QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 1

Part 01: General

1 GENERAL ............................................................................................................... 2
1.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 2
1.1.1 Scope 2
1.1.2 References 2
1.1.3 Definitions 2
1.2 SUBMITTALS .......................................................................................................... 3
1.2.1 Programme of Works 3
1.2.2 Preliminary Logs 3
1.2.3 Exploratory Hole Logs 4
1.2.4 Preliminary Laboratory Test Results 5
1.2.5 Digital Data 5
1.2.6 Form of Report 5
1.2.7 Approval of Report 6
1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE .......................................................................................... 6
1.4 GENERAL PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS .............................................................. 7
1.4.1 General 7
1.4.2 Working Areas 7
1.4.3 Turf and Topsoil 7
1.4.4 Paved Areas 7
1.4.5 Paving Slabs and Blocks 7
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1.4.6 Claims for Damage 8

1.4.7 Geotechnical and Environmental Personnel 8
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1.4.8 Location of Exploratory Holes 8

1.4.9 Ground Elevation of Exploratory Holes 8
1.4.10 Exploratory Work 8
1.4.11 Methods of Investigation 8
1.4.12 Safety and Management 9
1.4.13 Anomalous Conditions 9
1.4.14 Surface Water Control 9
1.4.15 Photographs 9
1.4.16 Facilities for the Engineer 10
QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 2
Part 01: General

1 GENERAL

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 Scope

1 General requirements and information for the execution of ground investigations.

2 Related Sections are as follows:

Section 1 ......... General

Section 2 ......... Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Section 4 ......... Foundations and Retaining Structures
Section 6 ......... Roadworks
Section 8 ......... Drainage Works
Section 12 ....... Earthworks Related to Buildings

1.1.2 References

1 The following standards and other documents are referred to in this Part:
BS 5930......................Code of practice for site investigations
BS EN 1997................Ground Investigation and testing
ASTM D 420 ...............Site Characterization for Engineering, Design, and Construction
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Purposes
ASTM D 2488 .............Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
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Deere D. U. et al., Design of surface and near-surface construction in rock. Proc. 8th US
symposium on rock mechanics. AIME, New York, 1967
Code of Practice and Specifications for Road Openings in the Highway issued by the
Government.

1.1.3 Definitions

1 Topsoil: the surface layer of earth that contains organic material and can also support
vegetation.

2 Soil: earthen material not classified herein as topsoil or hard stratum.

3 Hard stratum and obstruction: The words 'hard stratum' and 'obstruction' shall mean
natural or artificial material, including rock, which cannot be penetrated except by the use of
chiselling techniques, rotary drilling, blasting or powered breaking tools. The term 'hard
stratum' shall apply during boring, where it is shown that condition (1) or condition (2) below
are fulfilled, provided that the boring rig involved is in good working order and is fully manned:

(a) Condition (1) 100 mm diameter undisturbed sample tubes cannot be driven more
than 300 mm

(b) Condition (2) a standard penetration resistance test shows a resistance in excess
of 35 blows/75 mm.
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Part 01: General

4 Fill: deposits or embankments which have been formed by persons, as distinct from
geological agencies.

5 Exploratory Hole/Trench/Excavation: any boring, pit trench, ditch or shaft formed for the
purpose of ground investigation.

6 Boring: hole in earth, excavated by either percussion or auger equipment.

7 Drilling: any hole in rock, excavated by rotary equipment.

8 Borehole: exploratory hole excavated by boring or drilling techniques.

1.2 SUBMITTALS

1.2.1 Programme of Works

1 The Geotechnical Investigation Contractor shall prepare a programme of works for the
investigation which will give a detailed schedule showing proposed time schedule for all
aspect of the work, details of all plant and equipment to be used in addition to a list of
personnel who will work on the project.

1.2.2 Preliminary Logs

1 The Geotechnical Investigation Contractor shall prepare a preliminary log of each exploratory
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hole. For trial pits and trenches, a trial pit or trench map showing each face of the pit or
trench shall be provided, as appropriate. Preliminary logs shall be submitted to the Engineer
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in duplicate within seven working days of completion of the explorations to which they refer
to, and shall contain the information required for the exploratory hole logs.

2 Geotechnical Investigation Contractor activities shall fully comply with Ministry of Environment
(MOE) requirements and/or those of other Government Departments, Ministries and
Statutory Organizations.

3 The Geotechnical Investigation Contractor shall obtain all necessary work permits and
security permits prior to commencement of Geotechnical investigation of the site.

