SOIL TESTING SERVICES

Geotechnical Engineers & Material Testing Laboratory

METHOD STATEMENT FOR SUB-SOIL INVESTIGATION

WORK FOR K-IV PUMPING STATION (CAPACITY
130MGD X 2NO.S) AT KEENJHAR LAKE, DISTRICT
THATTA, SINDH

Client: M/s. DESCON ENGINEERING LIMITED

Issue Status

Issue No. Date Prepared By Approved By

0.0 16th JUNE 2022 SRAH NA
1.0 13th JULY 2022 SRAH NA
2.0 15th JULY 2022 SRAH NA
3.0 21st JULY 2022 ZA NA
SOIL TESTING SERVICES
Geotechnical Engineers & Material Testing Laboratory

Table of Contents

Page

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

1.1 Project Definition .......................................................................................... 1
2.0 SCOPE OF WORK....................................................................................................... 2
2.1 FIELD WORKS............................................................................................. 2
2.2 LABORATORY TESTS ................................................................................ 7
2.3 PROJECT DELIVERABLES (DETAILED ENGINEERING REPORT) ........... 8

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SOIL TESTING SERVICES
Geotechnical Engineers & Material Testing Laboratory

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Definition

Descon Engineering Limited is planning for K-IV Pumping Station Project (130MGD x 2No.s)
at Keenjhar Lake, District Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan.

Soil Testing Services was selected by M/s. Descon Engineering Limited to submit a
geotechnical investigation bid for the proposed project.

The geotechnical investigation works will consist of drilling of boreholes including performing
Standard Penetration test, Electrical Resistivity test, Pressuremeter test, Lugeon Test and
Downhole seismic test, collection of disturbed and undisturbed soil and rock samples,
collection of water samples, laboratory tests on collected samples and submission of a
detailed geotechnical investigation report.

The objectives of the study will cover but not limited to the following:

 Engineering design considerations and recommendations (based on the field, lab

testing and subsurface deposits) for foundation design

 Excavation support systems (Lateral earth pressure coefficients, type of retaining

wall, Cohesion, Angle of internal friction)

 Soil stability analysis for both static and pseudo-static cases

 In-situ permeability test for the estimation of hydraulic conductivity of sub-surface

deposits

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2.0 SCOPE OF WORK

To achieve the objectives mentioned in section 1.1, Soil Testing Services (STS) shall follow
a geotechnical investigation program developed by client and consultant to meet the project
specifications and mainly comprising of following three (03) categories:

• Field Works
• Laboratory Testing
• Project Deliverables (Detailed Engineering Report)

These categories includes series of tests and features that are summarized in the following
sub-sections:

2.1 FIELD WORKS

The field works include:

S. No. Field Works Qty. Standards

1 Drilling of boreholes & Sampling 08 -

Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) in

a. - ASTM D1586 / BS 1377-9: 1990
boreholes in soils generally at 1.5 m interval.

2. Electrical Resistivity Test 10 Nos. ASTM-6431-99 and ASTM G-57

3. Pressuremeter 04 Nos. ASTM D4719

4. In-situ Permeability Test 04 Nos. ASTM D6391-11

5. Downhole Seismic Test 02 Nos. ASTM D7400-08

6. Pump out Test 01 No. BS 5930: 1999 + A2: 2010

1. Drilling and Sampling

The geotechnical investigation program will include:

A. Drilling of boreholes up to a maximum depth of 35.0 meters ;

No. & Depth of Boreholes

S. No Structure
Drilling Depth Total Drilling
Nos.
(m) (m)

A. Screen Chamber 02 30 60

B. Pump House 02 35 70

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C. Surge Vessel & Substation Building 04 15 60

Total 08 190

All field operations will be as per applicable ASTM Standards, however, we would state that
all borings shall be done by rotary drilling in accordance with BS-5930. The borings shall be
advanced by the rotation of drilling bit or similar drilling tool. Drilling mud shall normally be
used for drilling purposes. Representative disturbed soil samples will be recovered and/ or
resistance of’ soil to a penetrometer by using “Standard Penetration Test” (SPT) for
estimating consistency of cohesive soils and compactness of cohesion less soils.

In general, SPTs will be conducted at 1.0 to 1.5 meter interval as per the subsurface
conditions, except where thin wall tube samples are taken and/ or at changes in soil strata,
in accordance with ASTM D1586.

