Soil Investigation Report Plot# 34 Street 14 Sec e PH II PDF

EARTH FACE ENGG SERVICES
GEOTECHNICAL STUDY
Proposed Double
Storey House at Plot
# 34 STREET 14,
Sector E DHA II
Islamabad
User
Mr. 2014
EARTH FACE ENGG SERVICES (Material Testing Lab)

Web:www.efes.tripod.com. Email efeslabpk@gmail.com
EARTH FACE ENGINEERING SERVICES
NAZAK PLAZA MAIN G.T. ROAD OPP DHA-II, NEAR GARDEN CITY BAHRIA TOWN ZONE ‘V’ ISLAMABAD
Project: Construction of Double Storey House at Plot # 34 Street 14 Sector E, Phase II DHA Islamabad
1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
1.1 General……………………………………………………………………………………….………………….3
1.2 Proposed Construction…………………………………………………..……….………..……………..3
1.3 Purpose and Scope of Study……………………………………………………..………..…….……..3
2. Field Investigations………………………………..………………………………………………..……..… ….4
2.1 Exploration Borings and Sampling……………………………………………………………......…4
2.2 Field Testing……………………………………………………………………………………..……….… …4
3. Laboratory Testing………..……………………………………………………………………………….…….…4
4. Discussion of Result… .......................................................................................... ………..5
4.1 Surface Conditions… …………………………………………….…………………………..….…………5
4.2 Subsurface Conditions .......................................................................................... 5
4.2.1 Stratification. ............................................................................................. 5
4.2.2 Soil Clasification……………………………………………………………………….…………. 5
4.2.3 Insitu Moisture Content and Water Table………………………...…………..…….6
4.2.4 Bulk Density………………………………………………………………………………….……..6
4.2.5 Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs)………………….…………………………………...6
5. Foundation Design Considrations…………………………………………………………………….…..6
5.1 Depth of Footing……………………………………………………………………………………….….6
5.2 Soil Parameters…………………………………………………………………………………………....7
5.3 Bearing Capacity Analysis…………………………………………………………………………..…7
5.4 Settlement Analysis………………………………………………………………………………….....7
6. Limitations…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………7
7. Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………………..…….8
Summary of Test Results…………………………………………………………………………………………….….
Bearing Capacity Analysis………………………………………………………………………………….……….…..
Appendix-A Field Borehole Log………………………………………………………………………………….....
Appendix-B Bore Hole Location Plan……………………………………………………………………………..
2
1. Introduction
1.1 General
This report presents the results of the geotechnical investigations carried out by Earth Face Engg
Services, Islamabad for the proposed Construction of double storey house at Plot No. 34 Street 14
Sector E, Phase 2 DHA Islamabad. Our respected client Mr. Abdullah commissioned Earth Face
Engg Services (EFES) to carry out the Geotechnical overview assessment of the site and provide
preliminary recommendation for foundation design.
The purpose of this investigation was to explore and evaluate the subsurface conditions at
various locations on the site in order to develop geotechnical engineering recommendations for
foundation design and construction. The Geotechnical Investigations were planned after detailed site
visit of the technical crew of EFES along with the client’s representative on 24th October 2014. Two
(02) boreholes were advanced using 5.5’’ Dia Percussion up to 15 ft depth at locations shown in
Borehole location plan.
This report includes our recommendations related to the geotechnical aspects of project design and
construction including the appropriate depth of footing, type of foundation and allowable bearing
capacity of soil. Comprehensive summaries of field and laboratory data are presented in
Appendices following the text of this report.
1.2 Proposed Construction
The proposed project will involve the construction of a 2 Storey house located at Plot No. 34
Street 14 Sector E, Phase 2 DHA Islamabad. These Two stories are planned above ground of load
bearing or composite structure. Details of proposed development including floor plans were not
available at the time this report was prepared. Exploration carried out the existing surface
which is about the FRL Street 14 at the time of field Exploration. A bore hole location plan showing
the general layout of the proposed site and testing locations is presented in Appendix-B.
1.3 Purpose and Scope of Study
The scope of our services is following:

 Exploration of the subsurface conditions at various locations within the area of the
proposed construction through drilling/boring at two (02) locations.
 Limited Field and laboratory testing of representative samples of subsurface material
encountered during the field investigation to evaluate relevant engineering parameters
of the subsurface soils.
 Evaluation of subsoil parameters and Engineering analyses on which to base

recommendations for the design and construction of foundations.
 Preparation of a comprehensive geotechnical report which includes a brief description of

the proposed project site, surface and subsurface site conditions encountered during field
3
investigations, summary/analysis of test results and finally the geotechnical

recommendations for foundation design and construction.
2. Field Investigations
2.1 Exploratory Boring and Sampling
Subsurface conditions at the site were investigated by drilling and sampling Two (02) boreholes to a
depth of 15 ft, Percussion techniques. The locations of the boreholes are presented on the
borehole location plan at Appendix-A.
Representative Disturbed Samples (DS) and Undisturbed Samples (UDS) were recovered using
Standard Penetration Test (SPT) split spoon samplers in accordance with standard ASTM D 1586
and Shelby tubes respectively for laboratory testing. Borehole log showing the stratum of the
ground in general were prepared as the drilling was advanced and are presented in Appendix-A.
2.2 Field Testing
Following tests were performed during field investigations:
 Visual inspection of the soil

 Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)
 Bulk density tests
 Natural moisture content
3. Laboratory Testing
Soil samples were tested in the laboratory for index and strength properties of the soil. These tests
were carried in soil test laboratory of Earth Face Engineering Services as per ASTM Standards.
Following tests were performed in the laboratory and presented in the summary of the test results
 Grain Size Analysis
 In-Situ Moisture Content
 Atterberg Limits
4
4. Discussion of Result
4.1 Surface conditions
The existing surface is about even, Man made compacted found at the time of field exploration.
4.2 Subsurface conditions
4.2.1 Stratigraphy
Stratigraphy of the subsoil has been analyzed through the information data gathered from field and
laboratory testing of the borehole samples. The stratification is as under:
Borehole No.1
Form 0 to 6.0 ft Light Brown Silty Sand Native Sub Soil (SM)
6.0 to 9.0 ft Light Brown Silty Sand with clayey fines (SM)
9.0 to 15.0 ft Silty Sand with Hard Gravel (SM)
Borehole No.2
Form 0 to 5.0 ft Light Brown Silty Sand Native Sub Soil (SM)
5.0 to 9.0 ft Light Brown Silty Sand with clayey fines (SM)
9.0 to 15.0 ft Silty Sand with Hard Gravel (SM)
Hard Strata at and Below 9.0ft depth
The subsoil stratum is uniform though out the 15 ft depth. The stratification of subsoil stratum
indicates the existing ground is made up of Silty Sandy Gravely deposits. The soil colour is light
brown which indicates the chemical domination of iron oxide in soil which is main adhesive agent
between the soil particles. The stratum of the ground in general can be visualized from field bore
logs in Appendix A.
4.2.2 Soil Classification
Classification tests performed on the representative soil samples generally confirmed the
field/visual classification carried out at the site.
Sieve Analysis were carried out on the representative soil samples. The grain size distribution
curves give the exact idea regarding the gradation of the soil. The soil percentage passing through
US Sieve #4 and retaining on US sieve #200 indicate the percentage of sand and passing through US
sieve #200 show the percentage of silt and clay.
The percentage of soil particles passing #200 US sieve ranges from 15.34% to 37.73% which
indicates wide uniformity in soil material.
The Atterberg Limits, empirical procedures for establishing the consistency (degree of firmness) of
soils were determined in accordance with ASTMD-423 and ASTM D-424. Plasticity index PI, the
difference of liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL), Non Plastic
According to Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) the subsoil is predominantly classified as Silty
Sand (SM) The stratum is homogeneous.
5
4.2.3 Insitu Moisture Contents (IMC) and Ground Water Table (GWT)
tests were performed using Speedy Moisture Tester in field in accordance with ASTM 1957 and IMC
ranges from 5.1 to 4.5 % at different depths. No Definite trend in increase of moisture is observed
with depth at different locations during exploration work.
Values of Insitu moisture Content at each depth can be seen in borehole log (Appendix-A) and
Summary of test results
Ground water table was not encountered in any of the borehole during the field investigation in the
month of October 2014.
4.2.4 Bulk Density

