Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay

Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

Report on
Geotechnical Investigation
for the

Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay

Brgy. Aplya Laguna

Engr. Angela Renee Davis-Abarquez, MSCE

Civil/Geotechnical Engineer

EB SOIL DRILLING & GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

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Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay
Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

Report on Geotechnical Investigation

Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay

Barangay Aplaya, Laguna

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

2.0 SITE LOCATION………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…3

3.0 FIELD INVESTIGATION PROGRAM………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

4.0 LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAM……………………………………………………………………………………………………..5

5.0 SUBSURFACE AS FOUND……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………6

6.0 DISCUSSION AND GENERAL RECOMMENDATION…………………………………………………………………………......9

7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………………………………………………....…..10

APPENDICES

Appendix A Aerial View of Barangay Aplaya, Laguna

Appendix B Location of Boreholes

Appendix C Summary of Test Results

Appendix D Photographs

Appendix E Geotechnical Engineer’s PRC License and PTR

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Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay
Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay is located at Barangay Aplaya, Laguna. This report
includes the assessment of the geotechnical conditions of the site and provides recommendations of soil
characteristics and strength for the foundation system.

Two boreholes were drilled for the Soil Exploration Program with a depth of 30.0 meters into the ground.
During drilling of soil-type material, Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and soil sampling were undertaken at
regular intervals of 1.5m. The retrieved soil samples were taken to the soil laboratory for the various
laboratory tests.

2.0 SITE LOCATION

The site is situated in Apalaya District is one of the five (5) districts of Cabuyao, in the province
of Laguna, Philippines. It is geographically located at the northernmost portion of the municipality
bordering south of Laguna de Bay. It is composed of four (4) urban barangays of Cabuyao and one
unofficial barangay. Most of its barangays are situated along the lake.

An aerial view of the location is shown in Appendix A, and a location map is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Location Map of Barangay Aplaya, Laguna

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Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay
Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

3.0 FIELD INVESTIGATION PROGRAM

The soil investigation consisted of borehole drilling below the present ground level at the site with the
use of one (1) drilling machine. The works were executed following the ASTM procedures as briefly
described below. The location of the boreholes is shown in Appendix B. See drilling site in Appendix D.

The field investigation consisted of drilling boreholes with Standard Penetration Test (SPT). The boreholes
were advanced by wash boring to the specified boring depths. The SPT’s, conducted every 1.5 meter
interval, consisted of driving a standard split spoon sampler of 5.08 cm (2 inches O.D.) diameter in three
successive segments of 15 cm (6 inches) using a freely falling drop hammer of 63.6 kg (140 lbs) weight
from a height of 76.2 cm (30 inches).

The number of blows required to penetrate the three 15-cm layers are recorded. The blow counts of the
last two layers are added to give the N-value of a particular 45cm stretch, a measure of density or
consistency of the soil.

SPT Procedures are conducted in accordance to ASTM D-1586.

Soil and Rock Samples were retrieved using the split spoon sampler.

All the recovered soil and rock samples were brought to the soil laboratory for further testing.

Correlation of SPT data with other soil parameters have been developed for estimates of stiffness and
densities of a soil and is very useful supplementary classification.

4.0 LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAM

The procedures used in testing the samples for this project conform to the ASTM Standards. All samples
were subjected to the following specific tests (as applicable) done at the Laboratory Office of E.B. Testing
Center, Inc. The test results are presented in Appendix C and the procedures are briefly described below:

4.1 Grain Size Analysis as per ASTM D422

This test covers the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle in soils. The distribution of
particle sizes retained on the No. 200 sieve is determined by sieving. The individual particles found in the
particular soil are indicative of the performance characteristics of the soil. The percentage by weight of
the material passing through its succession sieve is recorded.

4.2 The Atterberg Limits

The liquid limit and the plastic limit tests define the upper and lower moisture content points at which a
particular soil ceases to perform as a plastic. The use of this test is restricted to cohesive soils.

