Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,

Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER-I PAGE NO

1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 FIELD INVESTIGATION 2

2.1 GENERAL 2

2.2 BORING 2

2.3 STANDARD PENETRATION TEST (SPT) 3

2.4 SAMPLING 3

2.5 MEASUREMENT WATER LEVEL 4

2.6 DETAILS OF BOREHOLES 4

3.0 LABORATORY TESTING 4

CHAPTER-II

4.0 SUBSOIL PROFILE 7

5.0 GENERAL SOIL CONDITION 8

5.1 CHOICE OF FOUNDATION 8

6.0 CONCLUSIONS & GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 12

ANNEXURE

BOREHOLE LOCATION PLAN

SUB-SOIL PROFILE

FIELD BORELOG DATA SHEETS

LABORATORY TEST RESULTS

FIELD SPT VALUE WITH CURVE

LIQUEFACTION RESISTANCE WITH DEPTH CURVE

GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTION CURVES

SHEAR TESTS CURVES

Tripureswari Construction and Consultancy 1

Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

CHAPTER-I
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Geotechnical Investigation work for proposed construction of RCC Building (G+2) at
Rajbari, Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.has been awarded to Tripureswari
Construction & Consultancy, Office L.N.Bari Road, Near Loknath Ashram, Banamalipur,
Agartala, Tripura (W) , Pin-799001.

The scope of field work comprised of sinking one (1) bore hole of 150 mm diameter of 16.50 m
(BH-1) depth. The scope also included conducting Standard Penetration Tests, collecting
disturbed and undisturbed soil samples at regular interval or change of strata whichever is
earlier for identification and conducting laboratory tests.

Field work for boreholes has been completed on 06.09.2022 The 150 mm diameter boreholes
were advanced by Wash and Auger boring method. Objectives of soil investigation work were to
study sub-soil stratification, characteristics, assess engineering properties for safe design of
foundation of proposed multi-storied building.

In an attempt to optimize in the design of foundations for the proposed buildings at this site, the
geotechnical investigation program had been divided mainly into two parts, like. field works part
unfurling the sub-surface deposit types and their states of occurrences in-situ and laborat01y tests
part which would help to determine the relevant physical and the geotechnical properties of the
sub-surface deposits leading to the finalization of foundation type and foundation design bearing
capaci1y with particular reference to sub-surface deposit types and their strength parameters and
settlement in-situ.

2.0 FIELD INVESTIGATION

2.1 GENERAL
For finalization of design of foundation for proposed building, geotechnical investigation was
carried out in two stages.

a) Field Works
b) Laboratory Testing

The field work reveals the type of sub-surface deposits and their characterization. Laboratory
tests help in determining relevant geotechnical properties of subsurface deposits required for
finalizing type and depth of foundation for proposed structure. Soil bearing capacity is
estimated based on the sub-surface types, strength parameters and settlement potentials at site.

2.2 BORING
Boring is the most practical and relatively corrects method among different types of explorations
of sub-surface information. The most important aspect of boring operation is to obtain
information about subsoil profiles, its characteristics, and strength and to collect soil samples for
strata identification and conducting laboratory tests. Nominal diameter of bore hole was 150 mm
and all borings were conducted as per IS: 1892. Layout of bore holes has been presented in the
report.
Bore Holes were taken at specified locations and were extended up to maximum depth of 16.50
m. Wash boring was used in all types of soil. Adequate care as per specification and Indian
standard practice was taken to prevent any possible side collapse in bore holes.

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Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

Details of bore holes including Standard Penetration Tests and collection of disturbed and
undisturbed soil samples are shown in Bore Logs. Disturbed and undisturbed representative
samples of sub-surface deposits were collected from bore holes, labeled depth wise and placed
in polythene bags. Reference Numbers and depth of samples are shown in Bore Log Data
Sheets.

For reliable assessment of soil properties, enough disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were
collected from different depths in bore holes and at change of strata. Soil samples were collected
as per IS: 2132. Soils of different layers were classified by description of colour, type of soil,
consistency etc. during boring and recorded in Bore Logs. Undisturbed soil samples (U)
collected in sample tubes were properly trimmed at both ends and sealed with paraffin at both
ends immediately after extracting the samples from bore hole. Ground water level in each bore
hole was determined as per IS: 6935 and recorded in Bore Logs.

