Geotechnical Engineering Service

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Project Description .......................................................................................... 1

1.2 Scope of Work ................................................................................................ 1
1.3 Purposes of Exploration .................................................................................. 1
1.4 Location.......................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Regional and Site Geology .............................................................................. 2
1.5.1 Regional Geology .......................................................................... 2
1.5.2 Site Geology .................................................................................. 4

2. METHODOLOGY OF INVESTIGATION ............................................................ 5

2.1 Drilling............................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Drilling Equipment and Operation.................................................................. 5
2.3 Testing and Sampling...................................................................................... 6
2.3.1 Field Testing .................................................................................. 6
2.3.2 Sampling ....................................................................................... 8
2.3.3 Laboratory Testing ........................................................................ 8

3. GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS .............................................................. 10

3.1 Description of Geotechnical Layer ........................................................... 10

3.2 Groundwater Observation ..................................................................... 11

4. FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATION ............................................................ 12

4.1 Allowable Bearing Capacity .................................................................... 12

4.2 Settlement Analysis................................................................................ 14
4.3 Recommended Allowable Bearing Capacity ............................................. 18

5. CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................... 19

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List of Tables

Table 1: Co-ordinates of Boreholes

Table 2: Summary of Exploration Activities and Tests Performed
Table 3: Soil properties Correlated With Standard Penetration Test Values
Table 4: Representative SPT N-values
Table 5: Summary of Laboratory Tests Results
Table 6: Representative and adjusted SPT - N values
Table 7: Recommended Allowable Bearing Capacity Value for Isolated Footing
Foundation

List of Figures

Fig 1: Geological Map of Addis Ababa

Fig 2: Generalized ground profile
Fig 3: Plot of Allowable Bearing Capacity Values Vs. Isolated Footing Foundation on
natural soil
Fig 4: Plot of Consolidation settlement Vs. Isolated Footing Width
Fig 5: Plot of Allowable Bearing Capacity Values Vs. Width of Isolated Footing
Foundation on 1.50m thick selected fill

Appendices

Appendix 1: Borehole Logs

Appendix 2: Geotechnical Cross-section
Appendix 3: Borehole Locations
Appendix 4: Laboratory Test Results
Appendix 5: Plates of Core Boxes

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List of Abbreviations and symbols

BH - Boreholes
BS - British Standards
m - Meters
kPa - Kilo-Pascal (kN/m2)
GWL - Ground water level
N-value - Number of blows for 300mm penetration
NMC - Natural moisture content
LL - Liquid limit
PI - Plasticity index
PL - Plastic limit
UCSC - Unified soil classification system
FS - Free Swell
D - Disturbed sample
UDS - Undisturbed sample

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Description

This report presents the results of the geotechnical investigation work for
building project which is located in Oromia Liyu zone, Legetafo. The proposed
development consists of the construction of two story building with ground floor
(G+2).

The field work of the geotechnical site investigation was conducted from
December 31, 2017 to January 02, 2018.

1.2 Scope of Work

The site investigation has been carried out by drilling three exploratory bore
holes to a depth of 10.00m (BH-1 and BH-2) and 12.00m (BH-3) at the proposed
locations shown in the attached site plan (Appendix 3). Laboratory tests were
performed on selected soil samples to identify and determine their properties.
The results of laboratory tests are included in Appendix 4 of this report.

1.3 Purposes of Exploration

The purposes of this exploration were to:

 Determine the type and extent of geological layers;

 Investigate the presence of ground water and identify its level if
encountered;
 Determine the engineering properties of the geotechnical layers
constituting the sub-surface geology of the site;
 Develop engineering recommendations to guide design and construction
of the project.

We accomplished these purposes by:

1. Borehole drilling to explore the subsurface soil and ground water

conditions;
2. Performing laboratory tests on selected representative soil samples from
the boreholes to evaluate pertinent engineering properties;
3. Reviewing available geologic literature and soil mapping information;
4. Analyzing the field and laboratory data to develop appropriate
engineering recommendation, and
5. Preparing geotechnical investigation report.

