1.

INTRODUCTION
The proposed construction of a circular cylindrical chemical tank inside the
Chemical 164 factory located in Pandacan, Metro Manila required a geotechnical
investigation to determine the extent, nature and characteristics of the subsurface
soils/materials at the foot of the chemical tank. The findings of this investigation were used
to facilitate the geotechnical and structural designs, and the construction of the foundations
for the chemical tank.
The perspective view of the site is shown below:

Figure 1. Perspective view of the Chemical Tank in Pandacan, Manila

2. PROPOSED STRUCTURE
2.1 Dimensions
The tank has a diameter of 15 meters and a height of 12 meters. It has a chemical
with a unit weight of 12.0kN/m^3. The depth of embedment is 2.0 meters from the existing
ground.

2.2 Load
The total weight of the tank can be computed by adding the weight of the empty
tank, with the weight of the chemical, assuming the tank is full. The weight of the empty
tank can be computed assuming a thickness of 50mm. Thus, the weight is computed as:
𝑊𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 ∗ 𝛾𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙
 𝜋 ∗ 𝑑2
𝑊𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 = [( ∗ 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠) + (𝑑 ∗ 𝜋 ∗ ℎ ∗ 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠)] ∗ 𝛾𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙
4
𝜋 ∗ 152
𝑊𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 = [( ∗ 0.05) + (15 ∗ 𝜋 ∗ 14 ∗ 0.05)] ∗ 78.9705
4
𝑊𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 = 3302.739962
𝑊𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 ∗ 𝛾𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
𝜋 ∗ 𝑑2
𝑊𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = ( ∗ ℎ) ∗ 𝛾𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
4
𝜋 ∗ 152
𝑊𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = ( ∗ 14) ∗ 12
4

𝑊𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 29688.05058𝑘𝑁
𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑊𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 + 𝑊𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 32990.79054𝑘𝑁
Assuming 10 of a specific type of foundation will carry the load, each would carry
a load of 3,299.079065kN.

3. DETAILS OF SITE INVESTIGATION

One borehole was drilled to find the types and succession of underlying soil/rock
strata and their corresponding geotechnical properties in the relevant land area. Soil
samples were taken from the borehole during drilling with the use of a standard split spoon
sampler during the performance of the Standard Penetration Test (SPT). Borehole drilling
was done with a Cathead-rotary drilling machine with a wash-boring technique and the
SPT, making all the obtained samples completely disturbed.

When rock formations were met, the holes were investigated using rotary diamond
drilling. Bedrock was confirmed by drilling three (3) meters more into the hard strata or at
maximum depth of 6.00 meters, and the drilling was terminated immediately after
confirming the presence of the bedrock
 All tests are described:

3.1. Standard Penetration Test (ASTM D 1586)

Done in combination with drilling at every borehole using a 50-mm O.D. split
spoon sampler driven by a 63.6 kg hammer falling at 76.0cm (30 inches) whenever soil is
encountered
Laboratory tests were conducted on the soil samples, including grain size analysis,
Atterberg limits test (plastic and liquid limits, plasticity index) and the natural moisture
content (NMC) investigation. Each test was conducted according to the American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, detailed hereafter.

3.2. Grain Size Analysis of Soils (ASTM D 422)

Soils consist of particles with various shapes and sizes. This test method is used to
separate particles into size ranges and to determine quantitatively the mass of particles in
each range. These data are combined to determine the particle-size distribution (gradation).
The gradation of a soil is an indicator of numerous engineering properties.
Hydraulic conductivity, compressibility, and shear strength are related to the gradation of
the soil. Gradation is used to classify soils for engineering purposes, since particle size
influences how fast or slow water or other fluid moves through a soil.
Therefore, it is vital to know the particle size distribution of soil as this gives us an
insight as to what purposes the soil can be used. Particle size distribution tells us if a soil
is good for foundations, drainage or easily compacted.
Moreover, for fine grained soils, particle size distribution is a descriptive term
referring to the proportions by dry mass of a soil distributed over specified particle-size
ranges. The gradation curve generated using this method yields the amount of silt and clay
size fractions present in the soil based on size definitions. Determination of the clay size
fraction, which is material finer than 2 μm, is used in combination with the Plasticity Index
to compute the activity, which provides an indication of the mineralogy of the clay fraction.
3.3. Atterberg Limits Test (ASTM D 4318)
The Atterberg Limits determine the water content values for which the soil will
behave differently, i.e., a soil may behave like a solid, semi solid, plastic, or liquid
depending on the moisture content.
These test methods are used as an integral part of several engineering classification
systems to characterize the fine-grained fractions of soils. The liquid limit, plastic limit,
and plasticity index of soils are also used extensively, either individually or together, with
other soil properties to correlate with engineering behavior such as compressibility,
hydraulic conductivity (permeability), compactibility, shrink-swell, and shear strength.
The liquid and plastic limits of a soil and its water content can be used to express
its relative consistency or liquidity index. In addition, the plasticity index and the
percentage finer than 2-μm particle size can be used to determine its activity number.
Specifically, the liquid limit of soil can be used to predict the consolidation properties of
soil while calculating allowable bearing capacity and settlement of foundations.

