GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT

PREPARED FOR

PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,

DHA, LAHORE

Department of Transportation Engineering and Management

University of Engineering and Technology,
Lahore – Pakistan
 Department of Transportation
Engineering and Management

University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore – 54890, (Pakistan)

Phone: (042) 99029125 Fax :(042) 99250202

No. Univ/DTEM/ Dated: 24-11-2023

Mr. Sikander Lalani

Subject: GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT FOR 10 MARLA

PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7, DHA, LAHORE

We are pleased to enclose two copies of the subject report which includes field as well as
laboratory determinations of soil characteristics and foundation design recommendations.

It is hoped that the investigation results presented in this report will provide all the necessary
information for the design and construction of foundations of the proposed house.

In case there is any query, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

(Dr. Zia ur Rehman)

Director
Geomaterials Testing Laboratory
 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS REPORT
FOR
PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7, DHA, LAHORE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General 1
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Work 1

Chapter 2 EXPLORATION METHODOLOGY

2.1 Exploratory Boring and Sampling 3
2.2 Laboratory Testing 3

Chapter 3 GEOTECHNICAL EVALUATIONS AND FOUNDATION DESIGN

RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Geotechnical Evaluations 5

3.2 Foundation Design Recommendations 5
3.3 Coefficient of Earth Pressure 8
3.4 Backfill under Floors and Walkways 8
3.5 Seismic Zone 8

Chapter 4 GENERAL COMMENTS AND LIMITATIONS 9

ILLUSTRATIONS
Empirical values for , qu, Dr and unit weight of soil based on SPT Table 1
Summary of Laboratory Test Results Table 2
Borehole Location Plan Figure 1
Simplified Subsurface Soil Profile at the Site Figure 2
Allowable Bearing Capacity Curves for Footings Figures 3 & 4

APPENDIX-A
Symbols & Legends Figure A-1
Borehole log Figure A-2
Particles Size Distribution Curves
Site Pictures

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 PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,
DHA, LAHORE

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS REPORT

FOR
PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7, DHA, LAHORE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

Mr. Sikander Lalani plans to construct residential building at Plot # 3346/7, Sector Y, Phase
7, DHA, Lahore. The plot measures 10 Marla.

The Geomaterials Testing Laboratory of Department of Transportation Engineering and

Management, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore were engaged by
the Client to carry out subsurface soil investigations at the plot.

The geotechnical investigations at the plot were conducted through one exploratory
borehole, 30 ft deep below the existing ground level. The fieldwork at the site was executed
on November 22, 2023. Approximate location of the borehole is shown in Figure-1.

1.2 Purpose and Scope of Work

The primary objective of these investigations was to determine appropriate parameters for
the design of foundations of the proposed house. For this purpose, the following aspects
were determined / evaluated:

a) Subsurface stratigraphy within the limits of exploratory boring.

b) Geotechnical characteristics of the subsurface materials (strata) encountered.

c) Evaluation of subsurface soil parameters, recommendations for appropriate type of

foundations and allowable bearing capacity values to be used in the design of
foundations of the proposed house.

The scope of work for carrying out sub-surface investigations at the site included:

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PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,
DHA, LAHORE

 Execution of one exploratory boring with hand auger technique to 30 ft depth below the
existing ground level.
 Performance of standard penetration test (SPT) in the boreholes at 3 ft interval up to 15 ft
depth and thereafter at every 5 ft interval down to the investigated depth.
 Soil sampling with appropriate sampling techniques, sample preservation and
transportation to the testing laboratory.
 Performance of laboratory tests on selected soil samples in accordance with relevant
ASTM standard method.
 Preparation of geotechnical investigation report, which include subsurface boring log,
laboratory test data, and recommendations regarding allowable bearing capacity and
type/depth of foundation.

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 PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,
DHA, LAHORE

2. EXPLORATION METHODOLOGY

The field exploration at the site was carried out through one borehole, 30 ft deep at a location
shown in Figure 1. Brief details of the investigation methodology are outlined in the following
sections:

2.1 Exploratory Boring & Sampling

The boring was advanced using manually operated post-hole hand auger technique.
Representative disturbed samples were recovered using Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
split spoon sampler in accordance with ASTM D-1586. SPT’s were conducted at 3 ft
interval up to 15 ft depth and thereafter at every 5 ft interval to the final depth investigated.

Detailed description of the sub-surface soils encountered and the depth at which samples
were procured are shown on the borehole log presented under Appendix-A as Figure A-2.
Legends and symbols used on the boring log are given in Figure A-1. Soil descriptions on
the boring log are a compilation of field and laboratory testing data. The stratification lines
represent the approximate boundary between soil types, and transitions may be assumed
gradual.

