Chapter 3

Site Investigation Manual - 2002 Preliminary Design

3. PRELIMINARY DESIGN

3.1 Preliminary Design Sampling and Testing

Investigations for design are often conducted in two stages (preliminary stage, and final
stage), depending on the terms of reference. Where two stages are chosen or specified,
the frequency of sampling and testing during the preliminary stage is significantly less
that that for the final design. See Figure 1-2 for a representation of the flow chart for
sampling and testing.

The field exploration in the preliminary stage (in either case) should be of such extent as
to have sufficient data for preliminary design. The explorations and testing, which are
costly and time-consuming, should serve the obvious needs of civil and structural design.
The preliminary design phase data must have sufficient accuracy, coverage and
applicability to support design analysis and decisions. It should also permit reasonably
accurate preliminary estimates of material quantities and construction costs.

The field reconnaissance portion of the preliminary design includes the conduct in
indicator tests on materials. These are the same tests as those conducted during the final
design, and as indicated in both Chapter 4: Final Design and in Appendix B: Laboratory
Testing. However, these tests are usually but not always conducted at a lower sampling
frequency than that required during the final design process. See Figure 4-1 for a
sampling frequency for common investigations for preliminary design.

3.2 General

The preliminary design requires the following geotechnical studies:

ƒ Soils and rock conditions as they pertain to earthworks operations and subgrade
conditions as pavement support. As far as possible, the interface between soil (or
rippable rock) and unweathered rock should be identified in order to optimize the
alignment and profile. Also, an assessment of the subgrade strength is required at this
stage to conduct the pavement design, together with a definition of the conditions of
compaction and reuse of excavated materials into embankments.
ƒ Materials search. Although a precise estimate of the volumes may not be warranted
during preliminary design, it is important to verify the existence of sources of
materials at desirable intervals for all types of materials. A verification of the quality
and suitability of the materials is essential at this stage. If problems become apparent
with the availability of certain materials, then a more precise determination of the
quantities is warranted.
ƒ In certain areas, water may be scarce for construction purposes and in particular for
providing proper moisture content during compaction of the soils and pavement
layers materials. Since this problem can have significant financial consequences, it is
important to investigate the resources and to compile the sources of water and their
respective yields and distances from the construction operations. Depending on the
seriousness of the problem, hydrogeological studies may be warranted.

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ƒ Preliminary pavement design. This is required to compare the availability of materials

with the needs for pavement construction. Alternate solutions may need to be
evaluated if a scarcity of materials becomes apparent.
ƒ Slopes of the cut sections in particular should be estimated as a function of height,
with consideration given to prior local experience and to geological and pedological
formations. The influence of potential erosion and local resurgence should also be
investigated and taken into consideration. The side slopes to adopt for the
embankments should also be verified. This is important to assess mass diagrams of
earthworks.
ƒ Other problem areas. Embankment stability, as well as a potential for excessive
settlements, may occasionally become problematic if soft and compressible deposits
are encountered. It is at this stage of preliminary design that the magnitude and rate of
anticipated settlements should be estimated, together with the potential for
embankment failure, in order to select remedial solutions and determine the possible
need for further investigations and studies. Significant problems regarding expansive
soils should also be identified and solutions proposed.
ƒ Soils and foundation conditions at stream crossings or other bridge locations. The
goal is to define the soil characteristics in the vicinity of the crossings in order to
optimize the location of the structures, prior to the final foundation design.

