Geotechnical Division Geotechnical Investigation Report To Lahmeyer International For Merowe Irrigation Project Feasibility Study

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.
net/publication/270887453
GEOTECHNICAL DIVISION GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT TO

LAHMEYER INTERNATIONAL FOR MEROWE IRRIGATION PROJECT
FEASIBILITY STUDY
Technical Report · March 2005

DOI: 10.13140/2.1.4741.4089
CITATIONS READS
0 2,411
1 author:
Hussein Elarabi
University of Khartoum
88 PUBLICATIONS 151 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:
Block 17 Petroneeds View project
Engineering properties of laterites in Muglad basin, western Kordofan, Sudan View project
All content following this page was uploaded by Hussein Elarabi on 15 January 2015.
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Paper 71
BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE

UNIVERSITY OF KHARTOUM
GEOTECHNICAL DIVISION
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT
TO
LAHMEYER INTERNATIONAL
FOR
MEROWE IRRIGATION PROJECT
FEASIBILITY STUDY
VOLUME I
MAIN REPORT
MARCH 2005
(864)
Table of Contents
No. Subject Page

1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Preamble 1
1.2 Scope of BRRI Services and Supplies 1
1.3 Layout Report 2
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 3
3. GENERAL SITE DESCRIPTION 6
4. FIELD INVESTIGATION WORK 12
4.1 Work-fronts and Time Schedule 12
4.2 Details of the Investigation Program 13
4.2.1 Boreholes 13
4.2.2 Test Pits 13
4.3 Locating the Position of the Works 14
5. PREPARATORY WORKS AND MOBILIZATION 16
6. EXECUTION OF FIELDWORK 18
7. FIELDWORK EXECUTED BY THE TEST PITS GROUP 22
7.1 Excavation Route and Duration 22
7.2 Methodology of Test Pit Excavation 25
7.3 Test Pits 25
7.3.1 Test Pits on Left Bank 32
7.3.2 Test Pits on Right Bank 32
7.4 Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCP) 34
7.5 Natural Moisture Content 34
FIELD WORK EXECUTED BY THE BOREHOLES
8. 50
GROUP
8.1 Drilling Route and Duration 50
8.2 Methodology of Drilling 50
8.3 Boreholes 55
8.3.1 Boreholes on Left Bank 57
8.3.2 Boreholes on Right Bank 57
8.4 Water Pressure Test (Lugeon Method) 58
(865)
II
8.5 Percolation Test 61

8.6 Standard Penetration Test (SPT) 63
9. LABORATORY TESTING 69
9.1 Atterberg Limits 69
9.2 Sieve Analysis 71
9.3 Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis 71
9.4 Compaction Tests 72
9.5 Permeability Tests 72
9.6 Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression 73
9.7 Swelling Pressure Test 76
9.8 Unconfined Compression Strength 76
9.9 Unit Weight 76
9.10 Water Absorption Test 88
9.11 Sodium Sulphate Soundness Test 88
9.12 Double Hydrometer Test 88
9.13 Pinhole Test 88
9.14 Chemical Dispersivity Test 91
10 CONCLUSION REMARKS 94
REFRENCES 96
(866)
III
List of Tables
Table (1) Mobilized Equipments 18
Table (2) Excavation Route And Duration Of The Test Pits 23
Table (3) The Performed Field Tests 24
Table (4) Location of Test Pits (Leftt Bank) 26
Table (5) Location of Test Pits (Right Bank) 29
Table (6) Soil Profiles and Classification Tests for Left Bank Test Pits 36
Table (7) Soil Profiles and Classification Tests for Right Bank Test Pits 43
Table (8) Locations of Boreholes (Leftt Bank) 51
Table (9) Locations of Boreholes (Right Bank) 52
Table (10) Locations of Lugeon Tests 62
Table (11) Standard Penetration Test Results 66
Table (12) The Performed Laboratory Tests 70
Table (13) Laboratory Permeability Test Results for Left Bank 74
Table (14) Laboratory Permeability Test Results for Right Bank 75
Table (15) UCS and Unit Weight of Samples From Left Bank 77
Table (16) Water Absorption Test Results 89
Table (17) Sodium Sulphate Soundness Test Results 90
Table (18) Dispersivity Test Results (Left Bank) 92
Table (19) Dispersivity Test Results (Right Bank) 93
(867)
IV
List of Figures
Fig. (1) Map of the Sudan 4
Fig. (2) Location of the Project Site 5
Fig. (3) Schematic Arrangement of the Contractor Employees 20
Fig. (4) Lugeon Test Equipments 59
List of Plates
Plate (1) Samples of Topography of the Project Area 7
Plate (2) Sand Dunes 8
Plate (3) Nubian Sandstone Formation 10
Plate (4) Location of Test Points 15
Sample of Photograph of Test Pits on Left and Right Bank
Plate (5) 33
(Remaining of Photos are in the attached (CD)
Plate (6) The DCP Test Equipment 35
Plate (7) Core Samples (rest of photos in the attached (CD) 54
Plate (8) Drilling Process 56
Plate (9) Lugeon Test Equipments 60
Plate (10) In situ Permeability Test (Falling Head Test) 64
(868)
V
Left Bank Appendices
Appendix Subject
A Geological Description of Left Bank Test Pits
B Dynamic Cone Penetration Tests of Left Bank
Geological Description of Boreholes and Core Photographs of
C
Left Bank
D Lugeon Test Results of Left Bank
E In-Situ Permeability Test Results (Falling Head Test) of Left Bank
F Sieve Analysis Test Results of Left Bank
G Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis Results of Left Bank
H Compaction Test Results of Left Bank
Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test Results of Left
I
Bank
J Swelling Pressure Test Results of Left Bank
K Double Hydrometer Test Results of Left Bank
L Pinhole Test Results of Left Bank
Right Bank Appendices
Appendix Subject
M Geological Description of Right Bank Test Pits
N Dynamic Cone Penetration Tests of Right Bank
Geological Description of Boreholes and Core Photographs of
O
Right Bank
P Lugeon Test Results of Right Bank
Q In-Situ Permeability Test (Falling Head Test) of Right Bank
R Sieve Analysis Test Results of Right Bank
S Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis Results of Right Bank
T Compaction Test Results of Right Bank
Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Ccompression Test Results of Right
U
Bank
V Swelling Pressure Test Results of Right Bank
W Double Hydrometer Test Results of Right Bank
X Pin hole Test Results of Right Bank
(869)
VI
Pre-feasibility Appendices
Appendix
Geological Description of Test bits in Pre-feasibility study phase
Y
of Left Bank
Geological Description of Test Pits in pre-feasibility study phase
Z
of Right Bank
(870)
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT FOR
MEROWE IRRIGATION PROJECT
1. Introduction
1.1 Preamble
The Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources, Merowe Dam Project
Implementation Unit (MDPIU) entrusted the German consulting engineering
firm Lahmeyer International GmbH of Bad Vilbel, Germany (LI) with the
engineering services for the Geotechnical Investigations of the Feasibility
Study of Merowe Irrigation Project extending over the Nile valley from the
Merowe dam down to the third Cataract.
The Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI), University of Khartoum has
been contracted by Lahmeyer to undertake field and laboratory geotechnical
work for the proposed canals of Merowe Irrigation Project, Sudan. These
geotechnical investigations are needed to perform the feasibility study of the
mentioned project.
The required geotechnical investigations comprised an extension and detailing

of the previous investigation for the main canal alignments carried out during
the pre-feasibility phase by the Building and Road Research Institute (April
2004).
Fieldworks were started on 15th August 2004 and the laboratory testing
followed after a 2 week time. The reports for both left and right bank canal
were completed in March 2005.
1.2 Scope of BRRI Services and Supplies

