TS_SI - Site Investigation

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FOR
SITE INVESTIGATION
PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION –
AT 7-9A CHEUNG WAH STREET, SITE INVESTIGATION
CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON
DESIGN AND BUILD OF FOUNDATION WORKS
Contents
Page Number
1. General ................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Scope 1
1.2 Definitions 1
1.3 Standards and Codes of Practice 1
1.4 Property of Employer 1
1.5 Programme of Works 2
1.6 Works Area 2
1.7 Access 2
1.8 Utility services 2
1.9 Safety 3
1.10 Site Personnel and Supervision 3
1.11 Referencing the Works 3
1.12 Fieldwork Record and Report 3
1.13 Units and Accuracy of Measurement 4
1.14 Location of Boreholes and Trial Pits 4
1.15 Starting Pits 5
1.16 Standing Time 5
1.17 Making Good 5
1.18 Power and Water Supply 5
1.19 Disturbance 5
1.20 Protection of Trees 6
1.21 Cleanliness of Site 6
2. Rotary Drilling ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Depth of Drillhole 6
2.2 Inspection Pit 6
2.3 Drilling Rig 6
2.4 Drilling Rig Ancillary Equipment 7
2.5 Drilling 7
2.6 Flushing Medium 8
2.7 Casing 8
2.8 Core Barrel 8
2.9 Extraction of Cores 9
2.10 Drill Runs 9
2.11 Core Recovery 9
2.12 Core Box 10
2.13 Packing of Cores 10
2.14 Wash Boring 11
2.15 Ground Water Observation 11
2.16 Backfilling Drillholes 11
2.17 Logging of Samples 12
2.18 Photographs of Core 12
2.19 Standpipes and Piezometers 12
2.20 Water Samples 13
3. Sampling and In-Situ Testing for Boreholes ................................................................................... 13
3.1 Mazier Samples 13
3.2 Undisturbed Tube Samples 13
3.3 Driven Samples 14
3.4 Thin Walled Samples 14
Ver. Sep 2018 Page i

3.5 Piston Samples 14

3.6 In-situ Penetration Tests 15
3.7 Labelling of Samples 15
3.8 Transportation and Storage of Samples 16
4. Trial Pits ............................................................................................................................................. 16
4.1 Excavation 16
4.2 Safety Measures 16
4.3 Shoring Access and Protection 17
4.4 Records 17
4.5 Backfilling of Trial Pits 17
5. Sampling and In-Situ Testing for Trial Pits .................................................................................... 18
5.1 Sampling 18
5.2 In-Situ Testing 18
5.3 Groundwater 19
5.4 Labelling, Transportation and Storage of Samples 19
6. Laboratory Testing ............................................................................................................................ 19
6.1 Laboratory 19
6.2 Laboratory Testing Reports 20
6.3 Classification Tests 20
6.4 Chemical Tests 20
6.5 Soil Compaction Tests 21
6.6 Uniaxial Compression Tests 21
6.7 Point Load Tests 21
6.8 Triaxial Compression Test 21
6.9 Size of Specimens for Triaxial Tests 22
6.10 Partial Saturation by Percolation 22
6.11 Rate of Strain for Triaxial Tests 23
6.12 Definition of Shear Failure for Triaxial Tests 23
6.13 Reporting Triaxial Tests 23
6.14 Photographic Record of Triaxial Test Specimens and Mazier/ Block Samples 24
APPENDIX A Report of Works ............................................................................................................ 25
APPENDIX B Checklist for Soil Description ....................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX C Daily Record................................................................................................................... 37
APPENDIX D Units and Measured Accuracies used in the Fieldwork ............................................. 41
APPENDIX E Borehole Record ............................................................................................................ 43
APPENDIX F Installation of Piezometer and Standpipe ................................................................... 45
APPENDIX G Standpipe Detail and Response Test Record .............................................................. 47
APPENDIX H Trial Pit Record ............................................................................................................. 48
Ver. Sep 2018 Page ii

1. General
1.1 Scope
This specification gives the general and technical requirements for the Site Investigation works, herein after
referred to as the Works, except where otherwise modified or amended within the Contract. This Specification
should be read in conjunction with the Conditions of Contract, the Drawings and Bills of Quantities.
1.2 Definitions
The definitions given in BS 5930 shall apply unless superseded by this Specification.
"Rock" shall mean hard material found in ledges or masses which

(a) in normal excavation, requires to be loosened by blasting or by pneumatic tools or (if excavated by hand)
by wedges and sledge hammers; or
(b) in a drilling results in a core which does not disintegrate when soaked in water.
"Soft ground" shall mean all other material encountered during excavation. Soil and Rock shall be described
as specified in Appendix B.
1.3 Standards and Codes of Practice

Except otherwise specified or instructed by the Engineer, the Works shall be carried out in accordance
with the latest edition of the following standards and code of practice:
(a) Geoguide 2 ~ Guide to Site Investigation
(b) Geoguide 3 ~ Guide to Rock and Soil Descriptions
(c) Geospec 3 ~ Model Specification for Soil Testing
(d) British Standard BS 5930 ~ Code of Practice for Ground Investigations (Formerly CP2001)
(e) All parts of British Standard BS 1377 ~ Methods of Test for Soils for Civil Engineering Purposes
(f) Works Branch Technical Circular No. 6/94 ~ Soil Testing Standard (Phase I Tests)
(g) Practice Notes for Authorized Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and Registered Geotechnical
Engineers ~ APP-49.
This Specification is an amplification of Geoguide 2, Geoguide 3, Geospec 3 and the British Standards,
and shall take precedence where items are at variance with or are not specified in these documents.
In case of any discrepancies between Geospec 3 and BS 1377, the former shall apply.
1.4 Property of Employer

The results of the investigation shall be the property of the Employer and shall not be divulged other than
to the Engineer. Samples received from the Works shall also be the property of the Employer and the
Contractor shall not dispose any samples except as directed by the Engineer.
TS/SI1
1.5 Programme of Works

The programme of work shall be agreed with the Engineer before commencement of the Works and the
Contractor shall give at least 2 days advance notice of his intention to commence the Works to the Engineer.
All Works shall be carried out within statutory normal working hours and conformed to the requirements
and regulations of the Environmental Protection Department. The Contractor’s attention is drawn to the
requirements of the Noise Control (Construction Work) Regulation. No work shall be carried out without
the prior knowledge and approval of the Engineer.
1.6 Works Area

The area of the Works is shown on the Drawings. The Contractor shall confine his operations to the
minimum area required for access and working space. He shall provide all necessary barriers and lighting
to secure the safety of the works and the public.
The Contractor is allowed on Site for the purpose of carrying out ground investigations only.
Where work is to be carried out in roads, private drives or pavements, the Contractor shall be responsible
for obtaining all necessary permissions and shall take precautions to ensure that access is not blocked.
1.7 Access
When working in areas of difficult access, the Contractor may be instructed to dismantle the drilling rig
and transport it with all other necessary equipment either by helicopter, trolley or manual labour and re-
assemble the rig at each investigation station. Subject to the approval of the Engineer, the Contractor may
employ a lightweight drilling rig to carry out the works.
The Contractor shall obtain the necessary permit from the relevant authorities/parties prior to the
commencement of the Works. This shall include the use of the existing public road for access to the Site.
The Contractor shall construct and maintain diversion ways wherever the Works will interfere with
existing roads, footways or other ways over which there is a public or private right of way.
The Contractor shall provide, maintain and subsequently remove temporary access scaffolding for the
support and transportation of any plant, equipment and personnel at his own cost. All scaffolds shall be
constructed in a safe and secure manner to ensure stability of the plant and equipment, and the safety of
persons working thereon and of third parties. All scaffolds shall have a maintenance and registered notice
attached for inspection.
1.8 Utility services

The Contractor shall be responsible for locating underground services and exercise the greatest care during
the progress of work to avoid damage to or interference with any utility services within the limits of the
Site, and shall be responsible for any such damage caused by him/her or his/her agents directly or arising
indirectly from anything done or omitted to be done. The Contractor shall carry out all temporary works
necessary to adequately support and protect such services at his/her own cost.
TS/SI2
Before excavations are carried out near utility services by means of mechanical plant, the Contractor shall
carry out full and adequate preliminary investigations to locate them by means of hand-dug trial pits.
Should any cables, duct and/or cover tiles be exposed, the respective utility undertaker should be contacted
to determine if all the services had been located. The ducts and cover tiles should only be removed
directly by the utility undertaking company concerned.
1.9 Safety
The Contractor shall design and submit details of safety measures to the Engineer for agreement prior to
commencement of the Works
Safety measures including barriers, hazard warning signs, lights, and hoarding against falling excavated
material shall be provided by the Contractor prior to execution of the Works.
The Contractor shall inspect and maintain regularly the safety equipment, scaffolds, working platforms and
means of access; and if necessary, conduct the repairs or replacements immediately.
1.10 Site Personnel and Supervision

The Contractor shall at all times be represented on Site by a responsible and experienced supervisor. Where
specifically requested he/she shall provide the services of a site engineer.
The Contractor shall provide to the Engineer a list of all staff who will be on Site for the execution of the
Works. The Contractor’s staff shall report to the security guard, property owner or other relevant
authorities at the start and end of each working day.
1.11 Referencing the Works

Within 14 days of the completion of each of the Works the Contractor shall be responsible for establishing the
coordinates (related to the Hong Kong metric grid) to the nearest 0.1 m and the ground elevation (related to
Principal Datum) to the nearest 0.05 m. The Contractor shall provide a dimensioned plan showing the
measurements made during the referencing of the Works.
1.12 Fieldwork Record and Report

