GS5685 Lot 3694 - Abbasieh - GEOTECHNICAL REPORT01

GEOSCIENCE ENGINEERING
GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES
LOT 3694 ABBASIEH - LEBANON
GEOTECHNICAL SURVEY
SOIL INVESTIGANTION REPORT
LOT 3694 ABBASIEH
South Lebanon
JULY 2019
Cell: +961 76 885 883 I Fax: +961 7 349885|Tel: +961 7 349885 | P.O.Box: 296, Beirut - Tyre, Lebanon|
Email: info@geoscience.co |Web site: geoscience.co
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This geotechnical executive summary should be used in conjunction with the entire report for design and/or
construction purposes. It should be recognized that specific details were not included or fully developed in this section,
and the report must be read in its entirety for a comprehensive understanding of the following items.
Subject: Geotechnical Investigation on plot no. 3694Abbasieh, South Lebanon
Project Description: The development project includes construction of a Residential Building.
This structure will have in-situ reinforced concrete framed structures. The bottom-of-foundations
(BOF) level established was not reached prior to the present investigation.
Scope of Works: Drilling 3 boreholes for 10.00m depth at max at specific locations within the footprint area of
structure.
Continuous coring and in-situ testing
Cavity detection campaign

Laboratory testing of selected samples and engineering evaluation.
Preparation of the report on geotechnical investigation including the interpretation of
collected data, analysis and recommendations regarding the geotechnical aspects for
including the assessment of the overall slope stability.
Period of Site Works: July 2019
Geological Setting: The Lebanon area has been divided since antiquity into three NNE-SSW aligned zones. From
west to east these are: a) Mount Lebanon; b) the elevated upland basin of the Bekaa; and c)
the Anti-Lebanon Range, which includes Mount Hermon at its southern end. These mountain
ranges are major uplifts, with Late Cretaceous rocks forming the highest point of Mount
Lebanon at 3,088 m, and Middle Jurassic rocks forming the summit of Mount Hermon at 2,814
m. These three mesostructural features correspond, in essence, to two Jurassic cored
anticlinoria, separated by a Neogene-infilled Bekaa synclinorium. Both the coastline and the
narrow continental shelf of Lebanon follow the NNE-SSW trend of these structures, with the main
departures from this apparently fault controlled. The narrow width of the continental shelf and
the rapid descent to water depths of over 1,500 m suggest strongly that the crust offshore
Lebanon is oceanic. Unfortunately, confirmation of the nature or age of such crust is not
available but on regional tectonic considerations a date of Triassic to Jurassic seems probable.
Stratigraphic Profile: Layer 1:
Top soil materials: Made of backfil, loose soil and gravel (0.00-3.00m)
Layer 2:
Made of dense silty clayey SAND.

(3.00-10.00-10.00m).
Note: A complete description of the subsurface formations and depths is included in Section in
Appendix D.
Ground water: Ground water was encountered within the drilled depths of all boreholes at -5.00m during the
period of site investigation.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
A raft foundation on 50cm compactable at the anticipated BOF level is recommended. The bearing layer which is in
direct contact with the BOF consists of dense silty clayey SAND (layer 2).
Net allowable bearing capacity: qnet,all ≈ 140 kPa (Layer 2).

