SOIL TEST

TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE
2.0 SCOPE
3.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 GENERAL
3.1.1 Location plan for soil exploration
3.1.2 General Requirements from Contractor
3.1.3 Mobilisation
3.2 BORING
3.2.1 Shell and Auger Boring
3.2.2 Rotary Mud Circulation Drilling
3.2.3 Drilling in Rock
3.2.4 Borehole Depth
3.2.5 Backfilling of boreholes
3.2.6 Termination Criteria
3.3 IN-SITU SAMPLING
3.3.1 Trial Pits
3.3.2 Undistributed Soil samples from Boreholes
3.3.3 Core samples of rock
3.3.4 Water Samples
3.4 IN SITU TESTING
3.4.1 Standard Penetration Test
3.4.2 Static Cone Penetration Test
3.4.3 Vane Shear Tests
3.4.4 Electrical Resistivity Test
3.5 LABORATORY TESTS
3.5.1 Atterberg Limits
3.5.2 Natural Moisture Contents
3.5.4 Specific Gravity
3.5.5 Grain Size Distribution
3.5.6 Triaxial Tests
3.5.7 Unconfined Compression Test
3.6 REPORT

1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard is to define specifications to be followed for Soil
Investigation work at Iquitos 80MW Poer Plant Project in Peru
2.0 SCOPE
These specifications cover the procedure for soil test for foundations.
The work shall be carried out in accordance with the specification set out below. These
Specifications conform to the relevant American Standards on Soils and Foundations
for field investigations and Laboratory testing. Reference to any code in these
specifications shall mean the latest revision of the code unless otherwise
mentioned. In the event of any conflict between the requirements in these
specifications and the referred codes, the former shall govern.
3.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 GENERAL
The purpose of the proposed sub- programme is to provide adequate information on
sub-surface and surface conditions for the foundations and other sub-structures for the
proposed project, leading to their economical and safe designs.
These specifications cover the work pertaining to subs and recommendations for
economical and safe design of foundations and substructures for the proposed project
site.
3.1.1 Location plan for soil exploration
A location plan drawing showing various facilities with proposed facilities being
marked as Red are attached. The exploration programme in the site will be
finalized by the successful bidder in consultation with Project-in-charge as suited
to the site conditions.
3.1.2 General Requirements from Contractor
The CONTRACTOR shall have on site all required survey instruments to carry
out the work accurately according to specifications and drawings. All the
specified locations for boreholes and field tests shall be set out at site by the
CONTRACTOR as in the attached soil test map. At each location of
boreholes, plate load tests and other field tests, the CONTRACTOR shall
establish the ground level prior to commencing of the operations.
If the area, where the field tests are located, is likely to be inundated by tidal
waters, the field work shall include provision for temporary fill, erection and
removal of platforms, making good the ground, access, etc., as necessary for

carrying out the work in this area. Payment, if any, for any such works will be as
per rate quoted in the Bill of Quantities. It is expected that the cost of the same
has been catered for in rates for relevant items and no extra claims will be
entertained on this account. The Contractor shall submit with his bid the list of
equipment / apparatus he would mobilize at site, if work is awarded to him. To complete
the work within the stipulated time, the Contractor shall, if necessary, mobilize additional
equipment without additional cost to the Owner.
3.1.3 Mobilisation
The Contractor shall mobilize adequate plants and equipments, instruments and
personnel (skilled and unskilled) required to carry out the work, including access, filling,
provision of platforms, etc.
This scope also includes demobilization of all equipments / personnel in orderly
manner so as to keep the site clean for any further work by Owner. This should
be to the satisfaction of Owners and Consultant's Representative. Charges for
these items of work are paid as lump sum; no extra payment will be made for
subsequent mobilization of any accessories and equipments.
Based on the field examination or tests, borelogs shall be prepared in accordance
with ASTM. On completion of the field records, the soil investigator shall discuss and
decide in consultation with the consultants, the schedule of tests to be performed and
the exact number of samples to be tested for each test.
Mode of Payment: The payment for this item will be made after inspection and
approval of equipment, instruments, etc. mobilized to the site by the contractor. The
contractor will certify the item for payment only after satisfying that the equipments are
in working condition.
3.2 BORING
Boring shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of ASTM and as
per the specifications given below:
3.2.1 Shell and Auger Boring
Augers shall be of helical or post hole type and may be manually operated. The
diameter of the borehole shall be 150mm or as specified in BOQ.
Uncased holes shall be permitted only up to a depth where the sides of the hole
can stand unsupported. In case side fall is noticed, steps shall be taken
immediately to stabilize the holes by using bentonite slurry or by casing pipes as
directed by the Engineer-in-Charge.
No water shall be added while boring through cohesive soils and cohesionless
soils above water table. While boring through cohesionless soil below water
table, water in the casing shall always be maintained at or above the water table.
The cuttings brought up by the auger shall be carefully examined and soil
descriptions duly recorded. Representative samples shall be preserved for
laboratory testing.