3.3 Sampling Program: Earthworks and Subgrade Soils

Common investigations include (in-situ) test pits and hand auger probes, and
occasionally borings. It is sometimes impossible to dig trial pits to the depth of the
anticipated formation level. It is then recommended to use a hand or power auger to drill
holes to the depth required.
Common investigations also include, in particular for existing roads, DCP testing. Data
regarding in-situ moisture content and strength (via DCP testing) are collected. Logs of
field investigations are established. In the laboratory, moisture-density-CBR correlations
are established. The use of excavated materials for embankments is assessed and the need
for side borrow materials established.
Estimating the subgrade nature, moisture at equilibrium and strength is of primary
importance. Adequate sampling is required, i.e. representative sampling of subgrade
materials for visual and later further laboratory classification.
This paragraph regarding sampling (primarily in proposed cut areas) deals with the
assessment of the subgrade strength at the finished subgrade level in cuts and of the
suitability of the excavated materials as embankment materials. Further considerations
regarding specific problems in cut (e.g. rock excavation, side slopes) are mentioned in
Chapter 5 (Special Investigations). Further considerations regarding investigations of
additional search for borrow materials are given in Section 4.6 (Soil and Gravel Borrow
Pits).
Test pits should be dug through the pavement layers in the case of an existing road, or
from the existing ground level in the case of a new road. The frequency and spacing of
the test pits should depend on sound engineering judgement and be guided by a prior
review of all possible documents as well as a preliminary visual survey of the entire road
alignment and the results of the investigations during preliminary design. Although it is

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neither possible nor desirable to specify rigid rules for spacing, it is necessary to set
adequate average guidelines for homogeneity of design and reliability.
As a standard guideline, at least one sample should be taken per kilometer of anticipated
alignment as an average, with more frequent samples where there are significant changes
in soil type. Significant changes are those which affect the general classification of the
soils, as well as, perhaps more importantly, their bearing strength (CBR). The average
frequency of one sample per kilometer applies to identification tests. Representative
samples for compaction and CBR testing (which are necessarily larger) should be taken
at an average of at least one large sample every 10 kilometers (preferably every 5
kilometers).
Note: The recommended approximate quantity (mass) of sample required may be
determined by verifying the tests required (see subchapters 3.4 and 3.5) and referring to
Table 4-2. It is simpler and generally preferable to retrieve in the field each sample large
enough to conduct all required tests (i.e. identification tests as well as compaction and
CBR tests) in the lab. This allows for a better selection of representative samples in the
laboratory prior to compaction and CBR testing. If logistics preclude the taking and
transportation of large quantities of samples, careful examination of the soils in the field
must be conducted and judgment must be exercised to select truly representative samples
for compaction and CBR testing.

For the purpose of taking representative samples, pits shall be dug mostly in anticipated
cut areas (since these cuts will expose the subgrade support of the future pavement and
provide embankment materials), if possible down to at least 30 cm below the expected
subgrade level. Further, in the case of a new alignment, the depth of any pit should in no
case be less than 1.5m unless rock or other material impossible to excavate by hand is
encountered. The engineer in charge of planning the investigations should make every
effort to locate the test pits (along the alignment as well as within the lateral extent of the
anticipated excavation) in order to optimize the representativity of the material excavated
from the test pit.
If deep cuts are proposed through materials indicated to be variable by test pits and a
study of the geological maps, consideration is to be given to drilling the cuts at the final
design stage when the potential hard stone sources are being investigated.
The position (in plan and elevation) of each test pit must be accurately determined and
recorded. This implies that geotechnical and topographical tasks must be coordinated in
the field. In every test pit, all layers, including topsoil, shall be accurately described and
their thicknesses measured. All layers of more than 30 cm (except topsoil) shall be
sampled. This will promote a proper assessment of the bulk of the materials excavated in
cuts and to be used in embankments. The sample shall be taken over the full depth of the
layer by taking a vertical slice of material.
The log of each test pit shall be accurately drawn and included in the Soils and Materials
Report. The field sequence of operations should be as follows:

• Excavation to finished subgrade level and below

• Logging of the test pit, Determination of the in-situ density as appropriate
• Sampling
• Backfilling (using left over excavation materials and/or side borrow materials)

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Care shall be taken, when retrieving samples, to secure and preserve a small but
sufficient quantity of soil for the purpose of measuring the moisture content in the
laboratory, unless provisions are made to measure the moisture content in the field.
Measuring the in-situ moisture content is particularly desirable at the anticipated finished
grade level.

