Volume 2

Part 15
Ground Investigation and Aspects
of Geotechnical Design Guide
 VOLUME 2 PART 15 
GROUND INVESTIGATION AND ASPECTS OF GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN GUIDE 
 
 

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VOLUME 2   
 
 VOLUME 2 PART 15
GROUND INVESTIGATION AND ASPECTS OF GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN GUIDE

− Elevation of the groundwater surface or piezometric surface of aquifers and

their variation over time and actual groundwater levels including possible
extreme levels and their periods of recurrence
− Porewater pressure distribution
− Chemical composition and temperature of groundwater
− Scope and nature of groundwater lowering work
− Harmful effects of the groundwater on excavations or slopes; for example, the
risk of hydraulic failure, excessive seepage pressure, or erosion
− Necessary measures to protect the structure; for example, waterproofing,
drainage, and measures to protect against aggressive water
− Effects of groundwater lowering, desiccation, and impounding on the
surroundings
− Capacity of the ground to absorb water injected during construction
− Whether it is possible to use local groundwater, given its chemical
composition, for construction purposes
− Presence of existing groundwater controls near the site, which will need to be
considered
− Tidal waters and groundwater monitoring over a tidal cycle
• Constructability
− Effects of construction traffic and heavy loads on the ground
− Prospective methods of dewatering or excavation (or both), effects of
precipitation, resistance to weathering, and susceptibility to shrinkage,
swelling, and disintegration

Further information on the planning of ground investigations can be found in the

Part 2: Planning, Procurement and Quality Management, Part 3: Specification for
Ground Investigation, and Part 4: Guidelines for the Safe Investigation by Drilling of
Landfills and Contaminated Land, and (Site Investigation Steering Group, 1993a,
1993b, and 1993c).

4.3 Ground Investigations Proposals

4.3.1 Phasing of Ground Investigation
Typically, ground investigation for road projects is performed in a three-phased
approach as follows:

• Preliminary Ground Investigation: Undertaken in the early stages of a project, such

as route selection and concept design. May also be undertaken to provide
information for project preliminary design for tendering a design and build
contract for project construction.

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• Detailed Design Ground Investigation: Usually performed in advance of, or at the

start of project detailed design. The investigation provides earthwork and structure-
specific information, supplementing any preliminary ground investigation findings.
Occasionally, there could be additional phases of “detailed design” ground
investigation prior to project design finalization and construction.
• Construction Ground Investigation: Usually performed during project construction
for controlling and monitoring purposes. For example, to investigate particular
ground conditions and verify the extent of construction works such as the
treatment of solution cavities (dahal) or for the installation of piezometers to
monitor groundwater levels associated with dewatering of a deep excavation.

The composition and the extent of the ground investigations should reflect the
amount and quality of available historical exploratory hole information, the particular
stage of a project, and also the ground risks as established from a Geotechnical Risk
Assessment and reflected in the Geotechnical Category of the project (as discussed in
Section 3.3 of Part 16, Geotechnical Risk Management, of this manual).

4.3.2 Guidelines for Overall Coverage of Exploratory Hole Spacing and Depth
The term “exploratory holes” is used here as it covers all forms of possible
investigative holes including boreholes, trial pits, and trial trenches that the
geotechnical practitioner may wish to use in a ground investigation.

The geotechnical practitioner should plan each phase of ground investigation to

supplement information already available to ensure that an appropriate level of
geotechnical information and data are available at the particular project stage. The
information obtained must be sufficient to enable the geotechnical practitioner to
assess the geotechnical risks relative to the project stage. The ground investigation
would normally be required to establish the soil, rock, and groundwater conditions;
identify the level of contamination (if present); and determine the properties of the soil
and rock.

The type, frequency, and spacing of exploratory holes required for a particular phase
of investigation depends on the quantity and quality of information already available,
the variability of subsurface conditions, the type of earthworks and structures
proposed, and the geotechnical category of the project. Where appropriate, the
geotechnical practitioner should incorporate in situ cone penetration testing
(Section 7.3 in this Part) within the overall ground investigation design to obtain the
necessary information on ground and groundwater conditions at a site.

