Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation For The Poroposed Crude Production Facility (CPF) at Block 17 Requested by Ramenergy Co

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PRELIMINARY GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR THE POROPOSED CRUDE

PRODUCTION FACILITY (CPF) AT BLOCK 17 Requested by RAMENERGY Co.
Technical Report · February 2012

DOI: 10.13140/2.1.4368.6721
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Paper 63
GEOTEC
G CHNICA
AL INVE
ESTIGA
ATION
FOR
TH
HE PRO
OPOSED
D CRUD
DE PRODDUCTIO
ION FAC
CILITY
CPF AT
A BLO
OCK 17 PROJE
P CT
Requested
R d By: RA
AM ENE
ERGY Coompany
C
Client: StarOil
S O
Operatin
ng Comppany Lim
mited (SttarOil)
Dreams Towerr for

Engineering Co.
Volum
me (1): TE
EXT
Febrruary 20112
(565)
Dreams Tower for
Engineering Co.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT FOR

PRELIMINARY GEOTECHINCAL INVESTIGATION FOR BLOCK 17 PROJECT
1 Contents
2 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Preamble ................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Scope of DTC Services and Supplies .......................................................................... 3
2.3 Layout of Report ........................................................................................................ 4
3 Description of the Project ................................................................................................. 4
4 General Site Description .................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Introduction: .............................................................................................................. 5
4.2 Topography: .............................................................................................................. 6
4.3 Climate and Vegetation: ............................................................................................ 6
4.4 General geology of Muglad basin: ............................................................................. 7
4.5 Physiographic ............................................................................................................ 8
4.6 Stratigraphic Setting: ................................................................................................. 9
5 Field Investigation Work .................................................................................................. 13
5.1 Locating the Position of the Works ......................................................................... 13
6 Preparatory Works and Mobilization .............................................................................. 14
7 Execution of Fieldwork .................................................................................................... 15
8 Field work executed by the Boreholes Group ................................................................. 18
8.1 Methodology of Drilling ........................................................................................... 18
8.2 Boreholes ................................................................................................................. 20
8.3 Standard Penetration Test (SPT) ............................................................................. 22
9 Field work executed by the DPM Group ......................................................................... 24
9.1 DPM Test ................................................................................................................. 25
10 Laboratory Testing ....................................................................................................... 29
10.1 Atterberg Limits ....................................................................................................... 30
10.2 Sieve Analysis .......................................................................................................... 31
10.3 Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis ............................................................................... 32
DREAMS TOWER FOR ENGINEERING, CONTRACT – TRADE CO

P. O. Box 44882 Elfirdoos North, Khartoum Sudan Mobile: 00249 912226860
(566)
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PRELIMINARY GEOTECHINCAL INVESTIGATION FOR BLOCK 17 PROJECT 2
10.4 Free Swell Test ......................................................................................................... 32
10.5 Chemical Tests ......................................................................................................... 32
10.6 Specific Gravity ........................................................................................................ 33
11 The Subsurface Soil Profile .......................................................................................... 34
12 Ground Water .............................................................................................................. 35
13 Discussion of the Results in Relation to Foundation Design and Construction .......... 36
13.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 36
13.2 Foundation Alternatives .......................................................................................... 37
13.3 OBC Foundations ..................................................................................................... 37
13.4 Foundation type ...................................................................................................... 38
13.4.1 Strip Foundation .............................................................................................. 38
13.4.2 Bearing Capacity Analysis for Strip Foundation .............................................. 38
13.4.3 Isolated Footing ............................................................................................... 38
13.4.4 Bearing Capacity Analysis for isolated Footing ................................................ 39
13.5 Compacted Fill ......................................................................................................... 39
13.6 Storage Tank Foundation ........................................................................................ 39
13.7 Field Service Facilities FSF ....................................................................................... 40
13.8 Pile Foundation ........................................................................................................ 41
14 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................. 42
14.1 Conclusions .............................................................................................................. 42
15 Recommendations: ..................................................................................................... 43
16 General ........................................................................................................................ 46

P. O. Box 44882 Elfirdoos North, Khartoum Sudan Mobile: 00249 912226860 (567)
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2 Introduction
2.1 Preamble
StarOil Petroleum Operating Company Limited (StarOil) entrusted RAM
ENERGY Company Limited with the Engineering, Procurement,
Construction and Commissioning for Facilities Package of Block 17. Dreams
Tower for Engineering Company (DTC) has been contracted by RAM to
undertake a Geotechnical Investigation for the Proposed OBC and Route
Pipeline located at block 17, between Fula and Baleala Central Processing
Facility (CPF).
This report presents the results of field and laboratory testing program and
outlines a general discussion of the site investigated results.
Fieldworks were started on February 2012 and the laboratory testing followed
after a 2 week time. The laboratory testing and geotechnical report were
completed in the following weeks.
2.2 Scope of DTC Services and Supplies

The scope of services for this study was to conduct a field investigation work to
the proposed OBC and Route Pipeline located at block 17. The field
investigation activities carried out involved excavation of a limited number of
boreholes and test pits in soil at the location specified and agreed by the client
as well as performing Dynamic Cone Penetration soundings with a German
DPM Machine.
The drilling works included performing the following in-situ activities:
(i) Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
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(ii) Sampling
(iii) Geological descriptions
The investigation was also comprised of performing DPM soundings along the
alignment of the pipeline, at the OBC and Storage Tank.
Numerous soil material samples have been collected from boreholes according
to the required specifications and under the supervision of the senior geological
engineer on site. Such samples were intended to be used later for running
certain specified number of laboratory testing.
2.3 Layout of Report

This report presents the results of the field and laboratory testing programs and
outlines a general discussion of the site investigation results. The text of the
report with the appendices is collected in two volumes.
3 Description of the Project

StarOil Operating Company Limited (StarOil) is engaged in the production,
the transportation and export of crude oil in the Republic of Sudan for and on
behalf of the StarOil’s shareholders. As a first step StarOil need a detail
Geotechnical investigation to be executed for Block 17.
The site is located in Southern Kurdufan State in Sudan. The site will house
light buildings, storage tanks, pumps and pipeline routes.

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4 General Site Description

4.1 Introduction:
The study area is located in the southern Kordufan state as part of Muglad
basin between latitudes (N1253000, N1275000) and longitudes (E632000,
E640000), with a total area of about 176 square kilometres”. Can be reached
from Khartoum area by asphaltic road until Abu zabad, and from there by
unpaved road (abu zabad – Alfulla). The nearest village to the study area is
(albarasaya).
Plate (1): Field Observations

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4.2 Topography:
The study area is characterized by low relief which is almost a flat region and
its elevation is ranging from 523m to 469m above sea level (from south to
north).
4.3 Climate and Vegetation:
The study area lies within the climatic boundary of Central Sudan, this result in
a boundary between the northerly and southerly air mass which moves
northward in summer and return south in winter. The average annual rainfall in
the area ranges from 600 to 800 mm to the south, the rainfall starts in May and
continues for almost five months, the most significant rainy months are July,
August and September, and the main annual temperature is 28 to 46°C.
The vegetation belongs to the rich savannah type and it gets denser southward
and the proportion of tall grass to woody species increases.

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Plate (2): Sample of Topography of the Project Area
4.4 General geology of Muglad basin:

Muglad Basin is one of largest and most important oil producing areas in
Sudan. The Basin is located in the south-western part of the Sudan (Fig. 1).
Muglad Basin is part of the Central African Shear Zone (CASZ). It is bounded
to the northwest by the Baggara basin, to the northeast by the Nuba Mountain’s
and extends to the south in to Anza Basin in Kenya (Mohammed, 2007).

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Fig. (1): Tectonic model of the West and Central African Rift System
including Muglad basin (After Fairhead, 1986).
4.5 Physiographic
The study area is characterized by low relief except for sparse isolated outcrops
in the northern part of the basin, the area is flat. In general, this area is
considered flat and surrounded by an elevated basement terrain of Nuba
Mountain’s to the east and northeast which represents the main igneous and
metamorphic topography feature in the area, Darfur dome (Jabel Marra) to the
north and northwest, the south and southwest is the Suds area, and there is a
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basement complex terrain in the southeast along the Sudanese and Central
Africa Republic border. Stratigraphically, Muglad basin is covered by
unconsolidated superficial deposits of the Quaternary – Tertiary Umm Rawaba
Formation which is a group of unconsolidated poorly sorted clastic sediments
and alluvium stream to the lake sediments, also there are some isolated
outcrops of Nubian sandstone east of the Muglad town. Black cotton soil
covers most of the plain, while locally exposed lateritic deposits are scattered
in the area between Heglig and Lake Kailak. Alluvial stream, wadi sediments
and swamp deposits of the White Nile tributaries cover the southern part of the
basin. Bahar Al Arab River is one of the White Nile tributaries controlled by
the main accommodation zone in the basin which display a graben
perpendicular to the rift axis (Abu Zeid, 2005).
4.6 Stratigraphic Setting:

Stratigraphically the area composed of sand shale intercalations of continental
origin varying in sand and organic content upon the environment of deposition.
The multiple phases of rifting lead to episodic variations in basin subsidence
that influence the stratigraphic evolution of the study area. Eleven
Lithostratigraphic units have been established in the Muglad basin: Abu Gabra
Formation, Bentiu Formation. Darfur Group (Aradeiba, Zarqa, Ghazal and
Baraka Formations), Amal Formation and Kordofan Group (Nayil, Tendi,
Adok and Zeraf Formations) in ascending order in schematic representation of
the generalized stratigraphy and petroleum geology of the Sudanese Muglad
basin.

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Fig (2): Stratigraphic chart of the Muglad Basin from (M.Z.Awad,

1999).

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The study area can be divided into two zones (A&B):

- Zone A: mainly alluvial sediment.
- Zone B: mainly lateritic soils.(mainly very hard within depth after
3m)

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5 Field Investigation Work

As previously indicated, the scope of field works include drilling of soils, and
in-situ testing. A detailed program of the various executed work will be
described in the following sections.
The investigation area is limited to 250m x 250m and a suggested pipeline

route. This area is expected to host the OBC within the north east of the
facilities area.
5.1 Locating the Position of the Works

This work involves drilling through cohesive and non-cohesive overburden,
wadi alluvium, and weathered rock.
The positions of boreholes, test pits and DPM are agreed by DTC and RAM
during the progress of the works, either by setting appropriate coordinates or by
direct marking in the field.
Locations of test points are determined by use of calibrated GPS equipment

approved by the Client.
In general, the drilling depth is related to the type of soil encountered during
drilling and the senior geotechnical engineer specified the final drilling depth in
accordance with the local conditions for each borehole.
The locations of Boreholes and DPM are listed in Tables: (1) and (3) and
plotted in Fig. (3).

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6 Preparatory Works and Mobilization

A lot of preparation works have been done in Khartoum by DTC staff before
mobilization. This work consisted of collection of relevant information and
suggestion of the best procedure to be applied for carrying out the field-testing.
The previous experience gained from the previous investigation carried out by
DTC in this Petrol Production Areas was of great assistance in making a good
plan for the implementation of works.
The fieldworks were assigned to two different teams all under the management
of a site manager and a senior geologist. Each team was headed by a geologist.
One of these teams was combined in a camp with a drilling machine to perform
the drilling work in soil and was called the drilling group. This team consisted
of a geologist, technical engineer, drilling operator and three skilled drilling
labours. The field geological descriptions as well as the DPM soundings were
carried out also by this team. The second team or resistivity group was
responsible for executing and controlling the geophysical work.
One truck and two 4 – wheel drive vehicles were used at site for the
transportation and movement of the various work groups. One drilling rig
mounted on truck was used for drilling boreholes

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7 Execution of Fieldwork
The field works were undertaken in accordance with the terms of reference
outlined in contract documents and instructions of the senior Geotechnical
Consultancy Engineer of StarOil.
The parties participated in accomplishment of the field activities from the side
of the Client were:
Eng. Mahgoub Eltom, - StarOil Representative Engineer
Eng. Hani Osman Ibrahim - RAM Representative Engineer
The personnel participated in accomplishment of the field activities from DTC

were:
- Five Staff Members of DTC.
Dr. Hussein Elarabi - Project Manager and Director of the DTC
Eng Mohammed Abdel Bagi - Deputy Project Manager
Eng Tarig ElKhawad - Chief Engineering Geologist
Eng. Moh. Mohammed Ali - Project Manager Assistant for lab. Testing
Mr. Musa Hassan Ahmed - Project Manager Assistant for equipments
- One Geologist.
- Two Engineers.
- Two Technical Engineers.
- Two Assistant Engineers.
- One Foreman.
- Four Skilled Labours.
- Two labours.
The field works consisted of the following:

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- Drilling of 7 boreholes and performing of 11 DPM tests distributed as

follows:
o 5 Boreholes in and 5 DPM at the 250m x 250m Area.
o One Borehole and 2 DPM at the location of the Storage Tank .
o One Borehole and 4 DPM along the Pipeline Route.
The boreholes were drilled to the specified depths or where the drilling process
is not possible due to the present of very hard soil stratum.

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Plate (5): Part of the field work team

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8 Field work executed by the Boreholes Group

The drilling of boreholes started simultaneously with test pit excavations.
The activities involved drilling of soils, sampling, drilling observations,
geological descriptions and shifting from borehole to another.
The fly camp technique was used for execution of the field activities. The
drilling teams were camping at the working site.
8.1 Methodology of Drilling

The boreholes were located by means of GPS according to coordinates
agreed by the Consultant as shown in Table (1). The drilling machine was
set up on the borehole by the drilling engineer, then the drilling was carried
out according to the depth, type and number of field tests requested by the
Client. The drilling for the soil was carried out by using conventional auger.
Disturbed samples were taken at one metre internals, or wherever the soil
formations were changed. Standard Penetration Test (SPT) was performed
according to the required specifications.
This work involves drilling through cohesive and non-cohesive soil

overburden, Wadi alluvium and weathered rock.
In general, the drilling depth is related to the type of hard stratum

encountered. The senior geologist specified the final drilling depth in
accordance with the local conditions for each borehole.
Field description was done to report the depth of samples, geological
description (colour, hardness, weathering, discontinuity spacing, grain size,

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rock name, straight graphic horizon etc.). The soil samples were kept in
plastic bags, described by the same system. The N-value of SPT tests were
reported besides any other field and drilling observations.
After the completion of drilling of the borehole and the field tests, the
drilling machine was shifted to another borehole to continue with the same
drilling procedure. All boreholes, after completion of drilling, testing and
measurement were covered.

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Table (1): Locations of the Boreholes
Borehole Coordinates
Number Easting-m Northing-m
RAM - BH1 633125 1271210
RAM - BH2 633125 1271280
RAM - BH3 633250 1271280
RAM - BH4 633250 1271210
RAM - BH5 633187 1271245
RAM - BH6 635017 1271462
RAM - BH7 633720 1271280
8.2 Boreholes
The boreholes in this Project were drilled using the rotary drilling technique
(Plate 9&10). The geotechnical investigation consisted of drilling 12
boreholes distributed in Block 17 site.
All boreholes were drilled to the specified depth or the refusal due to
present of very hard stratum. The details of these boreholes and their
locations are presented in Table (1) whereas the geological description of
the subsoil profile is presented in Appendix (A).

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Plate (9): Boreholes drilled in facility area

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Plate (10): Drilling Process in Facility Area

8.3 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
In the execution of this test, a standard 50 mm diameter split spoon sampler
is driven into the soil at the bottom of a borehole. A free-fall hammer of 64
kg operating off a trip mechanism and falling through a height of 760 mm
provides the driving force. The number of blows required to drive the
sampler each 150 mm increment of a total of 450 mm penetration is
recorded. The blow count for the first 150 mm increment is discarded and
the sum of the blow counts for the remaining 300 mm penetration is known
as the SPT ‘N’ value. The SPT tests were carried in this project as requested
in the specification in all boreholes performed at proposed structures

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locations. The N values with their locations for the different boreholes are
presented in Table (2) and Appendix (A).
Table (2): Standard Penetration Test Results (SPT)
Location Borehole No. Depth (m) No of blows N value

each 6,3,3,3,3
(in)
1.5 21,16,22,13 >50
BH1 3.0 59,51 >50
4.5 101 >100
1.5 8,6,5,7,9 27
BH2 3.0 36,51 >50
4.5 101 >100
1.5 20,14,17,20 >50
3.0 58,51 >50
BH3 4.5 101 >100
6.0 101 >100
OBC
7.5 101 >100

1.5 4,5,3,2,4 >50
3.0 23,10,12,29 >50
BH4
4.5 81,51 >50
6.0 101 >100
1.5 13,14,21,16 >50
3.0 52,51 >50
BH5 4.5 101 >100
6.0 101 >100
7.5 101 >100
1.5 30,23,28 >50
3.0 30,42,9 >50
junction
Pipeline
4.5 13,12,20,19 >50

BH6
6.0 25,17,20,14 >50
7.5 9,9,12,19,11 >50
9.0 20,21,30 >50
1.5 23,13,17,21 >50
Crude
Tank
3.0 101 >100

Oil
BH7
4.5 101 >100
6.0 101 >100
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9 Field work executed by the DPM Group

The work included performing of Dynamic Cone Penetration Test using
DPM machine, sampling and making the geological description and
observations.
The field work teams were camping at the site during the execution of all
field activities.
Plate (6): DPM sounding in facility area
Dynamic cone penetration (DPM) tests were carried out at the surface as
described in the following sections.

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9.1 DPM Test
Electro- Automatic driving unit for lightweight and medium weight

electrometers was applied in at 11 positions to confirm the consistency of
the materials and indicate the density of the soil. A DPM machine was
penetrated to refusal and the number of blows in each 10cm was recorded.
This was done be starting the automatic ramming process. During the
ramming procedure the lifting device was continuously lowered by means
of the crank handle of the cable winch in order always to keep the cable
slack.
The local standard of dynamic probe light test (ISSMFE Technical

Committee on Penetration Testing, 1988 and German Code DIN 4094) is
used in many applications in South Africa and Germany.
Normal DCP test is not accepted for foundation design because of their
limited penetration depth (1.2m). But Electro- Automatic driving DPM
machines which are develop specially to be driven by electrical motor to a
depth of more than 20m. The motorized drive guarantees a uniform and
continuous driving rate.
Also it is possible to take samples from these types of machines.
The local standard of dynamic probe light test (ISSMFE Technical
Committee on Penetration Testing, 1988 and German Code DIN 4094) is
used in many applications in South Africa and Germany.
According to the undrained shear strength correlations with DPL test after
Brink et al (1982), the subsoil profile can be predicted for the point under
consideration.

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With this test at least one borehole will be drilled and the result compared.
For situation of soil with gravels or rocky areas this test or CPT (Cone
penetration Test) test is satisfactory till to the depth of refusal.
An Electro-Automatic driving unit for lightweight was used performing the

test in this site. Setting up and operating of this unit is simple and easy. An
electric motor, fed by a small portable generator with petrol engine, is used
to drive an endless chain to which a special tilting and catch is fixed. This
catch carries the drop weight up and automatically releases it, once the
required drop height has been reached.
The motorized drive guarantees a uniform and continuous driving rate.
The mechanical counting device counts the number of blows.
A 20mm diameter, 60º cone is driven into the soil by a 20 kg weight
dropped through 50cm. The results are reported as number of blows for
each 10cm penetration.
Nineteen sounding was performed at the site. The sounding is performed till
where a hard stratum was found (refusal). The number of blows per 10cm
was plotted against the depth. This is according to DIN 4094 (German
Code). The figure of the number of blows /10cm versus depth is shown in
Appendix (C).
According to the undrained shear strength correlations with DPM test after
Brink et al (1982), the subsoil profile consists of very dense clayey SAND
material layer.

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The predicted N values of Standard Penetration Test (SPT) assuming clayey

materials for the penetrated layer (2.0m) are ranging between 15-30 In case
of sandy layer a value of more than 50 is considered.

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Plate (8): The DPM Test Equipment

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Table (3): Locations of the DPM Soundings
DPM Coordinates
Number Easting-m Northing-m
RAM-DPM 1 633125 1271245
RAM-DPM 2 633187 1271280
RAM-DPM 3 633250 1271245
RAM-DPM 4 633187 1271210
RAM-DPM 5 633173 1271239
RAM-DPM 6 633720 1271270
RAM-DPM 7 633725 1271276
RAM-DPM 8 633942 1271190
RAM-DPM 9 633942 1271115
RAM-DPM10 634044 1271412
RAM-DPM11 634355 1271539
10 Laboratory Testing
Laboratory testing was conducted to evaluate the geotechnical properties of the
soils encountered during the excavation of the test pits.
The laboratory testing procedures were in general conformance with those

recommended in British Standard BS 1377 (1990) and the soils were classified
according to the Unified System for Classifying Soils (USCS). The laboratory
tests performed are presented in Table (4).

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Table (4): The Performed Laboratory Tests
Test Location No. of Tests

OBC 14
Atterberg Limits Test Crude Oil Tank 3
Pipeline Junction 5
OBC 14
Sieve Analysis Test Crude Oil Tank 3
Pipeline Junction 5
OBC -
Free Swelling Crude Oil Tank -
Pipeline Junction 1
OBC 1
Specific Gravity Crude Oil Tank 1
Pipeline Junction 1
OBC 2
Chemical testing Crude Oil Tank 1
Pipeline Junction 1
10.1 Atterberg Limits

Soils containing fine (silt and clay) display the properties of plasticity and
cohesiveness where a lump of soil can have its shape changed or remoulded
without the soil changing in volume or breaking up. This depends on the
amount and mineralogy of the fines and the amount of moisture content.
As the moisture content increases a clayey or silty soil will become softer and
stickier until it cannot retain its shape when it is described as being in a liquid
state. If the moisture content is increased further then there is less and less
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interaction between the soil particles and slurry, and a suspension is formed. If
the moisture content is decreased the soil becomes stiffer until there is
insufficient moisture to particle cohesiveness when the soil becomes friable and
cracks or breaks up easily if remoulded. This state is described as semi-plastic
solid or semi-solid. If the moisture content is decreased further there is a stage
when the physico-chemical forces between the soil particles will not permit
them to move any closer together and the soil is then described as a solid.
The limits between the different states of the soil are originated by the Swedish
soil scientist, Albert Atterberg (1911). The Atterberg Limits are the so-called
consistency limits. Determining Atterberg Limits is very useful for the
classification of cohesive soils. The concept is based on the fact that the
consistency depends largely on its water content. The Atterberg Limits
comprise the liquid limit, the plastic limit and the shrinkage limit. These define
the boundaries between four stages of a consistency. The Atterberg Limits tests
were carried out on representative samples from different depths of the
boreholes. The results are shown in Appendix (A)
10.2 Sieve Analysis

The distribution of the particle sizes or average grain diameter of coarse
grained soils gravels and sands is obtained by screening a known weight of the
soil through a stack of sieves of progressively finer mesh size.
The grading curve is a graphical representation of the particle size distribution

and is therefore useful in itself as a means of describing the soil. From the
grading curve we can provide a descriptive term for the type of soil. In this

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investigation, the sieve analysis tests were carried out on representative soil
samples taken at different depths of the test pits and boreholes. The grading
curves deduced from these test results are shown in Appendix (B).
10.3 Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis

The particle distribution for fines (silt and clay size particles finer than the No.
200 sieve) was determined by a sedimentation process. A hydrometer was used
to obtain the necessary data during the sedimentation process. The hydrometer
test is based on Stoke’s law, which relates the diameter of a single sphere to the
time required for the sphere to fall a certain distance in a liquid of known
viscosity. The idea for the hydrometer analysis is that a larger and hence
heavier, soil particle will fall faster through distilled water than a smaller, and
hence lighter, soil particle.
The grain size curves are plotted in Appendix (C). For sieve analysis, the
percent finer was plotted for a corresponding sieve size opening. For
hydrometer analysis, the percent finer was plotted for a corresponding soil
grain size.
10.4 Free Swell Test

The results of these tests are shown in Table (5).
10.5 Chemical Tests

Chemical Tests were carried out on soil samples taken from selected depths in
some boreholes. The tests measure the amount of sulphate, chloride and pH in
the pore water. The results are shown in Table (6).

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10.6 Specific Gravity

Specific Gravity Tests were carried out on soil samples taken from selected
depths in some boreholes. The results are shown in Table (7).
Table (5): Free swell test results:
Borehole No Depth (m) Free swell %
6 1.0 72.22
Table (6): Chemical test results:

Sulphate Chloride
Content BS Content BS PH Value
BH No Depth (m)
1377:90:3:7 1377:90:3:7 BS1377:3:90:9
(%) (%)
6 3.0 0.15 0.001 7.20
7 3.0 0.14 0.001 7.12
Table (7): Specific Gravity test results:
BH No Depth (m) S.G

6 3.0 4.30
7 3.0 2.65

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11 The Subsurface Soil Profile

The boreholes, test pits and DPM soundings carried out at the locations shown
in Fig. (3) Indicated a general subsoil profile that consists of two layers.
The boreholes numbered from (1) to (5) are located at the OBC area. Borehole
(6) is located at the area o f the CPF while Borehole (7) with two DPM areas
located at the Storage Tank.
From ground surface level down to the bottom of most of the boreholes a very
dense light brown to reddish clayey SAND layer was encountered. This layer is
known as lateritic soils.
Lateritic soil types are rich in iron and aluminium, formed in hot and wet
tropical areas. Nearly all lateritic soils are rusty-red because of iron oxides.
They develop by intensive and long-lasting weathering of the underlying parent
rock.
In Borehole (3) a very dense, reddish brown, Gravelly Silty SAND which
known as lateritic soils was encountered. The same layer appears at the top
2.5m of Borehole (5) and underlain by very dense redish brown Gravelly
clayey SAND and extends down to 9m depth.
Borehole (6) subsoil profile at the CPF consists of three layers. From ground
level down to 2.5m a hard, light gray, Silty CLAY of low plasticity was
encountered. This layer was underlain by Very dense, yellowish gray, Silty
SAND one. A very dense yellowish gray poorly graded Silty SAND was
encountered below 4.5m and extends down to 10.0m
A Very dense, light brown, clayey SAND known as lateritic soils was
encountered in Borehole (7) at the Tank location.

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The above description of subsoil profile indicate that there is generally a clayey
layer around borehole (6) only and.
The boreholes logs are presented in Appendix (A).
12 Ground Water
The ground water table was not encountered during this site investigation.

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13 Discussion of the Results in Relation to Foundation Design and

Construction
13.1 Introduction
This section of the report presents a discussion of the results of the
investigation and the recommendations for the best foundation alternative for
the proposed structure. A suitable foundation type shall be designed such that
the soil bearing capacity is not exceeded and the expected settlements are
within tolerable limits. Precautions against soil heave and possible uplift of
foundation and floors should be considered.
The results of Atterberg Limits indicated that a clay layer of low plasticity is
present in this site. The value of liquid limits at this layer reaches 39% (>50%
highly plastic). This indicates that the fines (i.e. silt and clays) are of low
plasticity.
A DPM was used to perform penetration test in this site. Setting up and
operating of this unit is simple and easy. In some points very limited
penetration is performed.
Eleven soundings were performed at the site. The soundings were performed
until hard stratum was found (refusal). The number of blows per 10cm was
plotted against the depth. The figure of the number of blows versus depth is
shown in Appendix (D).
The free swell test results at some boreholes, Table (5), indicate that the clay
soils in this location are low expansive soils. Such soils are expected to exhibit

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significant volume change due to variations in their moisture content. This

behaviour needs serious consideration in foundation design.
The chemical test results gave negligible amount of chloride and acceptable
amounts of sulphate. Accordingly, Ordinary Portland Cement can be used for
concrete.
Electrical resistivity tests were carried out at 6 different points. The results and
discussion of these tests were presented in Appendix (E).
13.2 Foundation Alternatives

The factors which influence the choice of the type of foundations are:-
• The strength and volume change characteristics of the subsoil when
subjected to loads from the superstructure and to environmental
changes.
• The magnitudes and nature of the loads from the superstructure.
The subsoil profile is one of the specific factors, which control or affect the
selection of the foundation types and their suitable depths.
The area under investigation includes the OBC, Storage TANK and The four
pipelines route. In the following sections the suitable type of foundation to each
area is recommended.
13.3 OBC Foundations
The soil profile which has been discussed in previous sections leads to suggest
a strip foundation as a most viable option for the light buildings and isolated
footings for the slightly heavier ones.

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13.4 Foundation type

The above discussion leads to recommend strip foundation or isolated footings
as the most suitable types of foundation for this site.
The 30cm loose soil material on the surface should be cut firstly. A selected fill
material of at least 0.5m thickness should be placed on the original soil directly
beneath the foundation wherever a clayey layer was encountered. Since the
contractor suggested in his design to raise the level of the OBC with 1.0 m to
3.0m engineered fill embankment, this condition will be satisfied if a selected
fill material of 0.5 m thickness placed directly beneath the foundation. During
construction care should be taken that the soil does not lose its moisture i.e. the
selected fill material should be placed immediately after excavation of the
natural soil.
13.4.1 Strip Foundation

The above discussion leads to recommend the strip foundation as a most
suitable type of foundation for the light buildings. The strip foundation should
be placed below 0.75m depth on at least 0.5m compacted fill layer in clayey
soil areas.
13.4.2 Bearing Capacity Analysis for Strip Foundation

Allowable bearing pressure of the order of 175 KN/m2 is recommended at
depth 0.75m.
13.4.3 Isolated Footing

The above discussion leads to recommend the use of isolated footing as a
suitable type of foundation for the heavier structure. For light structures a depth
of 0.75m with bearing capacity of order 150KN/m2 is recommended. For

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heavier structures, isolated foundation should be placed at a depth of about

2.0m on 0.5m compacted fill layer.
13.4.4 Bearing Capacity Analysis for isolated Footing

The shear strength parameters established from the SPT test results and DPM
soundings were used to check the possibility of bearing capacity failures at
different foundation depths. Allowable bearing pressure of the order of
185KN/m2 is recommended at depths below 2.0m for isolated footing.
13.5 Compacted Fill

It is recommended that all fill materials needed to be placed below the raft or
over it to be selected fill. Structural fill should consist of non-expansive soil of
low permeability and adequate shear strength. The fill is a typical road sub
base material (CBR >35) and is expected to provide a good bearing capacity.
The fill should be compacted in 3 layers; to at least 95 percent of the maximum
laboratory density obtained using the ASTM D 698 test procedure. The
moisture content of the fill should be within plus or minus 2 percent of the
optimum moisture as determined by the above test. The total unit weight γ of
compacted backfill can be taken as 18 kN/m3.
13.6 Storage Tank Foundation

The encountered very dense clayey SAND layer at the location of the Tank is
not preferable as a good bearing stratum for its foundation. This layer is known
as lateritic soils. Lateritic soils are reddish subsoils found in tropical regions
that are formed by the rock layer breaking down and leaching through the soil.
They are rich in minerals such as iron oxides and aluminium, and most don't

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support plant life or vegetation well because they dry hard and compact, and
lack organic matter. Lateritic deposits can be a few inches or hundreds of feet
thick and are normally horizontal. When very wet, lateritic soils can be cut into
bricks for building.
Tanks should not be placed directly on this soil. As the clayey soil extends
deep in the ground and the contractor plan to make a compacted fill of more
than 3m height, it is recommended to place the tank on at least 2.0 m of
selected structural fill on the natural ground level. This selected fill consist of a
cohesive non-expansive selected fill material. The selected fill should have
enough fines (>30%) to reduce infiltration of water to the underlying soil,
adequate strength (soaked CBR greater than 35) and should be placed in layers
about 200mm thickness each compacted to 95% of the maximum Modified
Proctor density. The allowable bearing capacity of the compacted selected fill
can be taken as 185 KN/m2. The embankment area should extend out for about
2.0m from all sides. A buffer zone of at least 2.0 m of compacted fill should be
allowed between the bottom of the foundation (concrete) and the lateritic soil.
The settlement of the storage tank is expected to be small.
13.7 Field Service Facilities FSF

The structures at this point are located in a clayey area due its vicinity from the
wadi. The foundations should be placed on at least 2.0m of a compacted fill. A
raft foundation to support these facilities may be the most suitable option.
Allowable bearing pressure of the order of 150 KN/m2 is recommended at
depths below2.0m. Also isolated footing with the same depth of a bearing
capacity of 175KN/m2 on 2.0m compacted soil can be used as well for the
pumps.

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A pile foundation option is presented in section 12.8

For the Underground Pipes ; It is not recommended to install sensitive piping
systems in the clayey soil, however if it indispensable to place them below the
ground level then a layer of non-expansive select fill with fines greater than
about 30% (permeability less than 10-7 cm/sec) should be placed below the
pipes.
13.8 Pile Foundation
Steel piles have been extensively used in the Petroleum rich areas in Sudan.
This is due to their easiness of construction and the nature of loads from the
superstructures to be support.
Since the Contractor intends towards using steel pipe piles to support the
proposed structures based on their easiest supply, fast transit, and short time of
driving piles etc, steel pipes of minimum 3.0m length will be adopted. Some
difficulties will appear in derivation of these piles in the hard Lateritic soil
dominated the site. So, for only requesting high vertical bearing capacity but
need relative low anti-uplift load and horizontal bearing capacity, short steel
pipe pile could be adopted.
Typical preferred sizes are 0.168m, 0.219m, 0.273m and 0.324m diameters.
The allowable bearing capacities of the selected steel pipe piles driven to
depths 3.0 to 7.0 m are given in Table (8). A factor of safety of 3 was adopted.
The allowable spacing for pile groups is 3 diameters and group efficiency may
be taken as 0.85. Pile load testing is mandatory for validation of the computed
capacities. The standards to be followed are: ASTM D 1143 Test Method for
Piles under Static Axial Compressive Load.
Proper selection should be made for an efficient pile driving system for the
steel piles. The drivability of the piles will depend on the driving system used.

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Measures should be taken to protect the steel used for piling from being
corroded.
Whenever the pile foundation option is considered, competent contractors are

needed. A geotechnical engineer should supervise the works. Pile load testing
on piles is mandatory to check the computed allowable carrying capacities.
Table (8): Suggested Allowable Steel Pile Capacity in tons (different lengths
and diameters)
Pile Length(m)
Diameter (m) 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0
0.168 3.0 4.1 5.3 6.7 8.2

0.219 5.1 6.9 9.0 11.4 13.9
0.273 7.9 10.8 14.0 17.7 21.6
0.324 11.1 15.3 19.7 24.9 30.5
14 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

14.1 Conclusions
This report presents the results of the geotechnical investigation of the OBC,
CPF and Storage Tank proposed to be constructed in Block 17 in southern
Kurufan State. The field works consisted of drilling 7 boreholes at different
selected points in the site. DPM soundings (Dynamic Cone Penetration) were
performed at 11 points distributed on the site to evaluate the strength of the
soil.

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The penetration tests were terminated at shallow depth due to ground hardness.
The samples obtained from the test pits were tested in the laboratory.
Based on geotechnical investigation, the top clay soil encountered at certain
points near the valley area is potentially expansive and problems are expected
to occur due to the soil heave associated with increase in its moisture content, if
certain measures are not taken during construction stage.
Such measures and precautions have to be considered to avoid excessive

movements especially under lightly loaded buildings, floors and underground
structures.
15 Recommendations:
1 The measures and precautions stated above with respect to expansive
soil problems for all Block area should be strictly followed.
2 The natural clay material beneath the foundation should be completely
removed and replaced by a suitable selected fill of a depth of 0.5m for
light structure compacted in layers to at least 95% of the modified
Proctor maximum dry density.
3 The soil profile which has been discussed in previous sections leads to
suggest a strip foundation as a most viable option for the light
buildings and isolated footings for the slightly heavier ones.
4 The strip foundation should be placed below 0.75m depth on 0.5m
compacted fill layer. Allowable bearing pressure of the order of 175
KN/m2 is recommended at depth 0.75m.
5 For light structures a depth of 0.75m with bearing capacity of order
150KN/m2 is recommended. For heavier structures, isolated
foundation should be placed at a depth of about 2.0m on 0.5m

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compacted fill layer. Allowable bearing pressure of the order of

185KN/m2 is recommended at depths below 2.0m.
6 A raft foundation may be the most suitable option to support pump
machines at the site. The foundations should be placed on at least
2.0m of a compacted fill. Allowable bearing pressure of the order of
150 KN/m2 is recommended at depths below2.0m, also isolated
footing with the same depth with a bearing capacity of 175KN/m2 on
2.0m compacted soil can be used as well for the pumps.
7 Recommendations are given for the allowable capacities of steel pipe
piles of different diameters and lengths as alternative option for the
FSF.
8 Pile load testing is mandatory to confirm the theoretical estimates.
9 The chemical test results gave negligible amount of chloride and
acceptable amounts of sulphate. Accordingly, Ordinary Portland
Cement can be used for concrete.
10 The chemical test results gave negligible amount of chloride and
acceptable amounts of sulphate. Accordingly, Ordinary Portland
Cement can be used for concrete.
11 The recommendations deduced from the resistivity tests were outlined
in Appendix (E).
12 The compacted structural “selected” fill should be chosen and
processed according to Section 12.4
13 The work associated with the excavation and foundation construction
should be supervised by a competent geotechnical engineer. The soil
replacement works and compaction should be made in each
compacted layer.

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Khartoum, 10 February, 2012
(Dr. Hussein Elarabi)

Project Manager,
Dreams Tower for Engineering

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16 General
• It is recommended that copies of final plans and specifications be made
available to DTC to verify that the recommendations presented in this
report have been interpreted as intended.
• DTC should be consulted if the scope of the project as described in this

report has changed considerably or if significant variation of soil
conditions from those exposed at the boreholes occur during
construction.
• The bottom of excavation for foundations, the replacement, compaction

of supporting fill and backfill should be inspected by a qualified
geotechnical engineer.

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References
[1] Barnes, G. : Soil Mechanics: Principles and Practice, Palgrave, New York.
[2] Holtz, R.D.and Kavacs, W.D. : An Introduction to Geotechnical
Engineering, Prentice-Hall, New Tersey, 1981.
[3] Budhu, M. : Soil Mechanics and Foundations.
[4] Day, R. W., Soil Testing Manual, Mc Graw- Hill, New York, 2001.
[5] Weltman , A. J. and Head J.M. : Site Investigation Manual, CIRIA,
London, 1981.
[6] Byrne G. et.al. : A Guide to Practical Geotechnical Engineering, FRANKI,
Southern Africa, 1995.
[7] Whiteman A.J. : The Geology of the Sudan Republic, William Clowers and
Sons Limited, London 1971.
[8] Graig, R.F: Soil Mechanics, Fifth Edition, (HAPMAN & Hall), London,
1993.
[9] Brick, A.B.A, Partridge, T.C., and Williams, A.A.B (1982), “Soil Survey
for Engineering” , Clarendon Press, Oxford.
[10] Taschenbuch 113, Bauwessen 14, “Normen ueber Erkundung und

Untersuchung des Baugrunds“ , Beuth Bauverlag, Berlin.
[11] Overseas Road Note 31. , Overseas Centre, Transport Research

Laboratory, Crowthorne, Berkshire, United Kingdom.

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PRELIMINARY GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION FOR THE POROPOSED CRUDE

Technical Report · February 2012

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2.2 Scope of DTC Services and Supplies

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2.3 Layout of Report

3 Description of the Project

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4 General Site Description

Plate (1): Field Observations

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Plate (2): Sample of Topography of the Project Area

4.4 General geology of Muglad basin:

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4.6 Stratigraphic Setting:

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Fig (2): Stratigraphic chart of the Muglad Basin from (M.Z.Awad,

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The study area can be divided into two zones (A&B):

Plate (3): Sample of Topography of the Project Area

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Plate (4): Sample of Topography of the Project Area

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5 Field Investigation Work

The investigation area is limited to 250m x 250m and a suggested pipeline

5.1 Locating the Position of the Works

Locations of test points are determined by use of calibrated GPS equipment

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6 Preparatory Works and Mobilization

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The personnel participated in accomplishment of the field activities from DTC

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- Drilling of 7 boreholes and performing of 11 DPM tests distributed as

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Plate (5): Part of the field work team