Geo-Technical

Investigation
Report of
Imperial Homes
Society

Course:
Geo-Technical Engineering - I
Submitted By:
Humza Siddiqui
Registration No:
2016-CIV-68
Department:
University Of Engineering And
Technology, Lahore.
Preface:
Geotechnical Investigation are to investigate the soil and geologic
conditions of a property and to provide recommendations and design criteria for
construction. The scope of a Geotechnical Investigation includes review of
available literature; conducting on-site exploration, mapping/logging and
sampling; and laboratory testing of samples obtained in the field. The collected
data is analyzed and geotechnical criteria for foundations, retaining walls, site
grading and site drainage are developed. This criteria chiefly consists of the load
bearing capacities and anticipated lateral forces from the onsite soil and rock.
The culmination of the investigation is a report summarizing the field and lab
findings; conclusions regarding the geotechnical impacts of the site; and
recommendations for the most geotechnically suitable construction.
In other words, the Geotechnical Consultant will define the anticipated
effects of the earth on man-made features at the site as well as the impacts the
development could impose on the land. The Geotechnical Consultant along with
the client, builder, architect, civil engineer and structural engineer endeavor to
implement the most efficient and cost effective construction methods

1
 Table of Contents
Geotechnical Investigation of Imperial Homes Society ......................................... 4
1. Introduction:- ................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Scope of geotechnical investigations: .......................................................... 4
1.2 Objectives: .................................................................................................. 4
 To determine the soil strata and establish a model of the soil profile. ............. 4
 To learn more about the previous history and use of the site. ......................... 4
 To determine soil properties for the design of foundations for the structures. . 4
 To identify problematic soils i.e. swelling and shrinking soils ........................ 4
Phases to be Performed: .................................................................................... 5
1.3 Phases to be Performed: .............................................................................. 6
1.4 Field Exploration Methods: ......................................................................... 6
1.4.1 Test Pits and Exploratory Boreholes ......................................................... 6
1.4.2 Test Pits ................................................................................................... 6
1.4.3 Exploratory Boreholes .............................................................................. 6
1.4.4 Boring and bore holes:- ............................................................................ 6
1.4.5 Cost of the Exploration: ............................................................................ 7
1.4.6 Methods of Boring to be used: .................................................................. 7
1.5 Collection of Samples: ................................................................................ 9
1.5.1 Undisturbed Sample: ................................................................................ 9
1.5.2 Taken For: ................................................................................................ 9
1.5.3 Disturbed Sample: .................................................................................... 9
1.5.4 Taken for:................................................................................................. 9
1.5.5 In-Situ Test: ............................................................................................. 9
1.6 The site investigations for the individual house: ....................................... 9
1.7 The site investigations for the commercial engineering: ......................... 10
1.8 Standard Penetration Test: ......................................................................... 11
1.9 Laboratory Test: ........................................................................................ 12 2
1.9.1 Tests for evaluation of physical characteristics of soils: .......................... 12
1.9.2 Tests for evaluation of engineering characteristics of soils: ..................... 13
 1.9.3 Tests for evaluation of compaction characteristics: ................................. 14
1.10 Analysis of Subsurface Conditions: ......................................................... 14
1.10.1 Test pits analysis: .............................................................................. 15
1.10.2 Ground Water Table: ............................................................................ 15
1.10.3 Seismic Survey: .................................................................................... 15
Test being performed in the society: ................................................................... 15
Design Recommendations: ................................................................................. 16
1.11.1 Excavation: .......................................................................................... 16
1.11.2 Foundation Design: .............................................................................. 16
1.11.3 Simple Foundations: (For Residential Area) ...................................... 17
1.11.4 Raft Foundation: (For Commercial Area): ......................................... 17
1.11.5 Pavements: ........................................................................................... 17
1.11.6 Longitudinal Transition Details ......................................................... 17
1.12 Limitations: ................................................................................................ 18

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 Geotechnical
Investigation of Imperial
Homes Society
1. Introduction:-
Before construction, an engineer must have adequate
Geo-technical Investigation
knowledge of soil and for that purpose he has to:
 Introduction
“Obtain information regarding physical properties of
 Scope
soil and rocks underlying by surface exploration and
 In Situ Tests
sub-surface exploration known as Geotechnical
 Laboratory
investigation or Soil exploration.”`
Tests
 Design 1.1 Scope of geotechnical investigations:
Recommendations A geotechnical investigation will include surface
 Limitations exploration and subsurface exploration of a site.
Geophysical methods are used to obtain data about
sites. In addition, Site investigation will often include
subsurface sampling and laboratory testing of the soil
samples retrieved. The digging of test pits and
trenching may also be used to learn about soil
conditions at depth. Large diameter borings are rarely
used due to safety concerns and expense.

1.2 Objectives:

 To determine the soil strata and establish a model of

the soil profile.