The scope of services for this study was to conduct a field investigation work
on both left and right bank canals. The field investigation activities carried out
involved drilling in soil, gneiss, cemented soil and all other rocks.
(871)
Geotechnical Division - Building and Road Research Institute – University of Khartoum
MEROWE IRRIGATION PROJECT 2
The drilling works included performing the following insitu activities :

(i) Water pressure test (Lugeon Method).
(ii) Percolation test.
(iii) Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
(iv) Sampling
(v) Geological descriptions
The investigation was also comprised of the excavation of 199 test pits along
the alignment of both left and right bank canals. Dynamic cone Penetration
Test and natural moisture content test were performed for each test pit
Numerous soil and rock material samples have been collected from boreholes
and test pits according to the required specifications and under the supervision
of the consultant engineers representatives on site. Such samples were intended
to be used later for running certain specified number of laboratory testing.
1.3 Layout of Report

This report presents the results of the field and laboratory testing programs and
outlines a general discussion of the site investigation results. The report is
divided into 12 volumes arranged as follows:
Volume I Main Report
Volume II Appendix A
Volume III Appendix B
Volume IV Appendix C - E
Volume V Appendix F - H
Volume VI Appendix I - L
Volume VII Appendix M
Volume VIII Appendix N
Volume IX Appendix O - Q
Volume X Appendix R - T
Volume XI Appendix U - X
Volume XII Appendices Y - Z
(872)
2. Description of the Project

It was stated in the pre-feasibility study report that irrigation water will become
available from the construction of Merowe dam either directly released from
the reservoir into gravity supply canals or diverted/pumped from the turbined
water and spill releases into the Nile, which will boost agricultural production
in the area between Merowe Dam and the Sudanese Egyptian border, Fig (1).
The area of envisaged irrigation development is principally defined by the area

that would be under gravity command of the potential new gravity irrigation
canals starting at the Merowe dam. In some places, limited booster pump water
supply may be considered. The study area covers the upper terraces of the Nile
between the Merowe Dam site and the 3rd cataract, with a total length of
approximately 400 km and a total width of 40 to 50 km. The flat areas along
the Nile expand to 50 km or more on the left bank of the Nile where wadis
enter the relatively narrow flood plain.
The project site is located on both banks of the River Nile from approximately
Merowe on the left bank and Kareima on the right bank downstream to the
town of Kerma as shown in Fig. (2).
(873)
3. General Site Description

The climatic conditions in the region are dictated by characteristic features of
continental desert climate. The majority of the site is located in desert. Some
areas are covered by scattered trees, bush and scrub. In some cases, there is no
direct track between successive investigation points due to the steep and
irregular terrain, erosion canyons or creeping sand dunes.
The Merowe Irrigation Project located at the area between the dam site till
Dongola and Argo area parallel to the River Nile at both sides, left and right
bank. There is an asphaltic road on the left bank from Khartoum through El
Multaga and from Merowe town to Merowe dam site. Also till Dongola most
of the road is not asphaltic. On the right bank, there is no asphaltic road except
the distance between Karima and the dam site.
The climate of the area is hot and dry during summer and cold and dry during
winter. Closer to the River Nile banks the area is covered by extensive plants
and vegetations and far from the River it is characterized by scattered desert
trees.
Topographically the area generally varies from tough mountain ridges near the
dam site to undulated to flat in the other areas, Plate (1). Near the dam site the
area is covered by basement ridges, while the other areas are covered by low
scattered hills, sand cover, and dunes, Plate (2). The types of deposits are the
sand dunes and ripple marks. The sand dunes cover a big area of the right bank
such as Argi, Gadar and Hau. The sand was transported by wind forming thick
cover of aeolian deposits of recent age. There are two types of sand dunes:
barchans, and longitudinal sand dunes. These two types of sand dunes and
ripple marks can indicate directly the direction of deposition and source of
sand. The most significant drainage system features are the River Nile, Wadi
Howar, Wadi El Muggadam, and Wadi El Malik. Seleim area is a flat area
(874)
covered by recent River Nile sediments.
The area contains generally four types of geological formations:

1) Basement rock gneiss (Proterozoic) and younger granite (Paleozoic)
2) Nubian formation (Cretaceous age).
3) Tertiary volcanic dolerite dykes and sills (Tertiary Volcanics )
4) Recent or quaternary sediments, aeolian sand, collvial alluvial and
lacustrine sediments.
The basement formations that cover the dam site area, are part of the Bayuda
basement rocks which are of Proterozoic age. It comprises granitic gneiss
intruded by younger granite Palaezoic age) and intruded by many felsites dyke
and pegmatitic veins. The granitic gneiss is formed mainly of quartz and potash
feldspar as felsic or light minerals, biotite, muscovite micas and iron oxide ores
as dark minerals. The rock generally is foliated.The pegmatite is formed of
very big crystals of quartz and pink potash feldspar whereas the felsite is
formed mainly of fine-grained felsic minerals (possibly quartz and potash
feldspar). The younger granite is generally suitable as a material source for
aggregates. The granitic gneiss was affected by the metamorphic processes and
weathering and therefore is not suitable for aggregate materials. The basement
rocks from the field investigations are hard in the unweathered state, so
blasting and explosives is important for excavation.
The Nubian formations (Plate (3)) include all the consolidated sedimentary
rocks covering most of the area as low scattered outcrops. These formations
include mudstone, sandstone and conglomerates (gravels beds). They are part
of the Nubian formation of Sudan which is of Cretaceous age. This is clear
from the plant fossils found in the formations. The sandstones mainly are
argillaceous fine-coarse grained. All the formations in this area are
characterized by the presence of groundwater, especially the formations near
the River Nile since it represents the main feeding agent for the groundwater.
(875)
The Nubian formations in this area are bedded and laminated and often easy for
excavation. The Tertiary volcanic, represent part of Bayuda Tertiary
Pleistocene volcanic which are of basic composition (dolerite). The dolerite is
formed mainly of dark minerals (Fe-Mg-minerals) possibly pyroxenes. It is
characterized by three sets of closer jointing systems as a result of the cooling
of the magma. Dykes and sills characterize this formation. Generally these
dykes and sills can be used as source of aggregates such as in quarry areas
LQ2, LQ3, RQ3 and north west of Dongola.
The Recent or Quaternary sediments represent the surface of the residual and
transported soils. The residual soils were formed due to the complete
weathering of the pre-existing rock (basement or Nubian formation). The
transported soils were formed due to the transportation and deposition of the
soil by the different weathering agents. Such as Aeolian soil, alluvial soil and
the Lacustrine soil. The most flat area in this project is Seleim area which is
mainly clayey silty soil. It is the most suitable area for agriculture and it is one
of the significant target areas for irrigation in this project.
(876)
4. Field Investigation Work

