18.0 Brvs-Geotech Report-Final Report

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
INVESTIGATION
FOR
PROPOSED BENIN RIVER VALVE
STATION (BRVS)
BENIN RIVER.
OML 40
ONSHORE NIGERIA
Plot 121, Louis Solomon Close, Victoria Island,

Lagos, Nigeria
FINAL REPORT
CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIGERIA LIMITED
Engineers Contractors General Suppliers

C.A.N. LTD.
Contact Address :No. 4 A CHIEF AWUSE STR. RUMUOGBA, OFF MINI EZEKWU, BY ARTILLERY PORT HARCOURT. Tel. 084 779153
RD
Office Address: 3 FLOOR, 14 OLD ABA RD, BY WOJI RD JUNCTION, RUMUOGBA, BOX 10575, PORT HARCOURT. Tel. 08033048176, 07057431888
website: www.chattelng.com Email: info@chattelng.com or chattel_asso@yahoo.com

STATUS PAGE
BENIN RIVER VALVE STATION
OML 40
ONSHORE NIGERIA
Client: ELCREST EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION LIMITED
Client Office
Plot 121, Louis Solomon Close, Victoria Island, Lagos – Nigeria
Location
Contractor: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIGERIA LIMITED
Contractor's Suite 2, Left Wing, 3rd. Floor, No 14, Old Aba Road, By Woji Junction, Rumuogba, Port-
Office Location Harcourt, Rivers State.
Prepared by Checked by Approved by

Rev.
Rev. Date
No
Name Signature Name Signature Name Signature
1 05/04/2019 Kingsley Amede McAnthony Ogboli Levi Uba
<CONTRACTOR: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIG. LTD>

Page 1 of 41
TABLE OF CONTENT
DEFININTIONS, ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS 4-5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6-7
BRIEF BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY 8
BOREHOLE & CPT FOOTPRINT MAP 8

GEOLOGY OF THE AREA 9-10
1.0 INTRODUCTION 11
1.1 SCOPES OF INVESTIGATION 11-12
2.0 SUB-SOIL CONDITIONS & WATER DEPTH 12-14
2.1 ABSTRACT OF FINDINGS 14

2.2 BOREHOLE & CPT COORDINATES 15
3.0 FIELDWORK 15
3.1 METHOD OF SOIL BORING 15-16
3.2 CONE PENETRATION TEST 16
4.0 LABORATORY TESTS 18
4.1 MOISTURE CONTENT 18

4.2 ATTERBERG LIMITS 18
4.3 PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS 19
4.4 UNIT WEIGHT 19

4.5 SPECIFIC GRAVITY 19
4.6 UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH ON CLAY 19-20
4.7 DRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH ON SAND 20

4.8 CONSOLIDATION 20-21
5.0 GEOTECHNICAL DATA 22-26
6.0 FOUNDATION DISCUSSION 27
6.1 PILE FOUNDATIONS 27-31
6.1.1 Deep Foundation Recommendations 31-32

6.2 PROPOSED SHORELINE PROTECTION FACILITY 32-34
Page 2 of 41
7.2.1 Recommendation for Shoreline Protection 32-34
6.3 MOORING DOLPHINS 34
6.3.1 Foundation for Mooring Dolphins 35-36
6.4 SHALLOW FOUNDATION 35-36
6.5 SOIL SETTLEMENT 36
7. SOIL LIQUEFACTION 37
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Dutch Cone Penetration Graphs
Appendix B: Borehole Logs
Appendix C: Laboratory Test Results

Appendix D: Borehole Geo-sections
Appendix E: Pile Soil Interaction (PSI) Analysis

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DEFINITIONS, ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS
Definitions
NPDC Nigerian Petroleum Development Company
ELCREST Elcrest Exploration & Production Limited
CAL Chattel Associates Limited
OML Oil Mining Lease
BRVS Benin River Valve Station
B.S.I British Standard Institute
ASTM American Standard for Testing & Materials
EN Euro Code
GEO-GBET Borehole Identification
DCPTu Dutch Cone (Piezo) Penetrometer Test
NSPT Number of Standard Penetration Test Blow Counts
PSI Pile Soil Interaction
HRT Hydraulic Retention Time
HDPE High Density Polyethylene
Qc Tip Resistance
Fs Sleeve Friction
Rf Friction Ratio
Qu Ultimate bearing capacity
qpu Point load capacity
Ab Sectional area of the pile at its base
fs Unit skin friction resistance
As Surface area of the pile in contact with the soil
Qa Allowable bearing capacity
kN Kilo Newton
kN/m3 Kilo Newton per meter cube
kN/m 2 Kilo Newton per meter squared
WP Plastic Limit
WL Liquid Limit
IP Plasticity Index
CU Coefficient of Uniformity
CC Coefficient of Curvature
 Wet Unit Weight
d Dry Unit Weight
e Void Ratio
P Effective Pore Pressure
CV Coefficients of Consolidation
MV Coefficients of Compressibility
Cu Undrained Shear Strength
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P1 Soil Pressure
Ko Coefficient of earth pressure at rest
B Base of Foundation
 Angle of Internal Friction
Himmd Surface settlement
µ Paisson’s ratio
If Influence factor
Es Modulus of elasticity

Page 5 of 41
EXCUTIVE SUMMARY
Elcrest Exploration & Production Limited wants to embark on the development of the Benin
River Valve Station (BRVS) and other associated facilities at OML-40. This report presents the
results of the investigation conducted with the object of determining the litho-stratigraphies at
the location by Chattel Associates Nigeria Limited in order to proffer suitable foundations to
support the proposed facilities.
The investigations were 5nos each for deep soil boring and Dutch Cone Penetrometer Tests
(DCPTs) to refusal. The borings were conducted with Light cable percussion Wayfarer Rig
(Mechanical & Manual) and the DCPTs were carried out with a (200kN & 100kN) Thrust Piezo-
cone Penetrometer equipment.
The object of the investigation was to ascertain the soil profile in addition to obtaining
foundation design parameters for ultimate foundation construction.
From the field investigation, the area is characterized by extensive deposits of very soft peats
in all the boreholes. The peats overlie alternating sequences of firm to stiff clayey formations
and medium to very dense sandy soil with very high N-values which extends to the terminal
depths of the boreholes. The terminal depths of the boreholes were -80.0m or 5.0m band of
dense sand formation.
OML-40 lies in the in the Sedimentary Basin of oil-rich Niger Delta Region with approximate
distance of 75km northwest of Warri and covers an area of 498km2. The BRVS is located in the
shallow and mid-stream within the coastal mangrove swamps. The average water depth of the
midstream is approximately 4.50m. Geologically, the area consists of the of the Early Palaeocene
resulting from the built up of the grain sediments eroded and transported to the River Nigeria
and its tributaries.
To support the proposed structures at the location, consideration of the sub-soil conditions is
critical which is the main object of the investigation. Deep foundation is recommended to be
terminated in the dense to very dense region for the super-structures.