2.3 STANDARD PENETRATION TEST (SPT)

Standard Penetration Tests were conducted in bore using a split spoon sampler as per IS: 2131-
1981 holes at 1.50 m depth interval or at change of strata whichever is earlier.

Standard Penetration Tests were conducted in all types of soil deposits met in bore holes to
find variation in soil stratification by correlating the number of blows required for penetration
of standard split spoon sampler. The tests were carried out at different depths in both Bore
Holes in all subsoil strata encountered, using standard Split Spoon Sampler driven through 45
cm by 63.5 Kg weight falling freely through a height of 750 mm. A count of number of blows
for every 15 cm penetration was maintained. Total number of blows for last 30 cm penetration
of Split Spoon Sampler was recorded as the SPT or N-value and shown in Bore Log Data
Sheets. The disturbed samples so recovered in the penetrometer tube were placed in the
polythene bags and labeled.

2.4 SAMPLING
Undisturbed Samples
For proper evaluation of engineering properties of in-situ soils, including shear parameters and
consolidation characteristics, representative undisturbed soil samples have to be collected at
intervals along the boreholes, whenever clayey silt/silty clay or silty fine sand with clay binders
were encountered. Such soil sample contains all the constituent materials as well as physical
structures of the respective stratum.
For collection of undisturbed soil sample, a 100 mm diameter open-drive soil sampler was used.
Soil samples were collected in thin, 450 mm long sample tube, driven in boreholes with the help
of down-hole hammer, called “Jarring Link”. This tool enabled collection with minimum sample
disturbance. The sampler was provided with an arrangement for holding the sample by vacuum
at the time of extraction after collection of the soil sample.
The driving end of the tube were fitted with a thin walled and sharp cutting shoe with low area
ratio (<20%). After withdrawal the ends of the tubes were sealed with wax and capped before
onward transmission to the laboratory.
Disturbed Samples
For proper identification and classification of soils, representative soil samples are required at
frequent intervals along the boreholes. Disturbed representative soil samples were collected
during progress of boring, from shell and also from split-spoon sampler of Standard Penetration
Tests conducted at different depth in boreholes. Such soil sample contains all the constituent

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Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

materials of the respective stratum. Depth and details of the sample are shown in the borehole
logs (Annexure).

2.5 MEASUREMENT OF WATER LEVEL

Standing water level was found at 2.00 m below EGL. However, ground water level is
considered at ground level for design purpose.

2.6 DETAILS OF BOREHOLES

Dates of
BH No. Depth of SWL
Depth (m)
below EGL (m) Start Completion
BH-1 16.50 2.00 06.09.2022 06.09.2022
Note: SWL=Standing Water Level, EGL=Existing Ground Level

3.0 LABORATORY TESTING

The following laboratory tests were performed on soil samples obtained from the bore hole for
proper identification and classification of the sub-soil, as well as to obtain adequate information
about its specific physical and geotechnical properties at the site under investigation:

Sr No Laboratory Test for Soil Samples Indian Standard Code

1 Grain size analysis (Sieve as well as Hydrometer). IS:2720 (Part IV)
2 Liquid Limit & Plastic Limit. IS:2720 (Part V)
3 Natural Moisture Content. IS:2720 (Part II)
4 Specific Gravity. IS:2720 (Part III)
5 Bulk & Dry Density. IS:2720 (Part XI)
6 Triaxial Shear Test (UU) IS:2720 (Part XI)
7 Unconfined Compressive Strength (UC) IS:2720 (Part X)
8 Direct Shear Test (DS). IS:2720 (Part XIII)
9 One-dimensional Consolidation Test. IS:2720 (Part XV)

The above-mentioned laboratory tests were done following the testing procedure given in the
Relevant Parts of IS: 2720. Results of all tests are furnished in Annexure of this report.
The following laboratory tests were carried out on disturbed and undisturbed soil samples for
identification and classification purposes and to obtain the strength and other properties of the
soil formation. Laboratory testing of soils samples included the performance of such tests as
Grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, Unconsolidated undrained triaxial compression tests,
Direct shear tests, consolidation tests, Bulk density, Natural moisture content, etc. The results of
all laboratory tests conducted with soil samples are provided in this report.

