Green Line Underground
Green Line Underground
Green Line Underground
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3.2.1 General Requirements 5
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3.2.2 Selection of Sampling Method 5
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3.2.3 Pre-excavation Pits 5
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3.2.4 Trial Pits 5
3.2.5 Soil Sampling Methods 5
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3.2.6 Rock Sampling Methods 6
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3.2.7 Groundwater Sampling Methods 6
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3.2.8 Handling, Transport and Storage of Samples 7
3.2.9 Backfilling and Site Abandonment 7
3.2.10 Topographical ‘As Built’ Survey 8
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3.9.4 Nails and bolts 14
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3.10 ANCHORING EXECUTION ......................................................................... 14
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3.10.1 General 14
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3.10.2 Testing 14
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3.10.3 Corrosion protection of anchors 14
3.10.4 Tolerances 14
3.11
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BRACING EXECUTION ............................................................................... 14
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3.11.1 General 14
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QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 3
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
3 GEOTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 ADDITIONAL GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS
3.1.1 Field of application
1 This section refers to all works related to the execution of the additional geotechnical
investigation (AGI) and the instrumentation monitoring, to be executed by the Contractor.
3.1.2 General
1 The Contractor shall carry out Additional Geotechnical Investigations (AGI) in order to
examine the geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical conditions (including but not
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limited to the existence of karstic voids and earth gas) and determine the design
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geotechnical parameters, as required.
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2 The Contractor shall submit his AGI programme in advance of undertaking any
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investigations for a SONO from the Engineer.
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3 All AGI works and investigations shall be in accordance with latest version of, in order of
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priority:
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(a) Qatar Construction Specifications: ‘Ground Investigation’ Section 3;
testing’;
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1 All Works shall be executed according to the relevant specifications included in the QCS,
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Section 3 (which shall have priority) and as indicated, but not limited to the following:
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(b) EN ISO 14688, Geotechnical investigation and testing - Identification and classification
of soil
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(d) ΕΝ ISO 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories
(e) EN ISO 22475-1, Geotechnical investigation and testing - Sampling methods and
groundwater measurements
(g) ISO 710, Graphical symbols for use on detailed maps, plans and geological cross-
sections
(i) BS 1377:1990 Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. BS 10175:2001
Investigation of potentially contaminated sites. Code of practice
QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 4
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
3.1.4 Terminology
1 The terminology used in this specification comes from ΕΝ 1997-1 and 2, EN ISO 14688-1
and 2, EN ISO 14689-1 and EN ISO 22475-1.
1 Mechanical Equipment
(a) An adequate number and type of drilling rigs in order to carry out the Works and in
accordance with the AGI programme shall be provided.
2 Safety
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(a) Existence of Utilities, Pre-excavation pits
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(i) Permits from relevant Authorities shall be obtained prior to the commencement
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of any Work.
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3 Communication with Land Owners
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(a) Having obtained the required permit and prior to the commencement of the Works, the
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Contractor shall contact and co-operate with land owners, neighbours, shop owners or
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any other parties, whose activities may be adversely affected by the execution of the
drilling, by informing them of the purpose of the Works, the time period required for its
execution and assuring them that he shall ensure that disturbance due to the Works
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(b) The area shall be fully reinstated following the completion of works.
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1 The borehole depths shall be defined as the greatest of the following criteria:
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(a) The boreholes shall be constructed to a depth at least 10 m from the deepest level of
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(b) In the case of boreholes intended for the investigation of the conditions related to
foundations or piles, and for diaphragm walls, the borehole depth shall be 5 m deeper
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than the estimated depth that the piles or the diaphragm walls are planned to be
constructed.
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(c) For boreholes intended for the investigation related to surface foundations, the
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borehole depth shall be 15 m (and at least 2B, where B is the foundation width), in
case of soil foundation conditions, or 5.0 m, in case of rock foundation conditions.
Where rock foundation conditions are covered by weathered mantle, the minimum
borehole depth shall be equal to the thickness of the weathered mantle in addition to
5m inside the rock substratum.
