SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY

BLOCK: 1 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor

JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 78,79 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil pr ofile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions due to fill placed in the north eastern
corner of the block. It must be noted that part of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions.
Therefore the classification must be reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing soil from the
block and/or if the presence of service trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference
must be made to the comments provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be conf irmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This rep

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 78,79
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 2 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 79,80 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the current soil
profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the soil profile
would be equivalent to high range Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. The site classification must be reassessed
should the subsurface profile change by either cutting or filling and/or if the presence of service trenches, retaining walls or
submerged structures are within the zone of influence of the proposed footings. Reference must be made to the comments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Given the high range nature of the site classification, consideration should be given to adopting a
footing system stiffer than the typical class M systems. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable
strength/material, below the zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground
structures. Masonry walls should be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure
suitable drainage and uniform moisture conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be
confirmed by a structural engineer taking into consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Depending on the depth of site cut and trenches, hard rock excavation may be required.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This report must be read in conjuncti

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 79,80
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 3 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 80,81 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the current soil
profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the so il profile
would be equivalent to high range Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. The site classification must be reassessed
should the subsurface profile change by either cutting or filling and/or if the presence of service trenches, retaining walls or
submerged structures are within the zone of influence of the proposed footings. Reference must be mad e to the comments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Given the high range nature of the site classification, consideration should be given to adopting a
footing system stiffer than the typical class M systems. All footings must found within a uniform bear ing stratum of suitable
strength/material, below the zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground
structures. Masonry walls should be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must e nsure
suitable drainage and uniform moisture conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be
confirmed by a structural engineer taking into consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Depending on the depth of site cut and trenches, hard rock excavation may be required.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This report must be read in conjuncti

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 80,81
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 4 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 81,82 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the current soil
profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the soil profile
would be equivalent to high range Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. The site classification must be reassessed
should the subsurface profile change by either cutting or filling and/or if the presence of service trenches, retaining walls or
submerged structures are within the zone of influence of the proposed footings. Reference must be made to the comments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Given the high range nature of the site classification, consideration should be given to adopting a
footing system stiffer than the typical class M systems. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable
strength/material, below the zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground
structures. Masonry walls should be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure
suitable drainage and uniform moisture conditions a re maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be
confirmed by a structural engineer taking into consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Depending on the depth of site cut and trenches, hard rock excavation may be required.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This report must be read in conjuncti

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 81,82
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 5 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 82,83 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the current soil
profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the so il profile
would be equivalent to high range Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. The site classification must be reassessed
should the subsurface profile change by either cutting or filling and/or if the presence of service trenches, retaining walls or
submerged structures are within the zone of influence of the proposed footings. Reference must be mad e to the comments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Given the high range nature of the site classification, consideration should be given to adopting a
footing system stiffer than the typical class M systems. All footings must found within a uniform bear ing stratum of suitable
strength/material, below the zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground
structures. Masonry walls should be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must e nsure
suitable drainage and uniform moisture conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be
confirmed by a structural engineer taking into consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Depending on the depth of site cut and trenches, hard rock excavation may be required.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This report must be read in conjuncti

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 82,83
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 6 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 83,84 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the current soil
profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the soil profile
would be equivalent to Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. The site classification must be reassessed should
the subsurface profile change by eit her cutting or filling and/or if the presence of service trenches, retaining walls or
submerged structures are within the zone of influence of the proposed footings. Reference must be made to the comments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Foot ing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Depending on the depth of site cut and trenches, hard rock excavation may be required.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This report must be read in conjuncti

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 83,84
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 7 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 84,85 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the current soil
profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the so il profile
would be equivalent to high range Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. The site classification must be reassessed
should the subsurface profile change by either cutting or filling and/or if the presence of service trenches, retaining walls or
submerged structures are within the zone of influence of the proposed footings. Reference must be mad e to the comments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Given the high range nature of the site classification, consideration should be given to adopting a
footing system stiffer than the typical class M systems. All footings must found within a uniform bear ing stratum of suitable
strength/material, below the zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground
structures. Masonry walls should be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must e nsure
suitable drainage and uniform moisture conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be
confirmed by a structural engineer taking into consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Depending on the depth of site cut and trenches, hard rock excavation may be required.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This report must be read in conjuncti

