Specific Approach Method Statement

Rotary Bored Piling Work in Karst Terrain

CONTENT

1.Basis of Compilation

2.Project Overview

3.Types of Karst

4.Approach for Works Involving Karst

5.Contingency Plan (To be prepared before commencing work)

1.Basis of Compilation
1).Contract signed with the owner.
2).Tender documents signed with the owner.
3).Design drawings provided by the owner.
4).Geological Report provided by owner.
5).Relevant Malaysian construction regulations, foundation construction
specifications.

2.Project Overview
Cadangan pembangunan 1 blok pangsapuri servis 51 tingkat (437 unit)
termasuk 1 tingkat basemen dan kemudahan penduduk serta podium dan
1 unit pondok pengawal
di atas Lot 11599, 1524, 1525 dan 1526, Jalan Ampang Kiri, Mukim
Ampang, KL

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3.Types of Karst
Karst can generally be divided into three types: completely void,
half-filled, and fully-filled. Karst that are taller than 3 meters are
classified as large karst.

4.Approach for Works Involving Karst

Construction of bored piling works in karst terrain are becoming
more and more common, performing concealed works in karst terrain
comes with a high level of difficulties. Therefore it is of utmost
importance for us to gain sufficient understanding of the development
regularities, basic forms, sizes, thickness of top rock layer, integrity,
shape of karst formations and features, so that the necessary measures can
be taken to ensure the safety of works being performed. The geological
data of the project shows that the project ground consists of complex
underground karst structure. The owner ensures that pre-drilling work is
done before the drilling of each pile, and an extra 5 meters is added to the
designed depth, securing the safety and reliability of the works done.
Specification of work: Based on the abovementioned Pre-drilling
Geological Report provided by the owner. After precise setting-out of the
pile foundation, carry out pre-drilling at the center of each bored pile
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location on the pile foundation platform, increase the number of drilling

points when necessary. When karst is discovered in any specific piling
location, drill 4 grouting holes around it. As illustrated by the diagram
below:

After comparison is done based from the technical, economical

aspects etc., when encounter large karst at any depth of 012 meters,
shall be classified as half-filled or fully-filled type, by applying static
pressure chemical grouting method. Internal pile casting covering method
is applied for small karst. When encountering half-filled and fully-filled
type at 1230 meters deep, apply static pressure chemical grouting
method. When encounter large karst or completely void type, use G20
backfilling concrete. When exceeding 30 meters deep, apply static
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pressure chemical grouting method. Application of the best suited

methods will ensure expected results, as illustrated by the table below:
Type of Karst
Depth H<3m (H: height of karst) H3m (H: height of karst)
(m)
Void(without Half-filled/ Void(without Half-filled/
filling)
fully-filled
filling)
fully-filled
Static
Static
Static
Pile
pressure
pressure
pressure
casting
0-12
chemical
chemical
chemical
covering
grouting
grouting
grouting

12-30

Static
pressure
chemical
grouting

Static
pressure
chemical
grouting

Backfill G20
concrete

Static
pressure
chemical
grouting

Below
30

Static
pressure
chemical
grouting

Static
pressure
chemical
grouting

Static
pressure
chemical
grouting

Static
pressure
chemical
grouting

Description of
work method
Embed pile casing
8-12 according to
geological
condition.
Backfilling
concrete produces
better results for
large karst of such
depth.
Static pressure
chemical grouting
produces better
results.

Item 1:
Pile casting covering method: Based on the predrilling result,
determine the depth to embed the pile casing. For piling location with
detected karst, pile casing embed to the weathered rock layer, on surface
of strong weathered rock layer, so that can penetrate soil caves. The
bottom of the pile casing shall be the rock layer or top of the karst. For
karst free piles, pile casing to be embedded underneath mucky clay,
gravel layer, placed at least 2 meter deep in the gritty clay.
Item 2:
Backfill method (crushed rocks or concrete) for completely void or
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half-filled karst, height of karst is generally around 3 meters. When slurry

leakage occurs, and the water level within the pile casing cannot be
maintained, use flagstone plus clay (at 1:1 volume ration) to impact
backfilling, to form stone clay retaining wall.
Item 3:
Specially reinforced slurry for static pressure chemical grouting can
achieve speedy solidification within a matter of a few ten seconds. This
will control the grouting within a certain range and avoid it from
running-off, ensure that materials are used to their full capacity, hence
much more economical. The setting percentage of slurry is at 100%,
meaning that 1mslurry can produce 1mconsolidated body. For sand,
gravel and other earth forms in the karst, the slurry hardens them through
permeation. For rare earth, clay soil and other earth forms in the karst, the
slurry reinforces these earth form through split and compaction effects.
While for completely void and half-filled karst, the slurry will be able to
completely fill all the void spaces. The permeation of the slurry within
the earth form is in the direction of the minor principal stress surface,
once the slurry solidifies it will reinforce the minor principal stress
surface. While permeating and compacting the void within the earth,
filling the void, forming sealing curtain surrounding the pile, preventing
sand and mud loss. On the other hand, increasing the bearing capacity and
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shearing resistance of the earth form in the karst creates retaining wall
that will prevent the hole from collapsing.
Static Pressure Chemical Grouting Method:
Drill hole

Diameter:80mm,depth of hole to reach the base of the deepest karst.

Material

Portland 325# cement and chemical grout

Apply grouting method with two types of grout and perform full hole
grouting, perform more frequently with less amount, repetitive
grouting.
BW250 mud pump, BW150 mud pump, drilling rig model 100,
concrete mixer and drainage tank, high pressure grouting pipe and its
components.

Method
Main
equipment &
facility

To prevent high pressure inside the hole from deterring the grouting
works, apply other holes to relieve the pressure.
Grouting Pressures
The following pressures should be used for grouting cavities located
at the corresponding depths below the existing ground surface.
Depth(m)

Grouting pressure (pls)

20.1-30

87

30.1-40

116

40.1-50

145

50.1-60

174

60.1-70

203

70.1-80

232

80.1-90

261

90.1-100

290

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5.Contingency Plan (To be prepared before commencing work)

Issues related to any existing karst below the construction ground
has been solved during the construction preparation phase. The plans
below has been made in view of the complex earth formation, to avoid
any safety and quality accident that might lead to injury to workers and
losses to company:
1).Regular checking on easily damaged parts of equipment, repair or
replace in a timely manner.
2).Sufficient supply of steel plates on site, carefully plan the route of
heavy machineries (such as drilling rig, crane etc.).
To prevent slurry leakage, partial collapsing etc. when the drilling
work is being performed. Emergency materials listed below is to be
prepared at the site:
ITEM
Crushed rocks
Clay
Concrete
Gunny sack & similar material
Forklift model 50
220L excavator

QUANTITY
80m
120m
10 tonnes
200 sheets
1 unit
1 unit

Emergency Contact Persons

No.
1
2
3
4
5

Type
Project manager
Safety officer
Technical manager
Site engineer
Site supervisor

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Quantity
1
1
1
2
4

Remark
Chinese
Malay
Malay Chinese
Chinese
Chinese