G&P GEOTECHNICS SDN BHD

Specification for DC/DR

09 January 2001

SPECIFICATION FOR DYNAMIC CONSOLIDATION /

DYNAMIC REPLACEMENT

1.0 SOIL IMPROVEMENT

1.1 General

Soil Investigation Information are provided in Part B1 annex as a guide to the Contractor for his
consideration of the Soil Improvement Methodology.

1.1.1 Description Of Work

The Contractor shall analyse by pre-engineering testing using approved type Pressuremeter
test (PMT), Cone Penetration Test (CPT) and other additional methods if required the in-situ
soils to determine the bearing capacity and the potential for settlement due to the various
loading as specified in Section 5.3.

The approximate limits of work are shown on the ground improvement drawings. The exact
limits of work shall be determined jointly by the Superintending Officer and the Contractor upon
completion of the pre-engineering testing performed.

The Superintending Officer may also direct the Contractor to perform ground improvement in
other areas deemed necessary.

The Contractor shall design and carry out appropriate methods of soil improvement required
depths to ensure the bearing capacity and the settlement of soils within the site limits be
improved to the criteria specified in Section 5.3. All design proposals shall have the
endorsement of a registered Professional Engineer in Singapore.

The following soil improvement methods may be used individually, or in combination to achieve
the desired results. This listing is not necessarily all-inclusive and Contractor may elect to use
other methods with prior approval of the Superintending Officer.

1. Dynamic consolidation

2. Dynamic replacement

3. Surcharging

4. Vertical drains

5. Excavation and soil replacement

The Contractor shall carry out surface monitoring to control the ground improvement works to
establish compliance with the Criteria of Acceptance.

The Contractor shall submit drawings to the Superintending Officer for approval prior to
commencement of the ground improvement work, showing the limits of each proposed soil
improvement method.

The Contractor shall integrate the scheduling of infrastructure construction with the ground
improvement work to ensure that damage to completed infrastructure does not occur and to
minimise delays of work.

DCR 1
G&P GEOTECHNICS SDN BHD
Specification for DC/DR
09 January 2001

1.1.2 Contractor Qualifications

The ground improvement work shall be performed by a qualified company, or companies, each
having a minimum of fifteen years experience in ground improvement techniques and shall be
subject to the approval of the Superintending Officer. Company or companies shall have
successfully completed not less than 10 major projects involving ground improvement using the
approved techniques, of which at least ten projects shall have been large scale ground
improvement projects of a minimum of 100,000 sq. meters each, and at least five projects of
similar nature shall have been performed in Singapore. Contractor shall be able to deliver
compaction energy from 300 ton meter to at least 1,000 ton meter energy per blow. The
Contractor shall prove his capability of having delivered such compaction energies in his
previous projects. Contractor shall also have the site services of a competent and experienced
geotechnical engineer who is capable of analyzing existing soil data, obtaining and interpreting
additional data as required, performing field testing prior to, during and after ground
improvement and designing the ground improvement program best suited to the site conditions
of this projects.

1.1.3 Quality Assurance

All testing procedures shall be performed in accordance with the indicated standards:-

Standard Number Title

ASTM D-422 Particle Size Analysis of Soils

ASTM D-423 Liquid Limit of Soils

ASTM D-424 Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of Soils

ASTM D-854 Specific Gravity of Soils

ASTM D-1140 Amount of Material in Soils

Finer than the no. 200 Sieve

ASTM D-2216 Laboratory Determination of Moisture

Content of Soil

ASTM D-2435 One Dimensional Consolidation

Properties of Soils

ASTM D-2487 Classification of Soils for

Engineering Purposes

ASTM D-2850 Unconsolidated, Undrained Strength

Of Cohesive Soils in Triaxial Compression

Ponts & Chaussees Pressuremeter Testing for In-situ Soil & Rock
Manual Test Procedure NMSIS2