As previously indicated, the scope of field works include coring of rocks,
drilling of soils, excavating test pits and in-situ testing. A detailed program of
the various executed work will be described in the following sections.
4.1 Work-fronts and Time Schedule

The investigation area was divided into two fronts, one on each bank of the
Nile designated as follows:
Work-front 1: Left Bank Golid Mountain Canal: from Merowe Dam to

km 322; Golid Mountain Canal from km 0 to km 62 and ancillary structures.
Work-front 2: Right Bank Canal from Merowe Dam to km 216 and Khawi
Main Canal from km 0 to km 153 and ancillary structures.
As agreed by the Consultant, the Work-fronts are subdivided into areas of

varying terrain categories, according to steep or irregular terrain, erosion
gullies, creeping sand dunes or similar. This categorization was made for the
purpose of measurements and payments of set-ups only and has no influence on
the performance of the works. The boundaries of the terrain classes are defined
by the chainage of the canals irrespective of the actual terrain conditions
encountered as follows:
Work-Front 1: Left Bank : Golid Canal : 0-35km Category Ia
35-110km Category IIIa
110-125km Category IIb
270-278km Category Ib
278-322km Category IIIb
Golid Mountain Canal: 0-62km Category IIIb
(877)
Work-Front 2: Right Bank Canal: 0-15km Category Ia

15-80km Category IIa
120-195km Category Ic (IIIa)
Khawi Main Canal: 0-30km Category IIb
4.2 Details of the Investigation Program

The following abbreviations were adopted to denote the various types of
investigations envisaged:
4.2.1 Boreholes
BD: Deep boreholes in mainly rock formations with only little overburden,
maximum theoretical depth 25 m, average depth 12 m to 14 m, with in-
situ Lugeon testing.
BL: Boreholes in mainly rock formations, maximum theoretical depth 15 m,

average depth 10 m with in-situ Lugeon testing.
BS: Shallow Boreholes for the investigation of potential quarry areas for
rock material, maximum theoretical depth 10 m, average depth 6m. No
in-situ testing.
BF: Borehole in any formation, maximum theoretical depth 25 m, with in

situ SPT-testing.
4.2.2 Test Pits

P: Test Pits, depths down to 4m or refusal for investigation of the
stratification along the canal alignment with insitu DCP tests.
(878)
PB: Test pits, depths down to 4m or refusal for investigation of sand and
gravel borrow areas.
DCP tests were performed either in test pits or at other positions.
The boreholes BD and BL and the test pits P are located on the canal
alignment. The boreholes BS and the test pits PB may be located up to a few
kilometers off the canal alignment.
4.3 Locating the Position of the Works

This work involves drilling through cohesive and non-cohesive overburden,
wadi alluvium, weathered, fractured and sound rock, and the recovery and
orderly storage of continuous core from these materials.
The positions of boreholes, test pits and DPL are given to BRRI by the
Consultant during the progress of the works, either by setting appropriate
coordinates or by direct marking in the field.
Locations of test points are determined by use of calibrated GPS equipment

approved by the Consultant, Plate (4).
After completion of each drill hole from which soil samples and rock cores
have been taken, and its plugging, the boreholes are filled and indicated by a
concrete plate with the borehole index engraved and with a projected vertical
bar of at least 1m in height.
In general, the drilling depth is related to the invert elevation of the canals or
the foundation elevation of structures and the Consultant specified the final
drilling depth in accordance with the local conditions for each borehole.
The cores were appropriately placed in core boxes and photographed, and the
core boxes transported to the site core box storage area at the Employer’s
premises at Merowe.
(879)
(880)
5. Preparatory Works and Mobilization

Two visits have been made to the site by BRRI and LI during the contract
negotiation period. Based on the results of these visits and the preliminary
geotechnical investigation for the pre-feasibility study done by BRRI in March
2004, the site was categorized into three main different sections according to
the topography and difficulty of access. Many separate joint meetings were
held to reach the agreed contract, which was signed on 9/8/2004.
A lot of preparation works have been done in Khartoum by BRRI staff before
mobilization. This work consisted of collection of relevant information and
suggestion of the best procedure to be applied for carrying out the field-testing.
The previous experience gained from the previous investigation carried out by
BRRI in the pre-feasibility phase of this project was of great assistance in
making a good plan for the implementation of works.
The fieldworks were assigned to four different teams all under the management
of a site manager and a senior geologist. Each team was headed by a geologist.
Three of these teams were combined in one camp with three drilling machines
to perform the drilling work in soil and coring in rock and were called the
drilling group. Each team consisted of a geologist, technical engineer, drilling
operator and five skilled drilling labours. The fourth team or test pits group was
responsible for executing and controlling the excavation and sampling test pits.
The field geological description was carried out also by the latter team which
was consisting of two geologists, two technical engineers and two laboratory
assistants. In addition, thirty-five labours were employed by the team from
local inhabitants at the site for the manual excavation of test pits.
Three trucks and twelve 4-wheel drive vehicles were used at site for the
transportation and movement of the various work groups. Three drilling rigs
mounted on truck were used for drilling boreholes. Two ZY-tanker trucks were
(881)
used for transporting water for drilling and human use. Table (1) lists the
equipments mobilized by BRRI to the site for carrying out the work program.
(882)
6. Execution of Fieldwork
The field works were undertaken in accordance with the terms of reference
outlined in contract documents and instructions of the Geotechnical
Consultancy Engineer of Lahmeyer International.
Table (1) : Mobilized Equipments

