P.

SRIKANTH & Dr C H Solanki

S V National Institute of Technology , Surat

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS & GEOTECHNICAL PARAMETERS

1.0 Purpose of Geotechnical Investigation:

1. 1 Purpose of Site investigation is to acquire the geotechnical data needed to design

infrastructure foundations for safety and performance should define the overall site
geology to the degree necessary to understand sub surface conditions and to identify
potential geological hazards that may exist.

Investigation can be classified as -

Geological Investigation - On stratigraphy, lithology structure.

Engineering Investigation - Static, dynamic properties of soil, rock at

site and spatial distribution.

1.2 Site investigation provide a basis for evaluating the safety of the site with respect
to the performance of foundations and earth works under anticipated loading
conditions, including earth quacks.

Local ground water condition must be defined.

Aim of investigation is to gain an understanding of the 3 dimensional distributions of

Geological features.

To obtain the soil and rock properties that is needed for designing foundations for
a infrastructure and associated critical structures.

Density of data depends on Variability of soil & rock as well as the importance
assigned to the structure.

2.0 Stages of Geotechnical and Geological Investigation

Investigation are carried out in 3 stages.

2.1 Preliminary investigation during selection stage.

2.2 Detailed investigation prior to foundation design.

2.3 Confirmation investigation after excavation.

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3.0 Types of data to be acquired in all stages of investigations

3.1 Geological Conditions: -

General geological conditions, the types and structures of soils and rocks at the
surfaces and in the sub-surfaces, the degree and extent of weathering and petrologic
characteristic such as structure, texture and compositions soil shrinkage, swelling,
ground subsidence, faults, landslides, erosion is also to be determined. Data to
evaluate soil liquefaction potential, bedding, and orientation on jointing faults are also
needed.

3.2 Engineering properties of soils & rocks density, seismic velocities, parameters of
strength, elasticity, plasticity some parameters can measured in situ. Detailed
determination and other ensuing properties require laboratory tests on samples.

3.3 Ground Water Conditions:-

Ground water levels, thickness of aquifers, confining beds, groundwater flow

patterns, transmissivities and storage coefficients are to be determined.

3.4 Man Induced Conditions:-

Near by dams, reservoirs are to be located. Flooding hazard & loading affects at site
near by mining activities, oil, gas production extraction or injection need to be
documented. Details about land fills, under ground storage tables are to be noted
down.

3.5 Cultural and Environmental considerations:-

Information about location of Archeological sites, heritage monuments wet land

protection laws, man grooves to be recorded.

4.0 Preliminary Investigations: -

4.1 Literature Search: Existing literature and map studies topography, GPS, aerial
photographs and remote sensing imaginary.

4.2 Field reconnaissance: Team of reconnaissance should include geologist, geotechnical

engineer special geological feature to be considered in field observation:-

Landslides - Stability of excavated slopes -

Faults, past seismic activity

Stress relief cracking and } Examine wells, prezomentery in

Valley rebound } valleys to determine if levels are

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 } more than normal ground water
level.
Anhydrites - Cause expansion
Gypsum layers - Cause settlement
Erosion - Bank stable or shifting

By reconnaissance investigations sufficient information will be available to

make a preliminary determination of site suitability. Frequent floods, faults,
settlement, subsidence, swelling if observed it may be advantageous to abandon site.

One of major out comes of preliminary investigation is to identify the area of

geological investigation on which special emphasis is to be made.

5.0 Detailed Site Investigation

The investigations at this stage are carried out after the plant layouts along with the
locations of major plant structures have been finalized and the building loads have
been established. The purpose of the detailed investigation is to obtain the database
to conduct all the relevant safety analysis pertinent to the site. The results obtained in
the preliminary stage are used to work out the programme of detailed investigations.
These results are also verified in this stage.

Direct and indirect method of subsurface investigations along with both in situ and
laboratory tests should be conducted in detail to evaluate geotechnical parameters for
foundation design. The selection of the methods for different investigations should
have the relevance to site characteristics.

The location and depths of borings and measurements should be chosen such that the
geology and foundation conditions are sufficiently defined in lateral extent and depth
to permit designing all structures and excavations. General guidelines for spacing
and depths of boring are given in Table-1. The outcome of seismic refraction studies
or other geophysical methods conducted during preliminary investigation would be
helpful in finalizing the location and depth of boreholes.

The investigation which will be carried out during confirmatory stage should be
identified at this stage.