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 84,85
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 8 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 85,86 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the current soil
profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the soil profile
would be equivalent to high range Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. The site classification must be reassessed
should the subsurface profile change by either cutting or filling and/or if the presence of service trenches, retaining walls or
submerged structures are within the zone of influence of the proposed footings. Reference must be made to the comments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Given the high range nature of the site classification, consideration should be given to adopting a
footing system stiffer than the typical class M systems. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable
strength/material, below the zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground
structures. Masonry walls should be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure
suitable drainage and uniform moisture conditions a re maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be
confirmed by a structural engineer taking into consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Depending on the depth of site cut and trenches, hard rock excavation may be required.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This report must be read in conjuncti

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 85,86
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 9 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 86,87 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil pr ofile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. It must be noted that the eastern end
of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions. Therefore the classification must be
reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing soil from the block and/or if the pr esence of service
trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference must be made to the comments provided
below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropria te for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This rep

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 86,87
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 10 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 88,89 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions due to fill placd in the north western
corner of the block. It must be noted that part of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions.
Therefore the classification must be reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing soil from the
block and/or if the presence of service trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference
must be made to the comments provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are a ppropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This rep

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 88,89
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 11 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 89,90 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil pr ofile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions due to fill placed in the northern end
of the block. It must be noted that part of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions.
Therefore the classification must be reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or remo ving soil from the
block and/or if the presence of service trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference
must be made to the comments provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or under ground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drai nage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This rep

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 89,90
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 12 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 90,91 and Drawing 1.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions due to fill placed in the north eastern
corner of the block. It must be noted that the majority of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly rea ctive/filled)
conditions. Therefore the classification must be reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing
soil from the block and/or if the presence of service trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block.
Reference must be made to the comments provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearin g stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ens ure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines: Reference sho

soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drainage. It note s that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 90,91
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 13 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 91,92 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides gu idance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in th e subsoil profile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. It must be noted that the eastern
boundary of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions. Therefore the cla ssification must
be reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing soil from the block and/or if the presence of
service trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference must be made to the c omments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, be low the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines: Reference should be made to the attached CSIRO Sheet BTF

soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drainage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.
This report must be read in conjuncti

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 91,92
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 14 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 92,93 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the current soil
profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the so il profile
would be equivalent to high range Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. The site classification must be reassessed
should the subsurface profile change by either cutting or filling and/or if the presence of service trenches, retaining walls or
submerged structures are within the zone of influence of the proposed footings. Reference must be mad e to the comments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Given the high range nature of the site classification, consideration should be given to adopting a
footing system stiffer than the typical class M systems. All footings must found within a uniform bear ing stratum of suitable
strength/material, below the zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground
structures. Masonry walls should be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must e nsure
suitable drainage and uniform moisture conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be
confirmed by a structural engineer taking into consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines: Reference s

soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drainage. It no tes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Depending on the depth of site cut and trenches, hard rock excavation may be required.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 92,93
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 15 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 93,94 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. It must be noted that the south
western corner of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions. Therefore the classification
must be reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing soil from the block and/or if the presence
of service trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference must be made to the comments
provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. D welling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good su rface drainage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798: 2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwa ter may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minim al to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 93,94
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 16 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 94,95 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. It must be noted that the southern
end of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions. Therefore the classification m ust be
reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing soil from the block and/or if the presence of ser vice
trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference must be made to the comments provi ded
below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines: on

soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drainage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798: 2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwat er seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all build ing materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 94,95
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 17 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 95,96 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. It must be noted that the southern
end of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions. Therefore the classification must be
reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing soil from the block and/or if the presence of ser vice
trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference must be made to the comments provided
below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface dr ainage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798: 2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwa ter may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minim al to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 95,96
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 18 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 96,97 and Drawing 1.
Bulk Earthworks: Controlled fill within the block was placed under Level 1 control as defined in AS 3798:2007.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions. It must be noted that the south
western corner of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions. Therefore the classifi cation
must be reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing soil from the block and/or if the presence
of service trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference must be made to the commen ts
provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines: Foundation

soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drainage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798: 2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwat er seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all build ing materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

