Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration

or
Geotechnical Investigation

Dr Ram Kumar
Former Chief Scientist & Head, Bridges and Structures Division, CRRI, New Delhi
and
Former Chief General Manager (QA/QC and Induction of New Technologies, Materials & Equipment in Highway
Construction), NHAI, New Delhi
Presently
Bridge Consultant to World Bank & NRRDA, New Delhi
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration

IRC 78-2014: STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS AND CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ROAD BRIDGES,
SECTION : VII, FOUNDATIONS AND SUBSTRUCTURE
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
Definition of Various Terminologies

Bearing Capacity
• The supporting power of soil/rock expressed as bearing stress is referred to as it bearing capacity.
1 Allowable bearing pressure
• It is the maximum gross pressure intensity at which neither the soil fails in shear, (after accounting for
appropriate factor of safety) nor there is excessive settlement beyond permissible limits, which is expected to
be detrimental to the structure.
2 Net safe bearing capacity
• It is the net ultimate bearing capacity divided by a factor of safety as per Clause 706.1.1.1, IRC 78-2014 .
3 Net ultimate bearing capacity
• It is the minimum net pressure intensity causing shear failure of the soil.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
Definition of Various Terminologies (contd..)
4 Safe bearing capacity
• The maximum pressure, which the soil can carry safely without risk of shear failure and it is equal to the net
safe bearing capacity plus original overburden pressure.
5. Ultimate gross bearing capacity
• It is the minimum gross pressure intensity at the base of the foundation at which the soil fails in shear.
6. Bearing Stress
Gross pressure intensity
• It is the total pressure at the base of the foundation on soil due to the possible combinations of load and the
weight of the earth fill.
Net pressure intensity
• It is the difference in intensities of the gross pressure and the original overburden pressure.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
Definition of Various Terminologies (contd..)
Piles
1 Bearing/friction piles
• A pile driven or cast-in-situ for transmitting the weight of a structure to the founding strata by the
resistance developed at the pile base and by friction along its surface. If it supports the load mainly by the
resistance developed at its base, it is referred to as an end-bearing pile, and if mainly by friction along its
surface, as a friction pile.
2 Bored cast-in-situ pile
• A pile formed with or without a casing by boring a hole in the ground and subsequently filling it with
plain or reinforced concrete.
3 Driven cast-in-situ pile
• A pile formed in the ground by driving a permanent or temporary casing, and filling if with plain or
reinforced concrete.
4 Driven pile
• A pile driven into the ground by the blows of a hammer by a vibrator.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploratin
Definition of Various Terminologies (contd..)
5 Precast pile
• A reinforced or prestressed concrete pile cast before driving, or installing in bore and grouted.
6 Raker or batter pile
• A pile installed at an inclination to the vertical.
7 Sheet pile
• One or a row of piles driven or formed in the ground adjacent to one another in a continuous wall, each generally provided with a
connecting joint or interlock, designed to resist mainly lateral forces and to reduce seepage; it may be vertical or at an inclination.
8 Tension pile
• A pile subjected to tension/uplift is called tension pile.

9 Test pile
• A pile to which a load is applied to determine and/or confirm the load characteristics (ultimate load/working load) of the pile and the
surrounding ground.

