1.
0 INTRODUCTION:
Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB) is the implementation agency on behalf
of Government of Bangladesh, while the Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) is the contractor for
Design, Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning Of Rooppur Dhaka (Aminbazar-Kaliakoir)
400kv Double Circuit Transmission Line On Turnkey Basis (package-2).
National Survey Organization has carried out geotechnical investigation for Design, Supply,
Installation, Testing & Commissioning Of Rooppur Dhaka (Aminbazar-Kaliakoir) 400kv Double
Circuit Transmission Line On Turnkey Basis (package-2) in favour of Larsen & Toubro Limited
(L&T). Ground investigation is a predominant feature in designing foundation of important
structure in an intelligent, economic and satisfactory way. It provides the necessary information of
strength and compressibility characteristics of the sub-soil to the design engineer for selection of
Suitable depth and type of foundation for the proposed structure. The investigation works including
execution of 01 (one) borehole 31.5 m depth from the existing ground level and location of
boreholes. Subsurface conditions at the site was explored through (i) drilling boreholes, (ii)
conducting standard penetration tests, disturbed and undisturbed sampling for laboratory testing
and analysis. All of these items of the field investigation have subsequently been followed by the
performance of laboratory tests.
2.0 METHODOLOGY:
National Survey Organisation sent four SPT Test team for field test at the site. According to the
work order, Team Leader of SPT Test team contracted with representative of client for recognizing
the selected land and locations for field test. The location of bore holes was selected in presence of
the representative of client.
3.0 CLIENT:
Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB).
3.1 LOCATION:
Rooppur-Dhaka
3.2 SCOPE OF WORK:
The main scopes of this investigation work are:
a. Execution of exploratory borings, recording of sub-soil stratification and position of ground
water table.
b. Execution of standard penetration test (SPT) at an interval of 1.5m depth with collection of
disturbed soil samples up to final depth exploration of each boring.
c. Collection of 1 nos. undisturbed soil samples by thin walled Shelby tubes for each bore hole.
d. Preparation of final report with all works including detailed description of soil stratification
sub-soil.
e. From the field tests and laboratory tests, scope of calculation for bearing capacity values for
design shallow foundation.
f. For loose and soft strata, from the field test and laboratory tests, scope of calculation for skin
friction and bearing values for design deep foundation.
4. FIELD WORKS:
All the field works and field tests were conducted as per standard procedure as laid down in ASTM
specification are as follows:
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4.1 Exploratory Boring drilling:
Drilling was executed by wash boring method. A hole was started by driving vertically a 100mm
diameter steel casing into the ground to some depth and then the formation ground casing was
broken up by repeated drops of a chopping bit attached to the lower and of drilling pipe. The upper
end of the same was forced at high pressure through pressure pipe. Forced slurry or water emerges
at high velocity through the pores of the hopping bit, and returns to the surface through the annular
space between drilling pipe and the side of the casing or hole, carrying with it the broken-up soil. In
this way drilling is advanced up to a level of 150mm above the depth, where SPT has to be
executed. Auger borings often provide the simplest method of soil exploration and sampling. They
may be used for any purpose where disturbed samples can be used and are valuable in connection
with round water level determination and indication of changes in strata and advancement of hole
for split-barrel penetration tests and sampling (Test Method D1586) and thin-walled tube sampling
(Practice D1587). Equipment required is simple and readily available. Depths of auger explorations
are, however, limited by groundwater conditions, soil characteristics, and the equipment used
4.2 Standard Penetration Test:
Standard penetration Tests have been executed in all the bore holes at 1.5 m. intervals of depth up
to the final depth of boring. In this test, a split spoon sampler of 50mm out diameter and 1-3/8”
inner diameter is made to penetrate 450mm, into the soil by drops of a hammer weighing
63.5kg.failing freely for a height of 750mm. Number of blows of hammer required for penetration
of each 150mm length of the sampler is recorded. The number of blows for the last 300mm
penetration of the total 450mm is known as the standard penetration value (N-values) as specified
by ASTM and is plotted the SPT value of the particular depth.
4.3 Extraction of soil samples:
The Disturbed soil samples were collected at 1.50 m intervals and at every change of soil strata
split spoon sampler. These soil samples were studied visually and the soil classification were done
to prepare strata chart of soils up to the explored depth. Before collection of samples, the hole is
washed and cleaned the drill pipe with the help of an adapter and is lowered into the hole. The
sampler is then pressed down into the ground in one rapid continuous movement until the tube,
except 100mm from the top is filled with soil sample.
