GEOTECHNIC

AL
INVESTIGATI
ON SCHEME
FOR GODE
AIRPORT
TERMINAL
/REVISED/
Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................2
1.1 DATA COLLECTION............................................................................................................................................3
1.2 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAMME............................................................................................3
1.3 FIELD INVESTIGATION AND SAMPLING...........................................................................................................3
1.3.1 SOIL SAMPLING & SOIL INVESTIGATIONS...................................................................................................3
1.4 GEOTECHNICAL LABORATORY TESTING WITHIN GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION...............................4
1.5 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT.....................................................................................................5
1.6 LIST OF STANDARDS FOR GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION......................................................................6
2. SCHEME FOR GODE AIRPORT TERMINAL........................................................................................................8
2.1 RECONNAISSANCE -GODE........................................................................................................................8
3. INVESTIGATION SCHEME.................................................................................................................................10
3.1 TERMINAL AND FIRE HOUSE......................................................................................................................10
3.2 ACCESS ROAD.............................................................................................................................................11
3 TAXIWAY AND APRON....................................................................................................................................13
..................................................................................................................................................................................13
4. SAMPLE COLLECTION AND TESTS..................................................................................................................15
3.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION.....................................................................................................................................15
3.2 TESTS............................................................................................................................................................15
5. REPORTS............................................................................................................................................................16
Appendix 1-Locations of pits in Gode.......................................................................................................................16

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

1. INTRODUCTION

An important basis for the planning and construction of building and infrastructure projects (comprising
various types of structures as foundation, excavation pit, apron, taxi way, road etc.) is the knowledge of the
ground conditions. For this purpose, the geotechnical investigation with its respective services shall be
carried out. Their nature and extent depend on the type of the structure, the difficulty of the structure and
the expected ground conditions.  
 
Activities in geo technical investigation scheme needs the following procedures

 Data Collection
 Geotechnical Investigation Programme
 Field Investigation and Sampling
 Laboratory Testing
 Geotechnical Investigation Report 

Geo
technical
Data
Investiga
Collection
tion
Scheme
Field
ACTIVITIES OF Investiga
Labratory
GEO TECHNICAL tion and
testing
INVESTIGATION Samplin
g
Geo
technical
Standards Investiga
tion
Report

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

1.1 DATA COLLECTION

Our team has regional experience as we have projects in the region, knowledge and made a site visit,
produced topography maps, evaluation of regional geology conditions such as earthquake, faults and
Climate and Weather Data. 

1.2 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAMME

We establish the geotechnical investigation programmed with respect to the project specifications (type of
structure, difficulty of structure, expected ground conditions, data collection) including

 List of technical standards to be applied (geotechnical site investigation);

 Number, mapping / location, depth of test pits / boreholes;
 Number of standard penetration tests (SPT);
 Number of disturbed and undisturbed soil samples;
 Number of undisturbed rock samples;
 Ground water sampling;
 Geotechnical laboratory testing programme;

1.3 FIELD INVESTIGATION AND SAMPLING

Preparation of Field Investigation Works

 Work planning on manpower and equipment with respect to the Programme;

 Mobilization and De-mobilization of geotechnical drilling team, supervision personnel and
equipment 
 Survey and Set-out of borehole coordinates
 Proper Handling, Warehousing and Transport of Samples to the Geotechnical Laboratory
 

1.3.1 SOIL SAMPLING & SOIL INVESTIGATIONS

The undisturbed samples will be taken at certain intervals to the borehole depth termination and at the change
of strata in boreholes/ pits under application of various sampling methods and respective technical standards.
Disturbed samples can be derived from selected recovered cores of standard penetration tests (SPT). For
detailed guidance on the suitability of various soil sampling techniques in different types of soil, our geotechnical
expert will provide professional advice. Sampling, handling, labelling and transport of samples will be executed
in strict adherence with international standards and guidelines.
Undisturbed sampling using the open-tube sample as thin-walled or thick-walled tube samplers can be applied
depending on the encountered soil conditions whereas the thick-walled tube sampler is applied for stiff and
dense soils and for soils containing coarse particles. For soil types that are difficult to sample, sample-retaining
or closure devices are necessary.