Photographs should also be taken of the test pit location, as well of the soils horizons in
the test pit. This will help both the engineers in charge of reporting the investigations and
in charge of interpreting the results. Selected, representative photographs should also be
included in the Soils and Materials Report.

3.4 Testing of Soils on New Alignments

The size of the samples (see Table 4-2) should be sufficient for the following tests to be
carried out:

1. Grading to 0.075 mm sieve (ASTM C 136). However, if a large proportion of fine-

grained soils (having more than 50% by weight of their particles passing a 0.075 mm
sieve) are present along the alignment, it is advisable to schedule a few tests with a
hydrometer analysis (ASTM D 422).
2. Atterberg Limits (ASTM D 4318) if required for classification
Note: The soils should be classified in accordance with ASTM D 2487. The above two
tests are usually sufficient for this purpose. Measuring the in-situ moisture content on the
small samples secured in the field for this purpose should be done concurrently.
3. Compaction Test (Standard Compaction with 2.5 kg rammer, ASTM D 698)
4. CBR and swell on sample(s) molded at 100% maximum dry density (Standard
Compaction) and optimum moisture content (Standard Compaction)

Notes:

1. It is to be noted that the above procedure for compaction and CBR aims at a
preliminary assessment of the compaction and strength characteristics of the subgrade
soils along the alignment. A complete testing procedure of the representative soil
categories, once these have been identified, is given in Chapter 4: Final Design. The
above procedure (tests (3) and (4)) requires the preparation of at least 4 (preferably 5)
molds for compaction and at least one mold for CBR.
2. The CBR shall normally be measured after 4 days soak, except in arid areas (annual
rainfall less than 500 mm). In those areas, they may be measured at OMC or after a
reduced soaking period, depending on the equilibrium moisture content predicted
under the pavement in the area (see ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002). The
moisture contents after soaking shall be measured, both on the whole CBR specimen
(by weighing it after soaking) and on a sample taken from beneath the plunger, after
testing.

3.5 Testing of Subgrade on Alignments of Existing Roads

This paragraph applies to sections of existing gravel roads that are to be upgraded, the
geometric standards of which are good enough to maintain the existing alignment. It also

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applies to existing paved roads when testing of the subgrade under existing pavements is
valuable in assessing subgrade conditions under future pavements, and in particular
subgrade moisture content.
ƒ Where more than 10 cm of existing gravel wearing course is in place on the road and
where the shape is adequate, samples of subgrade are to be submitted to tests (1), (2)
and (3) described above (i.e. identification and standard compaction test).

In addition, the Field Moisture Content and Field Dry Density of each sample shall be
measured; this is to decide whether to leave the subgrade undisturbed or to recompact
it. Several methods are suggested for the purpose of these measurements in Appendix
B of this manual. An entire project should not rely entirely on nuclear methods, and
verification of the results should be made using in particular the Sand-Cone Method
for in-situ density and ASTM D 2216 for moisture content.

If the degree of field compaction is found to be consistently satisfactory (preferably at

least 100% of the maximum dry density achieved by ASTM D 698), then CBRs shall
be measured in the laboratory at Field Dry Density on representative samples of the
subgrade. These measurements may be supplemented by direct measurements of the
subgrade strength using DCP testing (see ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002). If
the degree of compaction is not satisfactory, the subgrade will need recompaction and
the CBRs shall then be measured at 100% M.D.D. (Standard Compaction).

ƒ Measurement of the moisture content in the subgrade below existing pavements is

helpful in determining the design moisture content to adopt in the design of new
pavements in the same vicinity. Further details are given in the ERA Pavement
Design Manual - 2002.

Direct measurements of the subgrade strength may also be taken under existing
pavements, as indicated in the ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002.

3.6 Existing Gravel Wearing Course

Where a gravel road is to be upgraded on the same alignment, the existing gravel wearing
course may provide extra material either for subbase, or for improved subgrade.

Measurements of thickness and width of gravel wearing course shall then be recorded
every 100m.

One sample per kilometer of existing gravel wearing course shall be taken, where the
gravel layer is at least 15 cm thick.

