PREFACE

A detailed geotechnical investigation including laboratory testing was carried

out for the UJJAYANTH PALACE at AGARTALA. The objective of this
investigation was to evaluate the soil parameters for recommendation of safe
bearing capacity of suitable foundation.

The investigation work for this project was started on the instruction of M/S

B.B.R (INDIA) PVT LTD. The fieldwork was commenced on 22th January 2008

completed on 29 th January 2008.

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
2.0 LOCATION 03
3.0 EXPLORATION PROGRAMME & TECHNIQUES 03
4.0 FIELD WORK 04
5.0 LABORATORY TESTS 05 – 06
6.0 SUMMARY OF TEST RESULTS 07
7.0 ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION, INTERPRETATION AND 08 – 10
GENERALISED BORELOG
8.0 GROUND WATER TABLE 11
9.0 EVALUATION & CONCLUSION 11 - 18

SECTION - II
 LABORATORY TEST RESULT 19 – 20

 BORELOGS 21 – 23

SECTION - III

 BORE HOLE LOCATION PLAN 24

 SUB SOIL PROFILE 25

 N-VALUE VS DEPTH CURVES 27

 e - log p CURVES 28 – 30

 GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTION CURVES 31 – 37

 MOHR - DIAGRAM 38 - 39

 ANNEXTURE 40
1.0 INTRODUCTION:

A detailed geotechnical investigation including laboratory testing was carried out

for the UJJAYANTH PALACE at AGARTALA. The objective of this investigation was
to evaluate the soil parameters for recommendation of safe bearing capacity
of suitable foundation. At the onset of the work, 3 [THREE] nos. of boreholes of
different locations have been envisaged.
The work has been done by M/S SPACESCAPES, 51 L&T ROAD HOWRAH
-711103. in technical collaboration with M/S ROOTS (STRUCTURAL &
GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT) 816, GRND & 2ND FLOOR DEODAR PLACE,
GARIA KOLKATA –700084.

The scope of work include sinking boreholes at 3 [three] different locations as

shown in Fig – 1. The termination depth of boreholes are 25.00M at each
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 M/S SPACESCAPES, 51 L&T ROAD
HOWRAH -711103 and the soil samples are tested for identification and
geotechnical parameters by M/S ROOTS (STRUCTURAL & GEOTECHNICAL
CONSULTANT) 816, GRND & 2ND 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 LOCATION :

The UJJAYANTH PALACE is situated at Northern side of Agartala inTripura State.

3.0 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 3[three] predetermined locations. The termination

depths of boreholes are 25M at all the borehole locations.
ii) Conducting Standard penetration Tests [SPT] at suitable interval.
iii) Collection of disturbed/representative samples at suitable interval,
 iii) Collection of Undisturbed Samples at suitable interval from cohesive
deposits only.

4.0 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
boreholes 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 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 RLof Top Termination No. of UDS No. of SPT GWT [M]

No Depth [M]
1 0.0 25.0 2 16 0.5
2 0.0 25.0 2 16 0.3
3 0.0 25.0 2 16 0.6

5.0 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 (UU)

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.

6.0 SUMMARY OF TEST RESULTS

The quantities of the different items of fieldwork done are summarized below:
 Standard Penetration Tests : 48
 Undisturbed Samples : 06

The number of laboratory tests is summarized below:

 Bulk Density : 06
 Natural Moisture Content : 06
 Liquid & Plastic Limit : 06
 Sieve Analysis : 15
 Hydrometer Analysis : 09
 Consolidation Test : 06
 Unconfined Compression Test : 06
 Specific Gravity : 06

The samples are initially identified by manual identification test [IS 1498-1970].
Table – 1, & 2 show the laboratory test results. The variations of N-values with
depth are shown in Figs –2. The e V s log p curves grain-size distribution curves
& Mohr –Diagram are shown in Figs- 6 to 17.
7.0 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 03………………………..