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1.4 Location

The project site is located in Oromia Region, Legetfo. Based on the area to be
covered by structure; three boreholes were selected for the investigation. The
project site is generally characterized by nearly flat topographic feature.

The co-ordinates of the boreholes measured using hand-held GPS (UTM Adindan
Datum), are tabulated as follows

Table 1: Co-ordinates of Boreholes

Borehole ID Easting Northing

BH-1 0489343 1002426
BH-2 0489343 1002435
BH-3 0489329 1002427

1.5 Regional and Site Geology

1.5.1 Regional Geology

Addis Ababa city is situated in the western margin of the Main Ethiopian Rift and
represents a transition zone between the Ethiopian Plateau and the rift with
poorly defined escarpment.

The geology of Addis Ababa area is represented by four volcanic units

dominated in the lower part by basaltic lava flows (Addis Ababa basalt),
followed by a pyroclastic sequence, mainly formed by ignimbrites (Addis Ababa
Ignimbrite), followed by central composite volcanoes (Central Volcanoes unit),
and finally small spatter cones and lava flows (Akaki unit).

Addis Ababa basalt extensively crops out along Akaki, Kebena, and Dukem rivers
at the east to southeastern part of Addis Ababa, and represents the oldest unit
of the area. It consists of essentially sub-horizontal lava flows with thickness
ranging from few meters up to 20m. Maximum exposed thickness was found
east of Addis Ababa, along the Kebena River. Addis Ababa basalt is
predominantly constituted by alkaline and olivine basalts with three main
textural attributes, that is, porphyritic, aphyric, and sub-aphyric.

Addis Ababa Ignimbrite is exposed close to Addis Ababa along the Akaki and
Kebena rivers. It overlies the Addis Ababa basalt and locally covers the products
of the composite central volcanoes of Wechecha and Furi. The sequence is

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constituted by different flow units, consisting of pale-green to pale-yellow

welded and crystal rich ignimbrites.

Central volcanoes unit includes the Yerer volcano and the product of the two
composite volcanoes wechecha and Furi west and southeast of Addis Ababa,
respectively. Wechecha and Furi volcanoes are two large edifices composed by
predominant trachyte with minor pyroclastics. Yerer represents the largest
volcanic edifice in the region, with a relief of 1000m from the plain and 14km
wide along east-west direction. Products mainly consist of trachytes, even if
pyroclastics are widespread mainly in the central part eastern sector. The highest
part of Yerer volcano was affected by a more recent volcanic activity that
produces spatter cones and associated basalt.

Akaki unit crops out east of Addis Ababa and consists of scoria and spatter cones
with associated tabular lava flows and phreato- magmatic deposits. Alluvial
deposits covering these units consists of regolith, reddish brown soils, talus and
alluvium with maximum thickness of about two meters.

Fig 1: Geological Map of Addis Ababa

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1.5.2 Site Geology

The upper most layer of the project site is backfill material that has an average
thickness of 50cm. Beneath a backfill material a residual soil found which is
characterized by stiff to very stiff, light gray, high plastic silty CLAY/ clayey SILT
(Expansive) soil and extends up to a depth of 8.30m in BH-1 and 9.10m in BH-
2 and BH-3 from existing ground level of the project site. Beneath the expansive
soil layer is extremely weak, variegated color, moderately weathered TUFF rock
layer and extends up to end of investigation depth in all boreholes.

The detailed geological strata are presented in the borehole logs attached with
this report (Appendix 1) and generalized ground profile is shown below.

Fig 2: generalized ground profile

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2. METHODOLOGY OF INVESTIGATION

The site investigation was conducted by deploying one Spindle type China made
XY-200 core drilling rig having the capacity to perform boring operations to the
required standard and quality.

The main tasks undertaken as per the requirements for the geotechnical
investigation are:

1. Rotary core drilling,

2. Field testing and sampling
3. Laboratory testing

2.1 Drilling

For the top soil formation dry drilling method has been utilized using single core
barrels fitted with appropriate size tungsten carbide bits at the bottom in order
to achieve good quality core recovery. Telescopic drilling was used whereby the
drilling size was reduced progressively starting from 108mm hole-diameter
through 89mm and remains till the completion depth.