4 The investigation shall provide detailed information on the nature of the sub-strata, superficial
deposits and ground water table at the site together with general recommendations for
designing foundations and earthworks, new road pavements, culverts, retaining walls, etc.

5 The geotechnical investigation Exploratory Boreholes shall be spaced as mentioned in

Section 2.
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Part 01: General

6 The geotechnical investigation Exploratory Boreholes depths shall be as mentioned in Table

1.1.
Table 1.1: Minimum Depth of Boreholes

No of floors Depth of Boreholes (m)

3 or Less 6
4 8
5 9
6 10
7 12
8 13
0.7
>8 3S

Notes:
x The depth of boreholes is measured from foundation level.
x S is the number of floors.
x For structures small in plan area, exploration should be made at a minimum of three points,
unless other reliable information is available in the immediate vicinity. Where a structure
consists of a number of adjacent units, one exploration point per unit may suffice.
x For piles the depth of Boreholes is at least below the depth of pile tip by 5m or 5D (D is the
diameter of the pile at the toe) whichever is greater.
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x For roads, the depth of Boreholes shall be greater than 2m below the proposed formation
Level.
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x For trenches, pipeline and Tunnels, the depth of Boreholes shall be the larger value of:

x 2m below the inverted level;

x 1.5width of excavation.
x 2D (D=Diameter or equivalent diameter of the tunnel/underground structure.
1.2.3 Exploratory Hole Logs

1 The exploratory hole logs shall be prepared and presented to a suitable vertical scale. The
logs shall include all the information that follows, such information having been updated as
necessary in the light of laboratory testing and further examination of samples and cores.

2 Information for exploratory hole logs:

Static
Rotary Pit and and
Drilling
Borehole Trench Dynamic
Probing

All the designated information — — — —

National grid co-ordinates — — — —
Ground level related to the datum — — — —
Elevation of each stratum referred to the datum — — — (—)
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Part 01: General

Static
Rotary Pit and and
Drilling
Borehole Trench Dynamic
Probing
Description of each stratum in accordance with BS
5930 and initials of person who carried out the
— — — (—)
logging (and responsible Supervisor if under
training)
Details of groundwater observations — — — (—)
Symbolic legend of strata in accordance with BS
— — — (—)
5930
Core recovery as percentage of each core run —
Rock Quality Designation, RQD (Deere et al. 1967) —
_____
Note: — means information required; (—) means information required if applicable.

1.2.4 Preliminary Laboratory Test Results

1 Laboratory test results shall be submitted to the Engineer in batches at the completion of
each week's testing. Legible photocopies of work sheets are acceptable.

1.2.5 Digital Data

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1 Data from the investigation shall be provided in digital form to the approval of the Engineer.
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1.2.6 Form of Report

1 The report shall comprise of a factual or interpretative or both types of reports as required by
the Employer or Engineer. Reports shall begin with a cover page showing the name of the
Contract and the names of the Employer, Engineer and Geotechnical Investigation
Contractor. Report pages shall be numbered consecutively.

2 The factual report shall contain, as a minimum, the following information:

(a) A statement from the Engineer on the purpose and rationale of the investigation.
(b) A description of the work carried out, including reference to specification and
standards adopted and any deviations from them.
(c) Exploratory hole logs.
(d) In-situ test records.
(e) Laboratory test results.
(f) Plan with locations of exploratory holes.
(g) Site location plan.
(h) Geological cross-sections (if appropriate).

The plans shall be to a stated scale and shall include a north arrow. Additional information
shall be provided as designated.
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Part 01: General

3 The interpretative report shall contain the following information:

(a) A written appraisal of the ground and water conditions.

(b) Analysis and recommendations as designated.

When so designated, the Geotechnical Investigation Contractor shall supply the calculations
and analyses on which recommendations are based.
1.2.7 Approval of Report

1 A draft copy of the factual report and the interpretative report shall be submitted to the
Engineer for approval before submission of the final report.

1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1 Only Geotechnical Investigation Contractors holding a current approval certificate from the
Central Materials Laboratory shall be permitted to carry out ground investigations.

2 The work shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant British Standards or equivalent.

3 Where specifically designated, all work shall be carried out in accordance with a quality
management system established in accordance with Section 2 Quality Assurance and Quality
Control of the QCS. Records to indicate compliance with quality management shall be made
available to the Engineer on request.
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4 The Geotechnical Investigation Contractor shall provide full time professional attendance on
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site. The professional attendant shall be approved by the Engineer, and shall be responsible
for the technical direction of all fieldwork.

