SPECIFICATION FOR GROUND TREATMENT

The Institution of Civil Engineers

SPECIFICATION FOR
GROUND TREATMENT

Thomas Telford, London

Companion publication
SPECIFICATION FOR GROUND TREATMENT
notes for guidance

Terms used in this publication include terms which are defined in the
ICE conditions of contract. These terms are printed with initial letters in
capitals to indicate that the defined meaning is intended

Published for The Institution of Civil Engineers by Thomas Telford Ltd, Telford House,
1 Heron Quay, London E14 9XF

First published 1987

Reprinted 2008

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

Specification for ground treatment
1. Building sites—Standards—England
I. Institution of Civil Engineers
590 TH375

ISBN 978 07277 0388 0

© T h e Institution of Civil Engineers, 1987

All rights, including translation, reserved. Except for fair copying, no part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or
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The information suggestions and/or advice contained in this publication are intended for
use as a general statement and guide only. Neither the Institution nor any Committee of
the Institution can accept any liability for any loss or damage which may be suffered by any
person as a result of the use in any way of the information contained herein and any person
using such information or drafting contracts, specifications or other documents based
thereon must in all cases take appropriate professional advice on the matters referred to in
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CONTENTS

1. G e n e r a l requirements for ground t r e a t m e n t work 1

2. G r o u n d t r e a t m e n t by vibrocompaction/vibroflotation 3

3. G r o u n d t r e a t m e n t by vibrated stone columns 5

4. G r o u n d t r e a t m e n t by dynamic compaction/consolidation 7

5. G r o u n d t r e a t m e n t by d e e p drains 9

6. Testing ground t r e a t m e n t 13
The Institution of Civil Engineers Specification for ground treatment

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUND TREATMENT WORK

1.1. Standards and All materials and workmanship shall be in accordance with the a p p r o ­
definitions priate British Standards current at t h e time of t e n d e r , including those
1.1.1. British Standard listed in this Specification, except that w h e r e the requirements of British
specifications Standards are in conflict with this Specification, the latter shall take
precedence.
1.1.2. Codes of practice All work shall b e carried out generally in accordance with the principles
of relevant codes of practice current at t h e time of t e n d e r , including
those referred to in this Specification.
1.1.3. Definitions In this Specification the terms ' a p p r o v e d ' , 'approval' and 'required'
m e a n 'approved by the E n g i n e e r ' , 'approval of t h e E n g i n e e r ' and
'required by t h e Engineer' respectively.

1.2. General contract All materials a n d work shall b e in accordance with this Specification.
requirements W h e r e there may be a conflict in requirements between t h e Specific­
1.2.1. Precedence of ation and the Particular Specification for any m e t h o d of ground treat­
specification m e n t , t h e latter specification shall t a k e precedence.
1.2.2. Contractor to work T h e Contractor, where so directed by t h e Engineer, shall b e required to
to other contractors' work to other contractors' drawings whenever drawings for temporary
drawings works not included in the Contract a r e related t o particular details of t h e
Works.
1.2.3. Progress report T h e Contractor shall submit t o t h e Engineer o n t h e first day of each
week, or at such longer periods as t h e Engineer may from time t o time
direct, a progress report showing the current rate of progress and
progress during the previous period on all important items of each
section of the W o r k s .

1.3. Performance T h e execution and performance of the ground treatment shall b e the
1.3.1. Responsibility for responsibility of the Contractor ,
the execution and who shall, nonetheless, satisfy t h e E n g i n e e r that all treated ground has
performance attained the required degree of improvement.
1.3.2. Predicted settlement W h e r e a p p r o p r i a t e , estimates of t h e total and differential settlement
anticipated at the working load shall be given by the Contractor

1.3.3. Layout of treatment T h e Contractor shall supply detailed

and dimensioned layouts of t h e t r e a t m e n t points in duplicate for the
approval of t h e Engineer. Such approval shall not r e m o v e the responsi­
bility of the Contractor for the
accuracy of the drawings. E a c h t r e a t m e n t point shall have a unique
reference n u m b e r for record purposes.
1.3.4. Method statement At t h e c o m m e n c e m e n t of the Contract t h e Contractor
shall provide a detailed method statement. This shall
include a p r o g r a m m e giving full details of both type and quantity of all
the plant he proposes to use, the o r d e r of carrying out t h e work, and
where not already specified by the Engineer t h e detailed and dimen­
sioned layout of the ground t r e a t m e n t , type and frequency of the
proposed control testing, and w h e r e applicable, the anticipated ground
heave after t r e a t m e n t .

1.4. Materials T h e sources of supply of materials shall be approved by the Engineer

1.4.1. Sources of supply and shall not be changed without prior approval of t h e Engineer in
writing.

Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. T T L , L o n d o n , 1987 1

1.4.2. Rejected materials Rejected materials shall be removed promptly from the Site.

1.5. Site conditions Before the start of the work, factual information or reports on site
1.5.1. Site investigation investigations for the Works will be made available to the Contractor
reports
1.5.2. Unforeseen ground T h e Contractor shall report immediately to the Engineer any circum­
conditions stance which in the Contractor's
opinion indicates that the ground conditions differ from those expected
by him from his interpretation of the site investigation report.