3.4. Determination of Water (Moisture) Content (ASTM D 2216)

These ASTM test methods cover the laboratory determination of the water
(moisture) content by mass of soil, rock, and similar materials where the reduction in mass
by drying is due to loss of water. For many materials, the moisture content is one of the
most significant index properties used in establishing a correlation between soil behavior
and its index properties. The water content of a material is used in expressing the phase
relationships of air, water, and solids in a given volume of material.
More so, moisture content tells us whether our soil in the site is near its liquid state
or not. Determination of such characteristic is very crucial to consider possible phenomena
like liquefaction or large settlements depending on the amount of water in site. In fine-
grained (cohesive) soils, the consistency of a given soil type depends on its water content.
The water content of a soil, among others, is used to express the soil’s relative consistency
or liquidity index.
3.5. Standard Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site Exploration
(ASTM D2113)
This method is followed to properly obtain rock core samples from drilling in both
hard or soft rock. Rock cores samples are handled carefully as to refrain from altering its
properties before testing. Parameters obtained from this test are the core recovery
percentage which tells us how fractured the rock is and the determined water level during
drilling. The barrel that will be used in the test is dependent on the soil and can be modified
during the testing if insufficient results are gathered.

3.6 Borehole location plan

Figure 2. . Borehole location plan

4. REGIONAL SITE GEOLOGY
Based on the presence of both marine and terrestrial mollusks, the area of Metro
Manila has been interpreted to be below sea level during the early Pleistocene (Gervacio,
1968). Intermittent volcanic eruptions from nearby caldera centers namely Laguna and
Taal calderas located east and south of the metropolis, led to deposition of volcanic gravity
flows which filled up the shallow basin (Catane and Arpa, 1999; Catane et al., 2005).
During repose periods, volcanic sediments are reworked to form lahars and epiclastic
sediments. The end of each volcanic episode is marked by soil horizon. Interbeds of tuff
and re-deposited sediments each with a soil capping is typical sequence of Metro Manila
deposits.

Various reports from PHIVOLCS revealed that Metropolitan Manila in general is

underlain by the following lithologic types: Quaternary alluvial deposits, pyroclastic flow
deposits or ignimbrites, and tuff and tuffaceous deposits. Based on stratigraphic studies,
there are several units of pyroclastic flow deposits observed in Metropolitan Manila, but
these do not necessarily come from a single source and from the same event. In areas
adjacent to Manila, other lithologic units were also reported. These are: pyroclastic deposits
from Taal Caldera which underlies the southern border of Metropolitan Manila,
conglomerate units that have been observed north of Quezon City in Novaliches, old lava
flows that were observed outcropping northeast of Quezon City, i.e., in Rodriguez
(formerly Montalban), Rizal, and old basement complex in Rodriguez, Rizal, east of
Quezon City.

Quaternary Alluvium
Unconsolidated sediments underlie most part of the cities of Manila, Caloocan, Pasig,
Pasay and Taguig. From borehole data, interbeds of sandstone-siltstone-
mudstone/claystone and channel-fill conglomerates with or without shell fragments are the
dominant lithology. Marikina City which is situated within the Marikina Valley east of
Quezon City is underlain by unconsolidated alluvial deposits composed of clay, silt and
sand.
Pyroclastic Flow Deposits
A pyroclastic flow deposit is a type of volcanic rock unit deposited by turbulent mixture of
flowing mass of fragmental materials and hot gases that cascade down the slope of a
volcano at high speed during an explosive eruption. There are at least two types of
pyroclastic flow deposits underlying Metropolitan Manila. These are the, mixed scoria-
pumice pyroclastic flow and dominantly fine-grained pumice-rich pyroclastic flow. These
pyroclastic flow deposits are associated with calderagenic eruptions of either Taal Caldera
or Laguna Caldera, which are the nearest calderas to Metropolitan Manila. Based on
stratigraphic analysis of outcrops, there are several units of pyroclastic flow deposits
underlying Metropolitan Manila, which could come from either these sources during
several different events.