5 The Geotechnical Investigation Contractor’s geotechnical and environmental personnel

employed on the Contract shall be competent to undertake the work required. Categories of
personnel who may be required by the Contract are as follows:

(a) Technician.
(b) Graduate Engineer/Geologist/Environmental Scientist.
(c) Graduate Engineer/Geologist/Environmental Scientist with at least three years of
relevant experience since graduation.
(d) Professional Engineer/Geologist/Environmental Scientist with at least five years of
relevant experience.
(e) Professional Engineer/Geologist/Environmental Specialist with at least ten years of
relevant experience.

6 All drillers employed on the Contract shall be experienced and competent in percussion or
auger boring or rotary drilling, to the complete satisfaction of the Engineer. One competent
drilling supervisor per site shall be permanently on the Site during borehole operations.
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Part 01: General

1.4 GENERAL PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS

1.4.1 General

1 Geotechnical Investigation Contractor shall only use access routes to and between
exploration sites that are approved by the Engineer.

2 Where the presence of underground services is likely, exploratory holes shall be started by
means of a hand excavated inspection pit.

3 In addition to any designated notice, at least one working day's notice of the intended time of
entry shall be given to the land owner and occupier of the exploration site.

4 All work shall be carried out with the least possible damage to the Site and its environs.

5 All barriers breached or otherwise disturbed during the execution of site operations shall be
immediately repaired or replaced to the same standard.

6 Working hours shall be restricted to those designated.

7 Daily allocation sheets detailing the work carried out shall be submitted in duplicate at the
end of each day’s work.

1.4.2 Working Areas

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1 Operations shall be confined to the minimum area of ground required for the Works. Unless
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otherwise designated, on completion of each exploration all equipment, surplus material and
rubbish of every kind shall be cleared away and removed from the Site. Damage to land or
property in the vicinity of the exploratory hole and on access routes shall be made good. The
whole of the Site and any ancillary works shall be left in a clean and tidy condition.

1.4.3 Turf and Topsoil

1 Turf and topsoil shall be stripped from the site of each exploration and stockpiled for future
replacement. Vegetation and topsoil adjacent to the exploration which may be damaged by
the operations shall either be removed and stockpiled as above, or otherwise protected from
damage. After completion of the exploration all topsoil shall be replaced and the Site
restored to its original condition.

1.4.4 Paved Areas

1 Pavement from paved areas (other than paving slabs and blocks) shall be broken out to the
minimum extent necessary for each exploration. After completion of the exploration and
backfill of the excavation, the disturbed subgrade shall be compacted and the paving
replaced.

2 Restoration of highway pavement shall be in accordance with the current Code of Practice
and Specification for Road Openings in the Highway issued by the Government.

1.4.5 Paving Slabs and Blocks

1 Paving slabs and blocks shall be removed from the Site, as required for each exploration,
and stored for reuse.
QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 8
Part 01: General

2 Contiguous paving slabs and blocks which are liable to be damaged by the operations shall
either be removed and stored as above or otherwise protected from damage.

3 After completion of the exploration and backfill of the excavation, the disturbed subgrade
shall be compacted and the paving slabs and blocks relayed.

1.4.6 Claims for Damage

1 Any damage, or claim for compensation for damage by owners or occupiers of the Site, shall
be reported to the Engineer.

1.4.7 Geotechnical and Environmental Personnel

1 In addition to the provision of the designated personnel by the Geotechnical Investigation

Contractor, the Engineer may specifically require the services of geotechnical and
environmental personnel for advice, assistance or preparation of interpretative reports. The
form of interpretative reports shall be agreed with the Engineer. Details of the qualifications
and experience of the personnel shall be supplied to the Engineer.

1.4.8 Location of Exploratory Holes

1 The location of each exploratory hole shall be measured from an approved grid co-ordinate
system, and shall be accurate to within 1 m, and the position recorded on a plan as
designated.
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1.4.9 Ground Elevation of Exploratory Holes

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1 The elevation of the ground at each exploratory hole shall be established, on the basis of the
Qatar National Datum unless otherwise designated or approved by the Engineer, to the
nearest 0.05 m.

1.4.10 Exploratory Work

1 The location and depth of each exploratory hole shall be as designated. The Engineer may,
after consultation with the Geotechnical Investigation Contractor, vary the location and depth
of any exploratory hole and the sequence or quantity of in-situ testing depending on the
actual ground conditions encountered. When the position of an exploratory hole has been
varied, the Geotechnical Investigation Contractor shall take all necessary measurements and
shall inform the Engineer of the revised co-ordinates and ground elevation or other
measurements required to locate the exploratory hole.

