GROUP:

Geotechnical Exploration and Evaluation Reportof

Gymnastic and Meeting Building Florida

CLIENT
The Parks and Recreation Department of Relax City, Florida

Dale: _____________

M/s The Parks and Recreation

Department of Relax City,
Florida

Date. 27-11-2013

Subject: Geotechnical Exploration and Evaluation Report of Gymnastic and Meeting Building,
Near City Hall, Florida
Dear Sir,
Reference your request regarding the geotechnical investigation for the subject site; enclosed
please find copy of the geotechnical investigation report. The 'Geotechnical Investigation
Report' has been prepared for the foundation design of proposed Gymnastic and Meeting
Building, near City Hall, Florida. The report includes information regarding subsoil stratigraphy,
field as well as laboratory determinations of soil characteristics and foundation design
recommendations.
We hope that the investigation results presented in this report will provide all the necessary
information for the construction of the subject facility. In case there is any query, please do
not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Best Regards,

(Student Name)

1|Page

Table of Contents
1.

INTRODUCTION

2.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.

THE SITE GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY

3.1.
3.2.

The Site Geology

The Seismicity at the Site

3
4

4.

THE SCOPE OF WORK

5.

THE INVESTIGATION DETAILS

5.1.

6.
6.1.
6.2.
6.3.

7.
7.1.
7.2.
7.3.

8.
8.1.
8.2.
8.3.

9.

Drilling Of Bore Holes

THE SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS AT THE SITE

Site Conditions
Subsoil Conditions (Stratigraphy)
Groundwater

FOUNDATION DESIGN CONSIDERATION

General
Selection Of Foundation Types
Depth of Foundation

THE EARTHWORK
Clearing, Grubbing, Leveling And Grading
Excavations
Fill Materials

5
5
5
5

6
6
6
6

9
9
9
10

CONSTRUCTIONAL ASPECTS

10

10. INSPECTION AND MONITORING

10

11. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

11

11.1.
11.2.
11.3.

11
11
11

Type Of Foundation
Minimum Depth Of Foundation
Bearing Pressure

12. GENERAL COMMENTS

11

13. REFERENCE

12

14. APPENDIX - A

12

2|Page

1. Introduction
This report present the results of geotechnical investigation for the foundation design of
proposed Gymnastic and Meeting Building, Near City Hall, Florida.
The principal objective of the investigation was to evaluate the surficial and subsurface
conditions at the site, select appropriate geotechnical parameters and to make
recommendations for the design and construction of foundation including the selection of
most appropriate foundation type, foundation depth and the allowable bearing pressure for
design of the foundations.
This report on geotechnical investigation covers the reporting requirement stipulated in the
scope of work. The report contains the main text together with 1 Appendix A (containing
tables, chats, figures, and borehole).
The main text of the report presents description of the site, a general geotechnical assessment
of the project area, details of the investigation performed and an appreciation of the
subsurface conditions as well as recommendations and conclusions with respect to the
foundation design for the proposed structure based on the investigation results. The report
also includes recommendations on earthwork including grading, excavation, fill and
compaction.
2. Project Description
The project site is located in Florida near City Hall. The proposed area is rectangular in shape,
and has width of 53.3 m and length of 91.4 m.the total gross area of the proposed site is
4,877square meter.
Based on the plan provided, the proposed construction is to build a Gymnastic and Meeting
Building. The height of the proposed building is approximately 13.7 meter. It is noticed that
project site is at final grade elevation and no mass excavation or fill is required.
3. The Site Geology And Seismicity
3.1. The Site Geology

It is known from the investigation that the geology at the site is characterized by sandy soil
underneath is lime stone loose to medium rock strata.
The geology of Florida is composed of a thick section of mostly unreformed carbonate rocks.
This carbonate platform has been developing since the late Triassic opening of the North
Atlantic. The rocks generally deposited in shallow water are undeformed. Floridan plateau is
associated with the Bahaman platform to the east; contiguous until later development of
3|Page

Florida straits. Rocks gently dip to south. The deepest wells have penetrated up to 5,486 meter
of sedimentary rocks in South Florida Basin
3.2.