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

1.3.3 Rock Sampling

The quality of the rock recovery achieved is determined by applying the following parameters as rock quality
designation (RQD), total core recovery (TCR) and solid core recovery (SCR) ratios that have to be recorded and
reported for each core run.

1.3.4 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) shall be performed in boreholes / test Pits in order to estimate consistency,
relative density, and strength-deformation parameters of soils. In addition to this soil samples obtained from
SPT testing are used for classification purposes. SPT testing can also be carried out in weak weathered rock.
The SPT testing shall be performed at certain numbers and respective intervals (it is common to apply an
interval of 1.5m/test) to the borehole/ test pit depth termination for all boreholes. The number of blows required
to 15cm of penetration or fraction thereof is to be recorded. The first 15cm is to be considered as a seating
drive. The number of blows required for the second and the third 15cm penetration is termed as “standard
penetration resistance” or the raw “N value”.

1.4 GEOTECHNICAL LABORATORY TESTING WITHIN GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION 

Index property tests (determining of soil classification)

 Moisture content - determination of the moisture content of a soil as a percentage of its oven-dried
weight.
 Unit weight - determining the total/moist and dry densities - unit weights - of soil specimens.
 Specific gravity - determination of the specific gravity of soil solids passing the 4.75-mm sieve (No. 4)
by means of a water pycnometer.
 Atterberg limits - determination of the liquid limit, plastic limit, and the plasticity index of soils.
 Particle size distribution - quantitative determination of the distribution of particle sizes in soils,
distribution of particle sizes larger than 75 μm - retained on the No. 200 sieve - is determined by
sieving, while the distribution of particle sizes smaller than 75 μm is determined by a sedimentation
process, using a hydrometer.

Engineering properties tests (determining of strength and deformation parameters)

 Unconfined compression strength - determination of the unconfined compressive strength of cohesive

soil of the axial load.
 Consolidation test (one-dimensional consolidation properties) - determining the magnitude and rate of
consolidation of soil when it is restrained laterally and drained axially while subjected to incrementally
applied controlled-stress loading. Data from the consolidation test are used to estimate the magnitude
and rate of both differential and total settlement of a structure or earthfall. Estimates of this type are of
key importance in the design of engineered structures and the evaluation of their performance. This test
shall be conducted for soil samples extracted below GWT if any.

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

 Tri-axial tests / direct tests shall be conducted on undisturbed samples collected from the depths of
investigation to presumed level of seat of foundation to find cohesion and angle of internal friction of the
stratum at that level,
 Consolidated undrained triaxial compression test - determination of strength and stress-strain
relationships of cohesive soil when the specimens are isotopically consolidated and sheared in
compression without drainage at a constant rate of axial deformation. Data from the undrained triaxial
compression test are used in geotechnical engineering analysis to predict how the material will behave
in a larger-scale geotechnical engineering application. An example would be to predict the stability of
the soil on a slope, whether the slope will collapse or whether the soil will support the shear stresses of
the slope and remain in place. Undrained triaxial compression tests are used along with other tests to
make such engineering predictions.

Rock Strength Properties Tests

 Uniaxial compression strength test - determining unconfined compressive strength of intact rock core
specimens. It is a test method for compressive strength and elastic moduli of intact rock core
specimens under varying states of stress and temperatures. Unconfined compressive strength of rock
is used in many design formulas and is sometimes used as an index property to select the appropriate
excavation technique. But it shall be conducted if there exists dependable rock stratum in vicinity or
level of presumed level of foundation seat.

Chemical Analysis of Groundwater

 pH value, sulphate content and chloride content tests – determining the aggressiveness of groundwater
to concrete and steel structures.