1.4.11 Methods of Investigation

1 The Engineer will have the option to require any of the following methods of investigation.
These options will comprise, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

(a) Desk study.

(b) Geological mapping.
(c) Topographic survey.
(d) Aerial photographs.
or any other methods described in this Section.
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Part 01: General

1.4.12 Safety and Management

1 The Geotechnical Investigation Contractor shall submit detailed Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
to all site activities including but not limited to potential hazard, who/what might be harmed,
control/ recovery measure, responsible person…etc.

2 The presence and nature of known areas of hazardous or contaminated ground are
designated, based on available records. If evidence of further hazardous or contaminated
ground is encountered, the Geotechnical Investigation Contractor shall immediately so inform
the Engineer. If required by the Engineer, the Geotechnical Investigation Contractor’s work
plan shall be revised appropriately to take into account the nature and level of contamination
encountered. Where contaminated land is present or suspected the Geotechnical
Investigation Contractor shall take the appropriate health and safety precautions as directed
by the Engineer and where appropriate by the Civil Defence Department of the Government.
Care shall be taken to avoid contaminating the egress from the Site.

3 A method statement indicating the safety procedures to be followed during the investigation
of hazardous or contaminated ground shall be provided by the Geotechnical Investigation
Contractor before beginning the investigation in the hazardous or contaminated ground.

4 Traffic safety and management measures shall be provided, in accordance with the
provisions of traffic control of Section 1, General. Where the circumstances of any particular
case are not designated, proposals for dealing with such situations shall be submitted to the
Engineer for approval.
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1.4.13 Anomalous Conditions

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1 Where anomalous or unexpected features are revealed, the Geotechnical Investigation

Contractor shall immediately inform the Engineer.

1.4.14 Surface Water Control

1 Surface water or other water shall be prevented from entering the exploratory hole, except as
permitted by the Engineer.

1.4.15 Photographs

1 Colour photographs shall be taken and supplied by the Geotechnical Investigation Contractor
as designated. Each photograph shall clearly show all necessary details, and shall have its
scale identified.

2 A single gloss colour print (size 150 mm by 100 mm) copy of each photograph shall be
submitted to the Engineer for his approval, within seven working days of the photography. In
the event that the photographs are of a quality unacceptable to the Engineer, they shall be
retaken.

3 On acceptance of the quality of the photograph, two complete sets of prints of all the
photographs shall be presented, annotated and submitted in bound volumes, together with
the original photograph digital format with the factual report.

4 Particular requirements for photographs of cores and pits and trenches are given in Parts 3
and 4
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Part 01: General

1.4.16 Facilities for the Engineer

1 When required by the particular contract documentation, facilities to the designated standard
shall be provided for the use of the Engineer, as described in Section 1.

END OF PART

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QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 1
Part 02: Boreholes

2 BOREHOLES .......................................................................................................... 2
2.1 GENERAL ............................................................................................................... 2
2.1.1 Scope 2
2.1.2 References 2
2.2 BOREHOLES GENERALLY .................................................................................... 2
2.2.1 Method and Diameter 2
2.2.2 Addition of Water to the Borehole 3
2.2.3 Backfilling 3
2.3 PERCUSSION BORING .......................................................................................... 3
2.3.1 Hard Stratum or Obstruction in Percussion Boring 3
2.4 AUGER BORING ..................................................................................................... 3
2.4.1 Hand Auger 3
2.4.2 Continuous Flight Auger Boring 3
2.4.3 Hollow Stem Flight Auger 3
2.5 ROTARY DRILLING ................................................................................................ 3
2.5.1 General 3
2.5.2 Drilling Fluid 4
2.5.3 Rotary Drilling with Core Recovery 4
2.5.4 Rotary Drilling without Core Recovery 6
2.5.5 Backfilling 6
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2.5.6 Photographs 6
2.6 BOREHOLES OVERWATER .................................................................................. 6
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QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 2
Part 02: Boreholes

2 BOREHOLES

2.1 GENERAL

2.1.1 Scope

1 Advancement of boreholes by percussion boring, auger boring, and rotary drilling.

2 Related Sections and Parts are as follows:

This Section
Part 1 ............... General

Section 4, ........ Foundations and Retaining Structures

Section 6, ........ Roadworks
Section 8, ........ Drainage Works
Section 12, ...... Earthworks Related to Buildings

2.1.2 References

1 The following standards and other documents are referred to in this Part:
BS 5930 ......................Code of practice for site investigations.
BS EN 1997 ................Ground Investigation and testing
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ASTM D 420 ...............Site Characterization for Engineering, Design, and Construction

Purposes
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ASTM D 2488 .............Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)

Engineering Group of the Geological Society Working Party Report The logging of rock cores
for engineering purposes (1970).

