Standard Operating (Work) Procedure Document No.

KEC-Q-SOP-0008

Revision. No. 00
FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
Sheet No 1 of 16

PROCEDURE FOR FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION

WITH GUIDELINES
 Standard Operating (Work) Procedure Document No. KEC-Q-SOP-0008

Revision. No. 00
FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
Sheet No 2 of 16

CONTENTS

SL NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

I COVER SHEET 1
II CONTENTS 2

III ABBREVIATIONS 3
1 PURPOSE 4

2 SCOPE 4

3 EXCLUSION 4

4 APPLICABILITY 4
5 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 4
6 RESPONSIBILITY 4
7 PREREQUISITE 4

8 EQUIPMENTS 4
9 PROCEDURE 4 to 12

11 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA 12
12 SAFETY MEASURES/PRECAUTIONS 12 to 13
13 RECORDS 13

14 ANNEXURE I (CHECKLIST) 14 to 15

15 ANNEXURE II (DOs & DON’Ts) 16

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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
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ABBREVIATIONS
DFR - Dry Fissure Rock
FQP - Field Quality Plan
FS - Fully Submersed
PM - Project Manager
PS - Partially Submersed
QA - Quality Assurance
QC - Quality Control
QCE - Quality Control Engineer
SFR - Submersed Fissure Rock
tsf - Ton Per Square Foot
WFR - Wet Fissure Rock
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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
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1 PURPOSE :
This document describes the step wise work procedure to carry out the Foundation Soil Classifications of civil
works for Solar, Railways, Distribution & 11-132 / 220 / 400 / 765 kV, 800 kV HVDC or other kind of
Transmission Line work in addition to construction/ equipment base foundation work carried out at
Distribution & Manufacturing units in planned and controlled manner with reference to the drawings,
technical specification and standards.

2 SCOPE :
It includes details to check soil classification in all types of Dry, WET, PS, FS, DFR, WFR soils true to lines &
levels. The work shall be carried out in accordance with the specification and corresponding approved
drawings.

3 EXCLUSION

In case of very specific & mandatory customer’s need their processes & formats can be followed as a part or in
full. However in case of any conflict most stringent norms must be followed.

4 APPLICABILITY:

This procedure is primarily developed for Transmission & Distribution works but same can be used in similar
kind of Railways, Waters, Solar & Civil work sites across all locations as per specification.

5 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS :
Following Documents / Drawings / Codes have been referred for the preparation of this procedure:-
• IS : 5613 (Part 3 / Section 2) / 1989
• OSHA 1926 Subpart P App B
• A few international standards and recommendation from (Saudi, Africa etc) were also referred.

6 RESPONSIBILITY:
Responsibility of implementation of this procedure rest with below mentioned officials
1. PRIMARY: Section-In-Charge, Site Supervisor & QC Engineer
2. SECONDARY: Project Manager

7 PREREQUISITE:
1. Generic Contract Documents/Technical Specifications (as applicable)
2. Field Quality Plan (FQP)
3. Availability of tested handling equipments, tools, tackles.
4. Availability of skilled manpower.

8 EQUIPMENT:
1. Hydraulic Excavator.
2. Tools & Tackles as required.

9 PROCEDURE: (IS 5613)

After successful completion of check survey, soil investigation and before commencing of the foundation work,
soil classification shall be done.
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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
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Generally foundations are classified according to the quality of soil, water level at that region & type of
cultivation.

• TRIAL PIT :
• Location center peg shall be marked on ground as per approved profiles.
• Trial Pit of minimum dimension 1M x 1M and full depth as per tower type will be excavated at one of
the marked pit end. ( or as specified)
• After excavation of Trial Pit & with ref. to Water table, soil classifications to be done.
• A brief classification is as under for understanding the basics.
 NORMAL DRY TYPE :
To be used for locations where water table is below the foundation depth and the soil met is
cohesive and homogeneous up to the full depth, having clay content of 10 to 15% (Max.)

 SANDY DRY TYPE :

To be used for locations where water table is below the foundation depth and the soil met is
cohesion less (pure sand) or negligible cohesion (sand mixed with soil), having clay content of 0 to
10% (Max.)
 WET TYPE :
To be used for the locations
a. Where water table is above the foundation depth and up to 1.5 meters below the ground
level.
b. Where standing surface water is for long periods with water penetration not exceeding one
meter below the ground level e.g. the paddy fields.
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 PARTIALLY SUBMERGED TYPE :

To be used at locations where water table is at a depth between 0.75 meters below the ground
level and the soil met is normal and cohesive.

 FULLY SUBMERGED TYPE :

To be used at locations where water table is at a depth within 0.75 meters below the ground level
and the soil met is normal and cohesive.

 BLACK COTTON SOIL TYPE :

To be used at locations where soil is cohesive having inorganic clay exceeding 15% and
characterized by high shrinkage and swelling property (need not necessarily be black in colour)
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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
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 HARD ROCK / STABLE ROCK TYPE :

To be used at locations where strata met consist of natural mineral hard rock with no fissures. This
type of foundation are stable and can be drilled or blasted for creating a cavity, however the soil
consisting of fissures, water level, subjected to vibration & pre excavated.