6.0 Confirmatory Investigations :-

These are certain investigations and studies, which are to be carried out after
groundbreaking or excavation of foundation pit/trench. Investigations at this stage
are required to confirm the outcome of detailed investigation.

There may be some situations where certain investigations may be undertaken during
confirmation stage if some unexpected or significant phenomena are observed after
excavation.

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 In order to confirm the various values adopted for analysis and design of foundation
of the structures, final excavated surfaces for safety-related structures and other
excavations important to the verification of subsurface conditions should be
geologically mapped, logged and further tests conducted if required. The mapping
should be performed after the foundation pit has been cleaned to excavated level and
before the placement of mud mat concrete or backfill. The time gap between
mapping and placement of mud mat concrete should not be so large that the exposed
surface gets deteriorated due to exposure to environment after mapping. These maps
should be prepared to record geological details in the foundation pit. Any treatment
required to be carried out to improve, modify or control geological conditions should
be indicated. Examples of such improvements are, deep compaction, preloading,
rock reinforcing systems, consolidation grouting, installation of permanent
dewatering system or any other special treatment. Photographic or video graphic
records of foundation mapping should be available. Record of improvement carried
out should also be available.

7.0 Specifications of Geotechnical and Geological Investigations :

Geotechnical investigations are required to determine different parameters for

performing various safety analyses depending on postulated failure mode of
foundation systems.

Safety analysis parameters to be studied for different site conditions (rocky type / soil
type site) are given in Table – 6. Geotechnical, field and laboratory investigation for
determining safety analysis parameters are listed in Table-2, for both rocky site as
well as soil site.

All the geotechnical and geological investigations shall be carried out in accordance
with relevant Indian Standard (IS). Table-3 and 4 summaries the specification of field
and laboratory tests for various investigations. The result of investigation shall be
interpreted in accordance with the approach given in the relevant specifications, codes
and references. However, separate approaches can be sued whenever it is found
necessary and justified.

8.0 METHOD OF INVESTIGATION:

To allow rational decisions to be made regarding the nature and suitability of the
subsurface the required data are generated from the following sources and
investigations;

a) Historical and current documents

b) In-direct exploration
c) Direct exploration
d) Field tests
e) Laboratory tests

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8.1 Historical and Current Documents

The investigation requires an understanding of the general geology of the area

of interest. A major portion of information required for such understanding
can be obtained form available historical and current documents, like:

 Topographical maps
 Geological and engineering geological maps
 Soil maps
 Geological reports and other geological literature
 Geophysics maps
 Earth satellite imagery; aerial photographs
 Geotechnical reports and water supply reports
 Oil and gas well records
 Hydro geological maps, hydrologic and tidal data, flood records,
Climate and rainfall records
 Mining history, old mine plans and subsidence records
 Seismic data and historical earthquake records
 Newspaper accounts of landslides, floods, earthquakes, subsidence and
other geological events of significance
 Records of performance of structures in the vicinity
 Data from internet.

Other possible sources of information are individuals, geology and

engineering departments of colleges and universities, geological survey of
India and Government Engineering Department like PWD, Irrigation etc.

Filed reconnaissance survey is suggested to confirm the information from the

above documents, if field necessary.

8.2 In direct Exploration

In direct exploration is generally geophysical technique and is based on

substance model involving homogeneous elastic horizontal layers.
Appropriate measures should be taken so that it represents actual condition
rationally and yields results with desired level of confidence. Recommended
surveys include seismic refraction, seismic reflection, electrical resistivity ,
nuclear logging and ground penetrating radar and remote sensing. The
investigations which are listed in Table-6 should be conducted as per
specification for field and laboratory test given for rock / soil in Table-3 and
Table-4 respectively.

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8.3 Direct Exploration

Direct Exploration methods are those where data or information are obtained
from sample, from direct observations, or from in situ investigations.
Generally, they required drilling of boreholes with or without extraction of a
core, or the excavation of a trench for observation and testing. Access for
sampling, testing or observation is provided in general by :

 Pits and trenches

 Boring and drillings
 Samplings
 Existing quarries / wells in vicinity
 Any other works in progress near by

Table-1 gives guideline for spacing and depth of boreholes. Table-2

summaries the geotechnical investigation programme for specific foundation
materials such as rocks / soils. The pit and trenching, should be done in
accordance with IS : 1892 and IS : 4453 .

8.4 Test and checking

 Field check
 Field tests
 Laboratory tests

During field checks, undesirable surface characteristic such as cavity zones,

swelling rocks and shales, zones of weakness or discontinuities in rocks,
potential slide planes etc. are identified. Field checks are also to be done after
the excavation of foundation pits and trenches for any geological treatment.