Estimates of relative density of granular soils and consistency of the cohesive soils given on
the boring log, in general, are based on the SPT resistance as recommended by Terzaghi and
Peck as summarized in Table 1 (Illustrations).

2.2 Laboratory Testing

Selected representative subsoil samples were tested in the laboratory to determine the
physical and engineering characteristics of the subsoils. The following tests were conducted
according to standard methods.

 Grain Size Analysis

 Atterberg Limits (LL and PL)
 Natural Moisture Content

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PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,
DHA, LAHORE

A summary of laboratory test results is presented in Table 2 under Illustrations. Using grain
size analyses and Atterberg limits, soils were classified according to the Unified Soil
Classification System (USCS), ASTM-2487.

The grain size distribution curves of the selected soil samples are presented in Appendix-A
following the boring logs.

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 PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,
DHA, LAHORE

3. GEOTECHNICAL EVALUATIONS AND FOUNDATION DESIGN

RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Geotechnical Evaluations

Existing level of the plot is about 1 ft below the adjacent road. Subsurface soil conditions at
the site disclosed by one exploratory borehole bored at a location shown in Figure-1 indicate
that the stratigraphy, in general, consists of layers of silty clay (CL-ML), non-plastic silt
(ML) and sand with variable silt (SM, SP-SM, SP). The cohesive soils are in very soft to
firm states of consistency and non-cohesive soils in medium dense state of compactness.

Actual thickness of each stratum along with SPT resistance (N-values) is shown on borehole
log, Figure A-2 (Appendix-A).

Figure 2 (Illustrations) represents simplified subsurface soil profile at the site.

Ground Water Table (GWT) was not encountered within 30 ft depth below the existing
ground level during the period of these investigations, November 2023.

Basic subsurface soil design parameters for use in the geotechnical design of footings have
been derived from field/laboratory testing, latest literature and using expert judgment and
are presented in the following table.

Depth of footing
Angle of Internal
below road level Cohesion (tsf) SPT blows
Friction (Deg.)
(ft)

2.5 0.25 - 05
10 0.25 - 05

3.2 Foundation Design Recommendations

There may be two levels of foundations, one without basement and other with basement at
the project site. Recommendations for each case are given below:

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PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,
DHA, LAHORE

WITHOUT BASEMENT

Keeping in view the subsurface soil condition at the site, the proposed building can be
supported on strip/stepped or isolated footings placed at 2.5 ft depth below the road level.
The foundations should be constructed as per procedure described below:

 Excavate soil at the footprint of the footings up to 3.5 ft depth below the road level.

 Proof roll foundation sub-grade using appropriate compaction equipment.

 Provide 8 inch thick layer of mixture of sand (70%) + gravel (30%), compacted to dry
density not less than 95% Modified Proctor.

 Provide a well-compacted pad of atleast 4 inch of 1:4:8 PCC.

 Construct footings on the PCC pad.

Figure below represents schematic sketch showing sequence of foundation construction at

the project site.

Not to Scale
0’ 0” Existing Road Level
Footing
-1’ 0” Existing Ground Level

-2’ 6” 4” PCC
-3’ 6”
8 inch thick engineered fill

Schematic Sketch Showing Foundation Construction

Using parameters defined in Chapter-3, bearing capacity analysis has been carried out. Figure
3 presents allowable bearing capacity (ABC) curves for isolated and strip footings of various
sizes placed at 2.5 ft depth below the road level.

With the provision of engineered fill, the recommendations for the design of isolated and
strip footings are given below:

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PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,
DHA, LAHORE

Depth below road level Net allowable bearing capacity (tsf)

(ft) Isolated Strip
2.5 0.70 0.70

WITH BASEMENT

With one basement, the footings are likely to be placed at 10 ft depth below the road level.
The foundation should be constructed as per procedure described below:

 Excavate soil over the entire area having basement to 7.0 ft depth below the road level.
Excavate further by 3 ft at the foot prints.

 Proof roll foundation sub-grade using appropriate compaction equipment.

 Provide a well-compacted pad of atleast 4 inch of 1:4:8 PCC.

 Construct footings on the PCC pad.

Figure below represents schematic sketch showing sequence of foundation construction at

the project site.

0’ 0” Existing Road Level

Not to Scale
Existing Ground Level
-1’ 0”
Footing

-7’ 0”

-10’ 0” 4” PCC

Schematic Sketch Showing Foundation Construction

Using parameters defined in Chapter-3, bearing capacity analysis has been performed. Figure
4 presents allowable bearing capacity (ABC) curves for isolated and strip footings of various
sizes placed at 10 ft depth below the road level.

