1 Field exploration and soil testing research January 27,2022

Names of the case investigators

NameID number
1. Eyob Adgeh…………………………. BDU1402076PR
2. Fekadu Getachew…………………….BDU1401611PR
3. Helen Wagnew………………………. BDU1402060PR
4. Mahideremariam Tarekegn…………...BDU1402090PR
5. Tadesse Asnakew……………………. BDU1402070PR
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Sub surface exploration place an important role in the design for the construction of buildings
and bridges. Before design, it is essential to study the behavior as well as the engineering
properties of sub soil strata which promotes the design more economic, safe and perfect. It also
enables to take precaution in the design for the structural safety. Soil investigation for Tewdros,
Maregu and his Friends Apartment was decided to be designed on the basis of the sub surface
investigation test results. The proposed (40×30) m 2 building apartment will be located at
Bahirdar, Abay mado, cobble.

1.2 Objective of the study

1.2.1 Main objective
 Investigating the engineering properties of the soil and assessing the suitability of the site
for the proposed structure.

1.2.2 Specific objectives

 To identify the physical properties of the soil present at the site.
 To estimate the safe bearing capacity of the soil.
 To estimate the probable settlement.
 To suggest for the safe, economical and appropriate type of foundation for the prevailing
sub soil condition.
 Assessing ground water level condition.
1.3 Scope of the study
For the proposed construction of buildings structures, it is required to determine the safe
allowable bearing capacity together with necessary engineering characteristics of underlying soil
strata. Since the safe bearing capacity of soils must be evaluated on the considerations covering
shear failure and permissible settlement of sub-soil strata.

The study covers the investigation of soil nature, type, ground water level and classification
found in the study area based on the conventional identification procedures and classification
schemes. It also covers the exploration to determine different compression parameters and
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strength characteristics of the soils found in the study area. The study focuses on identification,
classification and assessing the suitability of the site for the proposed structure based on the
common field and laboratory test results.
To achieve this, both disturbed and undisturbed samples are taken at a depth of 1.5m and 3m
from one test pit (due to time limitation) of the study area to conduct the laboratory tests.
 Laboratory test for selected samples obtained during the field exploration leads to
evaluate physical and engineering properties of the soil.

Generally, conclusions and recommendations are drawn based on the laboratory and field test
results regarding:
 Swelling potential
 GWT level
 Plasticity characteristics
 Gradation of the soil at the proposed site
 Shear strength of the soil
 Appropriate foundation type

1.4 Methodology
In order to achieve the objectives, necessary information about the geology, climatic condition
and topography of the site are collected and analyzed. Reconnaissance study of the area is done
by visiting the site. Roughly, red soil is the main soil type found in the study area.
Once, the location of the test pit is selected, the excavation work is conducted by daily laborers
using local digging equipment. This excavation is continued up to 1.5m and 3m depth then
disturbed samples are taken by plastic bags from both depths. Also, undisturbed samples are
taken from both depths. After the undisturbed samples are extracted both ends of the steel tube
are sealed with wax and tightened by polyethylene bags. Both the disturbed and undisturbed
samples transported to the Bahirdar university Geotechnical engineering laboratory.

Undisturbed samples are used for one dimensional consolidation, undrained shear strength,
natural moisture content and unit weight tests. Disturbed samples are used to conduct index
property test such as specific gravity, Atterberg limit, grain size analysis, compaction, free swell
and direct shear test. AASHTO procedures are followed for all tests.
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Using Microsoft office Excel and word, grain size distribution curve, liquid limit graph,
compaction curve, consolidation and unconfined compression tests are plotted.

1.5 Details of the Proposed Structure

During soil investigation it is important to know the details of the structure to be built in order to
limit the depth of investigation. The structure that will be built is a B + G + 6 apartment
2
residential building. The structure will be rest on the area of 1200m (30m * 40m), it will have 40
number of foundation columns, that transfer building loads to the foundation. The possible loads
on the building are: - self weight of the building itself, live load of the occupants and wind or
earthquake load.

Figure 1.1 plane view of the proposed structure

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1.6 Site Conditions

As we see, the ground surface has flat topography covered with red soil and in the past, the land
was used for agriculture purpose. There was no existence of any old structure in the site and the
neighborhood of the site are residential buildings constructed in the past few years.

Figure 1.2 site condition

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1.6.1 Site Location

The exact location of the proposed site is latitude 11.61191 and longitude 37.4262. N 110
36’42.882’’ and E 37025’34.314’’

Figure 1.3 site location