Field tests are carried out to measure mechanical properties of foundation

materials. It should also include various insitu loading tests, field
permeability and piezometric measurement of ground water. Table-3 gives the
list of field tests along with the applicable code / reference for testing.

8.5 Laboratory Test

Laboratory testing is conducted on samples obtained by direct exploration

methods. The purpose is to supplement and confirm the in situ test data in
order to fully and correctly characterize the soil and rock at the site. The
testing programme identifies and classifies soil and rock samples. Their
physical and engineering properties are obtained from published data or by
measurement. Details of laboratory testing methods are given in Table-4.
These laboratory tests should be directed towards the following.

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  Soil index and classification
 Soil moisture-density relationships
 Consolidation and permeability characteristic for soils
 Physical and chemical properties of soils
 Shear strength and deformability of soil
 Engineering properties of rock
 Dynamic characteristic of the soil
 Chemical analysis of ground water

Site characterization parameters for use in the design profile are derived from
the tests as well as from the direct and indirect exploration result.

8.6 PRESERVATION OF SAMPLES

The indexing and storage of soil samples or drill cores should be as pr IS :

4078 . The core boxes should be labeled on both the outside and inside of the
hinged lid of the box. For handling and labeling of samples, the provision of
IS : 1892 should be followed. As prudent measures, it is suggested to
preserve colour photographs of the cores in each box along with the labels as
well.

Samples, drill cores and records pertaining to investigations should be

retained at least till such time all matters relating to the interpretation of
subsurface condition at the site have been resolved. The need to retain
samples, cores and records beyond this time is a matter of judgment and
should be decided on case by case basis. Core boxes and recode storage
facilities should be protected against possible damage or destruction by insect,
rodents or adverse environmental conditions.

9.0 Report Preparation

The result of the investigation at a particular stage should be combined with

basic data obtained from the preceding phases into a detailed geotechnical
report. The report should include the following items.

 Geological maps and profiles

 Description of geological factors and site geology
 Exploration programme and basis thereof
 Location plans of boring, field tests
 Boring logs and test pit logs
 Result of in-situ testing
 Result of laboratory testing
 Result of geophysical surveys
 Description and results of analyses

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 Detailed description of ground water regime and physiochemical
properties
 Recommendations of safety analysis parameters viz,

Safe bearing capacity

Grain size distribution
Unit weight
Compressive strength
Shear strength
Elastic modulus
Poisons ratio
Dynamic modulus
Permeability
Rock quality Designation
Rock Mass Rating

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 TABLE-1

REQUIREMENT OF SPACING AND DEPTH OF BOREHOLES

Type of Structure Spacing of Boring Minimum depth of penetration

Safety related At least one boring beneath 1) Boring shall extend to a
structures / every safety related structure. depth equal to the width
buildings. For larger and heavier of foundation or 20 m
structures such as Reactor below the lowest part of
Bldg. Turbine Bldg. one boring the planned foundation,
per maximum area 900m2 which ever is greater.
(maximum 30 m spacing).

Additional boreholes, at
corners and along periphery as 2) Boring shall be deep
necessary. enough to define and
evaluate the deep stability
problem, if any. This may
require one bore hole of
100m depth below each
unit.
Where conditions are found to
be non-uniform, closer bore 3) Where soils are very thic,
spacing should be chosen to the maximum depth may
obtain a clear definition of be taken as that at which
changes in soil and rock the change in vertical
properties. stress due to loads is less
that 10% of the effective
overburden stresses.
Linear structures One boring per 30 m length. 5 times the tunnel or pipe
like trenches, For larger cross section (> 30m diameter below its invert
tunnels, dams width), additional borehole. elevation.
dykes etc.
Dams, dykes One boring per 30 m length. In addition to criteria (1), (2), (3)
For larger cross section (> 30m above, depth of penetration
width), additional borehole. should be sufficient to define all
aquifers and zones of under
seepage the could affect the
performance of structures.

