Preparation of Soil Report in Detail

&
Data Presentation
A good soil investigation report should be prepared in the
following standard format:

1. General Introduction (Purpose and scope, The site)

2. Scope for Geotechnical Assessment
3. Field Investigations
4. Laboratory Test Results
5. Subsoil Profile
6. Allowable Bearing Capacity
7. Foundation Alternatives
8. Recommendations
9. Limitations and Uncertainties of Soil Exploration
10. Annexure
1. General Introduction
• It is about purpose, scope and the site condition.
• Who are the client?
• Where is the site located? (It is preferable to mention Survey No. of plot/site, Map for location)
• Topographic details
• Which structure they are going to build? (General details of building)
• Details of structure, Description of nature, type and importance of proposed construction
• What client required from a particular investigating firm? (Foundation recommendation, Soil
bearing capacity)
• What information and data are represented in this report.
2. Scope For Geotechnical Assessment

To provide geotechnical recommendations and subsurface conditions for project; derived parameters useful in,
1. To select the type and depth of foundation for a given structure.
2. To determine the bearing capacity of soil/rock layer.
3. To establish the ground water level.
4. To select the suitable construction technique.
5. To predict potential foundation problems.
6. To ascertain the suitability of the soil as a construction material.
7. To collect and transport the selected samples of soil and rock in testing laboratory and conduct relevant tests
to determine properties.
8. Recommendations for soil-related construction conditions such as site preparation, earthwork construction,
excavation slopes, and difficult excavation.
• We have to mentioned how many borehole drilling had been done for examine
subsurface.
• Any indirect method was used or not.
• Depth of borehole to be drilled was determined using IS: 1892–1979 section 2.3.2.
• The lateral extent of exploration and the spacing of borehole depends mainly on the
variation of the strata in horizontal direction.
3. Field Investigations
• How boring was carried out? How many borehole was drilled? (Auger Boring, Wash Boring,
Rotary Drilling, Percussion Drilling.)
• A list of the Boreholes with the Coordinates, R.L., terminating depth and standing water level
below ground level should present in tabular form.
• Which penetration test was performed? At what interval?
• Brief of those tests should be mentioned for all the boreholes we have to give these data, so
anyone can understand.
• Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
• Cone Penetration Test (CPT): Static cone penetration test (SCPT)
Dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT)
• Pressure Meter Test (PMT)
• Dilatometer Test (DMT),
• Vane Shear Test (VST)
• Now, How all samples are obtained from the borehole? Which sampler are used? Are they
disturbed or undisturbed? At what interval it obtained and in which borehole samples was taken
out.
• Standing water level after 24 hours of removal of casing was noted and should be shown in the
profile.
• Change in SPT N value, Results of cone penetration test also be plotted in this section.
• Soil strata and what ever profile we are getting from borehole is represented in Bore Log.
• In we have to mentioned in brief description of layer and classification of each layer according to
IS code and slurry we are getting from the core recovery. It is done by sieve analysis and
observing colour of slurry.
• Refer next slide.
Bore Log from Field
investigation

• Correlation between soil classification and

SPT value or any other parameter should be
mentioned according to IS code.
SPT N Value and
Graph
DEPTH VS SPT NO.
BH Depth N value 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
1.6 -1.6 0 0

3.6 -3.6 0 -1
5.6 -5.6 1 -2
MBH-2 8.1 -8.1 2 -3
11.1 -11.1 4 -4
12.6 -12.6 5
-5
14.1 -14.1 14
-6
1.6 -1.6 0
-7
3.6 -3.6 0
-8
MBH-4 5.6 -5.6 0

DEPTH (M)
-9
8.1 -8.1 2
11.1 -11.1 14 -10

1 -1 1 -11

2.6 -2.6 1 -12

4.6 -4.6 1 -13
7.1 -7.1 2 -14
10.1 -10.1 3 -15
MBH-8
11.6 -11.6 3
-16
13.1 -13.1 4
-17
14.6 -14.6 5
MBH - 2 MBH - 4 MBH - 8
16.1 -16.1 19 MBH - 38 MBH - 43 MBH - 49
17.6 -17.6 24
 CPT Data and
Graph
Rec Depth Time Cone Friction Fric_ratio Pore 2 Cu_20 Cu_15 NCPT Depth vs Cu20 (kPa)
0
No m -1 S MPa MPa % MPa kPa kPa 0 100 200 300 400 500 600