1.6. Workmanship T h e Contractor shall satisfy the

1.6.1. Suitability of E n g i n e e r regarding the suitability, efficiency and adequacy of the equip­
equipment m e n t to be employed. T h e Contractor
shall state the type and number of rigs he intends to use.

1.6.2. Site levels O n completion of each area of ground treatment the Contractor
shall grade debris and surplus
material arising from the ground treatment to leave a reasonably firm
and level working surface.

1.6.3. Site clearance O n completion of the treatment to the satisfaction of the Engineer, the
Contractor shall remove from the
site all plant and unwanted material.

1.7. Setting out Setting out shall be carried out by the Contractor
1.7.1. Responsibility from grid lines provided and maintained by the Con­
tractor. Immediately before treatment, each treatment position shall be
m a r k e d by the Contractor with
suitable identifiable pins or markers.

1.7.2. Benchmarks T h e Contractor shall provide and maintain bench marks throughout the
duration of the W o r k s .

1.8. Tolerances All t r e a t m e n t points shall be located to the tolerances given in the
Specification.

1.9. Ground treatment T h e Contractor shall inform the Engineer at regular mutually agreed
programme intervals of the forward p r o g r a m m e of ground treatment.

1.10. Damage If during the execution of the work damage is, or is likely to b e , caused
t o mains, services or adjacent structures, the Contractor shall inform the
Engineer of his proposals for avoidance or repair of such d a m a g e .
T h e C o n t r a c t o r shall arrange the sequence and timing of the Works to
ensure that d a m a g e does not occur to treated ground by any subsequent
work.

2 Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987
2. GROUND TREATMENT BY VIBROCOMPACTION/VIBROFLOTATION

The following clauses shall be read in conjunction with the general

requirements for ground treatment work given in section 1 of this
Specification.

2.1. Description The ground treatment shall be carried out by deep vibratory compac­
tion.
2.2. Particular The following matters are, where appropriate, described in the Particu­
Specification lar Specification
(a) design loads and settlement criteria
(b) degree of compaction
(c) depth of treatment
(d) area of treatment. ·

2.3. Materials Granular material used to fill depressions caused by compaction shall be
2.3.J. Suitability of added free from clay and with not more than 5% material passing the BS
granular material 75 µm sieve. The granular material may be either site material or
imported to the Site.
2.3.2. Fill material The material used by the Contractor for filling to make up ground levels
to the working surface prior to treatment shall be hard inert granular
material capable of passing the BS 106 mm sieve and not more than
10% passing the BS 75 µm sieve.

2.4. Ground treatment
2.4.J. Method of treatment
2.4.2. Water supply
2.4.3. Effluent disposal
2.4.4. Depth of treatment
2.4.5. Tolerances
Treatment may be by either the wet or dry process. It shall be demon­
strated on site that the required depth of treatment can be achieved and
that the spacing of compaction points is appropriate for the required
degree of compaction. Where a change in the method of treatment is
required by the Contractor ................................................... , the
agreement of the Engineer shall be sought without delay.
The Contractor shall provide a supply of water. If the wet process is
selected, the Contractor ........................................... shall indicate
the rate of water supply required and be responsible for checking that
this is available. The Contractor .................................................
shall be responsible for supplying any extra storage tanks and pumping
as required.
The Contractor shall be responsible for disposing of effluent to a water­
course or sewer and for complying with the requirements of .the statu-
tory authorities. The Contractor .................................................
shall state clearly the number and size of any silt traps required. These
shall be provided and maintained by the Contractor. On completion of
the ground treatment the Contractor shall remove all such equipment
and backfill any pits.
The depth of treatment shall be as shown on the documents and shall
not be varied without the prior agreement of the Engineer.
All compaction points shall be located to within 150 mm of the plan
positions shown on the compaction point layout drawings.

2.5. Buried obstructions The Contractor shall break out known near-surface obstructions and fill
2.5.1. Known near-surface the resulting voids with suitable granular material prior to the com­
obstructions mencement of the ground treatment works by the Contractor

2.5.2. Unforeseen Where an unforeseen obstruction is encountered below ground level,

obstructions the Engineer shall be informed immediately. The Engineer will then
decide with the Contractor .................................................
whether or not the obstruction is to be removed.

Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. 1TL, London, .1987 3
 Where it is decided to remove the obstruction, the Engineer will
instruct the Contractor to excavate the obstruction and backfill the void
with approved granular material.