For project elements such as route selection studies and conceptual design, overall
coverage of exploratory holes (comprising good quality available historical exploratory
holes and any required Phase 1 ground investigation to supplement those data) of up
to 300 m spacing may be appropriate. For simple projects in areas of generally
uniform or simple subsurface conditions, it may be appropriate to adopt a greater
spacing of up to 500 m. For preparing a preliminary design for a project, an overall
reduced spacing of roughly 200 m may be appropriate with at least one exploratory
hole at important structures such as a bridge foundation. However, the overall

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coverage of exploratory holes and the extent of any Phase 1 ground investigation to
supplement available historical records should be limited to that necessary for making
basic design decisions.

For project-detailed design, a much denser spacing of exploratory holes (comprising

good quality available historical records, any Phase 1 ground investigation previously
undertaken and any required Phase 2 ground investigation to supplement those data)
will be required. The locations of exploratory holes and the depths of the
investigations should reflect the expected ground conditions, the dimensions of the
structures and earthworks, and the engineering problems.

Guidelines on the layout of exploratory holes for detailed design of project structures
and earthworks are given in Table 4.1, based on Subsurface Investigations—
Geotechnical Site Characterization (FHWA, 2002) and Eurocode 7: Geotechnical
Design—Part 1: General Rules (BS EN 1997-1:2004). Guidelines on the minimum
depths requirements for the exploratory holes below the lowest point of the structure
foundation or earthwork are shown in Table 4.2 and are based on those references.
However, the precise numbers, locations, and depths of exploratory holes must be
determined by a suitably experienced geotechnical practitioner and must be based on
the project-specific geotechnical risk assessment. Guidelines on the geotechnical risk-
management process are provided in Part 16, Geotechnical Risk Management, of this
manual.

When selecting the exploratory holes locations the following should be observed:

• Investigation points should be arranged in such a pattern that the soils and rock
stratification can be assessed across the site.
• Investigation points for structures and any buildings should be placed at critical
points relative to the shape, structural behavior, and expected loading.
• For linear structures, the exploratory holes should be arranged at adequate offsets
to the centerline, depending on the overall width of the structure, such as an
embankment footprint or a cutting.
• For structures on or near slopes and changes in the terrain (including
excavations), the exploratory holes should be located so that the stability of the
slope or cut can be assessed. Where anchorages are installed, the extent and
likely stresses in their load transfer zone should be considered.

4.3.3 Ground Investigation Requirements with Regard to Contaminated Land

Depending on past use of a site or part of it, geo-environmental ground investigation
works, which typically include soils and groundwater sampling and laboratory testing
for contaminants, may need to be performed. The scope of any geo-environmental
ground investigation works should be established based on the historical land use as
established from the preliminary sources study (described in Chapter 3 in this Part)
with reference to the Ministry of Environment (MoE, 2012) requirements, and be
made by a suitably experienced and qualified geo-environment specialist.

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To provide best value, an integrated approach to the geo-environmental and

geotechnical engineering ground investigation works should be employed. Similarly,
an integrated approach developed among these disciplines should be used in overall
highway project development.

Table 4.1 Guidelines for Overall Exploratory Holes Spacings for Detailed Design
Exploratory Hole (Typically Boreholes, Trial Pits, and
Project Element
Project Element In Situ Cone Penetration Tests, where Appropriate)
or Geotechnical
Hazard Size Layout Minimum Requirements Additional Considerations
Bridge — Advice on the design of the ground Additional exploratory holes to be
foundations investigation should be sought from a provided in areas of variable subsurface
geotechnical practitioner with conditions.
knowledge and experience in bridge
Additional exploratory holes to be
design and construction.
provided for unusual foundation shape
For piers or One exploratory hole at each
and loading.
abutments less foundation
than 25 m wide
For piers or Two exploratory holes at each
abutments over foundation
25 m wide
Tunnel (bored) — Advice on the design of the ground If the exact tunnel location/alignment is
investigation should be sought from a known, drilling through the proposed
geotechnical practitioner with tunnel location may have to be avoided.
knowledge and experience in tunnel
design and construction.
— One exploratory hole at each portal or
launch (or both) and reception shafts.
One exploratory hole at intermediate
shafts
Exploratory holes at 20 to 200 m
intervals along the tunnel alignment
depending on the initial geological
assessment or terrain, or both.
Retaining walls For retaining One exploratory hole at each retaining Additional exploratory holes inside and
walls less than wall outside the wall line to define conditions
25 m long at the toe of the wall and in the zone
For retaining Spacing between exploratory holes behind the wall to estimate lateral loads,
walls over 25 m should be no greater than 25 m at each engulfing slope failure, and anchorage
long retaining wall. capacities.
Gantry signs — One exploratory hole at each —
foundation.
Cuttings For cuttings of One exploratory hole at each cutting. Additional exploratory holes
less than 25 m perpendicular to the cutting (typically a
long minimum of three) to be provided at

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Table 4.1 Guidelines for Overall Exploratory Holes Spacings for Detailed Design
Exploratory Hole (Typically Boreholes, Trial Pits, and
Project Element
In Situ Cone Penetration Tests, where Appropriate)
or Geotechnical Project Element
Hazard Size Layout Minimum Requirements Additional Considerations
For cuttings ofSpacing between exploratory holes
greater than should be no greater than 100 m at
25 m long each cutting in simple ground
conditions. Reduce minimum spacing
required in more difficult ground
conditions relative to complexity.
Embankments For One exploratory hole at each Additional exploratory holes
embankments of embankment. perpendicular to the embankment to be
less than 25 m provided at critical locations and high
long embankments (typically a minimum of 3)
For Spacing between exploratory holes to define the ground and groundwater
embankments of should be no greater than 100 m at conditions for settlement and stability
greater than each embankment in simple ground analysis design.
25 m long conditions. Reduce minimum spacing
required in more difficult ground
conditions relative to complexity.
Roads — Spacing between exploratory holes Some of the exploratory holes should be
along the road alignment generally offset from the centerline.
should not exceed 200 m. In complex ground and groundwater
conditions (for example, sabkha),
exploratory holes should closely spaced to
ensure that the vertical and horizontal
boundaries of the distinct soil and rock
units are properly defined. Use may be
made of boreholes carried out for other
project elements such as embankments,
cuttings, and structures.
Culverts — One exploratory hole at each major Additional exploratory holes should be
culvert. provided for long culverts or in areas of
very variable subsurface conditions.
Nondestructive For crossings less Two exploratory holes, one at each end Additional exploratory holes should be
crossings than 25 m length of the crossing (close to crossing ends at provided for long crossings or in areas of
the launch and reception locations and very variable subsurface conditions.
pits).
Nondestructive For crossings of Two exploratory holes, one at each end Additional exploratory holes should be
crossings greater than of the crossing (close to the crossing provided for long crossings or in areas of
(continued) 25 m long ends at the launch and reception very variable subsurface conditions.
locations and pits).
One borehole at crossing center point.
Low rise buildings — One exploratory hole at building Additional exploratory holes to be
(such as, toll plaza location. provided in areas of variable subsurface
or road conditions.
maintenance Additional exploratory holes to be
depot) provided for unusual foundation shape
and loadings.

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Table 4.1 Guidelines for Overall Exploratory Holes Spacings for Detailed Design
Exploratory Hole (Typically Boreholes, Trial Pits, and
Project Element
In Situ Cone Penetration Tests, where Appropriate)
or Geotechnical Project Element
Hazard Size Layout Minimum Requirements Additional Considerations
Landslides — Advice on the design of the ground —
investigation should be sought from a
geotechnical practitioner with
knowledge and experience in the
investigation and interpretation of
landslides, their management and in the
design and construction of remediation
measures.
At minimum, three boreholes along a
critical section perpendicular through
the landslide to establish a ground
model including groundwater
conditions for analysis. One borehole
should be upslope of the area of
instability.
Natural cavities — Advice on the design of the ground Consideration should be given to
(dahal) investigation should be sought from a performing the geophysical survey using
geotechnical practitioner with techniques suitable for the rock strata in
knowledge and experience in the Qatar. For example, potential problems
investigation and interpretation of with the interpretation of geophysical
natural cavities, their management, and testing due to density inversion (stronger
in the design and construction of strata overlying weaker rock) should be
remediation measures. considered during planning of the
geophysical testing.
Materials borrow — One exploratory hole every 1,000 m2 of Additional exploratory holes should be
areas borrow area. provided in areas of variable subsurface
conditions.
Pipelines and — Spacing between exploratory holes Additional exploratory holes should be
Channels along the pipeline or channel alignment provided in areas of variable subsurface
generally should not exceed 200 m. conditions and at the location of thrust
blocks for pressurized pipelines.
Notes:
m meters
m2 square meters

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Table 4.2 Guidelines for Exploratory Holes Depths

Depth of Exploratory Holes Below the Lowest Point of the
Structure Foundation or Earthwork
Project Element or Minimum Depth Requirements,
Geotechnical Hazard Foundation Type Dmin Additional Considerations
Bridge (abutments and Spread foundation For L<2 B, take Dmin = greater of Extend exploratory hole
piers) 5 m or 2 B depth in unfavorable
For L>4 B, take Dmin = greater of 6 m ground conditions such as
or 3 B weak or compressible
For L between 2 B and 4 B, strata.
interpolate between the above.
Pile foundations For single piles Dmin = 5 m or 3 Dia Extend exploratory hole
of the pile, whichever is the greater depth in unfavorable
in competent strata (below the ground conditions such as
estimated depth of the pile toe) weak or compressible
For pile groups Dmin must also be strata.
greater than B for the area
If tension piles are needed
circumscribing the pile group area
the depth of investigation
in competent strata.
should be as for pile
foundations.
Tunnel (bored) — Advice on the design of the ground If the exact tunnel
investigation should be sought location/alignment is
from a geotechnical practitioner known, drilling through the
with knowledge and experience in proposed tunnel location
tunnel design and construction. may have to be avoided.
If vertical alignment is known Dmin =
1 Dia to 2 Dia of the tunnel below
tunnel invert.
Retaining walls Gravity and cantilever Dmin = 5 m or 2 B whichever is the Extend exploratory hole
walls (spread footing) greater. depth in situations with
In the case of piled footings, the sloping ground behind
same as bridge pile foundations retaining wall.
applies.
Extend exploratory hole
Embedded walls Dmin = 1.5 H for the wall retained
depth to provide sufficient
height
information to allow
comprehensive stability
assessment of engulfing
slope failures of the
retaining wall.
Extend exploratory hole
depth in unfavorable
ground conditions such as
weak or compressible
strata.
Gantry signs Spread footings Dmin = 5 m or 2 B whichever is the —
greater.
Pile foundations For single piles Dmin = 5 m or 3 Dia —
of the pile whichever is the greater
in competent strata.
For pile groups Dmin must also be
greater than B for the area
circumscribing the pile group area
in competent strata.

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Table 4.2 Guidelines for Exploratory Holes Depths

Depth of Exploratory Holes Below the Lowest Point of the
Structure Foundation or Earthwork
Project Element or Minimum Depth Requirements,
Geotechnical Hazard Foundation Type Dmin Additional Considerations
Cuttings — Dmin = 2 m or 0.4 H for the cutting Extend exploratory hole
whichever is the greater, below the depth to provide sufficient
base of the cutting. information to allow
comprehensive stability
assessment of cutting
slope.
Embankments — Dmin = 5 m or 1.2 H for the Exploratory holes should
embankment whichever is the extend to a depth where
greater, below embankment the additional stress owing
founding level. to the embankment is less
than 10 percent of the
imposed load at its base.
Exploratory holes should
be extended in
unfavorable ground
conditions such as weak or
compressible strata to
competent strata.
Roads (at grade sections) — Dmin = 4 m below the proposed Exploratory holes should
formation level. be extended in
unfavorable ground
conditions such as weak or
compressible strata to
competent strata.
Culverts Ground bearing Dmin = 4 m below the invert level or For major culverts Dmin =
1.5 B of the trench whichever is the 5 m or 3 B of the trench
greater whichever is the greater
should apply.
Piled For single piles Dmin = 5 m or 3 Dia —
of the pile, whichever is the greater
in competent strata.
For pile groups, Dmin must also be
greater than B for the area
circumscribing the pile group area
in competent strata.
Nondestructive crossings — Dmin = 4 m below crossing invert —
level or 3 Dia, whichever is the
greater.
Low-rise buildings (such as — Dmin = 5 m or three times width of Exploratory holes should
toll plaza or road the spread footing, whichever is extend to a depth where
maintenance depot) greater, below building founding the additional stress owing
level. to the building is less than
For pile foundations, criteria for 10 percent of the imposed
bridge pile foundations should be load at its base.
adopted.
Exploratory holes should
be extended in
unfavorable ground
conditions such as weak or
compressible strata to
competent strata.

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