SOIL INVESTIGATION

REPORT
Geotechnical Engineering – II
Submitted to: Ma’am Bushra Malik
S Submitted by: Farhan Khalid (2018-CIV-72)
 GEO TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENT
S

INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................4
CONSTRUCTION OF PUNJAB UNIVERSITY HOUSING SOCIETY, PHASE-II, LAHORE............5
GEO TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT.............................................................5
1.1. SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATION...................................................................5
2. INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................6
3. ABOUT THE STUDY....................................................................................7
3.1. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY...........................................................................7
3.2. SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION.........................................................................7
3.3. METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................7
4. SITE RECONNAISSANCE...............................................................................9
4.1. GENERAL..............................................................................................9
4.2. SITE LOCATION.......................................................................................9
4.3. SITE TOPOGRAPHY..................................................................................9
5. GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION....................................................................10
5.1. BORE HOLES........................................................................................10
5.1.1. GENERAL..........................................................................................10
5.1.2. NUMBER OF BORE HOLE.....................................................................10
5.1.3. DEPTH OF BORE HOLES.......................................................................10
5.2. TEST PITS............................................................................................11
5.3. GROUNDWATER...................................................................................12
5.3.1. GENERAL..........................................................................................12
5.3.2. OBSERVATION...................................................................................12
6. COLLECTION OF SAMPLES..........................................................................14

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6.1. UNDISTURBED SAMPLES.........................................................................14
6.2. DISTURBED SAMPLES.............................................................................14
7. LABORATORY TESTING..............................................................................15
7.1. LABORATORY TESTING...........................................................................15
7.2. IMPORTANCE OF LABORATORY TEST.........................................................15
7.2.1. MOISTURE CONTENT TEST...................................................................15
7.2.2. SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST.......................................................................15
7.2.3. PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS......................................................................15
7.2.4. ATTERBERG’S LIMIT............................................................................15
7.2.5. CONSOLIDATION................................................................................16
7.2.6. COMPACTION....................................................................................16
8. IN-SITU TESTING.....................................................................................17
8.1. STANDARD PENETRATION TEST................................................................17
8.2. FIELD DENSITY TEST..............................................................................17
9. GENERAL SITE PREPARATION.....................................................................19
10. SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS...................................................20
10.1. GENERAL..........................................................................................20
10.2. GROUND WATER & CAVITIES...............................................................20
10.3. LITHOLOGY& STRATIGRAPHY................................................................20
10.4. EXPENSIVE SOIL & SWELL PROPERTIES....................................................20
10.5. SHEAR STRENGTH..............................................................................20
11. FOUNDATION DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS........................20
11.1. FOUNDATIONS DEPTH.........................................................................21
11.1.1. GENERAL..........................................................................................21
11.1.2. RECOMMENDATION............................................................................21
11.2. FOUNDATION TYPE.............................................................................21

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11.3. FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT...................................................................22
11.4. CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT...............................................................22
11.5. EXCAVATION METHOD........................................................................22
11.6. DESIGN PARAMETERS.........................................................................22
11.6.1. GENERAL..........................................................................................22
11.6.2. DESIGN CRITERIA FOR SHALLOW FOUNDATION.........................................23
11.6.3. DESIGN CRITERIA FOR MAT FOUNDATION...............................................23
11.6.4. RECOMMENDATION............................................................................23
11.7. ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY FOR SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS....................23
11.8. ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY FOR MAT FOUNDATIONS..........................23
11.9. ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY FOR PILE FOUNDATIONS...........................24
11.10. DESIGN OF STRUCTURAL FILL................................................................24
11.11. DESIGN OF ROADWAYS AND PARKING AREA............................................24
12. SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE......................................................25
12.1.1. DRAINAGE SYSTEM.............................................................................25
13. SITE SEISMICITY....................................................................................26
14. CONSTRUCTION QUALITY CONTROL & TESTING...........................................27
15. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION.........................................................28
16. LIMITATIONS........................................................................................29
17. REFERENCES........................................................................................30

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 INTRODUCTION

This report is for the Complex Engineering Problem of the subject Geotechnical
Engineering – II (CE-321) and is submitted to the following:

Submitted To:

Ma’am Bushra Malik

Submitted By:

2018-CIV-72
2018-CIV-94

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 CONSTRUCTION OF PUNJAB UNIVERSITY HOUSING
SOCIETY, PHASE-II, LAHORE

GEO TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT

1.1. GLOBAL SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATION

The purpose of this report is to investigate and provide reliable, specific, and detailed
information about the physical and mechanical properties, Such as, site geology and any
installations within the investigated area. The investigation included 15 boreholes, 8 in the
residential areas, 2 in the commercial areas and 4 for roads, and 1 for Overhead Water Reservoir
The subsurface investigation revealed that the material at the site can be described as " a layer of
fill material with variable depth of 3ft., then a layer of brown silty clay up to 20ft., and the light
grey silty sand up to 35ft.then a 5ft. layer of light brown silty clay and beyond its light brown
fine sand with traces of silt up to 60ft. and onward" as shown in the logs of boring.
The ground water was encounter at the depth of 100ft.
The table below includes the Laboratory test and In-situ test which are carried out to check the
geotechnical properties of the soil.

Laboratory Tests Standard

Moisture Content Test ASTM D 2216
Particle Size Test ASTM D 422
Atterberg Limit Test ASTM D 4318
Specific Gravity Test ASTM D 854
Consolidation Test ASTM D 2435
Compaction Test ASTM D 698
In-Situ Tests Standard
Standard Penetration Test ASTM D 1586
(STP)
Direct Shear Test ASTM D 3080
Field Density Test ASTM D 1556
Table 1: Performed tests & their Standard.

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2. INTRODUCTION
Bismillah Hosing Society have engaged Geotechnical Engineering Division to provide
Consultancy services which includes Geotechnical Investigations followed by preparation of the
Comprehensive Geotechnical Investigation Report for extension of the society by constructing
two new Blocks which include Mosques, parks, residential areas commercial areas, schools, and
overhead water reservoir.
To evaluate the subsurface conditions at the site and to arrive at a safe and an economical design
of foundations of various structures units, geotechnical investigations are necessary preliminary.
The task of field investigations was performed by Geotechnical Engineering Division.
Geotechnical investigations were planned and carried out under the full-time supervision of an
experienced geotechnical engineer.
The area of housing scheme is 700 acres. We are considering two main blocks of the scheme.
The details of area of concern are given in following table.

PLOTS SCHEDULE LAND USE

2
Plot Size Area (ft ) Total Plots Total Area 1730000 ft2
Land Use %age
10 Marla 17550 78 Residential 10.14
05 Marla 627750 558 36.28
25’ × 50’ 48750 40 Commercial 2.82
12’ × 25’ 4200 14 Shops 0.24
30’ × 45’ 25650 19 Green 1.48
45’ × 40’ 14400 08 Blue 0.83
45’ × 45’ 14850 08 Purple 0.86
45’ × 35’ 21375 10 Orange 1.24
105’ × 90’ 1890 02 Mosque 1.09
160’ × 210’ 67200 02 1st Park 3.88
230’ × 200’ 46000 01 2nd Park 2.66
20’ × 90’ 3600 02 Parking 0.21
661915 Roads 38.26
742 Total 100

Table 2: Area of Consideration

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3. ABOUT THE STUDY

3.1. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this site investigation is to determine the soil profiles and engineering
characteristics of the subsurface conditions at the site and to provide the designer with comments
on the following:
 Suitable footing types, founding depths and geotechnical design parameters which will be
required for a safe and economic design and excavation of the engineering works, such as
the soil bearing capacity, expected foundation settlement, side slope stability,
hydrological conditions at the site and other special recommendation which depends on
the site nature.
 Methods of construction of foundation and footings, groundwater conditions, quality
control requirements and outdoor sub grade and soil retaining parameters.

3.2. SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION

The scope of investigation for this study comprises the following:
1. Collecting information such as geological and geotechnical maps related to the project
site, public services, and land use maps.
2. Making visits for site reconnaissance to collect information about site nature, topography
of the site, geological features and properties concerning the project site.
3. Drilling of 15 boreholes and sampling of disturbed and undisturbed samples.
4. Performing all necessary field and laboratory tests to obtain physical and mechanical
properties of the subsurface soil. This leads to geological description of the site material.
5. Applying engineering analysis and evaluation of field findings and laboratory results.
6. Developing conclusions and recommendations concerning design and construction of the
most safe and economical foundations, site preparation, road and parking areas and retain
walls.
7. Submitting this report.

