PREFACE

A detailed geotechnical investigation including laboratory testing was

carried out for the Five storied Residential Building at PREMISES No: 701,
MOUZA : MADURDAHA, J.L.No : 12,R.S.No: 122, TOUZI NO : 2998,
C.S.DAG No: 448, C.S.: KHATIAN No: 133, R.S. DAG No: 455, R.S.
KHATIAN No:189, S/P No : 78.P.S. TILJALA UNDER K.M.C. WARD NO 108
Dist :South 24(PGS ).The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the soil
parameters for design of foundation for proposed structure with particular
reference to safe bearing capacity and anticipated settlements.

The investigation work for this project was started on the instruction of
M/S BENCHMARK DEVELOPERS PVT. LTD., SALT LAKE, SECTOR – (V),
MAHISBATHAN, P.S.: BIDHANNAGAR(E) P.O. KRISHNAPUR ,
KOLKATA - 700102 . The fieldwork was commenced on 18th September 2007
completed on 23 th September 2007.

The report has been prepared after careful study of all data collected
during fieldwork and laboratory testing and it deals with geotechnical properties
of the sub-soil. Section-I of this report covers the fieldwork & engineering
appraisal and recommendations. Section-II contains the results of the entire
laboratory test results and borelog data sheets. Section -III deals location plan
and graphs of laboratory test results.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SHEET NO.
SECTION - I
1.0 INTRODUCTION 02 - 03
2.0 EXPLORATION PROGRAMME & TECHNIQUES 03
3.0 FIELD WORK 04 - 05
4.0 LABORATORY TESTS 06 - 07
5.0 SUMMARY OF TEST RESULTS 08
6.0 ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION , INTERPRETATION 09 - 13
AND GENERALISED BORELOG
7.0 GROUND WATER TABLE 14
8.0 EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION 14 - 18

SECTION - II
 LABORATORY TEST RESULT 19 -20

 BORELOGS 21 -24

SECTION - III

 BORE HOLE LOCATION MAP 25

 SUB SOIL PROFILE 26

 N-VALUE VS DEPTH CURVRS 27

 e - log p CURVES 28 - 30

 GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTION CURVES 31 - 34

 MOHR - DIAGRAM 35 - 37
1.0 INTRODUCTION

M/S BENCHMARK DEVELOPERS PVT. LTD., SALT LAKE, SECTOR – (V),

MAHISBATHAN, P.S.: BIDHANNAGAR(E) P.O. KRISHNAPUR ,
KOLKATA - 700102 has proposed to construct a Six storied Residential
Building at R.S. DAG NO: 323 (P), L.R. KHATAIN NO:- 584 & 585 ; OF
MOUZA :- NAOPARA , J.L.NO :- 11, R.S. NO:- 119, UNDER WARD NO :- 6
WITH IN RAJARHAT GOPALPUR MUNICIPALTY ; P.S. :- RAJARHAT ,
DISTRICT :- NORTH 24 PARGANAS .

Geotechnical investigation has been carried out at the proposed site to find out
the most suitable foundation system for the proposed structure. The work is
awarded to M/s ROOTS, 816, 2ND Floor Deodar Place, Garia
Kolkata – 700084 by the client through Work Order Ref No:
BDPL/WORKSORDER/07-08/01 dated 15.09.2007

The scope of work included sinking boreholes at 2 [two] different locations as

shown in Fig – 1. The termination depths of boreholes are 30M at both the
borehole locations. The scope also included collection of samples, carrying out
field & laboratory tests and submission of report incorporating all the field and
laboratory test results, interpretation of data, engineering analysis, evaluation
and recommendation.
The fieldwork has been carried out by our own skilled labourers between the
th
period from 18th September and 23 September 2007. Soil samples are tested
for identification and geotechnical parameters in our own laboratory at 816,
GrND Floor Deodar Place, Garia Kolkata –700084.

Engineering evaluation of the suitability of different types of foundation and

estimation of bearing capacity is done after compilation and interpretation of all
field and laboratory test results including other relevant information’s. This
report deals with the findings from the above.

2.0 EXPLORATION PROGRAMME & TECHNIQUES

The aim and objective of the present study is to bring out the stratigraphy,
strength and settlement characteristics of different strata subsequent to which
suitability of different types of foundation could be established. This objective is
accomplished by borehole studies including field & laboratory tests followed by
the necessary interpretation and analysis.