Recommendations for isolated and strip footings are given below:

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 PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,
DHA, LAHORE

Depth below road level Gross allowable bearing capacity (tsf)

(ft) Isolated Strip

10 0.90 0.90

3.3 Coefficient of Earth Pressure

Basement walls (if any) are restrained walls and should be designed for pressure at rest. At
rest earth pressure coefficient (Ko) = 0.65 is recommended to be adopted for the design of
retaining walls (considering angle of internal friction of 20 degrees).

3.4 Backfill under Floors and Walkways

The cohesive material that would result from excavation is not suitable as backfill material.
It is recommended to use granular material as backfill under floors and walkways. It must be
placed in layers of thickness appropriate to the size and type of the compaction equipment to
be used. The minimum compaction level recommended under walkways and floors is 90%
Modified Proctor.

3.5 Seismic Zone

On the basis of Revised Seismic Provisions (2007) of Building Code of Pakistan, the city of
Lahore falls in Zone-2A, which corresponds to horizontal peak ground acceleration (PGA)
of 0.08g to 0.16g.

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PLOT # 3346/7, SECTOR Y, PHASE 7,
DHA, LAHORE

4. GENERAL COMMENTS AND LIMITATIONS

 Analyses and recommendations submitted in this report are based on the results gathered
from one boring bored to maximum 30 ft depth at the site. This report reflects
approximate variation within the plot.

 Experienced Engineer should observe construction activities to check that the works are
performed in accordance with the plans and specifications. Field and laboratory tests
should be performed to confirm that the compaction of earth work meet the required
specifications.

 Appropriate surface drainage should be ensured in the project area and the area should be
graded to keep surface runoff away from the structure.

 Plinth protection slab (atleast 3 ft) sloping away from the structure should be provided all
around the building to reduce ingress of water to foundation soils.

 While excavating, proper protection should be provided to the walls of the excavation
and safety of the adjacent structures (if any) should be ensured. Excavation to 10 ft depth
below road level may be carried out with vertical face for a limited period of time.

 During wet/rainy season, necessary precautions must be observed not to let the surface
water/rain water go into the excavations. Adequate provision should be kept to protect the
excavation slopes against the rains by tarpaulins.

 If there is a substantial lapse of time between submission of this report and start of work
at the site and conditions have changed due either to natural causes or to construction
operation at or adjacent to site, we urge that we be promptly informed and retained to
review our report to determine the applicability of the conclusions and recommendations,
considering the changed conditions and/or time lapse.

 This report has been prepared for the design of foundations of House at Plot # 3346/7,
Sector Y, Phase 7, DHA, Lahore only. Paragraphs, statements, test results, boring log,
diagrams etc., should not be taken out of context and should not be utilized for any other
structure at any site.

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 Table 1 Empirical values for , qu, Dr and unit weight of soils based on the SPT

GRANULAR SOILS
Description Very Loose Loose Medium Dense Very Dense

Relative density, Dr 0 – 0.15 0.15 – 0.35 0.35 – 0.65 0.65 – 0.85 0.85 – 1.00

Standard Penetration Test value, N 0–4 5 – 10 11 – 30 31 – 50 51 – UP

Approximate angle of internal friction,  (degree) 25 – 28 28 – 30 30 – 35 35 – 40 40 – 43

Approximate range of moist unit weight,  (pcf) 70 – 100 90 – 115 110 – 130 120 – 140 130 – 150

Submerged unit weight, sub 60 55 – 65 60 – 70 65 – 85 85

COHESIVE SOILS
Description Very Soft Soft Firm Stiff Very Stiff Hard

Unconfined compressive strength, qu (tsf) 0 – 0.25 0.25 – 0.5 0.5 – 1.0 1.0 – 2.0 2.0 – 4.0 4.0 – UP

Standard Penetration Test value, N 0–2 3–4 5–8 9 – 16 17 – 32 33 – UP

Approx. range of saturated unit weight, sat (pcf) 100 – 120 100 – 130 120 – 140 130+
 Table 2 SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TESTS RESULTS

Project: Plot # 3346/7, Sector Y, Phase 7, DHA, Lahore

Sheet 1 of 1
Natural Classification
Particle Size Distribution Atterberg Limits Soil Description
Sample Depth Moisture Liquidity Symbol
BH #
# (ft) Content Gravel Sand Silt & LL PL Index
PI ASTM D2487
(%) (%) (%) Clay (%) (%) (%)

