TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Scope and Objective of the Report ......................................................................................... 1
2.0 METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Drilling in Soil ........................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Drilling through Hard Rocks and Soils ................................................................................... 4
3.0 LABORATORY TESTS............................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Soil Particle Size Analysis (ASTM D422, ASTM D1140)..................................................... 4
3.2 The Atterberg Limits (ASTM D4318) .................................................................................... 4
3.3 Moisture Content of Soils (ASTM D2216, ASTM D4959) .................................................... 4
3.4 Standard Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (ASTM-D2487) .......................... 5
4.0 SOIL BEARING CAPACITY COMPUTATION ...................................................................... 5
5.0 GENERAL GEOMORPHOLOGY............................................................................................. 6
6.0 HAZARDS .................................................................................................................................. 7
6.1 Climate .................................................................................................................................... 7
6.2 Earthquake-Induced Landslide Hazard Map........................................................................... 8
6.3 Ground Shaking Hazard Map ................................................................................................. 9
6.4 Liquefaction Hazard Map ..................................................................................................... 10
7.0 SUBSOIL CONDITION ........................................................................................................... 11
8.0 EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION ........................................................................ 12
8.1 Structural Foundations .......................................................................................................... 12
8.2 Bearing Capacity of Soil on Shallow Locations ................................................................... 13
8.3 Seismic Considerations ......................................................................................................... 19
9.0 LIMITATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 21
SOIL BEARING CAPACITY COMPUTATION ................................................................................ 22
APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Borehole Log
Soil Profile
Particle Size & Atterberg Limit
Borehole Location Plan
Photographs
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GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT

FOR THE PROPOSED VARIOUS PROJECT OF SUBSOIL
EXPLORATION FOR FLOOD CONTROL OF REGION III
NAVARETTE ST., BARANGAY PANGHULO, OBANDO, BULACAN

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General

This report contains an outline of field and laboratory methods involving both
simple and complex techniques that were accomplished for site characterization that
are necessary to formulate geotechnical study for the engineering design of the
proposed type of project.

This includes an evaluation of the site for the idealized condition and its
implications with physical and engineering realities that are influential in proper
selection and construction of any foundation/structures on the area

1.2 Scope and Objective of the Report

The objective of the investigation was to collect and interpret site-specific

information relative to

 Subsurface soil and rock conditions

 Groundwater conditions
 Seismic and geologic hazards
 Bearing Capacity of Soils

The scope of investigation performed to achieve the above objectives

consisted of evaluating subsurface data acquired using soil drilling, in situ testing,
laboratory testing; and developing geotechnical recommendations. The investigation
was conducted in accordance with the procedures recommended by the Department of

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Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM).

2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Drilling in Soil

The boring was accomplished using a hydraulically-operated, rotary drilling

rig. The hole was advanced using the rotary wash method. Standard Penetration Test
(SPT) was carried out using a standard split-spoon sampler, mounted on a drive rod of
sufficient strength to prevent whipping from blows delivered by the 140lbs (63.5 kg)
hammer free-falling from a height of 30-in (76-cm). The value of N (penetration
resistance) is obtained as the number of blows required to drive the tube to the last 12-
in (300-mm) of penetration distance.

After the sample and tube are brought to the surface and separated, the sample
is removed from the tube and properly preserved and sealed using a moisture tight
plastic bag for further testing in the laboratory.

Correlation of SPT data with other soil parameters have been developed for
estimates of stiffness of a soil and is a very useful supplementary classification as
shown in tables below:

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Consistency Classification for Fined-Grained Soils

(Terzaghi, Peck & Mesri, 1996 and U.S. Navy, 1982)

Classification SPT N-blows Undrained Shear Strength,

Su(kPa)

Very Soft <2 < 12

Soft 2–4 12 – 25

Medium Stiff 4–8 25 – 50

Stiff 8 – 15 50 – 100

Hard 15 – 30 100 – 200

Very Hard > 30 > 200

Table 2.1.1

Consistency Classification for Coarse-Grained Soils

(Terzaghi, Peck & Mesri, 1996 and Lambe and Whitman, 1969)

