Nem Maharjan

Jawalakhel, Lalitpur

Final Report

On

Soil Investigation Works for the Design of Residential Building

September 2015,

This document is the project report prepared for the project Soil Investigation Works for the
Design of Residential Building. This document has been submitted by NGC LAB, Lalitpur.

Data Sources and Credits

Datasets, Map and other miscellaneous data are produced / developed by Soil Lab, NGC
LAB (P) Ltd., for the project during 2015. These data are owned by Nem Maharjan.
Authorization from the owner is required for the usage and/or publication of the data in part
or whole.

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Soil Investigation Works for the Design of Residential Building at Gwarko, Lalitpur

PROJECT INFORMATION

Name of the Project Soil Investigation Works for the Design of Residential
Building,

Project Executing Agency Nem Maharjan

Jawalakhel, Lalitpur

Implementing Agency Nem Maharjan

Jawalakhel, Lalitpur

Name of the Consultant NGC LAB ,

Sankhamul, Kathmandu

Project Commencement 072/05

Date

Expected Date of Project 072/05

Completion

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Name of the Report Main Report

No. of Volumes 1(One)

Date of Submission

Copies Produced For client: 1(One) For consultant: 1(One)

Prepared by Subarna Kapali

Checked by Bhim Dahal

Reviewed by

Official Stamp
Soil Investigation Works for the Design of Residential Building at Gwarko, Lalitpur

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

NGC LAB would like to extend special gratitude to Nem Maharjan, for believing in us and
handling this important task to us. We also like to give special gratitude to all the people for
helping & supporting us to complete this job successfully.

All staffs of the NGC LAB, who labored hard in preparing this document, deserve special
thanks. We also express appreciation to the efforts of experts as well as individuals who have
contributed in the preparation of this document by being involved in the various tasks of this
project.
Soil Investigation Works for the Design of Residential Building at Gwarko, Lalitpur

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Overview and This project involved the Soil Investigation of the soil strata at
Project Aim specific locations of the project area for the Design of Multi-Story
Building. The primary aim of the task was to analyze the bearing
capacity of the underlying soil and thus recommend safe design
parameters for the foundation design of the proposed building.
Outline of Process Initially, a geotechnical professional with his survey team did the
and Planning reconnaissance of the site area. Team members discussed the sites
stage apparent geological conditions and finally fixed the points for the
performance of boring. Altogether, 3 boring points along with their
depths were fixed.

Outline of Actual Following projection of the boring, the borehole locations were
Field work actually plotted on the field as per the points will be allocated within
the building area. Our Drilling team was assigned for this task. As
per the site condition and need of boring, Percussion drilling was
adopted. The machine was safely carried to the field and boring was
performed as per the general practice. Before drilling was carried
out, all the boring points were named distinctly for the identification
from Bore hole No.- 1,2 & 3. All the boreholes were drilled to a depth
of 5 to 10m as per the demand of client. As the drilling was
performed, SPT test up to 1.5m depth was performed and disturbed
samples were taken by using DCPT Barrel. The N-Values obtained
from cone penetration test during field test ranged from 17 to 32. The
samples were properly marked as soon as they were taken and
sealed in air tight plastic bags to preserve the actual moisture
content and transported to the lab as soon as possible.

Outline of Lab After bringing the soil samples from the site, a geotechnical engineer
Tests performed the soil tests in our Soil Lab in accordance to various
codes of practice. Different factors are considered while choosing a
particular samples test results for the analysis of bearing capacity.
Since the soil found at proposed site is mostly cohesion less soil, the
results of the sample that is taken from the depth which would
tentatively be the depth of foundation, is considered. The Lab tests
were specific to gradation analysis, moisture content, specific
gravity, and bulk density test.

