SEB GUIDELINES

SEBGL-GE6

Guidance Notes on
Ground Investigation

Structural Engineering Branch

Architectural Services Department

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 Guidance Notes on Ground Investigation

Introduction

1. Architectural Services Department (the Department has issued an Operational

procedures to be followed when ground investigation (GI) is requested and

responsibilities of various parties. The Structural Engineering Branch has issued a

2. The purpose of this Guidance Notes is to discuss issues to be observed during the
planning, procurement and execution of GI with the purpose of enhancing GI delivery.
Laboratory testing will be covered under a separate Guideline Notes.

Reference Documents

3. SEI No. 12/2010 provides instruction on technical requirements for ground

investigation and laboratory testing. The key guidance document on GI is Geoguide 2
the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO).

and Rock Descriptions Specific guidelines with respect to foundation are given in
, and
Practice for (BD, 2004). GEO
Technical Guidance Notes (TGN) also provide guidelines on some special aspects of
GI. The Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists (Hong Kong)
(AGS-HK) published a series of GI Guidelines on site formation, deep excavation,
landslides, tunnels, karst etc which is available from its web site (ags-hk.org).

Phases

4. GI should be viewed as a process that commences at the planning phase and extends
beyond the construction phase. For most projects, GI consists of the following phases:

(a) A detailed desk study and site reconnaissance. For most sites, the information
collected at this phase should be sufficient to develop preliminary picture on site
history, constraints and important aspects required further study. Also it can
provide a preliminary geological and geotechnical model, for use in a preliminary
geotechnical appraisal and for subsequent planning for a cost-effective GI
proposal and programme.

(b) Preliminary GI (occasional). In some particular situations, e.g. in area of

complex geology such as in Scheduled Areas No 2 and 4 and Designated Area, a
preliminary GI for planning a more detailed GI may be considered.

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 (c) Main GI. This is usually carried out at Workstage 2 for in-house and out-sourced
projects and at Pre-Contract Works for Design and Build project to refine the
preliminary geological and geotechnical model for engineering design and
selection of appropriate construction method.

(d) Supplementary GI. For sites with complex geology, supplementary GI may be
required to examine anomalies or missing information, with the purpose to reduce
uncertainties that emerge to an acceptable degree.

(e) Additional GI during construction or beyond. These additional GI may be

necessary to examine unexpected ground conditions revealed during construction,
verify design assumptions with as-built conditions, or monitor or understand
ground performance. Moreover, General Specification for Building of the
Department also specifies site borings to pre-determine the level of oversite
bedrock for the construction of some types of piles, e.g. larger diameter bored
piles, hand-dug caissons, rock-socketed steel H-piles, minipiles, etc.

Desk Study

5. The following information is advised to be covered in the desk study:

(a) General geological information. GEO has published a set of geological maps and
memoirs and they are useful in providing a general geological picture. An on-line
version is available through CEDD web site. The link as in March 2013 is:

http://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/about/organisation/org_geo_pln_map.htm

However, project officer should note that 1:100 000 solid geology map and 1:20
000 superficial geology map are available for download through the above link.
There are also 1:5 000 solid geology maps covering Yuen Long, Chek Lap Kok,
Tsing Yi, North Lantau and Ma Wan, Ma On Shan, Tung Chung and Northshore
Lantau Island and are most useful to understand the geology underneath for a site
in the Department and they can only be purchased from the Map Publication
Centre of the Lands Department.

(b) Slope-Related Information. Slopes within and adjacent to a site may affect its
proposed development or vice versa. GEO maintain a catalogue of man-made
features. This information and other slope-related engineering information can be
accessed online through the Slope Information System (SIS) or Enhanced SIS
(http://geosis.ccgo.hksarg). Registration to access Enhanced SIS is required and
details are given in the Enhanced SIS login form. Maintenance responsibilities of
the registered slopes can be obtained from the Slope Maintenance Responsibility
Information System (SMRIS) maintained by the Lands Department, available
both through internet or CCGO.

(c) Past site investigation records. Availability of good site investigation data within
or in vicinity of a site will allow development of a preliminary geological and
geotechnical model, hence reducing the scope and extent of ground investigation
required. The Geotechnical Information Unit (GIU) of the Civil Engineering
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 Library under GEO keeps record of ground investigations and laboratory tests
carried out by various government departments or included in submissions to the
Buildings Department. Digital version of this repository, called Digital
Geotechnical Information Unit or DGIU, can be accessed online through the
Enhanced SIS. Also, the Structural Engineering Branch maintains a Ground
Investigation Report Database which keeps records of GI and laboratory testing
carried out by under Arch SD GI term contracts since 1994.

(d) Existing foundation records. A detailed knowledge of existing structures and

their foundations, adjacent to the project boundaries is important because they
may indicate the type of foundation or piling system probably suitable for the
project and whether these existing structures will act as a constraint for the
project. Records and plans of the existing structures and their foundation are
available from the Buildings Department for private development, and in the
relevant government offices for public works. The Department also has the
Record Drawing Retrieval System (RDRS) (available: http://asdweb/rdrs/)
containing the as-built drawings (including the foundation plans) of buildings
maintained by the Department.

(e) Areas with special concerns. A check should be carried out to see whether the
proposed site is within the following areas where special caution is required:

(i) Areas with possible large underground cavities. These cavities may cause
difficulties to engineering works. These areas are located in Northwest
New Territories, Ma On Shan and North Lantau Shoreline and are referred
as Scheduled Area No. 2, 4 and Designated Area of Northshore Lantau
respectively (ETWB TC(W) No. 4/2004))

(ii) Protection to Tunnels. Special precautions and submissions are required

during ground investigation and foundation works to protect tunnels of
Mass Transit Railway (WB No 19/2002), Harbour Area Treatment Scheme
(ETWB TC(W) No. 28/2003) and other tunnels managed by utility
companies, authorities or others. Information on these other tunnels may be
revealed during utility checking or with the Land Status Plan provided by
DLO. GEO maintains Catalogue of Hong Kong Tunnels which is a
catalogue of existing tunnels and tunnels under construction and this can be
downloaded from the following link, as in January 2013:

http://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/publications/geo/hktunnel.htm

(iii) Disused Tunnels. There are approximately 90 disused tunnels (as at

December 2011). They may be sealed, completely or partially backfilled or
occupied for use. Their effect on proposed works and vice versa should be
considered. GEO maintain a centralized record of disused tunnels and their
locations can be obtained from GIU. Technical details of these tunnels are
available from CGE/Planning.

