1.

0 Executive Summary

FOUNDATION CONSULTANTS LTD. (FCL) conducted this investigation by appointment of M/S

Kakoli Dying and Printing Works Ltd. to evaluate the existing subsurface condition for
construction of 6-storied factory building. Our assessment and analysis was particularly
concerned with the potential for the existing subsoil to support the proposed structure
recommended foundation and to evaluate the groundwater conditions.

A total of 5(five) exploratory boreholes (designated BH-01, thru BH-05) were undertaken at
selected locations. These five exploratory boreholes were advanced using rotary-boring
methods. Disturbed soil samples were collected from different depths, and the soil samples
collected were tested at FCL’s geotechnical laboratory. Soil samples were subjected to
various laboratory tests according to ASTM procedures. These boreholes locations are
depicted on the boring location plan presented in the Appendix A of this report.

Subsurface stratum for the project site are erratic in formation near surface and varying in
greater depths. In general, fine grained soft silty/clayey soil was found near the surface upto
20m depth. A medium to stiff clayey soil layer was encountered in all boreholes below these
silty layer to the end of boring. A generally medium dense sandy/ medium to stiff pockets
were encountered in all boreholes between these two layers. Mostly the soil is erratic both
in horizontal and vertical direction.

In view of the ground conditions encountered in the boreholes and the typical pile type
constructed in the region, it is recommended to use bored cast in-situ piles embedded in to
the very stiff stratum approximately at 18.0m below ground level.

The comments given in this report and the opinions expressed are based on the ground
conditions encountered during the site work and on results of tests performed in the
laboratory. There may, however, be ground conditions pertaining to the site which have not
been disclosed by this investigation, and which therefore could not be taken into
consideration. In particular, it should be noted that groundwater levels vary due to variation
of river level to tidal, seasonal, or other effects.

It is important that all excavations for the foundation be inspected by qualified geotechnical
personnel to confirm expected conditions and identify unsuitable soils. As always, we
appreciate this opportunity to be of service.

1
2. Scope a n d P u r p o s e

FOUNDATION CONSULTANTS LTD. (FCL) conducted this investigation by appointment of M/S

Kakoli Dying and Printing Works Ltd. to evaluate the existing subsurface condition for
construction of 6-storied factory building. Our assessment and analysis was particularly
concerned with the potential for the existing subsoil to support the proposed structure
recommended foundation and to evaluate the groundwater conditions.

This report contains our observations made during the field investigation, our laboratory
evaluation of samples collected, and our engineering interpretations of all these data. The
analysis and recommendations in this report are based upon:

1. Visual site reconnaissance.

2. In-situ tests, observation and their evaluation.
3. Laboratory examinations, classifications and evaluations of all the soil samples.
4. Use of engineering methods for foundation design and recommendation.

The Report has been divided in following segments:

Appendix A contains the layout for test location,

Appendix B contains borehole logs and all in-situ test report,

Appendix C contains the laboratory test report,

Appendix D contains the estimation of pile capacity,

2.1 C o d e s a n d St a n d ar d s

2.1.1 I n - s it u T e st in g , S a mp l in g a n d M o n it o r in g P ro g ra m .

An extensive in situ testing program was undertaken to evaluate the geologic condition,
evaluate and estimate engineering properties of the soil, and monitor ground water.
Following in situ testing program was undertaken:

1. Drilling of 5 (five) boreholes (designated BH-01, thru BH-05) using rotary drill to 30m
below ground level.
2. Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and disturbed sampling as per ASTM D 1586 to 30m
depth below ground level.
3. Ground Water Monitoring as per ASTM D 5092.

2
Following briefs each of the above works,

2 . 1 . 1 .1 S t an d a rd P e n e t r at io n T e st ( S P T )

A total of 5 (five) exploratory boreholes (designated BH-01, thru BH-05) were advanced at
locations selected. The boreholes were terminated at a depth maximum of 30m below
existing grade. The drilling was facilitated using Koken RK-2 percussion drilling rigs,
percussion drilling equipment, equipped with a minimum 125mm cutting tool and .