A raft foundation on 50cm compactable basecoarse layer is recommended due to the existing saturated weak soil
nature at the BOF and in order to provide a rigid scheme for the structure against lateral soil pressures and / or seismic
forces. A one-third increase of qnet, all may be used for wind or seismic loads in a simple pseudo-static analysis.
Total settlements of the footings are estimated to be of value 45 mm which is quite tolerable according to current
building codes (less than 50 mm).
Subgrade moduli for the structural design of the FOOTING:
KS,M ≈ 16,285 kN/m3
A woven mesh drapery system or thick nylon sheets should be placed and well-fixed over the exposed faces of the
excavation in order to protect the construction workers from the potential fall of small rock wedges and cobbles /
boulders, and to provide a surface protection against water during rainy periods.
The chemical exposure for underground concrete is very low and normal Portland cement - Type I (ASTM C150) can be
used. Minimum concrete covers of 75 mm and 50 mm are recommended for the steel reinforcement of the footing
and basement walls, respectively.
Seismic zone factor Z = 0.25, soil profile type SD corresponding to a ‘Stiff Profile’. The shear wave velocity Vs at the site is
between 180 m/sec to 360 m/sec.
The seismic coefficients are: Ca = 0.32 and Cv = 0.47 according to UBC (1997). The potential for liquefaction and/or
ground subsidence is to be considered in such soil.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. GENERAL LOCATION AND PROJECT ELEMENTS
3. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY
4. FIELD INVESTIGATION AND LABORATORY TESTING
5. LITHOFACIES AND GEOTECHNICAL MAPPING UNITS (GMU)
6. FOUNDATION BEARING
7. ESTIMATION OF THE SETTELMENT
8. SEISMIC FIGURES
9. RECOMMENDATION
10. BACKFILL
11. GENERAL PROVISION
12. VARIABILITY IN SUBSURFACE CONDITION
APPENDICES
A: STRATGRAPHY
B: PHOTOSHOTS
C: LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
D: BOREHOLES LOG
E: GEOLOGICAL SECTION
To the kind attention of the project manager:
Reference to your kind request dated on July 2019 and to our site investigation the
present report summarizes the work performed and presents all geotechnical and soil
mechanics data, guidelines and recommendation for design of the foundation and
protection recommendations.
1. INTRODUCTION:
Based on the historical information and background related to the subject project, we
have noted:
1.1 The future project will consist of the construction of a building located on lot No. 3694
Abbasieh, South Lebanon.
1.2 The project site consisted of a horizontal platform land and surrounded by an
adjacent similar lands and main road.
1.3 The site should be excavated to the level of the actual foundations of the basement
level.
1.4 The purpose of this exploration is to determine the geotechnical data and
engineering properties of the soil foundation underlying the site.
1.5 The investigation is in continuity through and after completion the excavation.
2. GENERAL LOCATION AND PROJECT ELEMENTS:
The information given by the project engineer and the visit to the site shows that the lot is
limited by existing roads, building and similar virgin lands.
The future project will consist of the construction of a building having:
 Basement floor
 Ground floor
 Mezzanine floor
 Three typical floors
3. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS STUDY:
The purpose of this study was to perform a geotechnical investigation at the project site
to explore the subsurface stratigraphy and to develop foundation design and protection
recommendations.
To accomplish this purpose, the study will be conducted through the following sequences:
3.1 Studying the general geology of the area to obtain geological information of the
site.
3.2 Boring of 3 boreholes of 10meters depth at max to collect samples for laboratory
testing.
3.3 Performing series of laboratory tests to determine pertinent engineering and index
properties of the subsurface materials encountered on site
3.4 Analyzing the field and laboratory data to develop foundation design and
protection recommendations.
4. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS AND LABORATORY TESTING:
Boring:
Boring operations were carried out using a soil rig to take samples for laboratory testing.
Laboratory Testing:
Laboratory tests were performed on selected samples collected across the whole depth
of the excavations during the field investigation.
Phase of this study to verify field classification and estimate the index and engineering
properties of subsurface materials. All tests were conducted in general accordance with
current applicable A.S.T.M procedures
Shearing Box Test:

The Shear box test to be carried out on soil samples to evaluate by the line tangent for
these circles more, the angle interior friction Ø and the Cohesion soil C.
Sieve Analysis Test:

A sieve analysis (or gradation test) is a practice or procedure used (commonly used
in civil engineering) to assess the particle size distribution (also called gradation) of a
granular material by allowing the material to pass through a series of sieves of
progressively smaller mesh size and weighing the amount of material that is stopped by
each sieve as a fraction of the whole mass.
Atterberg limits Test:

Atterberg limits is a basic measure of the critical water content of fine-grained soils. These
tests include shrinkage limit, plastic limit, and liquid limit, which are outlined in ASTM D4943.
Depending on the water content of a soil, it may appear in four states: solid, semi-solid,
plastic and liquid.
Point Load Index Test:

The Point Load Test is primarily an index test for strength classification of rock materials. This
instrument is mainly intended for field measurements on rock specimens but it can also be
used in the laboratory. The results of the test may also be used to predict the uniaxial
compressive strength of rock from correlations.
Sand Equivalent
The sand equivalent test quantifies the relative abundance of sand versus clay in soil. It is
measured by standardized test methods such as ASTM D2419, AASHTO T176, and EN 933-8.
The test is used to qualify aggregates for applications where sand is desirable but fines
and dust are not
Water Level Measurement:

The samples were moist and ground water infiltration was not encountered at the site
during the investigation period.
Borehole No. 1 2 3 4
Borehole Ground Level m 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Water Table Level m -5.00
Maximum Boring Depth m 10
5. LITHO-FACIES AND GEO-TECHNICAL MAPPING UNITS:
The examination of samples provides the source of surficial identification of the various
litho-logic and geo-technical mapping unit of the site.
The litho-facies are characterized by spatial variation, pinching and inter-bedding which
is expected for the corresponding sedimentary environments.
The overall composite features of these units are as follows:
 Backfill material/Top soil: (0.00-3.00)

 Made of dense silty clayey SAND is encountered between 3.00-10.00m.
6. FOUNDATION BEARING:
The general equation for bearing capacity by Meyer-hoff is:
qa =((m1 x m2) / kh) x (Nj x b x g x α + Nq x h x g x α + Nc x C - g x α x h0))
Where;
- m1 a coefficient = 1.1
- m2 a coefficient = 1
- kh a coefficient = 1
-g = Force of gravity
-c = Cohesion of soil
-α = Density of soil
- h = Depth of foundation.
-b = Width of footing
- Nj, Nq, Nc = Bearing capacity parameters.
Allowable Bearing Cohesion Angle of Subgrade modulus

Capacity
Layers (m) (KG/SQCM) (TONS/SQM) Friction (°) (KN/M3)
Top Soil
- - - -
(2.50-1.00)
Clay to Marlstone
1.40 2.0 12 16285
(2.50- 10.00m)
7. ESTIMATION OF THE SETTLEMENT:
Given the depth of the excavation (pressure release) anticipated and the nature of the
bearing stratum, we anticipate settlement of 45mm at maximum, a value that is
acceptable as per relevant standards.
8. SEISMIC FORCES AND DAMAGE POTENTIAL
While it is believed that the bedrock in Lebanon is often shallow, and hence
round motion amplification due to loose soil deposits may not be significant, most
areas offer a great diversity of soil types and could be a potential location of
earthquake inducing structural damage or foundation failure.
A primary urge would be to evaluate the importance of the geological formations

and soil deposits at the project location with respect to performance during
earthquakes (magnification, liquefaction potential, and landslides). Geological
maps available for the area are used and evaluated for this purpose.
From the point of view of safety against building damage, the significant effects
of earthquakes are the forces they induce on structures of all types and the effects
of these forces on structural performance. Based on limited resources, the following
seismic considerations for design purposed can be assigned
Lebanon is a moderate seismic hazard country.
The peak ground surface acceleration is approximately 0.25g
(where g is gravity acceleration)
According to UBC-1997, the soil of the SD type.
Soil Profile: Stiff Soil
Ca = 0.32
Cv = 0.47
The shear wave velocity Vs at the site is between 180 m/sec to 360 m/sec.
9. RECOMMENDATIONS:
Based on the findings of this study and to the calculation of the allowable
bearing capacity and TERZAGHI METHOD, we can recommend the following:
9.1 The footing should be consisted of raft type on 50cm compactable

basecoarse layer at the excavated basement foundation level.
9.2 A shoring system is not recommended for the construction of one
basement floor given that the shear cut can be made with 45 degrees
from the vertical line and available offset from adjacent borders.
9.3 For the site, the recommended allowable bearing capacity at foundation
level should not exceed 1.40 kg/cm2 in saturated condition.
9.4 Drainage system should be used at the periphery sides to evacuate the
water in filtration outside the lot.
9.5 Where level of excavation is taking place within the construction depth,
we recommend installation of a dewatering system to release the water
pressure of the water table and avoid uplifting of structure.
9.6 We recommend providing a structural expansion joints between areas
which is not uniformly loaded to avoid differential settlement between
these areas.
9.7 The concrete mix should be designed using water /cement ratio not
greater than 0.5 and concrete should be densified using vibrator.
9.8 Cover over reinforcement bars should not be less than 50mm in all under-
ground concrete elements.
9.9 We recommend the joint of the reinforced bars is not less than 80 Ф as
minimum.
9.10 We recommend Building shear walls in two directions and joint these walls
by diaphragms to the elevator.
9.11 We recommend building corner columns into both directions at extra of