2.2 BOREHOLES GENERALLY

2.2.1 Method and Diameter

1 The method of advancement and the diameter of a borehole shall be such that the boring
can be completed and logged to the designated depth, and samples of the designated
diameter can be obtained, in-situ testing carried out and instrumentation installed.

2 The following methods may be employed for advancement of a borehole unless otherwise
designated:

(a) Percussion boring.

(b) Auger boring (If hollow stem augering is proposed, the Contractor shall satisfy the
Employer that the SPT values obtained are not effected by disturbance of the soil by
the auger head, or the presence of material within the hollow stem.).
(c) Rotary drilling.
QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 3
Part 02: Boreholes

2.2.2 Addition of Water to the Borehole

1 Jetting with water shall not be used to assist the advance of the borehole, except where
approved by the Engineer. Where the borehole penetrates below the water table and
disturbance of the soils is likely, a positive hydraulic head shall be maintained in the borehole.

2.2.3 Backfilling

1 The Contractor shall backfill boreholes in such a manner as to minimise subsequent

depression at the ground surface due to settlement of the backfill. In some circumstances,
grout or special infilling may be required by the Engineer. Where artesian or other water
conditions make normal backfilling impracticable, the Contractor shall consult and agree with
the Engineer a procedure for sealing the borehole.

2.3 PERCUSSION BORING

2.3.1 Hard Stratum or Obstruction in Percussion Boring

1 In a borehole where percussion boring is employed and a hard stratum or obstruction is

encountered, the Contractor shall employ chiselling techniques for a period of up to 1 h.
Should this not penetrate through the hard stratum or obstruction the Contractor shall inform
the Engineer, who may instruct the use of one or more of the following:

(a) continuation of chiselling techniques

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(b) rotary or other approved drilling until the stratum is penetrated

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(c) abandonment of the borehole.

2.4 AUGER BORING

2.4.1 Hand Auger

1 Hand auger boring may be appropriate in suitable self-supporting strata.

2.4.2 Continuous Flight Auger Boring

1 Where continuous flight auger boring is used, it shall be carried out under the full-time
supervision of a person meeting the requirements of Part 1 Clause 1.5 Paragraph 5 Item (c)
who shall produce, as boring proceeds, a record of the material and groundwater
encountered.

2.4.3 Hollow Stem Flight Auger

1 Where hollow stem flight auger boring is used, the equipment used shall be such as to bore
and recover samples as designated. Sampling shall be carried out through the hollow stem.

2.5 ROTARY DRILLING

2.5.1 General

1 Rotary drilling may be required for the recovery of cores, or for the advancement of a hole in
rock, with or without core recovery.
QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 4
Part 02: Boreholes

2.5.2 Drilling Fluid

1 The drilling fluid shall normally be clean water, air or air mist. However, with the approval of
the Engineer, drilling muds, additives or foam may be used.

2.5.3 Rotary Drilling with Core Recovery

1 Unless otherwise designated rotary core drilling shall be carried out by a double or triple tube
coring system incorporating a removable inner liner or split tube. The triple tube system may
be affected by use of a double tube barrel with an approved semi-rigid liner.

2 Rotary core drilling shall produce cores of not less than the designated diameter throughout
the core length. Care shall be exercised in the drilling so as to optimise core recovery.

3 The first drill run in each hole shall not exceed 1 m in length. Subsequent drill runs shall not
normally exceed 3 m in length and the core barrel shall be removed from the drill hole as
often as is required to obtain the best possible core recovery or alternatively the core
samples shall be retrieved by means of wireline. The Engineer may designate in-situ testing
between drill runs.

