Geotechnical Report
STUDENT NAME: Baraa Mohamed
Student TKH ID: 202101166
Student CU ID: CU2101166
Coursework 1: Geotechnical Report
Submission Date: 08/02/2024
KH5029EXQ – Civil Engineering Project 2
COVENTRY UNIVERSITY – THE KNOWLEDGE HUB | CIVIL ENGINEERING
Table of Contents
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................ ii
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................ iii
1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1
1 Site Investigation ............................................................................................................ 2
2 Laboratory Tests ............................................................................................................. 6
3 Soil Conditions................................................................................................................ 7
4 Ground Water Conditions ............................................................................................... 8
5 Foundation Recommendations........................................................................................ 9
6 General Recommendations ........................................................................................... 10
7 Appendix ....................................................................................................................... 12
i
List of Figures
Figure 1 Borehole Location ....................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2Relations ....................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3 Relations ...................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 4 Soil Type ..................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 5 Lab test and Applicable standards ............................................................................... 6
Figure 6 Bearing Capacity calculations ................................................................................... 12
Figure 7 Consolidation Test ..................................................................................................... 16
Figure 8 Consolidation Test ..................................................................................................... 16
Figure 9 BH1 Test.................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 10 BH2 Test.................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 11 Unconfined Compression Test BH1........................................................................ 18
Figure 12 Unconfined Compression Test BH2........................................................................ 18
ii
List of Tables
Table 1 Soil Conditions BH 1 .................................................................................................. 12
Table 2 Soil Conditions BH 2 .................................................................................................. 13
Table 3 Criteria ........................................................................................................................ 15
Table 4 Settlement Calculations .............................................................................................. 15
iii
1 Introduction
This report presents the findings of the geotechnical investigation conducted for the proposed
construction of a brand-new business and residential complex in Egypt's greater Cairo region.
The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the subsurface soil conditions at the site and provide
recommendations for foundation design and construction.
The main sections of the report are:
Site Investigation and Subsurface Conditions: Details the site exploration methodology,
boring hole logs, and identified soil.
Laboratory Testing Program: Summarizes the laboratory tests performed on soil samples
to determine their physical and mechanical properties.
Geotechnical Analysis: Analyzes the soil strength parameters and provides interpretations
of stability and compressibility.
Recommendations: Presents Foundation type recommendations considering soil
conditions and provides design parameters such as allowable bearing capacity.
Temporary Excavation Recommendations
Construction Considerations
1
1 Site Investigation
1.1 Boreholes
The site's subsurface was explored using field tests, sample holes, and boreholes. A digging
device was used to dig shallow test pits to investigate the surface soils. To help with subsurface
profiling, standard penetration tests were performed, and samples were collected from each drill.
Rotary Drill Rig: Heavier duty rig that uses drilling fluids/mud for stability in large diameter
holes, two boreholes were advanced using to a depth of 20 to 40 meters below the current grade
at the locations in {FIG 1}
Figure 1 Borehole Location
Sampling Methods:
Split Spoon Sampler: Thin-walled tube sampler driven into undisturbed soil layers inside
boreholes using a slide hammer. Collects disturbed samples. (Cohesionless and cohesive
soil)
Single Tube Sampler: Thick-walled piston sampler pushed/twisted into undisturbed soil
layers to collect undisturbed samples. (Cohesive soil)
2
1.2 Diverse types of soil samples
1.2.1 Disturbed sample with SPT
Collected using a split spoon sampler during the usual penetration test.
Soil structure varies during placement and extraction.
Ideal for visual classification and index testing.
Provides the N-value for density evaluation.
Undisturbed sample (Shelby):
Drive a thin-walled piston or Shelby tube into the soil.
Minimizes disruption to maintain natural structure.
Used for consolidation, triaxial, and permeability tests.
Provides precise determination of soil qualities.
Disturbed samples without SPT:
Use augers or borrow pits with scoops.
A high degree of disruption causes the structure to be random.
Only appropriate for simple identification checks.
Limited engineering property evaluation.
Core Sample:
Retrieved undamaged from the borehole using a piston or hollow stem auger.
Provides a continual sampling of strata for logging.
Used to identify rocks and assess defects.
Can be evaluated for shear and compression strength.
3
1.3 Field tests
Standard Penetration Test Overview:
• Conducted in boreholes to measure soil density and strength.
• Assesses stability and integrity of earth-contact rocks, soils, or structures.
• Analyzes parameters like permeability, consolidation potential, shear and compressive strength,
and stratigraphy.