Hard Rock Foundation

 SOFT ROCK / FISSURED ROCK TYPE :

To be used at locations where strata met is decomposed or fissured rock, hard gravel (kankar),
limestone, Laterite, or any other soil of similar nature. Under cut foundation is to be used at these
locations.
In case of fissured rock locations, where water table is met at 1.5M or more below ground level,
wet fissured rock foundations shall be adopted.
In case of dry locations dry fissured rock foundations shall be adopted.
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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
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• Based on soil strata encountered together with reference to the Soil Investigation Report (if done),
classification shall be proposed to client representative along with Foundation classification Checklist
• Approval of the same shall be obtained from Client.
• After excavating all pits if any change in classification is required, that shall be intimated to client in
writing along with revised Foundation Classification Checklist.
• Final approval of the same shall be obtained from Client.

10 EDGE PROTECTION
As the foundations are classified according to the type of content and properties, it is prominent to have
different kind of edge protection, to avoid cave in and pit collapse. Generally for the said purpose soil is
classified in following types
 STABLE ROCK
This type of soil consists of dry hard rock untouched and free from water. This type of soil can be
excavated vertically at 90°.

90°

 TYPE A
Type A means cohesive soils with an unconfined, compressive strength of 1.5 ton per square foot
(tsf) (144 kPa) or greater. Examples of cohesive soils are: clay, silty clay, sandy clay, clay loam and,
in some cases, silty clay loam and sandy clay loam. Cemented soils such as caliche (A sedimentary
rock, a hardened natural cement of calcium carbonate that binds other materials such as gravel,
sand, clay, and silt.) and hardpan are also considered Type A.
However, no soil is Type A if:
a. The soil is fissured; or
b. The soil is subject to vibration from heavy traffic, pile driving, or similar effects; or
c. The soil has been previously disturbed; or

 Sloping
All simple slope excavation 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of
¾:1
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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
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SIMPLE SLOPE

 Benching
All benched excavations 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of 3/4
to 1 and maximum bench dimensions as follows:

SIMPLE BENCH

MULTIPLE BENCH

 Shielding
All excavations 20 feet or less in depth which have vertically sided lower portions that are
supported or shielded shall have a maximum allowable slope of ¾:1. The support or shield
system must extend at least 18 inches above the top of the vertical side.

This consists of the foundations of Normal Dry type, Soft Rock/ Fissured Rock type.
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 TYPE B
Type B means cohesive soil with an unconfined compressive strength greater than 0.5 tsf (48 kPa)
but less than 1.5 tsf (144 kPa). Granular cohesion less soils including: angular gravel (similar to
crushed rock), silt, silt loam, sandy loam and, in some cases, silty clay loam and sandy clay loam.
A previously disturbed soils, except those which would otherwise be classed as Type C soil.
Soil that meets the unconfined compressive strength or cementation requirements for Type A, but
is fissured or subject to vibration; or dry rock that is not stable.

 Sloping
All simple slope excavations 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of
1:1.

SIMPLE SLOPE
 Benching
All benched excavations 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1:1
and maximum bench dimensions as follows:

SINGLE BENCH

MULTIPLE BENCH
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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
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 Shielding
All excavations 20 feet or less in depth which have vertically sided lower portions shall be
shielded or supported to a height at least 18 inches above the top of the vertical side. All such
excavations shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1:1.

VERTICALLY SIDED LOWER PORTION

This may consists of the foundations of Normal Dry type, Black Cotton type in some cases.

 TYPE C
Type B means cohesive soil with an unconfined compressive strength of 0.5 tsf (48 kPa) or less; or
granular soils including gravel, sand, and loamy sand.
Submerged soil or soil from which water is freely seeping.
A Submerged rock that is not stable.

 Sloping
All simple slope excavations 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of
1½:1.

SIMPLE SLOPE
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 Shielding
All excavations 20 feet or less in depth which have vertically sided lower portions shall be
shielded or supported to a height at least 18 inches above the top of the vertical side. All such
excavations shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1½:1.

VERTICAL SIDED LOWER PORTION

This may consists of the foundations of Sand Dry type, Black Cotton, Wet type, Partially
Submerged, Fully Submerged, Soft / Fissure Rock (wet) type.

11 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
• Conformity to Water Table.
• Conformity to Pit Marking.
• Conformity to depth of excavation.