AS 3798:2007, Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments, Standards
Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 96,97
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 19 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 97,98 and Drawing 1.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the current soil
profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the soil profile
would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions. If the building pad, following site excavations exposes
entirely weathered rock, a Class A (non-reactive) classification may be appropriate. Therefore the si te classification must be
reassessed should the subsurface profile change by either cutting or filling and/or if the presence of service trenches,
retaining walls or submerged structures are within the zone of influence of the proposed footings. Reference must be made
to the comments provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling design must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines: Reference should be made to the at

soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface drainage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their own interpretations, deductions and c onclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798: 2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 97,98
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0

 SITE CLASSIFICATION REPORT SUMMARY
BLOCK: 20 SECTION: 130 SUBURB: Taylor
JOB No: 77418.41 DATE: Feb 2021
CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd REV: 0
Classification Procedures:
Existing Subsurface Conditions: Refer attached test pit log(s) Pit(s) 78,97 and Drawing 1.
Laboratory Results: Previous laboratory testing results indicated liquid limit ranging from 23 - 80%, plasticity index ranging
from 4 - 58% and linear shrinkage ranging from 3 - 18%.

Site Classification: Site classification in accordance with AS2870:2011 provides guidance on the patterns and
magnitude of moisture related seasonal ground movements that must be considered in design. Based on the worst case
current soil profile / state, on limited subsurface information, soil reactivity and allowing for variation in the subsoil profile, the
site would be equivalent to worst case Class M* (moderately reactive/filled) conditions due to fill placed in the north eastern
corner of the block. It must be noted that part of the block would be equivalent to Class S* (slightly reactive/filled) conditions.
Therefore the classification must be reassessed should the soil profile change either by adding fill or removing soil from the
block and/or if the presence of service trenches or retaining walls are within the zone of influence of the block. Reference
must be made to the comments provided below.

Footing Systems: Reference must be made to AS2870:2011 which indicates footing systems that are appropriate for
each site classification. All footings must found within a uniform bearing stratum of suitable strength/material, below the
zone of influence of any service trenches, backfill zones, retaining walls or underground structures. Masonry walls should
be articulated in accordance with current best practice. Dwelling d esign must ensure suitable drainage and uniform moisture
conditions are maintained in the vicinity of footings. Footing systems must be confirmed by a structural engineer taking into
consideration any onsite or offsite constraints.

Maintenance Guidelines:
soils and in particular in respect to maintaining good surface dra inage. It notes that minor cracking in most structures is
inevitable, and it describes site maintenance practices aimed at minimising foundation movements that can lead to cracking
damage.

Comments/ The successful purchaser must make their ow n interpretations, deductions and conclusions from the
information made available and will need to accept full responsibility for such interpretations,
Limitations: deductions and conclusions.
Development specific geotechnical investigations must be undertaken.
Additional topsoils / fill may have been spread subsequent to the investigation.
Site preparation prior to the construction should include removal of all vegetation, tops oil and any
uncontrolled fill.
All new fill must be placed under controlled conditions (AS 3798:2007), otherwise Class P conditions
would be warranted in those fill areas.
Some variability in subsurface conditions must be anticipated.
Moisture condition of site soils and/or the presence of groundwater may vary considerably from time
of investigation compared to at the time of construction. Groundwater seepages are highly likely after
heavy or prolonged rain.
Hard rock excavation must be anticipated. It is recommended that excavation depths be minimal to
reduce potential site costs.
The above site classification is provided on the basis that all building materials/waste and stockpiles
are removed from site and have not been spread across the site.
It is recommended that footing excavations be inspected by a geotechnical engineer.

References: AS 2870:2011, Residential Slabs and Footings, Standards Australia.

Attachments: Limitations & About this Report

Explanatory Notes
Test Pit Log(s) Pit(s) 78,97
Drawing 1
 Douglas Partners Pty Ltd
ABN 75 053 980 117
www.douglaspartners.com.au
Unit 2, 73 Sheppard Street
Hume ACT 2620
PO Box 1487
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone (02) 6260 2788
Fax (02) 6260 1147

Limitations

Douglas Partners (DP) has prepared this report for this project at Taylor 3 Stage 3, Taylor in accordance
dated 20 February 2019 and acceptance received from Indesco Consulting Engineers
Pty Ltd dated 22 June 2020. . This report
is provided for the exclusive use of Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd for this project only and for the
purposes as described in the report. It should not be used by or relied upon for other projects or purposes
on the same or other site or by a third party. Any party so relying upon this report beyond its exclusive use
and purpose as stated above, and without the express written consent of DP, does so entirely at its own risk
and without recourse to DP for any loss or damage. In preparing this report DP has necessarily relied upon
information provided by the client and/or their agents.