The split spoon sampler is used for soil testing, with a hammer weight of 140 ± 2 pounds and a
borehole diameter of at least 4 inches greater than the external diameter. Testing is conducted
every 1.5 meters or 5 feet of depth drilling or changed based on soil/groundwater conditions. The
sum of blows from the second and third intervals is used to classify soils. If 50 blows reach
within 150 mm penetration, testing is stopped, and the depth is noted as "refusal." Samples are
logged, stored, and labeled for future analysis, following Egyptian code ECP-301.
4
Figure 2Relations
Figure 3 Relations
Figure 4 Soil Type
5
2 Laboratory Tests
Laboratory testing is crucial in geotechnical engineering, estimating subsurface materials'
physical, mechanical, and chemical properties on selected borehole samples, evaluating both
disturbed and undisturbed samples.
Figure 5 Lab test and Applicable standards
2.1 Preformed Test types
Moisture content: Determines the percentage of water present in a soil sample by measuring its
mass lost after oven drying.
Sieve analysis: Determines the distribution of different grain sizes (particles) in a soil sample by
sieving and hydrometer testing.
Plasticity index: Measures the plastic and liquid limits of a soil to determine its plasticity
characteristics. Important for fine-grained soils.
Specific gravity: Determines the ratio of the density of a soil particle to that of water. Indicates
mineral composition.
Unconfined compression test: Measures the compressive strength of a sample when compressed
laterally unconstrained. Performed on cohesive or compacted granular soils.
Consolidation test: Determines how saturated soil consolidates and settles under increasing
vertical pressures over time in a confined space.
6
3 Soil Conditions
3.1 Borehole 1 Layers
1: Fill, Sand, Silt, and pebbles
2: Sand, Medium to fine, Traces of silt, White to light grey
3: Clay, Silty, Soft, broken shells, Grey; Av. WC (234.15), PL (122.95), LL (52).
4: Sand, Fine, Silty, Clayey, Brown.
5: Clay, Silty, Very Stiff to hard, Brown.
6: Silt, Clayey, some Sand, Brown; Av. WC (23.2), PL (47.5), LL (21.6).
7: Clay, Silty, very Stiff to hard, Brown; Av. WC (101.84), PL (87.9), LL (35.1).
8: Clay, Silty, medium stiff, brown.; Av. WC (60.4), PL (92.4), LL (36.1).
9: Clay, Silty, Very Stiff, Brown; Av. WC (37.25), PL (83.5), LL (34.8).
10: Sand, Medium to fine, some silt, White to light grey.
11: Clay, Silty, very stiff, Brown.
12: Sand, Medium to fine, some silt, White to light grey; Av WC (31.4).
3.2 Borehole 2 Layers
1: Fill, Sand, Silt, Garbage waste and broken tiles
2: Sand, Medium to fine, Trace of silty, White to light grey.
3: Clay, Silty, Soft, Broken shells, Grey; Av. WC (226.6167), PL (130.85), LL (52.4).
4: Clay, Silty, Soft, Broken shells, Grey; Av. WC (38.1), PL (88.2), LL (36.2).
5: Sandstone, Pieces with interlayers of sand, Light brown
6: Clay, Silty, Very Stiff, Grey
7: Sandstone, Pieces with interlayers of sand, Light brown.
8: Clay, Silty, very stiff, Brown; Av, WC (58.34) PL (86.7).
9: Sand, Medium to fine, Some silt, Light brown.
10: Clay, Silty, very stiff, Brown; Av WC (70.567) PL (84.6) LL (34.7).
11: Sand, Medium to fine, Some silt, White to light grey
12: Clay, Silty, Hard, Brown; Av WC (21.1).
7
13: Sand, Medium to fine, Some silt, White to light grey
4 Ground Water Conditions
Two boreholes revealed varying groundwater table depths, with one 1.5 meters below ground
level and the other 0.5 meters shallower, indicating unsaturated or saturated soil, requiring
dewatering or waterproofing measures.
8
5 Foundation Recommendations
5.1 Bearing Capacity
According to the Egyptian Code of Practice the bearing capacity was calculated.
Calculated Bearing Capacity (qult): 30.0595 kN/m2
5.2 Proposed Type of Footing
Based on the weight of the building and area, it is recommended to operate with isolated
footings. As weight of the building is 13210.52-ton, area of building is 1334.4 m2, total are of
footing is 439.48 m2. Isolated footings are separate, independent bearing areas below columns or
load-bearing walls, transferring structural loads as discrete areas, but require larger footing areas
compared to continuous foundations.
