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PREPARED FOR
We are pleased to provide 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.
Director
Geomaterials Testing Laboratory
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS REPORT
FOR
PLOT # 426, SECTOR MB, PHASE 6C, DHA, LAHORE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General 1
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Work 1
ILLUSTRATIONS
Empirical values for , qu, Dr and unit weight of soil based on SPT Table 1
Summary of Laboratory Test Results Table 2
Boreholes Location Plan Figure 1
Simplified Subsurface Soil Profile at the Site Figure 2
Allowable Bearing Capacity Curves Figure 3
APPENDIX-A
Symbols & Legends Figure A-1
Borehole logs Figure A-2 & A-3
Particles Size Distribution Curves
Site Pictures
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PLOT # 426, SECTOR MB, PHASE 6C, DHA,
LAHORE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Mr. Irfan Raees & Others plan to construct a commercial building at Plot # 426, Sector MB,
Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore. The plot measures 16 Marla.
The geotechnical investigations at the plot were conducted through two exploratory
boreholes, each 60 ft deep below the existing ground level. The fieldwork at the site was
executed on October 24, 2023. Approximate location of each borehole is shown in Figure-1.
The primary objective of these investigations was to determine appropriate parameters for
the design of foundations of the proposed commercial building. For this purpose, the
following aspects were determined / evaluated:
The scope of work for carrying out sub-surface investigations at the site included:
1
PLOT # 426, SECTOR MB, PHASE 6C, DHA,
LAHORE
Execution of two (2) exploratory borings with hand auger and light percussion techniques
to 60 ft depth below the existing ground level.
Performance of standard penetration test (SPT) in the borehole 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 logs,
laboratory test data, and recommendations regarding allowable bearing capacity and
type/depth of foundation.
2
PLOT # 426, SECTOR MB, PHASE 6C, DHA,
LAHORE
2. EXPLORATION METHODOLOGY
The field exploration at the site was carried out through two boreholes, each 60 ft deep bored at
locations shown in Figure 1. Brief details of the investigation methodology are outlined in the
following sections:
The borings were advanced using manually operated post-hole hand auger and light
percussion techniques. Representative disturbed samples were recovered using Standard
Penetration Test (SPT) split spoon sampler in accordance with ASTM D-1586. The 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 logs presented under Appendix-A as Figure A-2 &
A-3. Legends and symbols used on the boring logs are given in Figure A-1. Soil
descriptions on the boring logs are a compilation of field and laboratory testing data. The
stratification lines represent 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 logs, in general, are based on the SPT resistance as recommended by Terzaghi
and Peck as summarized in Table 1 (Illustrations).
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.
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.
4
PLOT # 426, SECTOR MB, PHASE 6C, DHA,
LAHORE
Existing level of the plot is 1.5 ft below the adjacent road. Subsurface soil conditions at the
site disclosed by two exploratory boreholes bored at locations shown in Figure-1 indicate
that the stratigraphy, in general, consists of layers of silty clay (CL-ML), silt with sand (ML)
and sand with variable silt (SM, SP-SM, SP). The cohesive soils are in soft to stiff states of
consistency and non-cohesive soils in loose to medium dense states of compactness.
Actual thickness of each stratum and sequence along with SPT resistance (N-values) are
shown on borehole logs, Figure A-2 & A-3 (Appendix-A).
Ground Water Table (GWT) was encountered at about 48 ft depth below the existing ground
level during the period of these investigations, October 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.
11 - 32 13
The proposed commercial building has one basement and a number of storeys.
Recommendations for the design of foundations are given below:
With one basement, the footings should be placed at 11 ft depth below the road level. The
foundations (isolated/strip/raft) should be constructed as per procedure described below:
5
PLOT # 426, SECTOR MB, PHASE 6C, DHA,
LAHORE
Isolated/Strip Footings
Excavate soil over the entire area to 8 ft depth below road level. Excavate further by 3 ft
at the foot prints.
Provide a well-compacted pad of atleast 6 inch of 1:4:8 P.C.C. and the footing should
bear on this pad.
Footing
-8’0”
-11’ 0” 6” PCC
Figure 3 shows allowable bearing curves for isolated/strip footings placed on the subgrade
as described above.
Recommendations for the design of isolated and strip footings with one basement are given
below:
Raft
-11’ 0” 4” PCC
2.84
q a net
N
where,
N = SPT blows = 13
11 2.30 80
7
PLOT # 426, SECTOR MB, PHASE 6C, DHA,
LAHORE
The project area soils within 50 ft depth belong to SD profile in the light of UBC-97 and site
class ‘D’ according to IBC-2009.
Table below provides information about Soil Profile Type, Seismic Zone/factor, and
Seismic Coefficients for the project site.
8
PLOT # 426, SECTOR MB, PHASE 6C, DHA,
LAHORE
Analyses and recommendations submitted in this report are based on the results gathered
from two borings down to maximum 60 ft depth at the site. This report reflects
approximate variation between these locations.
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 (at least 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 11 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 commercial building at
Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore only. Paragraphs, statements, test results,
boring logs, diagrams etc., should not be taken out of context and should not be utilized
for any other structure at any site.