Final Test All the tests were performed carefully to get the results as accurate
Outcomes to the field soil condition as possible. There is significantly Silty
Sand and moisture content is 14.41% - 27.39%, sp. gravity of 2.30 -
2.847, bulk unit weight of (12.77 17.76) KN/m3.
Summary of Results Using the test results, the bearing capacity of soil at each borehole
was calculated assuming considerable design parameters i.e. length,
breadth and depth of footing. Hence, depending on the bearing
pressure on the soil.
Soil Investigation Works for the Design of Residential Building at Gwarko, Lalitpur

Contents

PROJECT INFORMATION............................................................................................................. II
SUBMISSION INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................................ III
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. IV
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................ 6
1.3 SCOPE OF W ORK .............................................................................................................. 6

2. METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 FIELD W ORK PROCEDURE ................................................................................................. 7
2.2 LABORATORY TESTS................................................................................................................ 8

3. GENERAL GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY ...................................................................... 11

3.1 GENERAL GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY .................................................................... 11
3.2 SEISMICITY ..................................................................................................................... 12

4. SITE CONDITIONS AND RESULTS ............................................................................... 13

4.1 SUBSURFACE CONDITION ................................................................................................ 13
4.2 GROUNDWATER CONDITION ............................................................................................. 13
4.3 LIQUEFACTION ANALYSIS ................................................................................................. 14
4.4 LABORATORY TEST RESULTS ........................................................................................... 15

5. BEARING CAPACITY ......................................................................................................... 16

5.1 ANALYSIS OF ALLOWABLE BEARING PRESSURE ................................................................ 16
5.2 FOUNDATION DESIGN RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................... 16
5.3 GENERAL COMMENTS...................................................................................................... 18

6. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 19
Soil Investigation Works for the Design of Residential Building at Gwarko, Lalitpur

1. Introduction

1.1 Background
This geotechnical engineering report has been completed for the proposed building to
be constructed at Gwarko, Lalitpur district, Nepal as per the agreement between Nem
Maharjan, Jawalakhel and NGC LAB., Lalitpur. The subsurface at the site was
investigated total of Three borings, designated BH-1, BH-2 & BH-3 was performed to
depths of approximately 10, 5 & 5 m below the existing ground surface. Logs of the
borings with a site location map and boring location plan are included in Appendix A of
this report.

1.2 Objective
The objective of the investigation is to determine the soil formation at the project site so
as to derive engineering parameters for the design of the foundation of the proposed
structures.
The specific objective of this project is:
To do the geotechnical investigation of the site,
To submit soil investigation report including engineering properties, design parameter,
bearing capacity etc.

1.3 Scope of Work

For the purpose of the foundation design and Design of the proposed building, the
following data are required:
Type of foundation.
Depth below the ground level at which the foundation is to be placed
Allowable bearing pressure at the foundation level.

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2. Methodology

2.1 Field Work Procedure

Field works involved Percussion Drilling mechanism for drilling and sampling of the
boreholes where it was applicable to the maximum depth of 10.0m from the ground
level and SPT were taken at 1.5m intervals and are recorded. Borehole logs were
prepared at the site on the basis of the visual observation of the soil obtained from the
boreholes. The boreholes logs are attached to the annexes are later verified by lab test
results.

In-situ Tests

Field works involved Percussion Drilling mechanism for drilling and sampling of the
boreholes in the proposed area to the maximum depth of 1.5m from the ground levels
and SPT at 1.5m intervals and are recorded. Borehole logs were prepared at the site on
the basis of the visual observation of the soil obtained from the boreholes. The
boreholes logs are attached to the annexes are later verified by lab test results.

Standard Penetration Test (SPT):

It consists of driving a Split Spoon Sampler with an outside dia. of 50 mm into the soil at
the base of borehole. Driving is accomplished by a drop of hammer weighing 63.5 kg
falling freely through a height of 750 mm onto the drive head. First of all the spoon is
driven 150mm into the soil at the bottom of the borehole. It is then driven further 300mm
and the number of blows (N values) required to drive this distance is recorded.