2.6. Site control The Contractor shall keep daily records of the treatment carried out and
2.6.1. Records shal submit signed copies of these records to the Engineer within two
working days. The records shall show
(a) date
(b) compaction point reference
(c) depth of penetration at each compaction point
(d) vibrator power consumption
(i) during penetration
(ii) during compaction
(e) jetting pressure (where applicable)
(J) duration of
(i) penetration
(ii) compaction
(g) obstructions and delays
(h) number and type of tests carried out.
Any unforeseen conditions encountered and reported shall be noted
briefly in the records.
2.6.2. Surface compaction Where ground treatment is being applied to areas where the founda­
tions are less than 600 mm below the treatment working surface,
measures shall be taken by the Contractor on completion of the treat­
ment to ensure that this depth is adequately compacted to the satisfac­
tion of the Engineer.

4 Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987
3. GROUND TREATMENT BY VIBRATED STONE COLUMNS
3.1 Description
3.2 Particular
Specification
3.3. Materials
3.3.1. Suitability of stone
3.3.2. Fill material
3.4. Ground treatment
3.4.1. Method of treatment
3.4.2. Treatment technique
3.4.3. Water supply
3.4.4. Effiuent disposal
Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TIL, London, 1987
The following clauses shall be read in conjunction with the general
requirements for ground treatment work given in section 1 of this
Specification.
The ground treatment shall be carried out by deep vibratory compaction
incorporating stone columns formed with imported granular backfill.
The following matters are, where appropriate, described in the Particu­
lar Specification
(a) type of stone
(b ) design loads and settlement criteria
(c) depth of treatment
(d) placement and compaction of fill material prior to treatment
(e) area of treatment.
Stone used shall be clean, hard, inert material and shall be natural sand,
gravel, crushed rock, crushed hardcore, crushed slag or well burnt non­
plastic shale. The material shall be suitable for the ground conditions in
which the stone columns are formed and have no adverse effects on
other work on the site. Grading shall be a nominal single-size material
within the range 20-75 mm or a graded material complying with Depart­
ment of Transport Specification for highway works, granular base type
2. For graded materials the material passing the BS 425 µm sieve shall
be non-plastic.
The material used by the Contractor for filling to make up ground levels
to the working surface prior to treatment shall be hard inert granular
material capable of passing a BS 106 mm sieve with not more than 10%
passing the BS 75 µm sieve.
Treatment may be by either the wet or dry process b.ut if the dry process
is used it shall be demonstrated on site that the hole made by the
machine will remain open to enable the stone to be placed cleanly to the
bottom of the hole to form a continuous column to the surface. Where a
change in the method of treatment is required by the Contractor
................................................. , the prior agreement of the Engi­
neer shall be sought without delay.
The stone column shall be formed to the working surface without
inclusion of clay or other unsuitable material preventing intergranular
contact between stone particles.
When the dry process is being used the vibrator may be removed
completely from the hole to allow access for the stone. When the wet
process is being used the vibrator shall be kept in the hole at all times in
order to maintain stability of the sides and to ensure that the stone shall
reach the required depth via the annular space around the vibrator.
The Contractor shall provide a _supply of water. If the wet process is
selected, the Contractor .. . ... . ................... . .. ................. ... shall
indicate the rate of water supply required and be responsible for check-
ing that this is available. The Contractor ........................................
shall be responsible for supplying any extra storage tanks and pumping
as required.
The Contractor shall be responsible for disposing of effluent to a water­
course or sewer and for complying with the requirements of the statu-
tory authorities. The Contractor .................................................
shall state clearly the number and size of any silt traps required. These
shall be provided and maintained by the Contractor. ·on completion of
5
 the ground treatment the Contractor shall remove all such equipment
and backfill any pits.
3.4.5. Verticality In the penetration stage the vibrator shall be kept as near vertical as
possible and never deviate by more than 1 in 20 when forming the stone
columns.
3.4.6. Depth and spacing The depth and spacing of the stone columns shall be as shown on the
documents and neither the depth nor the spacing shall be varied without
the prior agreement of the Engineer.
3.4. 7. Tolerances All stone columns shall be located to within 150 mm of the plan posi­
tions shown on the ground treatment layout drawings.

3.5. Buried obstructions The Contractor shall break out known near-surface obstructions and fill
3.5.1. Known near-surface the resulting voids with suitable granular material prior to the com­
obstructions mencement of ground treatment works by the Con�ractor

3.5.2. Unforeseen Where an unforeseen obstruction is encountered below ground level,

obstructions the Engineer shall be informed immediately. The Engineer will then
decide with the Contractor .................................................
whether the obstruction is to be removed or the stone column layout
modified.
Where it is decided to remove the obstruction the Engineer will
instruct the Contractor to excavate the obstruction and backfill the void
with approved granular material.