3.3. METHODOLOGY
The exploratory borings were drilled using hand auger, mechanical equipment. In-situ tests (i.e.,
SPTs) were performed in accordance with ASTM Standards.
Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from boreholes at designated depths using
appropriate samplers and techniques, for identification and subsequent laboratory testing.
Selected soil samples were subjected to various laboratory tests for classification and
determination of engineering and chemical characteristics. All the test pits were excavated
manually.
This Geotechnical Investigation report has been prepared based on field investigations and
laboratory test results. An evaluation of foundation soils, foundation design parameters,

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recommended foundation types, depths and corresponding allowable bearing pressures are also
provided in this report.

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4. SITE RECONNAISSANCE

4.1. GENERAL
The proposed Housing scheme will be constructed on area of about 1730000ft 2. It is located at
Raiwind road. The site is in plain area. Soil observed there is average soil.

4.2. SITE LOCATION

The site lies in Manawa. Lahore City, Pakistan.

Picture 2: Site Location

4.3. SITE TOPOGRAPHY

Site is located at a plain area. The site is dumped with fill material in general, the accessibility
for the drilling work around the plot can be done easily with the help of simple hand auger.

Picture 3: Topological view of a

small part of Site

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5. GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION

5.1. BORE HOLES

5.1.1. GENERAL
To do geotechnical exploration, bore holes are made. Bore hole provide details about the under-
laying soil. After the investigation of the bore hole, we can make Bore Hole Profile, which help
to define the characteristics of the soil surface.
In our site 15 bore holes are made. These boring are done by hand auger and mechanical
equipment.

5.1.2. NUMBER OF BORE HOLE

There is no hard and fast rule to calculate the number and spacing of bore holes. Number of bore
holes is usually calculated based on field reconnaissance, also engineering judgment and
knowledge of customary standard of practice.
Following table give us a rough judgment about the number of bore holes.
Structure Footprint area for each Exploratory Boring
Subsurface Condition
(m2) (ft2)
Poor Quality OR Erratic 100-300 1000-3000
Average 200-400 2000-4000
High Quality & Uniform 300-1000 3000-10000
Table 3: Criteria to find number of Boreholes.
For the average sub-surface condition and after site reconnaissance, the Geotechnical engineers
decide to do 15 Bore Holes. 8 in residential areas, 4 for roads, 2 for commercial buildings and 1
for overhead water reservoir.

5.1.3. DEPTH OF BORE HOLES

To get a rough idea about the depth of the bore hole following formula is used:
Depth of Bore Hole = 15×S0.7 + D
Where:
S = Number of stories of Building
D = Depth of Foundation

By using this formula, the depth of bore hole in commercial areas, residential areas and for
overhead water reservoir are find out. These are 30ft, 60ft, 700ft, respectively. The general
description of all the bore holes is given in the next table.
Depth
Name Location
(ft.)
BH-1 Residential Area 30

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 BH-2 Residential Area 30
BH-3 Residential Area 30
BH-4 Residential Area 30
BH-5 Residential Area 30
BH-6 Residential Area 30
BH-7 Residential Area 30
BH-8 Residential Area 30
BH-9 Commercial Area 60
BH-10 Commercial Area 60
BH-11 Road 30
BH-12 Road 30
BH-13 Road 30
BH-14 Road 30
BH-15 Water Reservoir 700
Table 4: Boreholes, Location and Depth
The diameter of all the boreholes is 4in. For water reservoir the borehole diameter is 6in.

5.2. TEST PITS

Test pit excavations can reveal a lot of visual information about the shallow subsurface of the
soil.

 Vertical and horizontal material contacts.

 Actual particles size of large-diameter soil particles (i.e., gravel/cobble/boulders).
 Nature and extent of any buried debris.
 Differentiate between bedrock and large boulders in the shallow subsurface.
 The collection of large (bulk) samples.

In our site depending upon the site area and no of bore hole three test pits are decided to be
excavated. The results from these test pits are recorded and are provided in the end of this report.