Standard Penetration Test (SPT) as per ASTM D 1586 was executed using automatic trip
hammer at 1.5m intervals of depth to determine relative density/consistency and
classification of soil at different elevation inclusive collection of disturbed soil samples from
each interval in accordance to the requirements of the specification of the Engineer. An
exploratory boring with a diameter ranging from 100mm to 125mm is bored to the depth of
the first test. A SPT sampler, connected with required length of BW size rod to a 63.5kg
hammer, is inserted in to the boring. SPT sampler is split-spoon sampler with a ball valve to
permit exit of air or water from the top during driving and to assist in retaining sample
during withdrawal; in addition, the sampler has a tapered shoe for allowing penetration in
to the ground. The number of blows required to progress the sampler 450mm is recorded in
3 150mm intervals. The SPT N-value is calculated by summing the hammer blows required
to advance the sampler during the last 2 intervals of the test. The blow count for the first
150mm is recorded; however, this number is ignored during the N-value since the soil
immediately below the drilling rod is disturbed.

After test is complete, the SPT sampler is withdrawn and opened. The amount of soil
recovered in the sampler is recorded including its description; next, sample is transferred to
an airtight container. The uncorrected SPT results are shown in the borehole records.
Disturbed samples from split spoon at all SPT location labeled and preserved in airtight
container before transferring them to FCL’s laboratory in Dhaka.

Appendix B contains the bore logs.

2 . 1 . 1 .2 M e t h o d o f l o c at in g s u r v e y p o in t s

Coordinate for all survey points were provided using site coordinate system with reference
to easting and northing. The survey points were located using references from existing
structure already established at site. Elevation reference was based on survey drawing
forwarded by client.

3
2.1.2 L a b o r at o r y T e s t i n g

2 . 1 . 2 .1 S t an d a rd La b o r at o ry T e st

All soil samples were subjected to visual-manual soil classification procedures in accordance
with ASTM D-2488. In the laboratory, moisture content testing was performed in
accordance with ASTM D-2216 on all soil samples to determine the in-place moisture
content of existing soils. In order to evaluate the pertinent engineering properties of the
existing sub-grade material for this project, additional laboratory test procedures were
conducted at various existing sub-grade elevations.

Following laboratory tests were done by FCL at its geotechnical testing laboratory:

i) Particle Size Distribution ASTM D422&D1140

ii) Moisture Content Test ASTM D4959
iii) Specific Gravity ASTM D0854
iv) Atterberg Limits ASTM D4318
v) Direct Shear Test ASTM D3080

Table 1: Laboratory Test Standard.

These tests were necessary to infer engineering properties for existing soil and to help
classify the samples.

Detail test results are included in Appendix C.

3.0 S I T E R E CO NN A I S S A N C E

FOUNDATION CONSULTANTS LTD. conducted a physical reconnaissance of the site on March

08, 2014. The site investigation was conducted by inspecting the subject and adjoining
properties for the presence of recognizable environmental degradation; including the
presence of distressed vegetation. The subject and adjoining properties did not show any
signs of ground distress. The field was fairly flat. Site is accessible via feeder roads.

4.0 G E O LO G Y

4.1 R e g i o n a l G eo l o g y

Following is a description on regional geology:

Allivial silt-Light to medium-grey, fine sandy to clayey silt. Commonly poorly stratified
average grain size decreases away from main channels. Chiefly deposited in flood basins and
interstream areas. Unit includes small backswamp deposits and varying amounts of thin,
interstratified sand, deposited during episodic or unusually large floods. Illite is the most
abundant clay mineral. Most areas are flooded annually. Included in this unit are thin

4
veneers of sand spread by episodic large floods over flood-plain silts. Historic pottery,
artifacts and charcoal (radiocarbon dated 500-6,000yrs B.P.) found in upper 4m.

4.2 Site Geology

The site is situated on Baghata in Narsingdi district; as such, in all likelihood, the site was
developed by sediment deposition from the river, like most of Bangladesh. Therefore,
primary constituent of the soil is silt and fine sand. Variability of soil type changes both in
horizontal and vertical directions is likely as moving away from the general direction of the
river. Furthermore, weak pockets of soil occasionally are present in deposited area such as
this since pockets of unconsolidated fines are found trapped within otherwise sandy
materials.

4 . 3 S e i s m i c Ch a r a c t e r i st i c s

The area falls under the Seismic Zone III of Bangladesh Seismic Zoning map where the basic
co-efficient may be considered around 0.28 (BNBC 2013).

5.0 SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS

The exploratory boreholes and sounding generally confirm the geology as anticipated in
detailed in section 4.2. Following describes the soil-soil and groundwater condition of the
site.

5 . 1 O v er b u r d e n D ep o si t s

Subsurface stratum for the project site is erratic in formation near surface and varying in
greater depths. In general, fine grained soft silty/clayey soil was found near the surface upto
20m depth. A medium to stiff clayey soil layer was encountered in all boreholes below these
silty layer to the end of boring. A generally medium dense sandy/ medium to stiff pockets
were encountered in all boreholes between these two layers. Mostly the soil is erratic.