3.6. Site control The Contractor shall keep daily records of the treatment carried out and
3.6.1. Records shall submit signed copies of these records to the Engineer within two
working days. The records shall show
(a) date
( b) compaction point reference
(c) an estimate of ground heave
(d) depth of penetration at each compaction point
(e) quantity of stone used in each column
(f) vibrator power consumption
(i) during penetration
(ii) during compaction
(g) jetting pressure (where applicable)
(h) duration of
(i) penetration
(ii) compaction
(i) obstructions and delays
(j) number and type of .tests carried out.
Any unforeseen conditions encountered and reported shall be noted
briefly in the records.
3.6.2. Ground heave In order to reduce ground heave, excessive treatment in the final stage
of the column formation shall be avoided. If ground heave does occur
then the spoil so formed shall be removed from the working area by the
Contractor.
3.6.3. Overtreatment In soft cohesive soils particular care shall be taken to minimize the
reduction of local soil strength by remoulding. Vibration treatment
beyond the optimum, with unnecessary additions of stone, shall be
avoided.
3.6.4. Debris in hole Lumps of spoil shall not be permitted to fall into the bore. Hand spades
shall be kept available for this purpose.
3.6.5. Surface compaction Where ground treatment is being applied to areas where the founda­
tions are less than 600 mm below the treatment working surface,
measures shall be taken by the Contractor on completion of the treat­
ment to ensure that this depth is adequately compacted to the satisfac­
tion of the Engineer.

6 Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground trea/menl. TTL, London, 1987
4. GROUND TREATMENT BY DYNAMIC COMPACTION/CONSOLIDATION

T h e following clauses shall be read in conjunction with the general

requirements for ground treatment work given in section 1 of this
Specification.

4.1. Particular T h e following matters are, where appropriate, described in the Particu­
Specification lar Specification

(a) materials
(b) design loads and settlement criteria
(c) m e t h o d of treatment
(d) depth of treatment
(e) area of treatment.

4.2. Materials T h e Contractor shall supply, where required, prior to and during treat­
4.2.1. Granular layer ment, a suitable granular layer of a d e q u a t e thickness which shall be
placed over the site to provide a firm dry working surface. T h e granular
material used shall be inert, and free of clay and organic material. All
particles with any dimension greater than 200 m m shall be discarded.

4.2.2. Fill material T h e material used by the Contractor for filling to m a k e u p ground levels
to the working surface prior to treatment shall be inert granular material
capable of passing through a 200 m m ring with not m o r e than 1 0 %
passing the BS 75 \im sieve.
W h e r e imported material is used for filling the depressions formed by
tamping, this shall be hard inert granular material capable of passing
through a 200 mm ring with not m o r e than 1 0 % passing the BS 75 |im
sieve.

4.3. Workmanship T r e a t m e n t shall be carried out by repeated tamping on a predetermined

4.3.1. Method of treatment
pattern with d r o p heights appropriately chosen to ensure compaction to
the full design d e p t h . In addition, there shall be an a d e q u a t e area of
treatment outside the periphery of the proposed structure to ensure long
term stability. If a change in pattern of tamping, d r o p heights or total
a m o u n t of energy is required it shall be carried out without delay and,
unless resulting from unforeseen conditions, without cost to the
Employer.
W h e r e a change in the treatment criteria is required by the Contractor
, the agreement of the Engineer
shall be sought without delay.

4.3.2. Tolerances T h e tamper should be d r o p p e d within 500 m m of the grid positions

shown on the drawings for each grid spacing.

4.4. Site control T h e Contractor shall k e e p daily records of the treatment carried out and
4.4.1. Daily records shall submit signed copies of these records to the Engineer within two
working days. T h e records shall show
(a) area treated
(b) date
(c) weight of tamper
(d) height of d r o p
(e) n u m b e r of drops at each compaction point
(f) depth of imprint
(g) obstructions and delays
(h) n u m b e r and type of tests carried out
(/) quantity of imported backfill
(/) readings of installed instruments.

Any unforeseen conditions encountered and reported shall be noted

briefly in the records.

Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. T T L , London, 1987 7

4.4.2. Settlement records Grids of levels shall be taken by the Contractor
before treatment commences, at intervals during the
t r e a t m e n t process and on completion. T h e records of these levels shall
be submitted to the Engineer within two working days of completion of
levelling in any area of the site.

4.4.3. Surface water T h e Contractor shall k e e p the site clear of surface water.
4.4.4. Excessive In saturated low-permeability ground with a high water table, particular
compaction care shall be taken to prevent excessive rise in pore water pressures and
any liquefaction of the ground caused by overtamping.

4.4.5. Surface compaction W h e r e ground treatment is being applied to the subgrades for road
bases or ground floor slabs, the ground near the surface shall be
compacted by the Contractor
either by tamping or by rolling.

8 Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987
 5. GROUND TREATMENT BY DEEP DRAINS

The following clauses shall be read in ·conjunction with the general

requirements for ground treatment work given in section 1 of this
Specification.

5.1. Description The ground treatment shall be carried out by installation of one of the
following types of deep drain
(a) sand-filled drains
(b) prefabricated sand-filled wicks
(c) prefabricated band drains.
The term deep drainage relates to 'deep' consolidation drains which
are usually installed vertically. In special circumstances inclined drains
may be required and such inclination must be specified.