Barring minor variations, all the boreholes 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 7.5M]

Description : Grey/bluish grey silty clay to clayey silt with rusty spots
Consistency : Soft to medium
Classification : CH
Thickness : 7.5M

PARAMETERS RANGE ASSIGNED

 [t/m3] 1.75 –1.84 1.80
NMC [%] 24.4 – 30.4 28.2
LL [%] 51 - 62 55
PL [%] 18 - 20 19
Cu [Kg/cm2] 0.24 – 0.47 0.29
Φ0 00 00
mv [cm2/ kg]
0.026 – 0.037 0.032
[0.5 – 1.0 kg/cm2]
N - value 1-7 4
STRATUM – II [7.5M to 8.5M]

Description : Grey/bluish grey sandy silt/silty fine sand with trace clay.
Relative Density : Medium dense
Classification : SM
Thickness : 1.0M
N-value [field] : Range : 11 – 25
Av. : 15

N- VALUE CORRECTION

CORRECTION FOR OVERBURDEN PRESSURE

Effective overburden pressure at the center of layer  6.5 t/m2 {assuming water
table at GL}
Nfield [av.] = 15
Correction factor, CN = 1.0
Corrected N = 15

STRATUM – III [8.5m to 25.0M & below]

Description : Grey sand with trace silt.

Classification : SP
Thickness : 16.5M & more
Relative density : Dense/very Dense
N-value [field] Range: 46 – 93
Av. : 65

N- VALUE CORRECTION

CORRECTION FOR OVERBURDEN PRESSURE

Effective overburden pressure at the center of layer  14.7 t/m2 {assuming water
table at GL}
Correction factor, CN = 0.85
Corrected N = 55
CORRECTION FOR DILATANCY
Ncorrected = 15 + ½[N-15] = 35

Corresponding value of angle of shearing resistance,  = 370

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 logs with
average parameters are presented below.
▼ GWT 0.0 M

Soft/medium grey/bluish grey silty clay/clayey silt.

ST-I  = 1.80 t/m3, Cu = 2.9t/m2, Φ = 00 CH
0.0-7.5
mv = 0.032 cm2/kg, N=4

Medium dense grey/bluish grey sandy silt/silty fine

ST-II SM
7.5-8.5 sand with trace clay.
 = 1.85 t/m3(assumed)
Ncorrected = 15,  = 320

ST-III Dense/very dense grey sand with trace

8.5-25.0 silt.Occasionally interspersed with thin silty/ clayey SC
bands.
Ncorrected = 35,  = 370

8.0 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 purposes, water table at this site should
be considered at 0.0.

9.0 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

 COMPUTATION OF BEARING CAPACITY

Shallow foundation in the form of isolated/strip footings may be placed at a depth
of 2.0M 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 [2.5M X 2.5M FOOTING]

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.
For  = 00,
Nc = 5.14
Nq = 1.0
N = 0.0
The expression for net bearing capacity reduces to
Qult]net = CNcScdc = [1.3 x 2.9 x 5.14 x 1.16] = 22.5 t/m2

Net permissible bearing capacity in shear for a factor of safety value of 2.5,
qnet) safe = 9.0 t/m2

The bearing capacity of all other sizes of footings including strip footings [L/B>2]
are estimated in the similar manner. With these values of bearing capacities,
settlements are computed for different size of footings with different L/B ratio.
Settlement computation for strip footings is done considering L/B=10 and
therefore the predicted settlements are likely to be conservative for L/B ratio
slightly greater than 2.

COMPUTATION OF SETTLEMENT
Computation of immediate settlement may be done using the following formula
(Janbu) :

ρi = µ1. µ0. qn. B

Es
Where, ρi - immediate settlement
µ1 and µ0 - factors related to the depth of footing [D], thickness of
compressible layer [H] and Length/width [L/B] ratio of the footing.
B – width of footing
ES – Deformation modulus of soil

Computation of consolidation settlement may be done by using the formula,

ρc = mv . H. ∆p
where, mv – coeff. of volume compressibility
H -_thickness of compressible layer
∆p - excess pressure in the subsoil

Total settlement, ρT = ρi + ρc

 For [2.5m x 2.5m footing]

a] IMMEDIATE SETTLEMENT

Deformation modulus of St-I, ESI = 500Cu = 1450 t/m2

Considering weighted N-value of St-II & III upto the concerned depth [for
computation of immediate settlement of footings of maximum width of 3.0m],
Deformation modulus of St-II & III, ES = 500[N + 15] kPa = 3075 t/m2

Stratum – I L/B = 1.0 µ1 = 0.60 Refer To Fig No :04

H/B = 2.7 µ0 = 0.77
 D/B = 0.8

Strata – II & III

L/B = 1.00 µ1 = 0.30

H/B = 0.51 µ0 = 0.76
D/B = 0.85

St B qn µ1 µ0 ES ρi
I 2500 9.00 0.60 0.77 1450 7.17
II & III 8850 0.72 0.30 0.76 3075 0.47