Item Type of Equipment Quantities Description
1 Drilling rigs 3 2 Acker machine and 1 EDICO all
are mounted on mobile trucks
2 Water tank 2 ZY tankers trucks
3 Trucks 3 1 ZY + DAF+1 Bedford
4 Pickup 7 Landcruiser +4 WD Toyota
5 Station 3 Landcruiser
6 Lugeon Test Set 2 Single and double packer include
all accessories
7 Maag Lefranc test 1 With all accessories
8 DCP 1 With all Accessories
9 Falling Head test 1 With all accessories.
10 Small mobile laboratory 1 Natural moisture content set.
11 GPS 7
12 Satellite Mobile 4 Thuraya
The parties participated in accomplishment of the field activities from the side
of the Employer Lahmeyer International were:
Mr. Evert J.P. de Nooy, - Project Manager
Dr. Yannick Scheid - Chief Geotechnical Specialist
Mr. Reijer van der Vlugt, - Chief Engineering Geologist
Dr. A. Yassin, - Geologist
A. Emaduddin , - Geologist
The personnel participated in accomplishment of the field activities from BRRI

were:
- Five Staff Members of BRRI.
Dr. Abdelkariem M Zein Director of the BRRI
Dr. Hussein Elarabi Project Manager
(883)
Dr. Ahmed Elsharief Deputy Project Manager

Dr. Mohammed A. Osman Project Manager Assistant for lab. Testing
Dr. Mutasim Elzamzami Project Manager Assistant for equipments
- Five Geologists.
- Four Engineers.
- Eleven Technical Engineers.
- Fourteen Assistant Engineers.
- Three Foremen.
- Nine Skilled Labours.
- Five labours
- Seven Camp keepers.
- Twenty Drivers
The schematic arrangement of the parties are presented in Fig. (3).

The field works consisted of the following:
- Excavation of 115 test pits on the left bank including collection of
samples and performing 126 DCP tests at different depths of the test
pits.
- Excavation of 149 test pits on the right bank including collection of
samples and performing 152 DCP test at different depths of the test pits.
- Drilling of 48 boreholes on the left bank 39 of which were made along
the expected canal center line and 9 in different quarry areas on the left
bank.
- Drilling of 51 boreholes on the right bank 47 of which were made along
the expected canal center line and 4 in different quarry areas on the right
bank.
- Performing seven water pressure tests (Lugeon Method) in boreholes
with five pressure steps on the left bank.
- Performing six water pressure tests (Lugeon Method) in boreholes with
five pressure steps on the right bank.
(884)
- Performing 39 falling head tests in boreholes of left bank and 56 tests in

those of the right bank.
The total depths of drilling in all boreholes on the left bank were 53 m in soil,
154 m in gneiss and 192 m in weathered sandstones and other cemented
formations.
The total depths of drilling in all boreholes on the right bank were 64 m in soil,
66 m in gneiss and 316 m in weathered sandstones and other cemented
formations.
All test pits on both left and right banks were excavated to maximum depth of
4.0 m or wherever manual excavation becomes impossible.
In the following sections the field works executed by the two main work
groups, i.e. boreholes group and test pit group on both left and right bank
canals are presented.
(885)
7. Field work executed by the Test Pits Group

7.1 Excavation Route and Duration
The test pits excavation started on 15/8/2004 on the left bank of the River
Nile for the canal from Merowe downstream to El Ghaba. This work
continued on the right bank of the river from Merowe downstream to
Dongola.
The work included excavation of the pits manually, transporting of labours,

performing of Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCP), determination of
natural moisture content, sampling and making the geological description
and observations.
The fly camp technique was adopted for execution of these field activities.
Table (2) shows the excavation route and duration of the test pits. The field
tests performed are presented in Table (3).
(886)
Table (2) : Excavation route and duration of the test pits

Bank of the Start date of From Test Pit No. … Location of the Camp
River Excavation to Test Pit No…..
18.8.2004 LP21 - LP33 Merowe West
25.8.2004 LP58 - LP71 Ghaba
30.8.2004 LP72 - LP86 Ghaba
Left Bank 5.9.2004 LP87 - LP99 Ghaba
12.9.2004 LP10 - LP6 Merowe
14.9.2004 LP5 - LP1 Merowe
20.9.2004 RP8 – RP25 Merowe East (Shaiba)
1.10.2004 RP52 – RP63 Merowe West
7.10.2004 RP112 – RP109 El Seleim
8.10.2004 RP113 – RP120 El Seleim
9.10.2004 RP108 – RP105 El Seleim
10.10.2004 RP103 – RP89 El Seleim
Right Bank 13.10.2004 RP105-1 – RP105-4
RP110-1 - RP110-6
RP118-1 - RP118-4 El Seleim
RP93-1 - RP93-2
14.10.2004 RP99-1 - RP99-3 El Seleim
RP90–1 - RP90-3
15.10.2004 RP88 - RP77 El Gadar
16.10.2004 RP79-1 - RP79-4
RP76 – RP63A El Gadar
LP86-1 RP86-4
Left Bank 18.10.2004 LP94-1 - LP94-2
LP78-1 - LP78-5 El Multaga
LP54-1 - LP54-5
(887)
7. 2 Methodology of Test Pit Excavation

The test pits were located with the help of GPS according to coordinates
given by the client, as given in Tables (4) and (5). At all points the
dimensions of the test pits were set up and marked by the Engineer before
starting the excavation.
During excavation every layer was placed separately for the purpose of
description and sampling. The field description was done to report the depth
of the test pit, the profile of the soil, topography, surface cover and
elevation of the point. The soil profile describes the consistency of the soil,
moisture content, colour, structure, soil type and soil origin. In case of
existence of rock the profile describes the hardness, weathering, colour,
discontinuity spacing, rock name and straight graphic horizon. Disturbed
soil samples were collected at each change of soil strata or at one-meter
depth intervals where soil conditions did not change. These samples were
kept in plastic bags, labeled and transported to BRRI geotechnical
laboratory for testing.
Dynamic cone penetration (DCP) tests were carried out at the surface or at
the bottom of each pit as described in the following sections. Also, the
natural moisture content was determined during the execution of the
excavation.
7.3 Test Pits

The excavation of trial pits or trenches is often the most direct method for
observing the true soil conditions of the top layers. The disturbed soil is
more likely to be recognized. Shallow trial pits provide an economical
method of examining in-situ conditions. In view of cost advantage and
accessibility to the site, test pits were used to investigate most of the areas
covered in this investigation. The presence of a competent soil and rock
(888)
stratum close to the ground surface in many locations may give sufficient
information for design purposes.
7.3.1 Test Pits on Left Bank

A total of 115 test pits were excavated on the left bank of the River Nile
along the alignment of the canal. The ease of excavation operator,
stability of the trench sides, topography of the surrounding area were
noted in most of the pits. Representative samples were collected from
every meter of depth or wherever the soil conditions changed. The
geological description of the excavated test pits on the left bank is
presented in Appendix (A).
Natural moisture content tests were carried out on samples collected

from different depths specified by the Consultant. Colour photographs
of side faces were taken for all test pits. Plate (5) shows a sample of
photograph of a trial pit. A CD - Rom (CD) containing all the photos
taken for the test pits is attached.
7.3.2 Test Pits on Right Bank