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For light structures, shallow foundations are recommended. However, ground improvement
structures that will be founded on shallow foundations, ground improvement is suggested by
way of vibro-compaction or stripping the near-surface unstable clayey materials and replacing
with sharp sand.

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BRIEF BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Elcrest E & P Limited; operators of the NNPC/NPDC/Eland Oil & Gas Joint Venture want to
develop the Benin River Valve Station (BRVS) and other associated production facilities which
includes an export terminal, loading bay, Jetty, Mooring Dolphin and shoreline protection
facility. Prior to the commencement of the construction works, detailed geotechnical
engineering was required for design purposes. The aim of the investigation was to ascertain the
litho-stratigraphies of the area.
The proposed Valve Station facilities lie in OML-40 within the Niger Delta Sedimentary Basin
Area which is approximately 75km northwest of Warri and covers an area of 498km2. The BRVS
is located in the shallow and mid-stream within the coastal mangrove swamps. The average
water depth of the midstream is approximately 4.5m.

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Figure 1: Borehole & CPT Footprint Map
GEOLOGY OF THE AREA
BRVS location lies in the shallow and mid-stream depths of the mangrove and swampy terrain
along the coastline of Benin River. The area is an integral part of the OML-40 Onshore location
located in Jakpa Community; however, it shares boundary with other closer Communities
namely Ogheye and Udo.
Geologically, the area lies in the Niger Delta Sedimentary Basin consisting of the Early
Palaeocene resulting from the built of grain sediments eroded and transported to the River
Niger and its tributaries. The regional geology of the area consists of three litho-stratigraphic
units which are the Akata, Agbada and Benin Formations overlain by various types of
Quaternary Deposits (Short and Stauble, 1967; Wright et al.,1985; Kogbe 1989).
These Quaternary Sediments are largely alluvial and hydromorphic soils of lacustrine
sediments of Pleistocene age according to Osukani and Abam (2004).

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The Benin Formation is essentially fluvial in origin comprising unconsolidated, massive and
porous fresh water bearing sands with localized clay/shale beds. The sand clay intercalations
are indicative of a multi aquifer system. The thickness of the Benin Formation is about 2100m
on the average.
The Agbada Formation underlies the Benin Formation. Its thickness varies over 300 - 4500m
(Short and Stauble, 1967). This Formation consists predominantly of unconsolidated pebbles,
and very coarse to fine grained sand units with subordinate shale beds.
Underlying the Agbada Formation is the Akata Formation of Eocene to recent age (Amadi et
al., 1987), which is made up of shales with local inter-bedding of sands and siltstones. It was
deposited in a typically marine environment with maximum thickness of about 6100m
(Ofoegbu, 1985).
The local geology of the area is extensive deposits of localized peats and clays to average depths
of -19.50m. Layers of medium-firm to stiff clayey formations underlie the peats to average depth
of -36.0m with occasional fine gravels, the terminal depths of the boreholes are deposits of
medium to very dense fine sands. The terminal depths vary in each hole with very high SPT
blows which became impregnable after the two initial soundings.
Expectedly, the topography of the area is flat to gently undulating. It occupies a low-lying area
which slopes and drains by the tide influenced by the Benin River which drainage pattern is
deranged or parallel. The water movement is swift with few tributaries all flowing in the same
direction.

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MAP OF OML-40
1.0 INTRODUCTION
ELCREST E & P Limited; the operators of the NNPC/NPDC/Eland Oil & Gas Joint Ventures
requires geotechnical data of the proposed Benin River Valve Station prior to the construction
and development of the facilities for production. Consequently, Chattel Associates Nigeria
Limited was engaged to conduct detailed geotechnical engineering investigation at the shallow
and deep waters around the proposed facility area. The aim of the investigation was to verify
the litho-stratigraphies of the area, estimate the bearing capacities for proposed facility
structures. Conduct in-situ/ex-situ soil analysis from test points pertinent for the computation
of bearing capacities/strength of soil required for foundation design for the proposed facilities
i.e. Benin River Valve Station (BRVS), Mooring, Jetty and Shoreline Protection facility amongst
others.
The brief of the investigation was 5nos deep soil boring to the dense soil region. This was
achieved with Light Cable Percussion Pilcon Wayfarer soil boring rig (Mechanical & Manual)
and 5nos Dutch Cone Penetrometer Tests with Piezocone to refusal depths with a (20 & 10)Ton
Penetrometer equipment.
The methods adopted for the sub-soil boring and in-situ resistance tests are in accordance with
the relevant Standards; B.S.I, ASTM and EN. The soil samples were excavated using percussion
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method where soil cuttings retained in the Shell were retrieved from the hole and kept in a
sample bag, properly labelled and stored in a cooler. For relatively undisturbed sampling, thin-
wall Shelby tubes were used to drive into the ground to extract soil samples. The soil samples
were transported from the site to the laboratory in a cooler.
DCPTu tests were real-time data capture which involves the translation of analogue reading to
machine readable format via Transducer. The critical parameters captured during the
penetration of the Cone are Tip Resistance, Sleeve Friction, Cone/Sleeve Ratio, Pore-water
Pressure etc.
1.1 SCOPES OF INVESTIGATION
The scopes of the ground investigation were to verify the sub-soil information respective to the
following:
i. Litho-logies of the boreholes to the dense region in the sub-soil.
ii. Refusal depth of in-situ penetration via the Piezocone
iii. Residual foundation prediction based on the initial soil behaviour under pre-loading
condition.
iv. Laboratory analysis of the soil samples.
v. Co-efficient of earth pressures