In conjunction with drilling, the following activities were performed:

 Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) and

 Ground water observation,

2.2 Drilling Equipment and Operation

The core drilling was carried out by using spindle type rotary core drilling rig.
Equipment to conduct in-situ testing and sampling, such as SPT apparatus
including split spoon sampler, water pump, rods, casings and a wide range of
heavy-duty tools were used during the drilling operation.

Core samples recovered from core barrels were arranged in partitioned wooden
core boxes having 1.0 m length, and are properly labeled indicating project
name, client, borehole designation, depth, etc. The cores inside core boxes were
logged and photographed (colored) and kept as part of the report document.

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Table 2: Summary of Exploration Activities and Tests Performed

Type of Exploration/Test Unit Quantity

Field investigation

 Drilling

BH-1 m 10.00
BH-2 m 10.00
BH-3 m 12.00
- Standard penetration test, SPT No. 14
Laboratory Tests
 Atterberg Limit No. 7
 Grain size analysis No. 7
 Specific gravity No. 5
 Free swell No. 7
 Natural moisture content No. 4

2.3 Testing and Sampling

2.3.1 Field Testing

The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) utilizes a 51mm external diameter and
450mm long thick-walled split spoon tube sampler driven into the ground under
the impact of semi-automatic sliding hammer weighing 63.5kg through a free
fall height of 760mm in accordance with test procedure mentioned in test No.
19 of BS 1377; 19750. The 'N' value, which is the measure of the density or
consistency of the ground under testing, is recorded as the number of hammer
blows required to achieve penetration of the last 300mm. The initial blows
required to penetrate the first 150mm are normally regarded as seating blows to
allow for any disturbed materials at the bottom of the borehole, and are
discarded. Upon completion of the test, the sampler tube is removed and
disassembled to obtain 'disturbed' but representative sample of the tested
ground.

The N-values of the SPT are an indication of the relative density of cohesion less
soils and the consistency of cohesive soil. General N-value ranges are correlated
with relative density and consistency as shown in table 3 below. It is emphasized
that for gravels and clays the correlations to relative density and consistency
should serve only as general estimates.

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Table 3: Soil properties Correlated With Standard Penetration Test Values

Cohesion less Soil Cohesive Soil

Number of Blows Number of Blows
Relative Density Consistency
per 0.3 m (1 ft), N per 0.3 m (1 ft), N
0–4 Very loose Below 2 Very soft
4 – 10 Loose 2–4 Soft
10 – 30 Medium 4–8 Medium
30 – 50 Dense 8 – 15 Stiff
Over 50 Very dense 15 – 30 Very stiff

Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) in the borehole was conducted starting from
a depth of 1.50m below the ground level. The following table summarizes the
representative SPT N-value.

Table 4: Representative SPT N-values

SPT N-value vs depth

BH SPT N-
Depth (m) Plot Layer Description
ID value

1.50 – 1.95 2/3/5 SPT N Value per 300mm

3 7 11 15 19 23 27
3.00 – 3.45 4/5/7 1.00
2.00 Stiff to very stiff, light gray,
4.50 – 4.95 5/6/9 high plastic silty CLAY/
3.00
clayey SILT (Expansive) soil
BH-1 6.00 – 6.45 5/8/8 4.00
Depth (m)

5.00
7.50 – 7.95 6/7/9 6.00
7.00
Extremely weak, variegated
9.00 – 9.45 R 8.00 color, moderately
9.00 weathered TUFF rock
SPT N Value per 300mm
2.00 – 2.45 2/4/5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19
1.00
2.00
4.00 – 4.45 5/7/8 3.00
Stiff to very stiff, light gray,
Depth (m)

4.00
5.00
BH-2 6.00 high plastic silty CLAY/
7.00
6.00 – 6.45 6/6/8 8.00 clayey SILT (Expansive) soil
9.00

8.00 – 8.45 7/8/9

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SPT N-value vs depth

BH SPT N-
Depth (m) Plot Layer Description
ID value

SPT N Value per 300mm

2.00 – 2.45 3/4/5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19
1.00
2.00
4.00 – 4.45 4/6/8 Stiff to very stiff, light gray,
3.00
BH-3 4.00 high plastic silty CLAY/

Depth (m)
6.00 – 6.45 5/6/9 5.00 clayey SILT (Expansive) soil
6.00
7.00
8.00 – 8.45 6/7/10 8.00
9.00

2.3.2 Sampling

Seven disturbed soil samples were taken from the boreholes for laboratory
determinations of specific gravity, gradation, Atterberg limits and free swell tests
to characterize the types of soil in the profile.