A total of 149 test pits were excavated on the right bank of the River
Nile along the proposed alignment of the canal.
The same observations mentioned above in the test pits on left bank
were also noted. The geological description of the excavated test pits on
the right bank are presented in Appendix (M). Also natural moisture
content tests were carried out as specified by the consultant engineer.
All photos of these test pits were presented in the attached CD. Plate (5)
shows a sample of one photograph of a test pit on the right bank.
(889)
7.4 Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCP)

In this test, a 20 mm diameter, 60º angle cone is driven into the soil by an 8
kg weight dropped through 575 mm. The results are expressed graphically
as sum of blows versus Penetration. This test was designed originally for
the rapid determination of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) to depths of
about one meter for evaluation of road pavement performance and design.
Besides this purpose, the test can be used as a rough guide in compaction
control and for estimating soil conditions of the upper layers.
The maximum penetration depth for the equipment used in this project is
1m. The test was performed on ground surface and at the bottom of a few
test pits and whenever the soil conditions allowed. Since this equipment has
many advantages including simplicity, portability, and cheapness besides
giving continuous rough record of soil consistency over the depth tested,
many tests have been carried out for this project. The collected data from
field and the curves of penetration values against the number of blows for
this test are presented in Appendix (B) for the left bank canal and Appendix
(N) for the right bank canal. Plate (6) shows the equipment of the DCP test,
used in this investigation.
7.5 Natural Moisture Content

Moisture content (or water content) is the ratio of the mass of water to the
mass of solid particles and is an invaluable indicator of the state of the soil
and its behaviour.
The natural moisture content tests were carried out on representative soil
samples specified by the consultant engineer. These tests were performed
inside a small mobile laboratory at the site. The results of the tests carried
out for the left bank canal are shown in Table (6), and those carried out for
the right bank canal are presented in Table (7).
(890)
8.0 Field work executed by the Boreholes Group

8.1 Drilling Route and Duration
The drilling of boreholes started two weeks later after start of test pit
excavations i.e. on the 30th of August 2004 and the drilling works were
continued till 13/12/2004 with a break of 11 days (9-20/11/2004) for Eid
holiday.
The activities involved drilling of soils, sampling, coring of rock, drilling

observations, falling head permeability tests, Lugeon tests, geological
descriptions and shifting from borehole to another.
The fly camp technique was used for execution of the field activities. The
drilling teams camped on the left bank at Merowe, Tangasi, Wadi Arees,
Elghaba and on the right bank at Selaim, Gadar, Ezzuma and Karima
respectively.
8.2 Methodology of Drilling

The boreholes were located by means of GPS according to coordinates
given by the Consultant as shown in Tables (8) and (9) for the left and right
bank work fronts. The drilling machine was set up on the borehole by the
drilling engineer, then the drilling was carried out according to the depth,
type and number of field tests requested by the Consultant Engineer. The
drilling for the soil was carried out by using conventional auger. Disturbed
samples were taken at one metre internals, or wherever the soil formations
were changed. The diameter of the drilling bit was 2 inches, while the
casing used was 3 inches. Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) were performed
as requested by the Consultant Engineer.
This work involves drilling through cohesive and non-cohesive soil

overburden, wadi alluvium, weathered, fractured and sound rock, and the
recovery and orderly storage of continuous core from these materials.
(891)
In general, the drilling depth is related to the invert elevation of the canals
or the foundation elevation of structures and the Consultant specified the
final drilling depth in accordance with the local conditions for each
borehole.
For the rocks (Gneiss, Granite, Dolerite and Sandstone) core drilling
technique was used with core pits diamond and diamond-carbide with
diameter 47.6 mm. Casing of 3 inches diameter was used at the upper depth
of the borehole (0-3 mm). The core drilling technique involved the use of
water pumps for cooling and clearing the cuttings. No bentonite slurry was
used during work. The core samples were extracted and labelled in the core
boxes, then were prepared for this purpose. Field description was done to
report the depth of samples, geological description (colour, hardness,
weathering, discontinuity spacing, grain size, rock name, straight graphic
horizon etc.), percentage of core recovery, percentage of RQD, drilling rate
and water loss. The soil samples were kept in plastic bags, described by the
same system. Core boxes were photographed and then transported to the
core box storage site at the Employer’s premises at Merowe. A sample of
core box photos is shown in Plate (7). All other Core boxes photos were
copied in the CD attached with this report. The N-value of SPT tests were
reported besides any other field and drilling observations.
After finishing drilling of the boreholes, the falling head permeability tests
were carried out in case the rock formations were highly weathered and the
walls were not hard enough to support the Lugeon Packers. In the hard
formations where the walls were hard enough to support the Lugeon
Packers, the Lugeon tests were carried out. These two tests were carried out
to estimate the field permeability for the rock formations.
(892)
In the falling head permeability test, a casing of 2” or 3” in diameter was

used beside the water level indicator. The falling of the water level was
recorded with time.
The Lugeon test apparatus used was comprised of single and double
packers, steady flow pump, flowmeter, pressure gauge water level indicator
and other accessories.
After the completion of drilling of the borehole and the field tests, the
drilling machine was shifted to another borehole to continue with the same
drilling procedure. All boreholes, after completion of drilling, testing and
measurement were covered with a concrete block with steel rod placed on
top of each borehole. The borehole name and number was clearly marked
on the concrete blocks.
8.3 Boreholes
The boreholes in this Project were drilled using the rotary drilling technique
(Plate 8): in most of the boreholes rotary core drilling was used to recover
representative samples from rock strata. A core barrel fitted with a 55 mm
diamond tipped or impregnated drill crown was used.
Drilling water was pumped through the core barrel to cool the drill bit and
flush the cuttings to the surface. The core barrel used can recover a 1.5 m
length of core at a time. Once the core barrel was full the drill stem with
core barrel was withdrawn from the hole and the core sample was recovered
and stored in core boxes. Core boxes were marked with the depths drilled
so that a visual inspection of the core box indicates the degree of core
recovery relative to the total depth drilled. The core boxes were transported
later to Merowe for assigning the laboratory testing program to be carried
out at BRRI laboratory.
(893)
8.3.1 Boreholes on Left Bank