The Contractor shall keep with every rig, a log book in which shall be noted and signed any instructions given
by the Engineer in the field.
Notes of the progress of each borehole shall be kept by the Foreman at the Site of each rig and be available for
inspection by the Engineer's Representative at any time.
The Contractor shall obtain the Engineer’s approval of the form of his daily record and preliminary log sheets
before the Works commence on Site.
During the course of the work the Contractor shall submit to the Engineer 1 copy of the daily records in the
form specified containing the information required by this Specification. It shall include the information
given in Appendix C. These daily records are to be submitted to the Engineer not more than 1 working day
TS/SI3
after the field operations, to which they refer, have been carried out.
When the fieldwork in respect of each exploratory hole or pit is completed, the Contractor shall prepare and
submit, within 5 days, 1 copy of the preliminary logs including all information as required by this
Specification to the Engineer. In respect of rotary cored drillholes, 1 copy of the core photographs shall be
submitted with the relevant preliminary logs.
When the samples have been delivered from Site to the testing laboratory or store, a sample list of all
disturbed, undisturbed and water samples shall be prepared in respect of each of the Works and a copy of this
list shall be submitted to the Engineer.
After the completion of fieldwork the Contractor shall submit, within 7 days, 1 copy of the draft factual
fieldwork report. The report shall contain written descriptions of the location of the Works, the techniques
used for all field operations, details of all field tests and observations, detailed diagrams of all observations,
and dimensioned large-scale site plans showing the accurate location of each of the Works. The report shall
be of international paper size A4. The information required in the Final Fieldwork Report is indicated in
Appendix A.
On receipt of the Engineer’s approval of the draft report the Contractor shall prepare and submit the required
number of bound copies of the final reports. Each copy shall contain one set of the core photographs.
Upon completion of the laboratory works, the Contractor shall submit the required number of copies of a final
laboratory report to the Engineer.
In all cases, the Contractor shall submit the final report within the Contract period.
1.13 Units and Accuracy of Measurement

The Contractor shall make and report measurements taken during the fieldwork and the results of
laboratory tests in the units and to the accuracies stated in Appendix D.
1.14 Location of Boreholes and Trial Pits

The actual locations shall be agreed between the Engineer and the Contractor on Site prior to the
commencement of the Works. The Contractor shall be responsible for setting out the trial pit or borehole and
the accurate location of position and level.
The positions of pits and holes shall be determined within an accuracy of +0.01 m in easting and +0.01 m in
northing. The survey shall be repeated if the plotted grid references show discrepancies in relation to adjacent
topographical features or other holes. The levels of the ground shall be determined in relation to Principal
Datum, within an accuracy of +0.01 m. The levelling shall be repeated if the results show discrepancies in
relation to adjacent topographical features or other holes.
The sequence of trial pits and boreholes shall be agreed with the Engineer's representative prior to drilling
commencing. The reference number allocated by the Engineer shall be the only number used for all records
or labels.
TS/SI4
1.15 Starting Pits

The Contractor shall start all drillholes by means of a hand excavated inspection pit. A starting pit not less
than 0.25 m2 in plan and not less than 1.5 m deep shall be excavated by hand at the Site of each vertical
borehole unless otherwise instructed by the Engineer. Hand operated power tools may be used to assist
excavation where hard strata cannot be broken out without the use of such tools.
If any underground utilities or other unnatural obstacles are encountered these shall be reported to the
Engineer's Representative and no further work shall proceed until further instructions are given.
Drilling shall not commence until the presence or otherwise of any services/utilities has been established. The
positions, depths and dimensions of any services encountered shall be measured and recorded as part of the
reporting.
The Contractor shall indemnify the Employer against all claims relating to damage to services.
1.16 Standing Time

The Engineer's Representative may give instructions for drilling to cease at any time for the purpose of
making observations relating to ground water movements or to await instructions for testing or sampling.
Where this period exceeds half an hour, a standing time at the rate quoted in the schedule will be paid.
Reimbursement for delay for any other reason will not be entertained.
1.17 Making Good

The Contractor shall confine his operations to the minimum area required for the investigation, whether in the
vicinity of the Works or on the access route thereto, to the satisfaction of the Engineer. He/she shall be
responsible for any direct or indirect damage caused to crops, stock or property due to his/her failure to carry
out such restoration.
The Contractor shall not remove any plant or material from a trial pit, borehole or other investigation station
until he/she receives permission from the Engineer. Upon receiving instructions from the Engineer, the
Contractor shall backfill the trial pit, borehole or other investigation station by the method detailed in this
Specification or agreed with the Engineer.
1.18 Power and Water Supply

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining water and power supply for his/her use on Site.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the provision of sufficient power, water and any other services
required for the execution of the Works within and around the Site.
1.19 Disturbance
The Works has to be carried out in such a manner as not to cause undue disturbance to the public.
TS/SI5
The Contractor shall not inflict undue disturbance upon the occupants at or near the Site. In particular, the
working hours, the location of site storage and the method of transportation in the vicinity of the Site shall be
agreed with the Engineer prior to commencement of field works.
1.20 Protection of Trees

Trees within the Site and the working area shall not be felled and they shall be protected to ensure that they
will not be damaged.
1.21 Cleanliness of Site

The Contractor shall remove all rubbish, debris, cement bags, disused formwork, etc., as they accumulate on
the Site, at least once weekly, and clean the areas by sweeping and flushing with water as necessary so that the
Site is kept constantly clean and tidy during the progress of the Contract.
The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that no earth, debris, or rock is deposited on public or private
right of way as a result of the Works, including any deposits arising from the movement of plant and vehicles.
The Contractor shall clean all vehicles and plant before they leave the Site to ensure that no earth, mud, debris,
etc. is deposited by them on the roads.
The Contractor shall provide all facilities and labour required for complying with this Clause.
2. Rotary Drilling
2.1 Depth of Drillhole

Unless directed otherwise by the Engineer, drillholes will normally be terminated at 3 m below the toe of the
existing slope or after penetrating a thickness of 5 m of continuous grade III or better rock with total core
recovery greater than 85%, or as specified on the Drawings, and upon approval by the Engineer.
2.2 Inspection Pit

Small disturbed samples shall be taken every 0.5 m in all Common Ground layers encountered in the
inspection pit for logging purposes, commencing at ground level or below any concrete or road surfacing
layers.
2.3 Drilling Rig

The Contractor shall bring to the Site and maintain in good working order rotary drilling machines with
variable torque capacity of up to 1000 Newton-metre (Nm). The drill pressure shall be regulated hydraulically
and be measurable at all times during the drilling process. The machine shall include a method of retaining
soil particles or cuttings returned by the flushing medium.
TS/SI6
Drilling rigs shall be of the hydraulic feed type having the capacity to drive a rotary tool tipped with diamonds
or tungsten carbide and able to drill in the sizes and to the depths specified. The Contractor may be required
to drill holes inclined to the vertical.
The weight of each rig shall be such that a force of 12 kN can be applied to the drilling bit without movement
of the rig. If the weight of the rig is insufficient for this purpose, the rig shall be anchored down.
Drilling rigs shall be capable of providing stable drill-string rotation at speeds in the range 50-1250 rpm. and
have a minimum ram stroke length of 600 mm. The rigs shall also be fitted with a hydraulic feed pressure
gauge of appropriate scale. A rigid rod, clearly graduated in 10 mm increments shall be permanently attached
to and parallel with the hydraulic feed rams, in order to provide a means of measuring penetration and
estimating penetration rates.
2.4 Drilling Rig Ancillary Equipment

Where the flushing medium is water a ‘Triplex’ type pump shall be provided which shall be equipped with a
gear box and capable of delivering up to 2 litres/sec. The pump shall incorporate a ‘surge’ bottle to reduce
fluctuations in water pressure and the suction hose shall at all times be fitted with a suitable filter.
A full by-pass system shall be provided, allowing the operator full control of water flow from zero to
maximum pump delivery rate.
A pressure gauge shall be directly fitted into the water supply line on ‘downstream’ side of the by-pass valve.
The pressure gauge shall be capable of operating in the range 0 to 2000 kN/m2.
The Contractor shall provide recent certified calibrations for all gauges and measuring equipment in use.
2.5 Drilling
The Contractor shall ensure that all equipment and components are maintained in a good, clean, lubricated
condition and otherwise maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
No vertical hole shall deviate from the vertical direction by more than ±1:75. Inclined holes shall not deviate
from the specified inclination by more than ±1:75.
To provide consistency of measurements, and to ensure that the coring equipment is functioning as efficiently
as possible, the following general drilling techniques shall be adopted as standard practice:
• Taping of drillhole depth relative to temporary marker using an accurate metric tape after each core run.
The level of the temporary marker shall be measured daily to ensure the depth measurements are
referenced to a working level.
• Measurement and calculation of drillhole depth shall be relative to temporary marker after each core run
summing the total length of core barrel and drill rods.
• No drill run shall exceed 1.5 m in length. If core recovery in any one run is less than 80%, the length of the
subsequent run shall not exceed 0.5 m.
• Ensure drill position is maintained such that the drill rods remain central within the drillhole.
• Restriction of the flush medium flow rate to the minimum required for the maintenance of reasonable
TS/SI7
progress.
• Immediate removal of non-retractable core barrels on change of materials from hard to soft and
replacement with retractable core barrel (vice-versa for soft to hard).
• In water flush holes when a retractable core barrel is in use, completing the final 50 mm of each run
without water.
• Smooth removal of drill rods and core barrel from the drillhole.
• Hosing out of core barrel and sediment catcher after each core run. Check the core barrel length is equal to
the empty standard length to ensure the barrel is fully cleared prior to taking another core length.
• Advance casing by a rotary action without surging.
• Avoid advancing casing beyond the depth penetrated by the core barrel.
• For MLC core barrels, a loading device shall be used for the replacement of the extrusion piston.
• Frequent checks on the ball valves and extrusion tests to check for leakage pass the piston.
• Retractable core barrels should be checked to ensure free movement of the retractable shoe against the
tensioning spring.
2.6 Flushing Medium

The flushing medium used shall be water for vertical and raking boreholes and air for horizontal boreholes
unless another medium is specifically agreed with the Engineer.
The drilling fluid shall be water. The Contractor may only use a drilling fluid other than the specified fluid if
he/ she obtains the consent in writing of the Engineer. The Contractor shall specify in his/her method
statement the chemical composition, mix proportion and means of disposal.
2.7 Casing
The Contractor shall provide sufficient casing and bits to provide support of the sides of boreholes through
unstable ground or to stabilise caving ground
The size of casing and drill rods in use shall be appropriate for the size of core barrel in use.
All casing and drill rods shall be straight and in good condition, and shall be thoroughly cleaned before use to
ensure that all scale, dirt, and other loose materials are removed.
Only standard nominal lengths of casing and drill rods shall be used. The mixing of imperial and metric
lengths shall not be permitted.
Short lengths of casing, not greater than the ram stroke length, shall be available to enable casing to be
advanced after each core run where necessary.
2.8 Core Barrel