The Seismicity at the Site

The City Florida is located on the North American Plate passive margin. This active margin is
confined by faults that cause earthquakes when there is movement along them. This is the
major reason that Florida has aparticularly low incidence of earthquakes. In a highly unusual
event, some Floridians felt a strong (Magnitude 5.8) earthquake that occurred on September
10 at 10:56 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time in the Gulf of Mexico, about 405 km south-southwest
of Apalachicola, Florida.
4. The Scope Of Work
The purpose of the investigation was to determine the subsoil conditions and toevaluate the
subsoil parameters for the foundation design of proposed Gymnastic and Meeting Building,
Florida.
Specifically the scope of work included:

Field exploration, in-situ testing and sampling.

Laboratory testing

Analyses of data gathered through field and laboratory investigations andpreparation of

report including recommendations for:
a. Bearing capacity for proposed foundation.
b. Construction aspects

5. The Investigation Details

5.1.

Drilling Of Bore Holes

The field investigation included drilling of 05 bore holes at the locations specified by the client.
The locations of the boreholes are marked on Figure - 1. Boreholes were drilled down to a
depth 7.62 meter below the existing ground level.
Exploratory borings of 60 cm long diameter and 50 mm split spoon sampler were drilled using
straight rotary technique. Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) were performed in accordance
with ASTM D-1586 at surface and at 15 cm depth intervals below the existing ground level up
to the final depth explored. SPTResistancevalues (N values) are shown on boring logs attached
in Appendix A (Figure 3 to 7). Figure 2 represents legends and symbols used on boring logs.

4|Page

Estimates of relative density of soils and consistency of the cohesive soils given on the boring
logs, in general, are based on the SPT resistance as recommended by Terzaghi and shown in
Table 1.
6. The Subsurface Conditions at The Site
6.1.

Site Conditions

The site for the design of proposed Gymnastic and Meeting Buildingis located near City Hall,
Florida. At present thesite is an open piece of land surrounded on three sides by buildings and
the frontside by main road. The site is nearly even and is at final grade elevation adjacent to
road level. The site is covered by grass, shrubs and vegetation.
6.2.

Subsoil Conditions (Stratigraphy)

The ground surface of the site is covered by grass and few trees. The subsoilconditions are
fairly uniform and consist of deposits consisting of silica sand with trace of fragmented
limestone. In general the subsurface strata exist in a medium dense to dense condition of
compactness. The natural subsoil can be broadly divided into the following stratum:
Stratum # 1: In general the top stratum starts off below a thick cover of dense dark brown
silica sand consisting of sand mixed with fragmented limestone. The dark sand consists of
limestone fragmented particles and in general extends to a depth of about 300 cm below the
existing ground level. The top stratum exists in a medium dense to dense condition of
compactness with SPT values ranging from 13 to 45. The soil can in general be classified as
SP.In borehole No 05, gray concrete fill with brown sand of 60 cm layer is encountered.
Stratum # 2: This stratum underlying stratum # 2 consists of tan fragmented limestone
andextends to the final depth explored. In borehole No 01 & 03, again tan sand with
fragmented limestone of depth 150 cm is encountered. This stratum is rock andexists in a soft
to medium dense condition of compactness with SPT value ranging 14 to 40.
The actual thicknesses and occurrence of different soil/rock layers at different depthhorizons
observed during drilling are documented in borehole logs attached at figure 08 & 09 in
Appendix A.
6.3.

Groundwater

The groundwater level was established at a depth of about 2.13 meter below the existing
ground level during drilling operations. The static groundwater is ranges from approx. el +0 to
el+3 based on experiences. It is important to mentioned that tidal and seasonal variation in the
above given limit is expected.
5|Page

7. Foundation Design Consideration

7.1.

General

In order for the foundations to be safe, the load carrying strata must be competent tosustain
the imposed loading without undergoing shear failure and at the same timeany settlements of
the foundations must not exceed the tolerable limits. Therefore,the load carrying
characteristics of the strata must be evaluated from these twoconsiderations.
7.2.