The results provided in the report are indicative of the sub-surface conditions on the site only at the specific
sampling and/or testing locations, and then only to the depths investigated and at the time the work was
carried out. Sub-surface conditions can change abruptly due to variable geological processes and also as a

provided by DP in this report may be affected by undetected variations in ground conditions across the site
between and beyond the sampling and/or testing locations. The advice may also be limited by budget
constraints imposed by others or by site accessibility.

This report must be read in conjunction with all of the attached and should be kept in its entirety without
separation of individual pages or sections. DP cannot be held responsible for interpretations or conclusions
made by others unless they are supported by an expressed statement, interpretation, outcome or conclusion
stated in this report.

This report, or sections from this report, should not be used as part of a specification for a project, without
review and agreement by DP. This is because this report has been written as advice and opinion rather than
instructions for construction.

The scope for work for this investigation/report did not include the assessment of surface or sub-surface
materials or groundwater for contaminants, within or adjacent to the site. Should evidence of filling of
unknown origin be noted in the report, and in particular the presence of building demolition materials, it should
be recognised that there may be some risk that such filling may contain contaminants and hazardous building
materials.

The contents of this report do not constitute formal design components such as are required, by the Health
and Safety Legislation and Regulations, to be included in a Safety Report specifying the hazards likely to be
encountered during construction and the controls required to mitigate risk. This design process requires risk
assessment to be undertaken, with such assessment being dependent upon factors relating to likelihood of
occurrence and consequences of damage to property and to life. This, in turn, requires project data and
analysis presently beyond the knowledge and project role respectively of DP. DP may be able, however, to
assist the client in carrying out a risk assessment of potential hazards contained in the Comments section of
this report, as an extension to the current scope of works, if so requested, and provided that suitable
additional information is made available to DP. Any such risk assessment would, however, be necessarily
restricted to the geotechnical components set out in this report and to their application by the project
designers to project design, construction, maintenance and demolition.

Central Coast Coffs Harbour Geelong Macarthur Melbourne

FS 604853 Newcastle Port Macquarie
Introduction A localised, perched water table may lead to
These notes have been provided to amplify DP's an erroneous indication of the true water
report in regard to classification methods, field table;
procedures and the comments section. Not all are Water table levels will vary from time to time
necessarily relevant to all reports. with seasons or recent weather changes.
They may not be the same at the time of
DP's reports are based on information gained from construction as are indicated in the report;
limited subsurface excavations and sampling, and
supplemented by knowledge of local geology and The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will
experience. For this reason, they must be mask any groundwater inflow. Water has to
regarded as interpretive rather than factual be blown out of the hole and drilling mud must
documents, limited to some extent by the scope of first be washed out of the hole if water
information on which they rely. measurements are to be made.

More reliable measurements can be made by

Copyright installing standpipes which are read at intervals
This report is the property of Douglas Partners Pty over several days, or perhaps weeks for low
Ltd. The report may only be used for the purpose permeability soils. Piezometers, sealed in a
for which it was commissioned and in accordance particular stratum, may be advisable in low
with the Conditions of Engagement for the permeability soils or where there may be
commission supplied at the time of proposal. interference from a perched water table.
Unauthorised use of this report in any form
whatsoever is prohibited.
Reports
The report has been prepared by qualified
Borehole and Test Pit Logs personnel, is based on the information obtained
The borehole and test pit logs presented in this from field and laboratory testing, and has been
report are an engineering and/or geological undertaken to current engineering standards of
interpretation of the subsurface conditions, and interpretation and analysis. Where the report has
their reliability will depend to some extent on been prepared for a specific design proposal, the
frequency of sampling and the method of drilling or information and interpretation may not be relevant
excavation. Ideally, continuous undisturbed if the design proposal is changed. If this happens,
sampling or core drilling will provide the most DP will be pleased to review the report and the
reliable assessment, but this is not always sufficiency of the investigation work.
practicable or possible to justify on economic
grounds. In any case the boreholes and test pits Every care is taken with the report as it relates to
represent only a very small sample of the total interpretation of subsurface conditions, discussion
subsurface profile. of geotechnical and environmental aspects, and
recommendations or suggestions for design and
Interpretation of the information and its application construction. However, DP cannot always
to design and construction should therefore take anticipate or assume responsibility for:
into account the spacing of boreholes or pits, the Unexpected variations in ground conditions.
frequency of sampling, and the possibility of other The potential for this will depend partly on
than 'straight line' variations between the test borehole or pit spacing and sampling
locations. frequency;
Changes in policy or interpretations of policy
by statutory authorities; or
The actions of contractors responding to
Groundwater
commercial pressures.
Where groundwater levels are measured in
If these occur, DP will be pleased to assist with
boreholes there are several potential problems,
investigations or advice to resolve the matter.
namely:
In low permeability soils groundwater may
enter the hole very slowly or perhaps not at all
during the time the hole is left open;