All core cutters/bits shall be in good condition and without damage. The Engineer shall inspect core cutters/
bits with the Contractor and request for a replacement if not satisfied with the quality.
TS/SI8
All core barrels shall be equipped with sediment catcher tube. The tube shall have the same external diameter
as the core barrel, and its length shall be approximately 0.75 m. The upper edge shall be curved slightly
inwards to prevent fouling the side of the drillhole on withdrawal of the core barrel.
The Contractor shall provide double tube swivel core barrels capable of obtaining cores of nominal diameters
of 84 mm, 76 mm and 54 mm unless otherwise instructed by the Engineer.
The Contractor shall provide single tube core barrels capable of obtaining cores of nominal diameter of 76
mm by dry drilling in soft ground. The barrels shall be fitted with tungsten carbide or diamond tipped bits
which shall be replaced as necessary to maintain good quality core recovery.
When drilling in soil the core barrels shall be triple tube core barrels of MLC or Mazier type. Triple tube
swivel core barrels capable of obtaining cores of nominal diameter 54 mm (NMLC) as specified by the
Engineer's Representative.
The Engineer may require solid rock to be cored with a triple tube core barrel but normally thin walled double
tube core barrels will be used. The core barrels shall be approved by the Engineer, all accessories and spare
parts shall be as supplied or recommended by the manufacturer. Details of the manufacturers and that of
tungsten carbide and diamond core bits shall be given by the Contractor prior to the rotary drilling works.
2.9 Extraction of Cores

Core shall be extracted from double tube barrels using a hydraulic extruder. The extruder shall apply a
continuous pressure to one end of the core whilst the barrel is in a horizontal position.
Cores from split-tube triple tube core barrels shall be carefully removed from the core barrels using hydraulic
pressure, and be carefully transferred into split plastic tubes of the same internal diameter as the split inner
tubes such that the cores fits tightly into the tube and is not free to rotate. The split plastic tubes shall be
completely sealed with adhesive tape.
The extracted cores shall be properly stored in the core box immediately. If instructed by the Engineer, or the
recovered core is heavily jointed or fragmented and is likely to be disturbed during transportation, it shall also
be wrapped in self-clinging transparent film, or similar approved by the Engineer.
2.10 Drill Runs

The maximum permitted length of drill run will be 2 meters. When drilling through soft or fractured rock the
drill run may be reduced to a maximum of 0.5 metre when directed by the Engineer's Representative or to a
maximum of 0.2 metre when drilling dry.
2.11 Core Recovery

Rotary core drilling shall be carried out in order to permit 100% total core recovery. Total core recovery of
less than 90% will not be acceptable for payment unless the Engineer's Representative certifies that it is
impractical in the prevailing rock conditions. If the Contractor persistently achieves total core recoveries of
less than 100% then he/she shall review the method of drilling and equipment in order to improve his/her
performance.
TS/SI9
After being brought to the surface the rock core shall be extracted from the barrel under steady continuous
applied pressure or other method designed to produce minimum disturbance. The core shall then be placed
immediately in the core box which shall be carefully transported to the sample stores after the completion of
each borehole.
2.12 Core Box

Core boxes shall have a dimension of 105 cm x 45 cm x 9 or 12 cm and shall be constructed of sound timber
with a lid having secure fastenings and shall be to the approval of the Engineer.
The box shall be fitted with metal hinges, hasp and staple. Rope strands shall be attached to each end of the
core box for lifting. Boxes shall be made to hold the core tightly in place in rows separated by wood slats.
The box is to be able to withstand the weight of the cores, stacking of the boxes and handling, and be
sufficiently water-tight to protect the core from rain.
Core boxes and samples should be labelled on the outside and where possible on the inside as well. The
labelling should be done with a waterproof marker and should give the following information: -
• Project / Contract name
• Drillhole number
• Sample number or core box number
• Depth below ground level of the top and bottom of the sample
• For driven samples the number of blows required to drive the sample tube
• Contractor’s name
• Date obtained
The depths at which each core run started and finished shall be marked by sign pen across the fracture to
allow re-orientation of the core.
Until the boxes containing the cores are transported from the Site they shall be neatly stored at the
drillhole locations in such a manner that inspection of the cores can easily be made. The boxes shall be
stored under secure cover and protected from the weather to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
All core boxes shall be carefully transported to avoid damage and disturbance to the contents. The boxes
shall be referenced and indexed in a secure, covered core store to prevent degradation. Each box shall be
indexed in a referenced store location for easy retrieval.
If the sampled core is damaged, the Engineer shall instruct a new drillhole to recommence.
2.13 Packing of Cores

As the core is extruded it shall be arranged in the box in proper sequence starting with the shallowest core
on the left side nearest the hinge and then working along the slat and subsequently outwards towards the
hasp. Slats shall be positioned and secured such that the core is restrained from movement. Core boxes
shall not contain more than 50 kg of core.
TS/SI10
Wooden partition blocks not less than 25 mm in thickness shall be placed at the beginning and end of each
box and at the end of each core run. These blocks shall be marked with the depth below ground level in
waterproof marking in numbers at least 20 mm high and facing the box lid.
Core losses shall be shown by wooden blocks or polystyrene of a square cross-section to fill the core space
and of a length equal to the core loss. Sealed Mazier samples may be stored separately from the core box,
but the position of the Mazier sample shall be indicated in the core box.
2.14 Wash Boring

Wash boring with the equipment and methods complying with the requirements of Clauses 2.3 to 2.9 with the
additional provision that sampling and in-situ testing described in Clauses 3.1 and 3.6 can be carried out if
approved by the Engineer.
2.15 Ground Water Observation

The level of water in the borehole shall be recorded at the following times:
(a) When water is first detected during the drilling process.
(b) When any strike, seepage or water loss occurs during the drilling process.
(c) At the beginning and end of each day or shift.
(d) After completion of the borehole.
When required by the Engineer the Contractor shall cease drilling operations for a period not exceeding half
an hour for the purpose of observing the ground water level. After the completion of each borehole the
borehole shall be left open overnight or for a period not less than 4 hours during working hours for the
purpose of observing ground water levels. In this case the Engineer may require the casing to be left in the
hole or to be partially or completely withdrawn whilst the observations are made.
The Contractor shall provide for the sole use of the Engineer an electrically operated water level indicator
for use in drillholes, standpipes and piezometers. He/she shall maintain this throughout the Contract period
and shall provide the Engineer with a replacement whilst it is under repair. It shall be capable of
measuring depths to water levels of up to 60m below ground level.
2.16 Backfilling Drillholes

Drillholes in which the Engineer has not directed the installation of a standpipe or piezometer shall be
backfilled with a 1:15 cement/sand mixture or other grout to the approval of the Engineer to within 1
metre of ground surface and thereafter with soil or construction material in the same sequences and
thicknesses as it was originally found.
Unless otherwise instructed, the cement grout shall:

(a) consist of ordinary Portland cement, sand and water;
(b) have a water cement ratio as low as possible consistent with the necessary workability, but under no
circumstances shall the water-cement ratio exceed one; and
(c) mixed mechanically for a minimum of 2 minutes and until a uniform colloid consistency is obtained.
TS/SI11
The grout shall be pumped into the bottom of the hole using a tremie pipe, the end of which shall, if there
is water in the drillhole, always be below the grout/water interface. Where casing has been installed in a
hole, it shall be gradually withdrawn and in non-cohesive material the grout shall be maintained above the
bottom of the casing during withdrawal.
No drillhole shall be filled nor the casing withdrawn, without the Engineer’s permission.
The Engineer may instruct that certain pits or holes shall not be backfilled, in which case supports (i.e. casing)
shall be left in and the provisions of the above shall not apply. These pits or holes shall be, where required,
adequately fenced and/or covered to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
2.17 Logging of Samples

The cores shall be logged by the Contractor’s geologist and the Contractor shall prepare final records of the
drillholes as in Appendix E, and the legend and classification shall be in accordance with Appendix B.
2.18 Photographs of Core

Each core box containing cores shall be photographed in colour by the Contractor with the information
given on the core box label. Unsealed rock cores shall be thoroughly wetted prior to photographing.
Each photograph shall include:

• a slate giving the details on the core box label.
• a scale marked in 100 mm units laid the full length of the box.
• a colour-chart as made by Kodak Ltd.
The photographs shall be taken normal to the core box and so that the box substantially fills the frame.
Colour prints of a minimum size 127 mm x 86 mm and negatives or CD Rom with computer files of jpeg-
format for the digital photographs taken by digital camera of 5 Mega pixel or higher resolution shall be
supplied.
2.19 Standpipes and Piezometers

When directed by the Engineer the Contractor shall install Standpipes or Piezometers to the Specification
given in Appendix F.
Within three working days of the completion of the installation of any piezometer or standpipe the
Contractor shall carry out response tests in order to prove the successful operation of the installation to the
satisfaction of the Engineer. Before any response test is carried out the Contractor shall give the Engineer
at least 1 working day prior notice and the test shall be carried out in the following manner:
(a) Record water level in piezometer/standpipe.
(b) Fill the piezometer/standpipe tube to the top with water.
(c) Record the fall of the water level as a distance from the top of the tube after the following elapsed
times (minutes): 0, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 45 and 60 or until water level has returned to its initial
level.
TS/SI12
Results of all response tests shall be presented to the Engineer within one working day of completion of
each test and shall be included in the fieldwork report. The format is given in Appendix G.
After completion of the response test in each piezometer/standpipe, the Contractor shall monitor the water
level twice daily for two weeks and the results shall be handed to the Engineer daily and also incorporated
in the fieldwork report.
During the Maintenance Period, the Contractor shall continue monitoring the water level of piezometers/
standpipes once per week until the end of the Maintenance Period. All monitoring records shall be
submitted to the Engineer within one week after monitoring. At the end of the Maintenance Period the
Contractor shall perform at least two response tests on each standpipe/piezometer. Results of all response
tests shall be presented to the Engineer for agreement within three days of completion before application
for Maintenance Certificate.
2.20 Water Samples

Samples of water shall be taken from boreholes when directed by the Engineer. Where possible the
sample obtained shall be representative of the ground water without dilution or contamination by drilling
water or other sources. In some cases it will be necessary to bale out water from the borehole and allow
ingress of material water before sampling. The samples shall be placed in glass jars with screw caps and
airtight sealing rings.
3. Sampling and In-Situ Testing for Boreholes
3.1 Mazier Samples