(d) In case of underground structures (tunnels etc.), the depth of the boreholes shall be
2D (D=Diameter or equivalent diameter of the tunnel/underground structure) deeper
than the invert level of the structure.
QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 5
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
1 Notwithstanding that the entire geotechnical risk lies with the contactor the main principles of
the AGI to be followed by the Contractor are:
(b) A minimum of six (6) boreholes at each Metro Station and switchbox.
(d) A minimum of one (1) borehole, for bridges having span dimension 6.0m≤S≤8.0 m.
(e) A minimum of one (1) borehole at every pier’s location, for bridges having span
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dimension S>8.0 m.
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3.2 BOREHOLE, SAMPLING AND GROUNDWATER MEASUREMENTS
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SPECIFICATIONS
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3.2.1 General Requirements
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1 The works shall be performed in accordance with EN ISO 22475-1 and in accordance with
the following paragraphs.
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2 All AGI boreholes shall be of continuous sampling except for the pressure meter boreholes.
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3 The sampling category of soils and rocks and quality class of soil samples shall be the
minimum required, depending on the laboratory test which is planned for each sample
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contained in table 6.1 (for soil samples) and Para. 3.4 and Para 3.5 (for soil and rock
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1 The selection of sampling method shall be made as per Para. 5 of EN ISO 22475-1.
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(a) All pre-excavation pits shall be excavated by hand or by very light mechanical means.
(b) All pits shall be immediately restored to their previous condition upon completion of
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work according with the requirements of Para. 5.5 of EN ISO 22475-1 and if pits are to
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remain open after the day of excavation, the Contractor shall provide adequate
fencing or covering, signalling and/or lighting to ensure the safety of the public and
workers.
1 The excavation of any trial pits to investigate soil conditions, sample recovery or execution of
field tests shall follow the same procedures as for pre-excavation pits.
1 General
(a) Soil sampling shall be based on the provisions of Para. 6 of EN ISO 22475-1.
QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 6
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
2 Sampling Categories
(a) The acceptable sampling categories according to EN1997-2 standard and EN ISO
22475-1 standard for the Works are A and B and shall be applied.
(b) The appropriate method for sampling to ensure minimal disturbance of samples shall
be selected. The quality of the samples shall be adequate to execute the required
laboratory tests and to make the appropriate engineering geological description.
(a) Samples shall be recovered by rotary core drilling with a double or triple tube core
barrel as per Para. 6.3.2.2 of EN ISO 22475-1. Additionally, the inner sleeve shall be
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divisible in two (2), along the axis (split inner tube). In the event that the Contractor
wishes to use another method of continuous sampling, he shall submit the relevant
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justification to the Engineer for a SONO, within the AGI program.
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(b) The use of single tube core barrel shall only be allowed in cases of cleaning of the
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borehole, or in cases of loose gravel that can be sampled by no other method.
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(c) Clean water shall be used for flushing.
(d)
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Water supply during the drilling-sampling shall be continuous in order to achieve the
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optimum sampling.
(a) Block sampling is executed based on the provisions of Para. 6.5 of EN ISO 22475-1.
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1 General
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(a) Rock sampling shall be executed on the basis of Para. 7 of EN ISO 22475-1.
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2 Sampling Categories
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(a) The appropriate method for sampling to ensure minimal disturbance of samples shall
be selected. The quality of the samples shall be adequate to execute the required
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3 Sampling by Drilling
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(a) Samples shall be recovered by rotary core drilling, with a double or triple tube core
barrel as per Para. 7.3.3 of EN ISO 22475-1. Additionally, the inner sleeve shall be
divisible in two (2) along the axis (split inner tube).
(b) The use of single tube core barrel shall be only allowed in cases of cleaning of the
borehole.
(d) Water supply during the drilling-sampling shall be continuous in order to achieve the
optimum sampling.
2 Samples of groundwater shall be taken from each open standpipe piezometer following its
cleaning and its air-lift development.
3 At boreholes where more than one aquifer has been detected, separate samples shall be
taken for each aquifer.
