GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT

for Compound wall at Kotturpuram, Chennai

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
MS B.S. Muralidhara Structural Engineer, Chennai are associated in construction of
Compound wall at US Consulate, Kotturpuram, Chennai.

The site for the proposed compound wall is situated on northern side of adyar river at US
Consulate, Kotturpuram, Chennai..The site is fairly level. Vegetation in the form of grass,
bushes and trees are grown within the site during the field investigations.

As per the client’s information, the proposed project is a compound wall.

Geotechnical investigations have been undertaken at the site as per the scope of
investigations, stipulated by the client, which consisted of two borehole down to 10m
depth and one borehole down to refusal strata where N>100 and further drilling in refusal
strata by 2m.

The soil strata consists of filled up soil upto 2.4 to 2.5m depth followed by virgin soil. The
virgin soil comprises of sand, silt and clay with varying proportions. The refusal strata in
the form of Weathered rock was encountered on 18m depth and continued till termination
depth of 20m depth. The soil strata is in a stiff / medium dense state with observed N-
values varying at 8 & 11 from existing ground level to a depth of 15m depth and increase
to >100 at 18m depth.

Ground water was encountered between 3.2m and 3.5m depth in the boreholes during the
period of field investigations.

In view of the observed subsoil strata conditions the proposed structure can be supported
on under-reamed pile foundations. The bulb of under-reamed pile can rest at 7m depth
from the existing ground level. The bulb of these piles has been considered as 2.5 times the
diameter of the pile shaft. A safe Load carrying capacity of a 400mm dia pile (shaft

G(C)8880

1
diameter) works out to be 28t.

It is suggested the load capacity of the pile be confirmed by a load test.

After reaching the required depth, 15cm thick layer of gravel should be placed and
compacted at the bottom so that the slush formed at the bottom is diminished.
The bentonite being used during piling should be as per IS 2911.
It is suggested to ensure that the bulb (2.5times of the shaft) is formed correctly.

G(C)8880

2
 REPORT ON GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR

COMMPOUND WALL AT KOTTURPURAM, CHENNAI

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

1.1.1 The geotechnical investigation has been done to ascertain the soil properties and to aid

the design of viable foundations for the proposed compound wall.

1.1.2 MS B.S. Muralidhara Structural Engineer, Chennai are associated in construction of

Compound wall at US Consulate, Kotturpuram, Chennai.

1.2 Authority

1.2.1 A comprehensive soil investigation programme has been conducted as per the oral

authorisation by MS B.S. Muralidhara Structural Engineer, Chennai vide their email

confirmation dated 29.06.2016.

2.0 PROJECT DETAILS

2.1 Site Location

2.1.1 The site for the proposed compound wall is situated on northern side of adyar river at

US Consulate, Kotturpuram, Chennai. The key map showing the location of the site is

given in fig. 1.

2.2 Site Layout and Topography

2.2.1 The site is fairly level. Vegetation in the form of grass, bushes and trees are grown within

the site during the field investigations.

2.2.2 The colour of the exposed soil surface is Grey.

2.3 The Structure

2.3.1 As per the client’s information, the proposed structure is a compound wall.

G(C)8880

3
2.4 Seismic Zone

2.4.1 Site for the proposed project is situated in kotturpuram, Chennai which falls under

Seismic Zone III as per IS 1893 (Part 1) - 2002.

2.5 Geographical Information

2.5.1 The proposed site lies in:

a) Latitude : 13<01'

b) Longitude : 80<14'

3.0 OBJECT OF INVESTIGATIONS

3.1 For designing the foundation system of the proposed structures, the following data are

required:

a) Type of foundation system.

b) Depth below the ground level at which the foundation system is to be laid.

c) Allowable bearing pressure on the foundations levels.

3.2 To determine above factors, the following information would be required:

a) The sub soil profile indicating thickness of the various soil strata, to a depth

down to the influence zone below the foundations.

b) Engineering properties of the soil strata at various levels.

c) Physical characteristics of the soil strata.

d) Variation of the strength of the strata with depth.

3.3 The object of conducting field and laboratory investigations and analysis is to get data

for the parameters mentioned in 3.2 and providing the recommendations.

4.0 SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONS

4.1 Scope of investigations as given in the work order:

a) Sinking 2 borehole down to 10m depth and 1 borehole down to 20m depth or

G(C)8880

4
 refusal strata (where N value is >100) whichever is met earlier and further

drilling by 2m, as required by the client.

b) Conducting standard penetration tests at 1.5m intervals.

c) Recovering undisturbed soil samples from various levels of the sub soil strata.

d) Recording ground water table levels, if met with.

e) Conducting relevant laboratory tests on soil samples recovered.

f) Preparation and submission of a technical report containing the details of the

tests carried out, their analysis and recommendations regarding the foundation

system to be adopted. Two copies of the report are to be submitted.

5.0 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

5.1 General Details

5.1.1 Weather Conditions

Weather was clear during field investigations which was carried out on second week of

July 2016.

5.1.2 Locations of Tests

The location of the boreholes were shown at site by the client. A Schematic site plan

showing the location of the test points marked by the client is given in fig. 1.

5.2 Boreholes

5.2.1 The boreholes were progressed by mechanically operated rotary core drill method using

calyx as per IS 1892 - 1979.

5.2.2 Out of the 3 boreholes two boreholes (designated as borehole no 2 and 3) were

terminated at 10m depth below the existing ground level. One bore hole (designated as

borehole no 1) was terminated after drilling 2 m in refusal/rock strata. The refusal strata

encountered is in the form of weathered rock strata. The N value in this strata is >100.

G(C)8880

5
 The termination depth of boreholes and depth of water table encountered in the

boreholes during the period of field investigations are given in the following table.

Borehole No Termination depth Depth of water table

from Existing G L (m) from Existing G L (m)
1 20 3.5
2 10 3.5
3 10 3.2

5.2.3 Standard penetration tests were conducted at 1.5m intervals. Disturbed soil samples

recovered from split spoon samples were packed in polythene bags, labelled and retained

for identification purposes.

5.2.4 Undisturbed soil samples were recovered by thin walled tubes conforming to IS 2132.

These tubes had an area ratio of less than 10%. The diameter of soil samples were 50

mm and its length was 45 cm. The ends of sample tubes were sealed by wax to prevent

loss/ ingress of moisture and labelled.

5.3 Ground water table

5.3.1 Ground water was encountered between 3.2m and 3.5m depth in the boreholes during

the period of field investigations.

6.0 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS

6.1 The undisturbed and disturbed soil samples brought to the laboratory were used for the

tests, as appropriate.

6.2 The soil samples were subjected to various tests to determine the following properties

a) Type of soil and its gradation

b) Consistency limits

c) Natural density

G(C)8880

6
 d) Natural water content

e) Shear strength properties

6.3 In order to determine the above properties listed in 6.2, the following tests were

conducted.

a) Sieve analysis on the coarse grained soil fraction

b) Hydrometer analysis on the fine grained soil fraction

c) Liquid and plastic limits

d) Natural Density and Water Content tests

e) Triaxial compression tests

f) Specific Gravity

g) Free Swell Index tests.

7.0 RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS

7.1 Presentation of Results

7.1.1 The results of borehole investigations and of the laboratory investigations conducted on

the soil samples collected from the boreholes have been presented in the form of tables.

Table No.1 to 3 give the details of borehole no.1 to 3 respectively.

7.1.2 The soil profile tables indicate the following:

a) Standard Penetration Test Values (i.e. N- values observed) at various depths

b) Soil description identifying the type of soil

c) Grain size analysis indicating composition of sub soil

d) Atterberg limits

e) In-situ bulk density and Water content

f) Triaxial compression test results

G(C)8880

7
7.2 Analysis of Soil Profile

7.2.1 A perusal of the data presented in the soil profile tables indicate the presence of the

following strata.

a) Stratum I : Filled up

b) Stratum II : Grey sandy silty clay

c) Stratum III : Refusal Strata (Weathered Rock)

7.2.2 The thicknesses in each borehole of each strata described in 7.2.1 is given in the table

below:

depth in m : from - to
BH NO.
Stratum I Stratum II Stratum III
1 GL - 2.4 2.4 - 18 18 - 20
2 GL - 2.5 2.5 - 10 -
3 GL - 2.5 2.5 - 10 -

7.3 Soil Composition

7.3.1 The grain size distribution of the soil samples at various depths, as determined in the

laboratory have been presented in the form of grain size analysis curves, as fig. 3 & 3A

and in tables below them.

7.3.2 The variations in the grain size distribution - strata wise across the boreholes are as

follows:

a) Stratum II : Grey sandy silty clay

BH NO. Gravel % Sand % Silt % Clay %

1 0 15 - 16 30 - 32 52 - 55
2 0 15 - 17 29 - 33 50 - 56
3 0 14 - 18 30 - 32 50 - 56

G(C)8880

8
7.3.3 The above results indicate that :

a) Stratum - II consists of about 14 - 18% of sand, 29 - 33% of silt and 50 - 56%of

clay .

7.4 In-situ Bulk Density, Water Content and Dry density

7.4.1 The In-situ bulk density of the sub soil stratum varies between 1.82 and 1.85g/cm3, water

content varies between 25.23 and 28.31% and In-situ dry density of the sub soil stratum

varies between 1.43 and 1.46g/cm3.

BH Depth Water In-situ Bulk Dry Density

No (m) Content (%) Density (g/cm3) (g/cm3)
4 26.14 1.83 1.45
7 28.31 1.84 1.43
1
10 27.46 1.85 1.45
13 26.31 1.85 1.46
4 27.09 1.82 1.43
2
7 26.29 1.85 1.46
4 25.23 1.83 1.46
3
7 27.11 1.85 1.46

7.5 Atterberg Limits:

7.5.1 The Atterberg Limits in Stratum II (Grey sandy silty clay) are given below:

BH No Liquid Limit (%) Plastic Limit (%) Plasticity Index (%)

1 57 - 63 26 - 28 31 - 35
2 56 - 59 25 - 28 31 - 31
3 56 - 63 25 - 28 31 - 35

7.6 Standard Penetration Tests

7.6.1 Standard Penetration Test values (N-values observed) are presented in the soil profile

table no.1 to 3. The curve showing the relation between the N value and depth is given

G(C)8880

9
 in fig 4. The N values indicate the soil to be in a stiff/medium dense state.

7.7 Shear Test Results

7.7.1 The cohesion obtained from consolidated drained triaxial compression test at varies

between 0.29 to 0.31 kg/cm² and the angle of shearing resistance k of the soil varies

between 13< & 14<.

7.8 Specific Gravity

7.8.1 The specific gravity of the soil particles are given below:

Specific Gravity at Depth (m)

BH NO
3 4.5
1 2.54 2.55
2 2.54 2.55
3 2.55 2.54

7.9 Free Swell Index

7.9.1 The free swell index of the soil particles are given below:

Free Swell Index (%) at Depth (m)

BH NO
3 4.5
1 59.3 54.5
2 59.3 54.5
3 57.8 59.2

7.9.2 The above results indicate that the top soil is medium swelling nature. Hence, the

excavated soil cannot be used for backfilling purposes.

7.10 Compiled Soil Profile

7.10.1 An overview of the results and their analysis has been presented in the form of soil

profile in fig. 2.

G(C)8880

10
8.0 DESIGN CRITERIA - A DISCUSSION

8.1 Primary Parameters

8.1.1 The parameters required for the design of foundation system for the proposed structure

are:

a) Type of foundation to be adopted

b) Depth at which the foundations have to be laid/piles have to be terminated.

c) Allowable bearing pressure on the soil at the foundation level/load carrying

capacity of piles.

8.1.2 On the basis of the analysis of the results of investigations, the required design

parameters have been arrived at and these are given in paras 8.2 to 8.4.

8.2 Type of Foundations

8.2.1 The type of foundation depends on the following:

a) Sub soil conditions

b) Type of structure

c) Configuration at loading points

d) Loading intensity on each sub-structure/structural element.

8.2.2 As per the client’s information, the proposed structure is compound wall.

8.2.3 As seen from the investigations the soil is in a stiff/medium dense state.

8.2.4 For the above conditions, Under reamed pile foundations can be adopted for the

proposed structure.

8.3 Termination Depth

8.3.1 The bulb of under-reamed pile can rest at 7m depth from the existing ground level. The

bulb of these piles has been considered as 2.5 times the diameter of the pile shaft.

G(C)8880

11
8.4 Load Carrying Capacity

8.4.1 A safe Load carrying capacity of a 400mm dia pile (shaft diameter) works out to be 28t.

9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

9.1 The recommendations for the proposed structure (Compound wall) are given below:

a) Type of Foundations : Under reamed pile

b) Termination Depth : The bulb of under-reamed pile can rest at

7m depth from the existing ground level.

The bulb of these piles has been

considered as 2.5 times the diameter of

the pile shaft.

c) Load carrying capacity : of a 400mm dia pile (shaft diameter)

works out to be 28t.

9.2 Note

9.2.1 The recommendations given in this report have been arrived at on the basis of design

parameters which have been judiciously adopted by giving due consideration to the

results of field and laboratory investigations as well as NAGADI’s experience of over

four decades in working in various types of soil and rock conditions all over India.

10.0 CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY

10.1 The soil of each strata has been described with name, colour etc. During excavation any

variation in the nature of the soil and its condition from those given in this Report should

be noted and appropriate action should be taken

10.2 It is suggested the load capacity of the pile be confirmed by a load test.

10.3 After reaching the required depth, 15cm thick layer of gravel should be placed and

compacted at the bottom so that the slush formed at the bottom is diminished.

G(C)8880

12
10.4 The bentonite being used during piling should be as per IS 2911.

10.5 It is suggested to ensure that the bulb (2.5times of the shaft) is formed correctly.

11.0 REFERENCES

11.1 A list of IS codes referred for providing the recommendations and that which might be

required to implement the same has been given in Appendix A.

12.0 LIMITATIONS

12.1 This Geotechnical investigation has been carried out at locations in the site chosen by the

client as representing the entire site. The recommendations provided in this Report are

hence valid only for those test locations. However, if there is any change in sub-soil

conditions and properties at places between or beyond the chosen test locations, Nagadi

may be contacted for further actions. Fresh investigations will have to be carried out at

such locations.

M L SHANKAR
For NAGADI CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

G(C)8880

13
 Appendix A
LIST OF IS CODES
Field Investigation
1. IS : 1498 - 1970 : Classification and identification of soils for general engineering
purposes (First Revision) (Amendment 2)
2. IS : 1892 - 1979 : Code of practice for sub surface investigations for foundations
(First revision)
3. IS : 2131 - 1981 : Method of Standard Penetration Tests for soils (First revision)
4. IS : 2132 - 1986 : Code of practice for thin walled tube sampling of soils (Second
revision)

Laboratory Tests
1. IS : 2720 - 1983 (Part 1) : Methods of test for soils: Preparation of dry soil samples
for various tests (Second revision)
2. IS : 2720 - 1980 (Part 2) : Method of test for soils: Determination of water content
(Second revision) Amendment 1
3. IS : 2720 - 1980 (Part 3/Sec 1) : Method of test for soils : Determination of
Specific Gravity : Fine grained soils. (First
revision)
4. IS : 2720 - 1980 (Part 3/Sec 2) : Method of test for soils : Determination of
Specific Gravity : Fine, Medium & Coarse
grained soils. (First revision).
5. IS : 2720 - 1985 (Part 4) : Method of test for soils : Grain size analysis (Second
revision)
6. IS : 2720 - 1985 (Part 5) : Method of test for soils : Determination of liquid and
plastic limit (Second revision)
7. IS : 2720 - 1977 (Part 40) : Methods of tests for soils: Determination of free swell
index of soils.

Foundation Construction
1. IS : 1080 - 1986 : Code of practice for design and construction of shallow
foundations on soils (other than raft, ring and shell) (Second
revision)
2. IS : 1904 - 1986 : Code of practice for design and construction of foundation in
soils: General requirements (Third revision)
3. IS 6403 - 1981 : Code of practice for determination of bearing capacity of shallow
foundations : First revision (Amendment 1)
4. IS 8009 - 1976 (Part 1) : Code of practice for calculation of settlements of
foundations : Shallow foundations subject to symmetrical
static vertical loads (Amendment 2)
5. Is 2911 (Part I to IV) : Design and construction of Pile Foundaitons.

G(C)8880

14
 Project: Compound wall at US Consulate, Kotturpuram, Chennai.
SOIL PROFILE
B.H. Location: Water Table: 3.5m Term. Depth : 20.0m B.H. No. : 1
Atterberg In-situ Triaxial Test
N - Value#
Grain Size Analysis
Depth (m)
Limits properties
Soil Description

(%)
Gravel
(%)
Sand
(%)
Silt
(%)
Clay
(%)
Liquid
(%)
Plastic
(g/cm3)
Density
Cont (%)

Type

(kg/cm2)
c
(O)
N
Water
*
0.0 Ground level

Filled up (Soil with brickbats)

2.4 Change of strata

10 3.0 Grey sandy silty clay 0 16 32 52 57 26

4.0 Grey sandy silty clay 1.83 26.14 CD 0.30 13

10 4.5 Grey sandy silty clay

9 6.0 Grey sandy silty clay

7.0 Grey sandy silty clay

10 7.5 Grey sandy silty clay 0 15 30 55 63 28

9 9.0 Grey sandy silty clay

G(C)8880

10.0 Grey sandy silty clay 1.85 28.31 CD 0.31 13

1
 Project:Compound wall at US Consulate, Kotturpuram, Chennai.
SOIL PROFILE
B.H. Location: Water Table: 3.5m Term. Depth : 20.0m B.H. No. : 1A
Atterberg In-situ Triaxial Test
N - Value#
Grain Size Analysis
Depth (m)
Limits properties
Soil Description

(%)
Gravel
(%)
Sand
(%)
Silt
(%)
Clay
(%)
Liquid
(%)
Plastic
(g/cm3)
Density
Cont (%)

Type

(kg/cm2)
c
(O)
N
Water
*
9 12.0 Grey sandy silty clay 0 16 31 53 59 26

13.0 Grey sandy silty clay 1.85 26.31 CD 0.30 13

10 15.0 Grey sandy silty clay

16.0 Grey sandy silty clay

18.0 Change of strata

>100 Weathered rock - Shale Based

(50/3cm)
>100 20.0 Weathered rock - Shale Based
(50/1cm)

*-Natural Bulk Density # -N Values (Observed)

G(C)8880
1A
 Project: Compound wall at US Consulate, Kotturpuram, Chennai.
SOIL PROFILE
B.H. Location: Water Table: 3.5m Term. Depth : 10.0m B.H. No. : 2
Atterberg In-situ Triaxial Test
N - Value#
Grain Size Analysis
Depth (m)
Limits properties
Soil Description

(%)
Gravel
(%)
Sand
(%)
Silt
(%)
Clay
(%)
Liquid
(%)
Plastic
(g/cm3)
Density
Cont (%)

Type

(kg/cm2)
c
(O)
N
Water
*
0.0 Ground level
Filled up (Soil with brickbats)
2.5 Change of strata
9 3.0 Grey sandy silty clay 0 16 30 54 59 27
4.0 Grey sandy silty clay 1.82 27.09 CD 0.29 13
10 4.5 Grey sandy silty clay
10 6.0 Grey sandy silty clay 0 17 33 50 56 25
7.0 Grey sandy silty clay 1.85 26.29 CD 0.30 14
9 7.5 Grey sandy silty clay
11 9.0 Grey sandy silty clay 0 15 29 56 63 28
10.0 Grey sandy silty clay
G(C)8880

*-Natural Bulk Density # -N Values (Observed)

2
 Project: Compound wall at US Consulate, Kotturpuram, Chennai.
SOIL PROFILE
B.H. Location: Water Table: 3.2m Term. Depth : 10.0m B.H. No. : 3
Atterberg In-situ Triaxial Test
N - Value#
Grain Size Analysis
Depth (m)
Limits properties
Soil Description

(%)
Gravel
(%)
Sand
(%)
Silt
(%)
Clay
(%)
Liquid
(%)
Plastic
(g/cm3)
Density
Cont (%)

Type

(kg/cm2)
c
(O)
N
Water
*
0.0 Ground level
Filled up (Soil with brickbats)
2.5 Change of strata
10 3.0 Grey sandy silty clay 0 18 32 50 56 25
4.0 Grey sandy silty clay 1.83 25.23 CD 0.30 13
9 4.5 Grey sandy silty clay
10 6.0 Grey sandy silty clay 0 16 31 53 59 27
7.0 Grey sandy silty clay 1.85 27.11 CD 0.29 14
8 7.5 Grey sandy silty clay
9 9.0 Grey sandy silty clay 0 14 30 56 63 28
10.0 Grey sandy silty clay
G(C)8880

*-Natural Bulk Density # -N Values (Observed)

3
 15.0m 15.0m

BH 3

BH 1

BH 2
LOCATION PLAN (NOT TO SCALE)

3.0m

3.0m
Fencing

Existing Existing
Compound Compound
wall wall

N
Adyar River
G(C)8880
1
 BH 1 BH 2 BH 3 KEY
E.G.L.

Filled up
1
Grey
2 Sandy (14-18%)
Silty (29-33%)
3 -10 -9 -10 Clay (50-56%)
1 2 3
U U U Weathered rock
4 1 1 1
-10 -10 -9
5
9 'N' Value (Observed)
6 -9 -10 -10

1 2 3
7 U U U Water table
2 2 2
Depth (m)

-10 -9 -8
8 E.G.L : Existing Ground level

9 -9 -11 -9
2 1st undisturbed soil
1 U
10 U 1 sample at borehole no.2
3

11
12 -9

1
13 U
4

14
15 -15

16
17
18
19
20

COMPILED SOIL ROCK PROFILE

PROJECT :COMPOUND WALL AT KOTTURPURAM, CHENNAI

G(C)8880

1
 Sand Gravel
Clay Silt
Fine Medium Coarse Fine Coarse
100
90
80
70
percentage finer

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0.001 0.002 0.01 0.075 0.1 0.425 1 2 4.75 10 20 100
grain size (mm)

Bore Depth Gravel Sand Silt Clay

Line Style Description d60 d10 U
hole (m) (%) (%) (%) (%)
1 3.0 Sandy silty clay 0 16 32 52 0.005 - -
1 7.5 Sandy silty clay 0 15 30 55 0.004 - -
1 12.0 Sandy silty clay 0 16 31 53 0.005 - -
2 3.0 Sandy silty clay 0 16 30 54 0.004 - -
2 6.0 Sandy silty clay 0 17 33 50 0.006 - -
G(C)8880

2 9.0 Sandy silty clay 0 15 29 56 0.003 - -

- -
- -
3
 Sand Gravel
Clay Silt
Fine Medium Coarse Fine Coarse
100
90
80
70
percentage finer

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0.001 0.002 0.01 0.075 0.1 0.425 1 2 4.75 10 20 100
grain size (mm)

Bore Depth Gravel Sand Silt Clay

Line Style Description d60 d10 U
hole (m) (%) (%) (%) (%)
3 3.0 Sandy silty clay 0 18 32 50 0.005 - -
3 6.0 Sandy silty clay 0 16 31 53 0.004 - -
3 9.0 Sandy silty clay 0 14 30 56 0.005 - -
- -
- -
G(C)8880

- -
- -
3A

- -
 SPT Values (Observed)

0 20 40 60 80 100
0
Legend

BH 1

4
BH 2

BH 3

8
Depth (m)

12

16

20

SPT Values (Observed) Vs Depth Curves

G(C)8873