SOIL INVESTIGATION

1.0 INTRODUCTION
An investigation of soil is essential for judging its suitability for the proposed engineering works
and for preparing adequate and economic foundation design. In general, the purpose of soil
investigation is to obtain necessary information about the soil and to know the engineering
properties of soil which will be affected.
a) Technical Considerations : An inadequate design or a conservative choice of standard
foundation can lead to a failure causing long outage of transmission line. In modern practice,
a large variety of standardized foundations are being pre-designed with different sets of
properties attached to foreseeably encountered soils. Large variety of soils are encountered
as length of transmission lines are increasing with voltage levels going up. To obtain optimal
choice of pre-designed standard foundations, it is very much necessary to have a proper
scientific knowledge of properties of soil against the back-drop of increasing sizes of towers,
foundations, loads, thereby minimizing the risk of failures of foundations.
b) Economic Considerations : Among site erection activities, the foundations form the major
chunk of the cost. The cost of foundations constitutes 50 to 70% of the total cost of erection
depending upon terrain conditions. It forms 10 to 15% of the total cost of the transmission
line. A considerable saving in the foundation cost can be achieved by having detailed
knowledge of soil properties and making wide usage of them in designing the foundations in
sufficient types and classification of the foundations in field to match the most optimum size
and type of foundation.
In order to conduct soil investigation tests, one location at every 20 kM is considered in
Transmission Line Survey as a standard practice. The locations where the soil investigation is to be
conducted are described below :
The soil investigation is to be conducted at the following locations :
a) At the locations falling in back waters of a tank or reservoirs where there will be stagnation
of water.
b) River crossing locations.
c) Power line crossings having Special foundations.
d) Railway crossings.
e) Other critical location such as National Highway/Creek area/Change in terrains.

Soil investigation may be done at the locations mentioned above. It is not required to be done at
the locations wherever soil could be easily classified and one of standard approved types of
foundations could be adopted.
 1.1Boreholes.
a) Boreholes shall be made to obtain information about the subsoil profile, its nature and
strength and to collect soil samples for strata identification and for conducting laboratory
tests. The minimum diameter of the borehole shall be 150mm and boring shall be carried out
in accordance with the provisions of IS1892 and the present specification.
b) All boreholes shall be 15m deep for normal soil conditions except for marshy/Creek
locations/low bearing Capacity locations where bore hole depth may be up 30m . The depth
of boreholes in river stream shall be 40m unless specified for upto 50m for major rivers viz.
Ganga, Brahmaputra, Narmada etc. in Section-I If a strata is encountered where the Standard
Penetration Test Records N values greater than 100, with characteristics of rock, the
borehole shall be advanced by coring at least 4m further in normal locations and at least 7m
further for the case of river crossing locations with prior approval of the Employer. When the
boreholes are to be terminated in soil strata an additional
c) Standard Penetration Test shall be carried out at the termination depth. No extra payment
shall be made for carrying out Standard Penetration Tests.
d) Casing pipe shall be used when collapse of a borehole wall is probable. The bottom of the
casing pipe shall at all times be above the test of sampling level but not more than 15 cm
above the borehole bottom. In case of cohesionless soils, the advancement of the casing pipe
shall be such that it does not disturb the soil to be tested or sampled. The casing shall
preferably be advanced by slowly rotating the casing pipe and not by driving.
e) In-situ tests shall be conducted and undisturbed samples shall be obtained in the boreholes
at intervals specified hereafter. Representative disturbed samples shall be preserved for
conducting various identification tests in the laboratory. Water table in the bore hole shall be
carefully recorded and reported following IS 6935. No water or drilling mud shall be used
while boring above ground water table. For cohesion less soil below water table, the water
level in the borehole shall at all times be maintained slightly above the water table.
f) The borehole shall be cleaned using suitable tools to the depth of testing or sampling,
ensuring least or minimum disturbance of the soil at the bottom of the borehole. The process
of jetting through an open tube sampler shall not be permitted. In cohesive soils, the
borehole may be cleaned by using a bailer with a flap valve. Gentle circulation of drilling fluid
shall be done when rotary mud circulation boring is adopted.On completion of the drilling,
Contractor shall backfill all boreholes as directed by the Employer.
1.2Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
Sample picture (Geotagged) performing SPT on site
 I. This test shall be conducted in all types of soil deposits encountered within a borehole, to find
the variation in the soil stratification by correlating with the number of blows required for unit
penetration of a standard penetrometer. Structure sensitive engineering properties of
cohesive soils and sifts such as strength and compressibility shall not be inferred based on SPT
values.
II. The test shall be conducted at every change of stratum or at interval of 1.5 m. i.e at 1.5m, 3.0,
4.5m, 6.0m, 7.5m, 9.0m, 10.5m, 12m, 13.5m, 15m, ……….. etc.
III. The Equipment, accessories and procedures for conducting the test shall conform to IS 2131
and IS 9640. The test shall be conducted immediately after reaching to the test depth and
cleaning of bore hole.
IV. The test shall be carried out by driving a standard split spoon sampler in the bore hole by
means of hammer of standard weight as specified in IS 2131, having a free fall of 750mm. The
sample shall be driven using the hammer for 450 mm recording the number of blows for every
150 mm. The number of blows for the last 300 mm drive shall be reported as N value.
V. This test shall be discontinued when the blow count is equal to 100 or the penetration is less
than 25 mm for 50 blows. At the level where the test is discontinued, the number of blows and
the corresponding penetration shall be reported. Sufficient quantity of disturbed soil samples
shall be collected from the split spoon sampler for identifcation and laboratory testing. The
sample shall be visually classified and recorded at the site as well as properly preserved
without loss of moisture content and labeled.