Picture 4: Test pit

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5.3. GROUNDWATER

5.3.1. GENERAL

Ground water table is the upper level of an underground surface in which the soil or rocks are
permanently saturated with water. The water table separates the groundwater zone that lies below
it from the capillary fringe, or zone of aeration, that lies above it.

The water table fluctuates both with the seasons and from year to year because it is affected by
climatic variations and by the amount of precipitation used by vegetation. It also is affected by
withdrawing excessive amounts of water from wells or by recharging them artificially.
Groundwater-level also fluctuations due to aquifer storage changes involve either the addition or
extraction of water from the aquifer, both through natural means and human involvement.

5.3.2. OBSERVATION

The water table in our site is at 100ft depth which is very deep with respect to our borehole
depths. So, there is no probability of ground water to encounter during construction so it will not
affect the construction work. Although changes in weather effect the level of water table to about
10 to 15 ft but still it will not have any effect on foundation work. Besides water reservoir must
be constructed, for this purpose the depth of borehole is taken 700ft.

Picture 5: Borehole for Water

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CE-321 P a g e | 13
6. COLLECTION OF SAMPLES

6.1. UNDISTURBED SAMPLES

Four (4) undisturbed soil samples were recovered from the boreholes using Shelby tubes. After
determining the bulk density, the samples were properly waxed, labeled, preserved, and
transported to the lab.
Undisturbed samples and their detail are:
Name Bore Hole Depth (ft.)
UDS-1 BH-4 15
UDS-2 BH-9 25
UDS-3 BH-15 10
UDS-4 BH-14 120
Table 5: Undisturbed Sample Data

6.2. DISTURBED SAMPLES

About 10 of the samples obtained from the boreholes were properly labeled and preserved in
polythene bags and placed in plastic jars and transported to geotechnical testing laboratory.
Description of the Disturb Samples is given in the table (next page):

Name Bore Hole Depth (ft.)

DS-1 BH-1 5
DS-2 BH-2 20
DS-3 BH-3 15
DS-4 BH-4 10
DS-5 BH-12 10
DS-6 BH-10 30
DS-7 BH-14 15
DS-8 BH-15 100
DS-9 BH-15 150
DS-10 BH-15 180
Table 6: Disturbed Sample Data

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7. LABORATORY TESTING

7.1. LABORATORY TESTING

After classification and carrying out the geological description on the obtained samples, a
laboratory tests program was issued; this program contained the required tests on selected
samples to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the ground materials.
The performed tests were performed according to American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) Standard as follow:

Types of Condition Soil Properties ASTM Standard

Moisture Content ASTM D 2216
Index Test Specific Gravity ASTM D 854
Particle Size ASTM D 422
Atterberg Limit ASTM D 4318
Settlement Consolidatio4n ASTM D 2435
Compaction ASTM D 698
Table 7: Performed Laboratory Tests

7.2. IMPORTANCE OF LABORATORY TEST

7.2.1. MOISTURE CONTENT TEST

The moisture content of the native soil is used to determine its bearing capacity, settlement,
degree of expansion, and various other engineering parameters.

7.2.2. SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST

It is needed in calculation of soil properties like void ratio, degree of saturation etc. We see there
is variation in the soil from place to place so specific gravity describes its properties like degree
of saturation.

7.2.3. PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS

Particle size analysis is used for the Classification of soil. Shape of the grain has a lot of effect on
the geotechnical properties of the soil. It is useful in terms of determining how durable a material
is in terms of smaller particle sizes.
It is important to predict how materials will hold in terms of constructions, in terms of
applications and building.

7.2.4. ATTERBERG’S LIMIT

The Atterberg limits are a basic measure of the critical water contents of a fine-grained soil its
shrinkage limit, plastic limit, and liquid limit. As a dry, clayey soil takes on increasing amounts
of water, it undergoes distinct changes in behavior and consistency. Depending on the water
content of the soil, it may appear in four states: solid, semi-solid, plastic and liquid. In each state,

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the consistency and behavior of a soil is different and consequently so are its engineering
properties. This consists of the measure indexes:

 Plasticity Index
 Liquidity Index
 Consistency Index

7.2.5. CONSOLIDATION
The test is conducted to determine the settlement due to primary consolidation. To determine:
 Rate of consolidation under normal load.
 Degree of consolidation at any time.
 Pressure-void ratio relationship.
 Coefficient of consolidation at various pressures.
 Compression index.
From the above information it will be possible for us to predict the time rate and extent of
settlement of structures founded on fine-grained soils. It will also be helping to analyze the stress
history of soil. Since the settlement analysis of the foundation depends mainly on the values
determined by the test. This test is very important for foundation design. 