2.3.3 Laboratory Testing

Representative soil samples were selected and tested in ARCON Soil and
Construction Materials Laboratory, to check field classification and to determine
pertinent engineering properties. Summary of laboratory test results are shown
in summary table of Appendix 4.

Table 5: Summary of Laboratory Tests Results

Atterberg
Lab. Limit FS, % % %
BH ID Depth(m) Gs, USCS
Description LL, PI, (%) Gravel Sand Fine
(%) (%)
High Plastic
114 73 160 2.31 NIL 1 99 CH
BH-1 3.00 – 3.50 silty CLAY
5.50 – 6.00 High Plastic 90 38 140 2.51 2 98
NIL MH
clayey SILT
High Plastic
3.00 – 3.50 121 70 130 2.38 NIL 1 99 MH
clayey SILT
BH-2
High Plastic
5.50 – 6.00 108 64 140 2.32 NIL 2 98 CH
silty CLAY
High Plastic
BH-3 2.50 – 3.00 119 69 150 2.32 NIL 1 99 MH
clayey SILT
High Plastic
4.50 – 5.00 116 70 160 - NIL 1 99 MH
silty CLAY

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High Plastic
7.50 – 8.00 121 71 140 - NIL 3 97 MH
clayey SILT

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3. GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Description of Geotechnical Layer

Descriptive analysis was made on the soil samples derived from the three
boreholes. This was used together with the classification tests and relative
compactions as indicated from the SPT tests, and the following generalized geo-
technical layers are identified. Details on type and extent of the geotechnical
layers are given in Appendix 1 (Borehole logs).

A. Backfill layer

The upper most layer of the project site is backfill material which extends to a
depth of 0.50m, 0.40m and 0.55m below existing ground surface around BH-1,
BH-2 and BH-3 respectively.

B. Stiff to very stiff, light gray, high plastic silty CLAY/ clayey SILT
(Expansive) soil layer

This layer is characterized by stiff to very stiff, light gray, high plastic clayey SILT
(Expansive) soil layer and extends up to a depth of 8.30m in BH-1 and 9.10m in
BH-2 & BH-3 from existing ground level of the project site.

SPT tests were conducted and the reading ranging from to 8 to17blows/300mm
shows stiff to very stiff degree consistency.

Representative disturbed soil samples were taken and lab tests were conducted.
From test results, the percentage of materials passing through 0.075mm sieve is
97% to 99%. The soil consistency test results for the strata shows Plasticity Index
and Liquid Limit values are ranging 38% to 73% and 90% to 121% respectively.
Recorded maximum free swell is 160%. These results indicate that the soil in this
layer is high plastic fine grained with high degree of expansion potential.
C. Extremely weak, variegated color, moderately weathered TUFF rock
layer

This the lowest layer characterized by extremely weak, variegated color,

moderately weathered TUFF. This layer extends up to end of investigation depth
in all boreholes.

Standard penetration test was conducted in this layer at one point and gives
refusal.

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3.2 Groundwater Observation

Ground water was not encountered during the course of drilling. However,
variation in location of the long-term water table may occur as a result of
changes in precipitation, evaporation, seepage and other factors not
immediately apparent at the time of this exploration.

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4. FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATION

Foundation recommendation refers to the determination of the bearing layer

and depth, allowable bearing capacity of the bearing layer and type of
foundation that could be adopted safely and economically. Factors such as the
load to be transmitted to the foundation and the subsurface condition of the soil
have been considered in selecting the foundation type.

