INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY TIRUPATI

Renigunta Road, Settipalli Post, Tirupati

Andhra Pradesh – 517506, INDIA

Dr. B Janaki Ramaiah Email: janakiram@iittp.ac.in

Assistant Professor Phone: +91-877-2500320 (O)
Civil & Environmental Engineering Dept. +91-9811148232 (M)

File number: IITT/CEE/BJR/BJRUSS-1/2021/1 Date: 13th July 2021

To
Shri. B. Yesubabu
Executive Engineer
PIPLMC Division
Maharanipet
Vishakapattnam

Subject: Recommendation of additional geotechnical investigations - Babu Jagjeevan Ram

Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi project (Package-1) – formation of reservior at Pedapudi

Reference: Your letter reference number EE/PIPLMC Divn/VSP/DB/BJRUSS-I/215M dated 27-05-21.

Dear Sir,

The undersigned, Dr. B. Janaki Ramaiah, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, IIT
Tirupati was approached by your office vide your letter cited above to conduct the stability
analysis of the foundation soil and for any need of ground improvement to withstand the loads
due to the self weight of the earthen dam/dykes. Dr. B. Janaki Ramaiah, hearafter referred to
as Consultant, has made site visit to understand the project details and ground conditions. The
site visit was made on 17th June, 2021 During the site visit, three Deputy Executive Engineers
viz Mrs. Supirya, Mrs. Sheshamani and Mr. Pavan Kumar from Water Resources Dept., and
Mr. Swaminanda from contractor agency M/S HES Infra accompanied the Consultant.

The project details and avaiable geotechnical investigations were explained to the
Consultant. It was understood that the proposed reservior for the storage capacity of 3.142
TMC will be formed by two existing natural hills, one on the North side and the other on the
South side. The remaining sides ie., on the East and West sides, the dykes namely Dyke-1
and Dyke-3 will be constructed. Dyke-2 will be constructed to cover the gap between two hils
on the North side. The length of the three dykes is: Dyke-1 = 2100 m, Dyke-2 = 491 m, and
Dyke-3 = 1690 m.

Page 1/2
 It was noted that, as of date, the subsoil information was explored through a very limited
geotechnical investations namely three boreholes along Dyke-1, one borehole along Dyke-2
and two boreholes along Dyke-3. In comparison with the proposed heights and lengths of the
three Dykes, it was felt that the available geotechnical investigation is very limited. Baed on
this data, the stabiltiy of foundation ground can not be reliably evalauted. Therefore, the
Consultant recommeded for additional Geotechnical Investigations for collecting comprehesive
subsoil and rock information to reliably evaluate the stability of foundation and to assess the
need for any ground improvement for the safety of the proposed three Dykes.

In view of the above requirements, an online meeting was convened by the Consultant
on 30th June 2021 with the Officals of Water Resources Department and the Contractor
Agency M/s HES Infra. The meeting was to discuss the number of boreholes and their spacing
along each Dyke.

The Technical Specifications for the additonal geotehnical investigations upto the intact
rock and a layout showing the locations of additional-cum-existing boreholes along each Dyke
are enclosed for your information and subsequent action from your side. Please note that the
specifications and number of borehoiles specificed are bare minimum required and may be
increased as per the requirements based on the updated geotechnical investigation data. The
total number of additional boreholes are 36 including: 18 boreholes along Dyke-1, 4 boreholes
along Dyke-2, and 14 boreholes along Dyke-3.

Please feel free to contact me for any clarificaitons required.

Dr. B. Janaki Ramaiah

Encl:
(1) Technical specifications for geotechnical investigations in soil & rock
(2) Layout showing the locations of boreholes along each Dyke

Page 2/2
Specifications of Geotechnical Investigations

1. Scope of Work
Main purpose of these studies is to obtain the relevant geotechnical design data including sub-
surface profile, classification, behavior and engineering properties of soil / rock, analysis of field
and laboratory test results and to provide the precise and feasible recommendations of
engineering properties of subsoil and its stability analysis for the earth dam.
This document covers the work required for geotechnical investigation and preparation of report.
The work includes mobilization of necessary equipment, providing necessary engineering
supervisors and technical personnel, skilled and unskilled labor and such other services as
required, to carry out field investigations and tests, laboratory tests and analysis and
interpretation of data and results.