Mazier undisturbed samples shall be taken where instructed by the Engineer, using a Mazier triple tube
core barrel fitted with a detachable durable clear ABS plastic liner, approximately 72 mm internal
diameter by 1000 mm long, having a detachable projecting cutting shoe which shall project 50 mm below
the base of the bit, and insulates the core sample from the drilling fluid.
The length of the first part of the sample drive shall be adjusted so that the lower part of the sample is
obtained in one full advance of the ram.
Samples shall be sealed after cleaning disturbed soil from the ends of the samples by coating the ends with
three successive thin films of just molten microcrystalline wax.
3.2 Undisturbed Tube Samples

The Contractor may be required to obtain undisturbed tube samples. These will be either 75 mm or 100
mm diameter and shall be obtained by the use of either or both percussion driven or pushed thin-walled
samples as directed. The minimum recovery shall be 80% of the tube length.
The ends of the samples shall be sealed with wax after any disturbed material has been removed. Each
sample tube shall be labelled both externally and inside the end caps. The top and bottom of each sample
shall also be labelled.
TS/SI13
3.3 Driven Samples

Undisturbed samples of Superficial Deposits shall be taken in drillholes when instructed by the Engineer
using approved 100 mm to 102 mm (for U100) or 76 mm to 78 mm (for U76) diameter open drive sample
tubes. The tubes shall be made from thin walled seamless cadmium plated or stainless steel not less than
450 mm in length fitted with a cutting shoe tapered at an angle not exceeding 20°. The area ratio of the
sample tube cutting shoes shall not exceed 30% and inside clearance between the shoe and each tube shall
not exceed 2% unless a core retainer is used, in which case the inside clearance shall not exceed 4%. Each
sample tube shall have the word “TOP” marked on its exterior at one end. The minimum recovery shall be
80% of the tube length. When instructed by the Engineer double U76 samples shall be taken. The
minimum recovery shall be 80% of the combined length of the sample tubes.
3.4 Thin Walled Samples

Thin-walled samplers are used for soils that are particularly sensitive to sampling disturbance, and consist
of a thin-wall tube whose lower end is shaped to form a cutting edge with an area ratio of about 10%.
For 75 mm diameter samplers the sampling tube shall be at least 300 mm long and for 100 mm samples
the tube shall be 450 mm long. When sampling in soft to firm cohesive soils the double tube technique
shall be employed. Two connected tubes shall be driven a distance of 900 mm into the soil. The tubes
shall be separated after recovery and the lower tube shall be retained as the sample.
Thin-walled samplers shall be pushed into the ground in one continuous static thrust.
3.5 Piston Samples

Disturbance at the base of a drillhole in weak soil will occur below a certain depth because of stress relief.
Piston samples penetrating well below the base of the drillhole shall be used under these conditions.
Undisturbed samples of superficial deposits shall be taken in drillholes when instructed by the Engineer
using a thin-walled stationary piston sampler. The sample tube shall be 1000 mm long and formed from
stainless steel with an integral cutting edge and shall be available with an internal diameter of 100 mm or
75 mm (±1 mm). The area ratio of the tube should not exceed 10% with a cutting edge taper angle not
exceeding 15°. Inside clearance shall be 0%. No lateral movement shall be allowed during the actual
sampling operation and the sample tube shall be pushed smoothly at a steady rate into the material to be
sampled in one continuous movement. The design and performance of the sampler shall be such that a
vacuum is formed over the retained sample in the tube. The minimum recovery shall be 90% of the tube
length.
The Contractor shall fabricate purpose-built core boxes for transporting and storing all piston samples in a
vertical position in the correct orientation. Each vertical box shall be used to transport two piston samples.
These boxes shall be robust, water-tight, and shall be fitted with hinged top and attaching rope strands.
The inside of the box shall be provided with styrofoam padding which holds the samples tightly in place.
TS/SI14
3.6 In-situ Penetration Tests

Standard Penetration Tests shall be carried out in accordance with Section 3.3 of BS 1377-9:1990.
All external and internal faces of the sampler shall be smooth and free from scars made by tools and rocks.
A cone ended adaptor with a 30° half angle shall be available to replace the open ended driving shoe for
use in gravelly soils when directed by the Engineer.
The tests shall be carried out using a rig equipped with an automatic release trip hammer as manufactured
by Pilcon Engineering Ltd, or similar approved.
The results shall be reported as the number of blows for 75 mm increments of penetration. The first 150
mm penetration is the seating drive and the “N” value is to be recorded as the sum of the number of blows
for the next 300 mm penetration (or penetration produced by 100 blows).
e.g. (4, 6,) 7, 9, 12, 16 N=44
If any increment of 75 mm penetration (including the seating drive) is not achieved after 100 blows of the
drive hammer, or where the total number of blows, excluding the seating drive, reach 200, the number of
blows and the penetration achieved (in millimetres) shall be recorded and the test shall be terminated.
e.g. Blows/75 mm: 18, 31, 100/50 mm
or Blows/75 mm: 18, 40, 60, 90, 50/30 mm, 200/180 mm
The water level in the hole at the time of the test shall be recorded. When testing below the ground water
table particular care shall be taken to maintain the water level in the drillhole at or above the ground water
level.
When instructed by the Engineer, the Standard Penetration Test split spoon sampler shall be provided with
a thin smooth stainless steel or similar approved liner of 35 mm internal diameter. After withdrawing the
sampler from the hole the liner containing the sample shall be treated in the same manner as an
undisturbed sample on the daily site records and both the preliminary and final drillhole records.
The sample obtained during the test shall be protected by a liner tube and this tube sample shall be
preserved.
3.7 Labelling of Samples

Immediately after being taken, each sample shall be identified by a label. The label shall be clearly legible
and durable. The label shall show the following information:
(a) Name of Client, Contract and the Site.
(b) Date of sampling.
(c) Borehole and sample reference number (The number shall be unique for that borehole and shall be in
order of depth below ground level).
(d) Depth below ground level from which sample obtained.
(e) Type of Sample.
(f) The top of the sample.
(g) Brief description of soil/rock.
TS/SI15
(h) The signature or mark of the foreman.
For jar, undisturbed and bulk samples, a stick-on label covered with a transparent plastic sheet shall be
secured with adhesive tape to the body of the jar or container.
For core samples stored in core boxes, a stapled card, stick-on label or permanent ink shall be used
externally on the front of the box and repeated inside. The borehole reference number shall be written in
permanent ink or paint on each end of the core box.
3.8 Transportation and Storage of Samples

Whilst on Site all samples shall be stored securely and protected from the effects of the weather. Undisturbed
soil samples shall be stored and delivered in a wooden crate of appropriate dimensions. The samples shall be
kept in an upright position with a separate compartment for each sample. The compartment shall be properly
padded and the lower end of the sample shall be placed in the bottom of the compartment.
Samples shall be collected from the Site of each borehole at least twice weekly and delivered to the
Contractor's store or a laboratory nominated by the Engineer. The samples shall not be disturbed during
transportation, handling and storage.
4. Trial Pits
4.1 Excavation
Trial pits are required for the inspection, sampling and in-situ testing of the soil and to enable the Engineer
to examine the ground.
The plan dimensions at the bottom of a trial pit shall be at least 1.2 m x 1.2 m except otherwise shown on
the Drawings. The sides of trial pits shall be vertical and trimmed by manual methods to remove all
disturbed material.
Trial pits are to be dug by hand or machine to the depth specified by the Engineer. Hand operated power
tools may be needed to assist excavation where hard strata cannot be broken out without the use of such
tools. No unnecessary or excessive disturbance shall be caused to the area around the trial pit.
The Contractor shall start all trial pits located within urban areas and within the boundaries of public
highways, and elsewhere, if the presence of underground services or drains is expected, by means of a
hand excavated inspection pit.
The positions, depths and dimensions of all services encountered shall be measured and recorded as part of
the report. The Contractor shall indemnify the Employer against all claims relating to damage to services.
4.2 Safety Measures

Shoring shall be provided as necessary to ensure the safety of personnel working in the trial pit.
Pumps, hoses and other equipment shall be provided to ensure that the trial pit is kept free from water.
TS/SI16
Material excavated from the trial pit should be stockpiled in such a manner that it does not fall back into
the pit or cause instability to the sides of the excavation by surcharging the adjacent ground.
If the trial pits are left open unattended, the Contractor shall erect protective barriers and such lighting as
is necessary to prevent the public access; and cover the pits to prevent the entry of rainwater.
4.3 Shoring Access and Protection

The sides of the trial pits shall be shored in such a manner that the natural ground shall be clearly visible
throughout the full height of each face. The construction of the shoring shall be such that technical staff
can move around freely while sampling and carrying out in-situ tests in the base and sides of the pits, and
shall be adequate at all times to ensure the safety of people working in the pit.
A strong ladder of a length greater than the depth of the trial pit shall be provided for the use of the
Engineer at the time of his/her inspection of the trial pit.
4.4 Records
Records of the trial pit shall be kept on the Site and a report shall be submitted to the engineer within 7
days after each trial pit has been excavated. The trial pits shall be logged by the Contractor’s geologist and
the Contractor shall prepare final records of the trial pits in a format similar to the record sheet in
Appendix H. The reports shall contain the following details:
• Details shown, and in the format shown in the record sheet in Appendix H and Figure 7 of Geoguide 2
• Details of depths and rate of ground water seepage
• Water levels, including dates and details of fluctuation
• Two sets of photographs or composite photographs as stated below. The photograph of each face of
the trial pit shall occupy the full height of an A4 size page.
Each trial pit shall be photographed as soon as excavation is complete. The full face of each of the sides
and the bottom of the trial pit shall be photographed individually. Colour specimen prints of a minimum
size 127 mm x 86 mm shall be supplied to the Engineer for review. The photographs shall contain the
following information:
• Number of trial pit and site reference
• A Kodak colour chart and a coloured measuring scale divided into 0.5 m increments placed alongside
the trial pit face.
Trial pits shall be photographed and logged by a suitably qualified engineer or geologist.
4.5 Backfilling of Trial Pits