Undisturbed soil samples were collected at depth of 2.10m to 2.55m.Undisturbed soil samples area
collected by means of thin walled sharp ended 75mm dia. stationary piston sampler from the
cohesive soil formation. The collected tubes were then labeled with detailed job designation, date
and shifted the laboratory for testing.
5.0 LABORATORY TESTS:
All Laboratory Tests conducted on soil samples collected either in the disturbed or in the
undisturbed state. All tests were done as per ASTM procedures, are as follows:
5.1 Natural Moisture Content:
The water content of a soil sample is the ratio of the weight of the water in the sample to its dry
weight. It is usually expressed as a percentage. The soil sample is weight both in natural state and
in over dry state and the moisture content is calculated by dividing the loose of weight of the
sample by its dry weight.
5.2 Complete Grain Size Analysis (ASTM D421-85 & D422-63):
The object of grain size analysis is to determine the size of the soil grains, and the percentage by
weight of soil particles of different particles size, comprising a soil sample. The process consists of
either sieve analysis or hydrometer analysis or both. The hydrometer analysis is adopted for sample
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passing sieve No. 200. For hydrometer analysis, a 40 gms of the over dry sample, is thoroughly
mixed with required quantity of water in a calibrated glass cylinder. In order to avoid flocculation,
a little dispersing agent is added. The density of the suspension is measured at specified time
intervals, by means of a hydrometer or special design. At any particular time the size of the largest
particle remounting in suspension at the level of the hydrometer can be computed by means of
stocks Law, where as he weight of the particles finer than that size, can be computed from the
density of the suspension at the same level.
The mixture is washed through U.S standard sieve No. 200 and the fraction retained is dried. The
fraction retained on each sieve is weighed for calculation of the percentage of different fraction.
The results are represented by cumulative curves plotted on semi-logarithmic graph paper.
5.3 Atterberg Limits (ASTM D 4318):
Physical properties of clay are greatly influenced by water content. A given soil behave as a fluid or
a soil or, as a plastic materials, depending on how much water its contain. The water contents that
correspond to the boundaries between the states of consistency are called as the Atterberg limit.
Liquid Limit is the minimum water content at which a clay soil just starts behaving like a fluid. It is
determined with the help of a standard limit device which consists of brass cup and an arrangement
to impart blows to cap at a uniform rate. The water content at which 25 blows are required is
termed as the limit.
The plastic limit is the minimum water content at which a soil is just plastic and is determined by
rolling out a soil sample at slowly decreasing water content until, the desired water content is
reached, at which a thread of 3mm diameter just begins to crumble. The thread is rolled on glass
plate with hand.
5.4 Specific Gravity Test (ASTM D 854-00) :
The specific gravity of soil particles (GS) is defined as the ratio of the mass of given volume of soil
particles to the mass of an equal volume of water at T0C. The specific gravity of a solid for most
natural soils falls in general range of 2.60 to 2.80. To determine the specific gravity of soil sample,
25 grams of over dried soil sample is thoroughly pulverized and is placed in a calibrated
psychomotor. Water is poured inside the pycnometer until its top is slightly below the calibrated
mark. The mixture is then boiled thoroughly in order to eliminate all the air bubbles. More water is
then added to the mixture till it over-night, the temperature is then recorded and the bottle is
weighed.
The specific gravity Gs is given by:
GS = Gt . Ws
Ws – W1+ W2
Where,
Gt = Specific gravity of water at TOC.
WS = The weight of over dry soil (25gms.)
W1 = Weight of flask + soil + water.
W2 = Weight of flask + water.
5.5 Direct shear Test (ASTM D 3080):
Direct shear test can be performed for both cohesion less & cohesive soil to determine shear
strength, angle of internal friction, cohesion c, volume change etc. The test is done in a direct shear
machine which consists of a normal loading device; shearing displacement of approximately 10mm
per minute is often for a sample used for a sample thickness of about 1.2cm.
The results of a direct shear test on a cohesion less & cohesive soil can be presented in a summary
table & by stress-strain curve. A stress-strain curve normally consists of shear stress, various shear
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displacement for both the undisturbed and the remolded test under a specified normal load the
normal load usually varies from 1/3kg/cm2 to 1kg/cm2. Another curve of normal stress verses
shearing stress will give angle of internal and cohesion for cohesive soi
5.6 Unconfined Compression Test (ASTM D 2166) :
Unconfined compression test is a simple method for determination of shearing strength of cohesive
soil which is important to determine the bearing capacity of soil. As the name implies, the lateral
confining pressure in an unconfined compression test is kept zero, unsupported specimen and at
failure is measured. The specimen is prepared from the undisturbed soil sample by carefully
trimming it to a cylindrical shape of 7cm height and 3.5cm dia. The specimen is then placed on the
level pedestal of the unconfined compression apparatus in a vertical position. The load is applied
axially on the top of the specimen an is distributed uniformly over surface of the specimen with the
help of double providing ring assembly fitted with a strain gauge, fitted with the apparatus. The
load is applied at such a rate that the vertical deformation of the sample is nearly 2% (two percent)
per minute in order to avoid and drainage during compression. The load is kept increasing until the
specimen fails along shearing plane. The maximum load at failure knows as the unconfined
compressive strength of the sample the shearing strength of the sample is half of the unconfined
compressive strength.