1 General
(a) Handling, transportation and storage of samples shall be carried out in compliance
with the guidelines of chapter 11 of EN ISO 22475-1 and the requirements below.
2 Core Boxes
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(a) Core boxes shall be made in compliance with Para. 11.6 of EN ISO 22475-1.
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3 Description of Borehole Cores, Core Boxes Photographing and Selection of Samples
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(a) The selection of samples shall be made in accordance with the Proposed Laboratory
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Test Program. After sample selection, the samples shall be packed according to the
terms in Para. 11.3 of EN ISO 22475-1.
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(b) The packed samples shall then be transported to the laboratory of the Contractor, in
accordance with the requirements of Para. 11.5 of EN ISO 22475-1.
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(a) All samples delivered to the Contractor's laboratory shall be kept for a period of one
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(1) month after the Engineer has given its SONO to the Geotechnical Factual Report.
(a) The Contractor shall provide an adequate storage facility for the core boxes at all
times. The Employer shall have custody of the core boxes, at the storage facility. The
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Contractor shall fully cooperate with the Employer to allow the Employer to maintain
the security of the core boxes.
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(b) Following the engineering geological description and the selection of the samples for
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the execution of laboratory tests, the core boxes shall be carefully transported and
delivered to the storage facility provided by the Contractor and shall be available for
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(c) All core boxes shall be protected at all times during handling, transportation and
storage against precipitation, sunlight, vibrations and drying.
1 Upon completion of each borehole, following the measurement of a final water level,
boreholes shall be backfilled immediately in accordance with one of the following methods:
(b) In the event no piezometer is installed, the borehole shall be sealed with grout from
the bottom to the surface, with specified cement grout (with a water/cement ratio 0.6
by weight) or any other method in compliance with Para. 5.5 of EN ISO 22475-1.
QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 8
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
2 When artesian conditions are encountered such that water flows from the borehole to the
surface, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Engineer and shall grout the borehole in
order to prevent water flow, after the completion of the borehole to the required depth and
the installation of the required instrumentation.
1 A topographically survey of all boreholes, trial pits and other investigations at their final
locations shall be conducted. Drawings showing the location of the ‘as-built’ borehole or trial
pit with the location marked by the measured distance from fixed objects shown on the
drawings shall be prepared.
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3.3.1 Test Standards
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1 In situ tests shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 4 of ΕΝ 1997-2.
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3.3.2 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
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1 This test shall be carried out in accordance with EN ISO 22476-3.
1 General
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(a) The Contractor shall execute variable head tests, constant head tests and packer
tests in accordance with Earth Manual E-18 and the requirements below.
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(a) The execution of water permeability tests shall cover the total geological formations
encountered at each borehole.
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(b) Water permeability tests shall be conducted, for each borehole, as follows:
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(i) In situ water permeability tests shall generally be carried out every six (6) drilling
meters. Where there is high water permeability, the test shall be executed upon
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(ii) The maximum length of the tested section is 3 m, except where there is low
permeability.
(iii) Permeability tests shall commence at the ground water table or at a depth of 3
m from ground surface (whichever is shallower).
(iv) In tunnel areas, at least two (2) water permeability tests shall be carried out at
the tunnel face depth.
(v) In tunnel areas, water permeability tests shall be conducted at the 6-metre zone
above the crown (at least two (2) tests) and at the 3-metre zone below the invert
(at least one (1) test).
QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 9
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
1 All AGI boreholes shall be checked for potentially contaminated soil which shall include
taking field measurements indicative of volatile organic compounds (VOC).
1 The minimum requirements with regard to the program and the number of the laboratory
tests are presented below.
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1 Physical properties tests
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(a) Determination of specific gravity and unit weight, water content, Atterberg limits and
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particle size analysis: One (1) test per formation, one additional test if the formation is
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thicker than 2 metres and, subsequently, one (1) additional test every 3 metres.
Hydrometer tests shall be executed, when following particle size analysis with sieves
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the fine fraction is higher than 5%.
(b)
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Organic substances tests shall be executed on organic soil materials.
