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METHOD STATEMENT
SOIL INVESTIGATION WORKS

1.0 SCOPE OF WORK

1.1 General Description

The soil investigation works are carrying out for confirmatory boreholes

throughout the project site. This scope will involve 2 Sections: Section 1 (25 BH)

and Section 2 (36 BH).

The scope is to determine the depth of soil and rock strata and the ground profile

and to investigate the general geology, soil stratigraphy and subsoil condition of

the proposed areas.

The termination criteria for confirmatory borehole shall be as follows;

1. As directed and decided by Engineer’s Representative

1.2 Materials

• Water as drilling fluid

1.3 Plant and Equipment

Item Description Purposes

A coring machine which is used to penetrate the earth surface to

1.3.1 Rotary Drilling Rig
sample the soil deposit.

1.3.2 Water Pumps To pump out water or circulate drilling mud during drilling work.
AW size drill rod @
1.3.3 Rod that attached with rotary table which drills into soil deposit.
3m, 1.5m, 1m and
0.3 length
Drill casings : NW
To cover the drill rod for circulating samples and maintains the
1.3.4 size casing @ 3m,
sample “cutting”.
1.5m, 1m and
0.3m length HW
size casing @
1.5m and 3m
length
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Casing that is attached at the bottom of the drill casing which

1.3.5 Casing shoe –
protect the first approach of the drill rod.
tungsten and
diamond
Drill bit- NMLC type
1.3.6 F7,8,9,10,12 Bit attached to core barrel use for coring into rock
depends on rock
type (diamond bit
and etc.)

1.3.7 Standard To conduct the Standard Penetration Test as per BS:5930 :1999.
Penetration Test
Equipment

1.3.8 Undisturbed Soil A component of Undisturbed Soil Sampling equipment.

Sampling Tube

Undisturbed Soil
1.3.9 To collect undisturbed soil sample.
Sampler (Thin
Wall Tube
Sampler and
Mazier Sampler)
1.3.10 NLMC or NX To carry out rock coring works
Coring barrel
1.3.11 Electric dip-meter To measure the ground water level from the borehole.

1.4 Manpower

Item Designation Major role

1.4.1 Project Director To advice on the movement of project

1.4.2 Project Manager Planning and managing the execution of project.
Coordinate soil investigation activities and compile site data
1.4.3 Engineering for submission to Engineer’s Rep. To carry out work inspection
Geologist and testing with project consultant.
Supervise soil investigation works and work inspection with
1.4.4 Site Supervisor
project consultant.
1.4.5 General Worker Conduct general works at site.
Machinery and
1.4.5 Operate machinery and plant for soil investigation works.
Plant Operator
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1.5 Works Procedures

1.5.1 Setting out

The setting out for the drilling machine shall be as follows:
a) Prepare platform and level the surface for the borehole position.
Make sure that there are no utilities underground and overhead
the drilling machine that can jeopardize the operation.
b) Scanning and piloting is used during site works to make sure
there are no underground utilities around the working areas.
c) Setup drilling rigs at the borehole position.
d) Connect all water hoses to the water pump and water swivel.
e) Tighten the casing shoe to the bottom of the casing.
f) Tighten all casings and the drill rod to the bottom of the drilling spindle.

1.5.2 Shifting machine

The shifting machine from one point to the other point shall be as follows:
a) Machines are shifting using lorry crane if the area are flat and accessible
by our lorry.
b) If the site not accessible, we will manually move our machine by the skid
attached to the machine.
c) If the point to far, we will tighten wire lump to the crowbar or nearest tree
and slowly move the machine.
d) Equipment like hoe will be used to open access and levelling the platform
at the steep slope.