Table 1 Relation of N value to Relative Density and friction angle for granular soils

N value Relative Density Friction Angle

0-4 Very loose 25-30
4-10 Loose 27-32
10-30 Medium Dense 30-35
30-50 Dense 35-40
Over 50 Very Dense 38-43

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Table 2 Relationship of N Value to Strength and Consistency for Cohesive Soils

N value Consistency Strength Qu

<2 Very Soft < 25
2-4 Soft 25-50
4-8 Medium Stiff 50-100
8-15 Stiff 100-200
15-30 Very Stiff 200-400
>30 Hard 400-800

Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCPT):

The DCPT is similar to the SPT in test. It is performed by dropping a hammer from a
certain fall height and measuring a penetration depth per blow for each tested depth.
The shape of the dynamic cone is similar to that of the penetrometer used in the DCPT.
In road Design; there is a need to assess the adequacy of the subgrade to behave
satisfactorily beneath a pavement. DCPT can be used to evaluate the mechanical
properties of compacted subgrade soils.

Sampling

Before any sample was taken, the borehole was cleaned up of loose disturbed soil
deposited during drilling operation. The samples which were obtained from bailer and in
the SPT tubes were preserved as representative disturbed samples for finding out
physical properties. The samples thus obtained were placed in airtight double plastic
bags, labeled properly for identification and later transported to the lab for analysis.
Method Used at the Proposed Site:
At the project site, Percussion Drilling was performed by our drilling team, at 3 different
locations within the site, with reference to the Location map . Bore hole locations were,
thus, marked on the ground.
Percussion drilling machine was setup in front of the marked borehole locations and
then, the boring was carried out. Logs of all the bore holes were made on site as boring
proceeded. The logs included visual soil classification, N-value, and ground water level
at the time of boring.
2.2 Laboratory Tests
2.2.1) Gradation Analysis
Sieve analysis is done to determine the presence and distribution of aggregates, by
size, in the soil sample taken from the bore holes.

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Soil Investigation Works for the Design of Residential Building at Gwarko, Lalitpur

2.2.2) Natural Moisture Content

The laboratory method of measuring moisture in solid or semi-solid materials is loss on
drying (LOD). In this technique a sample of material is weighed, heated in an oven for
an appropriate period, cooled in the dry atmosphere, and then reweighed.

2.2.3) Bulk Density

Bulk density of soil is usually determined from a core sample which is taken by driving a
metal corer into the soil at the desired depth and horizon. This gives a soil sample of
known total volume; from this sample the wet bulk density and the dry bulk density can
be determined using appropriate formulas as per IS Standard code.
2.2.4) Specific Gravity Test
Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance compared to the density (mass
of the same unit volume) of a reference substance. The reference substance is nearly
always water for liquids or air for gases.
2.2.5) Atterburg Limit
The Atterberg limits are a basic measure of the nature of a fine-grained soil. Depending
on the water content of the soil, it may appear in four states: solid, semi-solid, plastic
and liquid. In each state, the consistency and behavior of a soil is different and
consequently so are its engineering properties. Thus, the boundary between each state
can be defined based on a change in the soil's behavior. The Atterberg limits can be
used to distinguish between silt and clay.
i. Plastic limit
The plastic limit is determined by rolling out a thread of the fine portion of a soil on a
flat, non-porous surface. The procedure is defined in ASTM Standard D 4318.If the soil
is plastic; this thread will retain its shape down to a very narrow diameter. The sample
can then be remolded and the test repeated. As the moisture content falls due to
evaporation, the thread will begin to break apart at larger diameters. The plastic limit is
defined as the moisture content where the thread breaks apart at a diameter of 3.2 mm
(about 1/8 inch).
A soil is considered non-plastic if a thread cannot be rolled out down to 3.2 mm
at any moisture.
ii. Liquid limit

The liquid limit (LL) is the water content at which a soil changes from plastic to liquid
behavior. The original liquid limit test of Atterberg's, involved mixing a part of clay in a
round-bottomed porcelain bowl of 1012 cm diameter. A groove was cut through the
part of clay with a spatula, and the bowl was then struck many times.