July 2010
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site
during construction appear to vary from those
which were expected from the information
contained in the report, DP requests that it be
immediately notified. Most problems are much
more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed rather than at some later stage, well after
the event.

Information for Contractual Purposes

Where information obtained from this report is
provided for tendering purposes, it is
recommended that all information, including the
written report and discussion, be made available.
In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a
specially edited document. DP would be pleased
to assist in this regard and/or to make additional
report copies available for contract purposes at a
nominal charge.

Site Inspection
The company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical
and environmental aspects of work to which this
report is related. This could range from a site visit
to confirm that conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on
site.

July 2010
Sampling reliability, due to the remoulding, possible mixing
Sampling is carried out during drilling or test pitting or softening of samples by groundwater.
to allow engineering examination (and laboratory
testing where required) of the soil or rock.
Non-core Rotary Drilling
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provide The borehole is advanced using a rotary bit, with
information on colour, type, inclusions and, water or drilling mud being pumped down the drill
depending upon the degree of disturbance, some rods and returned up the annulus, carrying the drill
information on strength and structure. cuttings. Only major changes in stratification can
be determined from the cuttings, together with
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin- some information from the rate of penetration.
walled sample tube into the soil and withdrawing it Where drilling mud is used this can mask the
to obtain a sample of the soil in a relatively cuttings and reliable identification is only possible
undisturbed state. Such samples yield information from separate sampling such as SPTs.
on structure and strength, and are necessary for
laboratory determination of shear strength and
compressibility. Undisturbed sampling is generally Continuous Core Drilling
effective only in cohesive soils. A continuous core sample can be obtained using a
diamond tipped core barrel, usually with a 50 mm
internal diameter. Provided full core recovery is
Test Pits achieved (which is not always possible in weak
Test pits are usually excavated with a backhoe or rocks and granular soils), this technique provides a
an excavator, allowing close examination of the in- very reliable method of investigation.
situ soil if it is safe to enter into the pit. The depth
of excavation is limited to about 3 m for a backhoe
and up to 6 m for a large excavator. A potential Standard Penetration Tests
disadvantage of this investigation method is the Standard penetration tests (SPT) are used as a
larger area of disturbance to the site. means of estimating the density or strength of soils
and also of obtaining a relatively undisturbed
sample. The test procedure is described in
Large Diameter Augers Australian Standard 1289, Methods of Testing
Boreholes can be drilled using a rotating plate or Soils for Engineering Purposes - Test 6.3.1.
short spiral auger, generally 300 mm or larger in
diameter commonly mounted on a standard piling The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50
rig. The cuttings are returned to the surface at mm diameter split sample tube under the impact of
intervals (generally not more than 0.5 m) and are a 63 kg hammer with a free fall of 760 mm. It is
disturbed but usually unchanged in moisture normal for the tube to be driven in three
content. Identification of soil strata is generally successive 150 mm increments and the 'N' value
much more reliable than with continuous spiral is taken as the number of blows for the last 300
flight augers, and is usually supplemented by mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
occasional undisturbed tube samples. rock, the full 450 mm penetration may not be
practicable and the test is discontinued.