The soil exploration programme is drawn to find out the general stratification
and soil parameters which when put to analysis would provide the best possible
knowledge of foundation behaviour at this site. The programme included:

i) Sinking boreholes at 2[two] predetermined locations. The termination

depth of boreholes are 30M at both the borehole locations 1 & 2.
ii) Conducting Standard penetration Tests [SPT] at suitable interval.
iii) Collection of disturbed/representative samples at suitable interval.
iv) Collection of Undisturbed Samples at suitable interval from cohesive
deposits only.
3.0 FIELD WORK

A brief description of method of boring, field tests, collection of samples etc.

and type of equipments used are given below.

 BORING

Boring through the soil is carried out by using 200mm dia auger to advance the
bore holes up to about 5.0M followed by wash boring technique up to the
termination depth. Casings are used up to 5.0M below the G.L. to provide
stability of side of the boreholes. Bentonite solution of adequate density is used
for overall stabilization of the boreholes.

 COLLECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLES

Representative soil samples are collected frequently from auger, split spoon
sampler of standard penetrometer and cutting shoe of undisturbed sampling
assembly to maintain a continuous record of strata encountered. All the
samples are labeled and placed in air-tight containers and shifted to the
laboratory for identification and testing.

 STANDARD PENETRATION TESTS

Standard Penetration Tests are conducted in each exploratory borehole at

suitable interval. The number of blows required for middle 30cm penetration of
the split spoon sampler out of a total penetration of 60cm driven by a 63.5 Kg
hammer falling freely through a height of 75cm are recorded as N – values.
The samples from the split spoon are collected after each test and properly
labeled and placed in air-tight containers before sending to the

laboratory for identification and testing. The test procedure conformed to

IS 2131-1981.

 COLLECTION OF UNDISTURBED SAMPLES

Undisturbed samples are collected by means of 100mm ID open drive sampler

assembly having area ratio of about 14%. Before sampling, the boreholes are
thoroughly cleaned. The sampling assembly is driven to the required depth
manually with the help of a jarring link. Samples collected in the tube are
retained, labeled and waxed at both ends before sending to the laboratory.

 SUMMARY OF FIELD WORK

BH RL of Top Termination No. of UDS No. of SPT GWT [M]

No Depth [M]
1 [+]0.0 30.0 4 15 0.7
2 [+]0.0 30.0 5 13 0.5
4.0 LABORATORY TESTS

The following laboratory tests are conducted on selected soil samples.

Bulk Density
Natural Moisture Content
Liquid & Plastic Limits [Atterberg Limits]
Sieve Analysis
Hydrometer Analysis
Consolidation Test
Unconfined Compression Test
Undrained Triaxial Test [UU]
Specific Gravity

 BULK DENSITY
It is the ratio of the weight [moist] and volume of the sample.

 NATURAL MOISTURE CONTENT

It is the percentage loss of weight of sample on oven drying.

 ATTERBERG LIMITS [LL & PL]

It is the moisture content at transition when soil starts behaving like liquid [LL]
and as plastic [PL].

 SIEVE & HYDROMETER ANALYSIS

The percent content of gravel, sand, silt & clay of a sample are determined with
the help of sieves and principles of falling velocity of particles in a liquid.

 CONSOLIDATION TEST

A sample in a mould is subjected to different stages of load and vertical

compression of the sample thickness is recorded at definite time intervals. C c
and Cv are found by using time-settlement curves and void ratio V s pressure
[log scale] curves.

 UNDRAINED TRIAXIAL TEST

Set of sample is subjected to different all-round confining pressure. Vertical

axial pressure is then applied till failure in shear of sample occurs. C & 
parameters are then obtained with the help of Mohr’s Envelops.
5.0 SUMMARY OF TEST RESULTS

The quantities of the different items of field work done are summarized below:

 Standard Penetration Tests : 28

 Undisturbed Samples : 09

The number of laboratory tests is summarized below:

 Bulk Density : 09

 Natural Moisture Content : 09

 Liquid & Plastic Limit : 09

 Sieve Analysis : 08

 Hydrometer Analysis : 08

 Consolidation Test : 06

 Undrained Triaxial Test : 09

 Unconfined Compression Test : 08

 Specific Gravity : 09
The samples are initially identified by manual identification test [IS 1498-1970].
Table – 1 & Table – 2 show the laboratory test results.