Classification SPT N-Blows Relative Density, 𝐃𝐫 (%)

Very Loose <4 0 – 15
Loose 4 – 10 15- 35
Medium Dense 10 – 30 36 – 65
Dense 30 – 50 65 – 85
Very Dense > 50 85 – 100
Table 2.1.2

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2.2 Drilling through Hard Rocks and Soils

Coring which simultaneously advances the hole and obtains continuous

samples is performed. The method consists of grinding away an annular zone with a
rotary diamond drill bit, leaving a cylindrical core that were captured by a core barrel
and removed from the ground. The cuttings are removed by a circulating drilling
fluid/water. The core recovery, which is the total sample length recovered from each
core run divided by the run length is the RQD (Rock Quality Designation), which is
the percentage of core in pieces 100 mm or longer of the sample and is recorded.

3.0 LABORATORY TESTS

Selected soil samples were subjected to the following specific tests:

3.1 Soil Particle Size Analysis (ASTM D422, ASTM D1140)

The size and quantity of individual particles found in particular soil is

indicative of the performance characteristics of the soil. The percentage by weight of
the material passing through each succession sieve is recorded.

3.2 The Atterberg Limits (ASTM D4318)

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.

3.3 Moisture Content of Soils (ASTM D2216, ASTM D4959)

It is based on the weight of the water in the soil. This indicates imperative
behaviour of different soil types at various levels of moisture.

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3.4 Standard Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (ASTM-D2487)

Based on the results of visual observations and prescribed laboratory tests, a

soil is catalogued according to the basic soil groups, assigned a group symbol(s) and
name and thereby classified. This standard classifies soils from any geographic
location into categories representing the results of prescribe laboratory tests to
determine the particle-size characteristics, the liquid limit, and the plasticity index.
The various groupings of the classification system have been devised to
correlate in a general way with the engineering behaviour of soils.

4.0 SOIL BEARING CAPACITY COMPUTATION

The results of the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and soil laboratory test
results were used to compute or the soil bearing capacity and to generate the empirical
values of unit weight, cohesion and internal friction angle. The soil bearing capacity
was computed using Terzaghi’s General Shear Failure formula:

𝑸𝒖 = 𝒄𝑵𝒄 𝑭𝒄 + 𝒚𝒒 𝑫𝑵𝒒 𝑭𝒒 + 𝟎. 𝟓𝒚𝒆 𝑩𝑵𝒚 𝑭𝒚

Where:
Qu - Ultimate soil bearing capacity

c - Cohesion of soils

ye - Unit weight of soil at base of footing

yq - Unit weight of overburden

D - Depth of footing

B - Base of footing

𝐹𝑐 , 𝐹𝑞 , 𝐹𝑦 - Shape factors

𝑁𝑐 , 𝑁𝑞 , 𝑁𝑦 - Dimensionless bearing capacity factors

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5.0 GENERAL GEOMORPHOLOGY

Obando is a 2nd class municipality in the pr4ovince of Bulacan. It has a total land area
of 5,210 hectares and it is politically subdivided into 11 barangays. Obando is bordered
by Valenzuela City in the east, Navotas City and Malabon City in the south, Bulakan in the
north, and the waters of Manila Bay in the west.

Figure 5.1 Map of Bulacan Province,

showing the Municipality of Obando.

Bulacan covers a total area of 2,796.10 square kilometers occupying the southeastern
section of the Central Luzon region. The province is bounded by Nueva Ecija on the north,
Aurora (Dingalan) on the northeast, Quezon (General Nakar) on the east, Rizal (Rodriguez)
on the southeast, Metro Manila (Valenzuela City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Caloocan City
and Quezon City) on the south, Manila Bay on the southwest, and Pampanga on the west.

The western portion of Bulacan for has been classified in the Landscape Map as
belonging to the lowland category with an approximate coverage of close to 50 percent of the
provincial land area and the eastern part of the province covers those areas that are hilly to
mountainous. Over one half of Bulacan’s overall land area have been classified as having
slopes less than 8 percent or those considered as having level to gently sloping terrain and
this is found on the western part of Bulacan.

