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Geotechnical Interpretative Report Rev.01
Geotechnical Interpretative Report Rev.01
Letter of Transmittal………………………………………………… [ ii ]
Table of Contents........................................................................ [ iii ]
1. Introduction................................................................................. [01]
2. Purpose of Investigation............................................................. [01]
3. Scope of Work............................................................................ [1-3]
4. General Geology……………………………………………………. [3-6]
5. Site Description.......................................................................... [06]
6. Subsoil Conditions and Description........................................... [06]
7. Hydrology & Hydrogeology……………………………………….. [6-7]
8. Field and laboratory tests.......................................................... [7-12]
9. Discussion................................................................................. [13-14]
10. Engineering recommendations................................................. [15-19]
ATTACHMENTS PLATE NO
Site Location Plan……………………………………………………. 1
Borehole Location Plan……………………………………………… 2
Supplemental Borehole Location Plan……………………………… 2A
Borehole logs…………………………………………………………. 3 to 66
Borehole correlation chart…………………………………………… 67
Trial Pit Logs………………………………………………………….. 68 to 77
Legend for borehole/ Trail Pit logs…………………………………. 78
Soil/Rock Definitions…………………………………………………. 79
Annexure 1 Falling Head Permeability……………………………… 80
Annexure 2 Pressure meter Test…………………………………… 81
Annexure 3 Downhole Shear Wave Test…………………………… 82
Annexure 4 Natural moisture content………………………………. 83
Annexure 5 Particle Size Distribution………………………………. 84
Annexure 6 Hydrometer……………………………………………… 85
Annexure 7 Atterberg’s Limit ……………………………………….. 86
Annexure 8 Bulk Density…………………………………………….. 87
Annexure 9 MDD-OMC……………….……………………………… 88
Annexure 10 CBR……………………………………………………… 89
Annexure 11 Direct Shear Test……………………………………… 90
Annexure 12 Triaxial Test……………………………………………. 91
Annexure 13 Brazilian/ Slake Durability of Rock…………………... 92
Annexure 14 Unconfined Compressive Strength + Modulus…….. 93
Annexure 15 Point Load Test………………………………………… 94
Annexure 16 Chemical test results…………………………………… 95
Annexure 17 Piezometer readings…………………………………… 96
Appendix - 1. ………………..……….……………………………….. 97 to 100
Appendix - 2………..………………………………………………….. 101 & 102
Appendix – 3…………………………………………………………… 103
Site Picture…………………………………………………………….. 104 & 105
Core Picture …………………………………………………………… 106 to 165
Trial Pit Pictures………………………………………………………. 166 to 170
Appendix - 4…………………………………………………………… 171 to 185
References……………………………………………………………. 186
DS/623/GIR/R1 /iii/
This report presents the field work and test results of geotechnical investigation of the
proposed site with the following information.
The main purpose of this study is to determine the surface and subsurface conditions at
the proposed site and to define physical and mechanical properties of the foundation
materials in addition to specifying other engineering characteristics of the encountered
strata. This is in order to guide the designer to achieve an adequate and economic
design of the foundation structure.
All the work has been done under the supervision of experienced geologist.
Fieldwork was commenced on 12/01/2020 and was completed on 20/02/2020.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 1 of 19
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 2 of 19
DTL/F/GEO/ O- 001 Rev. 0 Date: 22/01/2011
Summary of INSITU Test
Pressuremeter Falling Head
Standard Downhole Shear
BH No. Test Permeability Piezometer
Penetration Test Wave Test
Test
BH-S-41-P - Completed Completed Installed -
BH-S-42 - Completed Completed Installed -
BH-S-43 - - Completed - -
BH-S-44 - - Completed - -
BH-S-45 - Completed - - -
BH-S-46 - - Completed - -
BH-S-47 - - Completed - -
BH-S-48 - Completed Completed - -
The rocks, which make up the Rus Formation in Qatar are generally whitish or yellowish
chalky dolomitic limestone. Thin beds of greenish to brownish attapulgitic clay are
occasionally intercalated. In addition there are several narrow beds of whitish to grayish
compact fossiliferous dolomitic limestone, the uppermost of which forms the top of the
Rus Formation and is particularly well developed at Al Khor, where it has been used in
the past for construction purposes.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 3 of 19
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 4 of 19
DTL/F/GEO/ O- 001 Rev. 0 Date: 22/01/2011
A general transgression at the beginning of the Midra Eocene results in a return to
shallow marine deposition across the whole of Qatar and the formation of the Simsima
limestone. The Simsima Limestone is known to be upto 30m thick, the thickest
development being in the extreme north of the peninsula, particularly away from the
central arch. It is believed that a restricted thickness of Simsima Limestone has been
deposited over the Central, Simsima Arches and Dukhan Anticline.
