Faculty of Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

Final Year Project Report

Geotechnical Investigation for

the proposed design of Kiyegeya
Bridge.

Projects coordinator: Vishal Kumar Rattan Sir

Supervisor: Eng. Mussa O Mataka

Student: Amiry Halifa Hida

RegNo: 11716170

Project Report submitted as a partial fulfillment for the award of a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering
in Lovely Professional University.
 Geotechnical Investigation Report – Kiyegeya bridge along Morogoro-Dodoma road in Morogoro Region

Acknowledgements

My sincere thanks go to all those that have enabled me reach to a

successful completion of my Bachelors degree especially my placement
coordinators Vishal Rattan Sir and Jaspreet Singh Sir for technical advice,
My Industrial training supervisor Eng Mussa O Mataka who has guided me
professionally and been a great inspiration, my parents and family members
for their moral and financial support, lastly all my friends and course mates.

May the Almighty God richly bless you.

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Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................4
2.0 SCOPE OF WORKS..............................................................................................................................4
3.0 PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT...................................................................................................4
3.1 General description of the site..........................................................................................................4
3.2 Drilling works.........................................................................................................................................5
3.3 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)......................................................................................................5
3.4 Ground conditions................................................................................................................................5
3.4.1 Borehole No.1 (Abutment - A1) Isongole Approach....................................................................5
3.4.2 Borehole No.2 (Abutment-A2) Isongole Approach......................................................................6
3.4.3 Angle of Friction (ϕ0) from SPT N- Values......................................................................................7
4.0 LABORATORY TESTS AND RESULTS............................................................................................8
4.1 Particle size distribution.....................................................................................................................8
4.2 Atterberg limits......................................................................................................................................9
4.3 Moisture content and Bulk densities...............................................................................................9
4.4 Soils Classifications.............................................................................................................................9
5.0 FOUNDATION TYPE AND BEARING CAPACITY..........................................................................9
5.1 Foundation type..................................................................................................................................10
5.2 Estimation of allowable pile loads..................................................................................................10
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................12
7.0 REFERENCES......................................................................................................................................13

Appendices:

1. Laboratory test results

2. Field Photos
3. Site Plan and Profile

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The proposed Bridge, is planned be constructed at Kiyegeya River along Morogoro-

Dodoma road in Morogoro Region. The design of the particular bridge requires,
among others, a satisfactory geotechnical investigation at the proposed site to provide
input for safe design.

Accordingly, the Central Materials Laboratory (CML) was tasked by TANROADS

Headquarters to undertake the investigations. CML mobilized for the investigations in
May 2020.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORKS

The scope of work at the site involved the following: -

- Boring through soil/rock at two (2) points
- Carrying out Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) at an interval of 1.5m depth.
- Taking disturbed and undisturbed soil samples.
- Sampling of ground water, if any.
- Carrying out Laboratory tests of the collected samples.
- Analysis of test results and geotechnical report preparation.

3.0 PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT

This report presents actual observations and findings made from field investigations
and laboratory test results conducted at two (2) boreholes. The report also discusses
the foundation concept for the proposed structure and various engineering
characteristics of the sub soil strata and recommends the allowable bearing
capacities. The site condition is as discussed hereunder

3.1 General description of the site

The proposed site (Kiyegeya Bridge) is situated at about 31km from Dumila, along
Morogoro-Dodoma road. The river crossing the proposed bridge location is seasonal
and water was flowing during the whole period of investigation. Currently there is a

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diversion road that offsets to about 36m, which the approaches were joined by box
culverts. The adjoining land terrain is sloped and covered with scattered short trees on
both approaches.

3.2 Drilling works

A total of two (2) boreholes were drilled. Drilling was advanced from existing ground
level by both rotary power augering and wash boring techniques. Boreholes were
drilled to a maximum depth of 21m below existing ground level at the locations where
the bridge abutment will be placed. Observations were made on different subsoil
strata and soil samples (disturbed and undisturbed) were collected at appropriate
depth intervals.