1.5 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT 

The detailed Report will be provided and prepared tailor-made for each project according to the respective
project scope of service. The following table of content is a standard table of content that will be adjusted
according to the project scope of service:

Executive Summary

 Project description
 Description of the works performed with respect to the geotechnical investigation programme
 Technical standards
 Site conditions

Geotechnical Field Investigation

 Drilling of boreholes/ Test Pits as necessary

 Soil sampling
 Rock coring and rock sampling

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

 Standard penetration tests

 Final quantity report on field investigation works

Geotechnical Laboratory Testing 

 Index properties tests (moisture content tests, unit weight tests, specific gravity tests, Atterberg limits
tests, particle size distribution tests)
 Engineering properties tests (unconfined compression strength tests, consolidation / oedometer tests,
consolidated undrained triaxial compression tests)
 Rock strength properties tests (point load tests, uniaxial compression strength tests)
 Chemical analysis of ground water
 Final quantity report on laboratory tests

Evaluation of Soil Conditions and Soil Parameters

 Soil profile 
 Deformation properties of soft clay layers (pre-consolidation pressure and over consolidated ratio,
compression, coefficient of primary consolidation index, secondary consolidation)
 Strength parameters (undrained shear strength, strength parameters from CIU tests, SPT-N values)

Groundwater

 Ground water level measurement

 Results on chemical ground water analysis and evaluation of level of aggressiveness to structures

Conclusions and Recommendation

 Geotechnical soil conditions of the project site

 Recommendation for building foundation methods, soil improvement methods … (acc. to the project
scope)
 Bearing capacity recommendations

Appendices

 Summary of laboratory testing results on index and engineering properties

 Bore logs and standard penetration test results
 Results of laboratory testing
 Work progress reports and photo documentation
 Daily site record Drawings

1.6 LIST OF STANDARDS FOR GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION 

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

GEOTECHNICAL PLANNING & GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAMME 

 Code of Practice for Site Investigation | BS 5930:1999 |  

GEOTECHNICAL FIELD INVESTIGATION WORKS 

 Standard Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Drilling with Water-Based Drilling Fluid for Environmental
Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices | ASTM D5783 |  
 Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes | ASTM D1587 |  
 Standard Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site Investigation | ASTM D2113-99
| 
 Test Method for Penetration Test and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils  | ASTM D1586 | Standard
Penetration Test
 Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone and Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soil | ASTM
D5778 | Cone Penetration Test
 Standard Test Method for Field Vane Shear Test in Saturated Fine-Grained Soils | ASTM D2573 | Field
Vane Shear Test 
 Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils | ASTM D2488 |  

GEOTECHNICAL LABORATORY TESTING   

 Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purpose | ASTM D2487 |  
 Standard Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of
Soil Constants | ASTM D421 |  
 Standard Practice for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils | ASTM D422 | Sieve / Hydrometer Analysis
 Standard Test Method for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils | ASTM D4318 |
Atterberg Limits
 Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer | ASTM D854 | Specific
Gravity
 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Density (Unit Weight) of Soil Specimens |
ASTM D7263 | Bulk Density
 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Mass |
ASTM D2216 | Natural Moisture Content
 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental
Loading | ASTM D2435 | Oedometer Test
 Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils | ASTM D2166 |  
 Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test for Cohesive Soils |
ASTM D4767 |  
 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock and Application to
Rock Strength Classifications | ASTM D5731 |  
 Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Intack Rock Core Specimens | ASTM
D2938 |  
 Standard Test Method for Underground Water Chemical Test – pH Value | ASTM D4972 |  
 Standard Test Method for Underground Water Chemical Test – Chloride Content | ASTM D512 |  
 Standard Test Method for Underground Water Chemical Test – Sulphate Content | ASTM D516 |  

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

2. SCHEME FOR GODE AIRPORT TERMINAL

2.1 RECONNAISSANCE -GODE

Gode is relatively flat with. We have made physical observation on site and we do not find any surface anomalies like
surface fracture, cracks, heaves and others. Looking to earthquake maps, Gode town Located in Somali Regional
State with 43.6412E, 6.1026N has zero PGA as per EBCS EN 1998 -12015.