Although the Simsima Limestone forms much of the land surface, its detailed
stratigraphy and lithology are not well known, since exposures giving a complete cross-
section do not exist. A general description of the Simsima however, as described by
Cavalier (1970) and others would be a fine to medium grained off-white to pale brown
and buff, poorly bedded, chalky crystalline calcareous limestone and dolomitic limestone
with numerous vugs and irregular joints often filled with weaker siltstone. Thin layers of
pale green or red brown attapulgitic clays are occasionally present. Chert bands occur
throughout the Simsima but are particularly notable near to the base and to the top.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 5 of 19
Depth SPT/UCT
Description
Range (m) Range
Light grey to greyish brown silty gravelly to very gravelly
medium to fine/ fine to medium SAND, gravels are sub
rounded to sub angular OR Dark brown silty very sandy
0 - >50 fine to coarse GRAVEL OR light greyish to brown thinly
0.0-13.5
UCT laminated fine to medium grained marly LIMESTONE
partially to distinctly weathered, contains occasional voids
of 10-40mm filled with marl, medium to close spaced
fracture
Light brownish to yellowish offwhite thinly laminated fine
to medium grained marly LIMESTONE partially to
13.5-20.0 UCT
distinctly weathered, contains occasional inclusion of silt
& gypsum, medium to close spaced fracture
SPT: Standard Penetration Test; UCT: Unconfined Compressive Strength
Ground water table was encountered at depths ranging from 3.15-9.0m depths below
the investigated ground level. Measurement of ground water level was taken on the day
following the completion of fieldwork. Measured ground water table may be expected to
vary due to seasonal conditions or any dewatering in the vicinity.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 6 of 19
DTL/F/GEO/ O- 001 Rev. 0 Date: 22/01/2011
In-situ falling head permeability tests were carried out on thirty boreholes as given in
Annexure-1 plate 80. Moreover, field water and soil quality test is given in Annexure 1A
plate 80A.
As per the geological study, there are two main groups namely Group 1 & Group 2 at
Micro-tunneling locations of the sites under study. Group 1 comprises of boreholes M1,
M3, M7 & M11 while Group 2 comprises of boreholes M2, M4, M5, M6, M8, M9, M10 &
M12. The groundwater was encountered at depths ranging from 5.30-8.40m in four
boreholes of group 1 while it was ranging between 4.55-7.44m in eight boreholes at the
time of investigation in group 2.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 7 of 19
DTL/F/GEO/ O- 001 Rev. 0 Date: 22/01/2011
8.1.5 / PRESSURE-METER TEST
Pressure-meter Tests on 28 No soil/rock strata samples were carried out on 4
boreholes at each 3.0m depth intervals. The test is done as per ASTM D4719-07.
Reports on Pressure-meter tests are presented on Annexure 2 plate 81.
The following area of weak rock/soil are encountered during the MASW survey works.
The overlapping of the boreholes with the geological ground profile is shown in
Appendix-4 plate 171.
ANOMALY LIST
Anomaly Size
Line Coordinates
Code Of Sub Anomaly Risk Area
Anomaly Center Max. Max . Vs Value
& Anomaly (Low,
Name Depth Vertical Horizontal (Min.-Max.) Remarks
Borehole ID Center Medium,
below Thickness Expand m/s
(For (X)m High)
description) Surface (m) (m)
(m)
MASW Line No. 1 has suspected
weak/weathered/fractured zones with less dense
01 Line_01 material at varying depths between ground level down
to 8 m and 10-12 m depth
(Velocity range 200 m/s to 500 m/s)
MASW Line No. 3 has suspected
Line_03 weak/weathered/fractured zones with less dense
02
(BH-M1) material at 0-1 m & 5-7 m depth
(Velocity range 200 m/s to 400 m/s)
Weak
MASW Line No. 5 has suspected
Line_05 weak/weathered/fractured zones with less dense Low
03 or
(BH-M3) material at 1- 4 m depth
(Velocity range 200 m/s to 300 m/s) Risk
Fractured
MASW Line No. 10 has suspected
weak/weathered/fractured zones with less dense Areas
04 Line_10 Rock
material at 0-0.5 m, & 6-8 m depth
(Velocity range 200 m/s to 300 m/s)
Zones
MASW Line No. 12 has suspected
weak/weathered/fractured zones with less dense
05 Line_12
material at 0-1 m depth
(Velocity 200 m/s)
MASW Line No. 13 has suspected
Line_13 weak/weathered/fractured zones with less dense
06
(BH-M12) material at 0-1 m depth
(Velocity 200 m/s)
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 8 of 19
DTL/F/GEO/ O- 001 Rev. 0 Date: 22/01/2011
MASW Line No. 14 has suspected
Line_14 weak/weathered/fractured zones with less dense
07
(BH-M5) material at 0-1 m & 7-8 m depth
(Velocity range 200 m/s to 300 m/s)
(the depths are mentioned with reference to QND
Total Anomaly Number “7” elevation levels)
Soil, Rock and water samples recovered from the boreholes were subjected to
laboratory testing for moisture content, Sieve Analysis, Atterberg’s Limit, MDD-OMC,
CBR, specific gravity, Direct Shear, Brazilian, Durability, UCT, Point Load Test, and
Chemical analyses.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 9 of 19
8.2.6 / CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (CBR) TEST ON TRIAL PIT SOIL SAMPLES
California Bearing Ratio Tests (CBR) on soil strata samples were carried out on 17 nos.