 To learn more about the previous history and use of

the site.

 To determine soil properties for the design of

foundations for the structures.
 To determine the location of the ground water table.
4
 To identify problematic soils i.e. swelling and
shrinking soils
 SCHEMATIC MAP
LAYOUT OF IMPERIAL
SOCIETY. BARKI
ROAD, LAHORE.

IMPERIAL HOMES 5
Phases to be Performed:
First phase: Reconnaissance Survey
1.3 Phases to be Performed:
 First phase: Reconnaissance Survey
 Second Phase: Field exploration including in situ testing.
 Third phase: Laboratory testing of disturbed and undisturbed samples
retrieved during field investigations.
1.4 Field Exploration Methods:
The extent of soil investigations and depth of borings should be approximately
predetermined based on preliminary information and reconnaissance survey.
Generally the field exploration carried out in Pakistan consists of all or some of
the following tasks:

1.4.1 Test Pits and Exploratory Boreholes

The number and depth of exploration varies according to specific site conditions,
type of project and cost allocated for geotechnical investigations. Boring should
extend up to the depth where the stress increase due to the foundation load
becomes insignificant. This value is often taken as 20% or less of the contact
stress.

1.4.2 Test Pits

There were 7 test pits excavated about 3.0 m deep which were called open test
pits. In the test pits usually field density tests are performed at varying depths.
Disturbed and undisturbed (block) samples are recovered for detailed laboratory
analysis and testing. Test pits are excavated using manual labour and hand digging
tools. Open test pit is the best method of shallow exploration above ground water
table GWT as it offers visual observation of the soil stratification, provides a
direct assessment of foundation and soil conditions.

1.4.3 Exploratory Boreholes

Exploratory boreholes into the soil may be made by hand tools, but more
commonly mechanized tools are used.

1.4.4 Boring and bore holes:-

“As a rule of thumb; there are no binding rules on either numbers or depths of
borings”
It will rely on the Engineering judgment and site discovery”. In general, and to
estimate the concept of boring layout planning (the depth specifically), Tomlinson
suggest the following:
“The depth to which borehole should be sunk in ground is by the depth of soil 6
affected by the foundation bearing pressure”. It is impracticable to determine the
spacing, depth and number of boreholes before an investigation begins because
these depend on the type of proposed structure and uniformity of the formations.
Ordinarily, a preliminary estimate of boring layout is made based on experience,
project detail and site geology”.

1.4.5 Cost of the Exploration:

It is about 7% of the total cost of the project.

1.4.6 Methods of Boring to be used:

Wash Boring Auger Boring

Open hole is formed on the ground. The It is used for soft to stiff cohesive soils
hole was advanced by chopping and and for determination of ground water
twisting action of the light bit. Cutting is table. Soil removed by this is disturbed.
done by forced water and water jet under
pressure through the rods operated inside
the hole
For depth of 8m –10m More than 10m

7
0
0

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1.5 Collection of Samples:
Field sampling is an important part of the exploration program. Two types of soil
samples can be obtained during sub-surface exploration:
1. Disturbed Sample
2. Undisturbed Sample

1.5.1 Undisturbed Sample:

Thin-walled tube Piston samplers are used in soft soil. Pitcher barrel sampler are
pushed into the soil to collect the undisturbed sample in places famous for gravel,
sand. Then samples are waxed to keep them in undisturbed state.

1.5.2 Taken For:

They are used to determine the geotechnical properties of strength, permeability,
compressibility and fracture patterns among others.

1.5.3 Disturbed Sample:

The disturbed soil samples are generally obtained through the split spoon sampler,
used in carrying out the Standard Penetration Test (SPT). These samples are
carefully examined to identify the soil types and their composition occurring at
various depth horizons. Disturbed samples are also recovered using shovel and
from auger cuttings

1.5.4 Taken for:

These samples were taken to test soil type and texture, moisture content, and
nutrient and contaminant analysis, among other evaluations.

1.5.5 In-Situ Test:

Geotechnical investigations include in-situ testing and the results obtained from
these tests are helpful in classifying the soil and determining the strength of soil.
Some In-situ test involve pounding or pressing something into the ground. We
will discuss some of these correlations:

 Relative Density
 Consistency
 Shear Strength
 Settlement of Foundation.