12 SAFETY MEASURES / PRECAUTIONS:

• Before starting the work ensure that no under live electrical cable or chemical / water pipe line is passing
through the area of excavation. An excavation work permit should be issued before starting excavation
work.
• Excavation shall be inspected by the Engineers / supervisor daily before work starts.
• Use of safety PPEs like (Safety Helmet, Safety Shoe/Safety Gum boots, Hand gloves, Dust mask, and Safety
goggles) is must. Site engineer and supervisor should be ensuring that all workmen should wear the said
PPE’s before starting work.
• Excavation shall be protected from all sides by erecting barricades with caution signs and shall have
warning tape. Proper lighting is required for work at night.
• Excavated materials / other construction material shall not be kept at the edge of the excavation pit.
• The JCB which is going to be used, the fitness of the equipment and driver to be checked by the concerned
site engineer / supervisor and safety supervisor. In any case if the safety supervisor could not reach the
spot on the same day in that case the work can be started if the concerned site supervisor checking the
equipment and getting satisfied on the same. It must be ensured that the operator is having the valid
license to operate the equipment.
• While operating the equipment a signal man to be engaged to provide the signal. The signal man shall
wear the high visibility vest for identification and better visibility.
• The places where the vicinity of movements of villagers and animals are there in that place the rigid hard
barrier is must. In the deep interior where there is no vicinity of the movement of villagers and animals
then soft barrier can be used.
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• In case there is movements of the vehicle are there in that case specially one or two (according to the
situation) signal man to be engaged with high visibility jacket to ensure safe movement of traffic and 100%
rigid hard barrier to be ensured all around the excavations.
• The places where there is movement of vehicle solar blinking lights to be installed for the warnings. It is to
be installed at the corners of the excavated pit.
• If it is near the village then may be the related hazards can be explained to the villagers by assembling
them in a place. Mainly the risk of falling of person and collapsing of earth to be briefed among the
villagers. No child shall play around the vicinity of the excavation. It can lead to high potential incident. The
child movements to be monitored by their guardians / senior family members.
• According to the characteristics of the soil the slope to be maintained.
• The excavated earth need to be dumped at least 1-2 m away from the edge of the excavation.
• Ensure that foundation classification isn’t affected by seasonal changes.
• Before starting of the excavation the required material for barricading to be arranged.
• The posters / warning signs to be displayed near the excavated area in Hindi, English and in the local
languages.
• If any person is required to go down the pit the access ladder to be used or a ramp to be made to access to
the pit. In no case person shall go down without any access.
• In case the possibility of rain, 100% barrier to be ensured with a marking at the edges of the excavation.
• Precautions as mentioned in pre inspection checklist KEC/Corp EHS/FT-003/Rev-00 to be adopted.

13 RECORDS :
• Check List for Foundation Classification (KEC-Q-CL-0020) (Annexure I)
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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
Sheet No 14 of 16

ANNEXURE I
Checklists:

KEC-Q-CL-0020
CHECKLIST
Document No.
Rev. No 00

FOUNDATION CLASSIFICATION Report No.

KEC / Client Name / Project /
Location No. / 001
PROJECT :
CLIENT NAME :
Date:
1 Location No.
2 Type of Tower
4 Whether Soil Investigation carried out at this location YES / NO
Soil Investigation Report No.
5
(for Same Location / Nearby Location / Project)
Nearest Bore Log No.
6
( Only in case of Detailed Soil investigation is done)
If this location strata details are comparable with above soil
7 YES / NO
investigation report or any other location of this line
8 Water Table (Mtrs.) in nearby well as on date m
Maximum Sub Soil Water Table In Monsoon Season Through
9 m
Local Enquiry
10 Type of Cultivation Paddy Field / Cultivated Land / Barren Land
11 Details of Soil Investigation Report
Water Level
11 a) Present
Anticipated
TRIAL PIT EXCAVATED AT PIT LOCATION
11 b)
(Tick Where Applicable) A B C D
1.00
2.00
11 c) Strata depth
3.00
4.00
12 Sub soil water table m
13 Angle of Repose °
14 Whether encasement of stub is required due to surface water: YES / NO
Foundation classification Proposed - Dry / Wet / PS / FS / DFR
15
/ WFR / SFR
As per Soil Investigation Actual

16 Foundation classification recommended by the Client - Dry /

Wet / PS / FS / DFR / WFR / SFR

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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
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Note: Below details are to be filled, only if, during excavation the classification needs to be changed
Sub Soil Water Table details as on Date
17 PIT – A PIT – B PIT - C PIT - D

Foundation classification Proposed - Dry / Wet / PS / FS / DFR /

18
WFR / SFR
As per Soil Investigation Actual

19 Foundation classification recommended by the Client - Dry / Wet

/ PS / FS / DFR / WFR / SFR
20 Remarks (if any)

(Site Supervisor / Engineer) (QA / Q C Engineer) (Site Supervisor / Engineer) (QA / QC Engineer)
for KECIL for KECIL For CLIENT FOR CLIENT

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FOUNDATION (SOIL) CLASSIFICATION
Sheet No 16 of 16

ANNEXURE II
Dos & Don’ts:

Material kept away from Edge Material kept near

Proper Barricading
DOs
Use of safety PPEs like (Safety Helmet, Safety
Shoe/Safety Gum boots, Hand gloves, Dust mask, and
Safety goggles)
Proper care taken to avoid misclassification during
rainy & summer season
Trial Pit excavated to the required depth of foundation
After excavation pit is properly barricaded
Removed soil kept 1-2 away from the pit’s edge or as
required away from angle of repose.
No Barricading
DON’Ts
No or partial safety PPEs used
Foundation classified on actual water level during
rainy & summer season.
Trial Pit not fully excavated
After excavation pit is left without barricading
Excavated material kept near the pit’s edge