2. Scope of Investigation:
The scope of Geotechnical Investigation for the project includes the following:
a. Conducting boring at the location specified in Annexure-A.
b. Conducting field tests such as standard penetration tests and collecting disturbed and
undisturbed samples from boreholes.
c. Conducting field permeability tests in soils and rocks.

3. Codes and Standards

The investigation shall be carried out as per relevant Indian Standards and codes of Indian Road
Congress. The following codes shall be followed for the project: –

IS 460-1985 : Specification of test Sieves (All Parts)

IS 1498-1970 : Indian Standard for Classification and Identification of Soils for General
Engineering Purposes
IS 1607-1977 : Methods for test sieving
IS 1892-1979 : Indian Standard Code of Practice for Subsurface Investigation for Foundations
IS 2131-1981 : Indian Standard Code for Method for Standard Penetration Test for Soils
IS 2132-1986 : Indian Standard Code of Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils
IS 2720 : Methods for Tests on Soils (All Parts)
IS 2809-1972 : Glossary of terms and symbols relating to soil
IS 2810-1979 : Glossary of terms relating to soil dynamics
IS 4078-1980 : Code of practice for indexing & storage of drill cores
IS 4968-1976 : Method of subsurface sounding for soils (All Parts i.e. from 1 to 3)
IS 5421-2013 : Glossary of terms relating to test sieves and tests sieving
IS 9143-1979 : Methods for the determination of Unconfined Compressive Strength of Rock
material
IS 9179-1979 : Method for preparation of rock specimen for laboratory testing
IS 9221-1979 : Methods for the determination of Modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of
rock material in uni-axial compression
IS 9640-1980 : Split Spoon Sampler
IS 10074-1982 : Specification for compaction mould assembly for light & heavy compaction
test of soils
IS 10379-1982 : Code of practice for field control of moisture and compaction of soils for
embankment and subgrade

Page 1/6
Specifications of Geotechnical Investigations

IS 11315-1987 : Method for the qualitative description of discontinuities in rock mass (All
Parts)
IS 11594-1985 : Mild Steel thin-walled sampling tubes and sampler heads
IS 13030-1991 : Method of test for laboratory determination of water-content, porosity,
density and related properties of rock material
IS 13063-1991 : Code of practice for structural safety of buildings on shallow foundations on
rocks
IS:13365-2010 : Quantitative Classification system of rock mass-guidelines (All Parts)

4. Geotechnical Investigation and Report

 All field works shall be supervised and executed by suitably well-trained Geotechnical foremen and
Supervisors.
 The laboratory work shall be under the direct control of qualified and experienced geotechnical
engineer. All Laboratory technicians shall be highly experienced and trained in the type of tests
they are carrying out. Prior approval needs to be taken for the personnel to be deployed in the
work. It is mandatory to have ISO: 17025 certifications for the testing laboratories.
 The report shall be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced geotechnical expert /
consultant and to be submitted duly signed. The agency shall be fully responsible for correctness of
the data provided in the report and documents.

5. Field Work
5.1 Boreholes
5.1.1 Sequence of operation for field investigation:
The sequence of operation for the field investigation shall be as under:
a. The location of borehole shall be identified on ground with respect to existing structure,
chainage and GPS coordinates.
b. Drilling, sampling and field testing shall be carried out as per the guidelines given in following
paragraphs.
c. The findings of investigation, including field tests, sampling, visual description of strata
encountered etc., shall be recorded in field borehole log.
d. The SPT samples packed in polythene bags and rock cores, duly labeled shall be preserved in
wooden core boxes.
e. The UDS samples shall be sealed, labeled and preserved as per guidelines given in following
paras.
f. Boreholes shall be terminated as per specifications of this plan. Concurrence of geotechnical
engineer shall be sought before terminating the borehole not satisfying the requirements of
termination as outlined in technical specification.
g. Photographic evidence of machine positioned at particular location shall be collected.
h. Ground water table shall be recorded in each borehole after 24 hrs after completion of
borehole.
i. On termination of borehole, the scanned copy of the field borehole log shall be submitted to
the design team.
j. On weekly basis the samples shall be selected for testing at the laboratory and the information
about the selection of samples for testing shall be submitted to the design team.
k. Selected samples shall be carefully packed and shipped to laboratory for testing.