vi. Foundation predictions based on the geotechnical data.
vii. Pile-Soil Interaction (PSI) Analysis
viii. General Stiffness Curves for PSI Analysis
2.0 SUB-SOIL CONDITIONS AND WATER DEPTH
The river bed was sounded prior to the sub-soil boring. The average depth of water was 4.50m
at BRVS-GEO-1, BRVS-GEO-2 and BRVS-GEO-3. The boreholes are characterized by extensive
deposits of very soft peats and clayey formations which in turn overlies medium-firm to stiff
clays. The lower regions in the boreholes were characterized by medium to very dense sands.
Summaries of the litho-logies are presented below:

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BRVS-GEO-1
This borehole is characterized by very soft dark grey silty clay from the riverbed to -24.0m. The
clay is further underlain by firm to stiff, grey silty clay to -37.50m with intercalation of peat at -
36.0m. underlying the clay at -37.50m to -43.50m is very dense, light grey fine sand with NSPT
values from 60 to 66 blows. Alternating layers of medium dense fine sand and stiff clays extends
from -43.50m to -51.0m. Very dense, light grey fine sand with fine gravels underlie the
formations from -51.0m to the terminal depth at -60.0m.
Depth (m) Lithologies N-values
0.00 – 24.00 Very soft silty CLAY 0-1
24.00 – 37.50 Firm to stiff silty CLAY 8 - 10
37.50 – 43.50 Very dense, fine SAND 60 - 66
43.50 – 51.00 Alternating layers of fine sand and stiff clay 8 - 11
51.00 – 60.00 Very dense fine SAND 66
BRVS-GEO-2
From the riverbed to -22.50m is very soft dark grey silty clay which is underlain at -24.0m by
layer of soft grey silty clay. Underlying these layers to -27.0m is very dense light grey fine sand
with N-values of 91 blows. Stiff to very light grey silty clay underlies the sandy layer to -42.0m
where very dense light grey fine sand extends to the end of the boring at -49.50m
22.50 – 24.00 Soft, silty CLAY 2-3
24.00 – 27.00 Very dense, fine SAND 91
27.00 – 42.00 Stiff to very stiff silty CLAY 14

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BRVS-GEO-3
Similar to BRVS-GEO-2, the litho-logy from the riverbed to -22.50m is very soft dark grey silty
clay. Underlying the above formation to -42.0m is firm to stiff grey and light grey silty clay with
intercalation of peat at -36.0m. 3.0m thick peat with decomposed wood underlie the silty clayey
formation to -45.0m. From -45.0m to the end of boring at -58.50m is very dense, light grey fine
sand with tiny fine gravels with NSPT blows of 69.
22.50 – 42.00 Stiff to very stiff silty CLAY 10 - 14
42.00 – 45.00 Firm, PEAT 8-9
BRVS-GEO-4
From the topsoil to -19.50m is very soft, dark grey peat and silty clay which is underlain to -
33.75m by soft to medium, dark grey silty clay with traces of sand at -37.75m. From -33.75 to
the end of boring at -43.5m is medium dense to very dense, light grey fine sand with NSPT values
ranging from 8 to 127 blows.
0.00 – 19.50 Very soft PEAT and silty CLAY 0-1
19.50 – 33.75 Soft to medium silty CLAY 6-8
33.75 – 43.50 Medium to very dense, fine SAND 8 - 127

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BRVS-GEO-5
The litho-logy is very soft dark grey peat from the ground level to -19.50m. Another layer of
very soft to medium peat underlie the above layer to -23.25m. From -23.25m to -36.75m is
medium to firm, grey silty clay. Underlying the clayey formation to the end of the boring is
medium dense to very dense, light grey fine sand with NSPT blows from 16 to 85.
0.00 – 19.50 Very soft PEAT 0-1
19.50 – 36.75 Medium to firm silty CLAY 6-8
33.75 – 43.50 Medium to very dense, fine SAND 16 - 85
2.1 ABSTRACT OF FINDING
The area is underlain by deposits of very soft clayey and peat formation from the riverbed to
average depths of 19.50m. The peats and clays are further underlain by layers of medium-firm
silty clayey formations with occasional intercalations of peats and sands. The lower sands
exhibited very high N-values which eventually became impregnable after the two initial blows.
Presence of fine tiny gravels were encountered in the sands in some boreholes.
The boreholes were corroborated by the in-situ Piezo-cone tests which attained refusal at depths
ranging from -22.0m to -25.8m.
2.2 BOREHOLE & DCPT COORDINATES
Coordinates for the boreholes and DCPTs are presented in the tables below:
Table 2.2: BH/CPT Coordinates
BOREHOLE DCPTu
Easting Northing Easting Northing
BRVS/GEO-1 0643871 0733155 GEO-CPT-1 0643872 0733145
BRVS/GEO-2 0643841 0733110 GEO-CPT-2 0643859 0733116
BRVS/GEO-3 0643790 0733016 GEO-CPT-3 0643803 0733019
BRVS/GEO-4 0644000 0732951 GEO-CPT-4 0643992 0732951
BRVS/GEO-5 0644081 0733094 GEO-CPT-5 0644075 0733095

