ON

THE GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF

QSA MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD.
SITUATED AT VILLAGE LADHAR, VARIO ROAD,
SIALKOT

MAY, 2024

A JOINT VENTURE WITH A.N ASSOCIATES

HEAD OFFICE: 18/62, IST FLOOR, RAFIQUE CENTER
ADAMJEE ROAD, RAWALPINDI. PHONE: 051-5529849,
MOBILE: 0300-8554680 (PEC CONSULT # 998)
LAHORE ADDRESS: 407- N (Ext), PHASE-I, DHA, LAHORE
PHONE: 042-35743752 MOBILE: 0300-4261734
Email: [email protected]
 INDEX
SR. # CONTENTS PAGE #

1 Introduction 1

1.1 General 1

1.2 Scope of work 1-2

1.3 Methodology 2

2 Field Investigations 2-3

2.1 General 3

2.2 Exploratory Boreholes 3

2.3 In-Situ Testing 3

2.3.1 Standard Penetration Tests 3

2.4 Sampling 3

3 Laboratory Testing 3-4

3.1 Particle size Distribution 4

3.2 Atterberg Limits 4

3.3 Subsoil Strength Characteristics 5

3.4 direct Shear Test 5

3.5 Chemical Analysis of Soil 5

4 Groundwater Table 5

5 Field Investigations 6

5.1 Subsoil Stratification 6

6 Type/depth of foundation & Bearing Capacity 7

7 Seismicity 8

8 General Recommendations 8
 List of Tables
Sr. # Contents Page #

Table-1 Results of Insitu Moisture Content Bulk Density and 09

Unconfined Compressive Strength

Table-II Results of Direct Shear tests 10

Table-III Results of Chemicals analysis of soil 11

 APPENDICES
Contents
Appendix I Field Boring Logs
Appendix II Grain Size analysis curves
 THE GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF
QSA MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD.
SITUATED AT VILLAGE LADHAR, VARIO ROAD,
SIALKOT
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Planning for the construction of QSA Technologies Pvt Ltd, situated at
Village Ladhar, Vario Road, Sialkot is in process. In order to determine
geotechnical parameters of the sub surface deposits. M/s Soil Cone
Foundation Masters (SCFM) were entrusted by the client to perform the
geotechnical investigation at the project site.
The site is a vacant plot and is about 4 ft lower than the road level.
For economical and safe foundation design, the knowledge of subsoil
stratification and engineering characteristics of the foundation material is
very essential. Accordingly, the job of soil investigation was undertaken
after getting due approval from the client.
1.2 SCOPE OF WORK
Complete scope of Geotechnical Investigations is summarized below;
 Drilling of Three (03) exploratory boreholes maximum down to 40 ft
depth below existing ground level (EGL) using Hand Auger cum light
percussion drilling technique.
 Performance of Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) in each borehole
at 3, 6 and 10 upto 10 ft and below 10 ft every 5 ft interval upto 40 ft
depth below existing ground level (EGL).
 Collection of relatively undisturbed soil samples from these boreholes
using appropriate sampler at appropriate depths in cohesive strata.
 Performance of laboratory on selected soil samples in accordance with
the laboratory testing program.
  Preparation of a detailed Geotechnical Site Evaluation Report upto
completion of field work and laboratory testing.
1.3 Methodology
Field investigations were carried out according as per scope of work
proposed by the client. The exploratory boreholes were drilled using Hand
Auger cum light percussion. Field tests (i.e. Standard Penetration Test) was
performed in designated boreholes in accordance with relevant ASTM
standards.
Soil samples were collected from the designated depths of boreholes using
appropriate samplers or techniques for identification and subsequent
laboratory testing. Selected samples were subjected to various laboratory
tests for evaluation of classification, strength and chemical characteristics of
sub-soils.
This report has been prepared on the basis of soil investigations carried out
at the project site and subsequent laboratory testing performed on the
selected soil.
2. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
2.1 General
The field investigations included the following activities;
- Drilling of exploratory boreholes
- In-situ testing in boreholes
- Soil sampling from boreholes
2.2 Exploratory Boreholes
Drilling of Three (03) exploratory boreholes maximum down to 40 ft depth
below existing ground level (EGL) using Hand Auger cum light percussion
drilling technique. The diameter of all the boreholes was 4 inch.
A careful record of all the materials encountered in each borehole was
maintained in the form of borehole logs. Data of SPTs conducted in each
hole was also recorded on the respective borehole log attached as Appendix-I.
2.3 In-situ Testing

A brief description of the in-situ tests is provided in the following sections.