In Socio-Economic Profile of Bulacan of 2003; Bulacan soil types vary from the fine
sandy loam type, abounding in the southeastern portion to the silt loam type found in the
northern part of the province. The province has rich cement materials, which are presently
mined, by cement factories operating in the province. Marble ore reserves are also of
commercial quantity.

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6.0 HAZARDS

6.1 Climate

The climate in Bulacan

based on the Modified Coronas
Classification is Climate Type 1
with two pronounced season,
dry from November to April
and wet during the rest of the
year. Maximum rain period is
from June to September.

Figure 6.1.1 Climate Map of the Philippines

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6.2 Earthquake-Induced Landslide Hazard Map

SITE

Hazard data based on Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology –

Department of Science and Technology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) 2014 Project
Earthquake-Induced Landslide Hazard Map of Bulacan shown above, the project
area located at Barangay Panghulo, Obando is not susceptible to landslide.

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6.3 Ground Shaking Hazard Map

SITE

Hazard data based on Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology –

Department of Science and Technology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) 2014 Project Ground
Shaking Hazard Map of Obando shown above, the project area located at Barangay
Panghulo, Obando is PEIS (PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale) Intensity VIII and
above.

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6.4 Liquefaction Hazard Map

Liquefaction is defining as the transformation of granular soil from

solid state into liquid state. Soils most susceptible to liquefaction are
commonly associated with saturated sandy and silty soils having low plasticity
and density.

Hazard data based from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and

Seismology – Department of Science and Technology (PHIVOLCS-DOST)
2014 Project Liquefaction Hazard Map of Obando, the project area located at
Barangay Panghulo is high susceptibility to liquefaction.

SITE

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7.0 SUBSOIL CONDITION

Based on the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and laboratory tests for material
classification, the following subsurface condition were determined.

Borehole BH-01 penetrated the following soil materials with a depth of 15m
from the surface down to the bottom. The natural water level was encountered exactly
at the ground level (0.00 m depth in the borehole).

1.05-15.00 Brown fat clay with sand (CH); soft to hard (N= 2-33 blows)

Borehole BH-02 penetrated the following soil materials with a depth of 15m
from the surface down to the bottom. The natural water level was encountered exactly
at the ground level (0.00 m depth in the borehole).

1.05-15.00 Brown fat clay (CH); soft to very stiff (N= 2-30 blows)

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8.0 EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION

8.1 Structural Foundations

Limited bearing resistance of the overlying soil can be expected along

the area particularly near the surface, having variable material strength and
compositions for mostly unconsolidated soils like fine-grained clays with
some intermixing sandy soils with high plasticity for BH-01 and BH-02.
Underlying soil are composed mainly by high plasticity clay and organic soils
with traces of sand. This may require deeper penetration or embedment into
the ground for resisting higher lateral stresses on the wall or development of
deep-seated failure.

Having a foundation that can withstand the shifting of clay soil is the
most important factor in keeping the structure safe. Foundation level shall be
lowered to allow for an increase in foundation resistance. Dewatering may be
necessary during excavations for the foundation.

It will be an advantage to utilize sheet pile than gravity wall or riprap

for the area noting that gravity wall or riprap is normally governed by the
stability of base and can be restricted by deeper excavation as the stability
depends upon their self-weight.

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8.2 Bearing Capacity of Soil on Shallow Locations

The allowable or safe bearing resistance is based on shear failure

control taking into consideration the groundwater level along the area. The
general equation is usually Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory and modified
according to bearing capacity factors of Meyerhof (1953 and 1963). The shape
factors are adopted from AASHTO (1996).

Correlation of values, normally based on SPT resistance were

estimated based from different authors for determining effect of pore pressure,
overburden pressure and shear strength resistance of the underlying soil
materials. The buoyancy effect due to the presence of groundwater at shallow
levels should be considered in the design of foundation.

The recommended allowable bearing capacity for general condition is

intended to provide sufficient margin of safety with respect to bearing failures
and deformation/settlement.