5.2. Particular The following matters are, where appropriate described in the Particu­
Specificati<_m lar Specification
(a) the type of drain and the allowable dimensions and materials of
construction
(b) the consolidation properties of the soils to be drained or the
filtration and discharge characteristics of the drain
(c) the depth of the drains
(d) the drain spacing and layout.

5.3. Materials Unless otherwise specified the sand used in drains or wicks shall be to
5.3.1. Sand grading type C, Table 5 of BS 882, subject to not more than 2% passing
the BS 150 µm sieve. It shall be washed or blown into place to prevent
arching and subsequent collapse settlement.
Stored sand shall be protected from contamination so that the drain
or wick is filled with clean sand as specified.
5.3.2. Water Where appropriate the water used for drain installation purposes shall
not have a deleterious effect on the performance of the drainage system.
5.3.3. Fabric stocking The outer filter fabric stocking used for sand-filled wicks shall contain
the sand without loss during installation and throughout the required
consolidation period. The stocking shall be air-permeable and water­
permeable. The diameter of the filled wick shall nowhere be less than
that specified and it shall be capable of entering the pre-made hole to
the full specified depth.
5.3.4. Prefabricated band The band drain shall have two elements - a core and a filter. These may
drain be manufactured as one unit or the filter may be wrapped about the
core, overlapped and sealed to contain the core.
The band drain shall be flexible, capable of being wound without
damage on a drum of 300 mm minimum diameter, and strong enough so
as not to break, tear or lose its drainage properties during installation.
5.3.5. Anchor shoe Where used, the anchor shoe shall be of the minimum size capable of
holding the drain in place at the required depth as. the mandrel is
withdrawn.
5.3.6. Drainage layer The Contractor shall place the specified drainage layer which, when
laid, shall have such characteristics as are necessary to ensure efficient
performance of the drainage system throughout the required period.
Where the installation of drains is to be carried out through the drainage
layer the particle size within the layer shall not exceed 100 mm.

5.4. General drain The drain shall be sufficiently flexible to cope with the anticipated
characteristics settlement of the soil while maintaining continuity and without offering
5.4.1. Drain flexibility any significant support to the structure. The drain material shall be inert

Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987 9

5.4.2. Filter characteristics
5.4.3. Hydraulic
characteristics
5.5. Transportation and
care of prefabricated
drains
5.6. Working platform
5.7. Installation
5.8. Tolerances
5.9. Cut-off level of
prefabricated drains
5.10. Drain depth and
spacing
5.11. Unforeseen
obstructions
5.12. Pre-drilling
5.13. Instrumentation
5.14. Disposal of arisings
10
and the drain shall maintain its properties through the required period
of consolidation.
The drain shall offer the minimum resistance to the passage of water
from the surrounding soil without loss of fines from that soil.
The drain shall be capable of transmitting water along its length without
significant resistance to flow and shall retain its required discharge
capacity at the maximum specified working depth.
The transportation, site storage and handling of prefabricated drains
shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The drain
shall be protected from harmful substances and environments.
The manufacturer's instructions for joining two sections of prefabri­
cated drain shall be complied with to ensure that the filter and discharge
capacity are not impaired. The minimum joint length shall be 300 mm
unless otherwise stated.
The Contractor shall provide and maintain a working platform of suit­
able material capable of supporting the placement equipment to allow
proper installation of the drains.
The particle size of the material forming the working platform shall
not exceed 100 mm.
The installation equipment and its operation shall be such as to mini­
mize disturbance of the treated ground.
All drains shall be located to within 100 mm of the plan positions shown
on the drain layout drawings.
Where a level platform is provided, the maximum deviation of the
drains from the vertical shall be 1 horizontal in 50 vertical, unless
otherwise specified.
Unless otherwise specified the Contractor ....................................
shall cut prefabricated drains at not less than 150 mm above the working
surface.
The depth and spacing of the drains shall be as shown on the documents
and neither the depth nor the spacing shall be varied without the prior
agreement of the Engineer.
Where an unforeseen obstruction is encountered the rig shall be stopped
and if practicable a shorter drain installed and the Contractor
................................................. shall inform the Engineer without
delay. An alternative drain shall then be attempted at a distance of not
more than 450 mm from the aborted drain. If this alternative placement
fails, the Contractor ................................................. shall con­
tinue with the other drains and the Engineer will decide what measures
to adopt in the area of the obstructed drain.
Where pre-drilling is specified, or is required, to enable the Contractor's
................................................. placement apparatus to penetrate
other than soft soils, the pre-drilling unit shall be capable of pre-drilling
the ground for the placement apparatus so that the latter may place the
drain to the specified depth without damaging it.
The specified sequence of operations for the placement of drains and
instrumentation shall be followed. Where instruments are placed before
the drains are installed, the location of the instruments shall be
adequately marked and maintained by the Contractor.
The Contracto[. ................................................. shall ensure that
the arisings from the placement operations cause the minimum contami­
nation of the working surface. The Contractor shall remove the arisings.
Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatme/11, TTL, London, 1987
 Surface depressions around the installations shall be made good by
the Contractor with the specified material before he commences the
Works over the treated area.