1.5.3 Rotary Wash Boring

a) The boring rigs used shall be capable of boring and drilling to the
required depth specified by Supervising Consultant. These boring rigs
are also suitable for advancing the borehole, sampling, in-situ testing
and rock drilling in accordance with the relevant specification of each of
these operations.
b) Upon unloading rotary wash at site, the boring machine will be position
at the specific area as mark by surveyor and free from existing
underground utilities. In difficult access sites like swamps and hill slopes,
matting or staging might be needed to move to the borehole locations. In
ponds, streams, rivers and seas, a stable working platform need to be
constructed to carry out the drilling works which can be in a form of
wooden staging, G.I. pipes staging, floating drum pontoon, jack-up
pontoon, barge etc.
c) Drilling with the rotary wash boring rig will start by engaging the
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spindle head of the drilling machine.

d) The drag bit shall be used to advance the boreholes in soil via
the rotating action of the drill-bit. Casing is used to protect the
soil wall from collapse.
e) The drilling shall use water as its lubricant, which will be
supplied into the casing through the hose and water swivel.
f) The water and mud will return from the casing and allowed to
flow into the temporary settling pit, where the soil and mud
particles will settle at the bottom of the pit and the water above
will be recycled for the drilling again.
g) Exploratory holes shall be backfilled as soon as practicable after
the hole is completed, unless otherwise directed by the
Engineer’s Representative. The holes shall be backfill using
sand and compacted in such manner that no subsequent
depression is formed at the ground surface due to settlement of
the backfill. On top of the sand filling, it will be cover by a layer of
cement and being marked with borehole markers

1.5.4 Method of Advancing Boreholes

a) The method for advancing the boreholes shall be rotary wash
boring.
b) When undisturbed samples were taken, a reasonably clean
hole was provided and the portion of the soil to be sampled
was not unduly disturbed.
c) Borehole termination shall be according to the instruction
given by Engineer’s Representative.
d) Project Consultant shall be informed before the borehole is
terminated and the rigs moved to the next location.

1.5.5 Size and Depth of boreholes

The size of borehole wash is such that all the requirement of the
sizes in sampling, in-situ testing and etc. were satisfied.

1.5.6 Sampling in Boreholes

a) Disturbed samples were obtained by means of split spoon
samplers, which equipped with flap retainer or other attachments
necessary for cohesion less soil. The amount of soil sample
obtained was such that the quantity is sufficient to carry out
required classification tests.
b) Undisturbed samples were taken with the following sampler:
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i) Thin wall sampler shall be standard U3 tube and made of

stainless steel free dents, rust, tears (SPT between 4 – 15
blows and depends on soil type)
ii) Mazier sampler (SPT Value more than 15 blows and depends on soil
type)
c) The depth of sampling shall be specified by supervising consultant.
d) The rates for Thin Wall without recovery shall not be claimable.
e) The rates for Mazier Samples without recovery shall be half the
rate of Mazier sampling with recovery
f) Sand trap should be installed while drilling in cohesion less materials.

1.5.7 Field Testing – Standard Penetration Tests

a) Standard Penetration Test (SPT) was carried out in accordance
with Test No.19 BS 1377:1975 “Determination of the penetration
resistance using a split barrel sampler and a self-tripping
hammer of approved design”.
b) Generally, SPT is carried out in all types of soil except the very
soft and clay, at 1.5m intervals or change of strata or as
instructed by the S.C. In case of soft clay, Vane Shear Test shall
be carried out instead of SPT.
c) When the depth of the borehole reaches the required depth (e.g.
1.5m), the water pressure supplied into the borehole will be
lowered so the water flow is slowed. This is to reduce
disturbance to the soil at the base of the borehole so that the
SPT can be conducted.
d) The SPT will then be carried out by opening the casing lifter
and lowering the SPT standard split-spoon sampler via a drill
rod.
e) An automatic drop hammer weighting 63.5 kg (140 lb.) will be
connected to the drill rod with an adapter.
f) The automatic hammer will then be set into motion to drive
the standard split-spoon sampler with a drop distance of 760
mm (30 inches).
g) The blows required to produce the first 150mm penetration
(termed the seating blows) are ignored and the number of blows
for every successive 75mm is recorded until a total penetration
of 300mm is achieved. The number of blows required to drive
the sampler a further 300mm is recorded as the N-value.
h) In cases where 50 blows are insufficient to advance it through a
300mm penetration, the penetration after 50 blows is recorded.
i) After the N-value is recorded, the standard split-spoon sampler
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will be removed from the borehole and a small amount of

disturbed soil sample will be recovered and stored in a plastic
bag.
j) Maximum termination criteria for seating drive should not exceed
25 blows or 150mm penetration depth.

