A

REPORT ON
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
FOR
THE PROPOSED
MINOR AND MAJOR BRIDGES
FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF DEDICATED
FREIGHTS CORRIDOR
FROM MUGALSARAI TO ALLAHABAD ON
EASTERN FREIGHT CORRIDOR
- MZP DETOUR
PROPOSED BRIDGE NO. 364
CLIENT:
DEDICATED FREIGHT CORRIDOR
CORPORATION
OF INDIA LTD.
(A PSU UNDER MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS)
IRCON OFFICE, ROOM NO.-60, 6TH FLOOR, PALIKA BHAWAN,
R.K. PURAM, NEW DELHI-110066

CONDUCTED
BY

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

326-B, ROAD NO. 4, ASHOK NAGAR,
RANCHI-834002 , JHARKHAND

YEAR- 2009

CONTENTS
Section

Page

1.0

Introduction

2.0

Field Exploration

2.1

Boring

2.2

Sampling

2.3 Standard Penetration Test

2.4 Measurement of Water Table

3.0

Laboratory Testing

4-5

4.0

Soil Profile and Properties

5.0

Hydrogeology

6.0

Discussions on Foundation

9.0

Recommendations

Figure 1: Location of boreholes

Figure 2: Generalised Subsoil Profile

10

Figure 3: Distribution of Field N-value with depth

11

Borelogs

12-14

Laboratory test results of rock Samples

15

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Page 1

Project: Dedicated Freights Corridor- MZP Detour

1.

Introduction

Soil exploration, investigation and testing of soil samples for the Proposed Minor and Major
Bridges for Construction of Dedicated Freights Corridor from Mugalsarai to Allahabad on
Eastern Freight Corridor MZP Detourwas entrusted to M/s Rodic Consultants Pvt. Ltd.,
326-B, Road No.-4, Ashok Nagar, Ranchi-834002, Jharkhand. The objective was to ascertain
the subsoil characteristics and stratification and other necessary data of soil condition of the
site for the proposed Minor Bridge. The soil investigation work consisted of the following
operations:
i)

Sinking three (3) nos. bore holes varying depths upto a maximum depth of 4.45m
below the existing ground level at various locations including collection of
undisturbed / disturbed soil samples and conducting Standard Penetration Tests at
specified depths.

ii)

Drilling Sx & Nx size borehole in refusal strata (N>100) in continuation of,

including visual identification, collection and preservation of rock (including
boulder) core samples in core boxes and determination of core recovery and
RQD.

Reporting of formation at the site for various layers present at their respective depths along
with their thickness including location of ground water table.
During sinking of bore holes soil samples both in disturbed and undisturbed conditions and
rock core samples were collected for laboratory tests. The disturbed samples were subjected
to tests to obtain soil index properties. The undisturbed soil samples, however, were used
mainly for conducting tests to obtain shear strength parameters as well as consolidation
characteristics of the soil representing the strata.
Since the investigation could not cover the regional sub-soil features, due weightage for the
variations of sub-surface layers in its horizontal and vertical extent is to be given in selecting
design basis.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Page 2

Project: Dedicated Freights Corridor- MZP Detour

2.

Field Exploration

Geotechnical Investigation was envisaged in an attempt for optimisation in the design of

foundation for the proposed structures to be constructed at this site. The entire Investigation
programme had been divided mainly into two parts, I) Field works & II) Laboratory tests.
I)

Field works unfold the sub-surface deposit types and their characteristics

II)

Laboratory tests part would help determining the relevant physical and geotechnical
properties of the sub-surface deposits leading to finalisation of foundation depths of
the structures and the bearing capacity with particular reference to the sub-surface

types and their strength parameters and settlement potentials at the site.
A list of the boreholes with the terminating depth and standing water level are
presented in a tabular form below:

Bore Hole Terminating

No.
Depth (m)
BH-A1
BH-P1
BH-A2

3.90
3.20
4.45

R.L. of
Borehole
Top
97.60
97.20
97.15

Water Table
below
Date of
Date of
Borehole top commencement completion
at R.L (m)
97.15
19.02.09
20.02.09
97.15
18.02.09
19.02.09
97.15
17.02.09
18.02.09

The location of boreholes are shown in Figure 1.