5.15. Records The Contractor shall keep daily records of the drains placed. Copies of
these shall be submitted to the Engineer within two days following the
placement. The records shall show
(a) date
(b) grid and area reference of each drain
(c) depth of placement of each drain below the working surface
(d) in the case of sand drains, the quantity of sand placed in each
drain
(e) obstructions and delays
(f) number and type of tests carried out
(g) readings of installed instruments.
Any unforeseen conditions encountered and reported shall be noted
briefly in the records.

Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987 11
6. TESTING GROUND TREATMENT

6.1. General All materials and workmanship shall be in accordance with section 1 and
those sections of this Specification relating to the type of ground treat­
ment carried out, the Particular Specification and this section; except
where there may be conflict of requirements, in which case those in the
Particular Specification and in this section shall take precedence.
This section deals with the testing of treated ground for control
purposes during the progress of the work and to provide information to
show that the required criteria have been met on completion of the
ground treatment.
The standards for acceptance of the work as represented by various
tests shall be d e e m e d to have been attained if the results conform with
the criteria in the Particular Specification and/or as determined follow­
ing completion of preliminary treatment.

6.2. Particular The following matters a r e , where appropriate, described in the Particu­
Specification lar Specification
(a) working area
(b) test p r o g r a m m e
(c) types of test
(d) proof load and settlement acceptance criteria
(e) accuracy of measurement
(/) special instrumentation
(g) frequency of readings
(h) removal of test equipment.

6.3. Definitions A proof load is a load applied to a selected area of working foundation
to confirm that it is suitable for the load at the settlement specified.
6.3.1. Proof load Proof loads shall be quantified in the Particular Specification.
A plate test is a loading test carried out using a plate on treated ground
6.3.2. Plate test essentially used as a control of workmanship.
A zone test is a loading test carried out with a slab, intended to test
6.3.3. Zone test bearing pressure over a wider and d e e p e r zone than in the plate bearing
test. A zone test may be a full-scale test of a structural m e m b e r .

6.4. Supervision All tests shall b e carried out under the direction of an experienced and
competent supervisor conversant with the test equipment and pro­
cedure. All personnel operating the test equipment shall have been
trained in its use.

6.5. Safety precautions Safety precautions shall comply with all statutory safety requirements.
6.5.1. General
6.5.2. Kentledge W h e r e kentledge is used the Contractor
shall construct the foundations for the kentledge and any cribworks,
beams or other supporting structure in such a m a n n e r that there will not
be differential settlement, bending or deflexion of an a m o u n t that
constitutes a hazard to safety or impairs the efficiency of the operation.
The kentledge shall be adequately b o n d e d , tied or otherwise held
together to prevent it falling apart, or becoming unstable because of
deflexion of the supports.
T h e weight of kentledge shall be greater than the maximum test load,
and if the weight is estimated from the density and volume of the
constituent materials, an adequate factor of safety against error shall be
allowed.

6.5.3. Ground anchors W h e r e ground anchors are used the Contractor

shall ensure that the load is correctly transmitted to all
the tie rods or bolts. The extension of rods by welding shall not be

Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987 13
 permitted unless it is known that the steel will not be reduced in strength
by welding. T h e b o n d stresses of the rods in tension shall not exceed
nominal permissible bond stresses for the type of steel and grade of
concrete used.

6.5.4. Testing equipment In all cases the Contractor shall

ensure that when the hydraulic jack and load-measuring device are
m o u n t e d the whole system will be stable up to the maximum load to be
applied. M e a n s shall b e provided to enable dial gauges to be read from a
position clear of the kentledge stack or test frame in conditions where
failure in any part of the system due to overloading, buckling, loss of
hydraulic pressure and so on might constitute a hazard to personnel.
T h e hydraulic jack, p u m p , hoses, pipes, couplings and other appara­
tus to be o p e r a t e d under hydraulic pressure shall be capable of with­
standing a test pressure of 1^ times the maximum working pressure
without leaking.
T h e maximum test load or test pressure expressed as a reading on the
gauge in use shall be displayed and all operators shall be m a d e aware of
this limit.

6.6. Preliminary tests T h e Contractor shall give the

6.6.1. Notice of treatment Engineer at least 48 hours' notice of the commencement of treatment of
an area for preliminary test loading.

6.6.2. Method of treatment T h e ground treatment for the area for preliminary test loading shall be
carried out in a m a n n e r similar to that proposed for the working area
and using similar equipment and materials.

6.7. Preparation of ground T h e Contractor shall excavate for

surface t h e test to the level specified.

6.7. L Plate bearing tests T h e excavated surface shall be cleaned of loose material and blinded
with a layer of sand not exceeding 15 m m in average thickness.