Wherever in-situ tests are conducted and undisturbed samples are obtained at
specified depths from the borehole, care shall be taken to ensure that the
borehole is properly cleaned and free from foreign matters at the time of
conducting these operations.
Water table in the boreholes shall be carefully recorded and reported. One of the
following methods shall be adopted for measuring the water table:
a) The water table in the borehole shall be allowed to stabilize after depressing the
water level adequately by bailing. Stabilizing of the borehole sides and bottom
shall be ensured at all times.
b) The borehole shall be filled with water and then bailed out to various depths.
Observations shall be made at each depth to see if the water is rising or falling.
The depth at which neither a fall nor a rise is observed shall be considered as the
water table depth. This shall be established by three successive readings of
water levels taken at intervals of 2 hours.
Method (a) is suitable for permeable soil while methods (b) is suitable for both
permeable and impermeable soils. The Engineer-in-Charge shall indicate the method to
be followed. Immediately on completion of a borehole, bore log shall be prepared in an
approved Performa and submitted to the Engineer-in-Charge in duplicate.
Auger shall be used for soft to firm clay and for silty deposits at upper depths of
10 meters or up to the water table, whichever is deeper. For deeper depths in
such deposits and for very stiff to hard clays and dense sands located at any
depth, use of shell may be made.
While boring in soft clays and in sandy deposits below water table, it shall be ensured
that the shell diameter shall be at least 25 to 50 mm less than the casing diameter. This
is to ensure that suction is not created in the borehole during withdrawal of the shell with
consequent Caving-in and blowing in the boreholes.
3.2.2 Rotary Mud Circulation Drilling
The drilling shall be carried out (as per ASTM) by use of a suitable mechanical
rig.
Drilling up to water table shall be done by auger and provisions of clauses 4.1.2.1
to 4.1.2.8 shall apply. Below the water table drilling by rotary mud circulation shall
be adopted.
Use of percussion tools may be permitted in very stiff to hard clays and dense
sandy deposits only after obtaining written permission from Clients / Consultants.

3.2.3 Drilling in Rock

In rock strata, boring shall be done by using a rotary cutting tool tipped with
diamonds and equipped to recover cores.
Drill hole size shall generally be NX. However, in some cases other size holes
may be specified Core barrels shall be double-tube ball-bearing, swivel type, with the
core lifter located in the lower end of the inner barrel. The Bidder shall confirm the same
with his bid.
Drilling shall be carried out in such a manner that maximum core is recovered.
This requires close surveillance of wash water, drilling pressures, lengths of runs,
etc. The drill bit shall be withdrawn and the core removed as often as may be
necessary to secure the maximum possible amount of core. CONTRACTOR
shall ensure that drilling is carried out with necessary skill and expertise.
3.2.4 Borehole Depth
All boreholes shall be sunk to depths as specified in tender document.
It may be difficult to continue the boring due to presence of gravels and boulders.
In this case, boreholes, shall be advanced up to 6.5 to 7.0 m depth by cement
grouting using Ax size drill, followed by drilling with 3" casing Hx size drill or of a
larger size.
Initially about 1 - 1.5m depth shall be used, using Ax size drill, followed by 1:1
cement water grouting.
After about 12 -24 hours of grouting, the boreholes shall be redrilled with casing
itself (which may have a bit at the bottom or simple teeth). Further drilling shall
then be carried out upto another 1 - 1.5 m followed by grouting and redrilling.
This sequence will be continued till 6.5 - 7.0 m depth with SPT @ every 1 m
interval.
3.2.5 Backfilling of boreholes
On completion of boreholes, backfilling shall be carried out with an approved
material as and when directed by the Engineer-in-Charge. Unless otherwise
specified, the excavated soil shall be used for the purpose.
3.2.6 Termination Criteria
If very hard strata is met within the borehole at depths shallower than specified in
tender documents, the borehole shall be advanced by coring using double tube
core barrel. The borehole may be terminated 3m below the depth where N > 75
values are obtained consistently.
3.3 IN-SITU SAMPLING
3.3.1 Trial Pits
Trial pits shall be of minimum 3m x 3m size at base so as to permit easy access
for a visual examination of the walls of the pit and to facilitate sampling and in-situ
testing operations.