(iv) Mid-levels Scheduled Area. Special geotechnical control is imposed on

ground investigation, site formation and foundation works to ensure overall
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 stability of the area. Special measures have to be taken. (ETW TC(W) No
29/2002A)

(v) Heritage Site. Project team should make submission to Antiquities &
Monuments Office (AMO) if the site is within the heritage sites and prepare
Heritage Impact Assessment if so requested by AMO. (DEV TC(W) No.
6/2009)

(vi) Ecologically Sensitive Areas. They are country parks or special areas,
conservation areas, and sites of special interested, listed in Item Q.1 of
Schedule 2 of the Environment Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO). For
the ground investigation work in these areas, the project team should make
submission to Environmental Protection Department for their confirmation
on whether the ground investigation works can be classified as a Non-
Designated Project under the EIAO, and the planning and implementation
of the ground investigation should follow the guidelines given in Appendix

Projects in Ecol Administration

Handbook for Civil Engineering Works (CEDD 2012).

(f) Aerial photographs. Aerial photographs give valuable information on

geomorphology and history of an area. A summary on coverage of aerial
photographs available from the Lands Department is given in Table 2 of
GEOGUIDE 2. Aerial photographs can be viewed and downloaded through the
Geospatial Information Hub (GIH) operated by Lands Department. Registration
to access the GIH is required and the GIH coordinator in Arch SD is A/106, as
known in July 2012, should be contacted.

(g) Old survey maps. Old survey maps may give valuable information on history of
a site, supplementary to the aerial photographs. Old survey maps can be viewed
digitally through the terminals of the Map Archives Retrieval System installed at
Map Publication Centres and District Survey Offices of the Lands Department.
Digital copy of archival maps and photos are available from the Map Information
Section, Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department (Attn: Senior
Cartographer/HQ).

(h) Land Status Plans. Land status of land adjacent to proposed development may
affect the planning and implementation of GI. The GIH provides land status
information at a point. A more comprehensive land status plan can be obtained
from the DLO.

6. A summary of important sources of information is given in GEO Technical Guidance

Guide to Site Investigation Update Appendix B: Sources of
.

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Site Reconnaissance

7. A thorough visual examination should be made to the site and adjacent land. The
purpose is to obtain a general picture on the site and adjacent land, observe hints on
earlier uses of the site and collect information valid to the planning of the GI. It is
suggested to be carried out when the desk information has been completely or nearly
reviewed, prior to making request for the GI.

Planning Ground Investigation

8. The purpose of a GI is to investigate the geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical

engineering conditions of a site, paying particular attention to areas which are particular
relevance to the stability or performance of the proposed works and its surrounding.
Therefore the planning of the GI must be carried out by ones who have a clear
understanding on the objectives of the GI methods and the proposed works, and the
relationship between the proposed works and the GI.

9. Planning, design and construction for a project are always evolving. Each change may
require new information. As GI takes times and resources to be organized, it is not
practical to carry GI whenever there is a new change. The GI planning should therefore
take into account of possible future changes or needs. An example is GI at
investigation stage. It is necessary to consider possible design options and construction
methods such that no feasible option on design or construction method will be
precluded at later stage due to lack of information on ground information or design
parameters. As the GI works have to be economical, a lot of judgement has to be made,
especially during the earlier phases. Section 10.7 in Geoguide 2 provides general
guidelines on GI planning. With respect to foundations, some guidelines are given in
Sections 3.4.3 and 3.4.4 of Code of Practice for Foundation (BD, 2004) and Section 2.4
in GEO (2006).

10. The ground investigation stations should be located to give a general geological view of
the project site, to reveal any significant changes in properties, thickness or depth of
geological strata, and to obtain more detailed information at locations important to the
engineering design of projects. They should be planned after the desk study and the
site reconnaissance. The number of GI stations required will vary with the size, type
and performance requirements of the structure, the complexity of site geology and the
general conditions of the site. If there are available geological/geotechnical records, the
amount of GI can be reduced.

11. Flexibility must be exercised in planning the GI. There are no fixed rules but there are
some general guidelines for initial planning. For building project, it is often useful to
locate boreholes at the intended positions of deep foundations. For general sites, GEO
(2006) mentions that a relatively close spacing between points of exploration, e.g.
between 10 to 30 m, will often be appropriate for structures. For pile systems which
are designed based on geological profile, a spacing between 15 m and 20 m is
sufficient. Examples of these pile systems are rock-socketed steel H-piles or mini-piles
which are founded on rock and the non-percussion cast in-situ concrete piles which can
be founded on firm soil strata. For driven H-piles, which are designed using pile
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 driving formula and static load tests, a spacing of 20 m and 30 m is sufficient. Earlier
uses of a site or its surrounding can have a significant effect. Examples of such earlier
uses are tunnels, landfill, mines and quarries, reclamations etc. Boreholes or trial pits
may be needed to delineate buried obstructions such as remnants of suspected old
seawall or foundations. For slopes, boreholes should be generally located along
anticipated critical slope sections.

12. The scope and scale of GI should be appropriate to the project. It is not necessary to
have extensive ground investigation when the extra ground information obtained will
not likely reduce the project costs or uncertainties. For small scale
building/landscaping works involving construction of a single-storey reinforced
concrete or structural steel minor building (e.g. a toilet block in an open space, or
structural steel pavilion), GI works in case should not be extensive or may not be
required. PSE may also, based on the existing geotechnical information obtained from
desk study and site reconnaissance, for the design of foundation, use a conservative
assumed bearing capacity (say, 50 to 100 kPa) in the design stage, and then verifies the
actual bearing capacity when the works commence on site. For prescriptive measures
for man-made slopes and retaining walls designed and constructed in accordance with
GEO Publication No. 1/2009, ground investigation may not be necessary.

13. It is desirable to extend GI beyond project or slope boundary. However, carrying out
GI outside project boundary would be difficult and in these cases, the GI should cover
the site as much as possible. Where the GI is for foundation works, consideration
should be given to have trial pits or boreholes located immediately outside the building
area of a development if they are within the project site. For investigating slope
stability, consideration should be given to have boreholes located immediately outside
the region investigated by slope stability analyses.

14. The depth of the drillhole exploration is governed by the depth beyond which the
ground is expected not to affect the performance of structure or feature under
investigation and vice versa. In general, it should be extended beyond unsuitable
founding materials into competent ground beyond the influence of the proposed
foundation. This competent ground is usually bedrock, specified category of rock type,
soils with 3 successive values of blows (N) from Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
greater than 200 or for lightly loaded structure, firm ground. Where bedrock has to be
located, as there may be significant variation in ground decomposition profile, the
practice is that a minimum depth of 5m into bedrock. If there is clay layer below a
foundation, the depth of exploration should be extended to examine all layers that
contribute significantly to settlement. For investigating stability of cut slopes, the depth
of exploration was generally taken to be 5 m below the toe of the slope, or 5 m below
the bedrock, whichever is shallower. For rock-socketed steel H-piles or mini-piles, it is
worthwhile to increase the depth of the drillhole into bedrock from 5 m to 1.5 times the
depth of rock socket length.