5.3 Consolidation Settlement
According to the calculation the clay layer is over consolidated. Therefore, the settlement is
equal to 0.52 meter.
9
6 General Recommendations
6.1 General Recommendations
In addition to the recommendations previously given, the following general recommendations
should be applicable:
1- Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement is to be used for all concrete work underground level.
Providing that the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregates is 25 mm, the amount of
cement in the concrete mix for reinforced and plain concrete should be not less than 350, and 250
kg/m3, respectively. The ratio of the water in the concrete mix to the cement must not be more
than 0.45, and if it is not sufficient for concrete workability, a suitable type of additives should
be carefully selected.
2- The minimum concrete cover should not be less than 5.0 cm.
3- All the reinforced concrete surfaces, underneath the soil surface, must be insulated using
adequate isolation techniques.
4- Egyptian Code for soil mechanics and foundations (2001, volume 3), should be strictly
followed in the design and construction of the foundations.
5- Adequate earth support system should be used to secure the safety of the nearby buildings
during excavation.
6- Compacted clean, graded, siliceous sand is to be used as a backfill. The sand must be
compacted on layers according to Egyptian Code of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Design
(202/2001).
7- It is particularly important to mention that the borehole log(s) represents the soil stratification
and the physical and mechanical soil properties at the location of the boreholes. If any change of
the soil was noticed during the excavation, we should be informed immediately to take suitable
action. This issue is a complementary part for our geotechnical investigation.
10
8- This technical report was prepared for the purpose of geotechnical investigation at the site of
“The greater Cairo, Egypt”. It is not permissible to be used for any other project.
11
7 Appendix
Figure 6 Bearing Capacity calculations
Table 1 Soil Conditions BH 1
12
Table 2 Soil Conditions BH 2
7.1.1.1 Borehole 1
Subsoil Type: Clay (based on LL, PL, WC)
Soil Unit Weight (γ): 17 kN/m3
Effective Cohesion (c'): 15 kPa
Effective Friction Angle (φ'): 0 degrees (clay-like soil)
Undrained Shear Strength (qu): 30 kPa
Bearing Capacity Factors:
Nc = 5
Nq = 1
Ny = 0
Shape Factor (B/L): 33.62/35.02 = 0.96
Depth Factor (DF): 1.5
Calculated Factors:
λc = 1.288
λq = 1.288
Saturated Unit Weight (γsat): 15.0587 kN/m3
13
Overburden Pressure (q): 84.78 kN/m2
Calculated Bearing Capacity (qult): 30.0595kN/m2
7.1.2 Borehole 2
Subsoil Type: Clay (based on LL, PL, WC)
Soil Unit Weight (γ): 18 kN/m3
Effective Cohesion (c'): 23 kPa
Effective Friction Angle (φ'): 0 degrees (clay-like soil)
Undrained Shear Strength (qu): 46 kPa
Bearing Capacity Factors:
Nc = 5
Nq = 1
Ny = 0
Shape Factor (B/L): 33.62/35.02 = 0.96
Depth Factor (DF): 1.5
Calculated Factors:
λc = 1.288
λq = 1.288
Saturated Unit Weight (γsat): 15.0587 kN/m3
Overburden Pressure (q): 88.25 kN/m2
Calculated Bearing Capacity (qult): 30.0595kN/m2
14
Table 3 Criteria
Building & Footing Criteria
Load per unit area (t/m2) 1.50
Number of floors 6
Total Load /t 2001.60
Weight of building /t 13210.54
Area of building/m2 1334.40
Total area of footings/m2 439.48
Selected footing type Isolated
Table 4 Settlement Calculations
Consolidation settlement
ϭc (kN/m2) 88.26 Unit soil weight submerged Ref.
e◦ 2.14 Layer 1 Fill 19 By Eurocode
Cr 0.20 Layer 2 Sand 18 By Eurocode
Cc 1.60 Layer 3 Clay 15.06 Calculated
ϭ◦(kN/m2) 78.82
ᴧϭ (kN/m2) 9.90
ϭf (kN/m2) 88.72
OCR 1.12
ᴧH/m 0.52
15
Figure 7 Consolidation Test
Figure 8 Consolidation Test
16
Figure 9 BH1 Test
Figure 10 BH2 Test
17
Figure 11 Unconfined Compression Test BH1
Figure 12 Unconfined Compression Test BH2
18
