Q1 (part A)

Scope of Work:

• Site reconnaissance and review of available background information

• Field investigation including boreholes and sampling
• Laboratory testing of soil samples
• Preparation of a geotechnical report summarizing the findings and recommendations
• Assessing soil properties, bearing capacity, and potential geohazards.

Mode of Payment:

• 50% upfront payment upon acceptance of quotation

• 50% balance payment due upon completion of fieldwork

Work Schedule:

• Fieldwork to commence within 1 week of contract signing.

• Field investigation and sampling to be completed within 2 weeks.
• Laboratory testing and analysis to be conducted within 3 weeks.
• Final geotechnical report to be submitted within 1 week after the completion of
laboratory analysis.
Turnaround Time (TAT):
• Total turnaround time: 12 weeks from the commencement of fieldwork.
 Q1 (part B)
Method Description Suitability
- Cost-effective - Provides valuable
Standard Penetration Driving a standard sampler into information on soil stratigraphy and relative
Test (SPT) soil with a 140-pound hammer density

Pushing a cone penetrometer - Provides continuous measurements of soil

Cone Penetration Test into the ground at a constant properties with depth - Particularly useful in
(CPT) rate cohesive soils and soft ground conditions

Applying a gradually
increasing load to a steel plate - Directly measures the bearing capacity of
Plate Load Test placed at foundation level the soil - Useful for design verification

Standard Consolidation Applying a constant load to a - Useful for cohesive soils to determine
Test soil sample in a consolidometer compressibility and settlement characteristics

Shear Strength Tests Applying shear stress to soil

(Direct Shear, Triaxial samples in controlled - Provides fundamental data on soil strength
Shear) laboratory conditions properties - Interpretation can be complex
 Q1 (part C)
Criteria Description Impact on Foundation Selection

From
Geotechnical
Report

The maximum weight the soil - Shallow foundations (strip/spread footings) for
Soil Bearing can safely support without high bearing capacity. - Deep foundations
Capacity excessive settlement. (piles/piers) for weak soils or heavy structures.

- Sandy soils generally good, clays can be

The type of soil (sand, clay, etc.) problematic. - Foundation type needs to be
Soil Type and its properties. compatible with soil behavior.

- High water table reduces bearing capacity and

Groundwater The depth of the water table introduces challenges. - Foundation needs to
Level underground. perform well in saturated conditions if necessary.

Presence of slopes, nearby

structures, or underground - Foundation design needs to consider stability and
Site Conditions utilities. potential interactions with site features.

From Proposed
Structure

The total weight of the building,

including walls, floors, and live - Foundation needs sufficient capacity to handle
Structural Loads loads. the total structural load.

- Taller structures require foundations with greater

Number of The number of stories in the capacity and stability. - May influence choice
Floors building. between shallow and deep foundations.

- Overall structural system can influence

Structural Presence of a basement, slabs- foundation selection. - Needs to be considered for
Design on-grade, etc. a holistic foundation design approach.
 Q2 (part A)
Data Significance Usage

Laboratory testing to determine soil type, grain

Direct information size distribution, moisture content, plasticity, and
about soil shear strength. Used for soil classification and
Soil Samples composition foundation design.
Identify potential geotechnical hazards, such as
soft spots, hard layers, or groundwater issues. Aid
Visualize subsurface in selecting appropriate foundation types and
Borehole Logs soil profile designing earthworks.
Estimate soil strength, density, and relative
Measure soil compaction. Assess soil behavior, stratigraphy, and
Standard Penetration Test resistance during bearing capacity for foundation design and
(SPT) Data drilling settlement analysis.

Measure cone Provide continuous soil strength profiles with

Cone Penetration Test resistance and sleeve depth. Assess soil stability, liquefaction potential,
(CPT) Data friction and pile design.

Indicate depth and Assess groundwater flow patterns, seepage

Groundwater Level fluctuations of water potential, and impacts on foundation stability.
Measurements table Guide construction dewatering requirements.

Supplement laboratory testing by providing real-

In-situ Tests (e.g., Vane time measurements of soil strength, stiffness, and
Shear Test, Pressuremeter Direct measurement deformability. Aid in verifying laboratory results
Test) of soil properties and assessing site-specific conditions.