15. For sites underlain by marble, there is possibility of extreme variability in karst
morphology of marble rock mass. In general, the GI should be staged. The borehole
logs and core should be continuously reviewed as the works progress and the GI will be
modified such that new identified potential problematic area can be investigated better.
Full-time supervision with significant input from designer and engineering geologist is
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 essential. Section 2.4.2 in GEO (2006) and
Foundation Design in Areas Underlain by Marble and Marble- provide
further details on the planning. The drillholes will require closer spacing. The use of
geophysical methods to identify areas requiring detailed investigation should be
considered. For the scope and scale of GI for sites situated in the Scheduled or
Designated Areas, advice of SGE/NP and/or GEO may be sought.

16. The practicality of GI works should be considered. The project team should check
whether there are sufficient working spaces for GI plants and storage of materials.
Each drilling operation generally requires 5 x 10 m space. Each excavation for a 1.5 m
size trial pit generally requires 3 x 6 m space. In addition, a space of 3 x 6 m is
generally required for keeping equipment, tool box etc. Typical layouts of GI works
are given in Appendix A. Boreholes should be located from trees wherever possible.
(If a Tree Risk Assessment is necessary, it should be carried out by the project team.)
GI should be located away from underground utilities or structures. Therefore, the
designer should exercise flexibility in setting the exact location of the GI stations.

17. Where ground investigation is to be carried out in occupied land, land users may
impose a restriction on the working hours of the GI works. The normal working hours
of the GI term contractor are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday (excluding General
Holidays). The project team should check with the land users.

18. It is important that the designer of the GI be continuously involved through the GI
works. Unexpected ground conditions may be revealed during the GI works and
further GI or modification to proposed GI may be necessary. Therefore the designer
should review the GI results continuously during the GI works. Closer interaction
between geologist and the designer is required especially for site with complex geology
e.g. site underlain by marble.

Ground Investigation Methods

19. The GI method commonly used is borehole. In this method, a hole, generally of a
diameter 0.14 m and depth of specified length, is formed in the ground to retrieve
samples, carry out field tests and install instrument. There are a number of methods to
form the hole. The most common method is by rotary core drilling together with wash
boring. In rotary core drilling, the hole is advanced by rotating an annular drill bit fixed
to the tube of core-barrel which cuts the ground material below the annular drill bit,
leaving an inner core of ground material to be retrieved.

20. There are areas where the common rotary drilling rigs would be difficult to be operated
e.g. in steep terrains. Smaller portable drilling equipment has been developed.
However, they can drill only up to 15 m long and some field test cannot be carried out.

21. In modelling or design purpose, it is often necessary to define a bedrock level as the
bottom limit of soil region. (For certain type of foundation, it is not necessary to locate
the bedrock and it is sufficient to locate where there are 3 successive SPT with N values
greater than 200.) However rock weathering in most of the rocks in Hong Kong is
quite complex and unusual to encounter a weathering profile which shows an orderly
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 progression of successively less weathering layers, from a residual soil at the surface to
an unweathered rock mass at depth (Geoguide 3). However, it is both not cost-effective
and impractical to place the bedrock level at depth where there is complete absence of
soil or completely decomposed rock. A more pragmatic approach has been adopted
and bedrock is taken as an interface, below which mass behaviour will behave not like
soil but may meet certain engineering design requirements, allowing presence of some
soil. As a general rule, bedrock is taken as being attained in a borehole where there is a
length of 5 m of Grade III or better rock with a certain specified minimum total core
recovery. This 5 m is generally to ensure that the rock encountered is not core boulder.
Soil seams would be allowed. Previously the total core recovery was taken as 90%
(General Specification for Building 2003). However, different percentages of total core
recovery can now be specified, depending on the engineering purpose of defining
bedrock. It is quite common to use 85% and the corresponding presumed bearing
pressure is 5MPa. Both more relaxed and stringent criteria are available for smaller or
greater presumed bearing pressure.

22. Trial pits usually have excavation plan size of 1.5 m x 1.5 m. Trial trenches are lateral
extension of trial pits. As in-situ condition of the ground inside trial pits and trial
trenches can be examined in detail both laterally and vertically, they are also used to
investigate superficial materials like fills in greater details or to locate existing features
like footings or buried structures. However, when depth is greater than 1.2 m, lateral
support must be provided and the size of openings for inspection will generally
decrease with excavation depth. Therefore trial pits and trial trenches are generally
used only to investigate ground at shallow depth. They are suitable for GI works for
buildings with shallow foundations. They are generally cheaper than boreholes but
when the site is difficult to be accessed, portable drilling may offer a cheaper option.
Comparison of different options has to be carried out.

23. The other kind of GI method commonly used in stability assessment of slope is slope
surface stripping or chunam stripping method. In this method, the surface protection of
a slope shall be stripped away, generally 0.5 m wide and from the crest to the toe of the
slope, to allow in-situ condition of the surface to be examined in details and hence,
locating interfaces between different geological materials.

24. Less common but useful are geophysical methods. A number of geophysical methods
have been recommended for identifying weak layers in ground (GEO TGN 3).
Geophysical methods have also been used in measuring properties of rock
discontinuities in boreholes, over traditional impression packer test. In marine GI,
geophysical methods are comparative more developed and they have been used to
investigate seabed levels and possible material interfaces below the seabed under
certain conditions.

25. With respect to foundation design, a range of geophysical methods had been used to
provide geological information, especially to investigate rockhead and dissolution
features in marble areas. The gravity methods had been successfully used to identify
suddenly drop in bedrock and possible cavities at shallow depth. Cross-hole
geophysical methods had been tried to map out cavities between boreholes. However
they have limitation. The gravity methods works well in relative flat land and without
any influence from density objects in the surroundings. Cross-hole seismic tomography
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 cannot identify clearly dissolution features with smaller dimensions (e.g. less than 1 m
and 1.5 m). Ground penetration radar had also been used and it was found to work well
in regions of pure marble. Overall, geophysical methods should not be viewed as tools
to give precise spatial information on complex geological features, but to indicate
potential areas requiring further studies. It is best to carry out them prior to drilling
programme as they can indicate potential areas that may require further investigation
but verification by drilling is required (Section 2.4.2 in GEO (2005)). They may reduce
GI expenses and at the same time provide a better model. However the availability of
expert assistance is important for successful planning and this should be considered
when investigation by geophysical method is considered.