1 0 0 57 0.0068 0.3343 0.4457

2 0.02 -0.02 58.71 0.0079 -0.0001 0.3768 0.5023

-5
3 0.04 -0.04 60.13 0.0092 0.0003 0.4286 0.5715
4 0.06 -0.06 61.57 0.0105 0.0002 2.1643 0.0007 0.4778 0.637
5 0.08 -0.08 62.88 0.0114 0.0002 1.4694 0.001 0.5105 0.6807
6 0.1 -0.1 63.94 0.0134 0.0002 1.5321 0.0012 0.5965 0.7954
-10
7 0.12 -0.12 65.17 0.0163 0.0004 2.274 0.0015 0.724 0.9654
8 0.14 -0.14 66.31 0.0174 0.0003 1.7425 0.0018 0.7678 1.0237
9 0.16 -0.16 67.44 0.0187 0.0001 0.455 0.0019 0.8159 1.0879
10 0.18 -0.18 68.67 0.0212 0 0.1782 0.002 0.9207 1.2276
-15
11 0.2 -0.2 97.02 0.024 0.0001 0.4378 0.0021 1.0469 1.3958
12 0.22 -0.22 137.02 0.0265 0.0001 0.5214 0.0021 1.1522 1.5362
13 0.24 -0.24 144.33 0.0294 0.0001 0.5087 0.0023 1.2829 1.7105
14 0.26 -0.26 145.93 0.0339 0.0002 0.5492 0.0026 1.4913 1.9884 Cu 20 NCPT38; -17.14
-20
15 0.28 -0.28 147.59 0.0366 0.0002 0.5095 0.0029 1.614 2.152
16 0.3 -0.3 149.22 0.0387 0.0003 0.672 0.0033 1.7067 2.2756
17 0.32 -0.32 150.75 0.0409 0.0003 0.8447 0.0037 1.8021 2.4028
18 0.34 -0.34 151.95 0.0437 0.0004 1.0047 0.0039 1.9252 2.5669
-25
19 0.36 -0.36 153.11 0.0443 0.0005 1.0683 0.0042 1.9416 2.5889
Cu 20 NCPT49 Cu 20 NCPT38
20 0.38 -0.38 154.22 0.0466 0.0005 0.9905 0.0045 2.0449 2.7266
Vane Shear Test data
Depth vs Shear Strength (NVBH)
0
BH Depth Below Shear 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
seabed level Strength

Natural
m (kN/m2) -2

-0.5 10.83
-1.5 12.33
-2.5 13.82 -4

-3.5 26.19
NVBH8 -4.5 26.65
-6 NVBH08
-5.5 28.02 NVBH10
Depth (m)

-6.5 30.26 NVBH11

-7.5 30.26 NVBH12
-8 -8.5 NVBH16
-8.5 31.6
-0.5 7.8
-1.5 10.33 -9.5
-2.5 12.33 -10
-3.5 15.29
-4.5 19.16 -11.5
NVBH10
-5.5 20.12 -12
-6.5 23.88
-7.5 27.11
-8.5 32.04 -14
-9.5 33.36
Shear Strength kN/m^2)
4. Laboratory test results
• Determining the relevant physical and geotechnical properties of the subsurface deposits.
• Which is helping in finalization of foundation depths and the bearing capacity with particular
reference to the subsurface and their strength parameters and settlement at the site.
• Lab tests are conducted (as per relevant IS code) on soil, rock and water samples to determine
their properties, which may be used for design and geotechnical evaluation.
• We have to mentioned which IS code we followed for each laboratory test.
• And what results we are getting from it should be in tabular format with respect to sample and
borehole. (Refer Next Slide)
• Follow IS SP 36 Part 1 and 2 for Field and Laboratory test.
• Derivation of design parameters are done by following trends in graphs comparing different
borehole data in one graph.
Laboratory Test Results Format
Table Format
Majorly used IS code during laboratory
tests
SIEVE ANALYSIS IS : 2720 (PART 4)- 1985 For Rock : to decide safe bearing capacity of shallow
ATTERBERG LIMITS IS : 2720 (PART 5)-1985 (Reaffirmed 2006) foundation on the rock and/ or the safe friction and
end bearing resistance for deep foundations such as
MOISTURE CONTENT IS : 2720 (PART 2)-1973
piles, as per IS codes IS-9143 and IS-8764
UNIT WEIGHT IS : 2720 (PART 3)-1980
• Unconfined Compressive Strength IS 9143.
HYDROMETER IS : 3104 (PART 1)-1982
• Point Load Strength Index IS 8764.
CONSOLIDATION IS : 2720 (PART15)-1986 • Density, Porosity & Water Absorption IS 13030.
UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH IS : 2720 (PART 10)-1991

UU, CU, TRIAXIAL TEST IS :2720 (PART 11)-1993, IS:2720 (PART 12)-
1981 (Reaffirmed 2002)
Graphs from Laboratory Test Results
-0.25 Depth vs Cv
0
Depth vs Water Content 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5

0 -2.125
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 -2 -2.75 -2.65
-3.25