ASTM D-3441 Deep, Quasi-static, Cone and Friction

Cone Penetration Tests of Soils

1.1.3.1 Pressuremeter Testing

The Pressuremeter consists of 2 main elements i.e. a radially expandable cylindrical probe
which consists of 3 independent cells and a monitoring unit which remains on the ground
surface. The recommended type shall be the Pressuremeter type GC. and approved by the

DCR 2
G&P GEOTECHNICS SDN BHD
Specification for DC/DR
09 January 2001

Superintending Officer. The probe shall be protected by a steel casing with longitudinal slits
which allow radial expansion. The monitoring device is connected to the probe by two tubes
one inside the other. The inner tube carries the water to the central cell and space between the
two tubings allows the gas to reach the guard cells to prevent possible expansion of the inner
tubing which would lead to erroneous readings of the amount of water injected.

The installation of the probe shall be driven to the required elevation either by driving as in the
case of the Standard Penetration Test or by static pressure such as in the case of Dutch Cone
Penetration Test. The preferred manner shall be the one that employ the driving method using
a D9000 Pressuremeter Installation rig. Pre-drilled or pre-bored boreholes using rotary wash
boring is not acceptable due to disturbance of the borehole walls, the circulation of water under
pressure between the walls of the borehole and the cone barrel and the risk of alteration of the
soil due to water absorption if left exposed for more than 24 hours.

The test must be carried out systematically, meter by meter in order to record accurately the
variation of strength parameters as a function of depth. Discontinuities in the test spacing are
not allowed. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for continuous Pressuremeter testing from
the ground level to the required depth. The test should be carried out with ten equal loading
increments up to the point of failure. Readings of deformations with respect to time are taken
for each pressure increment of 15 seconds, 30 seconds and one minute after the application of
this increment. To obtain a complete deformation curve, the measured volume should reach
3 3
700 cm if P1<8 bars and 600 cm if 8 bars <P1<15 bars.

1.1.3.2 Pre-Engineering Testings

(i) Contractor shall undertake soil testing prior to commencement of Soil Improvement
works to provide data for the purpose of refining the preliminary design to comply with
the acceptance criteria as specified. The field testing shall include the following:

(a) Pressuremeter tests shall be performed at every meter vertical intervals and at
changes in strata in accordance with the method outlined in Ponts an
Chaussees Manual Test Procedures NMSIS2.

(b) Dutch-Cone Static Penetration Tests shall be performed in accordance with the
ASTM Tentative Method of Deep, Quasi-Static, Cone and Friction Cone
Penetration Tests of Soil (ASTM D3441-79).

(ii) The Contractor shall determine the total number and locations of pre-engineering tests
necessary to analyse the soil conditions and to delineate the areas requiring Dynamic
Consolidation/Replacement works. Pre-engineering testing shall include the following
as a minimum:-

(a) A minimum of one test location of each 2000 sq meter of area marked for
improvement on the drawings.

(b) A Dutch-Cone Penetration Test with a friction sleeve static cone penetrometer
shall be performed at each test location. A Pressuremeter Test shall be
performed at every second test location. A comparison of test results shall be
made, where more than one test is performed at a test location.

(c) Contractor shall determine locations of any additional testing that may be
required in the event that conflicting test results are indicated by two adjacent
tests or to delineate areas for ground improvement.

1.1.3.3 Final Acceptance Testing

DCR 3
G&P GEOTECHNICS SDN BHD
Specification for DC/DR
09 January 2001

(i) The Contractor shall verify the ground improvement works for compliance with the
acceptance criteria by in-situ tests of the improved soils and by analysis of the test
results. The final testing shall be conducted a minimum of one week after completion of
the ground improvement. The final tests shall generally be at the locations of the pre-
engineering test locations and shall include the following field test:

(a) Pressuremeter test shall be performed at every meter intervals and at changes
in strata in accordance with the method outlined in Ponts and Chaussees
Manual Test Procedure NMSIS2.

(b) Dutch Cone Penetration Tests shall be performed in accordance with the
ASTM Tentative Method for Deep Quasi-Static, Cone and Friction cone
Penetration Tests of Soil (ASTM-3441-757).