Bulk Density is determined at site with help of SPT sampler shoe and Shelby tube at different
depths and locations. Density of soil indicates the natural compactness of the subsoil strata.
Bulk Density of the subsoil varies between 120 to 124 pcf.
4.2.5 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

SPT is an important field test which in most cases furnishes a fairly direct correlation with the
bearing capacity of the soil layer, especially for materials, which are sandy in nature. In cases of
cohesive strata, the SPT results have to be interpreted keeping in view the composition of clay, silt
and other admixtures present. In this test, a spilt spoon is driven into the ground by means of a
140lb hammer falling from a free height of 30 in. The number of blows N necessary to produce a
penetration of 12 in is regarded as penetration resistance, N. To avoid seating errors, the blows for
the first 6in. of penetration are not taken into account, those required to increase the penetration
for 12 in constitute the N value, also commonly known as the “Blow Count”. The SPTs were
conducted at every 3 ft interval to 15 ft depth investigated according to ASTM Designation D-1586-
67.
SPT number of blow count (field) ranges from 19 to 34 in BH #1 and 18 to 32 in the BH # 2 at
different depths and locations. The Standard Penetration blow count values “N” recorded at
various depth are shown in bore hole log ( Appendix A) and in summary of test results
5. Foundation Design Considerations

5.1 Depth of footing
Footings should be carried below the top of (organic) soil, miscellaneous fill, abandoned
foundations, debris or muck. The difference in footing elevation should not be so great as to
introduce undesirable overlapping of stresses in soil. This is generally avoided by maintaining the
maximum difference in elevations equal to, or equal to one half of the clear distance between two
footings.
The depth of footing 3.3 ft or below the Lowest existing surface is considered suitable keeping in
view of the existing soil conditions.
6
5.2 Soil Parameters

The following soil parameters are recommended to be adopted on the basis of geotechnical data of
the site available so far:
Bulk Density (psf) 120
Internal Friction Angle ( ф° ) 20
5.3 Bearing Capacity Analysis

The equation presented by Meherhof to find the allowable bearing in Sand. Factor of Safety FOS is
taken as 3 by keeping in view the risk of settlement and loss of shear strength of foundation soil at
contact of water during construction stage.
Factor of Safety FOS is taken as 3 by keeping in view the risk of settlement and loss of shear
strength of foundation soil at contact of water during construction stage.
5.4 Settlement Analysis