Liquid Limit (ASTM D425-66) – This is the water content of the soils expressed as percentage of the
weight of the oven-dried soil at the boundary between liquid and plastic states.

Plastic Limit (ASTM D44-59) – This is expressed as percentage of the mass of the oven-dried soil at the
laboratory between the plastic and semi-solid states.

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Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay
Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

4.3 Moisture Content of Soils (ASTM D 22-16-98)

This test is based on the weight of the water in the soil. It indicates imperative behavior of different soil
types at various levels of moisture. It is the ratio expressed as percentage of the weight of water in a
given mass of soil to the weight of solid particles.

4.4 Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) (ASTM D2487-69)

This system is a universal format in identifying and classifying soil materials. Based on laboratory
determination of particle size characteristics, liquid limit, and plasticity index, the standard classifies
mineral and organo-mineral soils for engineering purposes.

4.5 Net Allowable Load-Bearing Capacity, qa(net)

For estimation of the net allowable bearing capacity of shallow foundations, we may use Peck et al.
(1974) considering the soil profiles and geotechnical parameters obtained from correlations of the unit
weights from ASCE (1996), effective Young’s Modulus from Bowles (1996), and effective angle of internal
friction from Peck, Hanson &Thornburn (1974).

5.0 SUBSURFACE AS FOUND

The subsoil at the site is represented by the soil profile derived from the drilled boreholes as shown in
Appendix C. As can be seen in the soil profile, the site is generally underlain by layers of weak, firm, and
hard overburden (soil) starting from ground surface down to 30.0m depth, distinguished by firm to stiff
fat clay, very soft to hard elastic silt, and highly weathered siltstone.

The type and condition of the overburden which consists of several materials are idealized into three (3)
soil horizons, namely: (a) weak, (b) firm, and (c) hard/over compacted.

(a) Weak Zone – this zone is extremely very soft/loose soils with N-values of less than 10 blows/ft for
sandy soils and less than 4 blows/ft for plastic silts and clays. The vertical extent and type of
material is tabulated below:

Borehole Thickness Type and Condition of Materials

Number (meter)
BH-1 3.0-10.95 3.0-10.95m; Very Soft to Firm, Elastic Silt, MH
BH-2 4.5-24.0 4.5-24.0m; Firm, Elastic Silt, MH

(b) Firm Zone – this zone is confined mainly at the upper to middle soil layers with N-values between
10 to 40 blows/ft for sands and between 4 -30 blows/ft for plastic silts and clays. The vertical
extent and type of material is tabulated below:

Borehole Thickness Type and Condition of Materials

Number (meter)
0.0-3.0 0.0-3.0m; Firm to Stiff, Fat Clay, CH
BH-1 10.95- 10.95-12.45: Stiff, Elastic Silt, MH
12.45
0.0-4.5 0.0-4.5m; Stiff, Fat Clay, CH
BH-2
24.0-25.5 24.0-25.5m; Stiff, Elastic Silt, MH

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Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay
Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

(c) Hard/Compacted Zone – this zone is usually located usually beyond the bottom level of the firm
zone. N-values fell over 40 blows/ft for sand and 30 blows/ft for silts and clays. The vertical extent
and type of material is tabulated below:

Borehole Thickness Type and Condition of Materials

Number (meter)
BH-1 12.45-30.0 12.45-30.0m; Highly Weathered Siltstone
25.5-27.0 25.5-27.0m; Hard, Elastic Silt, MH
BH-2
27.0-30.0 27.0-30.0m; Highly Weathered Siltstone

The following figure shows the General Soil Profile Chart and Standard Penetration Test Index for BH-1
and BH-2.

Static water level has been encountered at an average of -3.33m depth from the ground surface within
the area at the time of observation.