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Figure 8.2.1: Allowable Bearing Capacity Controlled by Shear Failure

Considerations versus Settlement considerations.

Standard Penetration Test Index

35
30
25
SPT N-value

20
15
10
5
0
1.50 3.00 4.50 6.00 7.50 9.00 10.50 12.00 13.50 15.00

Depth, m

BH-01 BH-02 BH-MEAN

Figure 8.2.2: Standard Penetration Test Index

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Table 8.2.1 Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity of Borehole-01

ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY OF SOIL (kPa)

𝐁𝐟𝟏 𝐁𝐟𝟐 𝐁𝐟𝟑 𝐁𝐟𝟒 𝐁𝐟𝟓 𝐁𝐟𝟔

Depth (m) 1 2 3 4 5 6

1.50 37 38 38 39 40 40
3.00 43 44 45 45 46 47
4.50 49 50 51 51 52 53
6.00 56 56 57 58 58 59
7.50 99 100 101 101 102 103
9.00 198 201 205 208 212 216
10.50 215 219 223 226 230 233
12.00 265 269 273 276 280 283
13.50 339 343 346 350 354 357
15.00 357 360 364 368 371 375

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Table 8.2.2 Ultimate Pile Resistance of Borehole-01

ULTIMATE RESISTANCE OF PILE

Depth (m) Ultimate Pile Ultimate Uplift Pile Tip

Skin Resistance Resistance Resistance

4.50 36 948
50
6.00 52 50 1166
7.50 56 64 1562
9.00 58 79 1800
10.50 58 94 1800
12.00 58 109 1800
13.50 58 124 1800
15.00 58 139 1800

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Table 8.2.3 Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity of Borehole-02

ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY OF SOIL (kPa)

𝐁𝐟𝟏 𝐁𝐟𝟐 𝐁𝐟𝟑 𝐁𝐟𝟒 𝐁𝐟𝟓 𝐁𝐟𝟔

Depth (m) 1 2 3 4 5 6

1.50 37 38 38 39 40 40
3.00 43 44 45 45 46 47
4.50 49 50 51 51 52 53
6.00 56 56 57 58 58 59
7.50 62 62 63 64 64 65
9.00 198 201 205 208 212 216
10.50 215 219 223 226 230 233
12.00 265 269 273 276 280 283
13.50 339 343 346 350 354 357
15.00 357 360 364 368 371 375

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Table 8.2.4 Ultimate Pile Resistance of Borehole-02

ULTIMATE RESISTANCE OF PILE

Depth (m) Ultimate Pile Ultimate Uplift Pile Tip

Skin Resistance Resistance Resistance

4.50 36 1060
51
6.00 52 49 1166
7.50 53 63 1270
9.00 58 78 1800
10.50 58 93 1800
12.00 58 108 1800
13.50 58 123 1800
15.00 58 138 1800

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8.3 Seismic Considerations

The nearest active fault trace on the said location is the West Valley
Fault about 15.6 kilometers away mapped by PHIVOLCS in 2013 using
1:5,000 scale topographic maps.

The probabilistic seismic hazard assessment made by Thenhaus, et al

in 1994 assumes the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) for the entire
Philippines at 0.3g for medium soils while for soft soils is more than 0.4g. A
value of 0.4g is recommended for the PGA at the site.

The area is categorized under Seismic Zone 4 with Seismic Zone

Factor Z = 0.4. A Seismic source type A such as the West Valley Fault about
15.6 kilometers away would suggests a Near Source Factor Na = 1.00 and Nv
= 1.00.

Figure 8.3.1 – Map of Bulacan showing the proximity of West Valley Fault about 15.6 km away from
Barangay Panghulo, Obando based on Phivolcs Fault Finder

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9.0 LIMITATIONS

Limitations must be acknowledged and the results analyzed in conjunction with the
geological information for this specific area of concern. Furthermore, practical observations
of the subsoil should be made during construction of every structure on the area.

RCS SURVEYING OFFICE

JOHN JEROME O. TERCIÑO

Civil Engineer
PRC No. 0161480
Valid Until May 2021

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APPENDICES

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