5.7 Consolidation Test (ASTM D 2435):
The gradual process of compression of soil under the action of static load and with decrease of void
ratio due to expulsion of water from the soil pores is termed consolidation The phenomenon
compressibility characteristics of a soil as the period and magnitude of settlement of a foundation
depends on these characteristics. The test is performed on a specimen of circular shape of 6.35cm
dia and 2.54cm thickness, the specimen is prepared from the undisturbed sample by carefully
trimming it to the required dimension with the help of a cutting edge and wire saw. The specimen is
then placed in the consolidation ring and its top and bottom are trimmed off level with that of the
ring .The specimen along with the ring on the top and the other at the bottom of the specimen. The
load is then applied on porous stone and on the specimen with the help of a level arrangement with
the apparatus.
Decreases in volume of specimen are read from a strain gauge attached to the consolidation unit at
specified time intervals the consolidation unit is always kept full with water in order to avoid
evaporation of the specimen. The load increment is allowed after each twenty four hours, The
observed reading are then plotted on semi-logarithmic graph paper to give the pressure-void ratio
curve from which compression index, Cc Can be calculated. Cc is important factor governing the
settlement process of underlying soils.
5.8 Visual classification (ASTM D2488)-
Geotechnical investigation shall be based on a visual-tactile examination of disturbed soil samples
for the determination of both soil classification and strength. Visual-tactile examination shall be
undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of ASTM D2488. Samples shall be taken from
either trial pits, bore holes, hand held augers, or if specified during course of the foundation
excavation. Where dynamic probing is used in conjunction with a higher-level geotechnical
investigation technique, the probe shall be calibrated to the satisfaction of the Engineer against the
results of the higher-level tests. Details of the Contractor's calibration proposals and calibration
results shall be submitted to the Engineer. The descriptive information required in this practice can
be used to describe a soil to aid in the evaluation of its significant properties for engineering use.
This practice is to be used for identification of soils in the field, laboratory, or any other location
where soil samples are inspected and described. Soil samples from a given boring, test pit or
location which appear to have similar characteristics are not required to follow all of the procedures
in this practice, providing at least one sample is completely described and identified.
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5.9 Engineering Purposes Classification of Soils (ASTM D2487)
This practice describes a system for classifying mineral and organo-mineral soils for engineering
purposes based on laboratory determination of particle-size characteristics, liquid limit, and
plasticity index and shall be used when precise classification requires
Soil Classification by United Soil Classification System
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5.10 Standard Test Method for Shrinkage Factors (ASTM D4943 -18)
The shrinkage limit can be used to evaluate the shrinkage potential, crack development potential,
and swell potential of earthwork involving cohesive soils. The shrinkage limit, along with the liquid
limit and plastic limit of soil. This test method covers the procedure for determining the shrinkage
factors of cohesive soils, using the water submersion technique, whereby the volume of a dried soil
pat is determined while suspended in a water bath. The data obtained following this test method are
also used to determine the shrinkage ratio, volumetric shrinkage, and linear shrinkage of the soil.
5.11 Relative density (ASTM D4254 - 16)
Relative density or density index is the ratio of the difference between the void ratios of cohesion
less soil in its loosest state and existing natural state to the difference between its void ratio in the
loosest and densest states
Where,
emax= void ratio of coarse-grained soil (cohesionless) in its loosest state.
eMin = void ratio of coarse-grained soil (cohesionless) in its densest state.
e = void ratio of coarse-grained soil (cohesionless) in its natural existing state in the field.
These test methods cover the determination of the minimum-index dry density/unit weight of
cohesionless, free-draining soils. The adjective "dry" before density or unit weight is omitted in the
title and remaining portions of this standards to be consistent with the applicable definitions.
The density/unit weight of a cohesionless soil may be determined by various in-place methods in
the field or by the measurement of physical dimensions and masses by laboratory soil specimens.
The dry density/unit weight of a cohesionless soil does not necessarily, by itself, reveal whether the
soil is loose or dense.