No trial pit shall be backfilled without the prior consent of the Engineer's Representative.
Unless otherwise instructed, trial pits shall be backfilled using the previously excavated material. The backfill
material shall be compacted until the original ground level is restored. Compaction for trial pits shall be
mechanically performed in successive layers of not more than 150 mm thick. Sufficient compaction of the
TS/SI17
backfilled layers should be carried out to ensure that there is no subsequent settlement of the backfilled trial pit.
The ground surface shall be restored to its condition prior to the excavation, i.e. any stone pitching, chunam,
paving, concrete or turf is to be replaced. The area around the trial pit shall be made good, including fences,
barriers or access paths, to the Engineer’s or Owners’ satisfaction.
On completion of backfilling and prior to any reinstatement of the ground surface at the location of any trial
pits, a set of GCO Probe tests shall be carried out unless otherwise instructed by the Engineer. The test results
of the GCO Probe tests shall be submitted with the relevant daily site records for each trial pit excavated.
The backfilled material shall be compacted such that the average GCO Probe test value of the post-backfilled
set of probes at any level within the excavation depth of the pit excavation shall be at least 10 blows/100 mm.
Notwithstanding this requirement, any subsequent depression of the ground shall be filled in and compacted
by the Contractor.
The Engineer may instruct that certain pits or holes shall not be backfilled, in which case supports (i.e. casing)
shall be left in and the provisions of the above shall not apply. These pits or holes shall be, where required,
adequately fenced and/or covered to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
5. Sampling and In-Situ Testing for Trial Pits
5.1 Sampling
The trial pits will be inspected by the Engineer. During the inspection, full time attendance of a technical
assistant who shall be familiar with the processes of sampling and in situ testing of soils shall be provided
by the Contractor. The technical assistant shall have available equipment to take and preserve small and
bulk disturbed or undisturbed samples as directed by the Engineer: -
(a) CBR mould (w/cutting collar and driving collar)
(b) 102 mm diameter sample tube (to be driven by jacking)
(c) 38 mm diameter sample tube (to be driven by jacking)
(d) Undisturbed block samples (minimum size 250 mm cube)
Disturbed samples shall be obtained during excavation of the trial pit.
Disturbed and undisturbed samples shall be placed in a container and adequately sealed to prevent the
changes in water content. It should be ensured that samples taken are representative of the ground encountered.
5.2 In-Situ Testing

Where instructed, in-situ density tests should be carried out in accordance with BS 1377-9 and representative
samples of the soil being tested should be taken to determine the moisture content of the soil.
In-situ density tests will also be required and the equipment to carry out these tests by the sand
replacement method in accordance with Geospec 3 Section 11 shall be provided.
GCO probes if required are to be carried out, at locations and to a depth, as specified by the Engineer.
TS/SI18
5.3 Groundwater
The level of water in the trial pit shall be recorded at the following times:-
(a) When seepage is first encountered.
(b) When any seepage occurs in the excavation.
(c) At the beginning and end of each day.
(d) At the completion of the trial pit.
5.4 Labelling, Transportation and Storage of Samples

Immediately after sampling each sample shall be labelled. The label shall be clearly legible and durable and
shall clearly show the following information:-
(a) Name of Client, Contract and the Site
(b) Date of sampling
(c) Trial pit and sample reference number (The number shall be unique for that trial pit and shall be in order
of depth below ground level)
(d) Depth below ground level from which sample was obtained
(e) Type of sample
(f) Location and orientation of the sample
(g) Brief description of the soil/rock
(h) The signature or mark of the foreman.
All samples shall be protected from the effects of the weather, transported to the laboratory and sort prior to
testing. The samples shall not be disturbed during transportation, handling and storage.
6. Laboratory Testing
All samples are to be described, in accordance with Geoguide 3, before testing is carried out. All laboratory
testing will be in accordance with BS 1377:1990 and Geospec 3.
All laboratory testing records should be presented on typical data sheets and included in the site investigation
report or in a separate laboratory testing report.
6.1 Laboratory
The laboratory testing must at all times be supervised by either an engineer or senior technician who will
certify the accuracy of all information supplied to the Engineer. The minimum qualifications for the
supervisory staff shall be:-
• a degree engineer with 5 years experience or a chartered engineer. The engineer shall have 2 years’
experience in soils testing; or
• a person with at least 10 years in a soil testing laboratory and fully familiar with triaxial testing
procedures.
TS/SI19
The contractor or a specialist contractor entered into a sub-contract by the Contractor shall be accredited under
the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) for all the tests as listed in Geospec 3.
Accreditation of the tests shall be in accordance with Geospec 3 together with any of its Corrigenda which are
in force. The full scope of accreditation shall be maintained at all times.
The contractor or the specialist contractor entered into a sub-contract by the Contractor shall produce
HOKLAS test certificates for all the tests included in Geospec 3. The Contractor shall seek HOKLAS
accreditation and provide HOKLAS endorsed test certificates for any other tests ordered as soon as
accreditation for such tests is available from HOKLAS.
6.2 Laboratory Testing Reports

The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer within 5 days of the completion of any laboratory test copies of
the laboratory record and calculation sheets for the test.
The Contractor shall submit, within 7 days of the completion of the testing programme one copy of a draft
laboratory report for the Engineer’s comment and approval. The report shall contain all information gained
from the testing programme and such introductory pages and summary sheets as are necessary. The report
shall include all laboratory record and calculation sheets.
Upon receipt of written approval of the draft laboratory report from the Engineer, the Contractor shall, within
7 days, provide five copies of the final laboratory report.
6.3 Classification Tests

The following tests shall be carried out and reported in accordance with Geospec 3 or BS1377-2 as directed:
• Determination of the moisture content by the standard method, Geospec 3, Test Method 5.2.
• Determination of the liquid and plastic limits by the preferred method, Geospec 3, Test Method 6.1.
• Determination of specific gravity:
i) for medium and coarse grained soil by Test Method 7.1, Geospec 3, and
ii) for fine grained soils by Test Method 7.2, Geospec 3
During sample preparation the soil shall be dried at a temperature of not more than 80°C.
• Determination of particle size distribution
i) by the standard method of wet sieving, Test Method 8.1, Geospec 3. For Fill material, Test
Method 8.2, Geospec 3 shall be applied. The alternative method of dry sieving, according to
Section 9.3 of BS 1377-2:1990, may be applied when directed by the Engineer.
ii) of fine grained soils by the pipette method, Test Method 8.4, Geospec 3, or by the hydrometer
method, Test Method 8.6, Geospec 3.
A continuous particle size distribution (PSD) curve from the results of wet-sieving and sedimentation tests
on the same soil sample shall be constructed in accordance with Geospec 3, Test Method 8.7.
6.4 Chemical Tests

The following tests shall be carried out and reported in accordance with Geospec 3 or BS 1377-3 as directed:
TS/SI20
• Determination of the total sulphate content (Geospec 3, Test Method 9.3) and the pH value of the
soil/groundwater (Geospec 3, Test Method 9.5)
• If the total sulphate content determined by Geospec 3, Test Method 9.3 exceeds 0.20 per cent of the
dry weight of the soil, a 2:1 water/soil extract shall be prepared and tested for sulphate content,
• Determination of organic matter content of soil by Geospec 3, Test Method 9.1
6.5 Soil Compaction Tests

Compaction tests are to be carried out and reported in accordance with Test Method 10.2, Geospec 3.
6.6 Uniaxial Compression Tests

Unless otherwise directed by the Engineer, Uniaxial Compression Tests shall be based on Suggested
Methods for Determining the Uniaxial Compressive Strength and Deformability of Rock Materials ~ Int. J.
Rock. Mech. Min. Sci. & Geomech. Abstr. Vol. 16, No. 2, pp.135-140 (1979); or in accordance with
ASTM D4543 and ASTM D7012.
6.7 Point Load Tests

Point load tests shall be carried out on recovered rock cores as specified or directed by the Engineer. The
test shall be based on Suggested Method for Determining Point Load Strength (Revised Edition) ~ Int. J.
Rock Mech. Min. Sci. & Geomech. Abstr. Vol. 22, No. 2, pp.51-60 (1985); or in accordance with ASTM
D5731.
6.8 Triaxial Compression Test

The following tests shall be carried out and reported in accordance with Geospec 3 or BS 1377:1990 Parts
7 and 8 as directed.
The Contractor may be required to carry out the following forms of triaxial compressive shear strength
tests:
• Unconsolidated - undrained (UU)
• Consolidated - undrained (CU)
• Consolidated - drained (CD)
• Dead load (DL)
The UU tests shall be carried out and reported in accordance with Test Method 15.1, Geospec 3. CU and
CD testing shall be carried out and reported as specified in Test Methods 15.2 and 15.3, Geospec 3
respectively. The Engineer may vary these methods as considered appropriate.
DL testing procedure shall be as follows:-

The stresses specified shall be applied in an increment of cell pressure followed by an increment of
deviator load with a continuous record of volume change. Each stage shall commence when there is no
further volume change. Once equilibrium has been reached at the final stage, the pore water pressure shall
TS/SI21
be measured independently at the top and bottom of the specimen and shall not differ by more than 1
kN/m2.
6.9 Size of Specimens for Triaxial Tests

The sizes of the specimens to be tested shall be specified by their diameter. These may be any size
normally recovered during the ground investigation work. As a general practice, small specimens for
testing will not be obtained by reboring larger diameter ones. When the sample is of sufficient length, a
number of specimens may be required from each sample. If a sample contains insufficient or unsuitable
soil for testing, the Contractor shall inform the Engineer immediately, so that he/she can direct the use of
alternative samples.
6.10 Partial Saturation by Percolation

When partial saturation by percolation is specified, the specimen shall be inserted in the triaxial cell
without filter paper side drains. Low air entry (i.e. coarse) porous discs shall be used at either end of the
specimen.
The specimen shall be consolidated at the specified cell pressure with the pore fluid drained to
atmospheric pressure. After the consolidation stage water shall be percolated through the specimen via a
pair of burettes. Care shall be taken to prevent air locks developing in the system.
A head of water ‘h’ not exceeding 0.5 m shall be applied across the specimen by raising the level in
burette 2 above the level in burette 1. Percolation shall be started by opening a valve on the inlet line and
readings of inflow and outflow shall be taken at intervals of about 1 minute until the flow into the
specimen totals approximately 10 ml. The head ‘h’ shall then be reset to its initial value (0.5 m) and the
process repeated.
The process shall be repeated until the outflow equals the inflow over at least three consecutive cycles.
The specimen shall then be ready for the shearing stage.
When saturation by back pressure is required the following procedure shall be adopted:
(a) An undrained increment in cell pressure of 50 kN/m2 shall be applied. Adequate time shall be allowed
for the pore pressure response to stabilize. If the ratio of the pore pressure response to the increment
of cell pressure, hereinafter called B, is less than 0.97, or as decided by the Engineer, then :
(b) The back pressure shall be elevated to the value of the cell pressure minus 5 kN/m2. The drain shall
be opened and the volume change noted. An adequate time shall be allowed for this change to cease.
Procedure (a) shall then be repeated.
If B exceeds 0.97 then an increment in cell pressure of 250 kN/m2 shall be applied. The pore pressure
parameter B shall again be determined and if less than 0.97 the cell pressure shall be reduced so that an
increment of only 50 kN/m2 is applied and procedure (b) repeated. If B for the 250 kN/m2 increment in
cell pressure exceeds 0.97 then the cell pressure shall be taken up in increments of 50 kN/m2 or less to the
value of the specified effective consolidation pressure allowing pore water pressure stabilisation at each
increment.
TS/SI22
6.11 Rate of Strain for Triaxial Tests