7.2.6. COMPACTION
Compaction of soil brings stability and strength in the soil. Foundations fail mostly because of
improper compaction methods or poorly compacted soil that allows water to seep through the
foundation and cause structural damage. Implementing mechanical methods to compact soil
means densifying the soil, filling the pore spaces, improving the shear resistance of soil, and
providing better water movement through the soil particles. Compaction also prevents frost
damage of soil and increases its durability.

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8. IN-SITU TESTING
During the field investigations, Standard Penetration tests were carried out in boreholes,
respectively. A brief description of these tests is provided in the following sections.

8.1. STANDARD PENETRATION TEST

For evaluating the consistency and compactness of the foundation soils, SPTs were performed in
all the exploratory boreholes. These SPTs were carried out in each hole at general depth interval
of 3 ft. up to 15 ft. depth and then at 5 ft. interval down to maximum explored depths and was
conducted in accordance with the procedures described in the latest version of ASTM Standard
D 1586. A donut type hammer, weighing 63.5kg, has been used for the test. While performing
the SPTs in boreholes, the hammer was lifted manually and dropped mechanically, and pulley
hanged to a tripod. The Prior to performing each SPT, the loose material existing in the hole was
properly removed. A split spoon sampler without a liner was used for all the tests. Disturbed
soil samples were obtained through the split spoon sampler. The profile of SPT blows with
elevation is shown in Appendix A.

Picture 5: Borehole

8.2. FIELD DENSITY TEST

Compaction is very useful for preparing the sub-base grade and other layers of pavement.
Compaction is done in the construction of embankment for increasing the stability as well as for
decreasing the settlement. The dry density of the compacted soil or pavement material is a
common measure of the amount of the compaction achieved during the construction. Knowing
the field density and field moisture content, the dry density is calculated. Therefore, field density
test in importance as a field control for the compaction of soil or any other pavement layer.
Usually following two methods are used to find the in-situ density of the site:
 Sand Replacement Method
 Core-cutter Method
In our site, sand replacement is used and FDT is carried on the roads in accordance with the
ASTM D 1556 standard.

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 Picture 6: Sample during Core-Cutter Experiment

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9. GENERAL SITE PREPARATION
The first step in site construction work is the grading of the site. Grading consists mainly of
cutting or filling of the ground to create a leveled building pad upon which the structure can be
built. The steps of grading operation can be summarized as:
Easements: the first step in grading operation is to determine the location utilizes of the site, if
there is any utilizes it should be protected so that it will not be damaged during the grading
operation.
Clearing: Brushing and gripping to remove any vegetation, stockpiled, and then removed from
the site.
Clean out: the unsuitable material at the site should be removed. In our case the encountered
material at the site is not suitable for structural use, so the cut material should be transported
outside the site.
Scarifying and Compaction: in areas where replacement will be used, the existing ground
material should be scarifying and compact to get a good bond between the in-place material and
compacted fill.

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10.SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS

10.1. GENERAL
The Geotechnical Investigations carried out for the project comprised field investigations and
laboratory testing of selected samples. The field and laboratory investigations were aimed at
evaluating the engineering properties of the foundation soils. The subsurface conditions and
engineering characteristics of the soil existing at the proposed project site are discussed in the
following sections.

10.2. GROUND WATER & CAVITIES

Water Table is defined as underground border between the grounds in which all spaces are filled
with water and the ground above in which the spaces contain some air. The level of the water
table tends to follow the shape of the overlying ground surface, rising under hills and dipping in
valleys, but with a gentler slope than the ground. The level of the water table also varies with the
climate, rising during rainy periods and falling during dry season.
At the inspected site, neither ground water nor cavities were encountered. The samples were
obtained continuously without any interruption in sampling.

10.3. LITHOLOGY& STRATIGRAPHY

The geotechnical investigations carried out at the site firmed up by laboratory testing have
revealed the presence of the following distinct lithological units:
 Fill Material almost 3ft.
 Silty Clay/Sandy Silt to a maximum depth of 20-25 ft. below GL in general present in
loose to medium dense state.
 This layer is followed by Silty Sand/ Sandy Silt, which is present in a firm to stiff state up
to depth of 60 ft. below GL.