(ii) Final testing shall include the following as a minimum:-

(a) A minimum of one final test location of each 2000sq meters of improved area.

(b) A Dutch Cone Penetration Test with a friction sleeve static cone penetrometer
shall be performed at each test location. A Pressuremeter Test shall be
performed at every second test location. A comparison of test results shall be
made where more than one test is performed at test location.

(c) Locations for Pressuremeter and Dutch-Cone tests shall not be separate by
more than 3 meters at a test location.

(d) Areas in which the specified criteria are not met shall be reworked by the
Contractor until the specified requirements are met. The Engineer, at its
option, may check the Contractors test results by conducting additional and
independent testing.

1.1.4 Submittals

The Contractor shall submit the following data to the Superintending Officer for review and
approval:-

(i) Method Statement for execution of works

(ii) Pre-engineering testing Proposal : A plan and schedule for pre-engineering testing shall
be submitted at least 7 days before the pre-engineering testing is scheduled to begin.

(iii) Pre-engineering testing Report : Not later than 14 days after completion of pre-
engineering testing, Contractor shall submit a report for each Area or other approved
area, stating the pre-engineering testing plan, including the pre-test data, after test data,
field instrumentation plan and results.

(iv) Daily Activities Report : Narrative report in a format approved by the Engineers,
detailing the day to day activities of the work.

(v) Interim Progress Report : Report on densification operations, including pre-engineering

testing, final acceptance testing, instrumentation and monitoring record and elevation
measurements, quantities completed during month and cumulative quantities to date
and a forecast of remaining work.

(vi) Final Technical Report : This report shall be submitted at the completion of the works.
The Final Report shall contain graphical presentation of all parameters used by the
Contractor to accomplish the acceptance criteria including all pre-engineering test and
final test parameters. All related pre-test and final test results including instrumentation
records shall be shown graphically. The Final Report shall also include calculations

DCR 4
G&P GEOTECHNICS SDN BHD
Specification for DC/DR
09 January 2001

verifying the maximum bearing capacity of the soil and predicted settlements.

(vii) The Contractor shall submit in five copies for each stage of reports which shall be
endorsed by a Professional Engineer before submitting to the Superintending Officer.

(viii) Engineering Calculations : Engineering calculations for bearing capacity and settlement
as required in the Final Technical Report shall be based on the following as applicable:-

- Standard interpretation and application of Pressuremeter test results

- Standard methods for the interpretation and use of static cone penetrometer test
results.

(a) Calculations shall be submitted for review and approval by the Engineers.

(b) Where computer programs are used, the Contractor shall submit to the
Engineer for approval the listing with explanations, user manual and sample problems.

(c) Calculation Methods : Calculations shall be based on the following methods:-

1. Bearing Capacity shall be computed using:

(i) Norm D60 AN Procedure and PMT date (Limit Pressure)

(ii) Schmertmann Equations and CPT data

2. Settlements

(i) Total settlement may be computed based on PMT data using procedures
outlined in Norm D60 AN ‘Interpretation and Application of Pressuremeter
Test Results to Foundation Design’.

(ii) Total settlement shall include immediate and consolidation settlement.

(iii) For granular soils, settlement shall be computed based on CPT data sing
Schmertmann’s method.

(iv) Self bearing settlements shall be computed based on D60.

1.2 Monitoring and Control of the Works

(i) The Contractor shall submit monitoring and control data as specified, together with
recommendations. Such data shall include but not limited to

(a) Measurement of Consolidation of Compressible Clayey Subsoil (if any

present). The degree of consolidation shall be measured using settlement
records of both surface settlement marker and deep settlement plates.

(b) Measurement of Compaction of Loose Sandy Subsoil and Fill : The degree of
compaction shall be measured using Pressuremeter tests and Dutch-cone test
results.

(ii) During the compaction operations Contractors shall monitor surface particle velocity
and acceleration generated by dynamic processes at locations close to existing
pavement, structures or utility lines. The Contractor shall make appropriate
arrangements to ensure that safety of any existing structure or utility from dynamic
processes.