Total Immediate settlement, ρi = 7.64 mm

b] CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT

ρc = mv . H. ∆p = 0.032 x 50000 x ½[0.9 + 0.0822] mm

= 78.6 mm
D/√LB = 0.8, Refer To Fig No :05
Depth correction factor, f = 0.77
Applying geological correction factor of 0.8,
Corrected ρc = 48.4 mm
Total settlement, ρT = 56mm

The estimated bearing capacities and anticipated settlements for all other size of
footings are summarized in Table – A

The bearing capacity values recommended in this report in Table – A do not

include any effect of overstressed zones in the subsoil due to closely spaced
foundations and therefore should be modified if situation demands. To check any
undesirable differential settlement, the footings should be tied thoroughly at the
foundation level.
Check for stability of foundation of the existing structure, if any, due to excavation
and construction of the proposed building does not come within the purview of
this report and hence not included. Such check must be carried out and remedial
measures be taken prior to the construction if necessary.
The allowable bearing capacity values recommended in this report are based on
the subsoil condition revealed at the boring locations. If during excavation for
foundation or otherwise, local subsoil variation with respect to the condition
revealed at the boring locations are observed, the bearing capacity values must
be modified accordingly
TABLE – A

B[m] qn[t/m2] ρT [mm]

L/B = 1.0 L/B > 2 L/B = 1.0 L/B > 2

- 6.0 - 48
1.5
9.0 6.0 43 51
2.0
9.0 - 56 -
2.5
9.0 - 65 -
3.0

Where, B – width of footing,

L – length of footing

qn – net permissible bearing capacity

ρT - anticipated settlement under qn

Notes : Depth correction factor & geological correction factors have been
applied on consolidation settlement.
: Approximately 10% of total settlement would occur immediately on
 imposition of load.
: L/B > 2 indicates strip footing. Computation is done for L/B - 10

 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 e.g.l
Founding level = 20M below the e.g.l [the piles shall be resting in the St-III of
dense to very dense sand layer]
Shaft length = 18.0M
Frictional resistance
St – I
Frictional resistance = a.C.As
= [0.7 x 2.9 x 5.5] pd MT
= 35d MT

St – II & III
Founding level = 20M
Embedded length = 12.5M
Frictional resistance = k.pd.tand.As
= [1.5 x 11.8 x tan280 x 12.5] pd MT
= 370d MT
[ k = 1.5 for medium dense sand &
pd [at the centre of the concerned depth] = 11.8 t/m 2 ]
[d =  = 370 but restricted to 280 to take into any effect of disturbance due to
installation of piles]

Total frictional resistance ≈ 405d MT

[Average unit skin friction = 7.1 t/m2<107KN/m2]

Tip resistance
End bearing resistance = Ab.pd.Nq
pd at the pile tip [restricted to the value corresponding to 15 times pile dia.]

= 12.3 t/m2
For  = 280, Nq = 17
End bearing resistance = [p/4.d2 x 12.3 x 17] MT
= 164d2 MT
[Unit base resistance = 12.3 x 17 = 209.1 t/m 2 < 10.7 MN/m2]
Ultimate load bearing capacity of a single pile = [405d + 164d 2] MT
Dia.of pile C.O.L[M] Shaft length[M] Allowable load*[MT]
 [mm]
400 2.0 18.0 62
450 2.0 18.0 71
500 2.0 18.0 80

* factor of safety = 3.0

The allowable load per pile should 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
existing adjacent structures.
The allowable working load on an isolated concrete pile considered as a
structural member should be checked with respect to the grade of concrete, pile
section and area of reinforcement provided for finalization of the design load.

For & Behalf M/s ROOTS For& Behalf M/s SPACESCAPES

ALOK KR GUHA
ME [CIVIL],MIE,MIGS
[CONSULTING GEOTECHNICAL
ENGINEER]

SUMANT KUMAR ROY

B.E.(CIVIL) , MIGS
[PARTNER]
 ANNEXTURE

 Fluctuation of water table may be considered as 1.50 m / 2.0 m between

dry and wet season.
 The sensitivity of soil in STRATUM – I ranged between 1.20 m - 2.40 m.
The average sensitivity of the strata may considered to be 1.5
 The bulk density for STRATUM – I ranged between 1.75 m - 1.84 m.