10.4. EXPENSIVE SOIL & SWELL PROPERTIES

In our case the encountered natural material at the site which can be described as "Brown silty
clay and silty sand" is not viable for swell action.

10.5. SHEAR STRENGTH

Three unconfined compression tests were carried out on undisturbed cohesive soil samples and
their result and corresponding strain values are recorded. Four direct shear tests carried out on
granular soil samples in find the value of internal friction.

11.FOUNDATION DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS

According to the field exploration, laboratory testing, subsurface conditions, and engineering
analysis, it can be concluded that the existing natural ground at the investigated site can support
the expected building loads. Thus, the depth and location of foundations depend on:

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11.1. FOUNDATIONS DEPTH

11.1.1. GENERAL
Foundation must be located properly so as not to be adversely affected by outside influence.
Thus, the depth and location of foundations depend on:
(a) Depth of the bearing stratum.
(b) Frost action.
(c) Ground water location.
(d) Existence of soil which exhibit volume change.
(e) Adjacent structures.
(f) Underground defects (caves, utility pipes).

11.1.2. RECOMMENDATION
Considering the super imposed loading and strength parameters of bearing strata, shallow as well
as deep foundations are recommended. The shallow foundations are recommended to be placed
at about minimum of 4ft-5ft. depth below GL for Residential Buildings (2 stories) and for
Commercial Building (3 stories) 6ft.
All the friable and loose materials should be removed before laying the foundations.

11.2. FOUNDATION TYPE

Foundation can be defined as that part of the structure, which transmit the building load to the
foundation soil in a way so that the supporting soil is not over stressed and does not undergo
excessive settlement. Foundation generally can be divided into two major groups:
(a) Shallow foundations: which is located at shallow depth (usually depth of the footing is
less than two times the footing width) below the ground surface. This type of footing is used if a
good bearing stratum is located at shallow depth.
Example of these footing are spread footing, combined footing, wall footing & mat
foundation.
(b) Deep foundations: used when the upper layer is weak and there is a good bearing layer
or bed rock at a great depth.
Examples of these footings are piles and piers foundation.

11.3. FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT

Settlement is of concern same as the bearing capacity and most test effort is undertaken to
determine the in-situ deformation modulus E and Poisson’s ratio so that some type of settlement
analysis can be made. Different sources of settlement include:
1. Settlement caused by the structural loads (foundation settlement).

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 2. Settlement due to the weight of recently placed fill.
3. Settlements caused by underground mining or tunneling.
4. Lateral movements resulting from nearby excavations that indirectly cause settlement.

11.4. CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT

This type of settlement is time dependent settlement, and it is occurred if the footing is located
on a compressible layer or if this layer is located within the significant depth below the footing.
This type of settlement is calculated using the following equation assuming the compressible
layer is normally consolidated clay (3):

Cc × H P+ ∆ P
Sc = 1+ e × log ( P )

Sc: Consolidation Settlement.

H: Thickness of the compressible layer which will be a flecked by the load imposed by
the building (significant depth).
e: Initial void ratio.
Cc: Compression index.
P: Initial effective over burden pressure.
∆P: Increase in the pressure at the middle of the layer due to footing load.

11.5. EXCAVATION METHOD

It is expected that the foundation excavations will be through a layer of fill material and sandy
silt. In addition to the conventional excavation equipment, loaders and dozers are also required
for the excavation works.

11.6. DESIGN PARAMETERS

11.6.1. GENERAL
The foundation type depends upon on many factors, of which some important are the following:
1. The foundation material type and bearing capacity.
2. Type of structure and structural system.
3. The value of imposed loads on footings.
4. The seismic characteristics of the location.

11.6.2. DESIGN CRITERIA FOR SHALLOW FOUNDATION

For evaluation of allowable bearing pressures, the following two criteria are adopted.
 The allowable load should not initiate the shear failure of the foundation soils, and

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  The total as well as differential settlements caused by the application of allowable loads
should be within specified tolerable limits foundations.