-4.25
-4
-5

UDBH 8 W%
-6.25
UDBH 8 Wl -6 -6.75
-6.75
-10 UDBH 8 Wp -7.25 UDBH 08 Cv
UDBH 10 Cv
Depth (m)

Depth(m)
UDBH 18 W%
UDBH 18 Wl -8.25 UDBH 16 Cv
-8
UDBH 18 Wp UDBH 18 Cv
-15 UDBH 20 W% UDBH 20 Cv
UDBH 20 Wl -10.25
-10 -10.75
UDBH 20 Wp
-11.25

-20 -12.25
-12

-14.25
-14 -14.75
-25

Water Content (%)

-16

Cv
5. Subsoil Profile
Sub Soil Stratification
• The layer wise description of each layer is explain in this section.
• Such as Bulk Density, Dry Density, Atterberg's Limits, Natural Water content, Grain size
distribution, Cohesion, Friction angle, Sensitivity. (Index properties and Engineering properties)
Graphical presentation
The Laboratory test results in summarised form should be presented in Appendix.
i) Sstrength envelopes from Triaxial Tests.
ii) e-log p curves from consolidation tests.
iii) Grain size distribution curves for Sieve & Hydrometer tests.
The consolidation test results is analysed by numerical methods and only the final output in a
tabular form is given.
The Mvc indicates the time dependent component of Mv and Cv is the coefficient of consolidation.
6. Allowable Bearing Capacity:

• Using the laboratory test results, the safe bearing capacity of the soil at various depths should be
computed based on the shear failure criterion as per IS – 6403-1981 for shallow foundation and
IS 2911-2010 for Deep foundation.
• The allowable bearing capacity should be carefully decided con­sidering field test results; site
condi­tions; water table; long- and short-term conditions etc.
• The permissible settlement for which the safe settlement pressure is calculated should be
specified.
• A model calculation showing the computation of safe bearing capacity and safe settlement
pressure is to be included for future reference.
7. Foundation Alternatives

• The nature and magnitude of the loads from the proposed structure, the soil profile, and the soil
characteristics at different depths, should be used as guidelines in working on suitable
foundation alternatives for the structure and in taking a judicious decision based on the strength,
economic, and long-term stability considerations.
• Expected settlements of the structure under different foundation alternatives should also be
computed and presented. Model calculations should be shown for all computations made in the
report. Possible problems that may be encountered during construction are also brought out
based on the analysis of results. When more than one type of foundation are to be recommended
owing to their relative merits from conflicting criteria, the same should be clearly mentioned,
indicating the personal choice of the case investigator, leaving the ultimate decision to the client.
8. Recommendation
• According to SBC calculated, We have to mentioned where we are getting hard strata
• Where loads from superstructure will be terminating.
• Which Footing is recommended for this site considering all the design parameters.
• And at last SBC at particular depth should be mentioned here with desirable unit.
• Specific guidelines on whether the excavated soil can be used for refilling, and if not,
suitable alternate materials within the vicinity of the site.
• Suitable ground improvement techniques, wherever required and where the suggested
bearing capacity is based on the improved ground conditions. In the case of expansive soils,
special foundation techniques to be used to ensure long-term stability of the structure.
9. Limitations and uncertainties of soil
exploration
This section specifies the limitations and uncertainties of the soil exploration due to,
• Possible inadequate budget
• Inadequate scope and/or objectives of the soil exploration, or difficult or variable soil or site
conditions.
• Specific recommendation of the case investigator for further investigation/exploration to address
the cited limita­tions should be specified.
10. Annexure
All the data related to the geotechnical investigation with all the supporting documents with logical
sequential order, with Clear Reference Number as marked in the report.
• Bore Logs
• Calculations
• Maps
• Drawing
• Photographs
References:

• Apron Test Labs & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Soil Investigation Report For Construction work of API
Production unit.
• M/s ConstrologiX Civil Engineering Services, Proposed construction of residential building at
Moshi, Pune
• Format Contents of Soil Investigation Report
https://www.soilmanagementindia.com/soil-exploration/soil-investigation-report/format-content
s-of-soil-investigation-report/13882
• Geo Design (An ISO 9001: 2008), Soil Investigation for the proposed Sri Bhavani Dyeing Cluster
Development & Pipe Line work, Erode 638301
• C. E. Testing Company Pvt. Limited An ISO 9001, 14001 & OHSAS 18001 Certified Company NABL
Accredited Laboratory, Geotechnical investigation work for Agartala smart city project, Tripura.
• Falcon Industrial Testing Lab. Pvt. Ltd. Geo-Technical Investigation Report, Proposed construction
of (G+3) Residential Building at Adampakkam, Chennai-600088.