Final Report on:

Geotechnical Investigation for

Proposed structure at sector 155, Noida

Submitted to:

Ar.Indu Tripathi

th
Project No. 220007 Date: 02 October, 2020 Revision: 0
Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

th
02 October, 2020 Project No. 220007

Kind Attention: Mr. Indu Tripathi

Subject: Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at sector 155, Noida

This report presents the field and laboratory test data, along with our geotechnical engineering
recommendations, which shall help you in deciding the optimum foundation arrangement for use on site.

The geotechnical investigation report has been prepared based on laboratory test results, our findings on field
and our diverse experience of structural as well as projects of geotechnical engineering.

Yours faithfully,
Terras Geo Structures

Sandeep Saini
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Topic Summary of Results

Project Name
Proposed structure
(Refer Section
1.1)

Location At Sector 155 ,Noida

Scope of Work
(Refer Section Two (2) boreholes to depth of 8.0 m or refusal (N>100), whichever is earlier
1.2)

Stratigraphy
Based on the boreholes drilled, medium dense silty sand / fine sand is encountered from
(Refer Section
the ground surface to the final explored depth of 8 m.
4.3)
Groundwater
(Refer Section Ground water was met at 7 m depth during our field investigation (September ,2020)
4.4)
Liquefaction
Susceptibility
Assessment No liquefaction potential
(Refer Section
5.2)
Foundation
Please refer to section 5.6 of this report.
Recommendations
(Refer Section
5.6)
Foundation
Construction
Please refer to Section 6.0 of this report for general foundation construction considerations
Considerations
on excavation, foundation level preparation and chemical attack.
(Refer Section
6.0)

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Project Description 1
1.2 Purposes of Study 1
1.3 Details of Test Locations 1
The following table summarizes the test locations: 1

2.0 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS 1

2.1 Soil Boring 1
2.2 Groundwater 2

3.0 LABORATORY TESTS 2

4.0 GENERAL SITE CONDITIONS 2

4.1 Site Stratigraphy 2
4.2 Groundwater 2

5.0 FOUNDATION ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 2

5.1 General 2
5.2 Liquefaction Susceptibility Assessment 3
5.3 Foundation Type and Depth 3
5.4 Concepts for Analysis 3
5.5 Design Parameters 4
5.6 Net Allowable Bearing Pressure For open Foundations 5
5.7 Definition of Net and Corresponding Gross Allowable Bearing Pressure 6
5.8 Basement Design 6

6.0 FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS 7

6.1 Excavation 7
6.2 Foundation Level Preparation 7
6.3 Chemical Attack 7

7.0 VARIABILITY IN SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS 8

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

ILLUSTRATIONS

Caption Plate No.

Satellite Image 2

Typical Calculations : Appendix-A

------------------------------------------------------

DEFINITION OF ACRONYMS

EGL Existing Ground Level

NGL Natural Ground Level
RL Reduced Level
SPT Standard Penetration Test
ISO International Standards Organization
IEC International Electro-Chemical Commission
UUT Unconsolidated undrained triaxial shear test

LIST OF REFERENCES

 Compendium of Indian Standard on Soil Engineering (Part-2, Field Testing of Soils for Civil
Engineering Purposes) SP36 (Part-2:1988) RA 2006

 Compendium of Indian Standard on Soil Engineering (Part-1, Laboratory Testing of Soils for Civil
Engineering Purposes) SP36 (Part-1:1987) RA 2006

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Description

Mr.Amar Bahadur is planning to construct their proposed structure at sector -155, Noida. The
proposed structure shall be built as RCC framed structure.

As per the current layout, the project shall have stilt+ 4 floors with single basement t. The
proposed deepest founding level is expected to be at 3.5- 5.5 m below existing ground level.

M/s Tripathi associates is the planner and architect of this project. M/s Terras Geo Structures
has been retained to carry out the geotechnical investigation at the site.

1.2 Purposes of Study

The overall purposes of the geotechnical study are to investigate the stratigraphy at the site and
to develop geotechnical recommendations for the design of the foundation system for the proposed
commercial building.

To accomplish these purposes, the study was conducted in the following phases:

(a) drilling two (2) boreholes up to maximum 8 m depth, in order to determine the site Stratigraphy
and collect disturbed and undisturbed soil samples for laboratory testing;

(b) testing selected soil and water samples in the laboratory to determine pertinent index and
engineering properties; and

(c) analyzing all field and laboratory data in order to develop engineering recommendations for
foundation design and construction.

1.3 Details of Test Locations

The following table summarizes the test locations:

UTM Coordinates, m
Borehole No. Borehole Termination Depth, m
East North
BH-1 740201 3149793 8.0
BH-2 740234 3149820 8.0

• The test locations were marked on the field as per the drawing issued and recorded using a
hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS). A satellite image of site showing the locations of
our field investigation is presented on Plate 1.

2.0 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

2.1 Soil Boring

The boreholes were progressed using manual auger drilling rig to the specified depth. The
diameter of the borehole was 150 mm. Where caving of the borehole occurred, casing was used to keep
the borehole stable. The work was in general accordance with IS: 1892-1979 RA -2002.

Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) were conducted in the boreholes at 1.5 m depth interval up to
8 m depth. The tests were conducted by connecting a split spoon sampler to ‘A’ rods and driving it by
45 cm using a 63.5 kg free-fall manual hammer from a height of 75 cm. The tests were conducted in
accordance with IS: 2131-1981 RA-1997.

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

The number of blows for each 15 cm of penetration of the split spoon sampler was recorded.
The blows required to penetrate the initial 15 cm of the split spoon for seating the sampler is ignored due
to the possible presence of loose materials or cuttings from the drilling operation. The cumulative
number of blows required to penetrate the balance 30 cm of the 45 cm sampling interval is termed the
SPT value or the ‘N’ value.

Disturbed samples were collected from the split spoon after conducting SPT. The samples were
preserved in transparent polythene bags. Undisturbed soil samples were collected by attaching 75 mm
diameter thin walled ‘Shelby’ tubes and driving the sampler by light-hammering using a 63.5 kg hammer
in accordance with IS: 2132-1986 RA-2009. The tubes were sealed with wax at both ends. All samples
were transported to our laboratory at Gurugram for further examination and testing.

2.2 Groundwater

Groundwater level was measured in the boreholes after drilling and sampling was completed.
The measured water levels are recorded on the individual soil profiles.

3.0 LABORATORY TESTS

Laboratory tests were conducted on selected soil samples to determine their physical and
engineering properties. The testing procedures were in accordance with current applicable IS
specifications.

The following tests were conducted on selected soil samples recovered from the boreholes:

Laboratory Test IS Code Referred

Bulk Density By calculations
Natural moisture content IS : 2720 (Part-2)-1973, RA-2010
Specific Gravity IS : 2720 (Part-3)-1980, RA-2007
Grain size analysis IS : 2720 (Part-4)-1985, RA-2010
Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit IS : 2720 (Part-5)-1985, RA-2010
Consolidated drained direct shear test IS : 2720 (Part-13)-1986, RA-2010
pH value IS : 2720 (Part 26)-1987, RA-2007
Chemical Analysis of soil* Sulphates IS : 2720 (Part-27)-1977, RA-2010
Chlorides IS : 3025 (Part-32)-1988, RA-2009

4.0 GENERAL SITE CONDITIONS

4.1 Site Stratigraphy

The soils at the site are primarily alluvial in nature. Silty sand / fine sand is encountered from the
ground surface to the final explored depth of 8.0 m.

Field SPT-N values range from 13 to 15 to final explored of about 8 m depth.

4.2 Groundwater

Based on our measurements in the completed boreholes, ground water was encountered at 7 m
depth below EGL during our field investigation (September, 2020). Fluctuations may occur in the
groundwater levels due to seasonal variations in rainfall and surface evaporation rates.

5.0 FOUNDATION ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 General

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

A suitable foundation for any structure should have an adequate factor of safety against
exceeding the bearing capacity of the supporting soils. Also the vertical movements due to compression
of the soils should be within tolerable limits for the structure. We consider that foundations designed in
accordance with the recommendations herein will satisfy these criteria.

5.2 Liquefaction Susceptibility Assessment

Liquefaction is defined as the transformation of a granular material from a solid to a liquefied

state as a consequence of increased pore-water pressure and reduced effective stress (Marcuson,
1
1978 ). Increased pore pressure may be induced by the tendency of granular materials to compact
when subjected to cyclic shear deformation, such as in the event of an earthquake.

As per IS: 1893 (Part 1) - 2016, liquefaction is likely in loose fine sand (SP) below water table.
On review of all soil parameters and groundwater conditions, we are of the opinion that the soils at site
are not likely to liquefy in the event of an earthquake.

According to Fig.1 of IS: 1893 (Part-1)-2016 showing seismic zones, the proposed site falls
under Zone-IV. The design for seismic forces should be done considering the project in Zone-IV.

5.3 Foundation Type and Depth

As per the current planning, the project shall have stilt + 4 floors with single basement. We
recommend that RCC strip footing / open foundations be provided to carry the structural loads of the
proposed facilities. A beam interconnecting the foundations should be provided in order to give rigidity to
the structure and to restrict differential settlements.

The single basement floor level shall be about 3.5-5.5m below the existing ground level .

We anticipate that foundations may bear at

• 3.5-5.5 m depth for single basement case

Recommendations are given in the following sections for open foundations bearing at
anticipated levels mentioned above.

Lightly loaded foundations outside the basement area may bear at 1.2 m depth.

5.4 Concepts for Analysis

Bearing capacity analysis for raft foundations has been done in general accordance with IS:
6403-1981. The bearing capacity equation used is as follows:

q net safe = 1 [cN c ζ c d c + q(N q -1) ζ q d q + 0.5 Bϒ N γ ζ γ d ϒ R w ]

F
where:
q net safe = safe net bearing capacity of soil based on the shear failure criterion.
q = overburden pressure

Rw = water table correction factor,

F = Factor of safety, taken as equal to 2.5 in accordance with IS: 1904-1986.
ζ c ,ζ q ,ζ γ = Shape factors. For Strip footings, ζ c = ζ q = ζ γ = 1

(1)
Marcuson, W.F. (III) (1978), “Definition of terms related to liquefaction”, J. Geotech Engrg. Div,, ASCE, 104(9), 1197-
1200.

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

For Square footing, ζ c = 1.3, ζ q = 1.2, ζ γ = 0.6

d c ,d q , d γ = Depth factors
For φ ≤ 10, d c = 1 + 0.2 tan (45 + φ / 2) D / B, d q = d γ = 1
For φ > 10, d q = d γ = 1 + 0.1 tan (45 + φ / 2) D / B

Appropriate values have been substituted into the bearing capacity equation given above to
compute the safe net bearing capacity. The values have been checked to determine the settlement of
the foundation under the safe bearing pressure. The allowable bearing pressure has been taken as the
lower of the two values computed from the bearing capacity shear failure criterion as well as that
computed from the tolerable settlement criterion.

Settlement analysis has been performed based on SPT values in accordance with Clause 9.1.4
of IS 8009 (Part 1) – 1976 RA 2003 Fig.9. The values have been cross checked with the settlement
computed of immediate settlement.

Since sand is encountered below the founding level, consolidation settlement is expected to be
negligible. The immediate settlement has been computed using the following equation [Clause 9.2.3 of
(2)
IS 8009 Part 1-1976 RA 2003 .
qB ' (1 − µ 2 )
Si = Idf dr
E
where:
Si = immediate (elastic) settlement
B = foundation width, B’ = B/2
µ = Poisson’s ratio
q = applied bearing pressure
E = modulus of elasticity
df = depth factor
dr = rigidity factor
I = influence factor at corner of rectangular loaded area (B’ x L’)

5.5 Design Parameters

Soil parameters used for foundation analysis based on shear criterion are as follows:

Foundation Bearing Capacity

c,
Depth below 2 φ° Factors Failure Criterion
T/m
EGL, m Nc Nq N γ’
Average of local and general shear
3.5-5.5 0 30 27.86 16.44 19.34
failure criteria
where:
c = cohesion intercept
φ = angle of internal friction
Nc, Nq, Nγ = bearing capacity factors

Reviewing the soil characteristics, the following soil parameters have been selected for
foundation settlement analysis:

(2)
Bowles, J.E. (1996),“Foundation Analysis and Design”, The McGraw Hill Companies Inc., International
Edition, pp. 303-317.

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

Depth , m Design SPT Value Bulk Density (γ), Modulus of Elasticity,

Soil Classification 3 2
From To (N”) T/m T/m
0.0 4.5 Silty sand 9 1.86 600
4.5 8.0 Fine sand 10 1.88 700
8.0 15.0 Fine sand 13 1.90 900
For the purpose of analysis ground water table has been assumed at 4.0 m depth below EGL.

where:
γ = bulk density
(3)
E = modulus of elasticity
c = cohesion intercept
φ = angle of friction

5.6 Net Allowable Bearing Pressure For open Foundations

The following table presents our values of net allowable bearing pressures for isolated / RCC
strip footing foundations.

Recommended Net Allowable Bearing Pressure,

Foundation T/m
2
Depth below Suggested Modulus of
Case 3
Total Settlement = 40 Total Settlement = 50 Subgrade Reaction (k), kN/m
EGL,m
mm mm

3.5 m 9.4 11.8 2400

Single
4.5 m 12.0 15.0 3000
Basement
5.5 m 14.4 18.0 3600

The following points are highlighted with regard to the above recommended net bearing pressures:

1. The above bearing pressures include a bearing capacity safety factor of 2.5.

2. The appropriate values of net bearing pressure may be selected as per the permissible
settlement criterion.

3. Net and gross bearing pressures for foundations at intermediate depths may be interpolated
linearly between the values given above.

4. A beam connecting the foundations should be provided to give rigidity to the structure and to
restrict differential settlements.

5. The exposed soil at foundation level should be watered and compacted thoroughly. It should be
ensured that there are no loose soil pockets below foundation level.

6. The soils at foundation level should be compacted thoroughly using a heavy roller. It should be
ensured that there are no loose pockets at foundation level.

(3)
estimated based on empirical correlations with SPT N-values

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

7. The suggested modulus of sub grade reaction (k) has been estimated as the ratio of the
computed net bearing pressure and corresponding total settlement, and is applicable at the
(4)
centre of the loaded area .

For lightly loaded foundations not exceeding 2 m width outside the basement area, we
2
recommend net allowable bearing pressures of 7.0 T/m at 1.2 m depth. These values include a bearing
capacity safety factor of 2.5. Total settlement of the foundations is expected to be less than 50 mm.

5.7 Definition of Net and Corresponding Gross Allowable Bearing Pressure

For the purposes of this report, the net allowable bearing pressure should be calculated as the
difference between total load on the foundation and the weight of the soil overlying the foundation
divided by the effective area of the foundation. The gross bearing pressure is the total pressure at the
foundation level including overburden pressure and surcharge load.

The following equations may be used:

q net = [(P s + W f +W s ) / A f ] - S v
q gross = q net + S v = (P s + W f + W s ) / A f

where:

q net = net allowable bearing pressure

q gross = gross bearing pressure
Ps = superimposed static load on foundation
Wf = weight of foundation
Ws = weight of soil overlying foundation
Af = effective area of foundation
Sv = overburden pressure at foundation level prior to excavation for foundation.

It may please be noted that safe bearing pressures recommended in this report refer to “net
values”. Where filling is done, it should be treated as a surcharge over the foundation. The advantage
of this gross bearing pressure may be taken while designing the basement and other underground
structures.

5.8 Basement Design

The basement should be adequately waterproofed and designed to resist lateral earth pressure
due to backfill and saturation of soils as well as hydrostatic uplift pressure.

Groundwater was met at 7.0 m depth during the period of our field investigation (September
2020). Therefore, hydrostatic uplift is likely. However there is a possibility that the soils at shallow depth
also may get saturated temporarily due to seepage from surface sources, leaking water pipes, etc. We
suggest that a hydrostatic uplift equivalent to head of water considering ground water table at 4m depth
be considered in the design to account for the worst condition.

The basement floor slab design should be checked to ensure it shall resist the consequent
hydrostatic uplift with an adequate factor of safety. The basement retaining wall should be designed to
resist horizontal earth pressure as well as hydrostatic pressure.

We suggest the following values of coefficients of lateral earth pressure for design of basement
retaining walls:

(4)
Bowles, J.E. (1996), "Foundation Analysis and Design Fifth Edition", The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., pp. 503

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

Depth, m
φ', degrees ka kp k0
From To
0.0 6.0 29 0.34 2.88 0.51
6.0 10.0 30 0.33 3.0 0.51

where:
φ’ = effective angle of internal friction
ka = coefficient of active earth pressure
kp = coefficient of passive earth pressure
k0 = coefficient of earth pressure at rest

A suitable safety factor should be applied on the passive earth pressures in the design of the
wall.

6.0 FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS

6.1 Excavation

Temporary open cut excavations for foundation constructions may be excavated using

1 vertical and 0.8~0.9 horizontal side slopes to about 5 m depth. A horizontal berm, at least 1.5
m wide, should be provided at 2.5-3.0 depth for stability purpose.

The excavation slopes as given above are expected to remain stable except during rains. The
engineer should monitor the slopes during excavations. In case, excessive sloughing or caving occurs,
the slope may be flattened further to ensure stability.

6.2 Foundation Level Preparation

The area shall be excavated up to the foundation level. All loose soils should be removed and
the exposed foundation bearing surface should be watered and compacted properly using rammers /
rollers.

In case mechanical means like excavators are deployed for excavations, the excavations should
be carried out up to 0.5 m above the proposed level. The last 0.5 m depth of excavation should be
carried out manually, so that the founding soils are not disturbed / loosened.

The surface should be protected from disturbances due to construction activities so that the
foundations may bear on the natural undisturbed ground. We recommend the placement of a 75 to 100
mm thick “blinding layer” of lean concrete to facilitate placement of reinforcing steel and to protect the
soils from disturbance.

6.3 Chemical Attack

The results indicate that the soil contains about 0.11- 0.12 percent sulphates and about 0.04 -
0.06 percent chlorides. The pH value of soil is about 7.8 - 8.0 indicating nearly neutral conditions.

The ground water contains 312 – 365 mg/litre of sulphates . The pH value of water is about 8.1 -
8.2 indicating slightly alkaline conditions.

IS: 456-2000 recommends that precautions should be taken against chemical degradation of
concrete if:

 sulphates content of the soils exceeds 0.2 percent, or

 groundwater contains more than 300 mg /litre of sulphates (SO 3 ).

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Geotechnical Investigation for proposed structure at Sector -155 at Noida

Comparing the test results with these specified limits, the sulphate content of the water is higher
than the specified limit. Therefore, strata at the site may be treated in class 2 category as described on
IS: 456-2000.

In our opinion, the soils at site are not aggressive to concrete. We recommend the following
measures to limit the potential for chemical attack on foundation concrete:
3
i. Foundation concrete should contain minimum cement content of 330 kg/m of cement.

ii. Water cement ratio in foundation concrete should not exceed 0.50.

iii. A clear concrete cover over the reinforcement steel of at least 50 mm should be provided for all
foundations.

iv. Foundation concrete should be densified adequately using a vibrator so as to form a dense
impervious mass.

7.0 VARIABILITY IN SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS

Subsurface conditions encountered during construction may vary somewhat from the conditions
encountered during the site investigation. In case significant variations are encountered during
construction, we request to be notified so that our engineers may review the recommendations in this
report in light of these variations.

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 Bearing Capacity Analysis for Shallow Foundations
Analysis as per IS 6403-1981

Foundation at single Basement Level

The bearing capacity equation is as follows :

qnet safe = (1/FS){cNczcdc+q(Nq-1)zqdq+0.5BgNgzgdgRw}
where:
qnet safe = safe net bearing capacity c = cohesion intercept
q = overburden pressure B = Foundation width
γ = Bulk density of soil below founding level
Rw = Water table correction factor FS = Factor of safety
Nc, Nq, Ng = bearing capacity factors, which are a function of f
dc, dq, dg = Depth factors
zc, zq, zg = Shape factors
Soil parameters : Bulk Density
c= 0.00 T/m2 φ = 29.0 degrees GENERAL SHEAR FAILURE Profile
c' = 0.00 T/m2 φ = 20.3 degrees LOCAL SHEAR FAILURE Depth, m γ
General Shear Failure : Nc = 27.86 Nq = 16.44 Ng = 19.34 From To T/m3
' ' '
Local Shear Failure : Nc = 15.10 Nq = 6.58 Ng = 5.60 0.0 2.5
2.5 8.0 1.88
Factor of safety = 2.5 as per IS 1904-1986 8.0 15.0 1.90

Design Water Table depth = 4.0 m

Rw factor: Constant value(V) for worst condition or Rw = 0.60
calculate(C) based on WT Depth ? : V
Depth factor to be considered ? Y
For computation of Depth Factor, depth below GL to be ignored to account for loose
soils,poorly compacted backfill above foundation, scour etc. = 2.5 m
FAILURE CRITERIA : AVERAGE OF LOCAL & GENERAL SHEAR FAILURE

Foundation Depth factors Depth factors qnet safe ,

Gross
Shape Factors Safe Net
Depth,m

Dimensions FOUN- (GSF) (LSF) T/m 2 Bearing

Bearing
DATION Rw Capacity
Capacity
B, m L, m SHAPE zc zq zg dc dq dg dc' dq' '
dg GSF LSF 2 (Safe)
T/m
T/m2
3.0 3.0 Square 3.5 0.60 1.30 1.20 0.80 1.11 1.06 1.06 1.10 1.05 1.05 25.8 8.5 17.1 19.0
3.0 3.0 Square 4.5 0.60 1.30 1.20 0.80 1.23 1.11 1.11 1.19 1.10 1.10 38.5 12.9 25.7 29.0
3.0 3.0 Square 5.5 0.60 1.30 1.20 0.80 1.34 1.17 1.17 1.29 1.14 1.14 48.2 16.2 32.2 36.3
 Settlement Analysis for Shallow Foundation Based on N-Values
Analysis as per IS:8009(Part 1)-1976 , Clause 9.1.4

Foundation at Basement Level

Design Water Table Depth : 4.0 m

R w factor : Calculate (C) based on water table depth
or Fixed Value(V) for worst condition : V Rw factor for design : 0.6
Fox's Depth Factor to be considered ? Y
Depth to be ignored in Depth Factor Computation for loose
soils, poorly compacted backfill, scour, etc. 2.0 m
Design N-Value

Settlement

Settlement, mm
Rigidity Factor, dr
2
Pressure, T/m
Foundation

Fox's Depth

@ 1kg/cm2

Computed
Foundation

Foundation

Design Net
Length,m

Factor, df
Depth,m
Width,m

Bearing

(as read off

Shape from graph), Rw
mm

3.0 3.0 3.5 Square 12.0 11.8 26.5 0.55 0.85 1.0 48.4
3.0 3.0 4.5 Square 13.0 15.0 23.9 0.55 0.76 1.0 49.5
3.0 3.0 5.5 Square 14.0 18.0 21.7 0.55 0.70 1.0 49.7