2.3.1 Standard Penetration Tests
For evaluating the consistency and compactness of the foundation soils,
Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) in each borehole at 3, 6 and 10 upto 10 ft
and below 10 ft every 5 ft interval upto 40 ft depth below existing ground
level (EGL). SPTs were conducted in accordance with the procedures
described in ASTM D-1586.
A donut type hammer, weighing 63.5 kg, has been used for the test. The
hammer was lifted and dropped mechanically through the flywheel of
drilling rig and pulley hanged to a tripod. Prior to performing each SPT,
the loose material existing in the hole was properly washed. A split spoon
sampler without a liner was used for all the tests. Disturbed soil samples
were obtained through the split spoon sampler. SPT N-values is recorded in
field boring logs as Appendix-I.
2.4 Sampling
Disturbed soil samples were obtained from all the boreholes through split
spoon sampler while performing SPTs. The disturbed samples were placed
in polythene bags and preserved in wide-mouthed plastic jars. The jars
were clearly labeled to indicate the project name, project code, borehole
designation and depth of sample.
3. LABORATORY TESTING
For evaluation of physical, engineering, and chemical characteristics of the
subsoil, selected disturbed soil samples were tested in the laboratory
according to laboratory testing program prepared by M/s Soil Cone
Foundation Masters. The following laboratory tests were performed on
selected soil samples.
- Particle size distribution
- Atterberg Limits (LL, PL)
 - Direct shear test
- Chemical analyses of soil samples
A brief description of these tests is given in the following sections. A
summary of laboratory test results is given in grain size analysis curves
attached as Appendix-II.
3.1 Particle Size Distribution
For classifying the various subsurface soil units, selected soil samples were
subjected to sieve analyses during these geotechnical studies. Some of the
samples containing more than 30 percent material passing sieve no. 200
were further subjected to hydrometer analyses. The sieve analyses were
performed in accordance with the procedures specified in ASTM D 422,
with sample preparation by ASTM D 2217 (wet preparation method),
Procedure B. The hydrometer analyses were carried out in accordance with
procedure as specified in ASTM D 422.
Results of sieve and hydrometer analyses were plotted in the form of
gradation curves attached as Appendix-II.
3.2 Atterberg Limits
For evaluating plasticity characteristics of cohesive soils, liquid and plastic
limit tests were performed on selected soil samples. The tests were
performed as specified in ASTM Designation D-4318. The results indicate
that the subsoil is both fine & coarse textured in the entire drilled depth and
falls under CL, SM and SP groups of Unified Soil Classification System.
The results have been recorded in the grain size analysis curves.
3.3 Subsoil Strength Characteristics
The strength characteristics of subsoil foundation material were
investigated employing both standard penetration and unconfined
compression tests. The “qu” for clayey strata varies from 1.35 to 1.70
tons/sq.ft. The S.P.T. “N” value for the whole strata varies from 14 to 27.
The results of Insitu moisture content, bulk density & unconfined compression
strength are given in Table-I.
3.4 Direct Shear Test
In order to estimate shear strength characteristics of foundation soils, soil
samples were subjected to direct shear tests. The tests were carried out at
in-situ moisture condition as specified in ASTM D-3080. The consolidation
pressures were maintained as per the guidelines provided in laboratory
testing program. The test results are provided in Table-II. The Angle of
internal friction “” was evaluated to be 29-31 while cohesion “c” is almost
0 Psi.
3.5 Chemical Analysis of Soil
Selected samples close to the proposed foundation depth were tested for
Sulphate content. The results indicate that the subsoil did not contain
harmful quantity of Sulphate in the tested soil samples. As such “Ordinary
Portland Cement” (O.P.C.) may be used in the foundations. The results are
given in Table-III.
4. Groundwater Table
The ground water table was encountered from 30-30.50 ft depth. The
readings were taken during third week of May, 2024.
5. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
Brief description of field investigations conducted at site is given here
under.
5.1 Subsoil Stratification
The site was explored through 3-boreholes maximum drilled upto 40 ft
depth. The subsoil strata is given as follows:-
BH-1
00.00 – 17.00 ft. = Moderately Plastic Stiff Silty Clay
17.00 - 20.00 ft. = Medium dense Silty Sand
20.00 - 40.00 ft. = Medium dense Fine Sand Trace Silt