2.1

Boring
Boring was carried out by auger and rotary method as per IS 1892-1979 to sink
nominal 150 mm diameter boreholes to desired depths and operated by a team of
experienced technicians. Flush jointed seamless casings were used to stabilize the
boreholes and prevent caving of the soil inside the boreholes. The casing pipes were
advanced by turning in order to minimize the disturbance. Undisturbed soil samples
were collected at suitable intervals or at change of strata whichever is met earlier by
open drive sampling method since it was intended to ascertain the subsoil
characteristics. The standing water table in each borehole was determined at least 24
hours after the termination of boring work.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Page 3

Project: Dedicated Freights Corridor- MZP Detour

For the boreholes when rock was encountered rotary core drilling technique was
adopted down to the explored depth. Drilling was done with standard gravity operated
rotary drilling machine as per IS: 6926-1973. In this method the hole was advanced
by rotating a system, consisting of a series of hollow drill rods to the bottom of which
was attached a double tube core barrel with a diamond coring bit, by means of a
diesel operated engine. When the rod with the coring bit was rotated, downward
pressure was applied to the system to obtain penetration in the rocky strata and water
under pressure was introduced into the bottom of the hole through the hollow drill
rods. Water comes up through the annular space between the drill rods and the bore
hole and was collected in the water sump, from where it was re-circulated. Water
serves the dual function of cooling the bit as it enters the hole and carrying the
cuttings from the bottom of the bore hole on its return journey to the surface.
Seamless flush jointed steel casing of Sx and Nx sizes were used to prevent any
caving and water loss from holes and they were inserted simultaneously with the
advancement of boring / drilling operations.
2.2

Sampling
Nominal 100 mm diameter undisturbed samples were recovered. The sampling
equipment used consists of a two-tier assembly of sample tubes 400 mm in length
fitted at its lower end. The sampling assembly was driven by means of a jarring link
to its full length or as far down as was found practicable. After withdrawal the ends of
the tubes were sealed with wax at both ends and capped before transmission to the
laboratory. At close intervals in depth, disturbed samples were collected both from
split spoon sampler after the standard penetration test and from cutting edge for
identification and logging purpose. These were tagged and packed in polythene
packets and transported to the laboratory. The depthwise locations of all the
undisturbed and disturbed samples were used in the preparation of borehole log data
and for general identification and classification purposes. The details of boring are
presented in the Appendix in the form of bore log sheets.

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Page 4

Project: Dedicated Freights Corridor- MZP Detour

2.3

Standard Penetration Test

Standard Penetration Tests were conducted in the boreholes at suitable intervals as
per IS: 2131-1963 using a split spoon sampler. The split spoon sampler used is of a
standard design having an outer diameter of 50.8 mm and inner diameter of 35 mm,
driving with a monkey weighing 63.5 kgs, falling freely from a height of 75 cm. A
record of the number of blows required to penetrate every 15 cm to a maximum depth
of 45 cm was made. The first 15 cm of drive was considered to be seating drive and
was neglected. The total blows required to effect each 15 cm of penetration was
recorded. The N values were obtained by counting the number of blows required to
drive the spoon from 15 cm to 45 cm. On completion of a test, the split spoon sampler
was opened and soil specimens were preserved in polythene bags for logging
purpose.
All the boreholes were sunk with winch. However, raising of hammer for SPT was
done manually. Hence there will not be any inertia loss and the efficiency of hammer
blows should be considered as 100%.

2.4

Measurement of Water Table

Level of water was noted when struck in. This is termed as observed water level.
Standing water level was noted during initial stages of boring, intermediate stage of
boring and after 24 hours of removal of casing was also noted and shown in the
profile.

3.

Laboratory Testing

For proper identification and classification of the sub-soil deposits and for deriving adequate
information regarding its relevant physical and geotechnical properties at the site under
investigation, the soil samples from the sampling tubes were extracted in the laboratory by
pushing out the core by using the extractor frame. The core was jacked out in a direction that
corresponded with the soil movement within the tube during sampling. In general, the
following laboratory tests were conducted on the soil samples collected from the exploratory

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Project: Dedicated Freights Corridor- MZP Detour

bore holes and sampling points:

a) Visual Engineering Classification
b) Grain size analysis (Sieve as well as Hydrometer).
c) Consistency Limits.
d) Determination of Natural Moisture Content (water content).
e) Determination of Specific Gravity.
f) Determination of Bulk & Dry Unit Weight.
g) Direct Shear Test
h) Tri-axial Test (Unconsolidated un-drained)
i) Chemical Tests on soil samples

The following tests were carried out on Rock Samples:

i)

Specific Gravity

ii)

Water Absorption

iii)

Crushing Strength

iv)

Porosity

Page 5

Page 6

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Project: Dedicated Freights Corridor- MZP Detour

4.

Soil Profile and Properties

Based on visual classification and results of field and laboratory tests on the samples
recovered the proposed site may be divided into the following major soil strata as

From

To

Filling- Clay, Sand, & boulder.

0.00

0.90

II

Yellowish grey with blackish

patches sandy silty clay mixed
with boulder.

0.00

1.45

>100

III

Hard Rock: Pale white fine to

medium grain hard sand stone.

Shear strength
Parameters

Description

Reduced Level
(m)

Bulk Density
(t/m3)

Stratum No.

Layer Details

Average Field
N-Value

described below:

Crushing
0.00/1.45

3.20/4.45

>100

Strength = 36
kg/cm2

*Suggested

A profile through the boreholes and the distribution of Field N-Value with depth are shown
in Figure 2 and Figure 3 respectively.

5.