1.3 Sampling
I. Sufficient number of soil samples shall be collected. Disturbed soil samples shall be collected
for soil identification and for conducting tests such as sieve analysis, index properties, specific
gravity, chemical analysis etc. Undisturbed samples shall be collected to estimate the physical
bearing capacity and settlement properties of the soil.
II. All accessories and sampling methods shall conform to IS 2132. all disturbed and undisturbed
samples collected in the field shall be classified as per IS 1498.
III. All samples shall be identified with date, borehole or test pit number, depth of sampling, etc.
The top surface of the sample in-situ shall also be marked. Care shall be taken to keep the core
and box samples vertical, with the mark directing upwards. The tube samples shall be properly
trimmed at one end and suitably capped and sealed with molten paraffin wax. The Contractor
shall be responsible for packing, storing in a cool place and transporting all the samples from
site to the laboratory within seven days after sampling with probe, protection against loss and
damage.
 1.3.1 Disturbed Samples
Disturbed soil samples shall be collected in boreholes at regular intervals. The weight of
sample as per table 2 of IS 1892 shall be collected at 0.5 m intervals starting from a
depth of 0.5 m below ground level and at every identifiable change of strata to
supplement the boring records. Samples shall be stored immediately in air tight jars
which shall be filled to capacity as much as possible.

1.3.2 Undisturbed Samples

I. In each borehole undisturbed samples shall be collected at every change in stratum or at
intervals not more than 3.0 m. i.e 1m, 4m, 7m, 10m, 13m…… etc.
II. The spacing between the top levels of undisturbed sampling and standard penetration testing
shall not be less than 0.5 m. Undisturbed samples shall be of 100 mm diameter and 450 mm in
length. Samples shall be collected in a manner to preserve the structure and moisture content
of the soil Accessories and sampling procedures shall conform to IS 1892 and IS 2132

1.3.2.1 Undisturbed sampling in cohesive soil:

Undisturbed samples in soft to stiff cohesive soils shall be obtained using a thin walled
sampler. In order to reduce the wall friction, suitable precautions, such as oiling the
surfaces shall be taken. The sampling tube shall have a smooth finish on both surfaces
and a minimum effective length of 450 mm. The area ratio of sampling tubes shall be
less than 12.5%. However, in case of very stiff soils area ratio up to 20% shall be
permitted.

1.3.2.2 Undisturbed sampling in very loose, saturated, sandy and silty soils and
very soft clays:
Samples shall be obtained using a piston sampler consisting of a cylinder and piston system.
In soft clays and silty clays, with water standing in the casing pipe, piston sampler shall
be used to collect undisturbed samples in the presence of expert supervision.
Accurate measurements of the sampling depth, dimensions of sampler, stroke and length of
sample recovery shall be recorded. After the sampler is pushed to the required depth,
the cylinder and piston system shall be drawn up together, preventing disturbance and
changes in moisture content of the sample;

1.3.2.3 Undisturbed sampling in cohesion less soils

Undisturbed samples in cohesion less soils shall be obtained in accordance with IS 8763.
Sampler operated by compressed air shall be used to sample cohesion less soils below
ground water table.
 1.4 Ground Water
One of the following methods shall be adopted for determining the elevation of ground
water table in boreholes as per IS 6935 and the instructions of the Employer:

a) In permeable soils, the water level in the borehole shall be allowed to stabilize after depressing it
adequately by bailing before recording its level. Stability of sides and bottom of the boreholes shall be
ensured at all times.