Sampling Methods

26. Samples are routinely collected during GI for the purpose of logging and for testing.
They are collected by different methods and their states of disturbance or sample
classes may be different. Sample classes decide which kind of laboratory tests can be
reliably carried out. Table 1 gives the sampling procedures used and the corresponding
samples class. It is based on Geoguide 2. It should be noted for some cases, it is
impossible to obtain samples with no disturbance. Table 2 gives the dimensions of
samplers commonly used in Hong Kong. Table 3 gives simplified guidelines on the
minimum mass required for testing.

27. The geological profile of soil in a borehole is generally established from the surface
inspection pit (usually 2 m depth) and disturbed samples inside jar samples (Sample
Class 4) collected from cutting shoes or core bits for each undistributed soil sampling
or SPT testing. Hence it is possible that correct interfaces or some fine but important
features may have been missed out. To minimize mistakes, the most common sampler,
the retractable triple tube core sample or commonly known as Mazier, is now specified
to have a clear plastic outer liner for inspection. Furthermore, it is recommended that
all soil samples collected be examined in laboratory to confirm the geological profile.

Field Tests

28. The field tests available under the GI contract are given in Table 4. The most common
field tests are SPT and GCO probe. They also include the geophysics method to
measure weak layers in soil and to measure properties of rock discontinuities in
borehole.

29. SPT measures the number of blows, N, required to drive a standard split spoon sampler
inside a borehole to a distance of 300mm. The sampler is first driven 150 mm to
penetrate through any disturbed materials at the bottom of the borehole and then the test
is carried out. The N values have been related empirically to soil parameters and
foundation design. It is quite common to alternate the sampling with SPT with SPT
carried out first at the change of stratum. However, as portable drilling machine lacks
the capability to drive the split spoon sampler, continuous sampling with retractable
triple tube core sample has to be adopted instead.

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30. The N value can be very high and the equipment can be damaged easily. Geoguide 2
recommends that the test should be discontinued when the blow count reaches 100 or if
the hammer bounces and insignificant penetration is achieved. However, for some
deep foundation design, an acceptance criterion of N > 200 has often been specified and
this means that the SPT cannot be discontinued until N reaches 250. This practice of
having N > 200 has been followed in the GI contract.

31. During SPT, liner sampler can be included to collect samples. It is recommended that
all liner samplers should be inspected at laboratory to confirm the geological logging.

32. GCO probe can be carried out at any point on the ground. It measures the number of
blows required to drive a cone into soil for a distance of 100 mm. The cone will be
driven continuously without retrieval, until blow count reaches 100 or refusal. The
maximum depth is about 15 m. The GCO probe is good for assessing the depth and
degree of buried fill and making comparative qualitative assessment of ground strength.
As it is quite cheap and easy to carry out GCO, it is useful to supplement results from
trial pits or boreholes.

Field Installation

33. Piezometers/standpipes are often installed in boreholes, sometimes in trial pits or trial
trenches, to monitor groundwater. The groundwater can be either main or perched
groundwater. Perched water table is likely to be formed when there is a more
permeable layer overlain a less permeable layer. Examples are colluvium or fill over
insitu soil or soil over rock. Each borehole can contain up to two piezometers. For
slope stability, it is quite common to install two piezometers with the bottom one to
measure the main groundwater and the upper one is to measure perched water table.
For foundation, usually one piezometer to measure the main groundwater is sufficient.

34. The GI contractor will monitor the piezometers/standpipes for 7 working days after the
installation. Since the groundwater should be monitored for at least one wet season, the
project team should make appropriate arrangement for groundwater monitoring
afterwards.

35. Peak groundwater is required to confirm the critical water level used in the design. It
, commonly known as Halcrow
buckets. The piezometer buckets are normally spaced at 0.5 m apart. Geoguide 2
recommends them to be placed within a range of 2 m both above and below the critical
water level but judgement should be exercised. From the GI term contract commenced
after March 2013, an additional option has been added. Automatic groundwater
monitoring device can be rented. This device will be installed inside a piezometer and
groundwater data will be taken at a frequency specified by the designer. At the end of
the monitoring period, the device will be retrieved with the data downloaded.

36. PSE/PM does not have to make request for the automatic groundwater monitoring
device at the same time of requesting the GI works as the WO for the automatic
groundwater monitoring device will be issued separately. The unit of payment for the
automatic groundwater monitoring device shall be based on three-month intervals and
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 full three month period will be assumed even if the actual duration is less than three
months. PSE/PM must specify the frequent and period of monitoring. If further
monitoring is found to be necessary later on, a new WO will be issued to cover any
extended periods.

37. Inclinometer access tube can be installed under the GI contract to measure the
deformation of the ground. The GI contractor will take the first set of reading within
the first three days after installation and the second four days after the first visit. The
project team should make appropriate arrangement for groundwater monitoring
afterwards.

Typical Technical Requirement

38. Some typical technical requirements for GI fieldworks are given in Appendix B (for
site formation and geotechnical works) and Appendix C (for foundation works) with
design guidelines.

39. The designer of a GI plan should note that these typical requirements are examples.
He/she shall be clear on the purpose of the GI, related laboratory testing, and the
design parameters that can be obtained from these tests. The advantages and
limitations of each test should also be carefully taken into consideration when deciding
on the tests to be carried out. For pile design, he/she should be familiar with the design
philosophy of each piling system and the corresponding design parameters required. It
should be noted that the requirement for GI is based on need, and therefore not
mandatory. He/she shall therefore exercise judgment in designing the GI and related
tests to suit the particular project. He/she shall specify only those GI works and
laboratory tests that provide the necessary and sufficient information for proper site
characterization so as to reduce the uncertainty of ground conditions and to make better
engineering decision to produce an economical and safe design. For some difficult
sites, for example, in cavernous karst area in Scheduled Areas, more extensive GI than
that given in these typical requirements e.g. geophysical survey cross hole seismic
tomography may be required.

Project Programming

40. The project team should allow sufficient time in the project planning. The GI works for
2009-2012 were reviewed. The time gaps between initial request for GI and the time
on confirming the GI order ranged from seventeen months to one month, with an
average of four months.

41. An estimate of GI field work will be provided when a GI request is received. For
preliminary planning purpose, it can be assumed that it will take 4 months from
receiving confirmation to issue of final ground investigation field works report. If
laboratory testing is requested, additional time should be added and, from past
experience, it depends on the time taken by the designer to specify the laboratory
schedule.