From the geotechnical characterization presented in the above section and

architectural requirement for single basement construction the stiff to very stiff,
light gray, high plastic silty CLAY/ clayey SILT (Expansive) soil followed by weak
TUFF rock layers considered as the bearing layers to support the building
structure. Hence, depth of foundation is assumed at a depth of 3.00m below the
lowest ground level of the project site.

For the study area, isolated footing foundation on natural soil (Option-I) and
on 1.50m select fill(Option-II) are proposed options which can support the given
structure based on the site geologic setting and anticipated load.

Allowable bearing capacity for the selected foundation type shall be calculated
from SPT data, then, all the necessary adjustments are made to determine the
actual SPT values.

The following section discusses the methodology for determination of the

allowable bearing capacity for the proposed type of foundation. Geotechnical
characteristics of the sub surface geology mentioned on section 3 of this report
will be used for this purpose.

4.1 Allowable Bearing Capacity

Option-I: Isolated Foundation on natural soil at a depth of 3.00m from the

lowest Ground Level

SPT values will be used to calculate the bearing capacity of the geotechnical layer.
The depths at which the SPT N-values are obtained, the SPT N-values and the
adjusted N-values (i.e., N’55) are given below and they are considered for
determining the design N-values.

Before using in-situ SPT values, the site N-values shall be adjusted to N55 standard
energy ratio value using the following formula (Bowles, 1988).

,
𝑁55 = 𝐶𝑁 ∗ 𝑁 ∗ 𝜂1 ∗ 𝜂2 ∗ 𝜂3 ∗ 𝜂4
,
Where 𝑁55 = adjusted N

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𝑃 ′′
𝐶𝑁 = adjustment for overburden pressure =( 𝑃𝑂, )1/2
𝑂
𝑃𝑂, =overburden pressure
𝑃𝑂′′ = reference overburden pressure (95.76 kPa or
1.0kg/cm2)
𝜂1 = 𝐸𝑟 /𝐸𝑟𝑏 (where 𝐸𝑟 is average energy ratio that depends
on the drill system and 𝐸𝑟𝑏 is the standard energy
ratio). 𝐸𝑟 is taken as 50 and 𝐸𝑟𝑏 as 55.
𝜂2 = Rod length correction
Rod length > 10 m = 1,
Rod length 6-10 m = 0.95,
Rod length 4-6 m = 0.85,
Rod length 0-4 m = 0.75
𝜂3 = sampler correction (1.00 in our case)
𝜂4 = borehole diameter correction (1.00 in our case)

Table 6: Representative and adjusted SPT - N values

BH-1 BH-2 BH-3

Depth, Measured Adj. Depth, Measured Adj. Depth, Measured Adj.
m SPT SPT m SPT SPT m SPT SPT
1.50 8 8 2.00 9 9 2.00 9 9
3.00 12 11 4.00 15 14 4.00 14 13
4.50 15 13 6.00 14 12 6.00 15 13
6.00 16 13 8.00 17 12 8.00 17 12
7.50 16 12 - - - 10.00 30 19
9.00 30 20 - - - - - -

Weighted Average Weighted Average Weighted Average

13 12
Design N value Design N value Design N value
13

After adjusting the N-values, a design N-values are chosen from consecutive
depths where the test is performed. The design N-values are taken as the average
of adjusted N-values which are found in between ½ B above and 2B below the
proposed footing depths where B is the width of the foundation.

The bearing capacity for isolated footing can be calculated from the SPT N-
values using Meyerhof’s equation as follows (Bowles, 1997): -
𝑁,
𝑞𝑎𝑙𝑙 = ∗ (1 + 𝐹3 /𝐵)2 ∗ 𝐾𝑑 … … … … … … … … … 𝐵 > 𝐾𝑑
𝐹2

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Where
𝑞𝑎𝑙𝑙 = Allowable bearing pressure for settlement limited to 25 mm.
B > F4
𝐾𝑑 = 1+0.33D/B, ≤ 1.33
𝐹2 = 0.08
𝐹3 = 0.3
𝐹4 = 1.2
𝐵 = Width of foundation
𝐷 = Depth of foundation

The following allowable bearing capacities are computed for isolated footings
placed at a depth of 3.00m below the lowest ground level. Foundation widths
are varied from 1.50m to 3.50m. A settlement of 25mm is assumed for the
allowable bearing capacity computation. The table below illustrates the
computations made.