1.5.8 Rock Coring

a) The procedure for rock drilling was in accordance with BS
5930:1999. The diameter of the core barrel used was such as to
produce a rock core of 54mm diameter with NMLC or NX core
barrel. The Core Recovery Ratio (CRR) and the Rock Quality
Designation (RQD) shall be reported for each core run. The
Fracture Index also be reported for the sample taken.
b) The drilling process will continue until it reaches a depth of 1.5m in rock.
c) Upon completion of drilling into 1.5m rock, the core barrel will be
taken out and the inner tube opened to expose the rock core
sample.
d) The CRR mean the ratio of the total length of good quality core
over the drilling length expressed to the nearest 5%. The RQD
was the ratio of the total length of the good quality core each
exceeding 100mm in length over the drilling run correct to
circular circumference or in the case of broken rock fragments
assembled to form cores with circular circumference.

1.5.9 Ground Water Observation

a) The observations of ground water level in the boreholes
to be done by using either a tape rod diameter or rule
or electric dip-meter.
b) In cased borehole, before a day’s work was completed, the
casings shall be rolled up about 0.3m and left in such a position
overnight. The recordings to be repeated daily while boring for
that particular hole in progress and were taken at the following
time intervals:
i) Before work commences in the morning
ii) At the end of the day’s work
c) The water levels recorded in the borehole logs were levels
observed in these investigation holes during the period of the
site investigation. Such observed levels may not necessary be
the actual ground water levels that are subject to seasonal
fluctuations from time to time.
d) For boreholes involving impervious stratum, the casing top shall
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be capped overnight to prevent entry of rainwater and

subsurface water.
e) The samples of ground water shall be collected as per S.C’s instruction.

1.5.10 Preservation of Disturbed Samples

a) Disturbed samples are normally preserved immediately after
being recovered in doubled layered heavy polyethylene bags
sealed to form an airtight bag.
b) Properly contained samples to be stored under a shelter away from the
sun and rain.
c) These facilities shall provide protection at all times from
temperature in excess of 35 degrees Celsius and from wetting
or drying out due to weather exposure

1.5.11 Preservation of Undisturbed Samples

a) The ends of the tubes shall be filled with non-shrinking microcrystalline
wax.
b) The undisturbed samples to be stored under a shelter away from the sun
and rain.
c) These facilities shall provide protection at all times from temperature in
excess of 35 degrees Celsius and from wetting or drying out due to
weather exposure

1.5.12 Labelling of Soil Samples

a) Disturbed soil samples shall be labelled clearly and indelibly
marked with the name of the project, borehole number; depth of
sampling, date taken and the type of samples were placed inside
the polyethylene bag. The bags were also marked with the
sample number, borehole number and the project number with
the same legend used in the bore logs
b) For undisturbed samples, additional information is required in
the label includes the recovery ratio. The label was placed just
below the cap at the top of the sample.

1.5.13 Rock Core Photographs

The contractor shall supply color photographs for soil samples from
split spoon and rock cores or such portion of the works in
progress as may be directed by the Employer’s Representative
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from time to time.

(i) All SPT samples from split sample tube;

(ii) Soil samples in jar; and
(iii) Cores in their core boxes are required.