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Land Matters

42. The project team shall arrange to clear all land matters and arrange necessary entry /
excavation permits. This include checking with EPD whether the GI can be classified
as non-
Procedures for Environment Impact Assessment of Government Projects and
for GI works within sensitive area listed in section Q of Schedule 2 of EIAO. Also for
GI works within the heritage site, the project team should advise requirements imposed
by AMO. If the site is contaminated, the project team should advise such that
appropriate measures can be taken.

43. When supporting information from the GI term contractor is needed, the PSE, for in-
house projects, or the PM, for out-sourced or design-and-build project, should request
such information through GE/NP, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the
GI term contract. Similarly, request for GI term contractor to meet with land users
should be made through GE/NP. The GI term contractor should not be asked to
approach third parties direct.

44. It is not uncommon that access through adjacent lands is required e.g. scaffolding for
inspection. Hence the project team should study land status of each proposed GI
stations and its adjacent land carefully so that all appropriate permission and approval
are obtained to avoid delay. A comprehensive land status plan as mentioned in para
5(f) will be useful.

45. For GI works in unallocated land in unleased land other than streets, the District Land
Officer usually issues permission in form of a simplified temporary land allocation
(STLA). This STLA will cover an area larger than the sum of each GI station. The GI
term contractor is responsible under contract for the areas within the GI stations during
the investigation, not the whole STLA.

46. If the surface of proposed ground investigation station is of special surface, i.e. other
than paved, turfed, chunamed or covered by concrete, the GI term contractor cannot
fully reinstate such special surface. The project team should consider asking other
parties to carry out the surface reinstatement or relocate GI stations away from this
special surface.

Request for GI

47.
hould be used. This form acts
a checklist listing information required by SGE/NP. Listing of technical requirements
can follow SEB Form No. SEB/GI001

48. Upon receipt of a GI request from PSE/PM, GE/NP will prepare a draft WO with
estimation on costs and durations and a list of items requesting confirmation or
additional information. This list includes funding confirmation, utilities information
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 and land access confirmation. The WO will be issued when all requested information
and confirmation have been received.

49. A site visit will generally be held to confirm locations of GI stations, agree on site
access and discuss programme and other issues. This meeting should be attended by the
GI designer, PSE/PM, land users, if any, and other relevant parties.

50. The GI works may affect the utilities or vice versa. Therefore details of utilities
information in the vicinity of the investigation stations, consisting details and locations
of any drainage, services and utilities, must be provided. It does not have to be
provided at the time of making the request, but must be provided to, if possible, prior to
the site meeting for inspection. The date of providing utilities information from
concerned utility undertaker should not be more than 3 months from the date
commencement of the GI works. In case of the lapse of the 3 months periods, the
utilities information has to be reprovided before issue of the works order.

Financial Matters

51. A cost estimation will be provided to the PSE/PM on a GI request. The PSE/PM must
confirm fund availability before the issue of the WO, usually with the relevant funding
approval or allocation. When ground conditions are found to be different from the
original assumptions, additional GI works may be requested. A re-evaluation of costs
may then be carried out. If it is considered that there is insufficient money for the
additional GI works, PSE/PM will be asked to confirm further fund availability before
the additional GI works can commence. As uncertainties in ground conditions can be
quite high, conservative assumptions are usually adopted in the cost estimation to
avoid as much as possible a halt to GI works due to lack in funding.

52. There are overhead costs of the GI term contract and they are shared by GI works. An
estimate on the share will been included in the cost estimation. In January each year,
the actual share of each WO to the overhead costs will be calculated by generally
considering all WOs issued in previous calendar year. If the reserved fund is
insufficient to pay the overhead costs, PSE/PM may be asked for extra fund.

Technical Supervision

53. The PSE/PM shall be responsible for arranging and managing the routine technical
supervision. According to WBTC No. 13/90 and GEOGUIDE 2, the GI should be
supervised full-time by experienced technical personnel with at least one year of
specialized training and experience in ground investigation and part-time by a suitably
qualified and experienced engineer or geologist. In certain cases, more stringent
supervision may be appropriate. The technical supervision includes record progress,
checking on the positions of GI stations, checking that the samples are properly
extruded, sealed and stored, checking proper recording of depths and locations at
which the samples are properly recovered, confirming drilling/excavation depth,
observing and reporting to designer on any change in geological conditions, checking
that instruments like piezometers are installed properly, checking that field tests are
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 carrying out properly, preliminary checking on geological conditions and checking that
the reinstatement have been completed satisfactorily. PSE/PM should inform GE/NP
on any deficiency observed such that action can be taken with the GI term contractor.
PSE/PM should maintain good record of site activities, especially for complicated WO,
especially those involving potential claims on extension of time or daywork.

Instructions under the Contract

54. Contractually, all instructions to the GI term contractor should be made through the
GE/NP. Requests may, however, be given directly to the term contractor by the
PSE/PM or his or her representative on site for minor variations in the specification of
works/service which are covered by the original WO, e.g. amending depths of
sampling, drillholes and piezometer tips etc. Requests of this nature should be
recorded in the Site Log Book, which accompanies each GI Station, and must be
signed by the PSE/PM or his or her representative on site. The Contractor is instructed
not to follow any verbal instructions from the PSE/PM or his or her representative
unless the instructions are confirmed in the Site Log Book. For major variations, i.e.
those that significantly increase or decrease the value of a WO, GE/NP must always be
consulted.

Preliminary Records and Final Reports

55. The GI contractor is required to submit daily site record within three working days and
preliminary records on a GI station within six working days upon completion of its
field works. Submission will be in the form of soft copy.

56. The PSE/PM should check whether there are any mistakes, disagreement with
descriptions or classifications made, or discrepancies with observations or record
made on site. GE/NP or his staff will not carry out such checking. Comments should
be given to GE/NP within seven working days from the receipt of the preliminary
report. When no comment is received within the prescribed times, the preliminary
records are taken as accepted by the PSE/PM. If additional time is required, PSE/PM
should advise GE/NP as soon as possible.

57. The GI contractor is required to submit the Final Fieldwork Report within 6 to 18
working days after receiving comments on the preliminary records, depending on the
number of GI stations.

58. PSE/PM should specify the number of Final Fieldwork Report required when making
request for the GI. As the report will be accompanied a softcopy in CD, consideration
should be given to minimize the required numbers of report. It is not necessary for the
PSE/PM to include in their number the report required to be submitted to the
Geotechnical Information Unit in accordance with WBTC no. 20/2001.