340
BH-1 & BH-3
325
BH-2
310
Bearing Capacity (kPa)

295

280

265

250

235

220

205

190
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5
Width of footing (m)

Fig 3: Plot of Allowable Bearing Capacity Values Vs. Isolated Footing

Foundation on natural soil

From the above analysis, the allowable bearing capacity range in values from
234kPa to 311kPa around BH-1 & BH-3 and 216kPa to 287Ppa around BH-2 on
natural ground layer based on various footing width.

4.2 Settlement Analysis

Settlement is another criterion for evaluating the performance of a building.

Excessive settlements will result in poor performance of the building structure.

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Different building codes set the limiting settlement for the type of the structure
and foundations. The proposed foundation types shall also meet this criterion.
For saturated fine grained soils, the major part of the settlement is contributed
by the consolidation settlement. Hence, the calculation of consolidation
settlement is presented below.

Consolidation settlement computed using the following formula:

∆H = [CcH/(1 + eo)] [log (p'o + ∆p/ p'o)]

Where,
Cc = compression index from e vs log p plot
eo = in-situ void ratio in the stratum
H = thickness of stratum
p'o = effective overburden pressure at mid-height of H
∆p = average increase in pressure from foundation in
layer H in Same unit as p'o
In order to estimate the settlement properties of the silty CLAY/ clayey SILT soil
layer beneath the foundation, compression index correlation is used as shown in
Bowles, 5th edition, 1997. We have used Al-Khafaji and Ander land, 1992 to
compute Cc (compression index).

Cc = -0.156+0.411e0 + 0.00058WL

The following data are used for calculating the settlement:

 The foundation shall be placed at 3.00meters below the lowest

ground level.
 The settlement is thus calculated for a thickness of 5.00m
compressible layer which is the bearing layer under the foundation
depth.
 eo = average in situ void ratio in the stratum for which Cc applies.
The in situ void ratio is computed as eo = WNGs as suggested by
Bowles.
 WN=34%, Gs=2.4
 Initial void ratio, eo = 0.82 (calculated value)
 Compression index, Cc, taken as 0.244 (calculated value)
 Unit weight of the silty CLAY/ clayey SILT soil, b = 19 KN/m3

The following primary consolidation settlements are estimated for allowable

bearing capacities determined for the maximum contact pressure value. Primary

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consolidation settlements are checked for the high plastic clayey SILT/ clayey SILT
soil layer.
150
140
130
120
settelment (mm)

110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
Width of Isolated Fotting (m)

Fig 4: Plot of Consolidation settlement Vs. Isolated Footing Width

Maximum allowable average settlement for Isolated footing up to 75mm is
tolerable for framed structures (U.S Army Corps of Engineers, 1990). From the
above analysis, calculated settlements are above tolerable limit hence results
found from SPT values would further be reduced until the desired settlements
are achieved.

Option-II: Isolated Footing Foundation on 1.50m thick selected fill layer at

3.00m below the lowest EGL

As a second option, improved bearing capacity values can be achieved by

selected fill under the proposed foundation. Compacted selected fill layer can be
used to replace the weak foundation material for some depth below the
anticipated depth of foundation.

For this option, depth of foundation is considered at 3.00m below the lowest
ground level of the project site and shall rest on 1.50m thick compacted selected
fill. In this case, total excavation at the foundation locations shall be up to 4.50m
below the lowest ground level and the excavated area shall be back-filled by
compacting 1.50m thick suitable material progressively upwards up to the
foundation level layer by layer.

The allowable bearing capacity value for various foundation width on 1.50m
well compacted selected fill is presented in below figure below.

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415
400
385
370
Bearing Capacity (kPa)

355
340
325
310
295
280
265
250
235
220
205
190
1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
Width of footing (m)

Fig 5: Plot of Allowable Bearing Capacity Values Vs. Width of Isolated Footing
Foundation on 1.50m thick selected fill

From the above analysis, the allowable bearing capacity range in values from
208kPa to 383kPa based on various widths of footings.