SPT-1 3 23.65 7 7 86 27.6 21.7 5.9 0.33 CL-ML Silty Clay

SPT-3 9 27.35 0 2 98 ML Non plastic Silt

1
SPT-4 12 29.38 5 3 93 26.3 20.9 5.5 1.54 CL-ML Silty Clay

SPT-7 25 3 77 21 SM Silty Sand

 Plot # 3337
35'

30'

17'
65' BH-1
House # 3346/6 Plot # 3345

Plot # 3346/7, Sector Y, Phase

8C, DHA, Lahore

Road
7
SCALE 1'-0"= 64 "
FIGURE 1 BOREHOLE LOCATION PLAN
 Road Level BH‐1
0

1 0

3 LEGEND

4 3 Sand/Silty
Sand/Clayey Sand
5

6 5
Silt/Sandy Silt
7 6
8

9
Clay/Silty Clay
10 6
DEPTH BELOW EXISTING GROUND LEVEL (ft)

11 10

12 Fill Material

13 5
14

15

16 15 2
17

18

19

20

21 20 11
22

23

24

25

26 25 13
27

28

29

30

31 30 17
Plot # 3346/7, Sector Y, Phase 7, DHA, Lahore

FIGURE 2 SIMPLIFIED SUBSURFACE SOIL PROFILES AT THE SITE

 Project: Plot # 3346/7, Sector Y, Phase 7, DHA, Lahore

1.00
Isolated Footings placed at 2.5 ft depth below Road Level

Strip Footings placed at 2.5 ft depth below Road Level

0.90
NET ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY (tsf)

0.80

0.70
0.64
0.63
0.61 0.60 0.60 0.59 0.58
0.60 0.58 0.57
0.60
0.56
0.50 0.54
0.52 0.51

0.40

0.30

0.20
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

FOUNDATION WIDTH (ft)

Figure 3 Allowable Bearing Capacity Curves for Footings

 Project: Plot # 3346/7, Sector Y, Phase 7, DHA, Lahore

1.20
Isolated Footings placed at 10 ft depth below Road Level

Strip Footings placed at 10 ft depth below Road Level

1.10
GROSS ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY (tsf)

1.00
0.94
0.90 0.92
0.90
0.89
0.90 0.88 0.88
0.86 0.87 0.86
0.86
0.83
0.81
0.80
0.80

0.70

0.60

0.50
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

FOUNDATION WIDTH (ft)

Figure 4 Allowable Bearing Capacity Curves for Footings

 LEGENDS AND SYMBOLS FIGURE # A-1

Boulders

Sand & Gravels

Silt

Clay

SPT Standard Penetration Test

UDS Undisturbed Sample

DS Disturbed Sample

GWT Ground Water Table

 UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, LAHORE Figure No: A-2
BOREHOLE LOG Hole No: BH-1
Sheet 1 of 1
Project: Plot # 3346/7, Sector Y, Phase 7, DHA, Lahore
Type of Boring: Hand Auger Elevation: 1 ft below Road Level
Dia. Of Casing/Hole: 4" Ground Water Table: N/A
Date: 22/11/2023 to 22/11/2023 Geologist: Tauqeer Ahmad
Natural Moisture

Classification
Content (%)

Sample No.
Depth (ft)

Symbol
Legend
Description of Material SPT Blows/ft Remarks

0 50 100
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
CL-ML

xxxx
xxxx Dark brown, soft, silty CLAY, trace concretions 3
23.65 SPT-1 xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
5 xxxx
xxxx
xxxx 6
SPT-2
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx ML Dark brown, firm, non plastic silt 6
27.35 SPT-3 xxxx
10
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx 5
xxxx
CL-ML

29.38 SPT-4 xxxx

xxxx Dark brown, firm, silty CLAY, trace concretions
xxxx
xxxx
15 xxxx 2
SPT-5 xxxx ML Dark brown, very soft, non plastic silt
xxxx
xxxx
x x
x x
x x
x x
20 x x 11
SPT-6
x x
x x
x x
SM/SP-SM/SP

x x
x x Dark grey, medium dense, silty SAND to poorly
x x graded SAND, trace concretions
25 x x 13
SPT-7 x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
30 x x 17
SPT-8 x x
END OF BOREHOLE LOG

35

40
 UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, LAHORE
(PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION CURVES)
No.4 No. 10 No. 40 No. 200
100

90

80

70
Percent finer by weight, %

60 BH-1, SPT-1, Depth 3 ft

BH-1, SPT-3, Depth 9 ft

50

BH-1, SPT-4, Depth 12 ft

40
BH-1, SPT-7, Depth 25 ft
30

20

10
Project: Plot # 3346/7, Sector Y, Phase 7, DHA, Lahore
0
100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001
Particle size, mm
GRAVEL SILT & CLAY
SAND
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