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Marine Ground Investigation

59. If GI has to be carried out in sea, GEO should be contacted as it provides marine
ground investigation. The scope of her contract includes marine geophysical
techniques to determine seabed level and subsurface layers in addition to the usual
investigation methods. Request for service should be made to CGE/GP of GEO.

Reference

Arch SD (2003). General Specification for Building. Architectural Services Department.

Arch SD (2012). General Specification for Building. Architectural Services Department.

BD (2004). Code of Practice for Foundations. Buildings Department.

CEDD (2012). Project Administration Handbook for Civil Engineering Works. Civil
Engineering and Development Department.

GEO (1987). Guide to Site Investigation (Geoguide 2). Geotechnical Engineering Office,
Civil Engineering and Development Department.

GEO (1988). Guide to Rock and Soil Descriptions (Geoguide 3). Geotechnical Engineering
Office, Civil Engineering and Development Department.

GEO (2000). GEO Technical Guidance Note No. 3 (TGN3) Use of Downhole Geophysical
Methods in Identification of Weak Layers in the Ground. Geotechnical Engineering
Office, Civil Engineering and Development Department.

GEO (2001). Model Specification for Soil Testing (Geospec 3). Geotechnical Engineering
Office, Civil Engineering and Development Department.

GEO (2005). GEO Technical Guidance Note No. 26 (TGN26) Supplementary Guidelines
for Foundation Design in Areas Underlain by Marble and Marble-bearing Rocks.
Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering and Development Department.

GEO (2006). Foundation Design and Construction. (GEO Publication No. 1/2006).
Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering and Development Department.

GEO (2009). Prescriptive Measures For Man-made Slopes and Retaining Walls. (GEO
Publication No. 1/2009). Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering and
Development Department.

Phillipson, H.B. (1979). GCO Probe Draft Standard and Notes. Public Works
Department.

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 Table 1 The Common Types of Samples Obtained

Material Type Common Sample Sample Class(1)

Borehole Fills/Colluvium Sample by triple-tube 1
(except granular soils)
retractable core barrel
(commonly referred as
Mazier sample)
Fills/Colluvium U100/U76 with core 3
(essentially granular) catcher
Very Soft to soft marine Piston sample 1
clay
Soft to firm marine clay Mazier sample 1
Alluvial Clay Mazier sample 1/2
Alluvial Sand U100/U76 with a core 3
catcher
Grade IV to VI decomposed Mazier sampler 1
rock
All SPT sample 3/4
All Jar Sample 4
Water sample
Trial Pit/Trench Fill/Colluvium/Decomposed Block sample (about 1
rock 230 mm cube)
U100/U76 1/2
Jar samples and bulk 4
samples
Slope Surface Fill/Colluvium/Decomposed U100/U76 1/2
Stripping rock Jar sample 4

Notes:
(1) The common samples used should be taken as a general guide.
(2) Soil Sample Classification is as follows (Geoguide 2):
Quality 1 2 3 4 5
Class
Soil Classification, Classification, Classification, Classification None
Properties moisture moisture moisture (approximate
that can be content, content, content sequence of
reliable density, density materials
determined strength, only)
deformation
and
consolidation
characteristics

(3) The expected quality classes given should be taken as a general guide, as the sample
quality is highly dependent on workmanship and on the compactness or consistency
and grading of the soil.

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 Table 2 Common Samplers

Sampler Inner Diameter of the Length (m)

Sampler
(mm)
triple-tube retractable core 74 1
barrel (commonly referred as
Mazier sampler)
U100/U76 with core catcher 101 (For U100) 0.45
77 (For U76) 1 (double U)
Piston sample 75 or 100 1
Block sample About 230 mm cube

Notes
(1) The liner for the Mazier sampler can be either the original opaque liner or a clear
liner. Mazier sampler with clear liner will be used unless requested specifically as the
clear liner allows visual superficial inspection on the samples collected.

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Table 3 A Simplified Guideline on Minimum Mass of Soil Required for Testing

Type of Test Minimum Mass of soil Required

Moisture content 4 Kg
Liquid and Plastic Limits 2.2 Kg
Particle Density 1 Kg
Particle size distribution (wet sieving) 17 Kg
Particle size distribution (sedimentation) 250 g+
Compaction 80 Kg
Triaxial test 8 Kg
Direct shear test 3 Kg
Chemical Tests 3.5Kg
+
denotes sufficient to give the stated mass of fine-grained material for the test.

Notes:
1. The actual mass of sample required shall be assessed by multiplying the mass given
above (which includes some allowance for drying, wastage and rejection of stones
where required) by the number of test determinations to be carried out. Where the
total mass of sample so calculated is less than 30 Kg, then 30 Kg should be taken to
ensure the sample is representative.
2. This table is based on GEOSPEC 3. The soil group is assumed to be coarse-grained
which requires largest sample sizes. Similar, for a type of test with a number of
different testing methods, the largest of minimum masses is taken.

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 Table 4 Field Tests Provided under Arch SD GI Term Contract

Type of Test Remark

Standard Penetration Test To measure engineering properties of soil empirically. See
Section 21.2 in Geoguide 2.
GCO probe To measure compactness of soils empirically. See
Phillipson (1979).
Schmidt Hammer Test To measure hardness of rock. See Section 24.2.2 in
Geoguide 2.
Vane Shear Test To measure undrained shear test of cohesive soil with
consistency up to firm in a borehole. See Section 21.3 in
Geoguide 2.
In-Situ Density Test To measure the in-situ bulk density and in-situ dry density
by sand replacement method in a trial pit or trial trench
(Method 11.1 or 11.2 in Geospec 3).
Constant Head Permeability To measure permeability of ground adjacent to a tested
Tests section. Constant head permeability tests are preferred.
Falling or Rising Head See Section 21.4 in Geoguide 2 for details. Field tests are
Permeability Test preferred over laboratory tests as the former can
incorporate field variation.
Response Tests To check whether the piezometer or standpipe is
functioning.
Packer (Water Absorption) To measure the acceptance by in-situ rock of water under
Tests pressure. See Section 21.5 in Geoguide 2.
Inclination and Bearing To measure the inclination and bearing of the borehole.
Measurements Usually required when drilling near to tunnel.
Pressuremeter Tests To measure lateral deformation of ground under pressure.
See Section 21.7 in Geoguide 2.
Rebound Hammer Tests To measure surface hardness of a concrete surface.
Impression Packer Tests To measure the dip and dip direction of discontinuities.
See Section 21.8.1 in Geoguide 2.
Acoustic Borehole Geophysical method to measure the location, width, dip
Televiewer and dip direction of discontinuities and deviation of
borehole from vertical. May recognize discontinuities
missed by impression packer tests. However, the boreholes
needed to be water filled.
Borehole Caliper Geophysical method to measure the size of the borehole.
Dipmeter Geophysical method to estimate the dip and dip directions
of discontinuities and structural layers.
Gamma Density Probe Geophysical method to identify weak layers in the ground.
Natural Gamma Spectrum See GEO TGN no. 3 for details.
Probe