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2 Engineering properties tests
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(a) Unconfined compression test: One (1) test per formation, one additional test if the
formation is thicker than 2 metres and, subsequently, one additional test every 3
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metres.
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(b) One dimensional consolidation tests, triaxial tests, shear tests, residual shear strength
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and swelling test: These tests shall be executed, taking into account the homogeneity
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1 The tests shall be performed, taking into account the homogeneity of the soil and the type of
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the structure.
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(a) Water content, porosity and density: one test per formation, one additional test if the
formation is thicker than four metres and subsequently an additional test every 5
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metres.
(a) A uniaxial compression test with elasticity modulus and Poisson ratio determination
and two point load tests, axial and diameter, every 3 m.
1 For the determination of basic design parameters, regarding the permanent underground
works from reinforced concrete, sampling and testing according to ASTM D4373, ASTM C-
114, ASTM D1411, APHA 4500-H and the relevant articles of QSC, Section 5, shall be
conducted.
QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 10
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
(a) For stations: at four (4) locations (e.g. two (2) each along the long sides - towards the
corners) at two (2) depths per location (e.g. -10 and -20 m).
(b) For tunnels: at two (2) locations per tunnel, at two (2) depths per location (e.g. at the
middle of the tunnel overburden and at the middle of the tunnel face).
(c) If defective values and/or unusual deviations of the values are identified, per area,
additional sampling and checking is required (including doubling the locations and the
samples).
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(a) Soil:
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(i) Acidity degree as per Baumann – Gully.
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(ii) Sulphurous, as sulphur ions SO2-4 (mg/kg).
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(b) Groundwater:
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(i) Sulphurs SO2-4 (mg/l).
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(ii) pH.
(iii) CO2 (mg/l).
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TPH tests, according to method EPA8015b or APHA 5520-C or other equivalent method
approved by EPA.
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2 Especially for boreholes in the vicinity of petrol stations, regardless of evidence of pollution,
at least four (4) soil samples, appropriately distributed, shall be obtained for the above-
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mentioned tests.
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1 The Contractor shall submit, for obtaining Engineer’s SONO reports, in the following order:
(b) Geotechnical Factual Report (GFR) including the results of the Additional
Geotechnical Investigations (AGI).
(c) Geotechnical Interpretive Report (GIR) for each station, shaft and tunnel between
stations.
QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 11
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
(a) The design values of the geotechnical parameters shall be estimated on the basis of
the procedure described in paragraphs 2.4.5.2 and 2.4.6.2 of Eurocode 7, using the
characteristic values of geotechnical parameters.
(b) The types and the selected values of the design and geotechnical parameters shall
include proposals about the design soil parameters, for the various depths under the
surface of the ground, according to the geological formations and the proposed
stratigraphy of the soil in the area where the works are to be performed. They shall
take into consideration the type, extent and geometry of the underground and other
structures, the construction methods and the requirements of the proposed analysis
method, and any other relevant factors.
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(c) In the GIR, the design assumptions of the geotechnical conditions shall correspond to
the actual:
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(i) Types of soil and their natural properties (specific weight, density, particle size,
Atterberg limits, natural water content, and any other relevant properties).
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(ii) Variation of soil properties.
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(iii) Succession and layers of thickness, presence of discontinuities.
(iv) Ground water level and hydrogeological conditions, piezometric pressures that
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shall be used in the temporary retaining systems and long term conditions,
permeability.
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(vii) Soil pressure coefficients (active, at-rest, passive) and any proposed
modifications of the theoretical values.
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(ix) If anchoring is to be used, values of ultimate bond strength and working bond
strength between anchor or anchoring and environmental medium (soil or rock).
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(d) To calculate the regime of the initial geostatic stress field (coefficient of earth pressure
K), a typical range of its values shall be proposed to be used in a sensitivity analysis
during the design, as well as design values for each section or sub-section or
structure.