6.7.2. Zone tests T h e excavated surface shall be cleaned of loose material and blinded
with 50 m m concrete.

6.8* Concrete test cubes
T h e Engineer may call for test cubes to be m a d e from the concrete used
in the slab for any zone test. T h e cubes shall b e m a d e and tested in
accordance with BS 1881.
T h e zone test shall not be started until the concrete in the slab has
attained the 28 days strength as indicated by cube crushing tests.

6.9. Spread of test load T h e steel plate or the reinforced concrete slab shall be of sufficient
thickness to spread the concentrated load supplied to its u p p e r surface
evenly over the base.

6.10. Reaction systems Proof loads shall be specified in t h e Particular Specification.

6.10.1. Plate bearing tests T h e reaction for plate bearing tests may be provided by use of mobile
plant o n site such as the crawler crane. W h e r e suitable plant is not
available, kentledge or anchors shall b e used.

6.10.2. Zone test T h e reaction for zone tests shall b e provided using kentledge or ground
anchors.

6.103. Distance of T h e distance from the edge of the area to b e tested to the near part of
kentledge supports t h e foundation supporting the kentledge shall be such as to avoid
interaction between the two stressed areas.

6.10.4. Adequate reaction T h e size, length and n u m b e r of the anchors, or the area of the cribs and
m a t s , shall b e a d e q u a t e to transmit the maximum test load t o the ground
in a safe m a n n e r without excessive movement or influence on the test
area.

6.10.5. Care of treated T h e m e t h o d employed in the installation of any anchors, or erection of

area any cribs and m a t s or kentledge, shall be such as t o prevent damage to
any treated areas.

14 Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987
6.10.6. Loading The loading arrangement used shall be designed to transfer safely to the
arrangement test area the maximum load required in testing. Full details shall be
submitted to the Engineer prior to any work relating to the testing
process being carried out on the Site.

6.11. Equipment for T h e equipment used for applying load shall consist of one or more
applying load hydraulic rams or jacks. The total capacity of the jacks shall be arranged
in conjunction with the reaction system to deliver an axial load to the
area. T h e complete system shall be capable of transferring the maxi­
m u m load required for the test.

6.12. Measurement of load
6.12.1. Plate bearing tests
T h e load shall be measured by a calibrated pressure gauge in the
hydraulic system. Jacks shall be short in axial length in order to achieve
the best possible stability. Sufficient attendance shall be arranged by the
Contractor to ensure that axial
load is maintained.
T h e pressure gauge shall be calibrated in increments appropriate to
the equipment and a valid certificate of calibration shall be supplied to
the Engineer.

6.12.2. Zone tests The load shall be measured by a load-measuring device and by a
calibrated pressure gauge included in the hydraulic system. Readings of
both the load-measuring device and the pressure gauge shall be
recorded.
T h e load-measuring device may consist of a proving ring, load-
measuring column, pressure cell or other appropriate system. A spheri­
cal seating shall be used in conjunction with any devices that are
sensitive to eccentric loading; care must be taken to avoid any risk of
buckling. Load-measuring devices and jacks shall be short in axial
length in order to achieve the best possible stability. Sufficient attend­
ance shall be arranged by the Contractor
to ensure that axial load is maintained.
T h e load-measuring device shall be calibrated before and after each
series of tests, whenever adjustments are m a d e to the device or at
intervals appropriate to the type of equipment. T h e pressure gauge and
hydraulic jack shall b e calibrated together. Certificates of calibration
shall be supplied to the Engineer.

6.13. Adjustability of The loading equipment shall be capable of adjustment throughout the
loading equipment test to obtain a smooth increase of load or to maintain each load
constant at the required stage of a maintained loading test.

6.14. Measuring
movement during tests
6.14.1. Plate bearing tests
The m o v e m e n t of the plate shall be measured by three deflexion gauges
positioned symmetrically around the plate. Each gauge shall enable
readings to be m a d e to within 0.1 m m and shall be m o u n t e d on a
reference frame which will not b e affected by movement of the ground
due to the support for the test load, weather conditions, site traffic or
other such causes.
T h e reference frame should be protected from direct impact, and also
from t e m p e r a t u r e effects where appropriate.

6.14.2. Zone tests T h e movement of the slab shall be measured by not less than four
deflexion gauges positioned symmetrically around the slab. E a c h gauge
shall enable readings to be m a d e to within 0.1 mm and shall be m o u n t e d
on a reference frame which will not be affected by the m o v e m e n t of the
ground due to weather, kentledge load, application of test loads, move­
ment of site traffic or other such causes.

6.14.3. Optical levelling A n optical levelling method by reference to an external d a t u m shall be

used to check movement of the slab and supports for the kentledge.
A precise level and staff shall be used, the level and scale of the staff
being chosen to enable readings to be m a d e within an accuracy of
0.5 m m . A scale attached to the slab may be used instead of a levelling
staff. A t least two datum points shall be established on p e r m a n e n t
objects or o t h e r well founded structures, or d e e p d a t u m points shall be

Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987 15
 installed. E a c h datum point shall be situated so that only one setting up
of the level is needed.
N o datum point shall be affected by the test loading or other oper­
ations on the Site.
W h e r e another method of levelling is proposed this shall be approved
in writing.