6.0 ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION, INTERPRETATION &

GENERALISED BORELOG:

Engineering classification of strata is done based on the colour, constituents,

strength and other physical parameters of the soil deposits. Stratification at all
the borehole locations is presented in the bore log data sheets. The sub-soil
profile drawn across the boring points is shown in Fig - 02
Barring minor variations, both the bore holes showed identical sub-soil
stratification up to the depth explored. The deposits at this site may broadly be
classified as per following:

 STRATUM – I [0.0M TO 3.5M]

Description : Brownish grey/grey silty clay

Consistency : Soft
Classification : CH
Thickness : 3.5M

Parameters Range Assigned

 [t/m3] 1.81 –1.86 1.83
NMC [%] 26.52 – 27.04 26.78
LL [%] 47 - 51 49
PL [%] 18 - 21 19
Cu [Kg/cm2] 0.22 – 0.25 0.23
 Φ0 00 00
mv [cm2/ kg]
0.0196 – 0.0228 0.0212
[0.0 – 0.5 kg/cm2]
N - value 4 4

 STRATUM – II [3.5M TO 12.5]

Description : Grey/dark grey silty clay/ clayey silt with

decomposed wood
Consistency : Soft
Classification : CH
Thickness : 9.0M

Parameters Range Assigned

 [t/m3] 1.70 –1.79 1.75
NMC [%] 35.22 – 57.89 42.54
LL [%] 53 - 68 61
PL [%] 20 - 28 25
Cu [Kg/cm2] 0.15 – 0.20 0.17
Φ0 00 00
mv [cm2/ kg]
0.0275 – 0.1133 0.059
[0.0 – 0.5 kg/cm2]
N - value 3-5 4

 STRATUM – III [12.5M TO 19.0M]

Description : Bluish grey silty clay

Consistency : Stiff
Classification : CH
Thickness : 6.5M
 Parameters Range Assigned
 [t/m3] 1.91-1.94 1.93
NMC [%] 26.32-27.30 26.81
LL [%] 53-56 54
PL [%] 19-20 20
Cu [Kg/cm2] 0.58-0.68 0.63
u 00 00
mv [cm2/ kg]
0.018 0.018
[1.0 – 2.0 kg/cm2]
N - value 11 - 17 15

 STRATUM – IV [19.0M TO 26.0M & below]

Description : Brownish grey silty fine sand.
Classification : SM
Thickness : 7.0M
Relative density : Medium dense to dense
N-value [field] : Range : 24 – 38
Av. : 32

The field N – value may be corrected as per following :

 CORRECTION FOR OVERBURDEN PRESSURE

Effective overburden pressure at the concerned depth  19.2 t/m2 {assuming

water table at 0.0}
Correction factor, CN = 0.8
Corrected N = 25

 CORRECTION FOR DILATANCY

Ncorrected = 15 + [N-15] = 20
2
Corresponding value of angle of shearing resistance,  = 330
  STRATUM – IV [26.0M TO 30.0M & BELOW]

Description : Light bluish grey/grey silty clay.

Classification : CH
Thickness : 4.0M & more
Consistency : Stiff to very stiff
Average N-value : 22

It is important to mention that numerical averages have been taken in most of

the situations to present a general condition of the sub-soil. However, this has
been deliberately deviated in some instances to present the most unfavourable
condition the foundation may be subjected to. The general bore log with
average parameters are presented below.

▼ GWT 0.0 M

Soft brownish grey/grey silty clay.

ST-I
0.0-3.5  = 1.83 t/m3, Cu = 2.3t/m2, Φ = 00
CH
mv = 0.0212 cm2/kg, N=4

Soft grey/dark grey silty clay/clayey silt with

ST-II CH
3.5-12.5 decomposed wood..
 = 1.75 t/m3, Cu = 1.7t/m2, Φ = 00
mv = 0.059 cm2/kg, N=4

ST-III Stiff bluish grey silty clay with calcareous nodules.

12.5-19.0
 = 1.93 t/m3, Cu = 6.3 t/m2, Φ = 00 CH
mv = 0.018cm2/kg, N = 15

ST-IV Medium dense to dense brownish grey silty fine sand

19.0-26.0 Nfield = 32, Ncorrected = 20, Φ = 330 SM

ST-V Stiff to very stiff light bluish grey silty clay.

26.0-30.0 Nfield = 22 CH
&
below

7.0 GROUND WATER TABLE

Water levels in the boreholes are observed during and after completion of
boring operation. The final water readings are recorded in the field and are
presented in the bore log data sheets. For all practical purpose, water table at
this site should be considered at 0.0 level.