3.3 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

Standard penetration tests (SPT’s) were performed in all boreholes at 1.5m depth
intervals. Results of SPT are summarized on the bore logs on Appendix A.
The Ground conditions encountered and tests for each of the boreholes are presented
in this report.

3.4 Ground conditions

The ground conditions for each borehole were analyzed separately and the findings
were recorded as indicated below.

3.4.1 Borehole No.1 (Abutment - A1) Morogoro Approach

In BH.A01 with coordinates X=0291950, Y=9313406 and existing ground elevation of

824m on Morogoro approach the strata observed were moist brownish Clayey Gravels
to a depth of 2.5m followed by a layer of Moist Darkish Inorganic Silts which extends
to 4m. A layer of darkish brown Clayey Gravels was observed from a depth of 4m to
6.5m underlained by a layer of darkish Clayey Gravels down to 8.0m followed by a
layer of darkish Clayey Gravels extending to 12m. A layer of highly weathered rock

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was observed from a depth of 12m to 15.7m and a layer of solid hard rock was
observed from 15.7m to 20m where drilling was terminated.

Corrected SPT N-values for the soil layers were between 30 to over 50. These values
indicate that the soils are of medium to very dense consistency. No Ground water
table was intercepted. The attached drilling log sheets indicate sampling and soils
encountered.

3.4.2 Borehole No.2 (Abutment-A2) Dodoma Approach

In BH.A02 with coordinates X= 0291926, Y=9313423 and elevation of 819m, the

following strata were observed; these are Brownish Clayey Gravels at a depth of 0.3m
to 1.5m followed by a layer of darkish Clayey sands which extend to 4m. Then there
was a layer of grayish Clayey sands down to 6m underlain by a layer of grayish
Clayey sands down to a depth of 10.5m, followed by sound hard rock down to 13.5m
where drilling was terminated.

Corrected SPT N-values for the soil layers were between 38 to 46.These values
indicate that the soils are of dense consistency. No Ground water table was
intercepted. The attached drilling log sheets indicate sampling and soils encountered.

3.4.3 Rock Quality Designation

In BH A01 the RQD for the depths 13m to 17m for the rock mass at the investigated
point was calculated to be 50% and from 17m to 20m it was found to be 60%. In BH
A02 the RQD for the depth 10.5m to 13.5m was found to be 80%. Basing on the
results, the rock has shown a general increase in quality with depth. In addition, the
RQD varies mainly from about 50% to 80% indicating fair to good quality.

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Figure 3.4.3 Recovery of core samples

Table 3.4.2 showing corrected SPT -N values

CN- correction factor for SPT N-values

N’- corrected SPT-N value
ρo -Effective overburden pressure

3.4.3 Angle of Friction (ϕ0) from SPT N- Values

The drained angle of friction of granular soil (ϕ’) has been correlated to the standard
penetration number. Peck, Hanson and Thorburn (1974) gave a correlation between
(N1)60 and ϕ’ in a graphic form which can be Approximated as (Wolff, 1989).
ϕ’(degree)=27.1+0.3(N1)60 -0.00054(N1)260

Table 3.4.3 Angle of shearing resistance (ϕ0)

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4.0 LABORATORY TESTS AND RESULTS

Laboratory test were carried out on the representative samples taken from the site. All
tests were conducted in accordance with CML Laboratory Testing Manual -2000.The
following tests with reference to test methods was performed.

Test CML Test Method Reference to test method

Moisture content 1.1 BS 1377: Part 2: 1990
Bulk density 1.6 BS 1377: Part 2: 1990
Atterberg limits 1.2 +1.3 BS 1377: Part 2: 1990
Sieve Analysis 1.7 BS 1377: Part 2: 1990
UCS of rock cores BS 5930: 1989

The laboratory test results are presented in summary sheets and graphical form as
Appendix 2.