Precautions shall be taken to ensure the stability of pit walls, if necessary by the
provision of shoring. Arrangements shall be made for dewatering, if the pit is
extended below water table.
In-situ tests shall be conducted and undisturbed samples obtained immediately
on reaching the specified depths, so as to avoid substantial moisture changes in
the subsoil.
After completion of tests and examination, the pits shall be suitably backfilled as
directed by the Engineer-in-Charge. Unless otherwise specified, the excavated
soil shall be used for this purpose.
3.3.2 Undistributed Soil samples from Boreholes
Samples for recovering undistributed samples from cohesive soils at the specified
depth shall conform to ASTM. However, use of samples less than 70mm
diameter shall not be permitted.
The sampling procedures shall conform to ASTM. Both the area ratio of the cutting
edge, as well as recovery ratio of the sample shall be measured and reported. For
normal soils, area ratio of the sampling tubes, shall conform to ASTM, that is, it may
vary from 10.9% to 12.4% but for sampling in very hard and dense soils, use of thick
walled sampling tubes with area ratio not exceeding 20% may be permitted subject to
the approval of the Engineer-in-Charge.
In order to reduce the wall friction, suitable precaution such as oiling the inside and
outside of the sampling tubes shall be taken. The sampling tube shall have smooth
finish.
In soft to firm clays, undisturbed samples shall be collected by pushing the tube
continuously without impact or twisting. Driving of sampling tubes shall be permitted
only if stiff to very stiff and hard deposits exists. For highly sensitive soils, piston
samplers shall be employed. For soft clays exceeding more than 15M depth from the
ground level, collection of undisturbed samples shall be supplemented by the In-Situ
Vane Shear Tests.
The top and bottom of the sample shall be clearly marked on the sampling tube.
Undisturbed samples shall be tested within a period of two weeks of taking them from
the boreholes or trial pit. If any space is left between the end of the tube and top of wax,
the same shall be tightly packed with saw dust or any other suitable material. A close
fitting lid or screwed cap shall then be placed on each end of the tube and held in
position by adhesive tape.
3.3.4 Water Samples
Water samples shall be collected from boreholes as specified. Water samples shall be
collected before the addition of water to the hole unless that is not possible. If this is not
possible, then prior to collection of water sample, water level in the bore hole shall be
lowered upto the bottom of the borehole then allowed to rise by water seeping through

the walls of the borehole. The water sample shall then be collected. Care shall be taken
to see that water sample is not contaminated by surface water or rainwater.
In some cases water samples may be required to be collected from different depths, if
so specified. In such cases it is advisable to collect the samples on the completion of
the relevant borehole unless a suitable sampler to collect water sample from different
depths below free water surface is used. To collect the water sample, in absence of a
suitable sampler the borehole shall be dewatered.
The sample shall then be collected when the water rises to the required depth. If
specified, ground water sample shall also be collected from trial pits. If there are any
wells within the area investigated, one water sample from each well shall also be
collected. If specified, water samples shall also be collected from well (s) located nearby
the area being investigated. The water sample shall be collected in an air tight,
scrupulously clean glass or inert plastic bottle or jerry can.
The bottle / can shall be rinsed three times with water being sampled, before filling. The
quantity of each water sample collected shall be about 1 liter.
Water samples shall be tested as soon as possible after sampling for sulphate
(as SO3) and chloride contents and its pH, and for other tests as specified.

3.4 IN SITU TESTING

3.4.1 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
The test shall be conducted at specified intervals or at a depth where the strata
changes, whichever occurs earlier.
The test shall be carried out by driving a standard split spoon by means of 65 kg
hammer with a 75 cm free fall. Detailed procedure of testing, as specified in ASTM.
'Method of Standard Penetration Tests in Soils' shall be followed. The samples obtained
in the split spoon shall be labeled and preserved for identification tests in the laboratory.
Standard penetration test shall be conducted at 1.5m interval. Sequence of conducting
SPT shall be changed in each bore hole. Say for first bore hole SPT started at 1.5 m
depth then 3.0 m,.. etc. For next bore hole it shall be started at 1m depth then
2.5m etc. Similarly for other bore hole. So that staggered value of SPTs obtained
for entire site.
Disturbed samples to be collected (including packing and transporting) and sent
to the Laboratory as per specifications. The standard penetration test shall be
discontinued when N is greater than 75 blows for 30 cms of penetration.

