Conditions

Based on the boring information, the generalized subsurface conditions at the site are as
follows:

Stratum 1: Clayey Sandy Silt / Clayey Silt / Silty Clay of low to medium plasticity
(ML/CL/CI).

Stratum 2: Silty Sand (SM/SP-SM)

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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

6.0 FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Considering the nature of soil, expected loads Pile foundations is recommended. Since the
sub-soils are loose and likely to experience large settlements upon application of load. Hence
open foundation is not a feasible foundation system, and should be taken deep enough
beyond zone of loose strata.

6.1 Open Foundations

Bearing Capacity for open Foundations


Bearing capacity for shallow foundations in soil has been analyzed in accordance with IS:
6403-1981, which is based on, modified Terzaghi’s classical approach. The weighted average
of shear parameters for various strata up to a significant influence zone of 1.5 B (B = width of
the foundation) below the foundation level is used in the analysis. Considering the fluctuation
of ground water, it is assumed that water table will be at existing ground level and accordingly
the water table correction is applied. A factor of safety of 2.5 is selected to estimate the net
safe bearing capacity from ultimate net bearing capacity. The Bearing capacity has been
calculated neglecting the effect of overburden upto maximum scour level (given by client) and
zone of liquefaction.

Settlement for Open Foundations


The magnitude of settlement, when foundation loads are applied, depends upon the
compressibility of the underlying strata and rigidity of the substructure. In cohesive deposition,
the post construction settlement is caused by dissipation of pore pressures and hence is time
dependent so that consolidation settlement is computed for such soils as per IS: 8009 (Part-
1), depth correction factor is applied as per IS: 8009 (Part-I). The immediate settlements in
clays are estimated using the elastic theory considering the effect of a rigid stratum underlying
the foundation soils (Reference: “Foundation Analysis and Design” by J. E. Bowles)

Depth of Size of Net safe Net Pressure Recommended


foundation Footing bearing intensity at Net Allowable
Borehole Location below EGL (m) pressure foundation level as Bearing
No (M) in shear per settlement capacity (t/m2)
(t/m2) criterion
(t/m2)

BH-01 Ganderbal 3 8x10 7.06 2.8 2.5

BH-02 Ganderbal 3 8x10 6.94 3.0 2.5

BH-03 Ganderbal 3 8x10 5.76 2.8 2.5

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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

6.2 Pile Foundation

RCC bored cast-in-situ piles is recommended to support the loads of Structure. Based on sub-
surface conditions, soil design parameters and calculations attached in Annexure - I,
recommendations are presented in normal conditions. The diameter of pile has been
considered as 600 mm. While calculating the pile load capacity in seismic condition, over
burden pressure due to liquefiable strata has not been ignored.

Depth of Diameter of Net safe Recommended safe


foundation Pile (mm) Vertical Vertical Load
Borehole No Location below EGL (M) Load Capacity (tonnes)
Capacity
(tonnes)

BH-01 Ganderbal 18.0 600 72.16 70


BH-02 Ganderbal 18.0 600 83.19 80
BH-03 Ganderbal 18.0 600 76.24 70

7.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

1) It is seen that the sub-soils are loose to medium dense with low to marginally high
SPT ‘N’ values below ground level. The sub-soils are also likely to experience large
settlements.. Hence open foundation is not a feasible foundation system. Pile
foundation is recommended for structures. Diameter of pile has been adopted as
600mm with variations taken according to superimposed load and consultation from
designer.
2) Depth of pile should be taken to appropriate depth to bear the imposed load.
3) The above pile capacities are based on the static analysis as per IS: 2911 Part-1,
section 2 and include a safety factor of 2.5. These capacities may be used as a guide
line for design. Final capacities should be confirmed on site by initial pile load test as
per IS specification.
4) RCC bored cast-in-situ piles is recommended to support the loads. Based on sub-
surface conditions, soil design parameters and calculations attached in Annexure - I,
recommendations are presented in normal conditions.
5) While calculating the pile load capacity in seismic condition, over burden pressure
due to liquefiable strata have not been ignored.

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MOUNT GEO TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT LTD.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEX AT GANDERBAL
REPORT No. MGS/R&B GANDERBAL/GT/ /19-01

ANNEXURE-1

Following details attached ….


- BoreLogs including laboratory test results
- Standard penetration Test Curves
- Grain size Analysis
- Bearing capacity with settlement calculation for open foundation.
- pile capacity calculation

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