10 Working pile
• One of the piles forming the foundation of the structure.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
Objectives
• The objective of sub-surface exploration is to determine the suitability of the soil or rock, for the foundation of bridges.
• The sub-surface exploration for bridges is carried out in two stages, namely preliminary and detailed. It may require
additional/confirmatory exploration during construction stage.
• Guidance may be taken from the following Codes of practice:
I) IS 1892 - Code of Practice for Site Investigation for Foundations may be utilised for guidance regarding investigation
and collection of data.
ii) Test on soils shall be conducted in accordance with relevant part of IS 2720 - Methods of Test for Soils. The tests on
undisturbed samples be conducted as far as possible at simulated field conditions to get realistic values.
iii) IS 1498-Classification and Identification of Soils for general engineering purposes.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
• For preliminary and detailed sub-surface investigation, only Rotary Drills shall be used. The casing shall
also be, invariably provided with diameters not less than 150 mm up-to the level of rock, if any. However, use
of percussion or wash boring equipment shall be permitted only to penetrate through bouldery or gravelly
strata for progressing the boring but not for collection of samples.
• While conducting detailed borings, the resistance to the speed of drilling, i.e., rate of penetration, core loss,
etc. shall be carefully recorded and presented in "Bore-log chart and data sheet" to evaluate the different types
of strata and distinguish specially sand from sandstone, clay from shale, etc.
• For preliminary and detailed sub-surface investigation, only double tube diamond drilling method shall be
used. In soft and weak rocks such tuffs, soft shales etc., triple tube diamonddrilling shall be used.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
• Preliminary investigation shall include the study of existing geological information, previous site reports, geological maps, etc., and surface geological
examination.
• These will help to narrow down the number of sites under consideration and also to locate the most desirable location for detailed sub-surface
investigation.
DETAILED INVESTIGATION
• Based on data obtained after preliminary investigations, the bridge site, the type of structure with span arrangement and the location and type of
foundations, the programme of detailed investigations, etc. shall be tentatively decided.
• Thereafter the scope of detailed investigation including the extent of exploration, number of bore holes, type of tests, number of tests, etc. shall be decided
in close liaison with the design engineer and the exploration team, so that adequate data considered necessary for detailed design and execution are
obtained.
• The exploration shall cover the entire length of the bridge and also at either end a distance of zone of influence, i.e., about twice the depth below bed of the
last main foundation to assess the effect of the approach embankment on the end foundations.
• Generally, the sub-surface investigations should extend to a depth below the anticipated foundation level equal to about one and a half times the width of
the foundation. However, where such investigations end in any unsuitable or questionable foundation material, the exploration shall be extended to a
sufficient depth into firm and stable soils or to rock.
• Additional drill holes: Where the data made available by detailed exploration indicate appreciable variation specially in case of foundations resting on
rock, it will be necessary to resort to additional drill holes to establish a complete profile of the underlying strata.
• Location and depth of additional drill holes will have to be decided depending uponthe extent of variation in local geology and in consultation with design
engineer.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
• Scope of the detailed sub-surface exploration shall be fixed as mentioned in last two paras. However, as a general guide it shall be comprehensive
enough to enable the designer to estimate or determine the following:
a) engineering properties of the soil/rock;
b) location and extent of weak layers and cavities, if any, below hard founding strata;
c) the sub-surface geological condition, such as, type of rock, structure of rock, i.e., folds, faults, fissures, shears,