b) For both permeable and impermeable soils, the following method shall be suitable. The borehole shall
be filled with water and then bailed out to various depths. Observations on the rise or fall of water
level shall be made at each depth. The level at which neither fall nor rise is observed shall be
considered the water table elevation and confirmed by three successive readings of water level taken
at two hours interval.

c) If any variation of the ground water level is observed in any specific boreholes, the water level in
these boreholes shall be recorded during the course of the field investigation. Levels in nearby wells,
streams, etc., if any, shall also be noted in parallel.
1.5 Subsoil water samples
a) Subsoil water samples shall be collected for performing chemical analysis. Representative ground
water samples shall be collected when first encountered in boreholes and before the addition of
water to aid boring or drilling.
b) Chemical analysis of water samples shall include determination of pH value, turbidity, sulphate,
carbonate, nitrate and chloride contents, presence of organic matter and suspended solids.
Chemical preservatives may be added to the sample for cases as specified in the test methods or in
applicable Indian Standards. This shall only be done if analysis cannot be conducted within an hour
of collection and shall have the prior written permission and approval of the Employer.

1.5Field Investigation for Rock

5.1 Rock Drilling

a) If, during the investigations, large hard fragments or natural rock beds are encountered, work shall
proceed with core drilling methods. The equipment and procedures for this operation shall conform
to IS 1892. The starting depth of drilling in rock shall be certified by the Employer. At the end of the
investigation, the hole drilled in rock shall be backfilled with grout consisting of 1-part cement and
3-parts sand by weight.
b) Drilling shall be carried out with NX size tungsten carbide (TC) or diamond tipped drill bits,
depending on the type of rock and according to IS 6926. Suitable type of drill bit (TC/Diamond) and
core catchers shall be used to ensure continuous and good core recovery. Core barrels and core
catchers shall be used for breaking off the core and retaining it when the rods are withdrawn.
Double tube core barrels shall be used to ensure better core recovery and to retrieve cores from
layers of bedrock. Water shall be circulated continuously in the hollow rods and the sludge
conveying the rock cuttings to the surface shall be collected. A very high core recovery ratio shall be
aimed at in order to obtain a satisfactory undisturbed sample. Attempt shall be made to recover
 cores of 1.5 m in length. Normally TC bit shall be used. Change over to a diamond bit shall require
the specific written approval of the Employer, and his decision as to whether a TC or a diamond bit
is to be used shall be final and binding on Contractor.
c) No drilling run shall exceed 1.5 m in depth. if the core recovery is less than 80% in any run, the
length of the subsequent run shall be reduced to 0.75 m. During drilling operations observations on
return water, rate of penetration etc. shall be made recorded and recorded as per IS 5313.
5.2 Core Sampling
a) Core samples shall be extracted by the application of a continuous pressure at one end of the core
with the barrel held horizontally without vibration. Friable cores shall be extracted from the barrel
directly into a suitably sized half round plastic channel section. Care shall be taken to extrude the
samples in the direction of coring to avoid stress reversal.
b) Immediately after withdrawal from the core barrel, the cores shall be placed in a tray and
transferred to boxes specially prepared for this purpose. The boxes shall be made from seasoned
timber or any other durable material and shall be indexed on top of the lid according to IS 4078. The
cores shall be numbered serially and arranged in the boxes in a sequential order. The description of
the core samples shall be recorded as instructed in IS 4464. Where no core is recovered, it shall be
recorded as specified in the standard. Continuous record of core recovery and rock quality
designation (RD/DD/QD) are to be mentioned in the bore log in accordance with IS 11315 (Part-II).

1.6Laboratory Testing
1.6.1 Tests
a) The laboratory tests shall be carried out progressively during the field work after sufficient number
of samples has reached the laboratory in order that the test results of the initial bore holes can be
made use of in planning the later stages of the field investigation and quantum of laboratory tests.
b) All samples brought from field, whether disturbed or undisturbed shall be extracted/prepared and
examined by competent technical personnel, and the test shall be carried out as per the procedures
laid down in the relevant I.S. Codes. The following laboratory tests shall be carried out : -
Tests of undisturbed and disturbed samples
i) Visual and engineering classification;
ii) Sieve analysis and hydrometric analysis;
iii) Liquid, plastic and shrinkage limits;
iv) Specific gravity;
v) Chemical analysis;
vi) Swell pressure and free swell index determination;
Tests of undisturbed samples:
i) Bulk density and moisture content;
ii) Relative density (for sand),
iii) Unconfined compression test;
 iv) Box shear test (for sand);
v) Triaxial shear tests (depending on the type of soil and field conditions on undisturbed or
remoulded samples):Unconsolidated undrained; Consolidated drained test;
vi) Consolidation
Tests on rock samples
i) Rock quality designation (RQD), RMR.
ii) UCC test.
iii) Point load index test
a) Vane Shear Test (For Marshy/Creek Locations)
b) Chemical analysis of sub soil water.