Contractor shall develop and submit for approval of the Engineers, limiting values of particle

DCR 5
G&P GEOTECHNICS SDN BHD
Specification for DC/DR
09 January 2001

velocity and acceleration which will avoid damage to completed infrastructure.

(iii) Vibration shall not exceed approved levels in surrounding structures and pavements.
Where acceptable particle velocity or acceleration are likely to be exceeded, cut off
trenches or other protective measures shall be taken Contractor shall demonstrate to
the satisfaction of the Engineers, by trails, that his proposal will reduce the maximum
particle velocity or acceleration to acceptance values.

(iv) The degree of settlement shall be determined from surface settlement markers and
deep settlement plates. In situ settlement measurement shall be used in the Asaoka
Method to predict total settlement.

(v) The Contractor shall advise the Engineer as to the means of protection, reading and
maintenance of all monitoring equipment such that the Engineers will be able to
continue to monitor the works.

(vi) Contractor shall assign a Resident Geotechnical Engineer approved by the Engineers
to be present at the job site at all times for the duration of the ground improvement
work. The Resident Geotechnical Engineer shall provide coordination with the
Engineers and be available for review meeting.

(vii) Progress Reports : Contractor shall submit progress reports as described in Section
1.1.4

1.3 Acceptance Criteria

1.3.1 Bearing capacity is defined as net allowable bearing capacity.

1.3.2 Differential settlement and settlement are defined as:-

- settlement of loose hydraulic fill under its own weight (self bearing)

- settlement of loose hydraulic fill under static load

- settlement of loose hydraulic fill under dynamic load

- settlement of natural soft clay under fill load and future load

- differential settlement due to variation of fill thickness and soft clay thickness

Tree different loading conditions are identified on the drawings with different
acceptance criteria.

Area type A (roads, sewers and drains)

2
1 Bearing Capacity exceeding 60 kN/m over the upper 6 meters

2 Self bearing conditions over the entire fill thickness

3 Differential settlement not exceeding 1/750

4 Harmonic mean of the pressure meter moduli exceeding 4500 kN/m2 in the
upper 6 meters

Area type B (heavy traffic area)

1 Bearing capacity exceeding 100 kN/m2 over the upper 6 meters

2 Self bearing conditions over the entire fill thickness

DCR 6
G&P GEOTECHNICS SDN BHD
Specification for DC/DR
09 January 2001

3 Differential settlement not exceeding 1/750

4 Harmonic mean of the pressure meter moduli exceeding 9000 kN/m2 in the
upper 5 meters of sand fill

5 Harmonic mean of the pressure meter moduli exceeding 6000 kN/m2 in the
upper 10 meters of sand fill

Area type C – Structures

1 Bearing capacity exceeding 240 kN/m2 for isolated footings constructed 50 cm

below ground surface

2 Self bearing conditions over the entire fill thickness

3 Differential settlement not exceeding 1/1000

4 Total settlement of the single footings and structures not exceeding the
reinforced concrete norms.

The Contractor shall provide professional indemnity to warrantee the performance of

the structures erected on improved grounds

DCR 7
G&P GEOTECHNICS SDN BHD
Specification for DC/DR
09 January 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description Page

1.0 SOIL IMPROVEMENT ............................................................................................................. DCR1

1.1 General ...................................................................................................................... DCR1
1.1.1 Description Work .............................................................................................. DCR1
1.1.2 Contractor Qualifications .................................................................................. DCR2
1.1.3 Quality Assurance ............................................................................................ DCR2
1.1.3.1 Pressuremeter Testing ........................................................................ DCR2
1.1.3.2 Pre-Engineering Testing ..................................................................... DCR3
1.1.3.3 Final Acceptance Testing .................................................................... DCR4
1.1.4 Submittals ......................................................................................................... DCR4
1.2 Monitoring and Control of the Works .......................................................................... DCR5
1.3 Acceptance Criteria .................................................................................................... DCR6

DCR i