Page 2/6
Specifications of Geotechnical Investigations

l. On completion of borehole and recoding of observation of the ground water table, the
borehole shall be backfilled.

5.1.2 Boring in Soil

Boreholes of 150-mm diameter shall be drilled in soil. Boring shall be done by rotary Drilling Method
and as per the procedure outlined in IS:1892-1979. Boreholes shall be supported using temporary
casing wherever required. All boreholes shall be sunk to the depths as specified in the document. Care
shall be taken that all boreholes shall be penetrated into uniform bearing strata more than 5 m depth
having N > 30 for sandy soil or N > 20 for clayey soil.

5.1.3 Standard Penetration Test

In-situ field-test such as Standard Penetration Tests shall begin at a depth of borehole 0.5 m.
Thereafter, SPT shall generally be conducted in boreholes at interval of 1.5 m. The tests shall be
conducted as per IS-2131. For conducting the test, the bottom of the borehole shall properly clean and
split spoon sampler shall be properly seated in position in the borehole. During cleaning of borehole,
additional measures as prescribed in IS 2131-1981 shall be considered like the distance between end of
casing and bottom of borehole should not exceed by 150 mm (if water is only used) and this distance
can be extended up to 300 mm if bentonite is used. While boring below water table, the water in the
borehole shall be maintained at least 1.5 m above the level of the water table. If cohesive soil strata
encountered, the borehole may be cleaned with bailer with a flap valve.
The test is basically a penetration test in which, a thick wall split tube sampler, shall be driven into the
undisturbed soil at the bottom of the hole under the blows of a 63.5 kg drive weight with 75 cm free
fall. The sampler shall be first driven through 15 cm as a seating drive. It shall be further driven through
30 cm in two stages of 15 cm each or until 100 blows have been applied. The number of blows required
to drive the sampler in second and third stage for penetration of 15 cm each (total 30 cm) beyond the
seating drive shall be termed as “Penetration resistance N”. The samples collected shall be used as
disturbed soil samples for laboratory testing. The split spoon sampler shall conform to IS 9640-1980.
In case the blow count of SPT in soil (including the number of blows for seating) exceeds 100, the
corresponding penetration shall be recorded and this particular test at that depth stopped. If the total
penetration is more than the seating penetration of 15 cm, then breakup of blow count for 15 cm
seating penetration and for remaining portion of penetration shall be reported.

5.1.3. In-situ permeability tests in soil

In-situ permeability tests in soil for every 3 m shall be carried out in accordance to ‘IS: 5529 (Part- 1) -
1985 (Reaffirmed 2004): Tests in over burden’ in order to ascertain the “permeability characteristics”
of the soil stratum.

5.1.4 Undisturbed Soil Samples

Generally, unless specified undisturbed soil samples (UDS) shall be obtained at every 3.0 m interval
starting from 1.0 m in all type of soil along the bore depth up to SPT ‘N’ Values of less than 50. Sampler
shall be 75 mm / 100 mm internal diameter and generally 450 mm long. Thin-walled open drive
sampler shall be used in cohesive strata. This sampler shall be made of seamless steel. Sampling shall
be done as soon as possible after the clean-out operation. Area ratio of the sample must restrict to
20% for stiff formations & 10% or less for soft sensitive clays as per IS 1892-1979. However, area ratio
is restricted to within 10% for thin-walled sampling tubes because of the cutting shoes specifically
designed in such a way that the area ratio of within 10% can be achievable.

Page 3/6
Specifications of Geotechnical Investigations

The cutting edge of the sampler shall be tapered at an angle 150 ± 30 degrees. The sample tube / edge
shall be free from rust, pitting, burring or any other defect. The use of oil inside the sampler shall be
limited to the minimum practicable.

5.1.5 Disturbed Soil Samples

In all boreholes, if undisturbed samples could not be collected due to reasons stated above or if having
non-plastic (cohesionless) soil which could not be extracted undisturbed, disturbed soil samples shall
be taken at every 1.5 m interval and at significant change of stratum. Soil from split spoon sampler
used for standard penetration tests shall be taken as disturbed samples. These samples shall be placed
without delay in polyethylene bags adequately sealed.