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 Appendix A

Typical Space Requirement for GI Fieldworks

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 Figure A1 Typical Set up for Drilling Operation

Figure A2 Typical Setting up for Trial Pit Excavation

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 Figure A3 Typical Layout Plan for Tools, Material and Equipment Storage

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 Appendix B

Typical Requirement for GI Fieldworks

(Geotechnical and Site Formation Works)

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Typical Technical Requirements for GI Fieldworks (Geotechnical and Site Formation
Works)

B1. Drill x drillholes (Drillhole nos: x to x)

(a) All drillholes/ Drillhole nos x to x shall be terminated at a depth
(a1) of x m below ground,
(a2) with 5 m below the toe of slope no. x
(a3) with 5.0 m into Grade III or better rock with not less than 85% total core
recovery
(a4) with a maximum of 15 m
(a5) as directed on site
[Guidance note:
1. (a1), (a2), (a3) and (a4) are common termination criteria. (a1) and (a2)
define the maximum depth of investigation. (a3) is for locating bedrock.
(a4) is for portable drilling of which the maximum drilling depth is 15m.
The criteria can be used in combination. For example, all drillhole shall be
terminated at a depth with x m below ground or 5.0 m into Grade III or
better rock with not less than 85% total core recovery, whichever is the
shallower, or as directed on site.
2. Drill fluid is required to be pumped down to the bottom and flushing drill
debris up the borehole. The common drilling fluid is water. However, for
investigation carried out in area of significant geotechnical concern (e.g.
Mid-levels Scheduled Area) or failed areas, air foam should be specified as
the drilling fluid.]

(b) A 2.0m deep inspection pit shall be excavated at each drillhole.

[Guidance note: The purpose of the inspection pit is to ensure that no utility will
be affected by the drilling. Usually a depth of 2.0 m is specified.]

(c1) Retractable triple tube core (Mazier) samples shall be taken at 2 m intervals
starting from 2.5 m below ground and at a change of strata, or otherwise as
directed on site.
(c2) Continuous retractable triple tube core (Mazier) samples shall be taken starting
from 2.5 m below ground or otherwise as directed on site.
[Guidance note: (c1) and (c2) are common sampling requirements. For (c1), the
sample intervals can be lengthened or the starting level of sampling can be at a
deeper level, e.g. the bottom of the fill layer if it is certain that the engineering
properties of soil layers with none or reduced sampling are known with certainty
or of no use to the project. (c2) is for portable drilling.]

(d) Piston samples shall be taken instead of mazier samples in very soft to soft
marine clay.

(e) U samples with a core catcher shall be taken instead of mazier samples in
granular materials like alluvial sand.
[Guidance note: The U samples can be either of U100 or U76. U100 is
preferred. However, the smaller U76 has to be taken when U100 sampler is
precluded by the borehole size. Therefore it is suggested to leave unspecificed.]

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 (f) SPT with liner samples shall be carried out between successive soil sampling.
[Guidance note: Requirement (f) is applicable only if the sampling requirement
(c1) is specified. For different sampling criteria, specify the appropriate SPT
requirement.]

(g1) The rock core shall be N size.

(g2) The rock core shall be H size.
[Guidance note: Rock cores are frequently specified to be N size (54 mm dia)
with some to be H size (76 mm dia). The General Specification for Building
(2012) has defined bedrock using N size. However, the larger core should be
comparatively less disturbed with more ground material removed for inspection.
From operation point of view, H size is preferred as no reaming of casing will be
required if the rock changes to soil and soil samples. If core size is not specified
in the technical requirement, H size will be assumed.]

(h) Up to 2 nos. standpipe / standpipe piezometers with caps, surface box and buckets
shall be installed in x drillholes with details to be provided on site. (Drillhole
nos: x to x)
[Guidance note: Standpipe piezometers are commonly placed inside boreholes.
They are installed at the base of the borehole to measure the main ground, and
the perched water taken at soil rock interface or at the interface between
weathered in-situ rock and colluvium or fill. The standpipe piezometers measure
the pore pressures at their tips. Standpipe, if specified, measures the height of
water table. The buckets are used to record the peak water table. (The measured
height of groundwater and the measured pressure will be different for non-level
groundwater table.)]

B2. Excavated x trial pits/trenches (Trial Pit/Trench nos xx to xx)

(a) y m (for trial trenches) shall be excavated to
a depth of x m or when Hard Strata is encountered whichever is shallower, or
otherwise as directed on site.
[Guidance note: The maximum excavation depth is recommended to be 3 m.]

(b) One bulk sample of 80 Kg shall be collected in each trial pit/trench at location
and depth to be directed on site.
[Guidance note: The amount and the size of bulk samples collected at each trial
pit/trench can be specified differently. As trial pits/trenches are usually used to
investigate surface fill, one sample is usually sufficient. The size of the sample
depends on the tests to be carried out. 80 Kg is the minimum amount of soil
required for compaction tests. Table 3 gives some guidelines on the minimum
mass required. If this amount is not specified, 25 Kg will be presumed.]

(c) In-situ soil density field tests at 1 m interval starting from 1 m below ground
surface shall be carried out if fill materials are encountered or at depth as directed
on site.
[Guidance note: If existing degree of compaction has to be determined, both
requirements (b) and (c) should be specified.]

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 (d1) U100 samples shall be taken at each trial pit/trench at 1 m intervals commencing
from 1 m below the existing ground surface and at a change of strata, or as
instructed on site.
(d2) Undisturbed block samples shall be taken at each trial pit/trench at 1 m intervals
commencing 0.7m below the existing ground surface and at a change of strata, or
as instructed on site.
[Guidance note: U samples and undisturbed block samples are commonly used to
obtain quality samples. The quality of undisturbed block samples should be
better than that of U samples but undisturbed block samples are more difficult to
be prepared especially in materials of low cohesion. U100 is preferred over U76
but sometimes U76 has to be taken because of space limitation. If the
undisturbed soil samples are suspected to be loose fill, special saturation
procedure has to be adopted in the testing for shear strength. (The laboratory
test request should specifically mention that the triaxial tests are those for loosely
compacted fill materials.) However, even with this special saturation procedure,
fabric of sample may still collapse and the validity of these test results should be
examined with care.]

(e) One standpipe with cap, surface box and buckets shall be installed in x trial
pits/trenches (No x to x) with details to be provided on site.