The initial strain rate shall be 1% per hour. If at any time during shearing the measured pore pressure
exceeds 5% of the cell pressure the strain rate shall be reduced immediately by half. If the pore pressure
remains excessive, further instructions should be sought from the Engineer.
6.12 Definition of Shear Failure for Triaxial Tests

Shear failure for single stage shall be defined in terms of principal stress difference (principal stress minus
cell pressure) unless axial strain during shearing exceeds 20 per cent without a definitive maximum
deviator stress. In the multi-stage triaxial tests, the principal effective stress ratio (principal stress divided
by cell pressure) may be used to define shear failure subject to the Engineer’s agreement.
Where appropriate, the following corrections shall be applied when calculating the deviator stress and
indicated in the results:
(a) change in cross-sectional area (Bishop and Henkel, p.28);
(b) restraint from the rubber membranes and filter paper drains (Bishop and Henkel, p.167); and
(c) friction on the loading ram (Bishop and Henkel, p.174).
6.13 Reporting Triaxial Tests

The information reported for each triaxial test shall include the following, as applicable:
• Sample and specimen number
• Location and depth of sample
• Dimension of the specimen (mm)
• Moisture content (%) and bulk density before and after testing
• Description of soil in each specimen tested (including geological origin when it can be determined)
• Remarks on the state of the specimen before, during and after the test, including any preparation and
test anomalies
• Cell pressure and back pressure during consolidation (kN/m²)
• Pore-pressure parameter B for each increment of back-pressure
• Maximum pore-pressure parameter Bmax (being the maximum B value calculated for the 50 kPa
increments in cell pressure)
• Final value of pore-water pressure generated by the final undrained increment in cell pressure
Consolidation (for CU and CD):
• Volume change/square-root of time plot
• Computed coefficient of consolidation, coefficients of permeability and volume compressibility
Shearing Stage:
• Rate of compression strain (%/hour)
• Axial strain at maximum principal stress difference
• Axial strain at maximum principal effective stress ratio (for Cu and CD)
TS/SI23
• Tabulated stress, strain, volume change and pore pressure readings, and graphs of:
o principle stress difference against strain,
o principal effective stress ratio against strain (for CU and CD),
o pore water pressure against strain (for CU, CD and DL), and
o volume change against strain (for CD and DL with area and rubber membrane correction applied)
• A description of the specimen after failure (sketch with comments)
• Colour Photographic record of split specimen. One print of each photograph shall be attached to each
copy of the Draft Test Report and to each copy of the Final Test Report.
The results of the tests shall be portrayed graphically using a form agreed with the Engineer.
6.14 Photographic Record of Triaxial Test Specimens and Mazier/ Block Samples
A reference label, scale and a suitable Kodak colour comparator shall be placed together with the
specimen in the camera’s field of view and the photographs shall be taken at a scale agreed with the
Engineer. A copy of each photographic print, together with its negative or CD Rom with computer files of
jpeg-format for the digital photographs taken by digital camera of 5 Mega pixel or higher resolution shall
be included in the Final Test Report.
TS/SI24
APPENDIX A Report of Works
Report of Works shall include:
A1. Cover Page

The information shall including:
(a) Name of Client, Engineer and Contractor.
(b) Title of Contract, as stated on the cover page of these documents.
(c) Date of Report.
A2. Introductory
The text shall including:
(a) Description of site location.
(b) Date of investigation.
(c) Brief description and organization of the work including the methods of making holes, taking
samples, carrying out in-situ tests (if any) together with the name of sub-contractors and their
works and the total number and position of technical staff involved in the work.
(d) Detail description of drilling plant, casing sampler, standpipe and any other relevant field
equipment together with the detail description of method used in the site investigation.
(e) Co-ordinates and reduced ground level of boreholes.
(f) Details of description system, definitions, legend for symbols, abbreviation and other explanatory
notes used in the report such as colour photo of samples.
(g) All other relevant information.
A3. Borehole Records

The records shall including all information specified in the Appendix together with laboratory and field
test summaries. The test results shall be presented on the logs of holes and/or in graphical form as
appropriate.
A4. Plans and/or Drawings

The plan/drawing shall showing:
(a) Location of boreholes in the Site at a scale not less than 1:1000.
(b) Profile of borehole logs at a scale not less than 1: 500.
The Plan/Drawing shall include necessary information (i.e. contour lines, buildings, roads, etc.) and
shall be of A1, A2, A3 or A4 size page, and shall be bound together with the report.
The location of boreholes on the Plan/Drawing shall be defined by adjacent structure by measured
distances.
A5. Appendix
Appendix shall including records and results of all field and laboratory test.
TS/SI25
TS/SI26
APPENDIX B Checklist for Soil Description
TS/SI27
TS/SI28
APPENDIX B (Cont’d)
Supplementary Notes (For Guidance Only)
B1. Description of Rock shall include:
(a) Colour
It shall be based on a colour from Column 3 in the table below, supplemented if necessary by a
term from Column 2 and/or Column 1.
1 2 3
Light Pinkish Pink
Dark Reddish Red
Yellowish Yellow
Orangish Orange
Brownish Brown
Greenish Green
Bluish Blue
Purplish Purple
Grey
Greyish White
Black
(b) Grain Size

The terms recommended are :
Size of Component Particles Term Equivalent Soil Grade

> 200 mm Very coarse-grained Boulders
60 mm – 200 mm Very coarse-grained Cobbles
2 mm – 60 mm Coarse-grained Gravels
0.06 mm – 2 mm Medium-grained Sand
0.002 mm – 0.06 mm* Fine grained Silt
< 0.002 mm Very fine grained Clay
* (grains larger than 0.01 mm visible using x10 hand lens)
(c) Texture and Structure

The texture of a rock refers to individual grains and the arrangement of grains (referred to as the
rock fabric), which may show a preferred orientation. Structure is concerned with the larger-
scale inter-relationship of textural features.
Terms frequently used include sheared, cleaved, foliated, lineated, massive, flow-banded, veined,
porphyritic and homogenous.
(d) Discontinuities within the Mass
TS/SI29
Discontinuities are fractures in rock and include joints, fissures, faults, cleavages and irregular
shattering. It is essential to record the details of all discontinuities and an indication should be
given whether discontinuities are open or tight, healed, cemented or infilled, integral or incipient,
and whether the walls of the discontinuities are slicken sided, plane, curved, irregular, smooth or
rough. Large discontinuities should be individually described.
The following simple scheme is recommended for describing the spacing of discontinuities:
Term Spacing
Very widely spaced >2m
Widely spaced 600 mm - 2 m
Moderately spaced 200 mm - 600 mm
Closely spaced 60 mm - 200 mm
Very closely spaced 20 mm - 60 mm
Extremely closely spaced < 20mm
(e) Weathered State

The following classification shall be used in the description of weathered state of rock:
Term Grade Symbol Diagnostic Feature
Residual soil * VI Rock is discoloured and completely changed to a soil

in which original rock fabric is completely destroyed.
(Described as a soil according to BS EN ISO 14688)
Completely V Rock is completely decomposed and changed to a soil

weathered but original fabric is still recognized. It will
disintegrate into a mass of fine gravel, sand and
silt/clay particles when immersed in water. It often
cannot be recovered as core by ordinary diamond
drilling method.
(Described as a soil according to BS EN ISO 14688)
Highly IV
weathered Rock is intensely weathered, and will not disintegrate
when immersed in water. NX drill core can be broken
and crumbled by hand. Core can be recovered by
careful diamond drilling, but is often lost
Moderately III
weathered Rock considerably weathered throughout but possess
strength such that pieces of NX drill core cannot be
broken by an unaided hand.
Slightly II
weathered Rock distinctively weathered throughout its fabric. Its
strength approaches that of fresh rock.
Fresh Rock I
Unweathered rock lying immediately beneath the
various type of weathered granite.
* In granitic soil, the material consists essentially of quartz and kaolin with a clay content
TS/SI30
ranging from 20 to 40%. In the aerated zone close to the surface ferric oxide, resulting from
the oxidation of minerals containing iron, gives a characteristic red colour to the soil, which is
known locally as "red earth".
(f) Rock Name

Rock names should be technically correct and simple enough for general and field use; where
there is a need for greater precision, appropriate terms for minor lithological characteristics may
suffice. (Shall comply with Geoguide 3)
(g) Estimated Mechanical Strength of the Rock Material

Field estimations of rock strength may be made with a minimum of sample preparation on
irregularly shaped specimens using the point load test. The uniaxial compressive strength is
approximately sixteen times as great as the point load compressive strength, and a comparable
scale of strength would be as follows:
Term Point Load Strength (kN/m2)
Extremely strong > 12000

Very strong 6000 - 12000
Strong 3000 - 6000
Moderately strong 750 - 3000
Moderately weak 300 - 750
Weak 75 - 300
Very weak < 75
(h) Estimate of Mass Permeability

This is a field judgement of the likely magnitude of the permeability value k expressed in m/s
units for a mapped bed, group or formation. It should take into account both the intergranular
and the discontinuity components of flow. Ranges of k values are more realistic than single
values. The following descriptive scheme provides generalised values for jointed rock:
Rock Mass Permeability value

Description Term k (m/s)
Very closely to Highly 10-2 - 1

extremely closely permeable
spaced joints.
Closely to moderately Moderately 10-5 - 10-2

widely spaced joints. permeable
Widely to very widely Slightly 10-9 - 10-5

spaced joints. permeable
Unjointed, solid. Effectively < 10-9
TS/SI31
impermeable
(i) Other Relevant Information

Other information such as minor lithological characteristic (e.g. biotite granite), and terms
indicating special engineering characteristics shall be included where appropriate.
(k) Example of Rock Description

Light pinkish grey, coarse to very coarse grained, moderately widely spaced joints with
occasional vertical joints with an opening of 5mm, moderately weathered granite (MWG),
moderately strong to strong, effectively impermeable.
B2. Record of Core Recovery
The Total and Solid Core Recovery, Rock Quality Designation (RQD), and Fracture Frequency shall
be included in the record of borehole.
Total core recovery - The percentage ratio between total length of rock recovery and the
length of core drilled in a given run.
Solid core recovery - The percentage ratio between total length of solid core pieces at full
diameter and the length of core drilled in a given run.
Rock quality designation - The percentage ratio between total length of core pieces which are 10
cm in length or longer and the length of core drilled in a given run. If
the core is broken by handling or by the drilling process, the fresh
broken pieces are fitted together and count as one piece provided that
they form the required length of 10 cm.
Fracture frequency - The number of natural fractures present over a core run but not
including artificial discontinuities.
B3. Description of soil shall include:
(a) Colour
A simple subjective scheme, adequate for most soils, would involve a choice of colour from
Column 3 in the table below, supplemented if necessary by a term from Column 1 and/or
Column 2.
1 2 3
Light Pinkish Pink

Dark Reddish Red
Yellowish Yellow
TS/SI32
Orangish Orange
Brownish Brown
Greenish Green
Bluish Blue
Purplish Purple
White
Greyish Grey
Black
(b) In-situ Strength and Structure, including Discontinuities

The strength of soils by field assessment should be described with reference to the following
table:
Strength
Soil Types
Term Definition
Coarse grained soil Indurated Broken only with sharp pick blow, even
when soaked. Makes hammer ring.
Strong cemented Cannot be abraded with thumb or broken

with hands.
Weakly cemented Pick removes soil in lumps, which can be

abraded with thumb and broken with hands.
Compact Requires pick for excavation: difficult to

drive a 50 mm peg more than 50 to 100mm.
Loose Can be excavated with spade: a 50 mm

wooden peg can be easily driven.
Fine grained soils Hard Brittle or very tough.
Stiff Cannot be moulded with fingers.
Firm Moulded only by strong pressure of fingers.
Soft Easily moulded with fingers.
Very soft Exudes between fingers when squeezed.
Friable Non-plastic, crumbles in fingers.
Peat Firm Fibres compressed together.
TS/SI33
Spongy Very compressible and with an open

structure.
Plastic Can be moulded by hand and smeared

between fingers.
The relative density of sands (which influences the angle of internal friction, the ultimate bearing
capacity and the settlement of footings resting on sand), may be estimated with caution from the
results of the standard penetration test. The following table relates the number of blows applied
in the test using a trip hammer and the relative density of sands:
Term No. of blows / 300 mm penetration

Very dense > 50
Dense 31 – 50
Medium Dense 11 – 30
Loose 5 – 10
Very loose 0–4
The structure of soils should be described with reference to the following table:
Structure
Soil types
Term Definition
Coarse Soils Weathered Particles are weakened, and may show
concentric layering.
Homogeneous Material essentially of one type.
Layered Alternating layers of various types.
Thinly layered Stratified in thin layers.
Fine Soils Aggregated Strength decreases on working.

Weathered Usually exhibits crumb or columnar structure.
Fissured Breaks into polyhedral fragments along definite
unpolished discontinuities.
Intact Not fissured.
Homogeneous Material essentially of one types.
Layered Alternating layers of various types.
Thinly layered Stratified in thin layers.
Peat Fibrous, fine and Remains of plant easily recognizable, retains

coarse structure and some original strength;
fine: diameter less than 1 mm,
coarse: diameter greater than 1 mm.
TS/SI34
Amorphous-granular No recognizable plant remains.
(c) Weathered State

The degree of weathering will generally be visible only in recently formed natural exposures or
in cuts, pits, trenches, tunnels and in undisturbed samples from boreholes. The descriptive terms
in the following table shall be used:
Term Diagnostic Features
Completely weathered Soil discoloured and altered, with no trace of original structures.
Highly weathered Soil mainly altered with occasional small lithorelics of original
soil. Little or no trace of original structures. The ratio of original
soil to weathered soil should be estimated where possible.
Moderately weathered Soil is composed of large discoloured lithorelics of original soil

separated by altered material. Alteration penetrates inwards
from the surfaces of discontinuities. The ratio of original soil to
weathered soil should be estimated where possible.
Slightly weathered Material is composed of angular blocks of fresh soil, which may
or may not be discoloured. Some alteration starting to penetrate
inwards from discontinuities separating blocks.
Fresh Parent soil showing no discolouration, loss of strength or any

other defects due to weathering.
(d) Minor Lithological Characteristics

(1) Particle shape may be described with reference to:
o General form which may be described as equidimensional, flaky, elongated, flaky
and elongated and irregular.
o Angularity, which indicates the degree of rounding of corners, may be described as
rounded, sub-angular and angular.
o Surface texture of particles may be described as rough, smooth or polished.
(2) Additional terms for describing grading

The gravel, sand and silt ranges can each be subdivided into coarse, medium and fine
divisions. The grading of gravels and sands may be qualified as well graded, uniform
graded or gap-graded materials.
Subordinate amounts of a grade size other than that indicated by the soil name may be
indicated as follows:
Clean : sands and gravels with 0-5 percent in the fine fraction.
With some : with 5-20 percent of a specified particle size (silt or clay).
TS/SI35
Silty, Clayey : with 20-50 percent of non-plastic or plastic fines.

Gravelly, Sandy : with 20-50 percent of gravel or sand size material.
Any soil type in which organic matter is suspected to be an important constituent should
be qualified as organic.
(e) Soil Name

The soil name is based on particle size distribution and plastic properties. Determinations should
preferably be made on material from fresh exposures at its natural water content.
The classification of soils by grain size into gravel, sand, silt and clay corresponds to that already
given for rocks. Particles between 60 mm and 200 mm are cobbles, and those over 200 mm are
boulders; the proportions of these in the soil should be noted and the name qualified as necessary.
The remaining material should be named as follows:
Term Description
Coarse grained soils

Over half of material is coarse, GRAVEL Over half of coarse material
i.e. over 60 microns (visible to is of gravel size (2 mm – 60 mm)
naked eye)
SAND Over half of coarse material is of sand size
(2 mm – 60 microns)
Fine grained soils

Over half of material is fine, SILT Non-plastic fine grained soil (shows
i.e. under 60 microns (not dilatancy)
visible to naked eye)
CLAY Plastic fine grained soil
(f) Estimated mass behaviour to groundwater flow

This is a field judgement of the likely magnitude of the permeability value k expressed in m/s
units for a mapped bed, group or formation. Ranges of k values are more realistic than single
values.
Permeability Value
Soil Description
Term k (m/s)
Clean Gravels Highly permeable 10-2 – 1
Clean sands, sandy gravels and Moderately permeable 10-5 – 10-2

gravelly sands
Fine sands, silts, some Slightly permeable 10-9 – 10-5
TS/SI36
weathered clays
Clays Effectively impermeable < 10-9
(g) Other terms indicating special engineering characteristics

Common descriptive term should be used where possible. They should be quantified where
possible and defined if there is any possibility of ambiguity.
(H) Examples of Soil Description

Reddish brown, sub-angular, well graded, clean sandy GRAVEL, highly permeable.
B4. References
The following references will be found useful in the preparation of borehole records:
(a) The Preparation of Maps and Plans in Terms of Engineering Geology ~ The quarterly Journal of
Engineering Geology, Vol. 5, No. 4, 1972.
(b) The Logging of Rock Cores for Engineering Purposes ~ The quarterly Journal of Engineering
Geology, Vol. 3, No. 1, 1970.
(c) Moye, D.G., Engineering Geology for the Snowy Mountains Scheme ~ Journal of the Institution
of the Engineers, Australia 1955.
(d) Saunders, M.K. and Fookes, A Review of the Relationship of Rock Weathering and Climate and
its Significant to Foundation Engineering ~ Engineering Geology, Elsevier Publishing Company
Amsterdam (This paper includes a table showing a comparison of different classification system
on rock weathering).
(e) BS EN ISO 14688 – Geotechnical investigation and testing – Identification and classification of
soil.
(f) BS EN ISO 14689 – Geotechnical investigation and testing – Identification and classification of
rock
APPENDIX C Daily Record
Record of each day's work shall contain:
(a) Name of contractor.
(b) Name of foreman in charge of the rig and rig number.
(c) Hole reference number.
(d) Notes on weather condition.
TS/SI37
(e) Type of plant and casing used.
(f) Depth of hole at the beginning and end of each working day or shift.
(g) Depth and diameter of casing at the beginning and end of each day or shift and at the beginning and
end of each sample or drill run.
(h) Record of water level at the beginning and end of each shift including any strike, seepage or water loss
during drilling.
(i) Depth of top and bottom of disturbed and undisturbed samples, with notes on any lost recovery.
(j) Depth of each change of stratum with brief description.
(k) Details of services, drains or other obstructions located.
(l) Details of backfilling and grouting.
(m) Details of any delays and other special circumstances affecting the progress of the Works.
Daily record shall be legible and intelligible. If the record is translated from original work written in Chinese,
the original Chinese, the original Chinese record shall be available at the Site ready for checking.
TS/SI38
APPENDIX C (Cont’d)
TS/SI39
TS/SI40
APPENDIX D Units and Measured Accuracies used in the Fieldwork
The following units and measured accuracies shall be used in the fieldwork:
Measurement Unit Measured Accuracy