Continuous Spiral Flight Augers The test results are reported in the following form.
The borehole is advanced using 90-115 mm In the case where full penetration is obtained
diameter continuous spiral flight augers which are with successive blow counts for each 150 mm
withdrawn at intervals to allow sampling or in-situ of, say, 4, 6 and 7 as:
testing. This is a relatively economical means of 4,6,7
drilling in clays and sands above the water table. N=13
Samples are returned to the surface, or may be In the case where the test is discontinued
collected after withdrawal of the auger flights, but before the full penetration depth, say after 15
they are disturbed and may be mixed with soils blows for the first 150 mm and 30 blows for
from the sides of the hole. Information from the the next 40 mm as:
drilling (as distinct from specific sampling by SPTs 15, 30/40 mm
or undisturbed samples) is of relatively low

July 2010
The results of the SPT tests can be related
empirically to the engineering properties of the
soils.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests /

Perth Sand Penetrometer Tests
Dynamic penetrometer tests (DCP or PSP) are
carried out by driving a steel rod into the ground
using a standard weight of hammer falling a
specified distance. As the rod penetrates the soil
the number of blows required to penetrate each
successive 150 mm depth are recorded. Normally
there is a depth limitation of 1.2 m, but this may be
extended in certain conditions by the use of
extension rods. Two types of penetrometer are
commonly used.
Perth sand penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter
flat ended rod is driven using a 9 kg hammer
dropping 600 mm (AS 1289, Test 6.3.3). This
test was developed for testing the density of
sands and is mainly used in granular soils and
filling.
Cone penetrometer - a 16 mm diameter rod
with a 20 mm diameter cone end is driven
using a 9 kg hammer dropping 510 mm (AS
1289, Test 6.3.2). This test was developed
initially for pavement subgrade investigations,
and correlations of the test results with
California Bearing Ratio have been published
by various road authorities.

July 2010
Description and Classification Methods
The methods of description and classification of The proportions of secondary constituents of soils
soils and rocks used in this report are generally are described as follows:
based on Australian Standard AS1726:2017, In fine grained soils (>35% fines)
Geotechnical Site Investigations. In general, the
Term Proportion Example
descriptions include strength or density, colour,
of sand or
structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
gravel
And Specify Clay (60%) and
Soil Types
Sand (40%)
Soil types are described according to the
predominant particle size, qualified by the grading Adjective >30% Sandy Clay
of other particles present: With 15 30% Clay with sand
Trace 0 - 15% Clay with trace
Type Particle size (mm) sand
Boulder >200
Cobble 63 - 200 In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
- with clays or silts
Gravel 2.36 - 63
Term Proportion Example
Sand 0.075 - 2.36
of fines
Silt 0.002 - 0.075
And Specify Sand (70%) and
Clay <0.002 Clay (30%)
Adjective >12% Clayey Sand
The sand and gravel sizes can be further
With 5 - 12% Sand with clay
subdivided as follows:
Trace 0 - 5% Sand with trace
Type Particle size (mm) clay
Coarse gravel 19 - 63
In coarse grained soils (>65% coarse)
Medium gravel 6.7 - 19 - with coarser fraction
Fine gravel 2.36 6.7 Term Proportion Example
Coarse sand 0.6 - 2.36 of coarser
Medium sand 0.21 - 0.6 fraction
Fine sand 0.075 - 0.21 And Specify Sand (60%) and
Gravel (40%)
Adjective >30% Gravelly Sand
Definitions of grading terms used are: With 15 - 30% Sand with gravel
Well graded - a good representation of all Trace 0 - 15% Sand with trace
particle sizes gravel
Poorly graded - an excess or deficiency of
particular sizes within the specified range The presence of cobbles and boulders shall be
Uniformly graded - an excess of a particular specifically noted by beginning the description with
particle size
Gap graded - a deficiency of a particular order indicating the dominant first and the
particle size with the range proportion of cobbles and boulders described
together.