4 Removal of cores and labelling of liners shall be carried out as follows:

(a) All operations entailed in recovering the cores from the ground after completion of
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drilling shall be carried out in a manner such as to minimise disturbance to the cores.
(b) Core barrels or inner tube in case of wireline shall be held horizontally while the
innermost liner containing the core is removed without vibration and in a manner to
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prevent disturbance to the core. The core should be rigidly supported at all times while
it is being extruded and during subsequent handling, and the liner containing the core
must not be allowed to flex
(c) Immediately after removing the liner the top and bottom shall be marked in indelible
ink. The ends of liners shall be capped and sealed using adhesive tape. Liners shall
be cut to the length of the enclosed core. Alternatively, should a metallic split tube be
used, the samples shall be placed in half cut PVC pipes sealed with the second half
after core samples description with marking of the core run on the PVC tube and the
core box.
(d) Where the length of core recovered from any single core run is such that it cannot be
accommodated in one channel of the core box, the liner shall be cut to coincide, if
possible, with existing fractures. The liner either side of the cut shall be marked 'cut'
and the ends capped as above.
(e) Each section of liner shall be marked with the contract title, exploratory hole reference
number, date and the depths of the top and bottom of the drill run.
(f) Core obtained without a liner and that from within the core catcher but not inside the
liner shall be wrapped in two layers of plastic cling film and labelled to indicate the
depth and exploratory hole reference number.

5 Core boxes, packing, labelling, storing shall be carried out as follows:

(a) Core boxes shall be soundly constructed and fitted with stout carrying handles,
fastenings and hinged lids. The total weight of the cores and box shall together not
exceed 60 kg.
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Part 02: Boreholes

(b) Cores shall be rigidly and securely packed at the site of drilling and during all
subsequent handling and storage the cores shall remain packed unless required for
examination or testing. Cores shall be placed in the box, in their liners where used,
with the shallowest core to the top left hand corner, the top being considered adjacent
to the hinged section. Cores from the core catcher shall also be placed in the core
boxes at the correct relative depth.
(c) Depth shall be indicated on the core box by durable markers at the beginning and end
of each drill run. Rigid core spacers shall be used to indicate missing lengths. The
contract title, exploratory hole reference number and the depth of coring contained in
each bore shall be clearly indicated in indelible ink inside, on top and on the right-hand
end of the box and on the inside of the box lid.
(d) Core boxes containing core shall be kept horizontal and moved and handled with care
at all times. Cores shall be protected from direct sunlight. At the end of each day's
work, core boxes shall be stored secure from interference and protected from the
weather.

6 Cores shall be prepared for examination as follows:

(a) Cores shall be prepared for examination by the removal of sealing materials and
splitting of liners in such a way as not to damage the cores. Plastic liners shall be cut
lengthways such that at least half the core circumference is exposed. If half PVC is
used, care should be taken while removing and replacing the split half.
(b) Before examination of the core, the Contractor shall photograph the cores. The time
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between beginning preparation and the examination of the prepared and photographed
cores shall be minimised to prevent loss of moisture from the core samples.
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(c) Cores shall be examined and described on site by a person meeting the requirements
of Part 1 Clause 1.5 Paragraph 5 Item (c) in accordance with BS 5930 or ASTM D
2488 and the recommendations of the Engineering Group of the Geological Society
Working Party Report The logging of rock cores for engineering purpose (1970).

7 When the examination of the cores has been completed, the Contractor may be required to
retain separately designated core sub-samples for possible laboratory testing. The Contractor
shall cut the liner and cap and seal the core sub-samples in such a way as to prevent loss of
moisture and sample disturbance. They shall be clearly labelled so that the location, depth
and origin of the sub-samples can be readily identified. Cores in their liners remaining after
the designated sub-samples have been removed shall be end-capped and resealed and
replaced in the original core box location. Rigid spacers shall be placed in the spaces in the
cores boxes previously occupied by the core sub-samples to prevent movement of adjacent
cores and these shall be labelled identically to the core sub-samples that they replace. The
core sub-samples shall be retained in separate core boxes clearly marked to indicate the
origin of the cores contained within.

8 The Contractor shall protect all cores and transport them including loading and unloading to

(a) The Contractor's premises.

(b) For a number of selected cores, to the designated address.

9 After submittal of the approved final report, the Contractor shall retain cores, other than those
delivered to the designated address, for a period of time required by the Engineer. The
Engineer's written permission shall be obtained before disposal of the cores, but the required
retention period will normally not exceed three months.
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Part 02: Boreholes

2.5.4 Rotary Drilling without Core Recovery

1 Rotary blind bit or rotary percussive drilling may be used to advance a hole. The hole
diameter shall be as designated.

2 When used for the purpose of locating mineral seams, mineworkings, adits, shafts, other
cavities or anomalous conditions, drilling shall be under the full-time supervision of a person
meeting the requirements of Part 1 Clause 1.5 Paragraph 5 Item (c). As drilling proceeds a
systematic record shall be made of the drilling methods, rate of penetration, loss of flushing
medium, the material penetrated and any cavities or broken ground encountered.