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 TABLE-2

SAFETY ANALYSIS PARAMETERS AND ASSOCIATED GEOTECHNICAL

INVESTIGATIONS

Sr. Safety Geotechnical Investigations

No. Analysis Rocky Site Soil Site
Parameters
Field Tests Laboratory Field Tests Laboratory
Test Test

1. Grain size Gradation

distribution analysis,
percent fines,
soil
classification
2. Unit weight Gamma- Bulk density Standard Bulk density
Gamma log penetration test.
test (SPT)
split spoon
sampler
3. Relative SPT, Static Relative
Density cone density.
penetration
test (SCPT)
4. Chemical and Chemical test, Chemical
physical Organic test, organic
characteristics content, content,
of ground soluble salts soluble salts.
water / soil
5. Ground water Observation of Observation
level and their water level in of water level
variation bore hole, in bore hole,
Electric Electric
resitivity test resitivity test
6. Permeability Filed pumping Permeability Field Permeability
test, bore hole pumping test.
field
permeability
test
7. Pore water Piezometer
pressure
8. Elastic Bore hole jack Unconfined Plate bearing Direct shear
Moduli test, Pressure compression test, Pressure test.
(static) meter test, Plate test, Triaxial meter test Resonant
bearing test and compression column test,

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 Plate jacking test Triaxial
test, Radial (undrained) compression
jacking test, test
Goedman jack (undrained
test
9. Shear Moduli Static Shear Sonic velocity Vane Shear Direct shear
(static) Test test test test
10. Dynamic Cross hole Resonant Cross hole Reasonant
modulus, seismic test up column test seismic test column test
Poison’s hole / down up hole
ration. hole seismic Down hole
Damping test, 3-D seismic test, 3
Velocity log –D Velocity
wave logging,
propagation test SASW test
11. Shear and Cross hole Sonic velocity Cross hole Reasonant
compression seismic test up seismic test column test
wave velocity hole / down up hole
variations seismic test, 3- Down hole
with depth D velocity log. seismic test, 3
–D Velocity
logging,
SASW test
12. Cohension Triaxial Direct shear
and Angle of compression test
internal (undrained) (consolidated
Friction (shear drained),
strength) Triaxial
compression
Test.
13. Atterberg Plastic limit
limits liquid limit
14. Compressive Plate bearing Direct tensile SPT, Dutch Unconfined
Strength test, Plate strength, cone compression,
jacking test, Modulus of penetrometer, Triaxial
pressure meter rupture, Plate bearing compression
test. Unconfined test, Pressure (unconsolidat
compression, meter test. ed undrained)
Triaxial test, Triaxial
compression compression
(undrained) (consolidated
drained )
15. Shear strength Direct shear SPT, Dutch
test, use of cone Pressure
torsional shear meter test
test concrete Field vane

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 rock interface shear test.
test.
16. Dynamic Wave Resonant
shear strength propagation column test.
test,
17. Modulus of Plate bearing Plate bearing
sub grade test, In situ test
reaction deformation
test.
18. Compressibili Plate bearing Plate bearing Consolidation
ty / test, Pressure test, Dutch test.
Consolidation meter test cone
penetrometer
pressure
meter test.
19. Over Consolidation
consolidation test, e-log p
ratio curve
20. Stratigraphy Bore hole, Bore Bore hole,
hole camera, Bore hole
seismic camera,
reflection and seismic
refraction reflection and
survey refraction
survey
21. Heterogeneity Geotechnical / Geotechnical /
* Of subsurface Geological / Geological /
materials Geophysical Geophysical
logging / boring SCPT.
Neutron log.
22 Existing Geological and Slaked
* surface Geophysical durability.
faulting of investigations,
other bore hole
weakness in cameras.
the foundation
locality.
23 Degree of Bore hole
* discontinuity cameras, 3-D
velocity log,
visual testing of
core collected
from boreholes.
24 Rock quality Bore holes and Petrographic
designation taking core in examination
(RQD) and the appropriate

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 Rock mass core taking
rating tubes.
25 Creep, stress Boreholes
history and deformation
strain meter, inclusion
assessment. stress meter.
Boreholes
strain, Radial
jack test, strain
measurement by
over coring
method.
Hydraulic
fracturing test.

* Where presence of complex subsurface conditions or subsurface cavities are

anticipated, geophysical methods that can be used as high resolution survey techniques
include seismic reflection, continuous seismic refraction, cross hole seismic tomography,
microgravimetry, electrical resistivity imaging, acoustic resonance with a subsurface source,
ground probing radar etc. in addition to conventional methods such as electrical resitivity
sounding and profiling.