fractures, joints, dykes and subsidence due to mining or presence of cavities;
d) ground water level;
e) artesian conditions, if any;
f) quality of water in contact with the foundation;
g) depth and extent of scour;
h) suitable foundation level;
i) safe bearing capacity of foundation stratum;
j) probable settlement and probable differential settlement of the foundations;
k) likely sinking or driving effort; and
l) likely construction difficulties.
CONSTRUCTION STAGE EXPLORATION
• Such exploration may become necessary to verify the actually met strata vis-a-vis detailed investigation stage or when a change in the sub-soil
strata/rock profile is encountered during construction. In such situations, it may be essential to resort to further explorations to establish the
correct data, for further decisions.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
METHOD OF TAKING SOIL SAMPLES
• Size of the bores shall be predetermined so that undisturbed samples as required for the various types of tests are obtained. The method of
taking samples shall be as given in IS1892 and IS 2132. The tests on soil samples shall be conducted as per relevant part of IS 2720.
DETAILS OF EXPLORATION FOR FOUNDATIONS RESTING ON SOIL (ERODIBLE STRATA)
• Type and extent of exploration shall be divided into the following groups keeping in view the different requirements of foundation design
and the likely method of data collection:
i) Foundations requiring shallow depth of exploration;
ii) Foundations requiring large depth of exploration; and
iii) Fills behind abutments and protective works.
(i) Foundations Requiring Shallow Depth of Exploration (Open Foundation)
• These shall cover cases where the depth of exploration is not large and it is possible to take samples from shallow pits or conduct direct
tests, like, plate load tests, etc. This will also cover generally the foundation soil for approach embankments, protective works, etc.
• Primary requirements are stability and settlement, for which shearing strength characteristics, load settlement characteristics, etc. need
determination.
• Tests shall be conducted on undisturbed representative samples, which may be obtained from open pits. The use of plate load test (IS
1888-Method of Load Test on Soils) is considered desirable for ascertaining the safe bearing pressure and settlement characteristics. A
few exploratory bore holes or soundings shall be made to safeguard against presence of weak strata underlying the foundation. This shall
extend to a depth of about 1.5 times the proposed width of foundation.
NOTE: For better interpretation, it will be desirable to correlate the laboratory results with the in-situ tests, like, plate load tests, penetration
test results.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
• Tests to be conducted for properties of soil are different for cohesive and cohesionless soils. These are indicated below.
• While selecting the tests and interpreting the results, limitations of applicability of chosen tests shall be taken into
account. A most suitable and appropriate combination of these shall be chosen, depending on the properties needed for
design and constructional aspects.
1. Cohesionless Soil
a) Laboratory Tests
i) Classification tests, index tests, density determination, etc.
ii) Shear Strengths by triaxial/direct shear, .etc.
b) Field Tests
i) Plate Load Test, (as per IS 1888).
ii) Standard Penetration Tests (as per IS 2131)
iii) Dynamic Cone Penetration Test, (as per IS 4968 Part I or Part II).
iv) Static Cone Penetration Test, (as per IS 4968 Part III).
Note: Where dewatering is expected, permeability tests may be conducted(as per IS 2720 Part XVII).
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
2. Cohesive Soil
a) Laboratory Tests
i) Classification tests, index tests, density determination etc.
ii) Shear strengths by triaxial/direct shear, etc.
iii) Unconfined compression test (IS 2720 Part X)
iv) Consolidation test (IS 2720 Part V)
b) Field Tests
i) Plate Load Test, (as per IS: 1888).
ii) Vane Shear Test, (as per IS:4434).
iii) Static Cone Penetration Test, (as per IS:4968 Part III).
iv) Standard Penetration Test, (as per IS:2131)
v) Dynamic Cone Penetration Test, (as per IS:4968 Part I or Part II).
NOTE: Where dewatering is expected, permeability tests may be conducted (as per IS:2720 Part
XVII).
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration

ii) Foundations Requiring Large Depth of Exploration

1. In this group are covered cases of deep wells, pile foundations, etc., where the use of boring equipment, special techniques of
sampling, in-situ testing, etc. become essential. In addition to the problems of soil and foundation interaction an important
consideration can be the soil data required from construction considerations. Often in the case of cohesionless soils,
undisturbed samples cannot be taken and recourse has to be made to in-situ field tests.
2. Boring and sampling tends to cause remoulding of sensitive clays. Also for fissured or layered clays, the sample may not truly
represent the in-situ properties, due to disturbance and stress changes caused by boring and sampling activity. In such cases,
in-situ tests shall be performed.
3. The sub-surface exploration can be divided into three zones:
i) between bed level and upto anticipated maximum scour depth (below H.F.L.)
ii) from the maximum scour depth to the foundation level, and
iii) from foundation level to about 1.5 times the width of foundation below it.

4. Sampling and testing (in-situ and laboratory) requirement will vary in each case and hence are required to be assessed and
decided from case-to-case. The subsoil water shall be tested for chemical properties to evaluate the hazard of deterioration to
foundations. Where dewatering is expected to be required, permeability characteristics should be determined.
5. For the different zones categorized in para 2, the data required, method of sampling, testing, etc. are given in Table 1. Samples
of soils in all cases shall be collected at every 1 to 1.5 m or at change of strata.
Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
DETAILS OF EXPLORATION FOR FOUNDATION RESTING ON ROCK
1. Basic Information Required from Explorations
i) Geological system;
ii) Depth of rock and its variation over the site;
iii) Whether isolated boulder or massive rock formation;
iv) Extent and character of weathered zone;
v) The structure of rock-including bedding planes, faults, etc.;
vi) Properties of rock material, like, strength, geological formation, etc.;
vii) Quality and quantity of returning drill water; and
viii) Erodibility of rock to the extent possible, where relevant
2. Exploration Programme
If preliminary investigations have revealed presence of rock within levels where the foundation is to rest, it is essential to take up
detailed investigation to collect necessary information mentioned in the preceding para.
• The extent of exploration shall be adequate enough to give a complete picture of the rock profile, both in depth and across the
channel width, for assessing the constructional difficulties in reaching the foundation levels. Keeping this in view, it shall be
possible to decide the type of foundations, the construction method to be adopted for a particular bridge, the extent of even
seating and embedment into rock of the foundations.
• It is desirable to take atleast one drill hole per pier and abutment and one on each side beyond abutments.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
• Depth of boring in rock depends primarily on local geology, erodibility of the rock, the extent of structural loads to be
transferred to foundation, etc. Normally, it shall pass through the upper weathered or otherwise weak zone, well into the
sound rock. Minimum depth of drilling shall be as per para 3.2 above.
3. Detailed Investigations for Rock at Surface or at Shallow Depths
• In case of rock at shallow depths which can be conveniently reached, test pits or trenches are the most dependable and
valuable methods, since they permit a direct examination of the surface, the weathered zone and presence of any
discontinuities.
• For guidance, IS 4453 - Code of Practice for exploration by pits, trenches, drafts and shafts may be referred to.
• In case of structurally disturbed rocks, in-situ tests may be made in accordance with IS 7292 - Code of Practice for in-situ
determination of rock properties by flat jack, IS 7317 - Code of Practice for Uni-axial Jacking Test for Deformation
Modulus and IS 7746 - Code of Practice for in-situ Shear Test on Rock.
4.Detailed Investigation for Rock at Large Depths
• This covers cases where recourse is to be made to sounding, boring and drilling. An adequate investigation programme has
to be planned to cover the whole area for general characteristics and in particular the foundation location, for obtaining
definite information regarding rock-depth and its variation over the foundation area. The detailed programme of exploration
will depend on the type and depth of overburden, the size and importance of the structure, etc. To decide this, geophysical
methods adopted at the preliminary investigation stage may be helpful.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
• Investigation of the overburden soil layers shall be done as per details given for the foundations resting in soil. However, in case of
foundations resting on rock, tests on overburden shall be carried out only when necessary, e.g., foundation level lower than scour levels.
• Core shall be stored properly in accordance with IS:4078 - Code of Practice for Indexing and Storage of Drill Cores. Wherever triple tube core
barrel is used, inner most transparent plastic tube shall be stored directly in core box with sample.
• Rock cores obtained shall be subjected to tests to get necessary data for design as follows:
i) Visual identification for
a) Texture
b) Structure
c) Composition
d) Colour
e) Grain size
f) Petrography
ii) Laboratory tests may be done for
a) Specific gravity
b) Porosity
c) Water absorption
d) Compressive strength
NOTE: Generally, shear strength tests will suffice for design purposes. Other tests may need to be done in special case. The shear strength tests
can be done as unconfined compression, triaxial compression or direct shear test.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
• Use of in-situ tests for measuring strength and deformation characteristics may be made. Use of bore hole
photography will be desirable to evaluate the presence of faults, fissures or cavities, etc. Particularly in weak
and/or highly weathered rock, where triple tube core barrel is used for drilling, in-situ tests such as Standard
Penetration Test and/or pressure meter test shall be conducted at every 1 .5 m interval in the influence zone of
footing or pile.
• These in-situ tests are also useful in zones where water loss is recorded during drilling. However selections of
these tests have to be done judiciously and planned along with drilling operation.
5. Special Cases
Investigation for conglomerate
• A drill hole shall be made same as for rock. The samples collected shall be subjected to suitable tests
depending upon the material. Special care shall be taken to ascertain the credibility of the matrix.
Investigation for laterites
• Investigation shall generally be similar to that required for cohesive soils. In case of hard laterite, recourse
may have to be made to core drilling as for soft rocks.
 Guidelines for Sub-surface Exploration
CLASSIFICATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ROCKS
1. Identification and classification of rock types for engineering purposes may, in general, be limited to broad, basic
physical condition in accordance with accepted practice. Strength of parent rock alone is of limited value because
overall characteristics depend considerably on character, spacing and distributions of discontinuities of the rock mass,
such as, the joints, bedding, faults and weathered seams.
2. Classification of Rocks
• Rocks may be classified based on their physical condition
and Unconfined Compressive Strength as per next Table.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Investigation on
Shella Bridge Site
Summary of proposed Laboratory Testing program
Laboratory testing was planned on selected disturbed / un-disturbed soil samples and
Rock Samples as per relevant Standards and Specifications.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Planning of geotechnical Investigation programme
o Geological Information of the Region
o Methodology of Investigation
o Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment
o Foundation support
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Geological Information of the Region