1.7 Geotechnical Investigation Report

Contractor shall submit a formal report containing geological information of the region,
procedures adopted for geotechnical investigation, field observations, summarized test
data, conclusions and recommendations. The report shall also include detailed bore logs,
subsoil sections, field test results, laboratory observations and test results both in tabular
as well as graphical form, practical and theoretical considerations for the interpretation of
test results, supporting calculations for the conclusions drawn, etc.
Sample borelog datasheet
 Sample soil profile
Based on reviewing the soil report other parameters like existing lines foundation data (If
available) the foundation classification is considered for NIT BOQ for the bidding of
upcoming Transmission lines projects.

1.8 Bearing Capacity of Soil: Shear Criteria and Settlement Criteria

1. Shear Criteria
The shear criteria evaluate the soil’s ability to resist structural failure due to shear stresses beneath a
foundation. Shear strength, governed by the Mohr-Coulomb theory, depends on two key parameters:
Cohesion (c): The inherent “stickiness” of soil particles, prominent in fine-grained soils like clay.
Angle of Internal Friction (φ): The resistance to sliding between particles, critical in granular soils like sand.
Using these parameters, engineers calculate the ultimate bearing capacity (e.g., via Terzaghi’s equation), which
represents the maximum load the soil can support before shear failure. A safety factor (typically 2–4) is
applied to derive the safe bearing capacity, ensuring stability against catastrophic failure modes like
foundation tilting or rotational collapse.
2. Settlement Criteria
The settlement criteria assess vertical deformation under applied loads. Even if shear failure is avoided,
excessive settlement can compromise structural integrity. Settlement is categorized as:
Immediate/Elastic Settlement: Rapid deformation occurs as load is applied, common in granular soils.
Consolidation Settlement: Gradual, time-dependent compression due to pore water expulsion, critical in
cohesive soils.
Allowable settlement limits vary by structure (e.g., ≤25 mm for high-rises, ≤50 mm for warehouses). Differential
settlement—uneven sinking across a foundation—is particularly hazardous, as it induces cracks or tilting.
Usage in Soil Investigation Reports
Shear Criteria Application: Determines the maximum load the soil can safely withstand. For example, a sandy
soil with high φ may support heavy loads but might require deep foundations in weak strata.
Settlement Criteria Application: Predicts deformation magnitude and rate. A stiff clay might have adequate
shear strength but cause unacceptable long-term settlement, necessitating preloading or pilings.
Integration in Design
Both criteria are interdependent:
A soil with high shear strength but low stiffness (e.g., loose sand) may necessitate settlement mitigation
despite strong shear resistance.
A low-strength soil (e.g., soft clay) might require ground improvement to meet both criteria.
In reports, these analyses guide foundation type (shallow vs. deep), dimensions, and construction techniques,
ensuring structures are both stable and serviceable. By balancing shear and settlement considerations,
engineers optimize safety, cost, and longevity.

Sl. No Check Points Remarks

 Yes/No
1 Location marked at site as per sampling plan
Yes/No
2 Record GPS coordinates (With Proper Geotagged Photographs)
Yes/No
3 Whether all the tools and machines are available
Yes/No
4 Hammer weight as per TS ( i.e 63.5 kg )
Yes/No
5 Markings of three gap of 15cm each on Guided rod
Yes/No
6 The falling height of the hammer maintained (750mm)
Yes/No
7 The number of blows noted (N Values) on each SPT
Yes/No
8 All samples collected at various depths noted (DS and UDS)
Yes/No
9 Label samples with ID, location, depth, date etc.
Yes/No
10 Clean tools between samples to prevent cross-contamination
after each SPT
Yes/No
11 Mentioning soil type, color, texture in Bore log sheets
Yes/No
12 Seal samples in containers and labelled properly
Yes/No
13 Record of Final depth of bore attained
Yes/No
14 Whether borelog depth achieved as per TS
Yes/No
15 Borelog sheet duly filled attached as annexure

CheckList for Soil Investigation