Geophysical Surveys Provide indirect Map subsurface features, detect buried objects or
(e.g., Seismic Refraction, information about voids, and identify potential geotechnical hazards
Electrical Resistivity) subsurface properties such as bedrock, faults, or sinkholes.
 Q2 (part B)
Field Data Method Correlation Reference

Standard Meyerhof's Method:

Penetration Blow count 𝑞ult=𝑐𝑁𝑐+𝜎vo′𝑁𝑞+0.5𝛾sat′𝐵𝑁γqult=cNc+σvo′Nq Meyerhof, G. G.
Test (SPT) (N-value) +0.5γsat′BNγ (1956)
Terzaghi, K., &
Terzaghi and Peck Method: 𝑞ult=𝑐′𝑁𝑐+0.5𝛾sat′𝐵𝑁γqult Peck, R. B.
=c′Nc+0.5γsat′BNγ (1948)

Cone Cone Schmertmann's Method:

Penetration resistance and 𝑞ult=(𝑐1+𝑐2𝑞𝑐𝜎vo′)𝑁γ+(𝑐3+𝑐4𝑞𝑐𝜎vo′)𝑁𝑞qult=(c1+c2 Schmertmann, J.
Test (CPT) sleeve friction σvo′qc)Nγ+(c3+c4σvo′qc)Nq H. (1978)

Robertson Method:
𝑞ult=(𝑐1′+𝑐2′𝑞𝑐𝜎vo′)𝑁γ+(𝑐3′+𝑐4′𝑞𝑐𝜎vo′)𝑁𝑞qult=(c1′ Robertson, P. K.
+c2′σvo′qc)Nγ+(c3′+c4′σvo′qc)Nq (2015)
Dynamic
Cone
Penetration Penetration Darendeli's Method: 𝑞ult=𝑐𝑁𝑐+𝜎vo′𝑁𝑞qult=cNc+σvo′ Darendeli, M. B.
Test resistance Nq (2001)
California
Bearing Ratio CBR value Correlation equation involving CBR value AASHTO
 Q2 (part C)
Laboratory Test Property Determined Significance
Impacts factors like strength,
compressibility, and shrink-swell
Water Content Test Moisture Content (%) potential.
Particle Size
Distribution (Sieve Grain Size Distribution Influences permeability, drainage, and
Analysis) (sand, silt, clay) bearing capacity.
Consistency & Plasticity Indicates behavior at different moisture
(Liquid Limit, Plastic contents, impacting workability and
Atterberg Limits Limit, Plasticity Index) foundation performance (clays & silts).
Unit Weight Tests (Dry Crucial for calculating loads on
& Moist) Density of Soil foundations and settlement analysis.
Optimal Moisture Content
for Maximum Density & Used for foundation design to achieve
Compaction Test Strength desired soil characteristics.
Shear Strength Tests Shear Strength (resistance
(Direct Shear, Triaxial to deformation under Critical for analyzing foundation stability
Shear) stress) and slope failure potential.
Settlement Behavior under Helps predict long-term settlement of
Consolidation Test Sustained Load foundations under building loads.

Q3 (part A)
Same as Q2(A)

Q3 (part B)
Same as Q2(B)
 Q3 (part C)
Laboratory Test Method Purpose Analysis

Soil sample subjected Obtain shear strength Use shear strength

to shear stress along a parameters (cohesion, parameters in bearing
Direct Shear Test plane friction) capacity calculations

Soil sample subjected Determine shear strength Utilize shear strength

Triaxial to axial stress under parameters under different parameters for bearing
Compression Test confinement stress conditions capacity calculations

Cohesive soil sample Incorporate undrained

Unconfined loaded axially without Estimate undrained shear shear strength in bearing
Compression Test confinement strength of cohesive soils capacity calculations
Direct measurement of
Plate Load Test bearing capacity under Validate or calibrate
(Limited Simulates loading specific loading results obtained from
Applicability) conditions on soil configuration shear strength tests

Relate laboratory- Estimate bearing capacity at Use empirical correlations

Correlation with derived parameters the site based on laboratory or engineering principles
Field Data with in-situ tests testing for analysis
 Q4 (part A)
Reasons Description

Contamination from Release of pollutants such as heavy metals, chemicals, fertilizers, and
Industrial and Agricultural pesticides from industrial sites, agricultural fields, and livestock
Activities operations contaminates groundwater.
Incorrect disposal of solid waste, hazardous materials, and wastewater
can result in leachate generation, contaminating groundwater with
Improper Waste Disposal pollutants.
Underground storage tanks (USTs) storing petroleum products or
Leakage from Underground chemicals can corrode or leak, releasing contaminants into
Storage Tanks groundwater.
Rainwater percolating through landfills picks up contaminants,
forming leachate that can migrate into groundwater, leading to
Landfill Leachate contamination.
Over-pumping of groundwater near coastal areas induces saltwater
intrusion, contaminating freshwater aquifers with saline water from
Saltwater Intrusion the ocean.
Excessive pumping for irrigation, industrial, and municipal use leads
to groundwater depletion, lowering water tables and reducing
Overuse and Over-Extraction availability.