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Soil Investigation Works for the Design of Residential Building at Gwarko, Lalitpur

2.2.6) Direct Shear Test

A direct shear test is a laboratory or field test used to measure the shear strength
properties of soil or rock material, or of discontinuities in soil or rock masses. The test is
performed on three or four specimens from a relatively undisturbed soil sample. A
specimen is placed in a shear box which has two stacked rings to hold the sample; the
contact between the two rings is at approximately the mid-height of the sample. A
confining stress is applied vertically to the specimen, and the upper ring is pulled
laterally until the sample fails, or through a specified strain. The load applied and the
strain induced is recorded at frequent intervals to determine a stress-strain curve for
each confining stress. Several specimens are tested at varying confining stresses to
determine the shear strength parameters, the soil cohesion (c) and the angle of internal
friction (commonly friction angle) (phi). The results of the tests on each specimen are
plotted on a graph with the peak (or residual) stress on the x-axis and the confining
stress on the y-axis. The y-intercept of the curve which fits the test results is the
cohesion, and the slope of the line or curve is the friction angle
*Refer APPENDIX-B for the laboratory tests results mentioned above.

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3. General Geology and Seismicity

3.1 General Geology and Geomorphology
The site is located at the latitude of 2739'43.58"N and longitude of 8519'50.81"E
Central region of Nepal is a part Lesser Himalaya Zone. The geological formation of this
zone is lacustrine deposits of dune - basins like boulders, gravels, sands, silts and clays
with vertebrate fossils. The formations are occasionally mixed with local lacustraine
clays and marlstones. The land forms of lacustrine deposits are normally to stiff
compacted, having low to high bearing capacity. As a matter of fact, the building
Design site is in flat area having mostly lacustrine deposits of sand and gravel and
boulder around the vicinity of site area

.
Figure 1 Geological map of Nepal (Dahal 2006)
The Himalaya forms a sharp geographic boundary between the high Tibetan plateau of
east-central Asia in the north and the subdued south Asian subcontinent in the south.
This narrow and highly rugged major mountain range of Asia was formed by the latest
mountain building activity in the Earths history. The Himalaya was formed by the
collision of the northward moving Indian plate with the giant Asian landmass. This
convergence builds up the force to push the Himalaya upward as well as horizontally,
thereby making it the most restless mountain range in the world. The orogenic process
is continuous from the collision of Indian plate with the giant Asian landmass and the
mountain is still on making process. This is noticeable by present day northward
movement of India at the rate of 15 mm to 50 mm per year and the occurrences of

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frequent seismic shakes all along the Himalaya and its surroundings. Most part of the
drift is accommodated within the Himalaya by various thrusts as well as rising peaks.

3.2 Seismicity
Due to Tectonic Forces, Himalayan zones and the neighboring areas are seismically
very active. Most of epicenters of earthquakes are found to be located in the unstable
zones. The frequency and intensity of earthquakes are found at the weakness of the
crust such as major faults, major bends or major acres. Location of Nepal in the
Himalaya along with major tectonic boundary and various longitudinal zones of the
Himalaya are shown in Fig 2.
Seismic hazard map of Nepal is also shown in Fig 3. Figure 3 shows that earthquake
with a peak acceleration of 0.15g may occur in 50 years, making the country very
vulnerable to earthquake.

