NDRC MANUAL

example lowlands swamps which have since been backfilled. Existing geotechnical investigations
may be acquired from the road department, adjacent building owners or structures and other
utilities agencies.
If insufficient geotechnical information is available for the area where an NDRC is proposed, then
a thorough geotechnical investigation must be conducted.
The soil investigation analysis is necessary for:
 Selecting the appropriate NDRC method, jacking technique and jacking works
 Selecting and designing the sup
 ports for launch and reception shafts
 Selecting and designing jacking pipes
 Planning measures for soil improvement in unstable soils
 Planning of soil disposal (landfill, treatment, recycling)
 Planning of measures for the control of groundwater
The field exploratory techniques selected should be appropriate to the type of ground and the
planned depth of the NDRC. The laboratory testing programme should include tests relevant to the
ground conditions and the NDRC techniques likely to be employed.
Below suggests parameters to be considered in relation to each soil type.
The soil conditions shall be investigated and documented in accordance with the AD-D-
02Geotechnical Investigation and Geotechnical Design (Vol. 1 & 2). The investigation should
result in information on reliable soil parameters which are necessary for the adequate design of
the drives, shoring, and dewatering details (see Table 1). Analysis and design (calculations for
jacking forces, stress analysis on the pipeline, ground surface settlement and heave analysis, etc.)
should be based on such parameters.

3.8.1 Minimum requirements of the exploratory boreholes

3.8.1.1 Number of boreholes:

 2 exploratory holes for crossings less than 25 m
(one at each end)
 exploratory holes for crossings greater than 25 m
(each end and centre)
 Additional holes for long crossings or in areas with
difficult soil conditions (layered)

3.8.1.2 Depth of boreholes:

 Down to 2 m below pipe invert in groundwater free
soils
 Down to 3 m below pipe invert in groundwater bearing soils
 Down to the planned bottom edge of sheeting in the area of launch and reception shafts.

3.8.1.3 Borehole Positions

Exploratory borehole positions should be chosen to provide
information on the nature of the ground that will be
encountered by the NDRC. Under no circumstances should
boreholes be sunk on the line of the NDRC. .All boreholes
should be properly backfilled and sealed. Piezometers
should be installed where recommended. Boreholes should
always extend sufficiently far below the invert level to

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03-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NDRC FIRST EDITION -DECEMBER 2016

 NDRC MANUAL

identify changes in the strata below the NDRC that could affect both the construction and long
term impact of the NDRC. Boreholes should be sunk adjacent to shaft locations. Additional
boreholes should be considered, if required, to identify the location of significant changes in
geology or to resolve other geotechnical uncertainties.
All geotechnical investigations shall be carried out by qualified personnel and in accordance with
The TR-535 and TR-536 “Geotechnical Investigation and Geotechnical Design” (Vol. 1& 2).

Table 1: Required Soil Parameters

Non-
Cohesive Mixed Fill
Test Cohesive
Soils Soils Material
Rock
Soils
Unit weight and moisture
X X X X X
content
Angle of friction X X X
Particle size distribution X X X X
Abrasivity X X X X X
Cohesion X X X
Types and proportions of
X X X X X
minerals
Standard penetration tests X X X X
Permeability and nature of
ground water level and flows X X X X
(seasonal/tidal changes)
Toxic/hazardous constituents
X X X X X
in the ground/groundwater
Frequency and physical
properties of boulders, X X X X X
cobbles or flints
Pump down tests X X X X
Presence of gases X
Compressive strength X
Rock quality designation
X
(RQD)
Core logging (TCR, SCR, FI) X
Tensile strength X
Specific energy
X
(excavatability)
Slake durability X
Geological description X X X X
Plasticity indices (LL, PL, PI) X X

(Source: Reference no.3)

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03-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NDRC FIRST EDITION -DECEMBER 2016