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3.0 FIELDWORK
Field investigation comprised sub-soil boring with soil sampling and groundwater
measurement and Dutch Cone Penetration Tests (DCPTs) with in-situ sounding via Piezocone.
Brief descriptions of the soil boring and DCPTu is presented below:
3.1 METHOD OF SOIL BORING
The borehole was conducted from a stable floating platform restrained by Tugboat and
Anchors. For BRVS-GEO-04 & 05 Manually operated Rig was employed following lack of the
access to the locations by our floating platform. The Pilcon Wayfarer was mounted and braced
on the platform. The soil sampling from the platform was enabled through the moon-pool on
the platform. During the boring process, the bit cuts through the soil to advance the boring such
that the soil material is retained inside barrel by means of a clerk. The barrel is then brought to
the surface where the soil retained in it is emptied out.
Representative disturbed samples are taken at regular intervals of 1.50m depth or where there
is change in soil strata. Undisturbed samples were taken in firm cohesive layers by driving a
75mm diameter sampler (U3) through a total distance of 450mm. The samples will be used for
a detailed and systematic description of the soil in each stratum in terms of its visual properties
and for laboratory analysis.
Standard Penetration test (NSPT) were taken on granular formation. A 50mm diameter split
spoon sampler is driven 450mm into the soil using a 63.5kg hammer with a 760mm drop. The
penetration resistance is expressed as the number of blows (N-value) required to obtain 300mm
penetration below an initial 150mm penetration through any disturbed ground at the bottom
of the borehole.
3.2 CONE PENETRATION TEST
Electric Cone Penetrometer of 200kN and 100kN capacity were used in the cone resistance
soundings. The equipment is a compact system consisting of hydraulic thrust combined with
steel mainframe, Piezo-Cone, Depth encoder, Transducer, cables and enabling software for real-
time data capture.

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Continuous sounding procedure was adopted in the test. The cone attached to the rods will
first be forced into the ground a distance of 10cm by the application of force to the outer
sounding tubes. The cone was then pushed out a distance of about 4cm by the application of
force and the magnitude of the force required to achieve this, is transmitted via the transducer
to the computer system.
The principal feature of the cone penetrometer is the tip resistance to penetration by the cone,
the sleeve friction resistance, pore-water pressure and friction ratio are assessed independently
during the exercise. Importantly, these parameters are color-coded for identification.
The tip resistance denoted as Qc is measured by the load cell. The sleeve friction resistance f s is
measured by tension load cell embedded in the sleeve. The friction ratio R f is the ratio of the
skin friction divided by the tip resistance and the in-situ pore-water pressure measures the pore
stress in relation to water in the void spaces within the soil.

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Pix showing CPTu in progress
Pix showing SPT in progress

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4.0 LABORATORY TESTS
i. Classification Tests: These tests were carried out on both disturbed and undisturbed
samples. It includes the determination of natural moisture contents, Atterberg Limit,
Sieve Analysis, Specific Gravity and Unit Weights.
ii. Soil Strength Tests: These involve essentially the determination of the relevant strength
parameters of cohesion-less samples such as Undrained Unconsolidated Triaxial Tests
and Drained Shear Test on sand.
iii. Compressibility Tests: This involves the determination of the compressibility properties
of the soil such as one-dimensional oedometer.
Brief descriptions of the test procedures for the soil samples are presented below:
4.1 MOISTURE CONTENT
The water content was determined by drying selected moist/wet soil material for at least 6 hours
to a constant mass in a 110C drying oven. The difference in mass before and after drying was
used as the mass of the water in the test material. The mass of material remaining after drying
was used as the mass of the solid particles. The ratio of the mass of water to the measured mass
of solid particles was the water content of the material. This ratio can exceed 1 (or 100%).
4.2 ATTERBERG LIMITS
Atterberg limits were determined on soil specimens with a particle size of less than 0.425mm.
The Atterberg limits refer to arbitrary defined boundaries between the liquid limit and plastic
states (Liquid Limit, WL), and between the plastic and brittle states (Plastic Limit, W p) of fine-
grained soils. They are expressed as water content, in percent.
The liquid limit is the water content at which a part of soil placed in a standard cup and cut by
a groove of standard dimensions flow together at the base of the groove, when the cup is
subjected to 25 standard shocks. The one-point liquid test was carried out. Distilled water was
added during soil mixing to achieve the required consistency.
The plastic limit is the water content at which a soil can no longer be deformed by rolling into
3mm diameter threads without crumbling. The range of water contents over which a soil
behaves plastically is the Plasticity Index, I p. This is the difference between the liquid limit and
the plasticity limit (WL-WP).

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4.3 PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS
Particle size analyses were performed by means of sieving and/or hydrometer readings. Sieving
was carried out for particles that would be retained on a 0.075 mm sieve, while additional
hydrometer readings were carried out when a significant fraction of the material passes a 0.075
mm sieve.
Dry sieving was carried out by passing the soil sample over a set of standard sieve sizes and
then shakes the entire units for few minutes with sieve shaker (machine).
Particle size is presented on a logarithmic scale so that two soils having the same degree of
uniformity are represented by curves of the same shape regardless of their positions on the
particle size distribution plot. The general slope of the distribution curve may be described by
the coefficient of uniformity Cu, where Cu = D60/D10, and the coefficient of curvature Cc, where
Cc = (D30)2/D10 x D60. D60, D30 and D10 are effective particle sizes indicating that 60%, 30% and
10% respectively of the particles (by weight) are smaller than the given effective size.
4.4 UNIT WEIGHT
The unit weights were determined from measurements of mass and volume of the soil. The
unit weight  (kN/m3) refers to the unit weight of the soil at the sampled water content. The dry
unit weight d, was determined from the mass of oven-dried soil and the initial volume.
4.5 SPECIFIC GRAVITY
The specific gravity of a substance, designated as Gs, is defined as the ratio of the density of that
substance to the density of distilled water at a specified temperature. Since it is a ratio, the value
of Gs does not depend on the system of units used and is a numerical value having no units. The
specific gravity of soil solids is determined by either (a) density bottle or (b) specific gravity
flask or (c) pycnometer. The density bottle is suitable for all types of soil and it is the accrutate
method. Whereas the specific gravity flask or pycnometer methods are only suitable for coarse
grained soils.
4.6 UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH ON CLAY
This test was performed on relatively undisturbed cohesive soils. Depending on the consistency
of the cohesive material, the test specimen was prepared by trimming the sample or by pushing
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a mould into the sample. A latex membrane with thickness of approximately 0.2 mm was placed
around the specimen. A lateral confining pressure of 25kPa to 75kPa is maintained during axial
compression loading of the specimen. Consolidation and drainage of pore water during testing
is not allowed. The test is deformation controlled (strain rate of 60%/h), single stage, and
stopped when an axial strain of 15% is achieved. The deviator stress is calculated from the
measured load assuming that the specimen deforms as a right cylinder.
The presentation of test results includes a plot of deviator stress versus axial strain. The
Undrained shear strength, Cu, is taken as half the maximum deviator stress. When a maximum
stress has not been reached at strains of less than 15%, the stress at 15% strain is used to calculate
undrained shear strength.
4.7 DRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH TEST ON SAND
Typically, consolidated-drained test performed on the triaxial main frame device on sand is
used to determine the failure envelop of the soil. The sample is first subjected to an all-round
confining pressure σ3 by compression of the chamber fluid. As confining pressure is applied,
the pore pressure of the specimen increases. However, as the connection of to the drainage is
open, consolidation occurs. Change in volume of the specimen ΔV c that takes place during the
consolidation is obtained from the volume of pore water drained. The deviator stress denoted
as Δµd is increased at a very slow rate. With the drainage path kept open, the deviator stress
slow rate application allows complete dissipation of the pore water pressure.
With major and minor principal stresses at failure, the Mohr circle and the failure envelop is
obtained indicating the deviator stress against the strain.
4.8 CONSOLIDATION
The one-dimensional consolidation referred to Oedometer is performed in a consolidometer.
Clayey soil specimen usually of 63.5mm in diameter and 25.4mmthick is placed inside a metal
ring with two porous stones, one at the top of the specimen and another at the bottom. The load
on the specimen is applied through a lever arm, and compression is measured by a micrometer
dial gauge. The metal ring containing the soil specimen is saturated throughout the duration of
the test. Each load is usually kept for 24hrs expect where the compression values becomes
insignificant. At the end of the test, the dry weight of the test specimen is determined. The