samples collected from boreholes/bulk sample excavated as per QCS 2014 Section 3
Part 3. The CBR test is done as per BS-1377 Part 4: 1990 Clause 7+CML 10-97.
Reports on CBR of soil samples are presented on Annexure 10 plate 89.
BH/TP No. Depth, m California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Swelling After Finish Soaking
(%) Period(96 h) (%)
BH-M-03 0.0-0.5 54 0.12
BH-M-07 1.0-1.50 43 0.17
BH-M-11 (P) 0.5-1.0 56 0.13
BH-S-05 1.0-1.5 23 0.23
BH-S-10 0.5-1.0 29 0.23
BH-S-11 0.0-0.90 35 0.20
BH-S-32 0.0-0.5 38 0.17
BH-S-38 1.0-1.50 57 0.15
BH-S-41 (P) 0.5-1.0 52 0.14
BH-S-42 0.5-1.0 24 0.14
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 11 of 19
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DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 13 of 19
DTL/F/GEO/ O- 001 Rev. 0 Date: 22/01/2011
G.W.T. m Elevation m
S.No. BH/TP Northing Easting G.W.T, m bgl
QNHD QNHD
35 BH-S-23 387183 235797 4.41 +2.79 +7.20
36 BH-S-24 386960 236002 4.68 +2.293 +6.973
37 BH-S-25 386896 235396 5.60 +3.696 +9.296
38 BH-S-26 387068 235056 6.60 +3.706 +10.306
39 BH-S-27 386814 234974 6.70 +3.421 +10.121
40 BH-S-28(P) 386911 234803 6.45 +4.042 +10.492
41 BH-S-29 386945 234597 5.90 +4.183 +10.083
42 BH-S-30 386745 234671 6.30 +4.073 +10.373
43 BH-S-31 386727 234590 6.98 +4.332 +11.312
44 BH-S-32 386390 234480 9.0 +4.01 +13.01
45 BH-S-33 386243 234376 7.20 +3.986 +11.186
46 BH-S-34 386157 234519 8.10 +4.002 +12.102
47 BH-S-35 386222 234790 7.60 +3.552 +11.152
48 BH-S-36 386284 235001 5.90 +6.98 +12.88
49 BH-S-37 386365 235178 6.20 +3.526 +9.726
50 BH-S-38 386509 235342 7.30 +3.68 +10.98
51 BH-S-39 386393 235515 6.0 +3.105 +9.105
52 BH-S-40 386581 235581 6.81 +2.752 +9.562
53 BH-S-41(P) 386635 236015 4.41 +2.262 +6.672
54 BH-S-42 386852 234339 6.57 +4.362 +10.932
55 BH-S-43 387121 235676 4.20 +2.955 +7.155
56 BH-S-44 386979 235771 3.15 +3.503 +6.653
57 BH-S-45 387954 235348 6.0 +4.371 +10.371
58 BH-S-46 387409 233669 7.10 +5.082 +12.182
59 BH-S-47 387273 233598 6.90 +5.415 +12.315
60 BH-S-48 387762 235034 5.29 +3.573 +8.863
61 TP-01 387570 235300 - - +6.77
62 TP-02 387367 234821 - - +8.95
63 TP-03 387384 234284 - - +9.46
64 TP-04 387068 233982 - - +9.14
65 TP-05 386907 234485 - - +9.18
66 TP-06 387060 235177 - - +9.58
67 TP-07 387051 235966 - - +6.19
68 TP-08 384449 235751 - - +7.25
69 TP-09 386419 235165 - - +8.54
70 TP-10 386243 234484 - - +10.77
The other investigations done in Al Thumama region describes almost same type of
strata description as revealed in 60 boreholes. Location of 24 additional boreholes are
shown in plate 2A were done previously for other clients.