4.1 Particle size distribution

Results of particle size distribution indicate that for BH. A01 the maximum size of soil
particles is 10mm for sample number one 1,5,7,9 and 11 taken from 1.5m to 2.5m, 4m
to 4.5m, 5.5m to 6m, 7m to 7.5m and 8.5m to 9.0m depth respectively, and the
maximum size of soil particles for BH A02 was 20mm which was from sample number
1,9 and 11 taken from 1m to 1.5m, 7m to 7.5m and 8.5m to 9m depth respectively.
For BH. A01 the content of fine material consisting of silt and clay (portion passing BS
sieve No. 200) ranges between 31% and 44%

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For BH. A02 fine Materials ranges between 36% and 44%.

4.2 Atterberg limits

Atterberg limit tests have revealed that the sub soils at BH A01 has plasticity index
ranging between 15% and 20% .
In BH. A02 has a plasticity index ranging between 13% and 19%.

4.3 Moisture content and Bulk densities

Field moisture content of soils in BH. A01 was found to range between 1.8% and
14.6%. Bulk densities of soils were found to range between 1675kg/m 3 and
2083kg/m3.

In BH. A02 the moisture contents were found to range between 3.8% and 24.6%. Bulk
densities of soils were found to range between 1672 kg/m 3 and 2068 kg/m3.

4.4 Soils Classifications

From the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), Soils in BH. A01, is classified as
Silty Clays (CL) and Clayey Sands (SC) and soil in BH. A02 fall into Clayey Sands
(SC).

5.0 FOUNDATION TYPE AND BEARING CAPACITY

At the locations where abutment will be footed, rock stratum was encountered at depth
of between 15m and 20m at BH. A01 (Morogoro side) and at 10.5m below the existing
ground level for BH. A02(Dodoma side).

5.1 Foundation type

Basing on the above observations and soils parameters obtained from field and
laboratory tests, the suggested foundation type to be used at the location is cast in
place reinforced concrete piles are considered appropriate and therefore proposed for
this project

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5.2 Estimation for load-Carrying of Pile Point Resting on Rock

The Ultimate unit point resistance in Rock (Goodman, 1980) is approximately;
qp =qu(NΦ+1)
where,
NΦ=tan2(45+ Φ’/2)
qu=Unconfined compression strength of rock
Φ’=Drained Angle of friction

The scale effect in rock is primarily caused by randomly distributed large and small
fractures and also by progressive ruptures along the slip lines.Hence, it is
recommended that,
qu(design) = qu(Lab)/5

Representative values of the rock friction angle(Φ) are given in Table 11.9.
(Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering ,6th Edition; by Braja M.Das)
A factor of safety of 10 should be used to determine the allowable load carrying
capacity of the pile point.Thus,
Qp(all) = [qu(design)(NΦ+1)] Ap/FS

The bearing capacity of the underlaying rock from BH A01 and BH A02 was calculated
assuming the common diameter of the piles and a safety factor of safety,
However the laboratory compressive strength of the rock was taken minimum in each
Boreholes.

Table 3.4.4 Allowable load carrying capacity of the pile point.

Angle of qu [lab] qu [design] Qp (allowed)

Pile Dia (m)
friction (φ) (mpa) (mpa) (KN)
BH A01 0.6 36 6.8 1.36 622.5
BH A02 0.6 36 6.8 1.36 622.5

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6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The subsoil at the proposed site for construction of Kiyegeya Bridge is

characterized mainly by Silty Clays (CL) and Clayey Sands (SC).

A proposed bored cast in place reinforced concrete short piles of 600mm

diameter have been used as an example in the evaluation of pile working loads
on the rock, the safe working loads were obtained as 622.5 KN for BH.A01 and
BH.A02, assuming a factor of safety of 3.

2. The soil parameters presented in this report should be used to determine

appropriate foundations basing on among others, expected loads from the
structure and maximum permissible stress on the foundation materials.

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7.0 REFERENCES

1. M.J. Tomlison (1975 &1996)

“Foundation Design and Construction”

2. Braja M.Das
“Principle of geotechnical Engineering” (Six Edition)

3. BS 8004: 1986
“British Standard Code of practice for Foundations”

4. Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering (second edition)

5. MOW (2000) Laboratory testing Manual

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Appendix A
Laboratory test results

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Appendix B
Field Photos

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Appendix C
Plan and Profile

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