Footings on stiff clays hard clays and other firm soils generally require no settlement analysis if the
provides a minimum factor of safety 3.
6. Limitations
 The following preliminary recommendations contained in this report are based on our
understanding of the proposed building, subsurface conditions encountered at the time of
field investigations and further on the necessary assumption that the exploratory borings
are representative of the conditions across the site.
 This report presents the results of the geotechnical investigations conducted through two
(02) exploratory boreholes at 3 to 15 ft depth below the existing grade.
 This report has been prepared for the ‘Proposed construction of a 2 x storey house at Plot
No. 34 Street 14 Sector E, Phase 2 DHA Islamabad. Paragraphs, statements, test results,
boring logs etc should not be taken out of context and should not be utilized for any other
structure at any site without our prior review.
7
7. Recommendation
Based on field and laboratory testing the following recommendation are made:
a) The safe bearing capacity for “Construction of double storey house at Plot No. 34 Street
14 Sector E, Phase 2 DHA Islamabad at the depth of 3.3 ft or below from the existing Cut
surface level is 1.0 tsf for Strip and Isolated footing and 1.30 tsf for Mat footing.
The entire plot building area can reliably be evaluated with borehole configuration 1 at
centre and 4 on corners but this required borehole scheme in economic. However, this
study will provide very fair and reliable assessment of strata required engineering
parameters for footing design based on testing results and sound experience. Besides that
it is advised to evaluate soil strata visually during excavation of footing. Site engineer
should remain vigilant to judge soft/filled patches if notice and should be treated as
recommended in sub para c.
b) Plinth protection and floor lean should be laid before plastering activity to avoid excessive
penetration of water into the foundation soil at the time of plastering activity.
c) In no case, the footing should be placed on loose soft patches if such patches are noticed
during excavation must be replaced with granular fill. The filling should be done in layers
(maximum lift thickness 8”) and each layer should be compacted with the suitable mean of
compaction to attain minimum 95% relative compaction.
d) Site engineer and contractor should pay full attention on back filling of foundation
trenches. These should be well compacted to avoid ingress of water into the foundation
soil. No voids should be left and unfilled.
e) Surrounding area should be landscaped in such manner that the water could not stay
adjacent to walls and plinth protection.
f) Sewers and water supply pipes should be testing before backfilling of trench and plastering
of wall to avoid leakage at later stage. The floor and water bound area should be
chamfered with walls.
g) The septic tanks soakage well and underground water tanks should not be planned on
steep slope sides or in made up ground.
8
Summary of Test Results
9
Bearing Capacity Analysis
10
Allowable Bearing Pressure in Sand Based on Settlement Considertion
The equation presented by Meherhof to find the allowable bearing in Sand. Factor of Safety FOS is
taken as 3 by keeping in view the risk of settlement and loss of shear strength of foundation soil at
contact of water during construction stage. The net pressure has been defined as
According to Meyerhof’s theory, for 25 mm of estimated maximum settlement,

Determination of Allowable Bearing Capacity
Using SPT blows count
Meherhof Theory :
B is 4ft or Less:
qa = ( ) or tsf
qa = if B is 10ft or more qa = tsf
Gravel : 0.13 X N
Sand : 0.12 X N
Clay : 0.10 - 0.11 X N
Equation presented by C. Teng Theory of Meherof
Principle of foundation design Sixth edition

Braja M. Das
N value 8 (Minimum)
N value 30( Maximum)
Average N ( value) 19
Due to variation of sub soil Strata minimum ‘N’ value at 3.3 ft has
been taken for safe bearing capacity analysis. Allowable bearing Capacity = 10 x
0.1198 = 1.19 tsf
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Appendix-A Field Bore Hole Log
12
Appendix –B Borehole Location Plan
13
Bore Hole Location Plan
1651
1651
B.H-2
Depth = 15’
1651 1651
B.H-1
Depth = 15’
Plot No. 33 Plot No. 35
1650 Plot No. 34 1650
1650
Front Street 14 0.00
14

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EARTH FACE ENGG SERVICES

EARTH FACE ENGG SERVICES (Material Testing Lab)

1.2 Proposed Construction

1.3 Purpose and Scope of Study

The scope of our services is following:

 Evaluation of subsoil parameters and Engineering analyses on which to base

 Preparation of a comprehensive geotechnical report which includes a brief description of

investigations, summary/analysis of test results and finally the geotechnical

2.1 Exploratory Boring and Sampling

2.2 Field Testing

Following tests were performed during field investigations:

 Visual inspection of the soil

4.1 Surface conditions

4.2 Subsurface conditions

4.2.2 Soil Classification

4.2.4 Bulk Density

4.2.5 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

5. Foundation Design Considerations

5.2 Soil Parameters

5.3 Bearing Capacity Analysis

5.4 Settlement Analysis

Summary of Test Results

Bearing Capacity Analysis

Allowable Bearing Pressure in Sand Based on Settlement Considertion

According to Meyerhof’s theory, for 25 mm of estimated maximum settlement,

qa = if B is 10ft or more qa = tsf

Clay : 0.10 - 0.11 X N

Equation presented by C. Teng Theory of Meherof

Principle of foundation design Sixth edition

N value 30( Maximum)

Appendix-A Field Bore Hole Log

Appendix –B Borehole Location Plan

Bore Hole Location Plan

1650 Plot No. 34 1650

Front Street 14 0.00

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