Based on the above conditions the following option can be adopted prior to placing
shallow foundations.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 14 of 19
DTL/F/GEO/ O- 001 Rev. 0 Date: 22/01/2011
10.0 / ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATIONS
10.1 / RECOMMENDED BEARING PRESSURE
Allowable bearing pressures as given in Table-1 are recommended for isolated /
combined footings of width 1-4m, strip or raft foundation placed at different depths
below the average (natural) ground level. These allowable bearing pressures are
based on the standard penetration test (SPT ‘N’), UCT & RQD values; the compaction
mentioned below and incorporates a factor of safety of at least 3 on the ultimate bearing
pressure assuming ground water to rise to the foundation level.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 15 of 19
DTL/F/GEO/ O- 001 Rev. 0 Date: 22/01/2011
10.2/ EXCAVATION SIDE SLOPE
To minimize the instability problems, the excavation sides should be cut at a face
inclination not eeper than 1.5 horizontal to one vertical (1.5H: 1V) for the cohesion less
soil and one horizontal to Six vertical (1H: 6V) for the limestone strata.
If the recommended side slopes could not be achieved due to insufficient lateral distance
or any other reason, temporary and/or permanent lateral support (shoring) system will be
necessary and shall be installed.
10.3/ SOIL/ ROCK PARAMETERS:
The following parameters required are estimated at a depth (Table-2, 3) based on the
SPT, RQD & UCT values within the first 20.0m depth below the average (natural) ground
level.
Table-2 (Group-1)
Depth below the excavated ground level (m)
Soil Parameters
0.0 – 2.0 2.0 - 6.0 6.0-10.0 10.0-16.0 16.0-20.0
Average Bulk Density : kN/m3 15.0 19.5 20.5 20.0* 21.0*
Modulus of Elasticity: E MPa 15 30 60 140 180
Av. Angle of shearing Resistance : 35 38 36 38 39
Av. Coefficient of Active Pressure :
a 0.27 0.24 0.26 0.24 0.23
* Saturated Density
Table-3 (Group-2)
Depth below the excavated ground level (m)
Soil Parameters
0.0 – 1.0 1.0 - 13.0 13.0-15.0
Average Bulk Density : kN/m3 15.0 19.5 20.5*
Modulus of Elasticity: E MPa 15 35 120
Av. Angle of shearing Resistance : 32 36 38
Av. Coefficient of Active Pressure : a 0.31 0.26 0.24
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 16 of 19
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 17 of 19
DTL/F/GEO/ O- 001 Rev. 0 Date: 22/01/2011
Wind speed in Doha is often quoted as 38m/s, as specified in QCS 2014.
10.6/ SEISMICITY & TECTONICS OF THE AREA
The seismicity of the area showed that there is very limited information and data about
Qatar and the whole region. Among these studies, Morsy, 1997, concluded from the data
obtained from Qatar seismic stations that most of the activities with large effect are on
the eastern flank of the Arabian Gulf area (Iran).
However, with less activity, the locations of local events are concentrated in three main
zones: in the North, Northeast and the west of Qatar. Earthquakes are related to crustal
movements and occur most frequently where folding and faulting are of recent origin.
If earthquakes have occurred in particular region which is characterized by some
particularly in its tectonic structure and history then it is assumed to be likely that
earthquake can arise in the future along the whole length of that zone. The Oman
Mountains from together with Zagros Mountains a great mobile belt. This appeared in
late cretaceous period with orogenic movements occurring in Turkey and Iran and
extending to Oman.
In the later Tertiary period rocks were folded and thrusted to form the Zagros and Oman
mountains and their forelands. Adjoining the mobile belt is the comparatively stable
interior region of the Peninsula whose rigidity is controlled by the Pre-Cambrian
basement. The exposed part of the shield, as well as the part thinly veneered with shield
sediments, makes up this province. Based on QCS 2014, the seismic design for all
building structure shall be based upon local seismic accelerations recommended as per
ASCE 7-10, IBC 2012 or BS EN 1998-1:2004. Local seismic spectral accelerations
based upon uniform hazard response spectra for 475 year and 2475 year return period
as below:
Table-4
0.2 Second Spectral Acceleration (g)- 1 Second Spectral Acceleration (g) –
Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA)
Ss S1
475 Year 2475 Year 475 Year 2475 Year 475 Year 2475 Year
0.045 0.10 0.090 0.147 0.045 0.065
The foundation will lie near the bedrock. Thus, upon earthquake loading the ground is not
susceptible to liquefaction.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 18 of 19
In addition, it is recommended that the outer surface of the concrete be protected with a
waterproof coating / membrane.
However, prior to finalizing and adopting a mix design, appropriate consultation with the
structure engineer is advised.
DS/623/GIR/R1 Page 19 of 19