The weather as per Ethiopian Classification is arid with peak temperature in March reaching to 37 deg Celsius. The
rainfall days are limited with high rainfall intensity when it rains.

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

This investigation scheme includes sampling and testing for the terminal and fire building,
access road, parking and apron and taxiway.

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

3. INVESTIGATION SCHEME

The extent of investigation best described with the number of test pits and depth of the
same. The proposed number of test pits and depth of investigation is with the
corresponding spatial location of the same is discussed here under attached drawing.

3.1 TERMINAL AND FIRE HOUSE

The terminal is to reside on 78.25 mt *32.60 m foot print dimension as inferred from the
preliminary architectural dimension. The fire house is with G+ 1 building with watch tower
at the top. As per recommendation by EBCS-7 -1997,3.3.2, the minimum no of testing pit
required for any investigation in regards to building construction is two and an additional
for every 60 m dimensions if the building lines on horizontal stratified soil.

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

Consequently, two test pits for the investigation of the terminal block are enough. But for
better mapping of the substratum two additional pit are considered with four total number
of points. P11, P12, P13 and P14 and one additional pit for the fire house.

Reference is made to 3.3.2 Number and Spacing of Trail Pits and Boring and the table
below.

The depth of the bore hole shall be determined based on the influence zone below the
foundation. As per EBCS 1995,3.3.3.1 (c)

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

The primary footing sizes of footings assuming BC of 300 Kpa, are 3.6x 3.6 mt. If we
preliminary put the footing at a depth of 3 from NGL, it shall be 10.8 mt. Adding the initial
depth of 3 mt from NGL, the total length of the pit/ bore hole shall be 13.8 mt- 14 mt.

No Test Pit No Depth

1 P10 14 mt
2 P11 14 mt
3 P12 14 mt
4 P13 14 mt
5 P14 14 mt

3.2 ACCESS ROAD

Ther are tow major roads in the terminal. The first one is the access road from the entrance up to the terminal and
the second is the road around the terminal. There are ten test pits proposed to determine the required soil
parameters. As per EBCS 1995 3.3.3.3 (1) recommended depth of excavation are 2-3 mt. We proposed 3 mt depth
of ecxavation for the tests pits along all access roads.

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

No Test Pit No Depth

1 P1 3 mt
2 P2 3mt
3 P3 3 mt 3 TAXIWAY
4 P4 3 mt AND APRON
5 P5 3mt
6 P6 3 mt
7 P7 3 mt
8 P8 3 mt
9 P9 3 mt
10 P15 3 mt
There are 15 test pits in the Taxi way and Apron fields as show below with depth of tests
pits 3 mt like the access roads except in pit no 30 with a depth of 10 mt as per the
recommendation from the consultant.

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

No Test Pit No Depth

1 P16 3 mt
2 P17 3mt
3 P18 3 mt
4 P19 3 mt
NB As per the
5 P20 3mt
recommendation
6 P21 3 mt
from the
7 P22 3 mt
consultant, P30
8 P23 3 mt shall be 10 m
9 P24 3 mt deep.
10 P25 3 mt
11 P26 3mt
12 P27 3mt
13 P28 3mt
14 P29 3mt
15 P30 10 mt

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

4. SAMPLE COLLECTION AND TESTS

3.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION

Sampling shall be done as per 1.3
3.2 TESTS

In situ tests
 SPT test at every 1- 1.5 mt
Laboratory tests
All the test listed below shall be done based on the actual scenario
 Sieve analysis including Hydrometer Analysis
 Atterberg limits
 Consolidation tests

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Geotechnical Investigation Scheme for Gode Airport Terminal

 Swelling potential;
 shear / triaxial tests
 UCS tests with determination of Young modulus on rock samples
 pH, chlorides and sulfates content of soil and groundwater samples at foundations level (if water is
available at such levels)
 proctor and CBR on bulk samples from trial pits

5. REPORTS

Geotechnical Investigation report shall be prepared as per 1.5.

Appendix 1-Locations of pits in Gode

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