Relative density/unit weight expresses the degree of compactness of a cohesionless soil with
respect to the loosest and densest condition as defined by standard laboratory procedures. Only
when viewed against the possible range of variation, in terms of relative density/unit weight, can
the dry density/unit weight be related to the compaction effort used to place the soil in a compacted
fill or indicate volume change and stress-strain tendencies of soil when subjected to external
loading
5.12 Hydrogeological Conditions:
The maximum elevation of ground water table, amplitudes of its fluctuations and data on water
aggressively with regard to foundation structure materials shall be reported. While preparing
ground water characteristics the following parameters should be specified for each aquifer.
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6. 0 CORRELATION TABLE OF SOILS BASED ON SPT-VALUES:
Two tables for Cohesion-less and cohesive soils based on N- Values as below:
6.1 values of Unit Weight and Angle of Internal Friction of Cohesion-less soil Based on N-
Values (After K. Terzaghi and R. B. Peck):
Table No. 1.
Relative Angle of Internal Moist Unit Wt. in
N-Values Condition
Density Friction gm/cc.
0-4 Very loose 0.0-0.2 250-300 1.12-1.60
4-10 Loose 0.2-0.4 300-350 1.44-1.84
10-30 Medium 0.4-0.6 350-400 1.76-2.08
30-50 Dense 0.6-0.85 400-450 1.76-2.24
Over 50 Very dense 1.00 450 2.08-2.40
The tabulated values apply for dry/moist cohesion less sand. For silty sands the bearing capacity
values must be reduced by study of grain size classification and applying judgment. Correction for
water table close to bottom of foundation the bearing values should be reduced to half. The bearing
values are, however, not affected by the water table at a depth greater than 1.5B below foundation
level, B being least dimension of the bottom of foundation. Bearings values for intermediate
position of water table may be reduced by liner interpolation.
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6.2 Values of approximate Unconfined Compressive Strength Based on N-Values for Cohesive
Soil (After K. Terzaghi and R.B. Peck):
Table No.- 2.
Unconfined compressive Strength in
N-Values Condition
Kg/cm2.
Below 2 Very soft Below 0.25
2-4 Soft 0.25-0.50
4-8 Medium 0.50-1.00
8-16 Stiff 1.00-2.00
16-32 Very stiff 2.00-4.00
Over 32 Hard Over 4.00
In the above table the shear strength of cohesive soil is equal to 1/2 of unconfined compressive
strength and the angle of shearing resistance is equal to zero. It should be remembered that the
correlation for cohesive soil is always much reliable.
7.0 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
Physical Properties of the subsoil formation of the project area have been evaluated by the
execution of 01 (one) number boring of 31.5 m deep. The overall physical properties may be
summarized as follows:
7.1 Stratification of soil:
The top soil is very soft to medium stiff silty clay and up to the depth of investigation; the soil is
medium dense to very dense silty sand.
7.2 Consistency/Compactness:
Consistency of the top soil usually varies from very soft consistency of soil, however, gradually
increase the consistency. The subsequent deep layer loose to very dense soil state.
7.3 Ground Water Table:
The position of Ground Water Table (GWT) is shown as bore log
7.4 Natural Moisture Content, Unit Weight, Specific Gravity and Liquid Limit:
Table No .3 Name of the Laboratory Test:
Name of the Soil Test
Natural Moisture Content
Natural Unit Weight
Dry density
Specific Gravity
Liquid Limit
Plasticity index
Grain Size Distribution
Direct Shear Test
Unconfined test
Consolidation test
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8.0 ENGINEERING PROPERTIES:
The engineering properties of soil, including the cohesion, compressibility and the angle of internal
granular friction have been determined by performing laboratory tests on the soil samples collected
during filed investigation. These are as follows:
8.1 Cohesion: The values of cohesion, as reported from the performance of unconfined
compression tests from Laboratory Test Sheet.
8.2 Angle of Internal Friction:
The angle of internal friction values of the investigated of soil, as reported form the performance of
direct shear test from Laboratory Test Sheet.
8.3 Compressibility: The top layer of plastic silty soil usually has been observed moderately
compressible in nature by consolidation tests from Laboratory Test Sheet.
9. 0 EVALUATION OF BEARING CAPACITY:
9.1 Bearing Capacities of the Shallow Condition from the SPT:
The Bearing capacities of the shallow foundation particularly for the top layer of cohesive soil may
be estimated from the SPT values, as suggested by Terzaghi, according to the following table.
