“PROCEDURE ON GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION”

PROCEDURE FOR GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

SOIL INVASTIGATION WORK AT NAGPUR METRO REACH,
PHASE II.

SUBMITTED BY

Regd. Office : 3, New Trimurti Co Op Hsg. Society, Ingole Nagar,

Wardha Road, Nagpur – 440005
(O) : 0712-2284352, Cell - +91-9822565879, Fax : (0712)2286665
(Lab) 07104 – 265587 - Cell - +91-7798750305
email : [email protected], [email protected], Website : www.biplndt.com
Lab : A-36, MIDC Industrial Area Butibori, Nagpur - 441108

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INDEX

Sr. No Description Page No.

1. INTRODUCTION 3

2. Scope of Work 3

3. METHODOLOGY OF INVESTIGATION 4

3.1 List of Equipments 4

3.2 Boreholes 5

3.3 Standard Penetration Test 5

3.4 Disturbed Sampling (Soil) in Borehole 6

3.5 Undisturbed Sampling (Soil) in Borehole 6

3.6 Rock Core Samples 6

3.7 Laboratory Testing 9

4. SUB SURFACE CONDITIONS COMPUTATION 10

5. FOUNDATION SUPPORT 11

5.1 Open Foundation Soil / Residual Soil / Weathered Rock 11

5.2 Open Foundation on Rock 13

5.3 Foundation Recommendations 16

5.4 Report Interpretation 17

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This methodology will summarize the procedure on the Detailed Geotechnical Investigation
at “Nagpur Metro Reach 4, Phase II.”

2.0 Scope of work

Scope of work to investigate the subsurface conditions boreholes were planned at
every structure location. Disturbed and undisturbed samples were to be collected
from all boreholes to assess the soil/rock characteristics in laboratory
2.1.1 The summary of the field work for 1 No. borehole is given below:
Sr. Structure / Abutment /
Borehole No. RL of Ground Depth of Investigation (m)
No. Pier

1 ----- ------ ----------- ---------

2.1.2 Conducting Standard Penetration Tests during boring operation.

2.1.3 Collecting disturbed / undisturbed soil samples and Rock core samples from
the borehole.

2.1.4 Summary of proposed Laboratory Testing program is given below;

Disturbed soil
Sr. Undisturbed Soil Rock Core
Properties Sample from
No. Samples Pieces
SPT

1 Sieve Analysis

2 Natural Moisture Content

3 Bulk / Dry Density

4 Atterberg’s Limit

5 Free Swell Index

Unconfined Compressive
Strength / Point Load
6
Strength Index / Water
Absorption

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3.0 METHODOLOGY OF INVESTIGATION

The investigation was planned to obtain the subsurface stratification in the proposed
project site and collect soil samples for laboratory testing to determine
the engineering properties such as shear strength, along with basic
engineering classification of the subsurface stratum to arrive at the foundation design
parameters.

3.1 List of Equipments:

Sr.
Equipments
No
1 Boring Rig (Fig No.01)
2 Shovel
3 Tarpaulin
4 Water Tank
5 Core Boxes
6 UDS sampler Tube
7 SPT (Fig No. 02)
8 Rock Core Catcher
9 Bentonite
10 Water Meter & Meter Tape

Figure 1: Layout for a Small Rotary Drilling Rig

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3.2 Boreholes

For Geotechnical investigation work, drilling rig was installed at the specified borehole
location. Stability of rig was ensuring by making level ground. The boreholes were
progressed using Rotary Drilling machines and double tube core barrels with diamond
bits.

3.3 Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)

Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) was conducted as per IS specifications. SPT split
spoon sampler of standard dimensions was driven into the soil from the borehole
bottom using 63.5 kg Hammer falling from 75 cm height. The SPT weight was
mechanically lifted to the specified height and allowed to fall freely on the anvil with the
use of cat-head winch with one to one and half turn of the drum. Blow counts for the
penetration of every 15 cm were recorded and the N is reported as the blow
counts for 30 cm penetration of the sampler leaving the first 15 cm penetration
as seating drive.
When the number of blows exceeded 50 to penetrate the first or second 15
cms length of the sampler, the SPT N is regarded as more than 100. The test is
terminated in such case and a record of penetration of the sampler under 50 blows or
more is made. SPT refusal is recorded when there is no penetration (of the sampler at
any stage and also when a rebound of the sounding system is recorded.
SPT 'N' values are correlated with relative density of non-cohesive stratum and with
consistency of cohesive stratum.