3.1 Grain Size Distribution

The Grain size distribution tests of soil samples were conducted as per IS: 2720 (Part-4). The soil
fractions passing 4.75 mm IS sieve and retained on 75-micron sieve were analyzed by sieving.
For the soil’s fractions passing 75-micron sieve, Hydrometer tests were conducted. The grain size
distribution data and curves have been given in this report.

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Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

3.2 Atterberg Limits

The tests for Atterberg limits of Liquid Limit, and Plastic limit were determined as per IS : 2720
(Part-5 & 6). The liquid limits were determined using standard liquid limit device and a
grooving tool. The results of all such tests are presented in Annexure. Plasticity Index (PI) is
defined as the difference between Liquid limit and Plastic Limit.

3.3 Triaxial Compression Test (Unconsolidated Undrained)

Shear strength parameters of cohesion (C) and angle of internal friction (φ) respectively, and σ is
the normal stress on the plane of shear failure. For the purpose of determining the shear strength
parameters of clayey soils, unconsolidated undrained (UU) triaxial compression tests for soil
samples were conducted with undisturbed soil samples in the laboratory in an electrically
operated Universal Triaxial Compression Testing Machine, as per IS : 2720. The shear strength
parameters of cohesion (C) and angle of Internal Friction (φ) of soils, as determined from Triaxial
Compression tests are provided in Annexure.

3.4 Unconfined Compressive Strength Test

Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) stands for the maximum axial compressive stress that
a cohesive soil specimen can bear under zero confining stress. Unconfined compression test is
one of the fastest and cheapest methods of measuring shear strength of clayey soil. Unconfined
Compressive Strength (UCS) is the load per unit area at which an unconfined cylindrical
specimen of soil will fail in the axial compression test. If the axial compression force per unit
area has not reached a maximum value even at 20 percent axial strain, the UCS shall be taken as
the value obtained at 20 percent axial strain.

3.5 Direct Shear Test

Direct shear test (DS) on coarse grained soil samples is normally conducted in the laboratory, as
per relevant IS code of Practice. For predominantly cohesionless soil samples, Direct shear tests
were conducted in laboratory. All results of such tests and graphs have been provided in
Annexure.

3.6 Specific Gravity

The specific gravity of different minerals present in subsoils may vary. Specific gravity as such
does not indicate the behavior of soil mass under external loads, but it is an important factor,
which is used in computing other properties of soil, particularly consolidation characteristics.
The specific gravity of soil samples was determined in the laboratory as per IS: 2720 (Part-3).

3.7 One Dimensional Consolidation Test

The consolidation properties of fine-grained soils required for settlement analysis of foundations,
were determined from consolidation tests conducted in the laboratory as per IS: 2720 (Part-15). The
void ratio vs. log pressure curves has been shown.

Correction of ‘N’ value (recorded) with depth:

The ‘N’ values play an important role to have an idea about the consistency or relative density of
the particular strata. Not only that, it also gives with co-relation factor, the soil parameters to
evaluate bearing capacity and settlement of any particular soil strata. The use of SPT correction

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Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

factor is often confusing. Corrections for field procedures (Energy Correction) are always
appropriate, but the overburden pressure correction may or may not be appropriate depending
on the procedures by those who developed the analysis method under consideration. For
cohesive soil there is no need for overburden pressure correction (Peck et al., 1974). For Cohesion
less soil at first overburden pressure correction is made, then if it is fines and or silt under water
table with ‘N’ value> 15, dilatancy correction is made. For clean sand dilatancy correction is not
required.

Correction of SPT Value for Field Procedures

On the basis of field observations, it appears reasonable to standardize the field SPT number as a
function of the input driving energy and its dissipation around the sampler around the
surrounding soil. The variations in testing procedures may beat least partially compensated by
converting the measured N to N60 as follows (Skempton, 1986). IS1893 Part 1 2016 has adopted
the similar correction.

where, N60= Corrected SPT N-value for field procedures

EH= Hammer efficiency (Table 11 IS1893 Part 1 2016)
CB= Borehole diameter correction (Table 12 IS1893 Part 1 2016) CS= Sampler
correction (Table 12 IS1893 Part 1 2016)
CR= Rod length correction (Table 12 IS1893 Part 1 2016)
N= Measured SPT N value in field
This correction is to be done irrespective of the type of soil.