3.4.2 Static Cone Penetration Test or NTP (DIN4094)

The equipment used for this test shall conform to the requirements of ASTM.
The test shall not be carried out on gravelly soils or for soils with standard
penetration value 'N' greater than 50.
Test Procedures
Test procedure shall meet the requirements of ASTM or DIN4094. Some of the
important points of the procedure are given below :
a) The cone is pushed through a distance in accordance with the design of the
equipment and the need for the sub-strata and the cone resistance noted. The
cone and the friction jacket are pushed together subsequently for a distance
depending upon the design of the cone and friction resistance noted. This
procedure is repeated at predetermined intervals.
b) Equipment shall be securely anchored to the platform at the test point for
obtaining the required reaction.
c) The rod of the driving mechanism shall be brought to the top most position. The
cone friction jacket assembly shall be connected to the first sounding rod and the
mantle tube. The assembly shall be positioned over the test point through the
mantle tube guide and held vertically. The plunger of the driving mechanism shall
be brought down so as to rest against the protruding sounding rod.
d) To obtain the cone resistance, only the sounding rod shall be pushed. Switching
the gear clutch to the slow position, the drive handle shall be operated at a
steady rate of 1 cm / sec. approximately, so as to advance the cone only, to a
depth which is possible with the cone assembly available. During the pushing,
the mean value of resistance as indicated by pressure gauges shall be noted
ignoring erratic changes.
e) For finding combined cone and friction resistance of the soil, the sounding rod
shall be pushed to the extent the cone has been pushed, at the rate of 1 cm /
sec. noting mean resistance on the gauges.
f) The above procedure shall be repeated after pushing the combined cone friction
jacket and mantle tube assembly to the next depth at which the test is to be
performed.
3.4.3 Seismic refraction lines ( LS )
a. The Seismic refraction lines will be held in lines between 60 to 100m in length,
covering the entire area of possible further exploration and testing MASW will be
located at points of intersection of seismic lines.
b. the LS tests shall be follow the local regulations of Peru.

3.5 LABORATORY TESTS

The following laboratory tests shall be conducted on samples collected from the field
covering all the bores using procedures specified in the relevant Indian Standards. All
the Laboratory Tests shall be conducted by skilled personnel only.
3.5.1 Attenberg Limits
The tests result should include liquid limit and plastic limit of the soil samples
tested. These tests should be conducted as per ASTM.
3.5.2 Natural Moisture Content
In case of organic soils, the oven temperature shall be 60 deg. C and not 105
deg.C as per ASTM D 2216
3.5.3 Dry Bulk Density and Void Ratio
As per Specific Gravity ASTM D 854
3.5.5 Grain Size Distribution
Wherever applicable both the sieve and hydrometer analysis shall be conducted
to indicate complete range of grain size in the soil sample tested. Generally,
Hydrometer analysis will be carried out, wherever percentage passing No.200
sieve is greater than 30%. As per ASTM D D422
3.5.6 Triaxial Tests
These tests shall be done on specimens saturated by the application of back pressure.
Only if the water table is at sufficient depth so that chances of its rising to the base of
the footing are meager or nil, shall the triaxial tests be performed on specimens at
Natural Moisture Content. The magnitude of the back up pressure applied shall be
indicated in the report.
All stress diagrams as well as Mohr-circle envelopes shall be included in the report.
E-value shall be determined from the triaxial tests. Relevant corrections applied
to the computer 'E' shall be clearly illustrated in the report.
All as per: CU triaxial test (2.8 " ) ASTM D4767
3.5.7 Unconfined Compression Test
This test shall be conducted as per ASTM.

3.5.11 Chemical Tests On Water & Soil

Chemical tests shall be conducted on soil and water samples to report the
following:

a) pH
b) Chloride
c) Sulphate
d) Sulphite
e) Organic contents
f) Total hardness
3.5.13 CBR Tests for Sub-Grade soils (3 Point Tests)
These tests shall be conducted on soaked and unsoaked samples generally as
per ASTM. Bulk samples for laboratory tests shall be selected randomly from various
road locations and also from locations of stacking areas in consultation with Engineerin-Charge. The 3 point test shall consist of preparation of samples with 15, 25, 35 blows
per layer, which will give three different densities to soil and then testing each for
soaked condition.
3.5.14 Proctor Density Tests
These tests shall be conducted as per ASTM samples collected randomly in
consultation with Engineer-in-Charge.