Figure 2: General arrangement for Standard Penetration Test

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Correlation for Clayey/ Plastic Silt Correlation for Sand / Non-Plastic Silt

Consistency Penetration Relative Penetration

Value Density Value

Very Soft 0 to 2 Blows Very Loose 0 to 4 Blows

Soft 3 to 4 Blows Loose 5 to 10 Blows

Medium Stiff 5 to 8 Blows Medium 11 to 30 Blows

Stiff 9 to 16 Blows Dense 31 to 50 Blows

Very Stiff 17 to 32 Blows Very Dense Above 50

Hard Above 32

3.4 Disturbed Sampling (Soil) in boreholes.

Disturbed soil collected in the SPT sampler was preserved in polythene covers and
transported to the laboratory. One more polythene cover was provided to prevent the
loss of moisture during the transit period.

3.5 Undisturbed Sampling (Soil) in Boreholes

Undisturbed samples were tries using 100mm diameter and 450mm long MS
tubes provided with sampler head with ball check arrangement. Undisturbed soil
samples were collected in soft to stiff clayey soils. Collection of undisturbed samples in
refusal strata is practically not possible.

3.6 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 core barrel and Nx sized bits are used for
drilling and recovering rock cores. Recovered rock cores were numbered serially and
preserved in good quality sturdy wooden core boxes as specified in IS: 4078-
1980. Rock core recovery and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) were computed for
every run length drilled.
Rock classification with geologist interpretation in terms of weathering and state
of fractures and strength is carried out in the following manner. Tabulations given
in below explain it briefly.

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Figure 3: Percentage Core Recovery and Rock Quality Designation

Figure 4: Core Box Captioning

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Geologist
Item Description Grade
Interpretation

No visible sign of rock material weathering,

Fresh perhaps slight discoloration on major I CR > 90%
discontinuity surfaces

Discolouration indicates weathering of rock

material & discontinuity surfaces. All the rock CR in between
Slightly
material may be discoloured by weathering & II
Weathered 70% to 90%
may be somewhat weaker externally than in its
fresh condition.

Less than half of the rock material is

Moderately decomposed and/or disintegrated to a soil. CR in between
III
Weathered Fresh or discoloured rock is present either as a 50% to 70%
continuous framework or as core stones.

More than half of the rock material is

Highly decomposed and/or disintegrated to a soil. CR in between
IV
Weathered Fresh or discoloured rock is present either as a 10% to 50%
discontinuous framework or as core stone.

All rock material is decomposed and/or CR in between

Completely
disintegrated to soil. The original mass V
Weathered Zero to 10%
structure is still largely intact.

All rock material is converted to soil. The mass

No Core
Residual structure and material fabric are destroyed.
VI Recovery But N
Soil There is a large change in volume, but the soil
> 50 (Refusal)
has not been significantly transported.

As per IS 4464

It should be understood that all grades of weathering may not be seen in a given rock
mass and that in some cases a particular grade may be present to a very
small extent. Distribution of the various weathering grades of rock material in the rock
mass may be related to the porosity of the rock material and the presence of
open discontinuities of all types in the rock mass.

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CLASSIFICATION OF ROCK WRT COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Rock is also classified by strength of intact rock cores collected during drilling. Rock
compressive strength (UCS) is used to define strength of rock. Following table
summarizes classification of rock based on strength.

Rock Strength Compressive Strength (MPa)

Very Weak < 1.25

Weak 1.25 to 5.0

Moderately Weak 5.0 to 12.5

Moderately Strong 12.5 to 50

Strong 50 to 100

Very Strong 100 to 200

Extremely Strong > 200

3.7 Laboratory Testing

The laboratory testing on collected soil samples was done as per relevant IS codes.
Laboratory Tests on rock core samples were conducted as per relevant Standards:

3.7.1 Soil Samples

Sr.
Tests IS Codes
No.

1 Water Content IS:2720 Part 2-1973

Liquid Limit(LL), Plastic Limit (PL),

2 IS:2720 Part 5-1985
Plasticity Index (PI)

3 Free Swell Index (FSI) IS:2720 Part 40-1977

4 Classification IS:1498 -1970

5 Mechanical Analysis IS:2720 Part 4-1985

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6 Specific Gravity IS:2720 Part 3

7 Natural Moisture Content

8 Shrinkage Limit IS:2720 Part 6

9 Void Ratio IS:2720 Part 17

10 Dry Density & Bulk Density IS:2720 Part 8

11 Direct Shear Test IS:2720 Part 13

12 Grain Size Analysis IS:2720 Part 4

13 Chemical Test on water & soil sample IS:2720 Part 26 & IS: 3025

3.7.2 Rock Core Samples

Sr. IS Codes
Tests
No.