Groundwater Recharge Urbanization, deforestation, and land use changes reduce natural
Reduction groundwater recharge rates, diminishing aquifer replenishment.
Changes in precipitation patterns, increased temperatures, and
prolonged droughts impact groundwater recharge rates, exacerbating
Climate Change Effects depletion.
Excessive groundwater extraction causes land subsidence as aquifer
materials compact, leading to infrastructure damage and altered
Land Subsidence drainage.
Malfunctioning septic systems leak untreated wastewater into
groundwater, introducing pathogens and contaminants, compromising
Septic System Leakage quality.
Mining and quarrying operations release chemicals, heavy metals, and
Mining and Quarrying sediments into groundwater, contaminating it through leaching and
Activities runoff.

Geological processes such as mineral dissolution and rock weathering

Natural Geological Factors introduce substances like arsenic, radon, or fluoride into groundwater.
 Q4 (part B)
1. Bearing Capacity Analysis:
• Standard Penetration Test (SPT):
• Relevant Soil Parameters: N-value (blow count)
• Description: Measures the resistance of soil to penetration by a standard
sampler, providing an indication of soil strength and bearing capacity.
• Cone Penetration Test (CPT):
• Relevant Soil Parameters: Cone resistance (qc), sleeve friction (fs)
• Description: Measures the resistance of soil to penetration by a cone-
shaped penetrometer, providing detailed information on soil strength and
bearing capacity.
2. Determination of Groundwater Depth and Aquifer Thickness:
• Groundwater Monitoring Wells:
• Relevant Soil Parameters: Groundwater level
• Description: Installation of monitoring wells to measure groundwater
levels over time, providing data on groundwater depth and fluctuations.
• Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT):
• Relevant Soil Parameters: Electrical resistivity
• Description: Imaging technique that measures variations in soil electrical
resistivity to delineate groundwater levels and aquifer thickness.
3. Subgrade Analysis:
• Plate Load Test:
• Relevant Soil Parameters: Plate bearing capacity, settlement
• Description: Applies a load to a steel plate placed on the subgrade surface,
measuring settlement to assess the load-bearing capacity of the soil.
• Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCPT):
• Relevant Soil Parameters: Penetration resistance
• Description: Measures the resistance of soil to penetration by a dynamic
cone, providing information on soil strength and stiffness for subgrade
analysis.
4. Embankment Dam:
• Standard Penetration Test (SPT):
• Relevant Soil Parameters: N-value (blow count)
• Description: Measures the resistance of soil to penetration by a standard
sampler, providing information on soil strength and compaction for dam
foundation design.
• Shear Wave Velocity Measurement:
• Relevant Soil Parameters: Shear wave velocity
• Description: Measures the speed of shear waves transmitted through the
soil to assess soil stiffness and seismic stability for embankment dam
construction.
 Q5

Unconfined
Depth Compressive Water Level
(m) Description Stratum Strength (MPa) (m) Remarks
Silty Sand, brown,
0.00 - loose to medium dense, Not Possible fill
5.00 subrounded grains 1 - Encountered material
5.00 - Sandy Clay, grey, stiff, Not
12.00 occasional sand seams 2 2 Encountered
12.00 - Clayey Silt, brown, Not
25.00 very stiff, laminated 3 4.5 Encountered
Sand, light brown,
25.00 - medium dense, Not
40.00 subangular grains 4 8 Encountered
Sandy Clay loam,
yellowish-brown,
40.00 - dense, occasional Groundwater
55.00 cobbles 5 12 42 encountered
Claystone, grey, weak
55.00 - to moderately strong,
70.00 weathered fractures 6 18 42
Sandstone, brown,
70.00 - medium grained, well-
85.00 cemented 7 35 42
85.00 - Shale, dark grey, fissile, End of
100.00 slightly weathered 8 50 42 Borehole