Where applicable (generally in cohesive materials), undisturbed samples will be recovered

using “thin wall Shelby tubes” as per ASTM D1587. The samples shall be carefully identified,
sealed and protected from loss of moisture or damage.

When rock is encountered, core drilling will be performed using double tube NW size core
barrel in accordance with ASTM D2113. Rock Quality Designation (RQD) and Core
Recovery (REC) values will be recorded for each run of the core barrel. The core runs will be
restricted to 1.5 m in order to obtain good quality rock cores. Where needed, necessary
measures, shall be taken in consultation with Engineer, to improve the core recovery. All
cores will be kept in wooden core boxes properly fitted with stout carrying handles and with
separators. The boxes will be properly marked. Cores shall be placed in the boxes in the
correct sequence. Each core run shall be segregated by labeled wooden blocks and the
depth of the bottom of each run shall be marked on the partitions in the core box. Adequate
casing shall be used, where required.

The actual number, position and type of samples to be taken shall be to ensure that reliable
subsurface data is obtained. All samples recovered from the boreholes will be removed from
the samplers, visually examined, and classified by STS geotechnical technician on site and
these descriptions will be verified by the geologist or site project engineer. Representative
portion of each soil sample (disturbed samples) will be packaged, labeled with identification
reference number tags, and placed in polythene bags to preserve the samples so as not to
lose any moisture content. Representative portions of undisturbed soil samples will be
packed in properly waxed quart boxes. Representative portion of the rock core sample will
be covered with a plastic cover over which it will be covered by a cling foil and an aluminum
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foil and then they will be arranged in wooden boxes with identification reference number and
all the samples will be sent to STS laboratory, Karachi for further testing and analysis. The
samples received from the field are stored in a room which is maintained at controlled
temperature to reduce the loss of moisture content and the samples will be tested at the
earliest. The selected soil samples will be tested for gradation analysis, chemical analysis
and the selected rock samples will be tested for unconfined compressive strength. The
recommendations in our engineering report will depend on the laboratory results.

Wherever applicable, observations will be made at each borehole location for groundwater
table (GWT) during the period of field work after allowing 24 hours or more after drilling.
Record of the measurements shall be maintained by the site supervisor. This data will be
used to recommend the “design” groundwater elevation.

The field logs, groundwater measurements, soil samples recovered, rock cores retrieved
together with their depths and other field test data will be transported, on a regular basis, to
STS Karachi laboratory as appropriate for further laboratory testing and analysis. The
samples will be received by the laboratory supervisor and tests will be assigned by the
geotechnical engineer on selected soil and rock samples. The testing and analysis of the
selected samples will be performed by a qualified geologist or a qualified geotechnical
laboratory technician.

a. Standard Penetration Test

The standard penetration tests (SPT) were carried out at interval of 1.0 - 1.5 meter in the
overburden above the bedrock. The standard penetration test was carried out by “Safety”
type sliding hammer. Split-spoon sampler was used in cohesive and fine granular soils to
conduct SPT.

The standard penetration test was carried out by an assembly of the following parts:

 Drive-weight assembly, consisting of a drive head and a 63.5kg impact hammer, a

hammer fall guide and the drop system. The drop mechanism will ensure a constant
free fall of 760mm.
 Drive rods connect the drive-weight assembly to the sampler.
 The split spoon sampler was used to carry out the test, along with retrieving
disturbed samples.

The base of the borehole was made clean and reasonably undisturbed at the test
elevation. Following precautions were taken during the testing sequence:

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 The level of water or bentonite slurry was maintained at a sufficient level above the
groundwater level, to ensure any entry of water through the bottom of the borehole.
 The casing was not driven below the level at which the test will start.

The test was executed in the following steps:

 The sampler and the drive rods were lowered in the borehole and the hammer
assembly added to it.
 The sampler is penetrated over seating drive of 150mm and the numbers of blows
are recorded.
 In the same way the sampler is driven over a test drive of 300mm in two increments
of 150mm.
 The numbers of blows are recorded during each of the last two increments.
 The test was deemed finished when total number of blows equal to 50 was reached.

The standard penetration test will be carried out in accordance with the procedure given in
ASTM D1586.