8.0 EVALUATION & CONCLUSION

Depending on the average characteristics and various sub-soil parameters

established by field and laboratory tests, allowable bearing capacity of different
types of foundation can be estimated.

The foundation system should satisfy the following two criteria beside others
which may be dependent to a particular site condition.

[a] The net foundation load intensity on the soil should not exceed the
permissible bearing capacity of soil in shear.
[b] Settlement under the load should not exceed the specified values in
IS 1904-1983.

 SHALLOW FOUNDATION

Shallow foundation in the form of isolated/strip footings if placed at a depth of

1.50M below the existing ground level, the ultimate [gross] bearing capacity of
such foundation in general shear failure can be estimated by using the following
expression.

Qult = CNcScdcic + qNqSqiqdq + 0.5BNSid

For Square footing 2.5M x 2.5M,

Sc = 1.3
Sq = 1.2
S = 0.8
ic = iq = i =1.0 for no inclination of footing.

For  < 100, dq = d = 1

dc = 1 + (0.2)(D/B)[tan 450 + Φ/2]
The depth correction factors are to be applied only when backfilling is done with
proper compaction and are ignored here.

For  = 00,
Nc = 5.14
Nq = 1.0
N = 0.0

The expression for net ultimate bearing capacity reduces to

Qult = CNcSc
= [1.3 x 2.3 x 5.14] t/m2
= 15.3 t/m2

Net permissible bearing capacity for a factor of safety value of 2.5,

qnet)safe = 6.1 t/m2

This order of bearing capacity is not likely to be adequate for the proposed Six
storied Residential building. Moreover, the above bearing capacity may have to
be reduced further to restrict the settlement of footings within the permissible
value.

 PILE FOUNDATION
The vertical load carrying capacity of bored cast-in-situ concrete piles can be
estimated by using the “Static Formula”as per IS code.

Qu = a.C.As + k.pd.tand.As + Ab.pd.Nq

Where,
Qu = ultimate load
a = adhesion factor depending on the consistency of cohesive soil
C = undrained cohesion
As = p.d.l
d = dia. of pile
l = length of pile shaft for estimation of skin friction
k = earth pressure coefficient depending on relative density of sandy soil
pd = effective overburden pressure at the concerned depth
d =  = angle of internal friction of soil
Ab = p/4.d2
Nq = bearing capacity factor depending on the -value of the sandy deposit

The vertical load carrying capacities of bored cast-in-situ concrete piles are
estimated by using the “Static Formula” and are presented in the following
table.
Cut off level = 2.0M below the existing G.L.
Founding level = 22M below the existing G.L. [the piles shall be resting in the
St-IV of dense silty fine sand layer]
Shaft length = 20M

 FRICTIONAL RESISTANCE

St – I
Frictional resistance in this layer may be ignored due to probable pile-soil
slippage & gap.

St – II
Frictional resistance = a.C.As
= [0.7 x 1.7 x 9.0] pd MT
= 33.6d MT

St – III
Frictional resistance = a.C.As
= [0.4 x 6.3 x 6.5] pd MT
= 51.4dMT
St – IV
Founding level = 22M
Embedded length of pile in this layer = 3.0M
Frictional resistance = k.pd.tand.As
= [1.5 x 17.2 x tan280 x 3.0] pd MT
= 129.2d MT
[ k = 1.5 for medium dense sand &
pd [at the concerned depth] = 17.2 t/m 2 ]
[d =  = 330 but restricted to 280 to take into any effect of disturbance due to
installation of piles]
Total frictional resistance ≈ 214.2d MT

 TIP RESISTANCE

End bearing resistance = Ab.pd.Nq

pd [at the pile tip] = 18.7 t/m2
For  = 280, Nq = 17
End bearing resistance = [p/4.d2 x 18.7 x 17] MT
= 249.5d2 MT
Ultimate load bearing capacity of a single pile = [214.2d + 249.5d 2] MT

Dia.of
C.O.L[M] Shaft length[M] Allowable load*[MT]
pile[mm]
400 2.0 20.0 50
450 2.0 20.0 58
500 2.0 20.0 68
* factor of safety : 2.5
The allowable load per pile should also be established by carrying out required
number of pile load tests. The method of installation of piles should ensure no
or minimum disturbance to the surrounding soil for the safety & stability of the
foundations of the existing adjacent structures.

For & on behalf of M/s ROOTS

SUMANT KUMAR ROY ALOK KUMAR GUHA

B.E.(CIVIL), MIGS M.E.(CIVIL),MIE,MIGS

PARTNER CONSULTING GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER