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Geotechnical Engg Final Report
Geotechnical Engg Final Report
Geotechnical Engg Final Report
I. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………. 2
VIII. Recommendations on the Type of Foundation and the Associated Capacities …….12
The building has a total area of 900 m2 (30m x 30m) and requires a 2 level basement. The
hotel chain has in its possession 3 large lots located in Marikina, Makati and Tagaytay in
which the standard building design can easily fit into.
30m x 30m
2 level basement
The Marikina site is believed to be an old swamp and there is a three storey structure at the
back of the property. Meanwhile, the Makati area is flat. However, there are adjacent
buildings, each at least 15 levels high on the 3 sides of the property. Lastly, the Tagaytay site
is on top of a slope and there are no adjacent structures present in the area.
Conduct a preliminary
Know the requirements Research on the
reconnaissance on the
of the structure. geology of the area.
site.
Design a safe,
Derive the necessary
Do the appropriate type constructable and cost
geotechnical design
of foundation analysis. efficient foundation
parameters.
system.
Identify geotechnical
concerns and risks that
may come up in the
future and propose the
appropriate solution.
a. Field Test
• Standard Penetration Test (ASTM D1586–11)
The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is performed to obtain a representative disturbed soil
sample for identification purposes and measure the resistance of the soil to penetration of
the sampler (n-value).
Samples are collected during Standard Penetration Testing using a split spoon sampler at
1.5 m intervals.
GEOTECHNICAL EVALUATION REPORT
3
According to ASTM D1586, the test is done by driving a standard split spoon sampler
into the soil at the bottom of the borehole using repeated blows of a 140-lb (63.5 kg)
hammer falling free at a height of 30 in (760 mm). The SPT N value is the number of
blows required to achieve a penetration of 12 in (300 mm), after an initial seating drive of
6 in (150 mm).
The number of blows applied in each increment is recorded until any of the following
conditions is met:
a. A total of 50 blows in any one increment is applied
b. A total of 100 blows is reached
c. There is no observable penetration
d. The full penetration of 18 in (450 mm) is achieved
The borehole depths of the Marikina site are 37.4 m, 25 m, and 25 m respectively. For the
Makati site, the depths are just 9 m, 8.82m, and 8.75 meters respectively. The boreholes of the
Tagaytay site lies on different elevations, one being on the top of the slope (and the other on
the middle portion of the slope (as seen on Figure 3). BH-1 and BH-2 have depths of 14.93 m
and 15 m respectively
30 m
BH-3
30 m
BH-2
BH-1
30 m
BH-3
BH-2
30 m
BH-1
Figure 2. Borehole Location of Makati Site
BH-2
10 m
20 m
30°
Figure 3. Borehole Location of Tagaytay Site
b. Laboratory Tests
• Natural Moisture Content (ASTM D4959-07)
The natural moisture content test is done to characterize the soil’s performance under the
action of load and temperature.
Water content (Moisture Content) is known to have a direct bearing on its strength and
stability. Hence, the knowledge of water content is necessary in soil compaction control,
determination of consistency limits of the soil and for the calculation of stability of all kinds
of earth works and foundations.
According to references, the entire National Capital Region developed at the same
geologic time scale. To be specific, the region came together during the Upper Miocene-
Pliocene epoch. It is primarily composed of largely coarse marine elastics overlain by
extensive, locally transgressive pyroclastics (tuff) and tuffaceous sedimentary rocks
(Mines and Geosciences Bureau, 2010).
b. Makati
As stated previously, Makati, being part of NCR developed during the Upper Miocene-
Pliocene epoch.
c. Tagaytay
Based on the Figure 7, the city of Tagaytay is located in a region which more or less
developed during the Pliocene-Quartenary epoch. The area is composed of mostly
volcanic plain or volcanic piedmont deposits. Chiefly pyroclastics and/or volcanic debris
at foot of volcanoes (Mines and Geosciences Bureau, 2010).
The information given above suggests that the area is generally composed of highly
plastic clay of varying consistencies (stiff-very dense) and clayey sand.
The water table is located somewhere between 3-4.10 meters below the ground surface.
b. Makati
Three boreholes extending to a depth of more or less 9.00 meters were drilled in Makati.
The first 2.00 meters were generally made of stiff clayey sand and the following meter
consists of gravelly sand. From a depth of 3.00 meters onwards, the underlying layer
consists of rock, specifically adobe, which is known to be a good foundation material.
Hence, though the first 3 layers are expected to settle faster due to the nature of the soil
layer, foundation problems due to soil failure can be neglected because adobe is more or
less durable and rigid.
The water table is located somewhere between 3-4.10 meters below the ground surface.
c. Tagaytay
Based on the two boreholes drilled in Tagaytay, the top 11 meters is primarily composed
of silt (majorly silty sand) with just a meter layer of low plasticity clay. Afterwards, a two
meter layer of silty gravel is found and then layers of silty sand and a layer of clayey sand
is found until the end of the borehole depth.
No water table was encountered during drilling. It is possible that the actual water table is
located some 15+ meters below the ground surface.
Taking the average of the two boreholes, the n-value is 30.67. Based on Figure 8 above,
the corresponding internal angle of friction is approximately 36°.
From the analysis of the site geology, the underlying soil in this area is dominantly clay.
Thus, from Figure 9, the specific gravity of clay ranges from 2.70 to 2.90.
Figure 10. Unit Weight Values of Some Soils Depending on Angle of Friction.
Based on Figure 10, the unit weight of clays having an angle of friction of 36° is 1750 to
1850 kg/m3. Use the average value of 1800 kg/m3 as the assumed unit weight. This is
approximately equal to 17.658 kN/m3.
Assuming that the width of the footing is 4 meters, Figure 11 suggests that the
approximate allowable bearing capacity of the soil is 310 kPa.
b. Makati
Since the building requires a 2 level basement, the base of the foundation will be place on
a depth of approximately 10 meters.
Based on the site geology, from 3.00 meters downward, the site is composed of rocky
material. Meanwhile, the regional geology suggests that the rock is tuffaceous sandstone.
Hence, from Figure 12, the safe bearing capacity of the underlying rock is
approximately 1600 kPa.
c. Tagaytay
For the Tagaytay site, the depth of the driven pile can be placed in the 9 meter region. The
area to be considered would be 9-12 meters depth.
Since the underlying soil in the site is primarily silty sand, Figure 11 can be used to
approximate the allowable bearing capacity. From Figure 11, assuming that the width of
the footing is 5 meters, the allowable bearing capacity of the soil is 380 kPa.
From the analysis of the site geology, the underlying soil in this area is dominantly silt.
Thus, from Figure 9, the specific gravity of silt ranges from 2.67 to 2.73.
Based on Figure 10, the unit weight of sands having an angle of friction of 38° is 1700 to
1850 kg/m3. Use the average value of 1775 kg/m3 as the assumed unit weight. This is
approximately equal to 17.413 kN/m3.
In addition to ground settlement, since the area consists of a large portion of highly plastic
clay, the expansion or shrinkage of soils due to the variation in moisture content also
poses a risk.
“Cracked foundations, floors and basement walls are typical types of damage done by swelling soils. Damage
to the upper floors of the building can occur when motion in the structure is significant. Expansive soils will
also shrink when they dry out. This shrinkage can remove support from buildings or other structures and
result in damaging subsidence. Fissures in the soil can also develop. These fissures can facilitate the deep
penetration of water when moist conditions or runoff occurs. This produces a cycle of shrinkage and swelling
that places repetitive stress on structures.” (Geosciences News and Information, 2012)
b. Makati
The foundation system to be proposed in Makati will be placed somewhere within the
rock layer. Therefore, the failure modes of the soil above it is not as important as on the
other sites. However, since there are multi-storey buildings located around the site, it is
possible that caving due to bearing capacity failure of the soil might occur during drilling
and excavation. Hence, the risk posed by this event must be taken into consideration.
Since the foundation is on rock, as mentioned previously, one major risk that should be
well thought out is rock instability. Rock instability is more or less caused by
discontinuities and fractures in the rock.
c. Tagaytay
An exposed ground surface that stands at an angle with the horizontal is called an
unrestrained slope. If the ground surface is not horizontal, a component of gravity will
tend to move the soil downward as in Figure 13. If the component of gravity is large
enough and the soils internal shear strength is small enough, a slope failure can occur.
Slope failure is defined as a phenomenon wherein a slope collapses abruptly due to
weakened self-retainability of the earth under the influence of a rainfall or an earthquake.
"Slides may occur in almost every conceivable manner, slowly and suddenly, and with or without any
apparent provocation. Usually, slides are due to excavation or to undercutting the foot of an existing slope.
However, in some instances, they are caused by a gradual disintegration of the structure of the soil, starting at
hair cracks which subdivide the soil into angular fragments. In others, they are caused by an increase of the
porewater pressure in a few exceptionally permeable layers, or by a shock that liquefies the soil beneath the
slope. Because of the extraordinary variety of factors and processes that may lead to slides, the conditions for
the stability of slopes usually defy theoretical analysis." (Terzhagi, 1967)
a. Marikina
As mentioned earlier, the basement bottom will be on a depth of about 10.5 meters,
assuming that each level requires 4 meters.
The use of mat foundation is for columns and walls foundations where the loads from the
structure on columns and walls are very high. This type of foundation is used to prevent
differential settlement of individual footings, thus designed as a single mat (or combined
footing) of all the load bearing elements of the structure.
This type of foundation is suitable for expansive soils whose bearing capacity is less for
suitability of spread footings and wall footings. Since Marikina is underlain by highly
plastic clay, the use of mat foundation is recommended.
b. Makati
The local geology of the site suggests that since the underlying layer is predominantly
rock, the weight of the whole structure can be carried by this layer itself since it has a
high bearing capacity. Hence, the recommended foundation scheme for this area is a
continuous wall and footing. The base of the 2nd level basement down will serve as the
foundation itself. The problem occurs in the excavation of the hard material.
IX. CONCLUSION
This part enumerates some of the important things to take into consideration while during
construction.
a. Makati
In constructing the foundation in Makati, precautionary measures while excavating the soil
must be practiced since there are adjacent buildings around the area. According to the
building code, it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that the foundation system of
the adjacent buildings will not suffer from any damage during and after construction.
Excavation and/or a sudden increase in the load transferred to the soil can directly affect the
other structures hence, soil nails or other means of protection must be placed to ensure that
the excavation will not collapse.
b. Marikina
One major precaution for this site is the fact that the water table is high. Dewatering is
necessary because since the water table is high, the basement that is to be constructed will be
submerged. It is important, as well, that the actual depth of the water table must be noted
during excavation.
Another important thing to note is that there is an adjacent building and so lateral as to
support the excavation must also be installed.
c. Tagaytay
The only problem for this site is the instability of the slope. Because of this, the excavation
activity will be dangerous since slope failure is very imminent (the area is prone earthquakes).
Similar with the other areas, supports should be placed on the sides of the excavated area to
prevent caving in.
Another problem is the delivery of the materials needed to construct the hotel since the area is
on a slope and the transportation of heavy equipment.
References:
(n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2015, from http://www.abuildersengineer.com/2012/11/depth-of-
footings-foundations.html
Das, B. M. (2011). Principles of Foundation Engineering (7th ed.). Global Engineering: Christopher
M. Shortt.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau. (2010). Geology of the Philippines (2nd ed.). Quezon City.
Terzaghi, K. & Peck, R.B. (1996) Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice (3rd ed). John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.
Slope Stability Theory. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2015, from
http://www.uwstout.edu/faculty/scotta/slope_stability.cfm
Wiley Online Library. (2008, February 11). Structural Foundation Designers' Manual. Retrieved
from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780470775066.app13/pdf
Venkatramiah C, 2006. Geotechnical Engineering. New Age International Limited, India
Acacio, A. (2015) lecture notes distributed in CE 164 at University of the Philippines