Selection Of Foundation Types

Considering the competence of the strata, as evaluated from the investigation result the type
of the structures to be constructed, any type of shallow foundation(isolated, strip or mat)
would be technically feasible and economical inconstruction; provision of deep foundation will
not be required. However takinginto consideration the presence of sandy soils it is
recommended that if isolated foundations are used.The foundationsshould be tied to reduce
the chances of differential settlement.
The preference of a type of the shallow foundation over the other for a particular structure
must be carefully evaluated, considering the resistance of a foundation type to the shear
stresses and deformation characteristics of the bearing soils, aswell as consideration for the
economy of construction.
The settlement of a structure among other factors is also a function of the type offoundation
system adopted. A spread footing is more sensitive to the variations inthe subsurface
conditions, and therefore may settle more than a strip footing, whichhas the ability of bridging
over the relatively weaker zones between adjacent columns and thereby adding significant
rigidity to the foundation system. The matfoundation provides even more advantage in this
respect.
7.3.

Depth of Foundation

Regardless of the foundation type adopted for a particular structure, the foundations must be
laid at a sufficient depth, below the depth of seasonal variation zone of thesubsoil.
The depth of foundation among other factors is also governed by the lateral stability
requirements and presence of surficial debris, organic matter and chemicallydeleterious
materials, all of which, if within the zone of influence of foundation must be replaced by a
competent material and the foundations be placed well belowsuch materials so that these can
transmit the pressure directly onto the competentload bearing strata.
It is our understanding that the proposed structure will consist of a three storeybuilding
without a basement. It is recommended that the foundation of the structureshould be placed
6|Page

at a minimum depth of 1 meter below the existing ground levelon well compacted soil.
However keeping in mind the limitations of investigation itis strongly recommended that
before placing the foundations a senior qualifiedengineer should inspect the foundation level
after excavation and make sure that thefoundation rests on well compacted soil.
7.3.1. Settlement and Allowable Bearing Pressures
The allowable bearing pressure for the design of foundations must not exceed more than the
allowable bearing capacity of the load carrying soil with respect to shear failure. At the same
time the settlement corresponding to the allowable bearing pressure must not exceed the
maximum allowable limit of settlement for theparticular foundation / structure system,
therefore the load carrying capacity of thesoil has to be checked against both shear and
settlement. The lesser of the two(shear and settlement) will determine the allowable bearing
pressure for design offoundations. In order to recommend allowable bearing pressure for
design offoundations, it is first necessary to establish the allowable settlement criteria for
thestructures to be constructed at the site.
The allowable total settlement for structures as reported in the literature variesbetween the
classical Terzaghi criteria of 25 mm to more than 100 mm. Generally 50 mm total settlement is
recommended for mat foundation. It is however to benoted that it is usually the differential
settlement, rather than the total settlementthat is of concern in the design of foundations. A
state of the art criteria fortolerable settlements is developed on the basis of the distortion that
a structure cantolerate, which is then related to the differential and total settlements which
astructure can tolerate depending upon various loading conditions and
subsurfacecharacteristics.
Typical soil parameters used for the calculations of settlement and bearing pressurefor
foundations are presented in Table 2.
7.3.2. Settlement Calculations
The settlement of square isolated footings of different dimensions has been calculated using
the following relationship given by Timoshenko and Goodier (Reference Foundation Analysis
and Design 5th Edition by Joseph E. Bowles):