1 Preparation of Rock Specimen IS : 9179

2 Point Load Strength tests IS : 8764

3 Uniaxial Compressive Strength IS : 9143

4 Density, Water Absorption, Porosity, Sp. Gravity IS : 13030 / IS : 1124

4.0 SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS COMPUTATIONS

Based on the boring information, the following subsoil profile was inferred up to final
depth of boreholes:
Stratum One Blackish Clayey Soil
Stratum Two Completely Weathered Basalt
Stratum Three Highly Weathered Basalt
Stratum Four ------
Stratum Five ------
Stratum Six ------

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Depth (m) Core

Bore Strata IS SPT RQD
Recovery
No. From To Description Classification N Value %
%

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

BH 1 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

5.0 FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Considering the nature of sub-surface strata, type of proposed structures,

expected heavy loads on foundations, open foundations can be recommended;

For satisfactory performance of a foundation, the following criteria must be satisfied;

(I) the foundation must not fail in shear.

(II)The foundation must not settle by an amount more than the permissible settlement.

The smaller of the bearing pressure values obtained according to (I) and (II) above, is
adopted as the allowable bearing capacity.

5.1 Open Foundation in Soil I Residual Soil I Weathered Rock

Bearing Capacity for Open Foundations

Bearing capacity for shallow foundations in soil I Residual Soil I Completely

Weathered Rock has been analyzed in accordance with IS: 6403-1981, which
is based on, modified Terzaghi's classical approach. The weighted average of
shear parameters for various strata up to a significant influence zone of 1.5 B (B =

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width of the foundation) below the foundation level is used in the analysis.
Considering the fluctuation of ground water, it is assumed that water table will be at
existing ground level and accordingly the water table correction is applied. A factor of
safety of 2.5 is selected based on clause 706.3.1.1.1 of IRC 78-2000 to estimate the
net safe bearing capacity from ultimate net bearing capacity.

Standard Penetration Test (SPT) results are also used to determine the safe bearing
capacity of shallow foundation in accordance with IS: 6403-1981 for non-
cohesive soil, hard clay. While using this approach, the N value -was corrected,
wherever applicable, below the footing base to at least 1.5B below the base to
account for the effects of energy ratio, adopted boring procedure, dilation f6(
submerged Silty fine sands fine sands as well as that due to the overburden
pressure (Reference: IS:2131-1981, “Foundation Analysis and Design" by
J.E.Bowles).

Settlement for Open Foundations

The magnitude of settlement, when foundation loads are applied, depends upon
the compressibility of the underlying strata and rigidity of the substructure. In
cohesive deposition, the post construction settlement is caused by dissipation
of pore pressures and hence is time dependent so that consolidation settlement is
computed for such soils using Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory. The
immediate settlements in clays are estimated using the elastic theory considering the
effect of a rigid stratum underlying the foundation soils (Reference: "Foundation
Analysis and Design" by J.E.Bowles). The immediate settlements in cohesion-
less soil are estimated using elastic theory as mentioned above or using SPT
value as per IS:8009 (Part 1).

Design Considerations
5.2 Open Foundations on Rock
Permissible settlement in soil I Residual Soil I Completely 50 mm / 75
Weathered Rock mm/100mm

Permissible settlement in rock 12 mm

Water table depth m

Water Table correction factor 0-0.5

as per clause 5.3 &

Average Design Parameters
5.4.

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Analysis for allowable bearing capacity on rock has been done based on compressive
strength of intact rock specimen OR based on rock mass rating of stratum using the
procedure given in IS: 12070 and IS : 13365 (Part I)

5.2.1 Safe Bearing Capacity from the Core Strength:

The safe bearing capacity has been estimated from the following equation given in IS:
12070

qs = qc Nj

qs = gross safe bearing pressure (includes safety factor 3)

qc = average uniaxial compressive strength of rock cores

Nj = Empirical coefficient depending on the spacing of discontinuities.

= (3 + S/Bf ) / 10 √ (1 + 300, δ/S), Equation include a factor of safety 3.

= 0.10 for spacing of discontinuities 300 mm to 1000 mm

Where, = thickness of discontinuities (cm)

δ

S = spacing of discontinuities (cm)

Bf = width of footing (cm)

This relationship is valid for a rock mass with spacing of discontinuities greater than
0.30 m aperture of discontinuities less than 10 mm and foundation width more than
0.30 m.
Correction to be applied:
For getting the allowable bearing pressure the safe bearing pressure obtained
from Core strength shall be multiplied with the correction factors according
to the geological conditions as per IS: 12070 Clause 9.2.