Correction of SPT Value for Overburden Pressure

In cohesionless soils, the overburden pressure affects the penetration resistance. For SPT made at
shallow levels, the values are usually too low. At a greater depth, the same soil at the same
density index would give higher penetration resistance. It was only as late as in 1957that Gibbs
& Holtz (1957) suggested that corrections should be made for field SPT values for depth. Peck et.
al. (1974) suggested a standard pressure of 100 kN/m2 (Equivalent to 1 tsf or 1 kg/cm2
overburden corresponding to a depth of 5 m). As such, all field SPT values are to be corrected by
the correction factor given below

(𝑁1)60=𝐶𝑁×𝑁60≤2𝑁60

where, (CN)0 = Over burden pressure correction factor. Liao and Whitman’s relationship

(1986): CN =

Where   is in kN/m2 or kPa.

Correction of SPT Value for Water Table

In addition to corrections of overburden, investigators suggested corrections of SPT-value for

water table in the case of fine sand or silt below water table. Apparently, high N-values maybe
observed especially when observed value is higher than 15 due to dilatancy effect. In saturated,
fine or silty, dense or very dense sand the N-values may be abnormally great because of the

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Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

tendency of such materials to dilate during shear under undrained conditions. The pore pressure
affects the resistance of the soil and hence the N value. In such cases, following correction is
recommended (Terzaghi and Peck, 1948).

The correction process is represented by flowchart as shown in Figure below.

Field SPT N Value, N

Correction for Field Procedure

N60

Cohesionless Cohesive
Soil Type

Overburden Pressure Correction N60(CORR))

Fine Sand/Silt No
and Below water
(N1)60 (N1)60(CORR)
table and
(CORR))
(N1)60>15

Yes
Dilatancy/Water Table Correction

(N1)60(CORR)

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Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

CHAPTER-III
5.0 GENERAL SOIL CONDITION
The soil strata in a bore hole predominantly consist of silty clay/ clayey silt of intermediate
plasticity and silty sand/sandy silt of non-plasticity. encountered and that continue up to the
terminating depth of borehole. Standing water level was found at 2.00 m below EGL.

5.1 CHOICE OF FOUNDATION

In views of the above sub-soil conditions in mind only deep foundations have been discussed in
the following paragraphs as the top soil layer is too weak to recommend any open foundation.
According to subsoil conditions below 6.00m depth soil strata is very weak, thus may cause
differential settlement over the year.

USE OF DEEP FOUNDATION:

Bored cast in-situ piles are preferred due to typical geological formation, availability of
construction agencies; ease of construction and less sound pollution.
While calculating the pile capacity, let us assume that,
a) Cut off depth = 1.50 m below existing ground level.
b) Pile capacities shall be ascertained by approved method (IS 2911 (Part 1/Sec 2):2010).
c) Assumed Grade of Concrete = M25.
d) Diameter of pile used = 450 mm.

Sample Calculation of Safe Vertical Pile Capacity around BH-1 [As per IS 2911 (Part 1/Sec 2) :
2010]

Pile embedment depth below existing cutoff level 14.50 m.

Diameter of pile = 450 mm.

Design Strength Parameters:

STRATUM-I:
Design corrected “N” = 02
Considering the subsoil condition,
Use, design C = 0.15 kg/cm2 and Ф = 0o. Also use, K = 1.00 & δ = 0o
γsat = 1.65 t/m3. γsub = 0.65 t/m3[Effective density]
STRATUM-II:
Considering the subsoil condition,
Use, design C = 0.00 kg/cm2 and Ф =33o. Also use, K = 1.15 & δ = 33o
γsat = 1.90 t/m3. γsub = 0.90 t/m3[Effective density]

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Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

DETERMINATION OF LATERAL PILE CAPACITY

Piles are often subjected to lateral loads under different conditions. In designing such piles, two
criteria need be satisfied: first, an adequate factor of safety against ultimate failure and second an
acceptable deflection at working loads. Safe lateral capacities as recommended may be
moderated in design, keeping compatibility with structural design and acceptable horizontal
deflection.