2.5.5 Backfilling

1 Except where otherwise designated, the Contractor shall backfill rotary drill holes with clean,
well graded aggregate. The aggregate size and gradation shall be approved by the Engineer.
Under special circumstances grout may be required to backfill the holes. The grout shall
consist of equal portions by weight of ordinary Portland cement and bentonite mixed by
machine or hand to a uniform colour and consistency before placing, with a moisture content
not greater than 250 %. The grout shall be introduced at the bottom of the hole by means of
a tremie pipe, which shall be raised but kept below the grout surface as the filling proceeds.

2 Where artesian water conditions or voids make normal grouting impracticable, the Contractor
shall consult and agree with the Engineer a procedure for sealing the drill hole.
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2.5.6 Photographs
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1 In addition to the requirements of Part 1, the Contractor shall photograph cores where
required in a fresh condition before logging and ensure that the following criteria are fulfilled:

(a) A graduated scale in centimetres is provided.

(b) Labels and markers are clearly legible in the photograph.
(c) A clearly legible reference board identifying the project title, exploratory hole number,
date, and depth of drill runs shall be included in each photograph.
(d) Core boxes are evenly and consistently lit.
(e) The length of the core box in each photograph fills the frame.
(f) The focal plane of the camera and the plane of the core box are parallel.
(g) The camera is placed in the same position with respect to the core box in every
photograph.
(h) The resolution of the camera is not less than 8Mpixels.
(i) The photograph taken should be in focus along all the core samples length.

2.6 BOREHOLES OVERWATER

1 When boreholes are required overwater the method of drilling and sampling shall comply in
general with the other requirements given in this Section, with the exception of backfilling.

2 Overwater boreholes shall be undertaken by the use of overwater staging, work over platform
(WOP) jack-up vessels, anchored floating vessels or any other methods agreed with the
Engineer.
QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 7
Part 02: Boreholes

3 Control of the elevation related to the borehole/seabed surface or varying stratums shall be
related to the top of the casing installed. Anchored floating vessels will keep a constant
record of tidal movement between the vessel and the fixed casing elevation and make any
allowances necessary.

4 Boring or drilling operations will cease when the wave height exceeds the designated
maximum value relating to standing time due to inclement weather, if this item is applicable
to the Contract under the contract specific documentation.

5 An accurate method of measuring wave height from trough to crest will be installed on the
drilling vessel or platform and calibrated and approved by the Engineer before beginning
drilling operations.

6 All overwater operations will comply with all local government regulations related to such
work and will also comply fully with any Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) regulations in force at
the time.

END OF PART
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QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 1
Part 03: Pits and Trenches

3 PITS AND TRENCHES ........................................................................................... 2

3.1 GENERAL ............................................................................................................... 2
3.1.1 Scope 2
3.1.2 References 2
3.1.3 Quality Assurance 2
3.2 PITS AND TRENCHES GENERALLY ..................................................................... 2
3.2.1 Pit and Trench Dimensions 2
3.2.2 Contaminated Ground 2
3.2.3 Groundwater 3
3.2.4 Protection to Pits and Trenches Left Open 3
3.2.5 Backfilling and Restoration 3
3.2.6 Photographs 3
3.3 INSPECTION PITS .................................................................................................. 3
3.3.1 Excavation Method 3
3.3.2 Services 3
3.3.3 Sidewall Stability 4
3.4 TRIAL PITS AND TRENCHES ................................................................................ 4
3.4.1 Excavation Method 4
3.4.2 Services 4
3.4.3 Sidewall Stability 4
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3.4.4 Trial Pits Examination 4

3.5 OBSERVATION PITS AND TRENCHES ................................................................. 4
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3.5.1 Excavation Method 4

3.5.2 Services 5
3.5.3 Sidewall Stability 5
QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 2
Part 03: Pits and Trenches

3 PITS AND TRENCHES

3.1 GENERAL

3.1.1 Scope

1 Inspection pits, trial pits and trenches, observation pits and trenches.

2 Related Sections and Parts are as follows:

This Section
Part 1, .............. General

Section 1, ....... General

Section 4, ....... Foundations and Retaining Structures
Section 6, ....... Roadworks
Section 8, ....... Drainage Works
Section 12, ..... Earthworks Related to Buildings.