11.6.3. DESIGN CRITERIA FOR MAT FOUNDATION

If mat Foundation must be provided (in case of any commercial plaza) mat foundations should
meet the following design criteria:
 These should be safe against base shear failure.
 These should not settle more than the tolerable settlement.

11.6.4. RECOMMENDATION
For the Residential Building wall footings are recommended with 3-4 steps. For Commercial
Buildings and Plaza mat foundation is recommended. For the Overhead Water Reservoir piles or
mat foundation (which one is best fitted by the engineer) is recommended.
It is up to the engineer to decide his best alternative regarding the above-mentioned factors from
the recommended types. He/she can also change the type of foundations.

11.7. ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY FOR SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

The shallow foundation shall be placed at minimum of 4ft.-5ft. depth below GL. Consequently,
allowable bearing pressure for strip & square footing has been evaluated by considering the
properties of sub soil.
The evaluations of bearing pressures have been carried out by considering both the shear based
as well as settlement-based criteria. The allowable bearing pressures based on shear failure of
soil were determined by adopting the approach given by Hansen. A factor of safety of 3.0 was
used for determining the respective net allowable bearing pressures.

11.8. ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY FOR MAT FOUNDATIONS

Allowable bearing capacity for mat foundation was evaluated using general bearing capacity
equation and immediate settlement was checked with approach given by Timoshenko and
Goodier. Immediate settlement was found to be in tolerable limits. Mat foundation is
recommended to be placed at 3.0m depth below NSL.

11.9. ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY FOR PILE FOUNDATIONS

The allowable load carrying capacities have been determined by adopting the static formula
given in Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Design Manual 7.02.
A composite factor of safety of 3.0 has been used both for skin friction and end bearing. The
allowable load carrying capacity of Bored Cast in-situ reinforced concrete piles in compression
for a range of diameters & lengths is provided.

11.10.DESIGN OF STRUCTURAL FILL

In the case of structural fill, it is to be granular medium to coarse, grained very low plastic, free
drainage, compactable, and within the following gradation:

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 Maximum Size, by Sieve 6in.
Passing Sieve #4 40%-85%
Passing Sieve #40 30%-70%
Passing Sieve #200 5%-15%
Table 8: Gradation of Soil for Fill
During the placement of any structural fill, it is recommended that enough field tests and
observation be performed under the direction of the Geotechnical Engineer. Any areas of fill or
sub-grade instability encountered during the construction are to be immediately brought to the
attention of the Geotechnical engineer so that recommendations for stabilization can be given.

11.11.DESIGN OF ROADWAYS AND PARKING AREA

In our case, any organic material, topsoil, softened or disturbed soils should be removed from the
road sub grade to a depth of minimum (100) cm. The exposed sub grade layer should be rolled
with a loaded heavy roller or sheep foot roller. Any soft or distressed areas identified should be
sub-excavated. Sub-excavated areas and raised areas should be backfilled with selected suitable
materials that meet requirements of AASHTO. Backfills placed within the upper (1) m of the
roadway should be compacted to 95% Modified Proctor maximum dry density and the top layer
of the sub-grade surface should be compacted to 98% of modified proctor.

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12.SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE

12.1.1. DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Drainage is artificial removal of water, both surface and sub-surface. Drainage is often the major
element of civil engineering project and is necessary to avoid flooding and other damages. It is
recommended to protect the foundation ground and excavation from surface water both during
and after construction by providing proper drainage and protection system.
Drainage should be provided for:
 Subsoil water:
This is the water collected from the earth to lower the subsoil’s water table.
 Surface water:
This is collected from the surfaces such as roofs and paved areas.
 Foul and soil water:
This is effluent contaminated by domestic or trade waste. Foul water relates to effluent
from sinks and basins which do not contain excreta. Soil water relates to effluent from
water closets and toilets.
In our concerned site subsoil water was not encountered within the site because the depth of
water table is already very large (130ft) with respect to the depth of foundation of the buildings.
Surface water was diverted away from the edges of the excavations using PVC or cast-iron pipes.
While for foul (waste) water, which is also called grey water, proper drainage system was also
installed using pipes usually of dia. 75mm.