(f) GCO probe test shall be carried out at the base of each trial pit, depth up to x m
below trial pit base or as directed by on site.
[Guidance note: If it is suspected that the bottom of loose fill layer is below than
the base of the trial pit/trench, GCO probe test carrying at the base are
recommended.]

B3. Excavate x slope surface stripping (Slope Stripping Nos xx to xx)

B4. Carry out x GCO probes (GCO x to x)

B5. Core x holes inclined at y

(a) The length of the borehole shall be x m or as instructed on site
[Guidance note: it is often used to investigate the thickness of the retaining
structure e.g. masonry wall and to locate the heel of L-shaped retaining wall. It
maximum length is 6 m and no soil samples can be collected.

B6. Set out the locations of GI stations

[Guidance note: This requirement is for the GI contractor to set out by survey the
initial positions of the GI stations after the issue of the Works Orders. If all GI stations
can be marked on site during site visits, there is no need to include this requirement. If
the general location of a GI station is not known, e.g. in land covered by vegetation, or
when the GI station has to be located precisely, setting out is then required. For
prudent, if it is unclear, this requirement should be included. With respect to the as-
built locations of all GI stations, they will be surveyed by the GI contractor as parts of
the GI works and no separate specification is required.]

B7. x copies of Final Fieldworks Report are required.

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 [Guidance note: The number of the reports specified shall be the number required by
PM/PSE. The number of hard copies of the reports stipulated in the Works Orders will
be one more than the number required and the number for soft copies will be one more
extra i.e. if the PM/PSE asks for x copies, the Works Orders will stipulate x+1 hard
copies and x+2 soft copies of the report. The extra copies are for the Geotechnical
Information Unit. Each hard copy will be accompanied by a soft copy of the report.
Usually 2 copies of the final reports are sufficient for the design.]

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 Appendix C

Typical Requirement for GI Fieldworks

(Foundation Works)

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Typical Technical Requirements for GI Fieldworks (Foundation Works)

C1. Excavated x trial pits/trenches (Trial Pit/Trench nos x to x)

(a) y m (for trial trenches) shall be excavated to
a depth of x m or when Hard Strata is encountered whichever is shallower, or
otherwise as directed on site.
[Guidance notes:
1. Trial pits/trial trenches are useful for shallow foundation.
2. The maximum excavation depth is recommended to be 3 m.]

(b) One bulk sample of 80 Kg shall be collected in each trial pit/trench at location
and depth to be directed on site.
[Guidance note: This item is optional as necessary to suit the project. If
required, see Guidance note under B2(b)]

(c) In-situ soil density field tests at 1 m interval starting from 1 m below ground
surface shall be carried out if fill materials are encountered or at depth as directed
on site.
[Guidance note: This item is optional as necessary to suit the project. If existing
degree of compaction has to be determined, both requirements (b) and (c) should
be specified.]

C2. Drill x drillholes (Drillhole nos: x to x)

(a) All drillholes/ Drillhole nos x to x shall be terminated at a depth
(a1) of x m below ground,
(a2) with 5.0 m into Grade III or better rock with not less than 85% total core
recovery
(a3) with 3 successive SPT N values > 200
(a4) with 20 m into sound marble rock with Marble Class I or II
(a5) as directed on site
[Guidance notes:
1. Drillholes are mainly for deep foundation works.
2. (a1), (a2), (a3) and (a4) are common termination criteria. (a1) defines the
maximum depth of investigation. (a2) is for locating bedrock. (a3) is
generally taken as the firm stratum in soil. These criteria can be used in
combination. (a4) is for GI with Scheduled Areas No. 2 and 4 and
Designated Area. For example, all drillhole shall be terminated at a depth
with 3 successive SPT N values > 200 or 5.0 m into Grade III or better rock
with not less than 85% total core recovery, whichever is the shallower.
3. Drill fluid is required to be pumped down to the bottom and flushing drill
debris up the borehole. The common drilling fluid is water. However, for
marble area, the use of water as a flushing medium should be carefully
controlled as there have been cases whether sink holes were induced by
excessive use of flushing water. High quality core samples of cavity infill
can be obtained using air foam as the flushing medium. PSE is
recommended to discuss with GE/NP on choosing the appropriate flushing
medium.]

(b) A 2.0m deep inspection pit shall be excavated at each drillhole.

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 [Guidance Note: The purpose of the inspection pit is to ensure that no utility will
be affected by the drilling. Usually a depth of 2.0 m is specified.]

(c) SPT with liner samples at x m intervals from x m below ground and at a change
of strata.
[Guidance note: For foundation design, SPT with liner sample are normally
specified at 2 m intervals from 2 m below ground level and at change of strata. If
undisturbed soil sampling is required, SPT with liner samples shall be carried out
between successive soil sampling.]

(d) Retractable triple tube core (mazier) samples shall be taken at x m intervals
starting from x m below ground and at a change of strata to a maximum depth of
x m, or down to the bottom level of marine deposit layer whichever is deeper, or
otherwise as directed on site. (Drillhole nos: x to x)
[Guidance Note:
1. This item is optional as necessary to suit the project.
2. For foundation or basement design, mazier samples, if required, may be
specified at 2 m intervals from 2.5 m below existing ground level to a
maximum depth of 15 m, or down to the bottom level of marine deposit
whichever is deeper, or otherwise to a depth as instructed on site. If the
marine deposit is expected to be quite thick, mazier sampling may be
specified at 4 m spacing and at change of strata if there are sufficient
samples for testing. For normal projects without basement, mazier samples
are normally not required. If necessary, they can be obtained from selected
drill holes only, not from all drill holes, to suit the foundation or basement
design.
3. Results from ground investigation field works are generally sufficient to
determine the type and depth of piles. Geological profiles can give a rough
indication of the pile depth, for example, for large diameter bored piles,
rock socketed steel H-piles and mini-piles. For driven H-piles and non-
percussion cast in-situ concrete piles, SPT N values will be used. Therefore
taking mazier samples for determination of shear strength parameters may
not be necessary.]

(e) The rock core shall be N size.

(f) Up to 2 nos. standpipe / standpipe piezometers with caps, surface box and buckets
shall be installed in x drillholes with details to be provided on site. (Drillhole
nos: x to x)
[Guidance Note: This item is optional as necessary to suit the project. If
required, see Guidance note under B1(h).]

C3. Set out the locations of GI stations

[Guidance note: See the Guidance note under B6.]

C4. x copies of Final Fieldworks Report are required.

[Guidance note: See the Guidance note under B7]

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First Issue Date : March 2013 Current Issue Date : March 2013)