Where
7|Page

H = Allowable Settlement
q = Allowable Bearing Pressure
B' = Least lateral dimension of the foundation
If = Influence factor for reduction of settlement when foundation is placed at some depth "D"
in the ground.
Is = Influence factor which depends upon L/B, thickness of stratum H and Poisson's ration 0.3.
Es = Elastic soil parameter.
7.3.3. Allowable Bearing Capacity
The allowable bearing capacity is smaller of the safe bearing capacity (foundation should not
fail in shear) and the bearing capacity calculated on the bases of tolerable settlement.
Therefore, the load carrying characteristics of the strata must be evaluated from these two
considerations. The width of the foundation along with other factors generally controls the
allowable bearing capacity, as the width of the foundation increases it is the allowable
settlement of foundation rather than shear failure of the ground which will govern the
assignment of the allowable bearing pressure for design of foundation.
Generally the allowable settlement for framed building structures supported on square / strip
footing is taken as 25mm.
Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity Theory
Qu = c Nc + D Nq + 0.5 B N
= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow strip footings, (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)
Qu = 1.3 c Nc + D Nq + 0.4 B N
= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow square footings, (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)
Qu = 1.3 c Nc + D Nq + 0.3 B N
= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow circular footings, (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)
Where:
c = Cohesion of soil (kg/m2),
= effective unit weight of soil (kg/m3)
D = depth of footing (m)
B = width of footing)(m),
Nc=cot(Nq 1)
Nq=e2(3/4-/2)tan / [2 cos2(45+/2)],
8|Page

N =(1/2) tan(kp /cos - 1)

e = Napier's constant = 2.718
kp = passive pressure coefficient
= angle of internal friction (degrees).
Taking into consideration the above described criteria the net allowable bearing pressure has
been calculated at 1 m depth below the existing ground surface. The recommended allowable
bearing pressure values in general are as follows:
Depth of
Foundation

Type of
Foundation

Least lateral
Dimension
of
Foundation

01 meter

Isolated
Square

1.6 m

Net
Allowable
Bearing
Pressure
33,853
kg/m2

The actual net bearing pressure value for any particular Isolated Squarefoundation can be seen
from Table 03.
8. The Earthwork
8.1.

Clearing, Grubbing, Leveling And Grading

Prior to any construction activity at the site, it must be cleared of all debris, andsurface
vegetation. This can be carried out by graders/dozers. For leveling andgrading, stakes should
be installed on a grid marked by Surveying Crews. Therequired levels to be attained through
cut or fill at the grid points must also beidentified.
The leveling and grading can be carried out by normal earth moving machine. As
predominantly sandy soils will be encountered in excavation throughoutthe project area, no
special problems are anticipated in excavating and moving thesesoils with excavators,
scrappers and dozers.
8.2.

Excavations

The excavations for construction of foundations, other substructures or for trenchesfor utility
lines can be made by using conventional earth moving machineryincluding scrappers, dozers
and trenchers etc. All the excavations should beproperly sloped or supported to avoid any
stability failure as well as movement inthe adjacent structures.

9|Page

After reaching the designed foundation level and before placing the foundation, it
isrecommended that the soil should be well compacted by using an appropriate rolleror
equivalent.
8.3.

Fill Materials

The on-site materials after removing about 50 cm of topsoil can be used for general backfilling
at the site. However preferably the backfill material should be granularand the quantities of
fines should limit to the recommended values.
9. Constructional Aspects
We recommend the following measures for long-term stability of the structures.
Well compact the bottom of the excavation using appropriatecompaction equipment (such
as tamping plates) before placing thefoundations.

A pad of at least 6 inches of 1:4:8 PCC (well compacted) should beplaced on the prepared
ground before placing foundations.
Engineering fill (A-1-a, A-1-b or A-3) should be used as a back fillmaterial. The commonly
available back fill material is A-3 (sand).
Plinth protection slab sloping away from the buildings should beprovided around the
structure to reduce ingress of water to foundationsoils.
Proper surface drainage should be provided in the project area and thearea should be
graded to keep the surface runoff away from thestructure. The ingress of water from any
source should be avoided.

10. Inspection And Monitoring

It is necessary that all the geotechnical aspects of foundation construction andearthwork be
monitored by competent construction supervision staff includingqualified and experienced
engineers. For this purpose a comprehensive inspectionand monitoring program should be
prepared. The program must specifically addressthe following aspects.
1. Inspection of all stripping work to ensure that the undesirable topsoilcontaining refuse
and organic material has been adequately removed.
2. Making sure that all the stripped off material and other unwanted materialsfrom the
site are disposed off in designated disposal area without any environmental hazard.
3. Identification of in-situ conditions of the subsurface during foundationexcavation and
preparation of sub grades, so that over excavation isavoided. Senior engineer should
ensure that the foundation has been placedon well compacted soil.