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Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay
Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

5.1 Allowable Pile Capacities for Deep Foundations

Results of effective stress method of analysis using the combined friction and end bearing
resistance of the soil are given in safe values for driven piles are as follows:

For Driven Pile (400mmx400mm) FS = 3:

Depth Design Design Qp Qs Qa

(m) N N60 (kN) (kN) (kN)
1.5 10 8 184 38 74
3.0 7 5 206 67 91
4.5 4 3 169 72 80
6.0 2 2 169 96 88
7.5 1 1 139 96 78
9.0 5 5 206 115 107
10.5 5 5 206 134 114
12.0 5 5 206 154 120
13.5 5 5 206 173 126
15.0 6 6 206 240 149
16.5 8 8 206 264 157
18.0 6 6 206 288 165
19.5 5 5 206 312 173
21.0 7 7 206 336 181
22.5 9 9 262 360 207
24.0 7 7 206 384 197
25.5 13 13 328 490 272
27.0 50 50 2,921 691 1,204
28.5 50 50 2,921 1,003 1,308
30.0 50 50 2,921 1,248 1,390

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Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay
Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

For Driven Pile (450mmx450mm) FS = 3:

Depth Design Design Qp Qs Qa

(m) N N60 (kN) (kN) (kN)
1.5 10 8 233 43 92
3.0 7 5 261 76 112
4.5 4 3 214 81 98
6.0 2 2 214 108 107
7.5 1 1 175 108 94
9.0 5 5 261 130 130
10.5 5 5 261 151 137
12.0 5 5 261 173 145
13.5 5 5 261 194 152
15.0 6 6 261 270 177
16.5 8 8 261 297 186
18.0 6 6 261 324 195
19.5 5 5 261 351 204
21.0 7 7 261 378 213
22.5 9 9 331 405 245
24.0 7 7 261 432 231
25.5 13 13 415 551 322
27.0 50 50 3,697 778 1,491
28.5 50 50 3,697 1,129 1,608
30.0 50 50 3,697 1,404 1,700

6.0 DISCUSSION AND GENERAL RECOMMENDATION

General Assessment of the Subsoil

Since the subsoil tests give results which rest majority on weak, firm, and hard stratum, the proposed
foundation system is recommended to be standing on deep foundations, provided that the bearing
capacities presented satisfactorily pass, as compared with the foundation loads computed by the
structural designer for the proposed building.

With the ground water table level encountered at an average of -3.33m depth from the ground surface,
and with the soil mass having firm to stiff fat clay, very soft to hard elastic silt, and highly weathered
siltstone, the ground is not susceptible to liquefaction in the event of strong earthquakes.

Settlement analysis is critical for this site since it is underlain by a significant thickness of very soft
material based on the soil profile.

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Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay
Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

With reference to NSCP 2015 for earthquake design, a seismic zone factor, Z = 0.4 and a Soil Profile Type
= SE shall be used. The nearest known seismic generator from the site is the Valley Fault System: Can-avid
Segment which is approximately 25.0km away from the project site. Near source factors and proximity to
the site shall be verified by structural engineer prior to design.

7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Given the data obtained in this investigation, it is expected that the proposed foundation of the structure
can be properly designed using the evaluation earlier discussed in the preceding sections of this report.
Its scope is limited to this project and at the site herein described.

Should there be significant changes in the location of the structure relative to the drilled holes, and/or
any marked differences in the characteristic of the soil as reported herein and/or as found from the
laboratory tests, compared to that found in the excavation for the foundations, the undersigned should
be informed immediately so that conclusions and recommendations herein are modified accordingly.

Evaluated By:

ANGELA RENEE D. ABARQUEZ, MSCE

Civil/Geotechnical Engineer
PRC # 0110127
Valid Until 02/15/2021
PTR #1988401 issued on
January 6, 2021 in Cebu City, Cebu

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Evaluation of Geotechnical Conditions for the Proposed Flood Control Along Laguna De Bay
Brgy. Aplaya, Laguna

APPENDIX A

AERIAL VIEW OF BARANGAY APLAYA, LAGUNA

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