Regional Geology

• Geologically, the strata of the area form a part of the Cretaceous-Tertiary sedimentary sequence that occupies the southern fringe of
Meghalaya Plateau.
• The calcareous and cal-carenaceous formations of the region belong to the Jaintia Group of Eocene period which are considered
equivalents of Sylhet Limestone Formation of the Bengal Basin.
• The Jaintia Group is essentially a calcareous facies representing shelf sediments and has been divided into three formations, viz., the
Langpar, the Shella and the Kopili Formations.
• The Langpar Formation, the basal member of Jaintia Group, consisting of calcareous shale, calcareous sandstones and impure
limestone rests over a thick group of conglomeratic beds that overlie non-conformably the Sylhet Traps on the margin of the plateau.
• The Shella Formation of which the lithological units of the area form a part, consists of three sandstone and three limestone members
beginning with a sandstone over the Langpar Formation. These lithological units have been designated successively as Therria
Sandstone, Lakadong Limestone, Lakadong Sandstone, Umlatodoh Limestone, Nurpuh Sandstone and Prang Limestone, which
together account for a total thickness of about 540 m.
• The limestone formation occurring over the area belongs to Prang Limestone unit.
• The thickness of the top limestone varies from 100 to 200 m according to variation in the ground relief. The stratigraphic succession
and geological map of the area is given in table and figure.
Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Geological Information of the Region (contd..)
 Case Study – Geotechnical
Investigation/Study
Bore holes were bored to conduct geotechnical investigation.
Brief details of results obtained from the investigation are as
follows:
• No. of Bore Holes 4
• Bore Holes Dia. 150mm
• The river bed consists of rounded to sub rounded, angular to subangular, Boulders,
Pebbles, cobbles and gravels in matrix of Fine to Coarse Sand. The recommended
• Foundation type is Pile foundations.
• After inspection, proposed site has been shifted to 135 m upstream of existing
bridge site. Pile Capacity shall be verified by Initial Pile Load Test.
Case Study – Geotechnical Investigation
(contd..)
Bore Hole at A1 Bore Hole at P1
Case Study – Geotechnical Investigation
(contd..)
Bore Hole at P2 Bore Hole at A2
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Methodology of Investigation

1 Boreholes
• For Geotechnical investigation work, drilling rig was installed at the 4-Nos. specified borehole locations.
Boreholes were progressed using Rotary Drilling Rig.
• Diameter of Borehole was 150mm in soil and NX size in rock, all field work was supervised by well trained /
experienced persons.
• Borehole was properly cleaned before taking any sample in soil.
• Casing was used as per the prevailing soil conditions / rock, to stabilize the borehole.
• Required field tests i.e, Standard Penetration Tests and collection of undisturbed / disturbed samples, In – situ
permeability tests was conducted as per requirements and specified depths / levels, the same has been
discussed in detail in sampling and tests in a bore hole clause of this document.
• Rock core drilling was advanced using double / triple tube core barrels with diamond bits.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Methodology of Investigation (contd..)
2. Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)
• Standard Penetration Tests were conducted at 1.5 m interval as per the procedure in IS: 2131 – 1981.
• For conducting the test, the bottom of the borehole was properly cleaned and split spoon sampler was
properly seated in position in the borehole. The split spoon sampler resting on the bottom of borehole was
allowed to sink under its own weight; then the sampler was seated 15 cm with the blows of the hammer of
63.5 Kg weight falling through 75 cm. Thereafter, the split spoon sampler was further driven by 30 cm. The
number of blows required to affect each 15 cm of penetration was recorded. The first 15 cm of drive is
considered to be seating drive.
• The total blows of penetration for the second and third 15 cm of penetration is termed the penetration
resistance N. The ‘N’ values are indicative of the compactness / relative density of cohesion less soils and
consistency of cohesive soils.
• In case the blow count of SPT in soil (including the number of blows for seating) exceeds 100, the
corresponding penetration was recorded and this particular test at that depth stopped. If the total penetration
is more than the seating penetration of 15 cm, then breakup of blow count for 15 cm seating penetration and
for remaining portion of penetration is also be given..
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Methodology of Investigation (contd..)

3. Disturbed Sampling (Soil) in Disturbed Soil Sample from SPT

boreholes
• In all boreholes, disturbed soil samples
were taken at specified interval and at
significant change of stratum. Soil from
cutting edge of undisturbed samplers and
from split spoon sampler used for
standard penetration tests was taken as
disturbed samples.
• These samples were placed without delay
in adequately sealed polythene bags.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Methodology of Investigation (contd..)