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 TABLE – 3

SPECIFICATION OF FIELD TESTS ON ROCK / SOILS

Sr. Name of Test / Investigation Relevant IS Codes / References

No.
1. Boring
I) Rock
a) Percussion Drilling IS : 1892
b) Rotary Drilling
i) Core drilling IS:1892,IS:6926 ,IS:5313
ii) Shot drilling IS:6926,IS:5313,1892

II) Soil
a) Hand auger IS:1892
b) Shell and auger IS:1892
c) Wash boring IS:1892
d) Percussion drilling IS:1892
e) Rotary drilling
i) Mud rotary drilling IS:1892
ii) Simplified end boring IS:1892

2. Boring
Sampling

A. Exploratory Sampling

I) Rock
a) Double tube core barrel IS : 1892 ,IS:6926

II) Soil
a) Open tube sampler IS:1892, IS:2132
b) Split spoon sampler IS:1892,IS:2131
c) Double tube core barrel IS:1892

B. Undisturbed Sampling

I) Rock
a) Open cuts and trenches IS:1892
b) Rotary drill fitted with coring IS:1892
bit with core retainer

II) Soil
a) Thin walled tubes 50 to IS:1892, IS:2132, IS:10108 ,
125mm IS : 8763
b) Piston tube sampler IS : 1892

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 c) Sample with special core IS : 1892, IS : 8763
retainer
d) Sand sampler IS : 1892
3. Gamma-Gamma log Neutron log Schlumeberger

4. Observation of water table in bore IS : 1892, IS : 6935

hole

5. Electrical resitivity test IS : 1892, IS : 15736

6. Field permeability test IS : 5529 (Part I and 11)

7. Bore hole field permeability test US Department of Interior Bureau

of
Reclamation – Earth manual 1998
Field test on Rock

8. Field pumping test IS : 5529 (Part I and 11)

9. Bore hole jack test ASTM: D4506

10. Pressure meter test IS : 1892

11. Plate bearing test IS : 12070, IS : 1888,IS : 2950

(Part-I)
12. Plate jacking test IS : 7317

13. Radial jacking test ASTM: D4506

14. Goedamn jack test Manual on rock mechanics Central

Board of Irrigation & Power.
15. Cross hole seismic test ASTM : D4428

16. Up hole / down hole seismic test ASCE – R.F.Ballard & F.G.Mclean
1975

17. 3-D velocity log (optional) R.L.Geyer & J.I.Myung

18. Simple shear testing (using IS : 7746

uniaxial jack)
19. Direct shear test ASTM : D4554

20. Insitu deformation test ASTM : D4555

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21. Use of torsional shear test Manual on rock mechanics Central
Board of Irrigation & Power.

22. Bore hole camera IS : 11315

23. Geotechnical / Geological IS : 4464, IS 1892

Geophysical logging
24. Geological and Geophysical IS : 1892, IS 11315, IS 15681
investigation. (Seismic refraction
survey)
25. Visual testing of core collected IS : 11315
from survey)
26. Bore holes and taking core in the IS : 11315 (Part-II)
appropriate core taking tubes
27. Bore hole deformation meter ASTM : D4623

28. Inclusion stress meter ASTM-D4623

29. Bore hole strain gauge ASTM-D4623

30. Radial jacking test ASTM : D 4506

31. Strain measurement by over coring ASTM : D4623

method
32. Hydraulic fracturing test Manual on rock mechanics Central
Board of Irrigation & Power.

Field test on Soil

33. Standard penetration test IS : 2131

34. Static cone penetration test IS : 4968 (Part-III)

35. Cyclic plate load test IS : 5249

36. Wave propagation test IS : 5249

37. Dutch cone penetrometer ASTM : D3441

38. Field vane shear test IS : 4434

39. Subsurface sounding : dynamic IS : 4968 (Part-II)

method using cone and bentonite IS : 10589 (47)

40. Subsurface sounding : dynamic IS : 4968 (Part-I)

method using 50mm cone and IS : 10589
without bentonite slurry

16
41. Dry density : sand replacement IS : 2720 (Part-29)
method
42. Dry density : core cutter method IS : 2720 (Part-28)

43. CBR Test IS : 2720 (Part-31)

44. Density in place by ring and water IS : 2720 (Part-33)

replacement method.
45. Density in place by rubber balloon IS : 2720 (Part-34)
method.
46. Insitu direct shear test soil IS : 2720 (Part-39, section 2)
containing gravel
47. Plate bearing test for modulus of IS : 9214
sub grade reaction.
48. Vibratory wire type equipment for K.Terzaghi R.B.peck
pore pressure measurement.