3.1.2 References

1 The following standards and other documents are referred to in this Part:
BS 5930 ...................... Code of practice for site investigations
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BS EN 1997 ................Ground Investigation and testing

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ASTM D 420 ...............Site Characterization for Engineering, Design, and Construction

Purposes
ASTM D 2488 .............Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
Code of Practice and Specifications for Road Openings in the Highway issued by the
Government.
3.1.3 Quality Assurance

1 Trial pits and trenches and observation pits and trenches shall be examined and described
by a geotechnical person meeting the requirements of Part 1 Clause 1.5 Paragraph 5 Item
(c) and photographed, if required.

3.2 PITS AND TRENCHES GENERALLY

3.2.1 Pit and Trench Dimensions

1 Unless otherwise designated

2.
(a) Trial pits and observation pits shall have a minimum base area of 1.5 m
(b) Trial trenches and observation trenches shall not be less than 1 m wide.

3.2.2 Contaminated Ground

1 Ground that is suspected of being contaminated shall be described by an environmental or

geotechnical person, as appropriate, meeting the requirements of Part 1 Clause 1.5
Paragraph 5 Item (c).
QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 3
Part 03: Pits and Trenches

3.2.3 Groundwater

1 The Contractor shall divert surface water runoff from entering pits and trenches.

2 Groundwater shall be controlled by the use of wellpoints or sump pumps to permit continuous
work if required.

3.2.4 Protection to Pits and Trenches Left Open

1 Where pits and trenches are required to be left open and unattended, the Contractor shall
provide fencing together with all necessary lighting and signing.

2 Precautions shall be taken to protect the pits and trenches from the adverse effects of
weather during this period.

3.2.5 Backfilling and Restoration

1 Pits and trenches shall be backfilled as soon as practicable and reinstated to their original
condition.

2 The backfill shall be placed in lifts of 150 mm thickness and compacted in such a manner as
to minimise any subsequent settlement of the ground surface.

3 The use of sand backfill compacted by flooding may be permitted, but this method requires
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the approval of the Engineer.

4 In paved areas, the pavement shall be restored.

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3.2.6 Photographs

1 In addition to the requirements of Part 1, photographs shall clearly show details of the ground
conditions in the pit and trench with any support in place and shall contain a graduated scale.

2 Material derived from the excavation shall be photographed, when directed by the Engineer.
Artificial lighting shall be used where necessary.

3 Unless directed otherwise by the Engineer, three photographs will normally be required at
every pit and trench.

3.3 INSPECTION PITS

3.3.1 Excavation Method

1 Inspection pits for the location of underground services shall be excavated by hand to a
depth of 1.2 m unless otherwise designated.

2 Hand-operated power tools may be used to assist excavation where necessary.

3.3.2 Services

1 The locations, depths and dimensions of all services encountered shall be measured and
recorded in the daily report with other designated information.
QCS 2014 Section 03: Ground Investigation Page 4
Part 03: Pits and Trenches

3.3.3 Sidewall Stability

1 Due care shall be exercised to ensure the stability of the sides of the excavation at all times.

3.4 TRIAL PITS AND TRENCHES

3.4.1 Excavation Method

1 Trial pits and trenches shall be excavated by hand to a maximum depth of 1.2 m or by
machine to the required depth to enable visual examination and sampling from outside the pit
or trench as required.

2 Where dewatering is required, the pumping equipment used shall be adequate to lower the
water table to the required level.

3.4.2 Services

1 The locations, depths and dimensions of all services encountered shall be measured and
recorded in the daily report with other designated information.

3.4.3 Sidewall Stability

1 Excavations deeper than 1.2 m shall be braced if necessary.

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3.4.4 Trial Pits Examination

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1 All recovered materials from the Trial Pits shall be examined in accordance with BS 5930 or
ASTM D 2488 and the recommendations of the Engineering Group of the Geological Society
Working Party.

2 Disturbed samples shall be obtained from the trial pits for laboratory testing and geological
description purposes. The samples shall be taken to be representative of the actual site
conditions (i.e. from each layer) and placed in airtight bags, labeled and taken to laboratories
for examination and testing.

3 Color photographs shall be taken for each excavated trial pit with a metric scale laid into the
pit after cleaning it, indicating the pits details such as trial pit number, date and depth.

3.5 OBSERVATION PITS AND TRENCHES

3.5.1 Excavation Method

1 Observation pits and trenches shall be excavated by hand or machine and shall be
adequately supported to enable personnel to enter safely and to permit in-situ examination,
soil sampling and testing as required. In areas where dewatering is required, the equipment
and methods proposed must be approved by the Engineer before beginning the work.

2 All recovered materials from the pit/trench shall be examined in accordance with BS 5930 or
ASTM D 2488.