Figure 2 Location of Nepal in the Himalaya along with major tectonic boundary and various
longitudinal zones of the Himalaya (cited from Bhandary et al. 2013)

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4. Site conditions and results

4.1 Subsurface Condition

Based on the results from boring, the condition of the subsurface can be generalized
as:

Table 6: Subsurface condition

Borehole No. Description Approximate Material Encountered
1 surface Depth
0-0.5 m Top organic soil

Surface-1 0.5m to 3.0m Light grey medium stiff Silty Clay

Surface-2 3.0m to 3.5m Light Brown to Black Silty sand

Surface-3 3.5m to 10m Light grey medium to fine sandy

soil
2 surface 0-0.5 m Top organic soil

Surface-1 0.5m to 3.0m Light grey medium stiff Silty Clay

Surface-2 3.0m to 3.5m Light grey to Black Silty sand

Surface-3 3.5m to 6.0m Light brown to grey silt with

mixed sand
3 surface 0-0.5 m Top organic soil

Surface-1 0.5m to 3.0m Light grey medium stiff Silty Clay

Surface-2 3.0m to 3.5m Light grey to Black Silty sand

Light brown to grey silt with
Surface-3 3.5m to 6.0m
mixed sand
The SPT/DCPT values obtained at different levels on each bore hole are represented
on bore log in APPENDIX- A.

4.2 Groundwater Condition

The ground water levels were observed after the boreholes were drilled. The depths of
water measured are summarized below.

Table 7: Groundwater condition

Borehole No. Depth to Groundwater after drilling (m)
1 10.0
The ground water level observations made during our exploration provide the
groundwater condition at the time when the borings were drilled. Fluctuation in
groundwater level should be expected throughout the year depending upon the
variation in amount of rainfall, runoff, evaporation, and other hydrological factors not
apparent at the time the borings were performed.

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4.3 Liquefaction Analysis

Liquefaction analysis for the soil at every 1.5m depth, from each bore hole, on the basis
of lab test results and SPT value is done using the empirical formula and the empirical
chart based on standardized SPT- (N1)60 Vs Cyclic Stress Ratio (CSR) by Seed et al
(1985).
The standardized SPT is obtained after the correction for hammer energy, rod length,
borehole diameter, split spoon sampler and fine contents.
The formula used to determine the factor of safety against liquefaction is as follows:

FS = (CRR / CSR)
Where CRR = cyclic resistance ratio of the soil (obtained from empirical chart of
CRR Vs SPT)
CSR = cyclic stress ratio
= 0.65 (amax/g)* (v/v) *rd
amax = maximum ground acceleration
g = acceleration due to gravity
v = total overburden pressure
v = effective overburden pressure
rd = stress reduction factor
CONCLUSION FROM LIQUEFACTION ANALYSIS:

As per the result obtained from the analysis, we conclude that the soil in the project
area has considerable factor of safety against liquefaction below 2m 2.5m depth. At
bore hole locations 1 the FS was found to be greater than 1 and we recommend laying
of foundation above 2.5m depth.
Despite the considerably medium ground water table (GWT) at each bore hole location
and the presence of sandy soil with gravel, the SPT values obtained during the field test
at each hole was high enough to maintain the resistance of the soil against liquefaction.
Therefore, analyzing all the factors and site conditions, we recommend shallow
foundation for the construction of building at this project location. Therefore, it is
recommended to provide gravel/stone pitching at the depth of about 3.0 meter and the
subsequent laying of building foundation above the gravel/stone pitching for soil
improvement. This is the preferred measure to avoid the chances of uneven
settlement, and liquefaction if there exists any or to be on the safe side

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4.4 Laboratory Test Results

The result of various lab tests performed on different soil samples collected at different
depths are presented in the attached summary sheet.
The grain size distribution curves of soil sample are classified as per USCS Soil
Classification System, AASHTO, ASTM and BS classification system as Light
grey Sandy soil.
Specific Gravity determination on selected soil samples is in the range of 2.24
to 2.78
The moisture content of the soil samples from all the bores holes at various
depths varied from 19.83% to 29.27%, and Bulk unit weight of (12.77 17.76)
KN/m3collectively.
Direct shear test results the cohesive (c) is 0.35 to 1.06 KN/m2 and angle of
friction is 31.48 -33.62

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5. Bearing capacity

5.1 Analysis of Allowable Bearing Pressure

The allowable bearing pressure (qa) is the maximum pressure that can be imposed on
the foundation soil taking into consideration the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil and
the tolerable settlement of the structure. Analysis to determine the ultimate bearing
capacity and the pressure corresponding to a specified maximum settlement were
performed and the minimum pressure obtained from the two analyses were adopted as
the allowable bearing pressure.