2. Electrical Resistivity Test

Electrical resistivity test will be performed at the client specified location. Electrical Resistivity
measurements will be made by driving four electrodes a few centimeters below ground level
at locations corresponding to pre-selected electrode spacing. The Wenner electrode
configuration will be used in which four electrodes are spaced at equal distances along a
line. The electrodes will be hammered about 0.2-m in to the ground. Tests will be performed
at electrode spacing of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3.0, 5.0, 10.0m. The tests will be performed in two
directions (North-South, East-West). Electrical resistivity tests will be performed in
accordance with ANSI/IEEE Std. 81 or ASTM G57. Results of our electrical resistivity tests
will be presented as graphs of apparent resistivity versus depth along with tabulated values.

3. Pressuremeter Test

This test method covers pressuremeter testing of soils at a given depth in the ground within
a suitable prebored, open test cavity. The pressuremeter test is an in situ, stress-strain test
performed on the wall of a test cavity using a circular cylindrical probe that is expanded
radially. This test method includes the procedure for test cavity preparation, inserting the
probe, and conducting pressuremeter tests in both granular and cohesive soils, but does not
include high pressure testing in rock. This test method is limited to the type of pressuremeter
that is inserted into predrilled boreholes or, under certain circumstances, is inserted by
driving or pushing. The test is to be carried out in accordance with ASTM D4719-20.

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4. In-Situ Permeability Test

The test method covers field measurement of limiting value for hydraulic conductivity of
porous material using two-stage, cased borehole technique. When isotropic conditions can
be assumed and a flush borehole is employed, the method yields the hydraulic conductivity
of the porous material. When isotropic conditions cannot be assumed, the method yields
limiting values of the hydraulic conductivity in the vertical direction (upper limit) if a single
stage is conducted and the horizontal direction (lower limit) if a second stage is conducted.
For anisotropic conditions, determination of the actual hydraulic conductivity requires further
analysis by qualified personnel. This test method may be utilized for compacted fills or
natural deposits, above or below the water table. The test shall be carried out in accordance
with ASTM D 6391-11 using falling head method with material being tested is assumed as
isotropic.

5. Downhole Seismic Test

Down-hole seismic test will be performed in general accordance with ASTM D-7400. A
signal enhancement seismograph such as Geometrics SmartSeis ST will be used to record
the wave front time. This seismograph is particularly well suited for engineering geophysical
work since it provides a means of amplifying, displaying, and enhancing the signal received
from remote geophones.

The down-hole seismic testing is carried out through the use of one borehole, where the
receivers or geophone unit is lowered into the borehole and the seismic energy is generated
at the ground surface next to the borehole. Both primary and shear wave velocities can be
measured by using a shear wave source such as a plank of wood coupled to the ground and
hitting both sides horizontally or just measuring the primary wave by impacting the ground
with vertical blows at a shot location. The geophone in the receiver boreholes detects the
arrival of the generated waves, and the resulting waveform is displayed and recorded by the
seismograph for further analysis. Profiles of dynamic soil properties are typically developed
by carrying out down-hole test measurements at 1m depth intervals. By calculating a profile
of both the compression and shear velocities with depth from recorded wavefront time, it is
possible to calculate various in-situ engineering parameters like Poisson Ratio, Young’s
Modulus, Shear Modulus, Bulk Modulus. Such information is used to assist in the design of
dynamically loaded foundations.

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6. Pump out Test

A pumping test involves pumping at a steady known flow from a well and observing the
drawdown effect on ground water levels at some distance away from the pumped well. In
response to pumping, phreatic and piezometric levels around the pumping well fall, creating
a “cone of depression”. The permeability of the ground is obtained by a study of the shape of
the cone of depression, which is indicated by the water levels in the surrounding observation
wells. The shape of the cone of depression depends on the pumping rate; the duration of
pumping; the nature of the ground; the existence, or otherwise, of intermediate or other
boundaries; the shape of the ground water table; and nature of recharge. From the data
obtained from the test, the coefficients of permeability, transmissivity and storage can be
determined. The test is carried out in accordance with BS 5930: 1999 + A2: 2010.

2.2 LABORATORY TESTS

All the samples recovered from the boreholes will be properly packed and send to our
laboratory in Karachi. The site supervisor will ensure that all the samples are in accordance
with the sample inventory (Laboratory Test Assignment Sheet). The site supervisor will then
forward the samples along with the laboratory test assignment sheet to STS Karachi
laboratory. The Project Engineer will then prepare a testing schedule based on the field
descriptions and the Scope of Work. The proposed laboratory testing schedule sheet will be
forwarded to the Laboratory Manager for testing in accordance with the relevant ASTM or
BS Standards. Chemical testing of soil and ground water sample will also be carried out on
similar basis.
After completion of the assigned laboratory tests, the results will be returned to the Project
Engineer.