May 2019
Cohesive Soils Estuarine soil deposited in coastal estuaries;
Cohesive soils, such as clays, are classified on the Marine soil deposited in a marine
basis of undrained shear strength. The strength environment;
may be measured by laboratory testing, or Lacustrine soil deposited in freshwater
estimated by field tests or engineering lakes;
examination. The strength terms are defined as
follows: Aeolian soil carried and deposited by wind;
Colluvial soil soil and rock debris
Undrained transported down slopes by gravity;
Description Abbreviation
shear strength Topsoil mantle of surface soil, often with
(kPa) high levels of organic material.
Very soft VS <12
Fill any material which has been moved by
Soft S 12 - 25 man.
Firm F 25 - 50
Stiff St 50 - 100
Very stiff VSt 100 - 200 Moisture Condition Coarse Grained Soils
Hard H >200 For coarse grained soils the moisture condition
Friable Fr - should be described by appearance and feel using
the following terms:
Dry (D) Non-cohesive and free-running.
Cohesionless Soils Moist (M) Soil feels cool, darkened in
Cohesionless soils, such as clean sands, are colour.
classified on the basis of relative density, generally Soil tends to stick together.
from the results of standard penetration tests Sand forms weak ball but breaks
(SPT), cone penetration tests (CPT) or dynamic
easily.
penetrometers (PSP). The relative density terms
are given below: Wet (W) Soil feels cool, darkened in
colour.
Relative Abbreviation Density Index Soil tends to stick together, free
Density (%) water forms when handling.
Very loose VL <15
Loose L 15-35
Medium dense MD 35-65 Moisture Condition Fine Grained Soils
Dense D 65-85 For fine grained soils the assessment of moisture
content is relative to their plastic limit or liquid limit,
Very dense VD >85 as follows:

and friable or powdery).

Soil Origin
PL (i.e. soil can
It is often difficult to accurately determine the origin
be moulded at moisture content approximately
of a soil. Soils can generally be classified as:
equal to the plastic limit).
Residual soil - derived from in-situ weathering
of the underlying rock;
usually weakened and free water forms on the
Extremely weathered material formed from hands when handling).
in-situ weathering of geological formations.
Has soil strength but retains the structure or
fabric of the parent rock;
Alluvial soil deposited by streams and rivers;

May 2019
Rock Strength
Rock strength is defined by the Unconfined Compressive Strength and it refers to the strength of the rock
substance and not the strength of the overall rock mass, which may be considerably weaker due to defects.

The Point Load Strength Index Is(50) is commonly used to provide an estimate of the rock strength and site
specific correlations should be developed to allow UCS values to be determined. The point load strength
test procedure is described by Australian Standard AS4133.4.1-2007. The terms used to describe rock
strength are as follows:

Strength Term Abbreviation Unconfined Compressive Point Load Index *

Strength MPa Is(50) MPa
Very low VL 0.6 - 2 0.03 - 0.1
Low L 2-6 0.1 - 0.3
Medium M 6 - 20 0.3 - 1.0
High H 20 - 60 1-3
Very high VH 60 - 200 3 - 10
Extremely high EH >200 >10
* Assumes a ratio of 20:1 for UCS to Is (50). It should be noted that the UCS to Is(50) ratio varies significantly
for different rock types and specific ratios should be determined for each site.

Degree of Weathering
The degree of weathering of rock is classified as follows:

Term Abbreviation Description

Residual Soil RS Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are no longer visible, but the soil has not been
significantly transported.
Extremely weathered XW Material is weathered to such an extent that it has soil
properties. Mass structure and material texture and fabric of
original rock are still visible
Highly weathered HW The whole of the rock material is discoloured, usually by iron
staining or bleaching to the extent that t he colour of the
original rock is not recognisable. Rock strength is
significantly changed by weathering. Some primary minerals
have weathered to clay minerals. Porosity may be increased
by leaching, or may be decreased due to deposition of
weathering products in pores.
Moderately MW The whole of the rock material is discoloured , usually by
weathered iron staining or bleaching to the extent that the colour of the
original rock is not recognisable, but shows little or no
change of strength from fresh rock.
Slightly weathered SW Rock is partially discoloured with staining or bleaching along
joints but shows little or no change of strength from fresh
rock.
Fresh FR No signs of decomposition or staining.
Note: If HW and MW cannot be differentiated use DW (see below)
Distinctly weathered DW Rock strength usually changed by weathering. The rock
may be highly discoloured, usually by iron staining. Porosity
may be increased by leaching or may be decreased due to
deposition of weathered products in pores.

May 2019
Degree of Fracturing
The following classification applies to the spacing of natural fractures in diamond drill cores. It includes
bedding plane partings, joints and other defects, but excludes drilling breaks.