1. Allowable Bearing Pressure based on Ultimate Bearing Capacity

2. Allowable Bearing Capacity from SPT

3. Allowable Bearing Pressure based on Tolerable Settlement

* Refer ANNEX for calculation formulas.

5.2 Foundation Design Recommendation

The proposed building can be founded on shallow footing bearing on the native soils or
tested and approved new engineering fill.
Majority of soil found in proposed building site consists of Light grey
Sandy soil.
In the following analysis, shallow footings at depths of (1, 1.5 , 2 and 2.5)
for 2x2 size footing had analyzed.
Considering the loads from superstructure are not very heavy, Isolated
footing is recommended at the depth of 2.5 meter where bearing capacity
is minimum 107.96 KN/m2.

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On the basis of direct shear test, SPT value and allowable settlement the following safe bearing pressures in kN/m2 is recommended.

Table 9: Analysis of bearing capacity

N.G.C. Lab (P) LTD

Sankhamul, Lalitpur, Nepal

SummaryofBearingCapacity

Project: Soil Test for the Design of Residential building, Gwarko

Width of footing (B) 2 3 4
BH No Length of footing (L) 2 3 4
Depth of footing (Df) 1 1.5 2 2 2.5 3 3 3.5 4
Net Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil (qns1) 179.98 299.36 449.86 382.97 440.55 501.43 454.42 454.51 466.32
Net Safe Bearing Capacity from SPT (qns2) 122.67 207.39 366.51 308.48 362.56 416.64 383.57 365.33 372.05
1
Bearing capacity for 25 mm settlement 125.39 159.59 158.45 206.04 170.27 182.09 159.16 161.15 165.83
Safe Bearing Capacity (qs) 122.67 159.59 158.45 206.04 170.27 182.09 159.16 161.15 165.83

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5.3 General Comments

The analysis and recommendation presented in this report are based upon the data
obtained from borings performed at indicated locations and from various tests
performed and information discussed in this report. This report does not reflect any
variations that may occur between borings, across the site, or due to the modifying
effects of the Design or weather. Such variations may not become evident until
during or after the Design. In case of any variation, we should be immediately
informed so that further evaluation and supplemental recommendations can be
provided.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of our client for specific
purpose and has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
geotechnical engineering practices.

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6. References
1. Compendium of Indian Standards on Soil Engineering Part 1, Laboratory Testing of Soils
from Civil Engineering Purposes, SP: 36 (Part 1) 1987, Bureau of Indian Standards, new
Delhi.
2. Beca World International (1993), 'Seismic Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment for
Nepal', Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning, Lalitpur
3. Teng, W.C. (1988), 'Foundation Design', Prentice Hall, New Delhi.
4. Peck, R. B., Hanson, W.E. and Thornburn, T.H. (1974), 'Foundation Engineering', John
Wiley and Sons Inc. 514 p.
5. Terzaghi, K. and Peck, R.B. (1967), 'Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice', John Wiley
and Sons Inc. 514 p.
6. Simons, N.E. and Menzies, B.K. (1979), 'A short Course in Foundation Engineering', ELBS
and Newnes Butterworth, London, 159 p.
7. Nepal Building Code, (1994), 'Seismic Design of Buildings in Nepal NBC 105 94'.
8. Indian standard CODE OF PRACTICE FOR DETERMINATION OF BREARING CAPACITY OF
SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS IS 6403: 1981
9. Indian standard CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CALCULATION OF SETTLEMENT OF FOUNDA-
TIONS IS 8009 (Part I)

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