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general shape of the plot of deformation of the specimen versus the time for a given load
incremental is given.
Three basic principles of the test are identified. First, the initial compression which defines the
pre-loading stage of the specimen, the second is the primary consolidation where excess pore-
water pressure is gradually transferred in effective stress by the expulsion of pore-water. The
third principle is the secondary consolidation which occurs after dissipation of the excess pore-
water pressure, when some deformation of the specimen takes place because of the plastic
readjustment of the soil fabric.
The plot of void ratio (e) against effective pressure (P) for the samples tested, are presented in
Appendix together with calculated values of the coefficients of consolidation (C v) and of the
coefficients of compressibility (M v).
The laboratory tests on soil samples were carried out in accordance with B.S. 1377 (1995) – Methods of Tests for Soil
for Civil Engineering Purposes.

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5.0 GEOTECHNICAL DATA
The tables below summarize the engineering indexes and geotechnical parameters of the clays
and the sandy soils encountered in the borehole.
GEO-BRVS-01
CLAYEY FORMATION
Test Parameter Average
Moisture Content (%) 83
Liquid Limit (%) 87
Plastic Limit (%) 47
Plasticity Index (%) 40
Liquidity Index 1.03
Bulk Unit Weight (kN/m3) 14.2
Undrained Shear Strength (kN/m2) 19
Friction Angle (ϕ) 10
Specific Gravity (mg/m3) 2.59
SANDY FORMATION
D10 Effective Diameter (mm) 0.11
D30 0.25
D60 0.43
Co-efficient of Uniformity (Cu) 2.84
Co-efficient of Curvature (Cc) 1.08
Co-efficient of Permeability (k) m/sec 1.88 x 10-3
Angle of Internal friction (ϕu) 30

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GEO-BRVS-02
CLAYEY FORMATION
Liquid Limit (%) 89
SANDY FORMATION
D30 0.19
D60 0.27

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GEO-BRVS-03
CLAYEY FORMATION
Liquid Limit (%) 106
SANDY FORMATION
D30 0.23
D60 02.7

Page 25 of 41
GEO-BRVS-04
CLAYEY FORMATION
Liquid Limit (%) 80
SANDY FORMATION
D30 0.19
D60 0.29

Page 26 of 41
GEO-BRVS-05
CLAYEY FORMATION
Liquid Limit (%) 73
SANDY FORMATION
D30 0.32
D60 0.39

Page 27 of 41
6.0 DISCUSSION FOR FOUNDATION DESIGNS
The investigations were executed primarily to ascertain the litho-stratigraphies at the location
prior to foundation designs to support the proposed super-structures. From the field
information, extensive deposits of very soft clayey formation were encountered which are in
turn underlain by medium to stiff clayey deposits. Sandy formations underlie the stiff clays.
The sands which extends to the terminal depths of boring are densified with very high SPT
blows
The clayey materials possess very high moisture contents, very low shear strengths, highly
compressible and also with high swelling potentials due to its high void ratio. The underlaying
medium to stiff clays on the other hand have moderate compressible properties.
For the proposed super-structures, pile foundations are suggested. Pile load bearing capacities
are based on the cautious estimates for weighted average for laboratory test values and in-situ
densities of the soil. During actual construction, tidal variations should be taken into
consideration. The possibility of rise in water bodies is envisaged due to seasonal effects or
capillary actions and tidal changes.
6.1 PILE FOUNDATIONS
Load carrying capacities for single pile diameters ∅406mm, ∅450mm, ∅600mm and ∅750mm
were estimated based on the equation by Thurman (1964) and corroborated by Meyerhof (1976),
Tomilinson (1980, 1985), Hannigan, et al. (1997), for deep foundation.
Design details for reinforced cased piles based on the cautious estimates are given below in
accordance with EN-1997-2.
Qu = qpu Ab + fs As
Where:
Qu = Ultimate bearing capacity

qpu = Point load capacity
Ab = Sectional area of the pile at its base
fs = Unit skin friction resistance
As = Surface area of the pile in contact with the soil
Qa = Allowable bearing capacity (Factor of Safety of 3)

Page 28 of 41
Design parameters for general principle based on weight average of the soil parameters are:
Soft Clay: Cu (Cohesive Strength) = 19kPa, Firm Clay: Cu = 64kPa, γclayey = 15.2kN/m3,  = 30o, Nq = 18.4,
γsand= 14.3kN/m3
For tidal variation, depth of water at low tide at 4.50m was considered during the computation.
∅406mm Diameter Piles
Peat/Clayey Stratum:
Skin friction resistance = α.Cu.As
Peat Clay: 0.70 x 19 x 0.406 x π x 22.0m = 373kN
Firm Clay: 0.75 x 64 x 0.406 x π x 14.0m = 857kN

Sand Stratum
The soft clay lies below the 4.50m average tidal water depth; hence, over-burden pressure is: σ
at the top of sand stratum
(15.2kN/m3 x 36.0) – (9.81kN/m3 x 40.5m) = 150kN/m2
Effective over-burden pressure
σ at the tip of the pile 150kN/m3 + (14.3 – 9.81kN/m3) x 14.0m = 213kN/m2
σave = (150 + 213)/2 = 182kN/m2
Angle of internal friction (for sand) o = 30o, Hence
fs(av) = 182 x Tan 30o
= 105kN/m2
Skin friction resistances for the sand layer:
100 x π x 0.406 x 14.0m = 1,786kN
Total skin friction (Qs) for ∅406mm pile driven to -50.0m is (373 + 857+1,786) = 3,016KN
Point Load Capacity
σ at tip of pile = 213kN/m2
Nq = 18.4 (Terzaghi’s shape and depth factor 1943)
qpu = 213 x 18.4 = 3,919kN/m2
The limit of maximum value of unit point resistance in sands is 11,000kN/m2. Hence, the
estimated value will be used.

Page 29 of 41
3,919 x π x 0.4062/4 = 507KN
Ultimate Pile load capacity Qu = 3,016 + 507 = 3,523KN
Allowable pile load capacity Qa = Qu/3.0 = 1,174KN
Firm Clay: 0.75 x 64 x 0.45 x π x 14.0m = 950kN

Sand Stratum
(15.2kN/m3 x 36.0) – (9.81kN/m3 x 40.5m) = 150kN/m2

σave = (150 + 213)/2 = 182kN/m2

= 105kN/m2
100 x π x 0.45 x 14.0m = 1,979kN

Total skin friction (Qs) for ∅450mm pile driven to -50.0m is (413 + 950+1,979) = 3,342KN
Point Load Capacity
qpu = 213 x 18.4 = 3,919kN/m2
3,919 x π x 0.452/4 = 623KN
Ultimate Pile load capacity Qu = 3,342 + 623 = 3,965KN

Page 30 of 41
Firm Clay: 0.75 x 64 x 0.60 x π x 14.0m = 1,267kN
Sand Stratum
(15.2kN/m3 x 36.0) – (9.81kN/m3 x 40.5m) = 150kN/m2
σave = (150 + 213)/2 = 182kN/m2
= 105kN/m2

100 x π x 0.60 x 14.0m = 2,639kN
Total skin friction (Qs) for ∅600mm pile driven to -50.0m is (552+1,267+2,639) = 4,188KN
Point Load Capacity
qpu = 213 x 18.4 = 3,919kN/m2
3,919 x π x 0.602/4 = 1,108KN
Ultimate Pile load capacity Qu = 4,188 + 1,108 = 5,296KN

Page 31 of 41
Firm Clay: 0.75 x 64 x 0.75 x π x 14.0m = 1,584kN

Sand Stratum
(15.2kN/m3 x 36.0) – (9.81kN/m3 x 40.5m) = 150kN/m2
σave = (150 + 213)/2 = 182kN/m2
= 105kN/m2
100 x π x 0.75 x 14.0m = 3,299kN
Total skin friction (Qs) for ∅750mm pile driven to -50.0m is (690+1,584+3,299) = 5,573KN
Point Load Capacity
qpu = 213 x 18.4 = 3,919kN/m2
3,919 x π x 0.752/4 = 1,732KN
Ultimate Pile load capacity Qu = 5,573 + 1,732 = 7,305KN
6.1.1 Deep Foundation Recommendations
Load carrying capacity for single axially loaded cased piles are presented in the table below.
The piles should be terminated in the dense region at -50.0m.

Page 32 of 41
Table 6.1.1: Allowable Bearing Capacity for Single Pile
Bearing Allowable Bearing Capacity
Stratum ∅406mm ∅450mm ∅600mm ∅750mm
50.0m 1,174kN 1,322kN 1,765kN 2,435kN
6.2 PROPOSED SHORELINE PROTECTION FACILITY
The proposed shoreline protection is to present protection design alternatives that would
combine the balance of protection with respect to wave over-topping and wave transmission,
habitat benefit, structural life cycle and cost efficiency which would also help in accelerating
the settlement of the underlying soft clayey materials.
From the field investigations, the sub-soil conditions reveal deposits of very weak clayey
formations at the riverbed. The clays extend extensively to average depth of -22.0m. for the
purpose of the designs, the shoreline shall be governed by the lateral active earth pressures
exerted by the retained materials.
Interlocking steel sheets piles that would serve as breakwater walls and prevent the abrasion
of the shorelines is suggested. The sheet piles will absorb the impact energy of waves and also
slow the water thereby lessening its ability to erode soil along the shore.
Considerations were given to critical parameters such as the soil pressure, length and alignment
of shoreline, size and gradation, slope and vertical height and toe protection against scour
during the shoreline design.
Estimate for the soil pressure is given by the formula below:
P1 = Ko . γ . Df
Where P1 = Soil Pressure
Ko = Coefficient of earth pressure at rest
γ = Wet Unit Weight of the soil
Df = Depth of footing
Design parameters for the soil pressure are based on the cautious estimates in accordance with
EN-1997-2. They are: Ko = 0.83, γ = 14.2kN/m3, Df = 36.0m.
The soil pressure is 424kN/m2 at 36.0m
The force and length (F/L) can be determined by an analysis of a distributed load thus:
½(P1)Df = 7,637kN