1% minimum of steel area must be used at these columns.
10. BACKFILL:
Materials of high shear strength unaffected by changes in moisture content, strong

durable rocks, and gravel, medium and coarse sand are suitable as a fill under any
circumstances.
Fill materials should be free from organic matters and debris and have the following
approximate properties:
10.1 Plasticity index shall not exceed 6%.
10.2 Liquid limit shall not exceed 18%.
10.3 A minimum dry density of backfill 1.95g/cm3.
10.4 The maximum thickness of compacted layers should not exceed 20cm.
When compaction is required, compaction operations must be intensive and performed

by 3 tones steel roller with vibrator.
11. GENERAL PROVISIONS:
The following provisions should be adopted systematically during work:
11.1 Drainage system should be provided on the periphery sides especially at the upper
level to intercept any unexpected water, which can produce a significant
reduction of the bearing capacity.
11.2 All foundations and underground works should be executed in dry conditions and
finished in ex-rainy seasons.
11.3 After the completion of excavation, all possible pockets should be removed and
replaced by more selective compactable materials.
11.4 Excavation at foundation levels should be even surface. (Leveled)
11.5 Lean concrete layer of 10cm thickness should be provided below footing base.
11.6 Water proofing system is recommended on all buried structural elements.
11.7 We recommend that continuous on site surveillance of foundation and retaining

walls construction activities be performed to verify that the technical consideration
contained in this report are achieved. Such program should include observations of
the contractor’s procedures and testing of construction materials with the
requirements of international standards as A.S.T.M.
12. Variability in Subsurface Conditions:
Subsurface conditions encountered during construction may vary somewhat from the
conditions disclosed by testing performed for this study.
Foundation design and construction recommendation presented in this report are based
upon soil types and densities encountered in testing for this study.
If significant variations should become evident during construction, we request that we

be notified in order that we can appraise the effect of the variations on the foundation
analyses and design criteria presented in this report.

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GEOSCIENCE ENGINEERING

SOIL INVESTIGANTION REPORT

LOT 3694 ABBASIEH

Subject: Geotechnical Investigation on plot no. 3694Abbasieh, South Lebanon

Project Description: The development project includes construction of a Residential Building.

Cavity detection campaign

Period of Site Works: July 2019

Stratigraphic Profile: Layer 1:

Made of dense silty clayey SAND.

Net allowable bearing capacity: qnet,all ≈ 140 kPa (Layer 2).

Subgrade moduli for the structural design of the FOOTING:

KS,M ≈ 16,285 kN/m3

To the kind attention of the project manager:

Abbasieh, South Lebanon.

adjacent similar lands and main road.

engineering properties of the soil foundation underlying the site.

2. GENERAL LOCATION AND PROJECT ELEMENTS:

3. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS STUDY:

properties of the subsurface materials encountered on site

4. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS AND LABORATORY TESTING:

Shearing Box Test:

Sieve Analysis Test:

Atterberg limits Test:

Point Load Index Test:

Water Level Measurement:

Borehole Ground Level m 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Water Table Level m -5.00

Maximum Boring Depth m 10

5. LITHO-FACIES AND GEO-TECHNICAL MAPPING UNITS:

The overall composite features of these units are as follows:

 Backfill material/Top soil: (0.00-3.00)

The general equation for bearing capacity by Meyer-hoff is:

qa =((m1 x m2) / kh) x (Nj x b x g x α + Nq x h x g x α + Nc x C - g x α x h0))

- Nj, Nq, Nc = Bearing capacity parameters.

Allowable Bearing Cohesion Angle of Subgrade modulus

7. ESTIMATION OF THE SETTLEMENT:

8. SEISMIC FORCES AND DAMAGE POTENTIAL

A primary urge would be to evaluate the importance of the geological formations

Lebanon is a moderate seismic hazard country.

The peak ground surface acceleration is approximately 0.25g

(where g is gravity acceleration)

According to UBC-1997, the soil of the SD type.

Soil Profile: Stiff Soil

9.1 The footing should be consisted of raft type on 50cm compactable

9.11 We recommend building corner columns into both directions at extra of

Materials of high shear strength unaffected by changes in moisture content, strong

10.1 Plasticity index shall not exceed 6%.

10.2 Liquid limit shall not exceed 18%.

10.3 A minimum dry density of backfill 1.95g/cm3.

When compaction is required, compaction operations must be intensive and performed

11. GENERAL PROVISIONS:

The following provisions should be adopted systematically during work:

11.4 Excavation at foundation levels should be even surface. (Leveled)

11.6 Water proofing system is recommended on all buried structural elements.

11.7 We recommend that continuous on site surveillance of foundation and retaining

12. Variability in Subsurface Conditions:

If significant variations should become evident during construction, we request that we

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