When being photographed the rock cores are to be sprinkled with

clean water in order to achieve a clearer image. Proof’s shall be
supplied to the Employer’s Representative within seven (7) days of
the photographs being taken and the required sets of prints shall be
supplied within seven (7) days of the selected proofs being returned
to the Contractor.
The digital files of the photographs shall remain the property of the
Employer’s Representative and no print from these files may be
supplied to any person or persons except with the approval of the
Employer’s Representative.
A suitable caption shall be affixed to the reverse side of each
photograph describing detail and date taken. One set of the
photographs shall be signed by the Contractor and the Employer’s
Representative.
The dated photographs must be clear and sharp and well exposed
with sufficient information to be self-explanatory or self-illustrative.
The text on the photographs should be clearly legible. A resolution
scale and a colour chart should be included.
Sample prints are to be submitted for approval before commencement of
Services.

The following are provided as a guide for the photographs:

(i) The dated photographs must be clear and sharp and well exposed
with sufficient information to be self-explanatory or self-
illustrative;
(ii) Minimum image resolution of 3200 x 2400 pixels;
(iii) Dimension of physical printouts be not less than 170 mm x 105 mm;
(iv) Photos shall be taken perpendicularly from above angle;
(v) Configuration of printers used shall be compatible with the core image
taken;
(vi) Submission of digital copies of core photographs to comply with
requirements of Electronic Submission of Site Investigation
Data; and
(vii) A resolution scale and a colour chart shall be included.
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For SPT sample photographs:

(i) Every soil sample must be photographed. SPT samples from split
samples should be split in half longitudinally (with either a cutter
or ruler) to expose the texture/fresh face of the soil sample for
photograph;
(ii) The cores should be wet for photograph; and
(iii) Ruler with accuracy of 1mm shall be located beside split sample tube.

Information to be recorded on white board shall be clearly legible including: -

(i) Project Name;
(ii) BH name;
(iii) Date & Time;
(iv) Depth: (e.g.: 9.00 m to 9.33 m);
(v) Sample Number: (e.g.: D6/P3);
(vi) SPT-N Value: (e.g.: N=50 [5/13 16/20 14/3mm]); and
(vii) Recovery Ratio: (e.g.: 300 mm / 330 mm)

Sample of photographs

1.5.14 Storage and Transportation of the Soil Samples

a) All samples to be stored orderly at the site in a dry place
under cover until they are dispatched to the laboratory.
b) These facilities shall provide protection at all times from
temperature in excess of 35 degrees Celsius and from wetting
or drying out due to weather exposure

1.5.15 Storage and Transportation of the Rock Samples

a) Core samples to be stored in the standard core boxes and
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clearly labelled to show the borehole number, depth of rock

coring, coring sequence, Core Recovery Ratio (CRR) and Rock
Quality Designation (RQD).
b) These facilities shall provide protection at all times from
temperature in excess of 35 degrees Celsius and from wetting or
drying out due to weather exposure.

1.5.16 Termination Criteria for Boreholes

As per SI Boreholes Spec in Work Scope of Subsurface Investigation-
Borehole Termination Boreholes shall be terminated when the following
is achieved:

 8 Consecutive SPT’N value greater than 50 or

 Rock coring 4.5m (granite) or 6m (limestone / sedimentary rock)
 Minimum depth of 30m
 Maximum depth of 60m or
 Instructed by Engineer

1.5.17 Method of Extraction of Rock Core during Drilling Works

Drilling shall be carried out in accordance with good practice and

detailed in approved standard. After the recovery of the core barrel
to the surface, every effort should be made in handling to ensure
that the recovered core is maintained in a condition as near as
possible to its natural state until it is finally stored. In relatively
strong and massive rocks, core is almost inevitably disturbed if it is
removed from the barrel, held in a vertical position and then placed
in the core box. When using a double tube core barrel, the core
should be extruded with the core in a horizontal position by using a
core extruder manually. It is should be noted that in weak,
weathered or fractured rocks, extrusion can lead to core
disturbance, however it should be done carefully. The core should
preferably be extruded in the same direction as it entered the barrel.