Page 33 of 41
6.2.1 Recommendation for Shoreline Protection Facility
i. Considering the weak soil encountered and the resultant low bearing pressure of the clayey
materials, compaction of the near-surface is suggested to form a blanket or structure that can
serve as toe trench to resist erosion of streambed or bank material due to flowing water.
iii. The design height of the sheet pile driven to the relatively dense region within the sub-soil
should be equal to the design high-water elevation plus some allowance for freeboard.
Freeboard is provided to ensure that the desired degree of protection will not be reduced by
unaccounted factors such as wave action (from wind or boat traffic), super-elevation in channel
bends, hydraulic jumps and flow irregularities due to transitions and flow junctions. Where
necessary, the sheet piles could be supported with some form of anchorage system (pile tie-
back) to ensure the stability of the walls.
This design is for the proposed shore protection only; considering that major or high scale
maritime operations are expected to align at the facility.
The design of the sheet pile wall should take into account the anticipated maximum surcharge
likely to be applied behind the wall (during and after construction) and the final dredged or
scour depth on waterside.
The worst combination of all forces and surcharge anticipated to act on the wall should be
considered when checking the proposed design of wall. The wall should also allow for full
hydrostatic pressures developing on the wall caused by water being trapped behind the wall
as a result of tidal movement or heavy rainfall. Efforts should be geared towards perfectly
closed joints, to prevent loss of fines through piping effect across the wall due to hydraulic
gradient which may eventually lead to ground subsidence behind the wall.
Therefore, we strongly recommend sheet pile system that ensures watertight interlocking joints.
The joints so created should be properly sealed by sealant grouting throughout the free length
along the alignment.
Due to the peculiarity of this project, steel sheet piles having cross-sectional dimensions of
600mm x 300mm should be adopted. Depth of installation of -25.0m will be adequate for the
shore protection facility. The anchorage system should be protected with suitable anti corrosion

Page 34 of 41
paints or encased in a PVC pipes and grouted. The wall alignment should be capped with a
concrete beam; and expansion joint created at minimum length of every 50m.
For the proposed concrete jetty, loading carrying capacities of piles for gravity and lateral loads
are estimated. Depending the pile diameter adopted, the piles should be driven to the dense
region.
6.3 MOORING DOLPHINS
Mooring Dolphin is an isolated marine structure for berthing and mooring of vessels and ships.
Dolphin berthing and mooring systems are commonly used where piers or quays for docking
vessels are not readily available.

Dolphins are generally divided into two types namely; breasting dolphins which serves the
purpose of taking up some berthing loads during the vessel berthing, keeps the vessel from
pressing against the pier structures and serves as mooring points to restrict the longitudinal of
the berthing vessel.
Mooring dolphin on the other hand is used for mooring and for securing the vessel by using
ropes. Mooring dolphins are commonly used near pier structures to control the transverse
movements of the berthing vessels. Furthermore, they are designed in a manner to take care of
the tension on a mooring line and also accommodate for the longitudinal load that will arise
resulting from slight surge of the vessel while moored.
6.3.1 Foundation for Mooring Dolphins
The design of foundations to support the mooring dolphins relates significantly to the
underlying sub-soil conditions of the area. Considering the magnitude of the marine activities
and to limit considerably the resultant abrasions due to berthing and mooring of vessels, deep
foundations are considered in the form of smaller diameter vertical and batter piles.
Combination of vertical and batter piles will be used to transfer both vertical, horizontal and
inclined loads. The batter pile is considered as axial. Also, Batter pile in soft or weak deposits
may become laterally loaded due to settlement of the surrounding soil.

In addition, pedestrian bridges or walkway should be constructed to the piers of the mooring
dolphins. The bridges can be supported by vertical or near vertical open ended 300mm or
Page 35 of 41
450mm diameter pipe piles. The pipe piles are open ended to ensure that they can be installed
to sufficient depths to obtain adequate lateral support from the dense sand layer and/or to be
able to obtain the required tension resistance.
For a small single vertical pile of diameter ∅300mm driven to the dense region at -50.0m will
achieve Safe Working Load of 835kN.
For batter pile, the ultimate tension force is estimated using the equation by Tejchman (1976):
Qu’ = oDf . γ/p . + s/h = oDf2 . γN’
Where Qu’ = Tension force

o = Pile diameter
Df = Depth of Pile
γ = Bulk density of the soil
p = Vertical component of the shear stress
s = Weight of soil wedge bounded by the slip lines
N’ = Bearing capacity factor taken as 9.
With a Safety factor of 3, the ultimate tension for a batter pile of diameter 500mm driven to
dense soil at -50.0m is 1,065kN.
6.4 SHALLOW FOUNDATION
Ground improvement is required prior to construction of shallow foundation support any light
structure. Maximum soil pressure is a characteristic of the shear strength value of the soil as
well as the depth and dimension of the foundation.
To support light structures founded at minimum foundation depth of -1.50m after ground
improvement or stabilization, allowable bearing capacity is based on the equation below for
general shear condition:
Qult = c . Nc . Sc . dc . ic + qNq . Sq . dq . iq + 0.5 . γ . B . Nγ . Sγ . dγ . iγ (General Shear Condition).

Where c weighted average of Cohesion value of the soil (kPa)
B Width of foundation (m)
q Effective Surcharge (kPa)
ic, iq, iγ are load inclination factors respectively: 0.69, 0.69 & 1.00
Sc, Sq, Sγ are the shape factors respectively: 1.20, 1.30 & 0.80
dc, dq, dγ are the depth factors respectively: 1.21, 1.40 & 1.00
Nc, Nq, Nγ are the depth factors in relation to the angle of friction.