9
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
Approximate range of moist unit weight, (pcf) 70 – 100 90 – 115 110 – 130 120 – 140 130 – 150
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
Approx. range of saturated unit weight, sat (pcf) 100 – 120 100 – 130 120 – 140 130+
Table 2 SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TESTS RESULTS
15'
20'
BH-2
Shop # 428
Plaza # 425
60' Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore
BH-1
20'
15'
4
4 3
6 LEGEND
Isolated/Strip Footings
8 6 2 Sand/Silty
Raft Sand/Clayey Sand
10
7 4
10 10
12
14 8 7 Silt/Sandy Silt
16
11 10
18
Clay/Silty Clay
20
DEPTH BELOW EXISTING GROUND LEVEL (ft)
22
20 14 20 13
Fill Material
24
26
15 16
28
30
32
30 17 30 15
34
36
16 19
38
40
40 19 40 17
42
44
46
22 21
48
GWT GWT
50
52
50 20 50 19
54
56
23 23
58
60
60 22 60 25
Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore
2.60
Isolated Footings placed at 11 ft depth below Road Level
2.20
2.00
1.79
1.80 1.89
1.71 1.83 1.85
1.80
1.77 1.77
1.62 1.72
1.72
1.60 1.54
1.45
1.40
1.20
1.00
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Boulders
Silt
Clay
DS Disturbed Sample
Classification
Content (%)
Sample No.
Depth (ft)
Symbol
Legend
Description of Material SPT Blows/ft Remarks
0 50 100
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx 4
18.48 SPT-1 x x x x
CL-ML
xxxx
xxxx Dark brown, soft to firm, silty CLAY
5 xxxx
xxxx
xxxx 6
SPT-2 x x x x
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
x x 7
SPT-3
10 x x
x x
x x
x x 8
SPT-4 x x
x x
x x
15 x x 11
SPT-5 x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
SM/SP-SM/SP
20 14
SPT-6 x x
x x Dark grey, loose to medium dense, silty SAND to
x x poorly graded SAND, trace concretions
x x
x x
x x
x x
25 15
SPT-7 x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
30 17
SPT-8 x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
xx x x xx
xxxx
35 xxxx 16
CL-ML
21.13 SPT-9 x x x x
xxxx Dark brown, stiff, silty CLAY, trace concretions
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
x x
SM/SP-SM
x x
Dark grey, medium dense, silty SAND to poorly
x x
40 graded SAND 19
x x
SPT-10
x x
University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore Figure No: A-2
BOREHOLE LOG Hole No: BH-1
Project: Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore Sheet 2 of 2
Natural Moisture
Classification
Content (%)
Sample No.
Depth (ft)
Symbol
Legend
Description of Material SPT Blows/ft Remarks
0 50 100
40 x x 19
SPT-10
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
45 x x 22
SPT-11
x x
x x
x x GWT
x x
SM/SP-SM/SP
x x
50 x x Dark grey, medium dense, silty SAND to 20
SPT-12
x x poorly graded SAND
x x
x x
x x
x x
55 x x 23
SPT-13
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
60 x x 22
SPT-14
x x
END OF BOREHOLE LOG
65
70
75
80
85
90
University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore Figure No: A-3
BOREHOLE LOG Hole No: BH-2
Sheet 1 of 2
Project: Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore
Type of Boring: Hand Auger/light percussion Elevation: 1.5 ft below Road Level
Dia. Of Casing/Hole: 4" Ground Water Table: 48 ft below EGL
Date: 24/10/2023 to 24/10/2023 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
xxxx
xxxx 3
SPT-1 x x x x
CL-ML
xxxx
xxxx Dark brown, soft to very soft, silty CLAY
5 xxxx
xxxx
xxxx 2
17.24 SPT-2 x x x x
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx 4
23.37 SPT-3 x x x x Dark brown, soft, SILT with sand, trace
10 ML
concretions
x x xx
x x
x x 7
SPT-4 x x
x x
x x
15 x x 10
SPT-5 x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
20 x x 13
SPT-6 x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
SM/SP-SM/SP
x x
25 16
SPT-7 x x Dark grey, loose to medium dense, silty SAND to
x x poorly graded SAND, trace concretions
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
30 15
SPT-8 x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
35 19
SPT-9 x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
40
x x 17
SPT-10
x x
University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore Figure No: A-3
BOREHOLE LOG Hole No: BH-2
Project: Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore Sheet 2 of 2
Natural Moisture
Classification
Content (%)
Sample No.
Depth (ft)
Symbol
Legend
Description of Material SPT Blows/ft Remarks
0 50 100
40 x x 17
SPT-10
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
45 x x 21
SPT-11
x x
x x
x x GWT
x x
SM/SP-SM/SP
x x
50 x x Dark grey, medium dense, silty SAND to 19
SPT-12
x x poorly graded SAND, trace concretions
x x
x x
x x
x x
55 x x 23
SPT-13
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
60 x x 25
SPT-14
x x
END OF BOREHOLE LOG
65
70
75
80
85
90
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, %
20
10
Project: Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore
0
100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001
Particle size, mm
GRAVEL SILT & CLAY
SAND
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, %
50
BH-1, SPT-12, Depth 50 ft
40
BH-1, SPT-14, Depth 60 ft
30
20
10
Project: Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore
0
100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001
Particle size, mm
GRAVEL SILT & CLAY
SAND
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, %
20
10
Project: Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore
0
100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001
Particle size, mm
GRAVEL SILT & CLAY
SAND
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-2, SPT-11, Depth 45 ft
50
30
20
10
Project: Plot # 426, Sector MB, Phase 6C, DHA, Lahore
0
100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001
Particle size, mm
GRAVEL SILT & CLAY
SAND
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