Each sample shall be submitted to tests (1), (2), (3) and (4) described in subchapter 3.3
for the testing of the subgrade, i.e. identification, compaction and CBR tests.

3.7 Soil and Gravel Borrow Pits

3.7.1 GENERAL

Soil and gravel borrow pits are to be located at intervals in order to provide construction
materials for the pavement layers. These construction materials, using a terminology
consistent with ERA's Pavement Design Manual - 2002, may consist of:

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• Unbound pavement materials (refer to Section 6 of the ERA Pavement Design

Manual - 2002)
- Base course materials GB2 (natural materials to be used after crushing) or GB3
(natural gravels and weathered rock).

Note: Usually, it will be preferable to use crushed aggregate quarry materials (GB1)
as base course materials when available. Nevertheless, GB2 and GB3 materials may
be considered in areas of scarcity of such preferred materials.

- Subbase materials GS (natural gravels).

- Materials for selected subgrade and capping layers GC.

- Gravel wearing course materials

• Cement- and lime-stabilized materials CB1, CB2 and CS (refer to Section 7 of the
ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002)

Note: Limited use is generally being made of such stabilized materials, and
consideration should be given to their use only in case of scarcity of otherwise
economically available materials.

• Coarse aggregate for bitumen-bound materials (to be used after crushing), since
specifications for these materials are similar to those for granular base course (refer to
Section 8 of the ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002). It should however be kept in
mind during the investigations that crushed rock will generally be preferable for this
purpose if economically available.

Where feasible, borrow pits should be spaced so as to obtain the most economic use or
materials. What represents an economical spacing between borrow pits will evidently
depend on the conditions of exploitation and the quantities required per kilometer of
construction. Nevertheless, it is worth indicating a desirable interval between borrow pits
on the order of 10 km as a general guideline.

The minimum thickness of deposit normally considered workable is on the order of one
meter. However, there may be instances when thinner horizons have to be exploited, as
no suitable alternative exists. The absolute minimum depends on the area of the deposit
and the thickness of overburden (if there is no overburden as may be the case in arid
areas, horizons as thin as 30 cm may be workable).

3.7.2 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS AND SAMPLING PROCEDURE

Test pits should be dug approximately on a 50 m grid, through the full depth of the
layer(s) proposed for use. A minimum of 5 test pits is required for each borrow pit
ultimately proposed after analysis of the results. These guidelines may be modified to
conform to local conditions and in particular to the apparent thickness of usable
materials. However, the frequency of sampling (i.e. the number of cubic meters of
materials represented by each sample) as indicated further below in paragraph 3.7.3 must
be satisfied.

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The location of each proposed borrow pit shall be indicated on a key plan. A site plan of
each proposed borrow pit shall be prepared, showing the position of each test pit, the
characteristic features of the site and the means of access and location. In every test pit,
all layers, including top soil and overburden, shall be accurately described and their
thicknesses measured.

All layers visually considered as suitable for use shall be sampled. The sample shall be
taken over the full depth of the layer proposed, by taking a vertical slice of material.

The quantity (mass) of material in each sample must be sufficient to carry out the testing
described in paragraph 3.7.3 below. The required quantity may be assessed from
Table 4-5.

The log of each test pit shall be accurately drawn and included in the Soils and Materials
Report. The Report shall also include the site plan of each borrow pit.

3.7.3 FREQUENCY OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

A sufficient number of samples, each of sufficient quantity, are to be taken to carry out
tests to determine the main materials, processes and additives to be used, the approximate
borrow pit locations and hauls and the approximate pavement thicknesses and
percentages of additives required.

Samples for Identification Tests

Sampling shall be carried out so as to obtain at least one sample per 4,000 m3 of material
proposed for use. At least one sample shall be taken from each positive test pit, even if
the volume represented is small. Each sample shall be submitted to the following tests:

(1) Grading to 0.075 mm sieve (ASTM C 136)

(2) Atterberg Limits (ASTM D 4318) if required for classification

Note: The soils should be classified in accordance with ASTM D 2487. The
above two tests are usually sufficient for this purpose.