Table No.- 4. Bearing Capacities of the shallow foundation (Values in kg/cm2, F. S. =1.50):
Allowable Bearing Capacity (Tsf)
SPT range
Continuous Footing (B=4ft) Isolated Column Footing (B=8ft)
0-2 0.00 - 0.225 0.00 - 0.30
2-4 0.225 - 0.45 0.30 - 0.60
4-8 0.45 - 0.90 0.60 - 1.20
8-15 0.90 - 1.80 1.20 - 2.40
15-30 1.80-3.60 2.40-4.80
>30 > 3.60 > 4.80
Note:
a. width = 4ft for strip footing and width = 8ft for isolated footing respectively.
b. The above values are the net allowable Bearing capacities.
c. The cohesive soil has been considered in a saturated condition.
9.2 ULTIMATE SKIN FRICTION (fs) AND END BEARING (fb)
Whenever necessary Deep Foundation preferably Pile may be used. To evaluate skin friction and
end bearing capacity following formulae may be used-
According to Mayerhof for sandy soil
fsu = qc /200=4*N /200 ton/ ft2
qpu = qc= 4*N ton/ ft2
However, when soil are not purely sand rather presence of some silt material are found, above
relation may be modified as per observation of Schmertmann (1970)
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qpu = qc= 3*N ton/ ft2
fsu = qc /200= 3*N /200 ton/ ft2
For cohesive soil α method proposed by Tomlinson (1971)
fs= αc+ q* k* tanδ
Depending on the existing soil type, the values of both the skin friction as well as the end bearing
of the pile have been evaluated for the different depths of investigation.
Note:
a. Alpha= 0.45
b. Ab= 2.11 sft
c. Ks= 0.70
d. Nc= 9.0
e. F.S= 3.0
f. N=Blows/ft, Cu=C
g. Qs = Allowable value of the skin friction.
h. Qb = Allowable value of the pile end bearing capacity.
i. SPT (N) values are corrected within calculation.
j. The values of fs and fb have been making preliminary estimate about the carrying capacity
of a Bored R.C.C. pile.
k. In the case of plastic silty soil, the values of the cohesion have been obtained from the SPT
values.
Consolidation Settlement:
S= (Cc / (1+eo ) * H * log (po + Δp) / po.
(Ref. Book: Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering by K. R. ARORA, Page NO. - 383-450,
638-647 & 1003-1006).
Standard Penetration Test:
N correction=15+0.5(N’-15)
Where, N correction =Corrected N- value
N’=SPT value from the field
(Ref. Book: Theory and Practice of Foundation Design by N.N. SOM & S.C. DAS. Page no-42.)
10. COMPUTATION FOR CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT:
The vertical downward movement of the base of a structure is called settlement and its effect upon
the structure depends on its magnitude, its uniformity, the length of the time over which it takes
place, and the nature of the clay soils. The consolidation settlement can be calculated form test
result of unit weight and consolidation tests. The average settlement depends on column load of
structure.
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11. CONCLUSIONS:
On the basis of above analysis and discussions, the following conclusions may be drawn regarding
the sub-soil condition of the project area.
a. The overall soil formation of the investigated site are more or less regular in between the
Bore hole locations.
b. The top layers of the investigated site have been encountered with comprising very soft to
medium stiff, silty clay. (Ref. Bore logs).
c. The deep layers are medium dense to very dense silty sand extending up to the final depth
of borings (Ref. Bore logs).
d. R. C. C. Cast-In-Situ Pile may be provided for the project.
12. RECOMMENDATIONS:
On the basis of aforesaid conclusions, the following recommendations are suggested for Design,
Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning Of Rooppur Dhaka (Aminbazar-Kaliakoir) 400kv
Double Circuit Transmission Line On Turnkey Basis (package-2).
Depth of foundation:
a. The deep foundations preferably of the piles are to be required.
b. The bored type R.C.C. piles are the most appropriate type of deep foundation for the
existing subsoil condition & may be provided from the EGL.
c. The required values of skin friction as well as the end bearing capacities of the pile (R.C.C.
cast in situ pile) are provided.
d. The carrying capacities of the pile to be calculated from the table values.
e. R. C. C. Cast-In-Situ Pile may be provided for all borings at the project site.
Note:
a. 1 Tsf = 1 Kg/cm2 = 2ksf, 1 Ton = 2000 lbs = 9.81 KN, 1m = 3.28ft, EGL = Existing Ground
level & F. S. = Factor of Safety.
b. The designer may select any other alternative type, depth as well as the bearing
capacity of the foundation in the light of information provided in this report.
c. Foundation base should be kept dry during construction period.
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Skin Friction and End Bearing,
Bored Pile (R.C.C Cast in Situ Pile)
Page 12 of 12