A. Lab Tests – Soil, Rock & Water Samples

S.No Laboratory Test Remarks Standards

Particle Size Distribution (Sieve 8-10 tests per borehole ASTM C-136 & ASTM
01
Analysis) D-6918
02 Modified AASHO Test 1-2 tests per pit ASTM D-1557-12
03 Direct Shear Test 1-2 tests per borehole ASTM D 3080-04
04 Unconfined Compression Test 2-3 tests per borehole ASTM D 7012

05 Unit Weight, Specific Gravity 1-2 tests per borehole ASTM designation C
127-81
5 tests ASTM C 1580-09 &
06 Chloride Content
D 4972-01
Sulphate Content of Soil and Surface 5 tests
07 ASTM C 1580-09 &
Water

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S.No Laboratory Test Remarks Standards

D 4972-01

08 Liquid Limit & Plastic Limit 10-15 tests ASTM D-4318

09 pH Value of Water 5 tests ASTM D1293-18
10 CBR Test 1-2 tests per pit ASTM D 1883-05
11 Consolidation Test 5 tests ASTM D4186

B. Lab Tests – Construction Materials

S.No Laboratory Test Remarks Standards

Water Absorption in Fine and Coarse 5 tests ASTM C 127-88 (1993)

01
Aggregates & ASTM C 128-97
02 Los Angeles Abrasion 5 tests ASTM C131/C131M-20
03 Elongation and Flakiness Index 5 tests ASTM D4791 – 10

04 Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) Part of construction

-
material study
05 Modulus of Deformation 2-3 tests per borehole ASTM D4395-17

2.3 PROJECT DELIVERABLES (DETAILED ENGINEERING REPORT)

An engineering report will be submitted for this study consisting but not limited to the
following:

 Introduction and description of site conditions (with photographs)

 Drilling and sampling (with photographs) including:

 Borehole location plan

 Subsurface conditions

 Soil and rock stratigraphy

 Logging and recording of drilling parameters

 Sampler type, storage and handling

 Summary of operations, description of sampling procedures

 Field Testing (with photographs) including:

 Purpose of test

 Description of field tests including obtained results

 Data sheets

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 Graphs and curves

 Laboratory testing (with photographs)

 Distribution of type of soil

 Moisture content

 Shear parameters

 Specific gravity and density

 Plasticity index

 pH, chemical analysis, organic matter content

 strength values for the strata

 compression index, coefficient of consolidation

 Recommended CBR value for the road design and treatment for improving
subgrade CBR value.

 Description of Laboratory tests including obtained results

 Topographic Survey

 Topographical plans and sections to scale

 Complete Mapping in Plans & Sections & L-Sections.

 Construction of Benchmarks and control points

 Topographical Survey Report

 Engineering design considerations and recommendations (based on the field, lab

testing and subsurface deposits)

 Surface Geological plan and sections with information of subsoil conditions;

through borehole data and text descriptions of: Lithology, sub-soil properties,
ground water elevations, expected variations, and details of underground
obstructions

 Foundation design parameters including alternative types of foundations,

depths, bearing capacity and expected settlement. The report shall include
geotechnical calculations showing how the recommended foundation design
parameters are determined including seismic design parameters.

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 Pile design parameters (incase pile foundation is recommended) including

recommended Pile type, expected lengths, sizes, capacities, temporary
casings and the like.

 Provisions to be included in the design in recognition of the prevailing ground

water conditions.

 Lateral (active and at-rest) earth pressures for retaining walls along with
recommendations for design of earth retaining structure

 Factor of safety to check the stability of slopes for static and pseudo static

 Shear Modulus, Soil Mass Density, Shear Wave Velocity

 Seismic soil profile (Seismic zone factor, seismic coefficients)

 Hydraulic conductivity and rate of water flow

 Water level, drawdown, discharge, transmissivity

 Stress strain curves

 Type of cement

 Conclusions

Appendices in the report consist of boreholes location plan, borehole logs, laboratory test
results, cross-sectional profile of boreholes, raw data of geotechnical tests, data sheets of
field tests, calculation of pile capacities and bearing capacities of different type of
foundations.

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