( to the nearest )
1) Equipment sizes
a. Diameters mm 1.0 mm
b. Lengths m 0.01 m
c. Depths m 0.01 m
2) Borehole depths
a. Soft ground boring m 0.05 m
b. Rotary core drilling m 0.01 m
c. Strata interfaces:
i) General m 0.05 m
ii) Detailed m 0.01 m
d. Thickness of thin layers 1.0 mm or 0.1 mm as necessary
of lamination, or sizes
of inclusions
e. Water levels mPD 0.03 m
3) Samples
a. Undisturbed
i) Depth to top of sample m 0.05 m
ii) Length of sample
b. Bulk. Depth between m 0.01 m
which taken m 0.05 m
c. Disturbed (jar). Depth at
which taken m 0.05 m
(N.B. A U102 is expected to be 0.45 m long, with a minimum acceptable length of 0.30 m)
4) Coordinates m 0.1 m
5) Spot Levels mPD 0.05 m
6) Rotary core drillings:
a. Depth to beginning and m 0.01 m
end of core runs
b. Length(s) of core m 0.01 m
7) Tests
SPT/CPT
a. Level at beginning of m 0.05 m
seating drive in soil
b. Level at beginning of m 0.05 m
drive in rock
c. Penetration m 0.005 m (5 mm)
TS/SI41
(N.B. Number of blows for each 0.075 m(75mm) of penetration to total penetration of 0.45 m to be
recorded for ‘Standard’ penetration test)
APPENDIX D (Cont’d)
The Contractor shall supply the information to be reported in S.I. units and the following units and
measured accuracies shall be used:
Measured Accuracy
Information to be Reported Unit
( to the nearest )
1. Dimensions of specimens
(a) General mm 0.5 mm
(b) Height in consolidation and shear box tests mm 0.002 mm
(c) Cross sectional area mm2 0.1 mm2
2. Densities kg/m3 5 kg/m3
3. Stress: Cell pressures, deviator stresses, etc. kN/m2
Range: 0-20 kN/m2 0.5 kN/m2
4. Strength: shear strength etc. kN/m2
Range: 20-320 kN/m2 0.5 kN/m2
Range: above 320 kN/m2 1.0 kN/m2
5. Coefficient of consolidation m2/year Two significant figures
6. Pre-consolidation pressure kN/m2 1.0 kN/m2
7. Coefficient of Volume Change m2/kN 1 x 10-6 m2/kN
8. Permeability:
(a) Head mm 0.01 mm
(b) Volume ml 0.01 ml
(c) Coefficient m/sec Three significant figures
o
9. Temperature C 0.1oC
10. Compaction tests:
(a) Tests to be on material passing 20mm test % by 5%
sieve mass
(b) Densities kg/m3 5 kg/m3
(c) Weight kg 0.01 kg
11. CBR:
(a) Pressure on plunger kN/m2 5 kN/m2
(b) Penetration on plunger mm 0.01 mm
TS/SI42
APPENDIX E Borehole Record
The record for each hole, drawn to a constant vertical scale of 1:100 or greater, shall contain:-
(a) Name of contractor.
(b) Name of working area.
(c) Type of hole (e.g. drilling, wash boring, starting pit) and drilling rig.
(d) Dimensions of hole.
(e) Hole reference number.
(f) Co-ordinates and inclination of holes and reduced level of ground surface and strata horizon.
(g) Details of casing including type, diameter and depth at each change of strata and sample or core run.
(h) Description and depths of services and foundation encountered.
(i) Description of strata encountered in accordance with specification Appendix B.
(j) Depths of changes of strata.
(k) Depths and types of samples taken and resistance to penetration of samples.
(l) Type of bit, and dimensions of bit and core barrel.
(m) Flushing medium.
(n) Depth at the beginning and end of each core run.
(o) Percentage core recovery, rock quality designation and fracture frequency (see Appendices A and B).
(p) Percentage returns of drilling water or mud, with depths at which any loss occur.
(q) Depth, type and results of in-situ test carried out.
(r) Any other relevant information.
The record for each borehole shall be in clear hand writing or typing and shall be legible and intelligible.
TS/SI43
APPENDIX E (Cont’d)
TS/SI44
APPENDIX F Installation of Piezometer and Standpipe
F1. General
The final detail of any piezometer and standpipe installation will be decided by the Engineer and will be
dependent upon the actual subsoil and groundwater conditions encountered. The installation shall be as shown
in the Drawing. It shall consist of a Casagrande type piezometer or a perforated standpipe or a combination of
one or more of each type within one borehole. The numbers of piezometers and standpipes are subject to
variation, dependent on the field conditions.
The Casagrande Piezometer tip shall consist of a porous ceramic element not less than 150 mm long with a
diameter not less than 10 mm. The UPVC tubing shall have a nominal size of 19 mm to 25 mm diameter.
The standpipe shall be a UPVC tubing of nominal size 19 mm to 25 mm diameter with 3 mm diameter
perforated holes at about 25 mm centres. The perforated part shall be wrapped with two layers 2 mm nylon
mesh.
The UPVC tubing for piezometer and standpipe shall be installed in not less than 3 m lengths, except for one
shorter length as required to suit the total standpipe dimension.
The joints between adjacent lengths of pipe shall be sealed and tested to ensure that there will be no leakage of
water from the joints. The tubes shall be joined together, and to the porous element, with approved
couplings and glue in such a manner that the joints remain leak proof under the anticipated head of water.
The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer for his approval, prior to the installation of the piezometer,
samples of the bentonite he/she intends to use.
Protection of the UPVC tubings shall be either a steel water barrel with screw cap or stop cock cover, both
of which shall be set in lean concrete.
The water level shall be recorded immediately before and after installation of piezometer and standpipe.
Each piezometer and standpipe shall be clearly and permanently labelled with a metal stamp or tag giving the
borehole number.
F2. Installation of Casagrande Piezometer
(a) The tube shall be connected at its lower end, by a suitable UPVC fitting, to a piezometer tip. The tip
shall be of rigid UPVC perforated pipe, not less than 150 mm long having an expanded polystyrene
lining moulded to form and retained in position by a moulded flange or of alternative design (such as
a porous ceramic pot) to the approval of the Engineer.
The piezometer tip shall have permeability of the order of 5x10-4 m/sec. The upper end of the tube
shall be set in concrete and fitted with a lockable surface box as shown on the Drawing.
TS/SI45
(b) Where the depth of completed boring is greater than the depth at which the porous element sand filter
are to be installed then the bottom of the boring shall be grouted. A grout consisting of cement and
bentonite in the proportions of 1:1 by weight shall be prepared by thorough mixing with approved
equipment and with just sufficient water to form a pumpable mix.
Where the boring hole is dry, sufficient grout shall be placed in the hole using a tremie reaching to
the bottom of the hole, such that the top of the grout will just reach its interface with sand filter.
Where there is water in the boring hole, the top of the grout shall be finished 1 m below the proposed
grout/filter interface.
A bentonite seal shall then be formed that is capable of forming an effective seal in both fresh and
salt water, using bentonite tablets as manufactured by Geotechnical Instruments Ltd, or similar
approved bentonite tablets or balls. A proportioned mixture of cement/bentonite shall be prepared
but having just sufficient water to form a cohesive paste. This mix shall be formed into balls of
approximately 25 mm diameter. These balls shall be placed in the boring hole and punned with a
suitably shaped punner to form a homogeneous plug to the boring hole. The top of this plug shall be
at the interface with the sand filter. The level of the top of the plug shall be recorded.
(c) The sand filter shall not be placed until the cement/bentonite grout is set. The sand filter surrounding
the piezometer tip shall be clean and fall wholly between the limits of grading 1.2 mm and 0.21 mm
and the volume of the sand filter placed shall be recorded. The sand filter forming the response zone
shall extend from 1 m below the top of the porous element to 1.5 m above the tip of the element.
(d) That portion of the sand filter below the Casagrande tip shall be placed first, and in placing the sand
the Contractor shall ensure that no sand adheres to the soil in the sides of an unlined boring hole.
Where there is water in the boring hole, the Contractor shall allow sufficient time for all the sand to
settle, and measurements of the upper surface of the sand shall be taken from time to time to ensure
this. The final elevation of the top of this sand shall be recorded.
The Casagrande tip shall be placed in the hole with its vertical axis co-incident with the vertical axis of
the boring hole. The remaining sand filter shall then be added surrounding the tip.
(e) Further 100 mm diameter grout balls shall be placed on top of this sand filter as described above to form
a plug not less than 0.5 m thick. The remainder of the boring hole shall be filled with grout to the
required level according to the procedure described in Sub-clause (b) above.
(f) Prior to initial reading commence the piezometer shall be filled with water and its correct functioning
demonstrated to the Engineer.
F3. Installation of Standpipe
(a) The installation of standpipe shall, in general, follow the method described above for piezometer except
that no upper bentonite seal shall be installed. Instead the hole shall be backfilled with clean sand to
a depth of 1.0 m below the ground surface.
TS/SI46
(b) A plug not less than 0.5 m thick formed by 25 mm diameter grouted ball shall be placed below the
standpipe. The filter surrounding to the perforated part shall be clean sandy gravel and fall wholly
between the limits of grading 1.2 mm and 4.5 mm. The upper perforated section shall be surrounded by
cement/bentonite grout and/or concrete, and a lockable surface box installed.
APPENDIX G Standpipe Detail and Response Test Record
TS/SI47
APPENDIX H Trial Pit Record
TS/SI48
TS/SI49
TS/SI50

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Ver. Sep 2018 Page i

3.5 Piston Samples 14

Ver. Sep 2018 Page ii

"Rock" shall mean hard material found in ledges or masses which

1.3 Standards and Codes of Practice

1.4 Property of Employer

1.5 Programme of Works

1.6 Works Area

1.8 Utility services

1.10 Site Personnel and Supervision

1.11 Referencing the Works

1.12 Fieldwork Record and Report

1.13 Units and Accuracy of Measurement

1.14 Location of Boreholes and Trial Pits

1.15 Starting Pits

1.16 Standing Time

1.17 Making Good

1.18 Power and Water Supply

1.20 Protection of Trees

1.21 Cleanliness of Site

2.1 Depth of Drillhole

2.2 Inspection Pit

2.3 Drilling Rig

2.4 Drilling Rig Ancillary Equipment

2.6 Flushing Medium

2.8 Core Barrel

2.9 Extraction of Cores

2.10 Drill Runs

2.11 Core Recovery

2.12 Core Box

2.13 Packing of Cores

2.14 Wash Boring

2.15 Ground Water Observation

2.16 Backfilling Drillholes

Unless otherwise instructed, the cement grout shall:

2.17 Logging of Samples

2.18 Photographs of Core

Each photograph shall include:

2.19 Standpipes and Piezometers

2.20 Water Samples

3. Sampling and In-Situ Testing for Boreholes

3.1 Mazier Samples

3.2 Undisturbed Tube Samples

3.3 Driven Samples

3.4 Thin Walled Samples

3.5 Piston Samples

3.6 In-situ Penetration Tests

3.7 Labelling of Samples

(h) The signature or mark of the foreman.

3.8 Transportation and Storage of Samples

4.2 Safety Measures

4.3 Shoring Access and Protection

4.5 Backfilling of Trial Pits

5. Sampling and In-Situ Testing for Trial Pits

Disturbed samples shall be obtained during excavation of the trial pit.

5.2 In-Situ Testing

5.4 Labelling, Transportation and Storage of Samples

6.2 Laboratory Testing Reports