1.6 The site investigations for the individual house:

There is one of the easiest and least time-consuming geotechnical investigations.
It is often attributed to the first (I) geotechnical category.
The geotechnical investigations for the site of the individual house are carried out
by the following field methods:
 Borehole drilling to determine the geological structure;
 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
 Cone penetration test. (CPT)

1.7 The site investigations for the commercial engineering:

The geotechnical investigations are carried out in construction site before building
non-residential civil buildings (such as libraries, hospitals, office buildings and
etc.), industrial buildings (such as factories, warehouses and etc.) and multi-store
buildings. This is a quite complicated survey type. And it is often attributed to the
second (II) or the third (III) geotechnical category. Therefore these investigations
require greater time and labor costs.
The geotechnical investigations are carried out by the following field methods:
Borehole drilling with disturbed or/and undisturbed soil sampling for laboratory
tests; 10
 Cone penetration test (CPT);
 Cone penetration test with pore water pressure measurement (CPTU);
  Dynamic penetration test (DPSH).
 Laboratory testing of soil physical and mechanical properties.

1.8 Standard Penetration Test:

The standard penetration test developed around 1927 is currently the most popular
and economical means to obtain subsurface information. This test helps in
assessing the in-place conditions of the sub-soil with regards to their relative
density and or consistency (i.e. compactness or firmness) and at the same time
provides high quality representative disturbed soil samples (DS) at testing depth.
The test has been codified as:

 ASTM D1586-92 for clayey soils

 ASTM D6066-96 for sandy soil
The test consists of the following activities:
1. Driving the standard split - barrel sampler through a distance of 18
inches (460 mm) into the soil at the bottom of the bore using a
standard force of 140 lbs. (63.5 kg) free fall hammer from a height of
30 inches (762 mm).
2. Counting the number of blows (N) to drive the sampler the last 12
inches (305 mm).This N-value is called SPT resistance of the soil.
3. Using a 63.5 kg hammer driving mass falling from a free fall height of 30
inches (762 mm).

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1.9 Laboratory Test:
Laboratory tests are performed on carefully selected representative sub-soil and
ground water samples recovered from the site during the site exploration process.
Laboratory testing is an essential component of an exploration program to
evaluate physical, engineering and chemical characteristics of the strata and GWT
encountered at the project site. This section describes briefly the various
laboratory tests, their utility and importance of various sub-soil parameters
towards the design of foundation. Usually the following laboratory tests are
carried out:

1.9.1 Tests for evaluation of physical characteristics of soils:

Tests Standards
Grain size analysis ASTM D 421, 422 & BS 1377 Part 2
Atterberg's limits ASTM D 4318 & BS 1377
Bulk & dry density ASTM D 2216 & BS 1377
Specific gravity ASTM D 854
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 Grain size analysis:
 This test is performed to determine the percentage of different grain sizes
contained within a soil. The distribution of different grain sizes affects the
engineering properties of soil. Grain size analysis provides the grain size
distribution, and it is required in classifying the soil.

 Bulk & Dry density:

The relationship between the density of a sample soil in dry state and
its moisture state is depends on degree of compaction. It is necessary to
use the dry unit Wight; basically it is an indicator of compactness of solid
soil particle in a given volume.
 Atterberg's limits :
Water content drastically influences properties of fine-grained soils. Depending on
the moisture content, clayey and silty soils may appear in four states: solid, semi-
solid, plastic and liquid. As a hard, rigid solid in the dry state, fine grained soil
becomes a crumbly (friable) semisolid when certain moisture content, or shrinkage
limit, is reached.

The soil will remain in this plastic state until its liquid limit is exceeded, which
causes it to transform into a viscous liquid that flows when jarred.

 Specific gravity:
We see there is variation in the soil from place to place so specific gravity
describes its properties like degree of saturation. It is needed in calculation of soil
properties like void ratio, degree of saturation etc.

1.9.2 Tests for evaluation of engineering characteristics of soils:

(Shear strength characteristics)
Tests Standards
Direct shear ASTM D 3080
Tri-axial Compression ASTM D 2850
Unconfined compression ASTM D 2166 & BS 1377 Part 7.

Test Type Applicability Advantages Limitations

Direct shear Effective strength Thin sample Non-uniform
parameters for allows for
distribution of 13
coarse grained
rapid drainage of stress
and fine grained fine grained soil
soil and strain
 Tri-axial Effective and total Easy to control Apparatus more
Compression strength Drainage. Can complicated than
parameters for consolidate other types of
coarse grained sample tests
and fine soil hydrostatically

Unconfined Homogenous, Very rapid and Not applicable to

compression unfissured clay. inexpensive soils with fissures,
Not suitable as the silt seams, varves,
only basis for other defects, or
design on critical less than 100%
saturation
projects

1.9.3 Tests for evaluation of compaction characteristics:

Tests Standards
Standard Proctor test ASTM D 698
Modified Proctor test ASTM D 1557
CBR test ASTM D 1833

 Modified Proctor test:

 CBR test:
Compression characteristics tests
 Consolidation test, ASTM D 2435
Tests for permeability
 Permeability test, ASTM D 2434