BH-2
00.00 – 16.00 ft. = Moderately Plastic Stiff Silty Clay
16.00 - 20.50 ft. = Medium dense Silty Sand
20.50 - 40.00 ft. = Medium dense Fine Sand Trace Silt

BH-3
00.00 – 17.00 ft. = Moderately Plastic Stiff Silty Clay
17.00 - 20.50 ft. = Medium dense Silty Sand
20.50 - 40.00 ft. = Medium dense Fine Sand Trace Silt

The subsoil strata is graphically explained in field boring logs and attached
as Appendix-I.
6. TYPE/ DEPTH OF FOUNDATION & BEARING CAPACITY
Keeping in view the prevailing field conditions, the following type and depth
of foundation is suggested for the proposed structure:-
For Structure with Basement (G+2)
Type = Strip Footing
Depth = 11 ft below road level with one 6 inch compacted layer of
sand gravels 50:50 ratio from 11-11.50 ft depth.

qa(net) = 1.30 tons/sq.ft.

Note: The subsoil encountered below foundation depth is typical moderately

plastic silty clay which sharply looses its shear strength under water
penetration. It is therefore advised that, no water should be allowed to
penetrate into the foundation soil from any source.

Checked by (JAMSHED KHALID)

Engineer Karamet Ali TECHNICAL ADVISOR
MSC.Civil Engineering SOIL CONE FOUNDATION MASTERS
PEC # 16580 LAHORE
7. SEISMICITY

Pakistan Building Code Seismic Provisions (2007) shows that the project
area falls in Zone 2B of Seismic Zoning Map of Pakistan included in the
Pakistan Building Code Seismic Provisions (2007).
Seismic Peak Horizontal Soil Profile Type
Zone ground
acceleration
2B 0.16 to 0.24g SD

Where “g” is the acceleration due to gravity

8. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The drainage should be improved, no water should be allowed to
penetrate into the foundation soil from any source.
2. The required raising may be done as per site requirement.
3. The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface
conditions only at the specific sampling or testing locations, and then
only the depths investigated at the time the work was carried out.
Conditions may exist which were undetectable given in the limited
nature of the enquiry, SCFM was retained to undertake with respect
to the site. Our advice is based upon the conditions encountered
during these investigations. The accuracy of the advice provided in
this report may be limited by undetected variations in ground
conditions between sampling locations.
4. The gravel part of the mixture should consist of ¾ inch down to No: 4
Sieve (20mm to 5mm size) well graded and compacted to not less than
98 to 100 % against its maximum corresponding Modified AASHTO
Density.
 TABLE - I
RESULTS OF INSITU MOISTURE CONTENT, BULK DENSITY AND
UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Depth Insitu Bulk

Sr. Location In Moisture Density “qu”
# Feet Content p.c.f tons/sq.ft.
%

1. BH-1 02.50 09.00 115.00 1.35

2. BH-1 05.50 08.00 110.00 1.50

3. BH-1 09.50 07.20 109.50 1.60

4. BH-2 02.50 08.60 110.70 1.50

5. BH-2 05.50 07.80 109.90 1.65

6. BH-2 09.50 07.00 109.00 1.70

7. BH-3 03.00 09.30 111.40 1.30

8. BH-3 05.50 08.40 110.50 1.50

9. BH-3 09.50 07.10 109.20 1.68

 T A B L E - II

RESULTS OF DIRECT SHEAR TESTS

Angle of Apparent
Sr. Location Depth Internal cohesion
# In Friction “c”
Feet “” psi

1. BH-1 20.00 30.00 0

2. BH-2 20.00 29.00 0

3. BH-3 45.00 31.00 0

 T A B L E - III

RESULTS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL

Depth Sulphate Content
Sr. Location In So4
# Feet %

1. BH-1 03.00 0.071

2. BH-2 03.00 0.072

3. BH-3 03.00 0.070

Maximum limit of Sulphate

Content for Foundations = 0.24% Maximum
 A P P E N D I X-I

FIELD BORING LOGS

 A P P E N D I X-II

GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS CURVES