5.1.6 Drilling in rock and In-situ permeability Tests

 Drilling in rock stratum shall be carried out using Nx size Bit and Double Tube core barrel.
 Core drilling shall normally be carried out with bits which shall be suitable for the percentage core
recovery and diameter required.
 Rotary core drilling shall produce circular cores of a minimum 54 mm diameter throughout the
core length. The type and state of the drill bit, feed rates and management of the drill shall be such
that at least 95% core recovery in any single run can be obtained.
 Drill runs shall not normally exceed 1.5m in length unless 100% recovery is being obtained and the
core barrel shall be removed from the drill holes as often as may be required in order to get the
best possible core recovery.
 Rock cores recovered during drilling shall be arranged sequentially in core boxes and shall be duly
identified. Their Core Recovery (CR) and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) shall be recorded in the
borelogs. The rock type shall be identified and the descriptions shall be presented in the borelogs.
 The samples recovered during each run shall be arranged sequentially in wooden core boxes and
the identifications – Borehole number and piece number shall be painted on them. Photographs
for the rock core samples collected in wooden boxes shall be taken and submitted along with the
Geotechnical Interpretative Reports.
 Permeability in rocks was tested using Double packer method in accordance to ‘IS: 5529 (Part-2) –
2006: Tests in Bed rock’ in order to ascertain the “permeability characteristics” of the rock stratum.
In-situ permeability tests in rock stratum shall be carried out for every 3 m run in the rock stratum.
This is to locate the presence of fissures and their continuity and subsequent requirement for the
grouting.

5.1.7 Ground Water Level

Ground water level shall be recorded in each borehole after 24 hrs and depths shall be recorded on the
Borelogs.

5.1.8 Protection, Handling and Labelling of Sample

Care shall be taken in protection and handling of samples and in their full labeling, so that samples can
be received in a fit state for examination and testing and can be correctly recognized as coming from a
specified boring.

Page 4/6
Specifications of Geotechnical Investigations

5.1.9 Number of Boreholes; Trial Pits and Termination Criteria

The number of boreholes and their locations are as indicated in Annexure-A. Borehole shall be drilled
up to depth mentioned in below:
a) All the Borehole shall be terminated until the fresh rock is encountered characterized by
RQD>80%.
b) If hard rock is encountered during boring, the borehole shall be drilled minimum 3 m in such
rock with RQD > 80%.
c) When ground level difference between two boreholes is more than 5 m, the borehole at upper
level shall extend at least 3 m depth below the ground level of the lower borehole.

6. Laboratory works
All laboratory tests shall be performed by qualified and experienced personnel, familiar with and
having access to equipment and facilities for the accurate determination of data necessary.
The tests to be conducted at various locations for properties of soil, etc., are different for cohesive and
cohesion less soils. These are enumerated below and shall be carried out, wherever practicable,
according to soil type.
Laboratory tests shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures described in the relevant BIS
codes of practiced.

a) On Soil Samples:

All tests shall be carried out as per relevant parts of IS 2720.

 Grain size distribution analysis (inclusive of mechanical sieve analysis and hydrometer analysis for
clearly obtained % gravel, % sand, % Silt and % clay fractions).

 Atterberg limits (Liquid limit, plastic limit and shrinkage limit)

 Bulk density, Natural moisture content for UDS samples
 Specific gravity
 Free swell index
 Swelling pressure
 Consolidation tests on UDS samples
 Triaxial shear tests with measurement of porewater pressure (CU bar) tests shall be conducted on
UDS samples.
 Direct shear tests for cohesionless soils.

 Permeability tests on UDS samples.

b) On Rock Samples:

i. Moisture content, porosity and density

ii. Specific gravity
iii. Hardness
iv. Abrasive Index (CAI)
v. Unconfined compression test
vi. Point load strength index etc.

c) Chemical analysis of Sub soil and water samples

Page 5/6
Specifications of Geotechnical Investigations

7. Reports
7.1 Borehole logs
The borehole log for each hole drilled shall be prepared and shall include the detailed information as
thickness of each stratum; RL of the Ground level at the bore location; Symbolic legend of strata in
accordance with IS 1892 or equivalent incorporating a suitable scale; ground water table; SPT results
for every 15 cm penetration for total 45 cm penetration; sample marking wherever UDS or DS
collected; sample slipped to be reported; a systematic description and classification of all cores by a
geotechnical engineer/engineering geologist in accordance with the Specification, an engineering
geologist's assessment of core recovery, and Rock Quality Designation.