4. Undisturbed Sampling Undisturbed Sample

(Soil) in Borehole
• Undisturbed sampling was done in accordance
with IS: 2132 – 1986. Undisturbed soil samples
(UDS) was obtained at every 3.0 m interval as
per approved methodology and sampling
schedule.
• Undisturbed samples were collected by light
hammering, all precautions were taken to
prevent disturbance in transport also.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Methodology of Investigation (contd..)
5. Ground Water Table
• Depth at which groundwater is struck during boring was carefully noted and the depth of water table was
ascertained subsequently.
6. Rock Core Samples
• Drilling was advanced by rotary core drilling method using double tube core barrels as per the guidelines of
IS: 6926-1996. A double tube core barrel and NX sized bits are used for drilling and recovering rock cores.
Core Samples were extracted by the application of a continuous pressure at one end of the core with the
barrel held horizontally without vibration.
• Immediately after withdrawal from the core barrel, the cores were placed in a tray and transferred into boxes
specially prepared for the purpose.
• Recovered rock cores were numbered serially as specified in IS: 4078-1980.
• Rock core recovery and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) were computed for every run length drilled. The
description of the core samples was recorded.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Methodology of Investigation (contd..)

• Rock classification in terms of weathering and state of fractures and strength is carried out
as given in IS 4464 and shown in Table.
Terms Description Grade

Fresh No visible sign of rock material weathering; perhaps slight discoloration on major discontinuity I
surfaces.
Slightly Discoloration indicates weathering of rock material and discontinuity surfaces. All the rock II
Weathered material may be discoloured by weathering
Moderately Less than half of the rock material is decomposed or disintegrated to a soil. Fresh or discolored III
Weathered rock is present either as a continuous framework or as core stones.
Highly More than half of the rock material is decomposed or disintegrated to a soil. Fresh or IV
Weathered discolored rock is present either as a discontinuous framework or as core stones
Completely All rock material is decomposed and / or disintegrated to soil. The original mass structure is V
Weathered still largely intact.
Residual All rock material is converted to soil. The mass structure and material fabric are destroyed. VI
Soil There is a large change in volume, but the soil has not been significantly transported.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Methodology of Investigation (contd..)
RELATION BETWEEN ROCK QUALITY
DESTINATION (RQD) AND IN-SITU ROCK CLASSIFICATION OF ROCK W.R.T
QUALITY COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AS PER IRC 78-2014

RQD RQD (%) ROCK TYPE UNCONFINED

CLASSIFICATION COMPRESSIVE
STRENGTH (UCS) in
Excellent 90 to 100
MPa
Very Good 75 to <90 Extremely Strong > 200
Very Strong 100 to 200
Good 50 to <75 Strong 50 to 100
Poor 25 to <50 Moderately Strong 12.5 to 50
Moderately Weak 5 to 12.5
Very Poor 00 to <25 Weak 1.25 to 5
Very Weak < 1.25
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment

Subsurface Conditions
• Based on the boring information, the following subsoil profile was inferred up to final depth of boreholes drilled at
different locations;
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)

Summary of Laboratory Test Results (Soil and Rock Samples)

 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)
Estimated RMR values
• Rock Mass Rating (RMR) of jointed rock masses, may be worked out based on IS 13365 (part I).
Rock Mass Rating parameters are reproduced from annex B of IS 13365 (part I) below for ready
reference

Compressive Rating Basis

Strength (Mpa)
Exceptionally Strong > 250 15
Very Strong 100 to 250 12 UCS value data of specific
Strong 50 to 100 7 borehole from laboratory
test is used in RMR
Average 25 to 50 4
Weak 10 to 25 2
Very Weak 2 to 10 1
Extremely Weak <2 0
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)

Rock quality designation (RQD) Spacing of discontinuities

RQD(%) Rating Basis Spacing Ratin Basis

Excellent 90-100 20 RQD values of (m) g
specific borehole Very Wide > 2 20 Spacing of
Good 75-90 17
below given depth Wide 0.6-2 15 discontinuities of
Fair 50-75 13 from relevant specific borehole
borehole is used in Moderate 0.2-0.6 10 from field
Poor 25-75 8
RMR Close 0.06-0.2 8 observations is used
Very Poor < 25 3 in RMR
Very <0.06 5
Close
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)
Condition of discontinuities
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)
Condition of Discontinuities
Very rough rough and slightly slightly rough Slickensided wall 5 mm thick soft
and weathered wall and moderately rock surface or 1- gauge 5 mm wide
Unweathered rock rock surface, to highly weathered 5 mm thick gauge continuous
wall rock, tight and separation < 1 mm wall rock surface, or 1-5 mm wide Discontinuity
discontinuous, separation < 1 mm opening, continuous
no separation discontinuity