Tuff and Tuffaceous Sediments

There are three types of true volcanic tuff found in the UP Balara area, Quezon City. The
first two tuffs consist of light gray colored fine-grained materials. They overlie the third
tuff which is a coarse grained volcanic breccia or the pyroclastic flow deposit. The first
tuff layer is well lithified, fine grained and in some areas dark prismatic minerals and
pumice may be seen. The second tuff layer is finer grained and is composed mostly of
volcanic ash. Its main characteristic is the presence of accretionary lapilli. In some places
planar laminations and concentrations of sand-size scoria and pumice can be seen in this
type of volcanic tuff. Reworked deposits of primary tuff and pyroclastic flow deposits are
widely distributed within and around Metropolitan Manila. An example of this is seen
along C-5 in Pasig City, where the pumice-scoria pyroclastic flow deposit laterally changes
to laharic facies. Tuffaceous reworked deposits can also be found beneath pyroclastic flow
units such as in the excavation for Valerio Towers in Makati that shows the pyroclastic
flow unit to overlie a sequence of epiclastic sediments that are part marine.

Pyroclastic Deposits
From Taal Caldera The southern edge of Metropolitan Manila is underlain by pyroclastic
materials from Taal Caldera. The extent of Taal Caldera deposits was delineated based on
geomorphologic expression on the topographic map. Topographic face shows gentle slopes
 to northwards starting from Tagaytay Ridge. Very few descriptions regarding these
deposits are available.

Conglomerates
Conglomerates in Metropolitan Manila are usually channel-fill deposits such as those
found in an outcrop along Commonwealth Avenue. The lens-shaped channel-fill
conglomerates are interbedded with finer tuffaceous sediments. This deposit ranges from
being matrix-supported to clast-supported and consists of pebble to cobble clasts of basaltic
and andesitic rocks. Its matrix usually consists of sand-size particles with minor pumice
fragments. Farther north, thicker deposits can be found in Caloocan City and Novaliches,
Lagro, and Fairview areas in Quezon City.

Old Lava Flows

The northeastern portion of Metropolitan Manila is underlain be metamorphosed volcanics
classified as porphyritic andesite and basalt. The andesitic unit is thoroughly weathered,
brecciated and faulted while the basaltic unit is epidotized and crisscrossed by numerous
striations and veinlets of calcite. These old volcanics have been observed outcropping in
Rodriguez, Rizal north of Quezon City.

Basement Complex
The Basement Complex consist of a sequence of pillow basalts, pillow basalt breccias,
reworked pillow basalts transitional to hyaloclastic sediments interbedded with laminated
reddish-brown radiolarian cherts and mudstones that underlie the Sierra Madre Range.
These rock types are considered older than the oldest overlying sedimentary unit in the
region. The Basement Complex can be observed in the area of Cainta, Taytay and
Montalban all in the Province of Rizal, east of Metropolitan Manila

Seismicity and Hazards

There are five (5) major geotectonic features that can affect the study sphere, in terms
of generating significant earthquakes. These are the following:
(i) Manila Trench and its related structures,
(ii) East Luzon Trough
(iii) Philippine Fault Zone,
(iv) Seismic and volcanic activity from Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano is an active volcanic system characterized by numerous historic violent
eruptions which produced extensive volcanic deposits in the surrounding area and
generated significant earthquakes in and around Metro Manila. Some of the seismic
activities associated with its eruptions caused fissures and liquefaction in the coastal
area of Balayan Bay
(v) The Valley Fault System
The Valley Fault System runs from the foothills of Montalban Mountains in Rizal,
southerly along the western coast of Laguna de Bay, and through the eastern edges of
Tagaytay Ridge. The 7-10 fault system is composed of two north-trending parallel
structures dipping towards each other, where the block in between had shifted down
causing the formation of the Marikina Valley. The eastern segment of the fault borders
the edge of the Marikina Valley from the Antipolo and Montalban mountains. Due to
its proximity, it is thought to pose the greatest threat to Metropolitan Manila.