The geotechnical investigation consisted of drilling 48 boreholes on the
left bank of the River Nile, 39 of which were drilled along the line of the
proposed canal and 9 in quarry areas.
The depth of boreholes was ranged between 6 and 17 m. Seven

boreholes were distributed along the first 33 km of the line of the canal
in the Gneiss area. This area was categorized as Ia and it represents the
most difficult area in the site. The next portion of the canal 33 to 105 km
was categorized as IIIa. Six boreholes were drilled in this area. In the
third portion between 105-130 km only two boreholes were drilled. The
fourth portion which was categorized as IIIa extends between km 130 to
km 265 and included twelve boreholes. One borehole was drilled at km
278 which was too difficult to approach (categorized as Ib). Between
km278 and km322, two boreholes were drilled. Five boreholes were
distributed along the alignment of the canal with depths between 5-10m
at the locations of structures. Nine boreholes were drilled at three
different quarry areas to a depth of 9 m and are detailed as follows:
Quarry area LQ1 4 boreholes
The details of these boreholes and their locations are presented in
Table(8) whereas the geological description of boreholes is presented in
Appendix (C).
8.3.2 Boreholes on Right Bank

The geotechnical investigation consisted of drilling 51 boreholes on
the right bank of the River Nile, 47 of these boreholes were drilled
along the line of the proposed canal and 4 in the quarry areas.
(894)
The depth of boreholes ranged between 5 and 25 m. Three boreholes

were distributed along the first 13 km of the line of the canal in the
Gneiss area. This area was categorized as (Ia), i.e, the most difficult
area in the site. The next portion of the canal 13-59 km is categorized
as IIa. Six boreholes were also drilled in this area. In the third portion
between 59-120 km six boreholes were also drilled. The fourth portion
which was categorized as Ic (IIIa) extends between km 120-km 195 in
which five boreholes were drilled. One borehole was drilled at km 216
(categorized as IIIa). In the first 30 km of Khawi Main Canal KMC
four boreholes of depths between 5-10 m were drilled. Nine boreholes
were drilled in the same canal between chainage km 30 and km 152.
Their depths ranged between 5 and 11 m. Twelve boreholes were
distributed along the alignment of right bank canal and KMC with
depths between 5 and 14 m at proposed structures locations. Four
boreholes were drilled at two different quarry areas to depths 9 and 12
m as follows:
Quarry area RQ1 2 boreholes (9m+12m) in Category Ia
Quarry area RQ3 2 boreholes (9m each) in Category IIIa
The details of these boreholes and their locations are presented in

Table (9). The geological description of the boreholes is presented in
Appendix (O).
8.4 Water Pressure Test (Lugeon Method)

This test was carried out to measure the permeability of the soil or rock at
specific depths in a borehole. Normally two methods are used for this test
named: double packer and single packer. The equipment of the former
consists of two packers comprising steel tubes surrounded by inflatable
rubber sleeves separated by a perforated length of steel tube, as shown in
Fig (4) and Plate (9). The spacing of the packers can be adjusted to specific
(895)
length of soil or rock to be tested. The single packer method was used to
carryout the test at the bottom of the hole.
The packer arrangement in both methods is connected via high pressure

tubing to a suitable pump on the surface. Data collected from the system is
obtained by flow meters and pressure gauges.
The test consists of pumping water into the isolated zone of the borehole at
three different pressures, in the following typical sequence:
0.5-1-2-1-0.5 bar for depth less than 10 m below ground) and
1-2-3-2-1 bar for depth of 10 to 20 m below ground .
The duration of each pressure stage was 10 minutes.

Thirteen Lugeon tests were carried out at different depths of boreholes. The
boreholes No. and the depth at which the test was carried are presented in
Table (10). The specific water take during the test was presented
diagrammatically as a function of the applied pressure. The Lugeon value
(specific water take, litres per metres of test section per minute of test
duration at a steady pressure of 10 bar effective at the packer) was
estimated from the interpolation or extrapolation of the “water pressure
versus water take curves”. The shape of the curves is considered during the
interpolation or extrapolations. The collected data from field, the
calculation and the results of the Lugeon test for the left bank are presented
in Appendix (D) and those for the right bank are presented in Appendix (P).
8.5 Percolation Test

Most rocks and soils contain numerous voids where water may be stored
and through which water can percolate. Permeability is a measure of the
ease of movement of fluid and gas through the open spaces and fractures.
The properties of soil and rock have significant impact on water movement
(896)
through the interstitial voids. Water movement through soil and rock
significantly affects the ability to control water during construction.
There are many different types of field tests that can be used to estimate the
permeability of the in situ soil. Such field tests are used because the
coefficient of permeability determined from laboratory tests on small soil
specimens may not be representative of the overall field conditions.
Another common method of determining the field coefficient of
permeability is through the measurements of the change in water levels in
open standpipes.
The apparatus used for carrying out the in-situ permeability test is shown in
Plate (10). This apparatus was designed to give a general idea of the
seepage characteristics of the material at the bottom of the tested boreholes.
The following assumptions were adopted for this test:
• The soil is not subject to disturbance, segregation, swelling and
consolidation.
• There is no sedimentation or leakage during testing.
• No air or gas are entrapped in soil or pipe used for testing.
• The hydraulic losses in pipes or filter are negligible.
The results of the field permeability for some of the boreholes on the left
bank are presented in Appendix (E) and those on the right bank are
presented in Appendix (Q)
8.6 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

In the execution of this test, a standard 50 mm diameter split spoon sampler
is driven into the soil at the bottom of a borehole. A free-fall hammer of 64
kg operating off a trip mechanism and falling through a height of 760 mm
provides the driving force. The number of blows required to drive the
sampler each 150 mm increment of a total of 450 mm penetration is
(897)
recorded. The blow count for the first 150 mm increment is discarded and
the sum of the blow counts for the remaining 300 mm penetration is known
as the SPT ‘N’ value. The SPT tests were carried in this project as requested
by the Consultant Engineer in all boreholes performed at proposed
structures locations. Thirty-four SPT tests were performed on left bank and
Forty-eight on the right bank, Table (11).
The N values with their locations for left bank canal are presented in
Appendix (C) while those for the right bank canal are presented in
Appendix (O).
(898)
9. Laboratory Testing
Laboratory testing was conducted to evaluate the geotechnical properties of the
soils encountered during the excavation of the test pits.
The laboratory testing procedures were in general conformance with those

recommended in British Standard BS 1377 (1990) and the soils were classified
according to the Unified System for Classifying Soils (USCS). The laboratory
tests performed are presented in Table (12).
9.1 Atterberg Limits