Term Description
Fragmented Fragments of <20 mm
Highly Fractured Core lengths of 20-40 mm with occasional fragments
Fractured Core lengths of 30-100 mm with occasional shorter and longer sections
Slightly Fractured Core lengths of 300 mm or longer with occasional sections of 100-300 mm
Unbroken Core contains very few fractures

Rock Quality Designation

The quality of the cored rock can be measured using the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, defined
as:

RQD % = cumulative length of 'sound' core sections 100 mm long

total drilled length of section being assessed

where 'sound' rock is assessed to be rock of low strength or stronger. The RQD applies only to natural
fractures. If the core is broken by drilling or handling (i.e. drilling breaks) then the broken pieces are fitted
back together and are not included in the calculation of RQD.

Stratification Spacing
For sedimentary rocks the following terms may be used to describe the spacing of bedding partings:

Term Separation of Stratification Planes

Thinly laminated < 6 mm
Laminated 6 mm to 20 mm
Very thinly bedded 20 mm to 60 mm
Thinly bedded 60 mm to 0.2 m
Medium bedded 0.2 m to 0.6 m
Thickly bedded 0.6 m to 2 m
Very thickly bedded >2m

May 2019
 3 85 9 87
D 30 8
ROA 83
7 86
81
6
5 84 89
79 4 82 10
3 130 91 11
2 80 12
42 93 88
42 95 14 13 90
78 15 SITE
4 1 138
139 16 92
17 104
20 18 94
97 102
19 96

RO
103 5
100
4

AD
98 5 3
D 30

30
2 105

5
ROA 05 1
D3 101 6
ROA 99
143
114
15 106
7 107

23 14
5 46 8
0 5
A D3 129 137
113 13 112
RO 44
4 47 109 42
45 108
9
3 42 Locality Plan
4
2 6 12 136
42 1 43 49 10
7 111
8 48 110 D 328
11 ROA
22 50 FIRE
9

ROAD 305
51
64

21
65
63 1
12410
52 12 127
20 66
11 77
62

5
53
OPEN OPEN
SP ACE

19 76
11 2 140
SPACE 4
12 43
131
4
13 aa
61 a

2
RO
AADD
54 10 125 A RO
D
18 115 135

ROAD 30
13 75 67 25 RO pp bb
60 3 p
55 9 141 ii
17 142
i
74 24

ROAD 30
14 68 oo
59 DF
o
8 4 129 jj
56 69 116 j
16

1
23 tt

ROAD 327
57 15 134 t
58
7 6 22 kk
73 k aa
ss

30130
72
5 s a
71 DF

ADAD
70 l
l
117 rr
ROAD 30
7 118 21 l r

RORO
bb
26 133 b
1 28 30
126 m
qq
q cc
2 20
144 m c
3 1 m
25 27 16 4 32 119
5 dd
6 7 19 pp
p d
OPEN 29 nn
SP ACE 120
31 n
40 OPEN
SP ACE
15 ee
14 13 37 132 e
oo
123
OPEN
8 33 18 ooo
o
41
12 34 145 FA
SPACE FA
39 10 121 FA ff
38 11 DF
f
9 pp nn
36 122 17 p n
35
127
gg
42 131 g
ROAD 137

qq m
m
ROAD 30
42 5 16 q m
4
2 123
ROAD 137

hh
4 124 h
1 15 rr ll
2 r l
3 3
4 130
ii
OPEN
1 SP ACE
i
kk
125 27 k
5 126
23 14

4
24 5 jjj
6 11 128
22 13 GA

D 13
23 6 127
RG
12 E TT
7 ST
ROA
21 aa
122 7 a
22 8 bb
b cc

FK LEGEND
20 8 tt

21 9 t

ROAD 132
ACE

20 9 Approximate Test Pit Location

19 10
OPEN
SP ACE
ERR

j
j Approximate Controlled Fill Depth Contour
j OPEN
SP ACE
kk 24 11
k

7
10
18 12
NE T

Approximate Cut to Fill Line

32
19
11 126 Section Number
CRO

17 13
FLOODWAY 2 18

ROAD
12 1 Block Number
16 14

16
14 13
15
17
15
2 0 50 100
ROAD 13

Approximate Scale (m)

Note: Base drawing taken from BMD

CLIENT: Indesco Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd TITLE: Test Pit Location Plan-Overall PROJECT No: 77418.41

OFFICE: Canberra DRAWN BY: APH Proposed Residential Subdivision DRAWING No: 1

SCALE: As Shown DATE: 13.11.2020 Taylor 3 - Stage 3, Taylor REVISION: 0