Large Samples for Compaction and CBR Tests

Large samples for Compaction and CBR tests (see Table 4-2 for required quantity) shall
be obtained as required for testing as defined further below. In consideration of the above
identification results, large samples may be obtained by re-sampling from typical existing
test pits which are representative of the various categories of material found within the
potential borrow pit area, or by sampling additional quantities at the time of the initial
investigation.

Alternatively, large samples may be obtained by mixing "small" identification samples.

A mix must be representative of a workable area. All the "small" samples to be
incorporated in a mix must be of the same type of material and must have fairly
consistent identification characteristics (grading and Atterberg Limits). Within each
borrow pit, the mixes shall be chosen in order to cover adequately the range of materials
proposed for use.

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At least one large sample, whether re-sampled or mixed, is required per 15,000 m3 of
material proposed for use.

Each large sample shall be submitted to the following tests:

(1) Grading to 0.075 mm sieve (ASTM C 136)

(2) Atterberg Limits (ASTM D 4318).
(3) Compaction test (Heavy Compaction with 4.5 kg rammer, ASTM D
1557)
(4) CBR and swell at 4 days soak, on specimens molded at OMC (Heavy
Compaction) at 3 levels of compaction, normally around 90, 95 and
100% MDD (Heavy compaction).

The moisture contents after soaking shall be measured, both on the whole CBR specimen
(by weighing it after soaking) and on a sample taken from beneath the plunger, after
testing.

Notes:
1. For the types of gravel susceptible to crushing during compaction, the grading of the
specimen compacted closest to 95% MDD shall be determined after compaction and
CBR testing and compared with the grading before compaction of the specimen
prepared for CBR.
2. To assess the suitability of the materials as base course material GB2, other tests than
those listed above are necessary. Refer to Chapter 6 of the ERA Pavement Design
Manual - 2002.
3. To assess the suitability of the materials as base course material GB3, it will be first
necessary to compare the gradation of the natural materials with the gradations
recommended in Chapter 6 of the ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002. This may
indicate the need for mechanical improvement by screening and crushing. Additional
requirements regarding the percentage of particles with angular, irregular or crushed
faces are given in Chapter 6 of the ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002. Additional
tests may be required as per the same paragraph. The CBR requirement is also
detailed in the same paragraph.
4. To assess the suitability of the materials as subbase material GS, refer to Chapter 6 of
the ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002. Testing for CBR under unsaturated
conditions may be advisable.
5. The requirements for naturally occurring materials to be suitable as subgrade
materials and capping layers (GC) are given in Chapter 6 of the ERA Pavement
Design Manual - 2002 and should be referred to. However, it should be noted that the
above tests are normally sufficient to assess the suitability of the materials, unless
testing for CBR under unsaturated conditions are deemed necessary.
6. Requirements for materials to be suitable as gravel wearing courses are detailed in
Chapter 6 of the ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002 and should be referred to. Of
particular importance are the combined gradation and plasticity characteristics. The
above results should indicate the possible need for crushing and/or screening of the
natural materials. Other needs may consist of screening-off oversize material or
mixing in crushed stone to improve gradation and angularity of particles.

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7. Coarse aggregate for bitumen-bound materials, which can be obtained from crushing
natural gravels, will not be judged on the results of the above tests, but on results of
tests similar to those detailed for crushed stone (see further below and Chapter 8 of
ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002).

Treatment Tests (when appropriate)

If the above Compaction and CBR tests (tests (3) and (4)) show that the available natural
materials do not meet the quantity or quality requirements, treatment tests shall be carried
out on the relevant large samples.

Treatment may be considered to use the materials, with cement or lime, as base course
materials (CB1, CB2), subbase (CS), or capping or selected fill layers.

The selection of the type of treatment (cement or lime) is based on the plasticity and
particle size distribution of the material to be treated, and is described in Chapter 7 of the
ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002.