1.10 Analysis of Subsurface Conditions:

The general soil profile is interpreted to be the result of predominantly coarse rock
fill placement within the old stream channel overlain by soil fill. In general, the
majority of the test pits encountered predominantly granular fill soils consisting of
silty sand to silty gravel extending approximately 8 to 10 feet below existing gra 14
des.
1.10.1 Test pits analysis:
The layer of soil started from fined grained clay particles which was followed by
the sandy fill materials transitioned into cobbles and boulders in a silty sand matr
ix in the majority of the test pits excavated along the south side of the culvert. Bu
ried debris such as wood timbers, clay brick fragments, reinforcing bar, ceramic fr
agments, and some organic matter were mixed within the fill in generally low to
moderate concentrations at some of the test
pit locations. Small diameter tree limbs/trunks were encountered in Test Pits
They were excavated on the north side of the culvert, encountered approxi
mately 7 feet of silty sand and gravel fill underlain by apparent native alluvial dep
osits consisting of sand and gravel with cobbles and occasional boulders. Excava
tor refusal on apparent bedrock was encountered in four of the 9 test pits at depths
ranging from approximately 11 to 15 feet

1.10.2 Ground Water Table:

There was no evidence of groundwater in the boreholes during the site
investigation. Measurements of the installed piezometers were carried out
approximately three weeks after drilling. All piezometers were found to be dry.
The two soakage boreholes were drilled to 23.5 m and 25.5 m depth (on a 10°
incline) were both dry upon completion of the holes. A soak pit chamber was
found on the site with standing water at approximately 40.6m below ground level.
On this basis, we expect groundwater levels will be significantly below the
proposed basement level.
 We calculated the height of the biggest building of the society (imperial
mall) and its height is 55ft including the basement.
 The depth of its influential area is no more than 100ft.
 As the water table was found to be at a depth of 140ft, there is a
significant measure of safety.

1.10.3 Seismic Survey:

A downhole seismic survey should be performed at the site. The seismic survey is
performed to measure the compression (P) and shear wave (S) velocities of the
soil.

Test being performed in the society: 15

 Testing thermal resistivity of soil Boring test

Compaction Tests of Soil

Design Recommendations:
1.11.1 Excavation:
Excavations will be required to form the basement level for the car parking for
commercial area like shops and significantly imperial mall and the basement will
need to be excavated to a maximum elevation of approximately RL 50.6 m in
order to form the basement slab with a finished floor level at RL 50.9 m. The area
of the detention tanks will need to be excavated to approximately RL 49.7 m in
order to construct the tanks with an invert level of RL 50.0 m.

1.11.2 Foundation Design:

As mentioned above, the proposed development will involve the construction of
Residential Houses comprising of (5, 6, 10, 15, 20…) Marla Scheme and some
Construction Buildings Shallow foundations are considered appropriate for
support of the proposed buildings, subject to recommendations provided below 16
1.11.3 Simple Foundations: (For Residential Area)
The standard routine is to place as little solid concrete as possible into trenches
(min 250mm) and then to build up from this in blockwork until ground level,
where the walls switch to brick or stone or whatever the chosen external cladding
should be. This is known as a strip foundation. A widely used alternative is to fill
the trenches with ready-mix concrete to just below ground level (trench fill) which
saves labour but adds to foundation costs. Just above ground level, the footings
are topped with a damp-proof course and then the ground floor is fixed.

1.11.4 Raft Foundation: (For Commercial Area):

As the name suggests, a concrete raft is designed to ‘float’ on the ground beneath.
The structure is made up of an extra-thick floor slab, strengthened by masses on
steel reinforcing. Rafts have the advantage of providing the base of a ground floor
solution, not just wall trenching, but they are reckoned to be rather more complex
to construct.

1.11.5 Pavements:
The width of the pavement will be 9 meters. The maximum design service life is
limited to 15 years .The design analysis based on AASHTO 93 indicates that the
structural number is 97.20 mm.
The recommended rehabilitation method is to excavate native material from
shoulders and widen the platform to the specified width, using granular B1 to
match the existing granular B1, and then subsequently laying down granular to
match existing granular. Thus the recommended asphalt structure is 40 mm of SP
12.5 over 50 mm of SP 19.0.

1.11.6 Longitudinal Transition Details

Figure shows the recommended longitudinal transition. At the gravel end of the
project, Granular A as required is recommended to taper the roadway back to the
existing road.

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1.12 Limitations:
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of
Client in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical engineering practice.
No warranty, express or implied, is made. Use and reproduction of this report by
any other person is unauthorized and such use is at the sole risk of the user.
The analyses and recommendations contained in this report should be considered
preliminary given that the specific design details of the project have not been fina
lized. In addition, the preliminary analyses and recommendations contained in thi
s report are based on the data obtained from the test pits and our understanding of
the proposed project. The test pits indicate soil and groundwater conditions only
at specific locations and times, and only to the depths penetrated. They do not nec
essarily reflect strata variations that may exist between the test pit locations.

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