The VFS consists of two sub-parallel faults, namely the West Valley Fault (WVF)
which lies between Marikina Valley and Central Plateau, and another is the East Valley
Fault (EVF) which lies between Marikina Valley and the mountains. The West Valley
Fault runs from Montalban in the north, passes through east of Metropolitan Manila
and west of the Laguna de Bay and extends southwards possibly as far as Tagaytay
Ridge. On the east side of the Marikina Valley, the East Valley Fault, extends from San
Rafael, down to Montalban south to Pasig area, then becomes a subtle tonal contrast
southwards.
5. LOCAL GEOLOGY

Soil SPT N- Relative density/ NMC CRR

Depth (m) Soil Description
Type values consistency (%) (%)
with coarse grained with some gravel;
0-1.0 SM 12 MEDIUM DENSE grayish black; moist 26
1.0-2.0 SM 14 MEDIUM DENSE …yellowish brown to dark gray 37
with traces of gravel; yellowish brown to
2.0-3.0 SC 13 MEDIUM DENSE dark gray; very moist 37
3.0-4.0 SC 10 LOOSE …grayish black 47
with traces of gravel; grayish black; very
4.0-5.0 MH 9 LOOSE moist 47
5.0-6.0 MH 11 MEDIUM DENSE …with sand 52
6.0-7.5 MH 12 MEDIUM DENSE 52
7.5-9.0 MH 14 MEDIUM DENSE …with few gravel 52
9.0-10.8 MH 2;2/30 VERY DENSE …traces of gravel 55
with little amount of gravel; grayish black;
10.8-11.6 CH P STIFF very moist 55
…with few sand and traces of gravel; dark
11.6-13.05 CH 9 STIFF gray; wet 75
13.05-15.25 CH 2;2/45 HARD …with sand 66

15.25-16.0 MH P HARD with few sand; dark gray; very moist 66

fine to coarse grained with traces of gravel;
16.0-17.5 SM 13 MEDIUM DENSE grayish black; very moist 48
17.5-19.0 SM 10 LOOSE …black 80
with little amount of gravel; grayish black;
19.0-20.5 CH 12 STIFF wet 80
20.5-22.0 CH 13 STIFF 49
 22.0-23.5 CH 3 SOFT …with portion of fine sand; dark gray 49
with little amount of sand and few gravel;
23.5-24.3 MH P SOFT dark gray; very moist 49
with some sand and few gravel; grayish
24.3-24.75 CH 34 DENSE black; very moist 44

24.75-26.175 SC 29:50/15 VERY DENSE with little amount of gravel; light brown 28
with fine sand; subrounded rocks with
26.175-27.0 Gravel 50 VERY DENSE portion of clay; light brown 28
27.0-28.0 Gravel 49 VERY DENSE 0
28.0-29.0 Gravel 48 VERY DENSE 0
29.0-30.0 Gravel 45 VERY DENSE 0
Table 1. Summary of Borehole Logs
After the boring geological survey consisting of one borehole, it was found out that at the first 4 meters of depth, sand was mostly
present. At 4m to 10.8m, silt was the most dominant. At 10.8m to 15.25m clay is found. At 15.25m to 19m, both silt and sand was again
present, respectively. From 19m to 24.75m, clay was again present with a little amount of gravel on top and a portion of sand and gravel
at the bottom, with a small layer of silt at 24m. At 26.175 m to 30 m gravel is already a dominant component, which was assumed as
the bedrock. This arrangement of soil profile is due to the interbeds of tuff and re-deposited sediments each with a soil capping, which
is a typical sequence of Metro Manila deposits.
6. ANALYSIS OF GEOTECHNICAL INFORMATION

The geotechnical properties of soils can be estimated based on correlations with the
SPT resistance or the N-value.
For cohesionless soils, the SPT N-value is correlated with the relative density (Dr),
angle of internal friction (φ), wet unit weight (γwet) and deformation modulus (Es). For
cohesive soils, the correlated properties include consistency, undrained shear strength (su),
γwet and Es. For mixed soils the SPT-N value is correlated with the relative density,
approximate cohesion and approximate angle of internal friction.
In determining the angle of friction (φ), it is classified into the two soils: the
cohesionless soils, and mixed soils.
For cohesionless soils, there are two correlations, which we can choose from in
correlating the N-value and the Angle of internal friction, (φ), as shown in table 3 and table 4
below:

Table 2. Correlation of SPT N60 value and friction angle for granular soils

Table 3. Correlation of SPT N-value and Approximate Angle of Internal Friction (1959 Soil
Mechanics and Foundation Engineering by Wilun & Starzewski, v. 1)

In determining the cohesion, (c), it is classified into the two soils, cohesive soils or
clays, and mixed soils.
For cohesive soils or clays, the SPT-N value can be correlated to the approximate
cohesion as shown below:
 Table 4. Correlation of the SPT N-value and the cohesion
(Essentials of Soil Mechanics, David F. McCarthy)
Also, the cohesion can be determined with the type of the soil from from
http://www.geotechdata.info/parameter/cohesion.html.
In determining both the angle of friction (φ) and approximate cohesion (c) for the mixed
soils, they are correlated as shown below:

Table 5. Correlation of SPT N-Value and the Approximate Cohesion (c) and
Approximate Angle of Internal Friction (φ) (1959 Soil Mechanics and Foundation
Engineering by Wilun & Starzewski, v. 1)
 Table 6. Correlation of SPT N60 value and undrained shear strength for cohesive soils

In determining the unit weight, the SPT-N Value was also correlated with unit weight
(γ) for granular soils, cohesive soils and for all soils considering the water table.

For granular soils, it is correlated as follows:

Table 7: Empirical Values for Unit Weight (γ) for granular soils based on SPT N-Value
(Bowles, Foundation Analysis)

For cohesive soils, it can be correlated as follows:

Table 8: Empirical values for the unit weight (γ) of cohesive soil from the SPT N-Value
(Bowles, Foundation Analysis)
 Table 9. Typical values of soil index properties
It should be noted that 1 pcf = 157.087 N/m3

In empirically correlating the SPT N-value, for all soils in considering the water table,
with the unit weight (γ), it is shown as follows:

Table 10. Empirical Determination of Unit Weight (γ) (1959 Soil Mechanics and Foundation
Engineering by Wilun & Starzewski, v. 1)

For the properties of the identified rock layers from 26.175m to 30m, these were also
correlated with other geotechnical parameters. Typical allowable bearing pressures for
foundations laying on different types of bedrock are presented as follows:
 Table 11: . Typical allowable bearing pressures for foundations on bedrock
Rock was assigned a presumptive end-bearing capacity of 3.24 MPa according to the
Presumptive Bearing Capacity Values as per IS1904-1978.
Rock was assumed to behave as a confined rock fill with phi’ = 38 degrees and c’ =
0. (Hoek and Brown, 1995)
The summary of the geotechnical parameters correlated and used in the design of the
foundations are as follows:
Angle of Unit
Presumptiv
Soil SPT N- Friction Cohesion Weight
Depth (m) PI e Bearing
Type values (degrees (kPa) (kN/m3
Capacity
) )
- 32 22
0-1.0 SM 12 17.2
1.0-2.0 SM 15 14 33 22 9.4
15 15 5 9.4
2.0-3.0 SC 13
3.0-4.0 SC 29 10 14 5 8.8
29 12 20 8.8
4.0-5.0 MH 9
5.0-6.0 MH 20 11 13 20 9.4
6.0-7.5 MH 20 12 13 20 9.4
7.5-9.0 MH 20 14 14 20 9.4
9.0-10.8 MH 39 2;2/30 20
39
10.8-11.6 CH P 0 25
41 8.8
11.6-13.05 CH 9 0 25
13.05-
42
15.25 CH 2;2/45 0 25
 42
15.25-16.0 MH P 20
9.4
16.0-17.5 SM - 13 18 22
17.5-19.0 SM 42 10 17 22 8.8
42 9.4
19.0-20.5 CH 12 0 25
20.5-22.0 CH 35 13 0 25 9.4
35
22.0-23.5 CH 3 0 25 7.8
35
23.5-24.3 MH P 20
33
24.3-24.75 CH 34 0 25 11.0
24.75- 12 29:50/1
26.175 SC 5 5
26.175- 12
27.0 Gravel 50 38 0 11.8 3.24
27.0-28.0 Gravel 49 38 0 11.8 3.24
28.0-29.0 Gravel 48 38 0 11.8 3.24
29.0-30.0 Gravel 45 38 0 11.8 3.24
Table 12 : Summary of Correlated Geotechnical Data
The angle of friction used was from table 6. The cohesion was obtained from
http://www.geotechdata.info/parameter/cohesion.html. The Unit weight was obtained using
Figure 11.
7. GEOTECHNICAL RISKS
7.1 Expansive Clay
Inorganic soils with liquid limits above 50 and plasticity index (PI) above 30 are deemed to
have a high risk of swelling, and moderate risk is indicated by liquid limit (LL) ranging from
25 to 50 and PI ranging from 15 to 30. Low risk soils will have LL less than 25 and PI less
than 15
The Liquid Limit, Plasticity Index, and the Risk per interval of depth is tabulated as follows:

Soil
Depth (m) LL PI Risk
Type

0-1.0 SM - -
1.0-2.0 SM 45 15 Moderate
2.0-3.0 SC 45 15 Moderate
 3.0-4.0 SC 61 29 High
4.0-5.0 MH 61 29 High
5.0-6.0 MH 52 20 Moderate
6.0-7.5 MH 52 20 Moderate
7.5-9.0 MH 52 20 Moderate
9.0-10.8 MH 73 39 High
10.8-11.6 CH 73 39 High
11.6-13.05 CH 75 41 High
13.05-15.25 CH 79 42 High
15.25-16.0 MH 79 42 High
16.0-17.5 SM - -
17.5-19.0 SM 75 42 High
19.0-20.5 CH 75 42 High
20.5-22.0 CH 68 35 High
22.0-23.5 CH 68 35 High
23.5-24.3 MH 68 35 High
24.3-24.75 CH 65 33 High
24.75-26.175 SC 39 12 Low
26.175-27.0 Gravel 39 12 Low
27.0-28.0 Gravel
28.0-29.0 Gravel
29.0-30.0 Gravel
Table 13. Summary of Data for Soil Expansion Risk
7.2 Liquefaction Risk
The medium dense sand layers near the surface are potentially at risk of liquefaction, as these
types of shallow sand layers are generally more susceptible to it. The history of seismic activity
in the region is an indication that the seismic activity that could cause these layers to liquefy is
likely to occur.

7.3 Ground Settlement Risk

The layers of cohesive soil seen in the boreholes suggests that longer term consolidation of the
soil is possible.
8. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TYPE OF FOUNDATION AND THE
ASSOCIATED CAPACITIES
A shallow foundation system and a deep foundation system are both presented for the choice
of the client. The shallow foundation system recommended is an isolated spread footing
because these are more economical than other types of footings, and bored piles are
recommended if deep foundations are to be used.

8.1 Shallow Foundation

For the calculation of shallow foundation bearing capacity, the Terzaghi’s Bearing Capacity
Theory was used. The coefficients used in the formula were interpolated from the figure below
and found using the averaged correlated internal friction angle per soil layer up to the foot of
the recommended footing, which would be at a depth of 4m from the ground.

Table 14. Correlation of Angle of Friction and coefficients for Terzaghi’s Eqt
The ultimate bearing capacity is, then, computed as follows:

(eqt. 1)
The water table at 1.5m was a considered in the second term, specifically in q, of the Terzaghi’s
Equation. The c’ and γ used are also obtained from the average of the cohesion and unit weight
from the top layer up to the foot of the recommended footing, respectively. The value of the
side length, B, was varied for 2m, 2.5m and 3m. The following figures show the computation
for the following side lengths.
For a side length of 2m:

For a side length of 2.5m:

Lastly, for a side length of 3m:

 None of the shallow foundation has satisfied the requirement of load of
3,299.079054kN per foundation. Thus, deep foundation must be used.

8.2 DEEP PILE FOUNDATION

If the capacities per foundation required exceed that allowed by the shallow
foundations, deep foundations become necessary. Driven Piles were used.

To compute for the unit skin friction resistance of each layer, the formula presented by
Braud was used (fave= 0.224*pa*N600.29). N60 was assumed to be roughly equivalent to the
SPT N-Value because of a lack of pile hammer data. The fave for each layer were computed and
tabulated as shown in the following tables for different boreholes.