The laboratory testing procedure to assess the suitability of the materials after cement
stabilization is detailed in Chapter 7 of the ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002 and
should be referred to. The procedure includes the initial consumption of lime test (ICL),
British Standard 1924, and the ASTM Test Method D 1557 Heavy Compaction test. The
strength of the material after treatment is assessed by crushing cube or cylinder
specimens, or alternatively by CBR testing after moist curing and soaking.

Similarly, the lime stabilization is discussed in Chapter 7 of the ERA Pavement Design
Manual - 2002, which should be referred to, and the procedure for selecting the lime
content should be carried out in accordance with British Standard 1924.
At least one large sample per 15,000 m3 of material proposed for treatment should be
submitted to the treatment tests.

3.8 Crushed Stone Aggregates (Quarry Materials)

3.8.1 GENERAL

Potential sources of stone should be identified, initially as indicated for the feasibility
study (Chapter 2). Those visually considered suitable, in terms of stone quality and
quantity should then be further investigated. Approximate quantity estimates should be
made based on visual observations. However, more detailed quantity estimates should be
taken up during the final design stage as described in Chapter 4. Practical considerations
concerning the exploitation of the potential quarries, such as access, ease of working,
overburden, etc. should be noted.

The location of each potential source of stone shall be indicated on a key plan. A site plan
of each potential quarry shall be prepared, showing the characteristic features of the site
(including outcrops) and the means of access and location.

As for the investigations for earthworks and subgrade soils, coordination with
topographical work is desirable in order in particular to better assess quantities of rock
material with a potential for exploitation.

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3.8.2 SAMPLING

Hand sampling from existing faces or outcrops shall be carried out. At least 3 samples
shall be taken from each potential source. The position of each sampling point or group
of sub-sampling points shall be accurately determined and reported on the site plan. Each
sample shall be accurately described, from a geological and mineralogical viewpoint.
Great care shall be taken to ensure that the samples are obtained from sound rock and not
from a superficial horizon of weathered rock.

Each sample shall contain sufficient material to carry out the tests indicated in paragraph
3.8.3 below. The quantity of material required is on the order of 50 Kg.

3.8.3 TESTING

Testing is aimed at verifying the suitability of the rock to produce:

• Unbound base course materials GB1 (or GB2): see ERA Pavement Design Manual -
2002 Chapter 6.

• Aggregates for bitumen-bound premixes (see ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002
Chapter 8) and chippings for surface treatments (see ERA Pavement Design Manual -
2002 Chapter 9)

Each sample shall be subjected to the following tests:

(1) Los Angeles Abrasion (ASTM C131 or C 535)

(2) Aggregate Crushing Value (BS 812, Part 110)
(3) Sodium Sulphate or Magnesium Sulphate Soundness (ASTM C 88)
(4) Plasticity Index on fines from the Los Angeles Abrasion test (ASTM D 4318)
(5) Mineralogical analysis

• It may be noted that the above tests cover the testing required to assess the suitability
of the rock to produce aggregates for unbound base course materials using in
particular the Aggregate Crushing Value as a criterion (alternative tests such as the
Ten Per Cent Fines Value and the Aggregate Impact Test are also suggested in the
ERA Pavement Design Manual - 2002). It should also be noted that considerations
related to gradation and flakiness are governed to a large extent by the crushing
process and may generally be left for verification during final design. Compaction
and CBR tests may also be omitted during preliminary design.
• The above tests (with the inclusion of the Los Angeles Abrasion test) are also
considered appropriate at the preliminary design stage to assess the potential of the
quarry material for producing coarse and fine aggregates for bituminous mixes. Such
characteristics as flakiness, resistance to polishing, water absorption, bitumen
affinity, sand equivalent and plasticity index of material passing the 0.425 mm sieve
are usually reserved for verification during final design.

• The suitability of the rock to produce chippings for surface treatments will be verified
against the requirements of British Standards 63, Part 2. Further design
considerations, such as selection of chipping sizes, are based on flakiness and
chipping sizes, and may be addressed during final design.

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