Page 36 of 41
Typical calculations with a 2.5 Factor of Safety based on the parameters from the laboratory
analysis results are:
Cu = 19kPa, γ = 15.2kN/m3, ØU = 8O
Foundation Depth Df = 1.50m. Nc = 7.53, Nγ = 0.27 & Nq = 2.06

Allowable Soil Pressure = 98.8kN/m2
6.5 SOIL SETTLEMENT
With an allowable soil pressure of 98.8kN/m2 at -1.50m for square foundation, immediate or
elastic settlement of the near-surface soil is estimated with the equation below:
Himmd = Qa . B (1 - µ2)If/Es
Where Himmd = Surface settlement
Qa = Allowable bearing capacity (kN/m2)
B = Width of footing
µ = Paisson’s ratio
If = Influence factor
Es = Modulus of elasticity (kN/m2)
Paisson’s ratio is taken as weighted average (0.45) from the table of lateral pressure co-efficient.
Modulus of elasticity is 5MN/m2
Influence factor 0.3, B = 3.0m
Immediate settlement of the founding layer is 14.18mm.
For the second layer stratum, the settlement is based on the following parameters:
Influence factor 0.3, B = 3.0m, Modulus of Elasticity (E s) 30MN/m2
Settlement is 4.73mm
The total settlement of the near-surface founding stratum after stabilization/ground
improvement will be (14.18+4.73) = 18.91mm

Page 37 of 41
7.0 SOIL LIQUEFACTION
Liquefaction of soil describes a condition in which saturated soil loses shear strength and
deforms as a result of increased pore water pressure induced by strong ground shaking during
an earthquake. Dissipation of the excess pore water pressures will produce volume changes
within the liquefied soil layer, which causes settlement.
Liquefaction can be influenced by such factors as soil type, soil structure, grain size, relative
density, confining pressure, depth to groundwater and the intensity and duration of ground
shaking.
Soils that are most susceptible to liquefaction are saturated, loose sandy soils, and low plasticity
clays and silts. If liquefaction occurs, sub-soil structures such as pipelines lying above the
liquefiable layers may induce significant settlement. Within liquefiable soils, a pipeline can
become buoyant or loose support and settle if it is not buoyant.
The degree of buoyancy or settlement will be affected by the fines content of the soil. More fines
generally result in less susceptibility to buoyancy and settlement due to the residual soil
strength that may be present.
Liquefaction susceptibility of the soils encountered during the soil borings were evaluated. The
granular soils encountered at deeper depths are adequately dense and the fine-medium grained
materials exhibited characteristics that are indicative of liquefaction that is potentially low. The
very soft clays are highly saturated due to the high void ratio properties; however, they are
highly plastic in textural properties with low to medium pore pressure which is also indicative
of potentially low in soil liquefaction.

Page 38 of 41
Correlations of N-values with properties of granular soils (Meyerhof 1956)
Correlations with N-values for Cohesion-less Soils
N value ɸ Relative Density (%) Description
<4 25 – 30 0 Very loose
4 – 10 27 – 32 15 Loose
10 -30 30 - 35 65 Medium
30 – 50 35 – 40 85 Dense
>50 38 – 43 100 Very dense
Correlations with N-values for Cohesive Soils
N value Unconfined compression strength Textural

(kPa) Consistency
<2 <25 Very soft
2–4 25 – 40 Soft
4–8 40 - 60 Medium-firm
8 - 16 60 - 75 Stiff
16 – 32 75 - 100 Very stiff
>32 100 - 150 Hard

Page 39 of 41
APPENDICES

Page 40 of 41

18.0 Brvs-Geotech Report-Final Report

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GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Plot 121, Louis Solomon Close, Victoria Island,

CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIGERIA LIMITED

Engineers Contractors General Suppliers

website: www.chattelng.com Email: info@chattelng.com or chattel_asso@yahoo.com

BENIN RIVER VALVE STATION

Client: ELCREST EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION LIMITED

Contractor: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIGERIA LIMITED

Prepared by Checked by Approved by

1 05/04/2019 Kingsley Amede McAnthony Ogboli Levi Uba

<CONTRACTOR: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIG. LTD>

DEFININTIONS, ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS 4-5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6-7

BRIEF BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY 8

BOREHOLE & CPT FOOTPRINT MAP 8

1.1 SCOPES OF INVESTIGATION 11-12

2.0 SUB-SOIL CONDITIONS & WATER DEPTH 12-14

2.1 ABSTRACT OF FINDINGS 14

3.1 METHOD OF SOIL BORING 15-16

3.2 CONE PENETRATION TEST 16

4.0 LABORATORY TESTS 18

4.1 MOISTURE CONTENT 18

4.3 PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS 19

4.4 UNIT WEIGHT 19

4.6 UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH ON CLAY 19-20

4.7 DRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH ON SAND 20

5.0 GEOTECHNICAL DATA 22-26

6.0 FOUNDATION DISCUSSION 27

6.1 PILE FOUNDATIONS 27-31

6.1.1 Deep Foundation Recommendations 31-32

6.3 MOORING DOLPHINS 34

6.3.1 Foundation for Mooring Dolphins 35-36

6.4 SHALLOW FOUNDATION 35-36

6.5 SOIL SETTLEMENT 36

Appendix A: Dutch Cone Penetration Graphs

Appendix B: Borehole Logs

Appendix C: Laboratory Test Results

Appendix E: Pile Soil Interaction (PSI) Analysis

<CONTRACTOR: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIG. LTD>

<CONTRACTOR: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIG. LTD>

support the proposed facilities.

cone Penetrometer equipment.

foundation design parameters for ultimate foundation construction.

dense sand formation.

and its tributaries.

<CONTRACTOR: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIG. LTD>

structures that will be founded on shallow foundations, ground improvement is suggested by

with sharp sand.

<CONTRACTOR: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIG. LTD>

facility. Prior to the commencement of the construction works, detailed geotechnical

litho-stratigraphies of the area.

water depth of the midstream is approximately 4.5m.

<CONTRACTOR: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIG. LTD>

GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

namely Ogheye and Udo.

sediments of Pleistocene age according to Osukani and Abam (2004).

deposited in a typically marine environment with maximum thickness of about 6100m

blows which became impregnable after the two initial soundings.

<CONTRACTOR: CHATTEL ASSOCIATES NIG. LTD>

were transported from the site to the laboratory in a cooler.

1.1 SCOPES OF INVESTIGATION

i. Litho-logies of the boreholes to the dense region in the sub-soil.

ii. Refusal depth of in-situ penetration via the Piezocone