Braud Suggestion (fave=

Depth (m) Soil Type
0.224*pa*N60^0.29)
0-1.0 SM 77.952
1.0-2.0 SM 90.944
2.0-3.0 SC 84.448
3.0-4.0 SC 64.96
4.0-5.0 MH 58.464
5.0-6.0 MH 71.456
6.0-7.5 MH 77.952
7.5-9.0 MH 90.944
9.0-10.8 MH 97.44
10.8-11.6 CH 58.464
11.6-13.05 CH 58.464
13.05-15.25 CH 64.96
15.25-16.0 MH 90.944
16.0-17.5 SM 84.448
17.5-19.0 SM 64.96
19.0-20.5 CH 77.952
20.5-22.0 CH 84.448
22.0-23.5 CH 19.488
23.5-24.3 MH 90.944
24.3-24.75 CH 220.864
24.75-26.175 SC 188.384
26.175-27.0 Gravel 324.8
27.0-28.0 Gravel 318.304
28.0-29.0 Gravel 311.808
29.0-30.0 Gravel 292.32
 Table 15. Unit Skin Friction Resistance of Each Layer in BH

From the computation of the fave, the Qs was computed using . With
varying lengths and diameters, the Qs are computed below:
For Borehole:

For Qs, kN
Diameter, m 0.8 1.2 1.5
Length, m
7.5 1420.381897 2130.572846 2663.216057
10 2008.12613 3012.189196 3765.236494
12.5 2453.832174 3680.748261 4600.935326

Table 16. Skin Friction Resistance in BH

In computing for the ultimate point resistance, Meyerhof (1976) suggested a correlation
in granular soil with the standard penetration resistance, which is:

The N60 used in the preceding equation is the average of the N60 of the soil or rock above and
below within 10*D and 5*D, (where D is the diameter of the piles) respectively. In getting Qp,
qp was multiplied to the area of the piles. The values of the ultimate point resistance in kN are
tabulated below:
For Qp, kN
Diameter,
m 0.8 1.2 1.5
Length, m
7.5 2243.0972 3251.548 4064.435
10 2251.8936 4407.896 5553.887
12.5 2332.3184 5277.876 6884.506

Table 17. Point Resistance in BH

 The Qtotal was obtained by adding the Qp and Qs, which is also tabulated below:
For Borehole:
For Qtotal, kN
Diameter, m 0.8 1.2 1.5
Length, m
7.5 3663.48 5382.12 6727.65
10 4260.02 7420.09 9319.12
12.5 4786.15 8958.62 11485.4
Table 18. Total Resistance in BH
The Qallowable was computed by using a factor of safety equal to 3 and dividing it to
the Qtotal computed minus the weight of the pile. The Qallowable for different
diameters and depths of the piles are tabulated as follows:
For Borehole:
For Qallowable, kN
Diameter,
m 0.8 1.2 1.5
Length, m
7.5 1132.43 1594.4 1930.61
10 1301.7 2207.17 2690.46
12.5 1447.5 2653.47 3308.58
Table 19. Allowable Resistance in BH

Given the following allowable resistances of the soil from the borehole, the most
appropriate size for the structure can be selected from the table. Since each footing needs to
carry a load of 3,299.079 kN. A pile with a diameter of 1.5m and a length of 12.5 meters must
be placed in the 10 footings assigned. Also, due to high risk of expansive soils, Deep Pile
Foundation is a good choice.

9. References:
 DAS, B. M. (2018). PRINCIPLES OF FOUNDATION ENGINEERING. S.l.:
CENGAGE LEARNING.
 Bowles, L. E. (1996). Foundation analysis and design. McGraw-hill. Chicago
California Department of Transportation. (2014, March). Caltrans Geotechnical
Manual
 Hoek, E., & Kaiser, P. K. (1995). Bawden. W, F, 48-56.
 Johnson, R.B. and DeGraff, J.V. (1988) Principles of Engineering Geology, Wiley.
 Montana Department of Transportation. (2008). Montana Department of
Transportation Geotechnical Manual. Montana.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/geotech/geo_manual/page/Soil_Correlations_Mar2013.
pdf
 Sowers, 1979. Introductory Soil Mechanics and Foundations: Geotechnical
Engineering, 4th Ed., Macmillan, New York. (as referenced in Coduto, 1999.
Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Practices. Prentice Hall. New Jersey.)
 http://open_jicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12001491_02.pdf
 University of the Philippines – Diliman
College of Engineering
INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CE 164 Geotechnical Engineering III

1st Semester AY 2017-2018

GEOTECHNICAL ANALYSIS FOR THE

CYLINDRICAL CHEMICAL TANK INSIDE
THE CHEMICAL 164 FACTORY IN
PANDACAN, METRO MANILA

Submitted by:

Nico C. Crisostomo

Submitted to:

Dr. Alexis A. Acacio

Professor

Date Submitted:

December 20, 2017