10 | P a g e

4. Identify the areas on the excavated slopes requiring protection, and provide suitable
remedial measures, where required to ensure stability of slopesduring construction.
5. Special precautions should be observed during excavation and properprotection should
be provided to neighboring structures. Full time monitoring by an experienced
engineer should be ensured.
11. Summary Of Recommendations
11.1. Type Of Foundation
Shallow foundation Isolated Square type can be used; howeverfoundations should be tied to
reducechances of differential settlement.
11.2. Minimum Depth Of Foundation
Minimum depth of foundation should be 1 meter below the existing ground level on well
compacted soil.
11.3. Bearing Pressure
The recommended allowable bearing pressure values in general are asfollows:

Depth of Foundation

Type of Foundation

Least lateral
Dimension of
Foundation

1 meter

Isolated Square

1.6 m

Net Allowable
Bearing Pressure

33,853 kg/m2

12. General Comments

Foundation should be placed on well compacted soil; a senior qualifiedengineer should inspect
the site before placing foundations and shouldensure that the foundation has been placed on
well compacted soil.

Sulphate Resistance cement should be used for the foundation works.

Special precautions should be observed during excavation and properprotection should
be provided to neighboring structures. Full timemonitoring by an experienced engineer
should be ensured.

11 | P a g e

13. References

Richard Handy, Merlin Spangler, 04-Jan-2007, Geotechnical Engineering : Soil and Foundation
Principles and Practice, 5th Ed.: Soil and Foundation Principles and Practice, 5th Edition,
McGraw Hill Professional
Robert Day, 11-Apr-2011, Forensic Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering, Second Edition,
McGraw Hill Professional
Robert W. Day, 1999, Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering: Design and Construction,
McGraw Hill Professional

14. APPENDIX - A

Tables
Bore Hole Logs

12 | P a g e

TABLE-1
Empirical Values For, Qu, Dr and Unit Weight Of Soils Based on The SPT

Table-2
Soil Parameters Used In The Analysis Of Settlement andBearing Pressure

DESCRIPTION OF PARAMETER
Bulk unit weight
Corrected average N-value
Angle of internal friction of top soil
Cohesion , c

VALUE OF PARAMETER
120 lb/ft3 =1922 kg/m3
25 blows
33o
0

13 | P a g e

Table-3
Calculation of Foundation Width

Given

bearing pressure from Column of building = 180,000 lbs = 81600 kg

unit weight of soil, = 1922 kgm3

Cohesion, c = 0

angle of Internal Friction, = 33 degrees

footing depth, D = 1 m

Solution
Try a width, B = 1.1
Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3
Determine bearing capacity factors N, Nc and Nq. See typical bearing capacity factors relating
to the soils' angle of internal friction.

Ng = 31

Nq = 33

Nc = 49

Solve for ultimate bearing capacity,

Qu = c Nc + D Nq + 0.4 B N

strip footing eq.

Qu = 0(49) + 1922 (1)(33) + 0.4(1922)(1.6)(31)

Qu =101,558 kg/m2
Solve for allowable bearing capacity,
Qa= Qu
F.S.
14 | P a g e

Qa =101,558 =33,852 kg/m2

3

o.k.

Since Qa> 81,600/1.62= 31,875 kg/m2 bearing pressure, Use B=1.6 m

Conclusion
Footing shall be 1.6 meter wide at a depth of 1 meter below ground surface. Many engineers
neglect the depth factor (i.e. D Nq = 0) for shallow foundations. This inherently increases the
factor of safety.

15 | P a g e

Figure -1

16 | P a g e

LEGENDS
Figure -2

17 | P a g e

Figure -3

18 | P a g e

Figure -4

19 | P a g e

Figure -5

20 | P a g e

Figure -6

21 | P a g e

Figure -7

22 | P a g e