Soils containing fine (silt and clay) display the properties of plasticity and
cohesiveness where a lump of soil can have its shape changed or remoulded
without the soil changing in volume or breaking up. This depends on the
amount and mineralogy of the fines and the amount of moisture content.
As the moisture content increases a clayey or silty soil will become softer and
stickier until it cannot retain its shape when it is described as being in a liquid
state. If the moisture content is increased further then there is less and less
interaction between the soil particles and a slurry, and a suspension is formed.
If the moisture content is decreased the soil becomes stiffer until there is
insufficient moisture to particle cohesiveness when the soil becomes friable and
cracks or breaks up easily if remoulded. This state is described as semi-plastic
solid or semi-solid. If the moisture content is decreased further there is a stage
when the physico-chemical forces between the soil particles will not permit
them to move any closer together and the soil is then described as a solid.
The limits between the different states of the soil are originated by the Swedish
soil scientist, Albert Atterberg (1911). The Atterberg Limits are the so-called
consistency limits. Determining Atterberg Limits is very useful for the
classification of cohesive soils. The concept is based on the fact that the
consistency depends largely on its water content. The Atterberg Limits
(899)
comprise the liquid limit, the plastic limit and the shrinkage limit. These define
the boundaries between four stages of a consistency. The Atterberg Limits tests
were carried out on 113 samples from the left bank and 159 from the right
bank. The results are shown in Table (6) for the left bank and in Table (7) for
the right bank.
9.2 Sieve Analysis

The distribution of the particle sizes or average grain diameter of coarse
grained soils gravels and sands is obtained by screening a known weight of the
soil through a stack of sieves of progressively finer mesh size.
The grading curve is a graphical representation of the particle size distribution

and is therefore useful in itself as a means of describing the soil. From the
grading curve we can provide a descriptive term for the type of soil. In this
investigation, the sieve analysis tests were carried out on 149 soil samples
taken at different depths of the test pits from the left bank and 165 samples
from the right bank. The grading curves deduced from these test results are
shown in Appendix (F) for the left bank and in Appendix (R) for the right bank
fronts.
9.3 Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis

The particle distribution for fines (silt and clay size particles finer than the No.
200 sieve) were determined by a sedimentation process. A hydrometer was
used to obtain the necessary data during the sedimentation process. The
hydrometer test is based on Stoke’s law, which relates the diameter of a single
sphere to the time required for the sphere to fall a certain distance in a liquid of
known viscosity. The idea for the hydrometer analysis is that a larger and hence
heavier, soil particle will fall faster through distilled water than a smaller, and
hence lighter, soil particle.
(900)
The grain size curves for 110 and 136 samples are plotted in Appendix (G) and
(S) for the left and right bank respectively. For sieve analysis, the percent finer
was plotted for a corresponding sieve size opening. For hydrometer analysis,
the percent finer was plotted for a corresponding soil grain size.
9.4 Compaction Test

Compaction of soil is the process by which the solid particles are packed more
closely together, usually by mechanical means, thereby increasing the dry
density of the soil. The dry density, which can be achieved, depends on the
degree of compaction applied and on the amount of water present in the soil.
The compaction characteristics of soils can be assessed using standard

laboratory tests. The soil is compacted by dropping a mass or vibrating a
weight onto a thin layer in a cylindrical mould using an amount of compaction
energy per unit volume.
Proctor test is used to determine the dry density moisture content relationship.
The test is described in BS 1377:1990, Part 4. The results of these tests carried
out on 94 and 102 soil samples are presented in Appendix (H) for left bank and
(T) for right bank.
9.5 Permeability Test

The permeability of a soil is a measure of its capacity to allow the flow of a
fluid (a liquid or a gas in general water) through it. The principle is that soil
consists of solid particles with voids in between. In general the voids are
interconnected, which enables water to pass through them. The degree of
permeability is determined by applying a hydraulic gradient across a sample of
soil, which is fully saturated and measuring the consequent rate of flow of
water.
(901)
Several factors may influence the reliability of the permeability test in the
laboratory. Air bubbles may be trapped in the test specimen, or air may come
out of solution from the water. The degree of saturation could thus be less than
100%, which would affect the test result significantly. Migration of fines in
testing sands and silts also affects the measured values. Temperature variation,
especially in tests of long duration, may affect the measurements.
Falling head permeability test was used to measure the coefficient of

permeability. The permeability test results for a 26 soil samples on the left bank
are presented in Table (13) and 25 soil samples on the right bank in Table (14).
9.6 Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression

The test consists of applying shear stresses within a cylinderical sample of soil
by changing the principal stresses σ1 and σ3, the most common procedure being
to keep the triaxial cell pressure σ3 constant and increasing the axial or vertical
stress σ1 until failure is achieved.
The test procedure consists of placing a cylindrical specimen of cohesive soil in

the triaxial cell, sealing the specimen in a rubber membrane. The specimen is
subjected to back pressure saturation targeting a B value greater than 95%
Effective confining pressure is then applied and enough time is allowed for the
soil specimen to consolidate. At the completion of consolidation, an axial load
is applied to the soil specimen without allowing a change in water content (i.e.
undrained loading). Failure is based on total stresses and occurs at the
maximum principal total stress difference (i.e. maximum deviatoric pressure, or
maximum value of σ1- σ3). At failure, the minor principal total stress σ3 equals
to the confining pressure, and the major principal total stress σ1 equals to the
highest vertical pressure. The Mohr circles at failure corresponding to σ3 and σ1
the stress path diagram and deviator stress, pore pressure and principal stress
against axial strain curves for ten samples taken from the left bank are
(902)
presented in Appendix (I) and two taken from the right bank are presented in
Appendix (U).
9.7 Swelling Pressure Test

The amount of swelling and the magnitude of swelling pressure depend on the
clay minerals present in the soil, the soil structure and fabric and several
physico-chemical aspects of the soil such as the cation valence, salt
concentration, cementation, and presence of organic matter.
The oedometer test is used to determine the swelling pressure of specimen of

soil. As water is added to the soil sample and it starts swelling the load on the
specimen is increased until an equilibrium is reached with no heave or
consolidation. Swelling pressure is the maximum pressure applied to prohibit
swelling.
The results of the swelling pressure of 23 samples from left bank are presented
in Appendix (J) and 45 samples from right bank are presented in Appendix (V).
9.8 Unconfined Compression Strength

Unconfined Compression Strength test (UCS) is often carried out on rock cores
so as to determine the strength of the rock. UCS of intact rock is used as the
basis for foundation design with an allowance being made for the structure of
the rock mass. Direct measurement of the unconfined compressive stress are
carried out in the laboratory on 21 core samples of intact rock brought from
boreholes on the left bank. The results of these tests are presented in Table(15).
9.9 Unit Weight

The weight of rock per unit volume for the core samples is computed. The
results of 21 different samples taken from different depths of the boreholes on
the left bank are presented in Table (15).
(903)
9.10 Water Absorption Tests

This test was carried out on 21 core samples taken from boreholes on left bank
of the River Nile. The results of these tests are presented in Table (16).
9.11 Sodium Sulphate Soundness Test

Fifteen different samples from left bank were tested and the corresponding
results are presented in Table (17).
9.12 Double Hydrometer Test