1.5.18 Method of Indicate the Core Loss during Drilling Works

After every 1.50m rock coring, the inner tube from the double tube
core barrel will be manually extruded and the pieces of core sample
should be fit together and the length of the core run is measured. If
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there is core left in the borehole, this can be recorded as a core

loss.

The core length will be measured using measurement tape to

indicate and identify the core loss. Core loss will be indicated in the
borelogs for every 1.50m coring depth.

To characterize the amount of material recovered during rock coring

is to calculate “core recovery” as the amount (i.e. length) of
recovered core (material) divided by the total length of the core run
(presented as a percentage).

1.5.19 Laboratory Testing

a) Soil sample testing shall be carried out by S.I contractor designated soil
testing laboratory.
b) The following soil testing is to be carried out upon receiving instruction
from PDP.
i. Moisture content
ii. Atterberg Limits (LL, PL, Linear Shrinkage and PI)
iii. Sieve Analysis (Coarse grained and Fine grained soil)
iv. Specific Gravity
v. Bulk & Dry Density
vi. Chemical test (pH, SO4, Cl, Organic matter)
vii. Soil Strength Test (UCT, UUT, CIU,1D)
viii. Rock Strength Test (UCT, PLT)
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1.6 Flow Chart for Soil Investigation Works

FLOW CHART FOR SOIL INVESTIGATION WORKS

START

OK

UTILITIES PILOTING

UTILITIES CLEAR

OK

DRILLING WORKS (BORING IN SOIL & CORING IN ROCKS)

SOIL INVESTIGATION WORK

DRILLING WORKS (BORING IN SOIL & CORING IN ROCKS)

CARRY OUT SPT OM SOIL (1.50 m INTERVAL)

EXTRACT SAMPLE BOREHOLES BACKFILLING

REPORT PREPARATION

CHECK AND VERIFY BY

ENGINEER’S REP

END
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1.7 Flow Chart for Laboratory Testing Works

FLOW CHART FOR LABORATORY TESTINGS WORKS

COMPLETION OF BOREHOLES AT SITE

FIELD LOGS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO CONSULTANT A DAY AFTER THE COMPLETION

FOR VERIFICATION

CONSULTANT WILL ISSUE THE LABORATORY TEST SCHEDULE (PROGRESSIVELY)

SUBMISSION OF LAB SCHEDULE TO LABORATORY

REQUIRED SAMPLES WILL BE TAKEN TO LABORATORY

CARRY OUT LABORATORY WORKS (AS SOON AS POSSIBLE)

RECEIVED LABORATORY REPORT

END
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1.8 Boring Machine and Specifications

General Descriptions for Boring Machine D90R

The D90R is a portable boring machine generally used for diamond core drilling
in soil investigation. Mounted on a steel drag skid, it consist of a prime mover, a
4-speed transmission, hoist, drill head, slide base, hydraulic tank with controls,
drag pulleys and a 4 - pole mast.
The standard power unit is a 14 horsepower diesel engine. Other optional power
units may be used. The hoist and the drill head are driven through a 4 speed
transmission. The hoist drum is a planetary gear type, with wrap-around bands
on the brake and clutch. Actuation of the hoist brake and hoist clutch is through
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over-centre cam hand levers.

The drill head twin hydraulic cylinders provide an infinite selection of feeds and
are capable of exerting an upward thrust of 5.580kgf at hydraulic pressure
103bar (105kg/cm2). The drill head can be swiveled for angle drilling. The
hydraulic power is provided by a variable volume vane pump, driven directly by
the engine, so that hydraulic power is always available when the engine is
running. The maximum operating pressure is 103bar (105kg/cm2). The oil tank
has a capacity of 30litres.

A hydraulic power activated slide base provides a 370mm drill movement on or

off the bore hole. A drag skid and three (3) drag pulleys are provided to
facilitate movement between bore holes. The standard mast is a four (4)-pole
type, with its legs anchored onto the drag skid. Bracing is provided at three (3)
levels. Lifting height is about 5. 6metres.
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