6.14.4. Other methods T h e Contractor may submit for

approval any other m e t h o d for measuring the movement of the slab.

6.15. Protection of testing Suitable tarpaulins or other protection to shield the reference beams
equipment from direct sunlight or adverse weather shall be provided to minimize
the effect of temperature variations on the readings obtained. A ther­
m o m e t e r shall be provided to record air t e m p e r a t u r e .

6.16. Supervision T h e Contractor shall give the

6.16.1. Notice of test Engineer at least 24 hours' notice of the commencement of the test.

6.16.2. Records D u r i n g the progress of a test, the testing equipment and all records of
the test shall be available for inspection by the Engineer.

6.17. Test procedure
6.17.1. Plate bearing test
Method 1. T h e maximum load which shall be applied in a plate bearing
test is 3 times the working load. T h e load shall be applied in at least six
approximately equal increments.
Method 2. T h e maximum load which shall-be applied to a 600 m m
diameter plate is 11 t. T h e load shall be applied in five equal increments.
General. Following each application of load the settlement shall be
measured at intervals of o n e minute until no change is detected and then
at intervals of 5 minutes. T h e load shall be held for 10 minutes or until
two successive readings at 5 minute intervals are the same, whichever is
the greater.
T h e maximum load shall be held for 15 minutes or until three success­
ive readings at 5 minute intervals are the same, whichever is the greater.
T h e settlement shall be measured on release of the load and again after
5 minutes.

6.17.2. Zone test The test load shall be applied in increments not exceeding 2 5 % working
load in three stages

(a) to working load

(b) to 2 0 0 % working load
(c) to 2 5 0 % working load.

Incremental loading shall not be applied until the rate of settlement

under the preceding load is less than 0.5 mm/h, as determined by the
average of readings of the deflexion gauges taken at 5 minute intervals.
T h e test load shall be removed in stages equivalent to the loading
stages and the recovery measured.

6.18. Presentation of Within 24 hours of the completion of the test, unless otherwise directed,
results a summary of the results in writing shall be submitted to the Engineer.
F o r a plate bearing test, the summary shall give the maximum load
applied, the period for which it is held, the maximum settlement
recorded, and the recovery on unloading.
For a zone test the summary shall give, for each stage of loading, the
period for which the load was held, the load and the maximum settle­
m e n t recorded.
Within 7 days of the completion of the test, the completed schedule of
recorded data shall be submitted to the Engineer. This shall be as
specified below for a plate bearing test or a zone test as appropriate.

6.19. Schedule of recorded T h e Contractor shall provide

data information about the tested ground in accordance with the following
6.19.1. Plate bearing tests schedule where applicable

16 Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987
 (a) general
— contract identification
— date of test
(b) test area details
— identification of area relative to site layout drawing
— brief description of position in structure
— ground level at test position
— excavated test level
(c) treatment details
— date and time of treatment
— unexpected circumstances or difficulties
(d) stone columns
— identification n u m b e r s of stone columns
— diameter and depth of stone columns exposed
— spacing of adjacent columns
— depth
— stone consumption
(e) test procedure
— approximate weight of kentledge
— date and times of load application
(/) test results
— load and settlement with time reported in tabular form, and
in graphical form, load and settlement being plotted against
time, and load against settlement.
6.79.2. Zone tests T h e Contractor shall provide
information about the tested ground in accordance with the following
schedule where applicable

(a) general
— contract identification
— date of test
(b) test area details
— identification of area relative to site layout drawing
— size and position of area
— ground level at test position
— excavated test level
(c) treatment details
— date and time of treatment
— unexpected circumstances or difficulties

(i) stone columns

— identification n u m b e r of stone columns
— depth of treatment
— stone consumption
(ii) dynamic compaction/consolidation
— weight of t a m p e r and height of d r o p
— n u m b e r of drops
— depth imprints formed
— reduction in surface level achieved

(d) test details

— weight of kentledge
— ground anchor details
— plan of test arrangement showing position and distances to
test area of kentledge supports, rafts or ground anchors and
reference frame
— jack capacity
— method of load-measurement
— dates and times
(e) test results
— load and settlement with time reported in tabular form, and
in graphical form, load and settlement being plotted against
time, and load against settlement.

Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. TTL, London, 1987 17
6.20. Completion of a test T h e concrete slab used for a zone test shall be broken up and the
6.20J. Concrete slabs resulting material disposed of off the Site. If it is in a working area care
shall be taken not to disturb the soil beneath the slab.

6.20.2. Backfilling test Excavations to foundation level shall be carefully backfilled and com­
excavations pacted with suitable materials up to the general level of the Site.

6.20.3. Ground anchors O n completion of any test, ground anchors shall be destressed, and all
parts which would later cause an obstruction to the Works removed.

18 Institution of Civil Engineers. Specification for ground treatment. T T L , London, 1987