7.2 Laboratory data

The laboratory test results shall be submitted for all the tests conducted on selected samples along
with the graphs wherever applicable and raw data.
7.3 Drawings
The Contractor shall produce an ‘as-built’ location plan of the exploratory locations and sub-surface
cross sections through the boreholes for inclusion into the final report.

7.4 Detailed Final Report

The report shall contain the following information:
a) Plan showing the location of all bore holes with GPS coordinate
b) Exploratory bore hole records / Trial Pit logs
c) Subsurface Profiles
d) In situ test records and summaries
e) Laboratory test records and summaries
f) Outline of procedures used and factual summary of ground conditions
g) Comment on problems encountered and reliability of results
h) A summary of general geology and strata encountered.

The exploratory hole records shall include all the information, such information having been modified
as necessary in light of laboratory testing and of further examination of samples. Where appropriate, in
situ test results shall be given in the exploratory hole records or otherwise presented in tabular or
graphical form. The detailed records of the laboratory test results shall be presented after the
exploratory hole records or, if appropriate, in a separate volume.

Page 6/6
 LEGEND :-
ENT
NM
LIG
E-2 A BH 2 S.NO. DESCRIPTION SIGN.
DYK
ED
POS
PRO
1. NEW DYKE ALIGNMENT
BH 1 2. ORIGINAL DYKE ALIGNMENT
BH 3

BH 1
BH 4 3. M.D.D.L
BH 2

4. F.R.L
BH 3
5. M.W.L

BH 5
6. T.B.L
BH 4 7. SURPLUS WEIR
PREVIOUSLY DONE BORE HOLE
OT SLUICE OF HLC CANAL
8. LEFT, RIGHT & DIST ALIGNMETS
BH 6
DELIVERY CISTERN &
9. PRESSURE MAIN ALIGNMENT
BH 7 CATCHMENT AREA
9.
BH 10
BH 8
102
2 BH 9

BH 18 000 PREVIOUSLY DONE BORE HOLE

2 BH 17

900
1 BH 16 BH 11
HYDRAULIC PARTICULARS
800
1
BH 15 BH 12 PEDAPUDI RESERVOIR
700
BH 14 1 BH 13
3.142
600
BH 13 1 PREVIOUSLY DONE BORE HOLE Reservoir Capacity T.M.C
500 BH 14
1

400 +127.00M
1 BH 12 F.R.L
300

PR
M.W.L +128.00M

OP
1 BH 10 BH 11

OS
BH 9
200

ED
1
T.B.L +132.00M
DY
K
100
E-1 1 5.00M
ALI PREVIOUSLY DONE BORE HOLE
Free board
GN
ME
000
1
+103.00M
NT

900 BH 8
M.D.D.L
0
TOP WIDTH OF BANK 6.00M
800 BH 7
0
CATCHMENT AREA 5.180 SQ KM
700 PREVIOUSLY DONE BORE HOLE
0 BH 6
BH 5
600
0
BH 4
500
0
400 BH 3
0
300 BH 2
0
200
0 BH 1

100
0
)
( 2 031M
MEN T 000
LIGN 0
MA INS A
RE

DELIVERY CISTERN
SU
ES
PR

GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

IVE
AT

WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

RN

PEDAPUDI LIFT IRRIGATION SCHEME UNDER

TE

PHASE-1 OF BJRUSS
AL

TITLE: CATCHMENT AREA OF PEDAPUDI RESERVOIR

F.R.L.+127m
T.B.L.+132m
PREPARED & SUBMITTED BY CHECKED BY CHECKED BY
PUMP POUSE-STAGE2
3MOTORS
CHECKED BY APPROVED BY
1DELIVERY MAIN(3M
DIA) SCALE:-H:1:8000 DRG. NO.