30 25 20 10 0

Ground Water condition

 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)

• Rock Mass Rating (RMR) value for highly fractured rock is also determined based on experience as Joints are
not very clearly defined. In cases where the shear failure is to be considered to occur through highly fractured
rock masses, cohesion can not be relied upon to provide resistance to failure; hence only angle of internal
friction is considered to determine the bearing capacities by conventional method. If Rock is not Intact UCS
value of recovered core does not represent the strength of rock mass.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)
Liquefaction Assessment
• Considerations for checking Liquefaction:
• Probability of liquefaction has been checked at boreholes locations.
Water table Depth = at ground Level
Seismic Zone = V
Zone Factor = 0.36 or above
Maximum earthquake magnitude = 8.0
• Sub-surface strata consist of silty sand and boulders followed by bed rock.
• Strata having SPT values more than 50 to refusal (>100) are supposed to be too
dense to liquefy and classed as Non Liquefiable in earthquake event.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)

Silt factors / Scour Depth

• Chances of scouring in completely weathered rock and highly weathered rock may not be
ruled out, hence completely weathered and highly rock shall be treated as scourable.
• Sub – soil strata consists of silty sand, gravels and boulders of big size (>300mm) as core
recovery is observed in boulders and highly / completely weathered rock.
• Silt factors in case of boulder deposit has been estimated from grain size analysis conducted
on SPT samples wherever possible.
• There is no method available to calculate the Silt factor for highly weathered rock (neither
in IS code nor in available literature).
• Silt factor is given based on C and phi parameters as per RMR value (< 20). Silt factor for
highly weathered rock is calculated as per Appendix – I of IRC: 78 and recommended as
2.50 - 3.0.
• For Completely weathered Rock a maximum value of 2.00 is recommended.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)

• As the length of bridge reduced from to 151.5 m, the actual abutment locations may fall
on river bed. Hence the Silt factor of pier location has been considered for calculations of
maximum scour depth. The following silt factor has been used for calculations.

• Design Scour Levels: Based on above silt factors and other hydrological parameters,
maximum scour level is taken as below.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Subsurface Conditions / Geotechnical Assessment (contd..)
Chemical Analysis Test Results
• Soil samples collected from boreholes were analyzed chemically in the laboratory.
Following results are reported.

• Results of chemical analysis indicate that soil is not aggressive to concrete and not
corrosive to reinforcement steel as per IS: 456. Hence, ordinary Portland cement
with specified minimum cement content and maximum w/c ratio can be used with
clear cover to reinforcement for the concrete as per IS: 456.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Foundation Support

Type of Foundation For Abutments and Pier Foundations

• Sub-soil stratum at Pier P-1 & P2 location mainly consists rounded to subrounded, angular to sub angular gravels, pebbles,
cobbles and occasional boulders in matrix of Fine to Coarse SAND up-to the termination depth of borehole i.e 30 m.
• As the length of bridge reduced to 151.5 m, both the abutments A-1 & A-2 are falling in river bed. Hence for foundation
design, the strata encountered at Pier locations and at both abutment locations has been considered. It is also recommended
to carry out confirmatory drill holes at actual abutment and pier locations during actual execution of bridge foundations.
• Considering the sub-soil stratum and anticipated scour Pile foundation (with full depth permanent liner) is analyzed.
• Based upon the field and laboratory tests, in calculation the following parameters are used;
 Case Study – Geotechnical
Study
Foundation Support

• Based on soil design parameters and calculations,

1500 mm diameter RCC bored cast-in-situ piles
with full depth permanent liner has been proposed
as foundation system to support the heavy loads on
foundations.
 Case Study – Geotechnical Study
Foundation Support (contd..)

• Recommended Pile capacities are shown in

Table.
Notes:
o These capacities may be used as a guide line
for design.
o Final capacities should be confirmed on site by
initial pile load test as per IS specification.
o It is desirable to carry out routine pile load test/s
as per IS-2911 (Part IV) for confirmation of pile
capacity.
o On the other hand, it is also necessary to make
comprehensive check on quality.
Cores at Bore Hole at P2
Cores at Bore Hole at A2
Thank You