Hydrogeology
The ground water table at the site was found to exist at 97.150m (R.L.) for the boreholes
explored during the time of investigation work.

Page 7

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Project: Dedicated Freights Corridor- MZP Detour

6.

Discussions on Foundation
In view of the sub-soil formation encountered in the area of Bridge foundation open
foundations in terms of isolated footings are suggested. The net allowable bearing
capacities at different boreholes are presented below:

Borehole
Number

Net Allowable
Bearing capacity
(t/m2)

BH-A1

R.L. of Founding
level of Proposed
Open Foundation
96.10

BH-P1

96.00

55.0

BH-A2

95.15

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Page 8

Project: Dedicated Freights Corridor- MZP Detour

7. Recommendations
The subsoil characteristic the Proposed Minor and Major Bridges for Construction of
Dedicated Freights Corridor from Mugalsarai to Allahabad on Eastern Freight
Corridor MZP Detour was determined from detail soil exploration with three
boreholes.
Open foundations in terms of isolated footings are suggested. The net allowable
bearing capacities at different boreholes locations along with the founding RL. are
presented in section 6.0.

GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT
Dr. S. K. BOSE
B.C.E., M.C.E. (Soil), Ph.D., MIGS, MIRC

Page: 11
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

N-Value
0

20

40

60

80

Depth (m)

0.00

1.00

BH-A1

BH-P1

BH-A2

2.00

Figure 3: Distribution of Field N-Value with Depth

MZP Detour

100

Page: 12

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Project:

BORE / DRILL LOG

Geotechnical Investigation for Mugalsarai to Allahabad

Bore Hole No. :

Location : MZP
Detour

BH-A1

R.L. of Borehole Top:

97.600m

Method of Boring / Drilling :

Standing Water Level :

0.45m

0.50

19.02.09

To

20.02.09

C.R./R.Q.D.
(%)

To

From

Run

N' Value

30-45 cm

15-30 cm

SPT : No. of blows

0-15 cm

Nature of Sampling

To

From

Date : From

Length (m)

Casing Lowered :
Depth (m)

Rotary/Nx

Dia.of Boring / Drilling :

Descriptio n

Filling- Clay, Sand, & boulder.

0.90m
0.90

3.90

0.93

0.03

63 for 3 cm

>100

0.90

2.40

42 / 11

2.40

3.90

52 / 28

Hard Rock: Pale white fine to medium grain

hard sand stone.

(Termination Depth)

U-Undisturbed Sample D-Disturbed Sample P-Standard Penetration Test

Page: 13

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Project:

BORE / DRILL LOG

Geotechnical Investigation for Mugalsarai to Allahabad

Location : MZP
Detour
Standing Water Level :

0.45m

R.L. of Borehole Top:

97.200m

From

To

C.R./R.Q.D.
(%)

64 for 3 cm

18.02.09

To

19.02.09

Run

N' Value

Nature of Sampling
P

30-45 cm

Length (m)
0.03

15-30 cm

To
0.23

SPT : No. of blows

0-15 cm

From

Date : From

0.20

3.20

BH-P1

Dia.of Boring / Drilling :

Casing Lowered :
Depth (m)

Bore Hole No. :

>100

0.20

1.70

48 / 25

1.70

3.20

62 / 36

Descriptio n

Har Rock: Pale white fine to medium grain hard

sand stone.

(Termination Depth)

U-Undisturbed Sample D-Disturbed Sample P-Standard Penetration Test

Page: 14

RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

Project:

BORE / DRILL LOG

Geotechnical Investigation for Mugalsarai to Allahabad

Location : MZP
Detour

Standing Water Level :

0.00m

97.150m

Method of Boring / Drilling :

Rotary/Nx

To

18.02.09

C.R./R.Q.D.
(%)

To

From

Descriptio n

Yellowish grey with blackish patches sandy

silty clay mixed with boulder.

D
0.17

17.02.09

Run

N' Value

30-45 cm

15-30 cm

0-15 cm

Nature of Sampling

Length (m)

To

From
1.00

4.45

SPT : No. of blows

1.47

R.L. of Borehole Top:

Date : From

0.50

1.30

BH-A2

Dia.of Boring / Drilling :

Casing Lowered :
Depth (m)

Bore Hole No. :

47

62 for 2 cm

1.45m

>100
1.45

2.95

41 / 28

2.95

4.45

72 / 39

Hard Rock: Pale white fine to medium grain

hard sand stone.

(Termination Depth)

U-Undisturbed Sample D-Disturbed Sample P-Standard Penetration Test

Page: 15
RODIC CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.

LABORATORY TEST RESULTS OF ROCK SAMPLES

Bore Hole
No.

Depth
(m)

Water
Absorption
(%)

Porosity
(%)

Specific
Gravity
(%)

Crushing
Strength
(kg/cm2)

BH-A1

16.50

1.0

1.1

2.55

35.0

BH-A2

4.50

0.60

0.90

2.70

50.0