(i) Appropriate laboratory strength tests (e.g. triaxial tests and other relevant types
of testing) as well as on in-situ tests (e.g. pressure meters and other relevant
types of testing); and
(ii) Well documented empirical correlations taken from relevant available sources
according to the local conditions, including the soil type and loading history (e.g.
pre-consolidation stress, over consolidation ratio, and other relevant factors).
QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 12
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
(f) A sensitivity analysis of the geotechnical parameter values shall be included as a part
of the GIR.
1 General
(a) The Contractor shall perform detailed photographing of the works. Digital pictures
shall be taken from the borehole worksites, the pre-excavation pits and trial pits (four
sides and floor), the core boxes and the samples for testing.
(a) The Contractor shall take photographs to provide a fully detailed record of all borehole
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cores. Colour and length scales shall be included in each photo. The cores shall be
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photographed twice.
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3 Samples’ Photographs
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(a) The Contractor shall take sets of photographs of all samples (before and after the
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tests), to create a fully detailed archive. Rock samples are cleaned and lightly sprayed
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with water prior to photographing to reveal structure and bedding.
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3.6 PILING AND DIAPHRAGM WALLING
3.6.1 Piling
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1 This section specifies the materials and workmanship required for bored piles and bored pile
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walls. The design and installation shall be in accordance with EN 1997-1 and EN 1536.
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2 Particular attention shall be paid to all safety aspects of the work, employing barriers and
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covers as necessary.
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3 Compliance with all applicable environmental laws has to be achieved. Relevant permits
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1 This Section specifies the materials and workmanship required for diaphragm wall
construction.
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2 EN 1997-1 and EN 1538 shall be strictly followed in relation to diaphragm wall construction,
except where higher standards are required in this specification.
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1 All related works shall be according to QCS - Section 4 Piling, EN 1536 and EN 1997-1.
3.7.2 Boring
1 In the event of rapid loss of drilling fluid from a pile excavation, the bore shall be backfilled
immediately.
2 All reasonable steps shall be taken to prevent the spillage of drilling fluid on the Site, or in
areas outside the immediate vicinity of boring.
QCS 2014 Section 29: Railways Page 13
Part 03: Geotechnical Specifications
3 For a pile constructed in a stable cohesive soil, without the use of temporary casing or
drilling fluid, the pile shall be bored and concrete shall be placed as soon as practical.
3.7.3 Tolerances
2 Records of the installation of each pile shall be kept. Any unusual or difficult driving or boring
operation shall be noted in these records.
1 Records of as-built details of the piling works, including soil conditions encountered during
boring shall be kept and delivered to the Employer as part of the O&M documentation.
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3.7.5 Placing Concrete
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1 The method of placing and the workability of the concrete shall be such that a continuous
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monolithic concrete shaft of full cross section is formed.
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3.7.6 Pile Tests
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1 Pile tests shall be performed according to EN 1997-1 and EN 1536.
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3.7.7 Protection of Piling from Chemical Attack
1 Piles shall be protected against aggressive soil and ground water conditions, both during and
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after installation. The Contractor shall demonstrate that he has considered the protection
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3.8.1 General
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3.8.2 Cleaning
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1 The exposed surface of the diaphragm wall shall be thoroughly cleaned to ensure bonding of
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3.9.1 General
1 This section specifies materials and workmanship requirements for pre-stressed anchoring,
bracings, nails and bolts. The design and installation shall be in accordance with EN 1997- 1
and EN 1537.
3.9.2 Anchoring
3.9.3 Bracing
1 All metal components of the bolts/nails shall conform to the standard specification EN 10025.
1 Anchoring shall avoid damage to all existing buildings, structures and utilities.
2 In the event temporary anchors are required to be placed in adjacent properties, the
approval of owners of adjacent properties shall be obtained.
3.10.2 Testing
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1 The Contractor shall test all anchors according to EN 1537.
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3.10.3 Corrosion protection of anchors
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1 Anchors shall be protected against corrosion during service life according to EN 1537.
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3.10.4 Tolerances
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The tolerances for anchoring shall be in accordance with EN 1537.
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3.11 BRACING EXECUTION
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3.11.1 General
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END OF PART
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