In view of the ground conditions encountered in the boreholes and the typical pile type
constructed in the region, it is recommended to use bored cast in-situ piles embedded in to
the stiff stratum approximately at 22.0m below ground level.

5.2 G r o u n d W a t er

Water level encountered in onshore boreholes was generally 0.6m below ground level (BGL)
in side boreholes after 24h from completion of drilling. In particular, it should be noted that
groundwater levels vary due to variation of river level to tidal, seasonal, or other effects. It

5
should be noted that water level inside borehole may not accurately represent regional
groundwater table.

6.0 A N A LY S I S A N D R E CO M M E N D A T I O N S

6.1 G e n e r al

In general, the sub-grade soils encountered in this investigation will provide support for the
foundation in their naturally deposited state. Care must be taken all through during
construction particularly with respect to properly dealing with their varying moisture
conditions. Clay soils have a high potential for volume change at varying moisture contents
and loose much of their strength when wet. Therefore, close attention must be given during
the construction of the project that the foundation will not be exposed to any runoff into
the sub-grade. Provisions must be made to ensure that all exposed sub-grade areas drain
adequately to minimize the potential of exposed surface materials to become soft.

The location of underground utilities was not part of this subsurface investigation. However,
it would be prudent for the final design drawings to be forwarded to the known utility
services in the area to request comments regarding the depths and nature of the utility
present within the work limits.

Lastly, it is recommended that this geotechnical report be made a part of the Construction
Contract Documents to insure that the contractor is aware of all the information contained
within this report.

6.2 E x c a v a t i o n , C o m p ac t i o n , an d G r o u n d I m p r o v e m e n t Cr i t er i a :

6.2.1 Suitability of On Site Soil as Structural Fill

The materials covering the site near the surface consist of mostly fine grained material,
which are unsuitable for general backfilling purpose. However, the final decision should be
taken during construction and after suitable testing program.

6.2.2 Backfill Material

Any back-fill material used for foundation should be well-graded, free draining backfill
material with no more than five (5) percent passing a 0.075 millimeter sieve. All back fill
material should be free from presence of organic or other harmful subsistence. All back fill
material should be placed in layers of 150mm and should achieve 95% maximum dry density
as defined by Modified Proctor Compaction Test. Field density test as defined by ASTM
D1556 should be performed at regular intervals to ensure quality of compaction.

6
6.2.3 Material below Pavements:

Material selected for use in the top 500mm for cut or fill areas in the roadway shall be in
addition to meeting the requirements; the materials passing the #200 (0.076mm) sieve shall
not exceed 35%, the liquid limit & plasticity index for these material shall not be more than
35% & 10% respectively and soaked CBR value shall not be less than 15 & and the swell not
exceed 2%.

6.2.4 Ground Improvement near Surface:

Ground near the surface may be developed where soil is too weak for supporting
foundation of a structure. Brick aggregate or a mixture of brick aggregate and sand or a
mixture of aggregate and naturally occurring granular material finer than 4.75mm may be
used to replace weak soil stratum. All unsuitable material shall be replaced up to competed
ground level. Gradation of the replacement material should be as the following:

Percentage by
Sieve Size
weight passing
50mm 100
25mm 70-90
19mm 60-80
9.5mm 40-70
4.75mm 25-60
0.075mm 5-15

Table 2: Gradation of Material for Ground Improvement.

All material should be free of biological or other deleterious substances. All back fill material
should be placed in layers of 150mm and should achieve 95% maximum dry density as
defined by Modified Proctor Compaction Test. Field density test as defined by ASTM D1556
should be performed at regular intervals to ensure quality of compaction.

6.2.5 Slopes for excavation:

The materials covering the site near the surface consist of mostly fine grained material.
Open excavation at 1H: 1V slope may be permitted for up to 1m depth. Fine grained soil
typically loses most its strength in water; therefore, appropriate shoring should be used for
greater excavation particularly during rainy seasons or where it is required.

6.3 Foundation

The objective for design was to design a suitable foundation that would safely transmit the
structural loads of the proposed structure into the ground. At the time of preparation of this
report no information on magnitude of load was available. Nevertheless, the proposed

7
structure is a six storied factory building which is subjected to vibration; as a result, pile
foundation option has been considered. As such recommendations provided herein are
provided for individual capacity of a deep foundation structure.

In view of the ground conditions encountered in boreholes and the typical pile type
constructed in the region, it is recommend using bored cast in-situ piles embedded in to the
hard stratum approximately at 18m below ground level.

Relevant design profiles are inferred from borehole observations and field and laboratory
testing. The intact soil strength is represented by the SPT-N value and undrained shear
strength (𝑆𝑢 ).

6 . 3 . 1 D e e p F o u n d at io n

6 . 3 . 1 .1 D e si g n o f D e e p Fo u n d a t i o n u s in g SP T

Ultimate Pile capacities based on SPT data have been calculated based on methods outlined
in “Analysis and Design of Shallow and Deep Foundations” by Lymon C. Resse et al.

Side Resistance (Cohesive):

Nominal side resistance in cohesive soil is determined by following equation:
𝑞𝑠 =𝛼𝑆𝑢

In which:
𝑆𝑢
𝛼 = 0.55 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ≤ 1.5
𝑝𝑎
𝑆𝑢 𝑆𝑢
𝛼 = 0.55 − ( − 1.5) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 1.5 ≤ ≤ 2.5
𝑝𝑎 𝑝𝑎
Where:
𝑆𝑢 = Undrained Shear Strength (MPa)
𝛼 = Adhesion Factor (dimensionless)
𝑝𝑎 = Atmospheric pressure (=0.101MPa)

Side Resistance in cohesionless sandy soil:

Nominal side resistance in cohesionless soil is determined by following equation (βmethod):

𝑞𝑠 = 𝛽𝜎𝑣′ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 0.25 ≤ 𝛽 ≤ 1.2

For 𝑁60 ≥ 15: 𝛽 = 1.5 − (7.7 × 10−3 √𝑧)

𝑁60
For 𝑁60 < 15: 𝛽 = (1.5 − (7.7 × 10−3 √𝑧) )
15

8
Where:
𝝈′𝒗 = Vertical effective stress at soil layer mid-depth
𝜷 = Load Transfer coefficient (dimensionless)
z = Depth below ground, at soil layer mid-depth
N60 = Average SPT blow count (corrected only for hammer efficiency)
Tip Resistance (Cohesionless):
Tip Resistance in cohesionless soil may be estimated using following equation:

𝑞𝑝 = 57.5𝑁60 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑁60 ≤ 50

𝑝𝑎 0.8
𝑞𝑝 = 0.59 [𝑁60 ( ′ )] 𝜎𝑣′ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑁60 > 50
𝜎𝑣
Where:
𝑝𝑎 = Atmospheric pressure (=0.101MPa)
𝜎𝑣′ = vertical effective stress at the tip elevation of the shaft (MPa)
N60 = Average SPT blow count (corrected only for hammer efficiency) in the design zone
under consideration (blows/300mm)

Evaluation of Typical Capacity Based on SPT:

Following table summarizes capacity of a single pile following methods described above

Diameter Depth from Safe Capacity

(m) existing ground based on SPT
(m) (kN)
0.50 422
0.60 18 527
0.75 698
T a b l e 3 : E st i ma t e d C a p a c it y f ro m S P T

The safe capacity of pile was evaluated using uncorrected SPT N-value. Therefore, it is
recommended using the higher capacities in design with confirmatory pile load test.

Appendix D encloses details of analysis.

6 . 3 . 2 T e s t o f P i le F o u n d at i o n

Individual piles or groups may be subjected to compression, tension, and/or lateral loads.
Following are methods for confirming design capacity of piles under each type of loading
condition.

Test Type Test Method

Axial Compression ASTM D1143
Axial Tension ASTM D3689
Lateral ASTM D3966
Table 4: Pile load Test Methods.

9
7.0 DISCLAIMER

The recommendations presented herein were developed utilizing soil information obtained
from test borings installed at the proposed construction site. Soil borings only depict the soil
conditions at the specific boring location at the specific time the boring was made. As such,
the soil conditions adjacent to the boring locations could vary from those encountered in
the boring.

The recommendations presented herein are based on preliminary information provided by

the client. Any revisions to proposed construction from those anticipated or assumed in this
report should be brought to the attention of an experienced geotechnical engineer. If
deviations from the expected subsurface conditions are encountered during construction,
these should also be brought to the attention of the geotechnical engineer.

The scope of the report does not address any environmental issues relating to
contaminations of soils, surface water or groundwater. Further, the scope of this report
does not address any issues regarding the existence of jurisdictional wetlands.

Md. Roknuz Zaman

Design Engineer
FOUNDATION CONSULTANTS LTD.

10