Lateral deflection at head of fixed head pile under given horizontal load is given by [as per IS
2911 (Part 1/Sec 2):2010]:

H (e + z f )
3

y =
12 E I
y = Permissible deflection of pile head
H = Safe Lateral load capacity
E = Young’s Modulus of pile material
I = Moment of Inertia of pile cross section
zf = Depth of fixity
e = Cantilever length below bottom of pile cap

Sample calculation as per Appendix – C of IS 2911 (Part 1/Sec 2):2010 is provided for reference
which may be used in ascertaining actual capacity in pile design.
Calculating Lateral Pile Capacity for (Stratum I)
Design Strength Parameters:
STRATUM-I:
Design corrected “N” = 02
Considering the subsoil condition,

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Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
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Use, design C = 0.13 kg/cm2 (Considering safer Side)([(As per IS 2911 (Part 1/Sec 2): 2010]

C value = 0.13 kg/sqcm

Cantilever length(L1) = 0 cm
Dia. of pile = 450 mm
fck of concrete = 25 MPa
Deflection = 4.5 mm
K1 = 0.47 Kg/cucm
Constant factor K = 0.21 Kg/cucm
Moment of inertia (I) = 2.013E+05 cm4
E of concrete = 25000 N/sqmm
R= 270.783 cm
L1/R = 0.0000
Factor for calculating zf = 1.95000 cm
Depth of Fixity zf = 528.03 cm
Pile head deflection Y = 2.438E-01 cm
Deflection at cut-off level = 4.50 mm
Moment = 2.64 t-m per T of Thrust
Reduction Factor = 0.70
H= 1.85 T
Corrected actual moment = 1.85 t-m per T of Thrust

So,
Total Lateral Pile Load Capacity of (Stratum-I) = 1.85 t.
Total Corrected actual moment (Stratum-I) = 1.85 t-m per t of thrust.

Based on soil design parameters, vertical and lateral load capacities for pile are presented below.

Termination Depth Recommended Lateral

Recommended Recommended
of pile below Vertical Shaft Dia of Load Capacity
Vertical Pile Uplift
Ground level (m) Length (m) Pile (mm)
Load Capacity (t) Load Capacity (t)

Load (t) Moment (t-m/t)

16.00 14.50 450 26.21 10.00 1.85 1.85
Note: The above load should confirm by Load Test of pile as per IS: 2911(Part 4).

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Project: - Soil investigation work for the Construction of Residential Building (G+2) at Rajbari,
Mandappara, Dharmanagar, North Tripura.

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the field tests and the foregoing discussion the following are summarized:

a) The sub soil characteristic of Site for proposed (G+2) at Rajbari, Mandappara,
Dharmanagar, North Tripura.was investigated maximum up to 16.50 m depth.

b) Standing water level was found at 2.00 m below EGL. However, Ground water level is
considered at ground level for design purpose.

c) Due to presence of poor cohesion & angle of internal friction in sub surface conditions,
deep foundation in form of RCC pile is recommended for anticipated loading from the
superstructure.

Proper load test as per IS: 2911(Part-4)-2013 shall be conducted to check the capacities of
piles. The piles should be placed at a center to center spacing of three times the diameter
of the pile.

d) Low strain nondestructive integrity tests as per IS:14893-2001 shall be conducted to check
the soundness of each Pile.

e) The termination depth of Piles is suggested at 16.0 m depth below ground level.
Estimated and recommended vertical, uplift and lateral capacities of pile have been
presented in previous sections. For convenience recommended capacities are
summarized below.

Depth of Pile Recommended Pile

Depth of Pile Unit
Pile below Capacity Depth of
below Moment
Location Diameter Existing Fixity Zf
Cut-off Vertical Uplift Lateral (t-m per 1 t (cm)
(mm) ground level
(m) (t) (t) (t) of thrust)
(m)
BH-1 450 16.00 14.50 26.21 10.00 1.85 1.85 528.03

f) Soil Investigation work was carried out with all precautions according to IS
specifications and Standard Text Books and in presence of the Client’s
representative.

Subhra Sarkar
Sr.Geotechnical Engineer
B.Tech (Civil),
M.Tech (Geotechnical Engg.)

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