Material Requirement and Work Methodology for Proposed Selected Fill

Material

Appropriate granular material with few fines, i.e. Gravel – sand mixtures with
few silt/clay– GW-GC/SW-SC, etc shall be used for fill. The granular fill material
shall have a minimum soaked Californian Bearing Ratio (CBR) of not less than
30%. The Californian Bearing Ratio (CBR) shall be determined at a density of
95% of the maximum dry density determined in accordance with the
requirements of AASHTO T-180 method D.

Fill material shall be compacted by the use of purpose made compaction

equipment, which shall apply uniform compaction effort across the full width.
Each type of fill material shall be compacted by equipment, which is suitable for
the purpose. Fill shall be deposited in layers not exceeding 200 mm compacted
thicknesses. Each layer shall extend over the full width of area to be filled.

The moisture content of fill material at the time of compaction shall be the
optimum for the equipment being used and not more than 2% above the
optimum for the material determined in accordance with the requirements of
AASHTO T-180. Each layer of fill shall be compacted to not less than 95% of

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the maximum dry density determined in accordance with the requirements of

AASHTO T-180.

4.3 Recommended Allowable Bearing Capacity

In order to determine type of foundation and the corresponding allowable

bearing capacity, two criteria are evaluated. These criteria were bearing failure
and settlement. For the proposed structure, isolated footing foundation on
natural soil (option-I) and on 1.50m select fill (option-II) at a depth of 3.00m is
assumed. Therefore, the foundation designer should choose the appropriate
option and can use any of the recommended values on table 7 below depending
on the superstructure loads.

Table 7: Recommended Allowable Bearing Capacity Value for Isolated Footing

Foundation

Width of Footing (m) 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0

Recommended Option-I 287 264 217 176 151 135

Allowable Bearing
Capacity (kPa) Option-II 383 352 334 300 244 208

Note:
1. During the selection of appropriate option, the bearing layer shall be get
emphasized as one of selection criteria since the bearing layer is expansive
soil.

2. If Option-I is opted, the foundation shall be placed on 50cm thick well

compacted appropriate material that is granular material with few fines,
i.e. Gravel, Gravel – sand mixtures with few silt/clay – GW-GC/SW-SC.
Hence total excavation depth is about 3.50m.

3. When option-II is preferable, the foundation has to be placed on 1.50m

thick selected fill in which the fill material properties should to comply
with the requirement as mentioned above. The total excavation depth
will be 4.50m below the lowest existing ground level.

4. It is advisable that foundations constructed soon after the pits are opened
and the necessary preparations are made. Foundation trenches may
generally not be left open for a long time after excavation.

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5. CONCLUSION

Sub-surface geotechnical investigation was conducted for proposed structure

(G+2 Office and warehouse building). The investigation included drilling up to
a maximum depth of 12.00m, visual identification, sampling, in-situ and
laboratory tests. From the investigation, the following geotechnical layer is
identified.

 Backfill layer;
 Stiff to very stiff, light grey, high plastic silty CLAY/ clayey SILT (Expansive)
soil layer and
 Extremely weak, variegated color, moderately weathered TUFF rock
layer.

Recommendations are made on the type, depth and allowable bearing capacity
values under section 4.3 of this report according to Ethiopian standards – Based
on European Norm, Geotechnical Design ES EN 1997-1:2015 and ES EN 1997-
2:2015.The foundation designer can use any of the recommended values
depending on the superstructure loads.

The Geotechnical Engineer in charge shall conduct intermittent supervision of

the foundation excavation works during construction to verify/check the actual
subsurface conditions, and shall make adjustments to the foundation
recommendation as given in this report, where actual site conditions warrant
such changes.

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APPENDICES

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Appendix 1

Borehole Logs

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Appendix 2

Geological Cross Section

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Appendix 3

Borehole Locations

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Appendix 4

Laboratory Test Results

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Appendix 5

Plates of Core Boxes

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