For submerged correction factor of 0.50 to 0.75 depending upon

-
conditions the aperture of joints

For orientation of correction factor of 0.50 to 1.00 depending upon

-
joints the orientation of joints

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5.2.2 Safe Bearing Capacity from Rock Mass Rating:

Rock Mass Rating (RMR) is determined from annexure B of IS: 13365 (Part 1) - 1998 as
follows. The rock mass rating should be determined as an algebraic sum of
ratings for all the parameters given in Items I to VI after adjustments for orientation
of discontinuities given in item VII of Annex B. The sum of Items I I to V is called
Rock C o n d i t i o n Rating (RCR) which discounts the effect of compressive
strength of intact rock material and orientation of joints. This i s also called
a s the modified RMR. On the basis of RMR v a l u e s for a g i v e n
engineering structure, the rock mass should be classified as very good
(rating 100-81).Good (80-61).Fair ( 60-41). Poor (40-21) and very poor (0-20) rock
mass.
I. Strength of Intact Rock Material (MPa)

Compressive
Point Load Strength Rating
Strength

Exceptionally Strong >250 >8 15

Very Strong 100 - 250 4-8 12

Strong 50 - 100 2-4 7

Average 25 - 50 1- 2 4

Weak 10 - 25 2
Use of uniaxial
Very Weak 2 - 10 compressive strength is 1
preferred
Extremely Weak <2 0

II. Rock Quality Designation (RQD)

RQD Rating

Excellent 90 - 100 20

Good 75 - 90 17

Fair 50 - 75 13

Poor 25 - 50 8

Very Poor < 25 3

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III. Spacing of Discontinuities

Spacing m. Rating

Very Wide >2 20

Wide 0.6 – 2 15

Moderate 0.2 – 0.6 10

Close 0.06 – 0.2 8

Very Close < 0.06 5

IV. Condition of Discontinuities

Slightly rough Slickenside wall

Rough &
& moderately rock surface or
Very rough & slightly 5 mm thick
to highly 1-5 mm thick
weathered wall weathered soft gauge 5
weathered gauge or 1-5
rock, tight & wall rock mm wide
wall rock mm wide
discontinuous, surface, continuous
surface, opening,
no separation separation discontinuity
separation <1 continuous
<1 mm
mm discontinuity

Rating 30 25 20 10 0

V. Ground Water Condition

Completely
Damp Wet Dripping Flowing
Dry

Rating 15 10 7 4 0

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VI. Adjustment for Joint Orientation

Strike & Dip

Very Un- Very
orientation of joints Favourable Fair
Favourable Favourable Unfavourable
for

Rating for Raft

0 -2 -7 -15 -35
Foundation

5.2.3 Safe Bearing Capacity:

SBC (T/m2)
Foundation
Type of Tentative Based on
Depth
Foundation Size of below Foundation
Bore (SPT/Lab Shear
ABT/Pier Open Ground Bearing and Settlement
No. Isolated /
Foundation Level Strata Criteria /Rock
Raft (m) Core
(m)
Testing/RMR)

5.3 Foundations Recommendations (Shallow) / (Deep)

Based on subsurface conditions estimated through boreholes, net safe bearing capacity of
shallow foundations is summarized in the table given below.

Vertical Uplift/Pullout Lateral Depth

Bore Pile Length
Pile Load Capacity Load of
Hole Chainage Diameter of Pile
Capacity (tons) Capacity Fixity
No. (m) (m)
(tons) (tons) (m)

The comments given in the report and suggestions given are based on ground conditions
encountered during investigation. If during execution the foundation work, any variation in
stratification of foundation, location is noticed, please inform us about that.

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5.4 REPORT/CONCLUSION.

The Report shall include following parameters (but not limited to):
(a) Results of all of the above mentioned field & lab tests wherever required & possible.
(b) Bore Log with SPT ‘N’ value, Core Recovery, RQD with Water Level.
(c) Geology of site area
(d) Interpretation of test results
(e) Calculations of Bearing Capacity & settlement analysis.
(f) Calculations of pile capacity.
(g) Recommendations for: Bearing capacity for shallow foundation, Settlement for shallow
foundation & vertical Pile load capacity in compression.
(h) Underground water level & borehole coordinates
(i) Site drilling machine photographs, core box photographs.

For, Becquerel Industries Pvt. Ltd. Nagpur.

(Authorized Person)

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