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13.SITE SEISMICITY
Earthquake is defined by its intensity and its magnitude. Intensity scales depend on human
perceptible Earthquake can be defined as a sudden vibration felt on the earth surface, due to the
sliding of rock slabs beneath the earth surface, this sliding occur when the energy stored in the
rock overcome the frictional resistance between the rock masses causing the rock slab to slide
past each other and releasing the stored emerged as a wave radiate in all direction.
While the magnitude of the earthquake is instrumentally measured quantity related to the total
energy released during an earthquake. In1935 Richter advised a logarithmic scale for comparing
the magnitudes of earthquakes.
Earthquakes of magnitude (5) or greater usually causes damage to the structures, the amount of
damage depend on:
1- Magnitude of the earthquake.
2- Type and design of the structure.
3- Type of the foundation material.
4- Duration of the earthquake.
5- Distance from the center (focus) of the earthquake.

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14.CONSTRUCTION QUALITY CONTROL & TESTING
 To ensure the quality of works and performance of the foundation and footings, a
verification tests should be performed on the excavated soil material including the
followings:
 Visual inspection and reconnaissance of material.
 Moisture content test.
 Sieve analyses and soil classification.
If, by any reason, the encountered soil is not matching to this soil report, the geotechnical
Engineer should be notified and other tests should be performed such as plate bearing,
direct shear and vane shear, consolidation test and swell analyses.
 The reinforcing steel bars should be tested by a qualified lab. For tensile strength and
bending – re-bending quality.
 The concrete quality of the footing and beams should be controlled by fresh concrete
sampling from every concrete mixture at site.
 For the construction of outdoor parking lot, roadway, and landscape, where replacement
of the top layer should be taken and new selected material should be compacted, a field
density, proctor and CBR test should be conducted for the sub-base and the base coarse
material and layers. For the base coarse material, a sieve analyses and other specified test
should be done.

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15.CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

1. The geotechnical investigations carried out through boreholes and test pits have revealed
that subsurface comprise of Silty Clay/Clayey Silt to a maximum depth of 20ft. below
GL in general present in firm to stiff state. This layer is followed by Silty Sand/Sandy
Silt, which is present in a loose to medium dense state up to depth of 50 ft. below GL.
2. The groundwater table was encountered at the depth of 120ft. Fluctuation in the ground
water is also recorded.
3. Shallow foundation can be adopted for residential building & parking block. Shallow
foundations can be wall footings with 3-4 steps. These are recommended to be placed at
minimum depth of 4-5ft below GL. Allowable bearing pressures for shallow foundations
are presented by the shear test.
4. For supporting the Commercial Building and Plaza, bored cast in-situ mat foundations
are recommended. It can be changed according to the engineering will.
5. For Overhead water reservoir, pile foundation is recommended. The allowable bearing
capacity of the piles, their diameter and depth are calculated.
6. In view of the possibility of the mild swelling characteristics of clay underlying the
proposed shallow foundation depth it is recommended that:
 Good drainage must be provided.
 Instead of using wall footing, combined footing can be used.
7. Before placement shallow foundation, in-situ soil should be proof rolled to
identify/replace any soft/loose pockets, as necessary.
8. During construction stage, if a soft/loose pocket of soil is encountered at the excavation
level, further excavation is required to remove the soft/loose pocket and replace the same
with engineered fill material as described in the report.

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16.LIMITATIONS
1. Subsurface exploration depicts variations in the strata. Utmost effort has been made to
present a representative subsurface profile. The nature and extent of variation may not
become evident until the course of construction. It is recommended that all construction
operations dealing with earthwork and foundations be observed by experienced engineer.
2. An experienced engineer should also observe to ensure the construction activities to
check that works are being performed in accordance with the plans and specifications.
Field and laboratory tests should be performed to confirm that the material quality,
compaction, and strength meet the project specifications.
3. In-situ tests that are carried I the field must be done under the inspection of an
experienced engineer.
4. Appropriate surface drainage should be ensured in the project area to reduce the
subsequent ingress of surface water into the foundation subsurface soils. To assure
protection, the plinth protection slab should extend beyond all around the structure at
least 5 ft. from the face of the periphery walls.

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17.REFERENCES

Google. (2020). Retrieved from Google: www.google.com

McCarthy, D. F. (2014). Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundations. Pearson.
Murthy, V. (2002). Geotechnical Engineering - Principles & Practices.
Sobhan, B. M. (2014). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. Cengage Learning.
Wikipedia. (2020). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://www.wikipedia.org/

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