Dispersive clays are those which normally deflocculate when exposed to water
of low-salt content, the opposite of aggregated clays that would remain
flocculated in the same soil-water system. Generally dispersive clays are highly
erosive, possibly subject to high shrink-swell potential, may have lower shear
strength , and have lower permeability rates than aggregated clays.
Dispersive soils are those in which the clay content has a high percentage of
sodium. This clay fraction readily breaks down to form a suspension in water.
The results of a double hydrometer on 61 soil samples collected from left bank
are presented in Appendix (K) and for 67 samples collected from right bank are
presented in Appendix (W).
9.13 Pinhole Test

The pinhole test provides one method of identifying the dispersive
characteristics of clay soils that are to be or have been used in earth
construction. The piping failures of a number of homogeneous earth dams,
erosion along channel or canal banks, and rainfall erosion of earth structures
have been attributed to the colloidal erosion along cracks or other flow
channels formed in masses of dispersive clay. This test method models the
action of water flowing along a crack in an earth embankment.
(904)
A pinhole test is used for direct measurement of the dispersivity of compacted

fine-grained soils in which water is caused to flow through a small hole
punched in a specimen. The water running through samples of dispersive clay
carried a cloudy colored suspension of colloidal particles, whereas the water
running through erosion resistant clays is crystal clear. The results of these tests
carried out on 16 soil samples are presented in Appendix (L) for the left bank
and 31 samples in Appendix (X) for the right bank.
9.14 Chemical Dispersivity Test

Dispersive soils are those in which the clay has a high percentage of sodium.
This clay fraction readily breaks down to form suspension in water. Chemical
composition of dissolved cations in the pore water is one of the significant
factors in relation to soil erodibility.
The chemical tests were performed on fourteen samples from the left bank and
thirty one from the right bank. The results of these samples are presented in
Table (18) and Table (19) respectively.
(905)
10. Conclusion Remarks

This report summaries the results of the field and laboratory investigations
performed for the feasibility study phase of Merowe Irrigation Project. In this
investigation 264 test pits were excavated to a maximum depth of 4.0 m and 99
boreholes were drilled to depths between 5 to 25m. Various type of field testing
were performed in site including:
286 No. Dynamic Cone Penetration Test
253 No. Natural Moisture Content
13 No. Field Permeability (Lugeon Method)
95 No. Falling head test.
82 No. Standard Penetration Test
Laboratory tests were performed on representative soil samples taken from the
test pits and boreholes to obtain the important data needed for the feasibility
study of the project.
(906)
Khartoum, 15 April 2005
For the Geotechnical Engineering Division

Building and Road Research Institute
University of Khartoum
(Dr. Hussein Elarabi)

Project Manager,
Geotechnical Investigations,
Merowe Irrigation Project,
BRRI
(Dr. Abdel Karim M. Zein)

Director of the Institute,
BRRI
(907)
References
[1] Barnes, G. : Soil Mechanics: Principles and Practice, Palgrave, New York.
[2] Holtz, R.D.and Kavacs, W.D. : An Introduction to Geotechnical
Engineering, Prentice-Hall, New Tersey, 1981.
[3] Budhu, M. : Soil Mechanics and Foundations.
[4] Day, R. W., Soil Testing Manual, Mc Graw- Hill, New York, 2001.
[5] Weltman , A. J. and Head J.M. : Site Investigation Manual, CIRIA,
London, 1981.
[6] Byrne G. et.al. : A Guide to Practical Geotechnical Engineering, FRANKI,
Southern Africa, 1995.
[7] Whiteman A.J. : The Geology of the Sudan Republic, William Clowers and
Sons Limited, London 1971.
[8] Graig, R.F: Soil Mechanics, Fifth Edition, (HAPMAN & Hall), London, 1993.
(908)
View publication stats

Geotechnical Division Geotechnical Investigation Report To Lahmeyer International For Merowe Irrigation Project Feasibility Study

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Geotechnical Division Geotechnical Investigation Report To Lahmeyer International For Merowe Irrigation Project Feasibility Study

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

GEOTECHNICAL DIVISION GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT TO

Technical Report · March 2005

Block 17 Petroneeds View project

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT

MEROWE IRRIGATION PROJECT

No. Subject Page

8.5 Percolation Test 61

Left Bank Appendices

Right Bank Appendices

The required geotechnical investigations comprised an extension and detailing

1.2 Scope of BRRI Services and Supplies

The drilling works included performing the following insitu activities :

1.3 Layout of Report

2. Description of the Project

The area of envisaged irrigation development is principally defined by the area

3. General Site Description

covered by recent River Nile sediments.

The area contains generally four types of geological formations:

4. Field Investigation Work

4.1 Work-fronts and Time Schedule

Work-front 1: Left Bank Golid Mountain Canal: from Merowe Dam to

As agreed by the Consultant, the Work-fronts are subdivided into areas of

Work-Front 2: Right Bank Canal: 0-15km Category Ia

4.2 Details of the Investigation Program

BL: Boreholes in mainly rock formations, maximum theoretical depth 15 m,

BF: Borehole in any formation, maximum theoretical depth 25 m, with in

4.2.2 Test Pits

4.3 Locating the Position of the Works

Locations of test points are determined by use of calibrated GPS equipment

5. Preparatory Works and Mobilization

Table (1) : Mobilized Equipments

The personnel participated in accomplishment of the field activities from BRRI

Dr. Ahmed Elsharief Deputy Project Manager

The schematic arrangement of the parties are presented in Fig. (3).

- Performing 39 falling head tests in boreholes of left bank and 56 tests in

7. Field work executed by the Test Pits Group

The work included excavation of the pits manually, transporting of labours,

Table (2) : Excavation route and duration of the test pits

7. 2 Methodology of Test Pit Excavation

7.3 Test Pits

7.3.1 Test Pits on Left Bank

Natural moisture content tests were carried out on samples collected

7.3.2 Test Pits on Right Bank

7.4 Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCP)

7.5 Natural Moisture Content

8.0 Field work executed by the Boreholes Group

The activities involved drilling of soils, sampling, coring of rock, drilling

8.2 Methodology of Drilling

This work involves drilling through cohesive and non-cohesive soil

In the falling head permeability test, a casing of 2” or 3” in diameter was

8.3.1 Boreholes on Left Bank

The depth of boreholes was ranged between 6 and 17 m. Seven

8.3.2 Boreholes on Right Bank

The depth of boreholes ranged between 5 and 25 m. Three boreholes

The details of these boreholes and their locations are presented in

8.4 Water Pressure Test (Lugeon Method)

The packer arrangement in both methods is connected via high pressure

The duration of each pressure stage was 10 minutes.

8.5 Percolation Test

8.6 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)