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 TABLE – 4
SPECIFICATION OF LABORATORY TESTS ON ROCK / SOILS

Sr. Name of Tests / Investigation Relevant IS Codes / References

No.
Lab. Test on Rock
1. Petrographic examination of rock ASTM : C295

2. Porosity Manual on rock mechanics Central

Board of Irrigation & Power.
3. Permeability As above

4. Unconfined compression test IS : 9143, IS9221

5. Triaxial compression test (undrained) ASTM : D2664

6. Resonant column test Manual on rock mechanics Central

Board of Irrigation & Power.

7. Sonic velocity (high frequency ASTM : D2845

ultrasonic pulse technique)
8. (a) Direct tensile strength ASTM : C2936
(b) Point load strength IS : 8764

9. Modulus of rupture Manual on rock mechanics Central

Board of Irrigation & Power.

10. Slake durability IS : 10050

Lab. Test on Soils

11. Gradation Analysis IS : 2720 (Part-4)

12. Percent fines IS : 2720 (Part-4)

13. Soil Classification IS : 1498

14. Bulk density test IS : 2720 (Part-7 & 8)

15. Relative density IS : 2720 (Part-14)

16. Chemical Test IS : 2720 (Part-23,24,25 & 27)

17. Organic content IS : 2720 (Part-22)

18. Soluble salts IS : 2720 (Part-21)

18
19. Permeability IS : 2720 (Part-17,36)

20. Direct shear test (consolidated drained) IS : 2720 (Part-13), IS :11229

21. Triaxial compression (unconsolidated IS : 2720 (Part-11)

drained)
22. Triaxial compression (consolidated IS : 2720 (Part-2)
drained)
23 Triaxial compression (consolidated US Army Engineering Manual 110-
drained) 2-1906

24. Direct shear test (Shear box) IS : 2720 (Part-39, section I and
section II)
25 Unconfined compressive strength IS : 2720 (Part-10)

26. Consolidated Test IS : 2720 (Part-15)

27. e-log P curve IS : 2720 (Part-15), IS :8909 (Part-I)

28. Water content IS : 2720 (Part-2)

29. Specific gravity IS : 2720 (Part-3)

30. Liquid limit and plastic limit IS : 2720 (Part-5), IS : 9259

31. Shrinkage test IS : 2720 (Part-6)

32. Maximum dry density by light IS : 2720 (Part-7)

compaction method
33. Maximum dry density by heavy IS : 2720 (Part-8)
compaction method
34. Dry density-moisture content IS : 2720 (Part-9)
relationship (constant mass)
35. CBR Test IS : 2720 (Part-16)

36. Linear shrinkage IS : 2720 (Part-20)

37. pH value IS : 2720 (Part-26)

38. Vane shear test IS : 2720 (Part-30)

39. Swilling pressure IS : 2720 (Part-41)

40. Free swell index IS : 2720 (Part-40)

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41. Sand equivalent of soil and fine IS : 2720 (Part-40)
aggregate
42. Field moisture equivalent IS : 2720 (Part -37)
43. Centrifuge moisture equivalent IS : 2720 (Part-18)

44. Resonant column test ASTM ,SPT 479,1970

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 TABLE – 5

FAILURE MODE, ITEMS AND ASSOCIATED PARAMETERS

FOR SAFETY ANALYSIS

Sr. Failure Mode Safety Analysis Item Safety Analysis Parameters

No.
1. Ground failure a) Seismic response and 1) Stress history including
design acceleration level Strain assessment.

2) Shear and compression

wave velocity variation
with depth.

3) Dynamic moduli, Poisson’s

ration and damping.

4) Pore water pressure.

b) Ground water 1) Chemical and physical

characteristics of ground r
water.

2) Soil permeability.

3) Ground water level and

its variation.

c) Slope and embankment 1) Stratigraphy.

instability. 2) Unit weight.
3) Compressibility /
Consolidation.
4) Cohension.
5) Angle of internal friction.
6) Elastic moduli.
7) Dynamic moduli, Poisson’s
ration and damping.
8) Shear strength.
9) Permeability.

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 d) Local instability, 1) Heterogeneity of sub-surface
subsidence and surface materials.
faulting.
2) Existing sub-surface faulting
or other weaknesses in the
foundation locality.

3) Sub-surface cavity and

karstic formation.

e) Liquefaction 1) Grain size distribution.

2) Relative density.

3) Pore water pressure.

4) Dynamic shear strength.

5) SPT value.

6) Shear strength parameters.

7) Magnitude of earthquake.

2. Foundation a) Bearing capacity 1) Shear Strength.

Stability 2) Elastic Moduli.
3) Density.
4) Modulus of sub grade
reaction.
5) Cohesion.
6) Angle of internal friction.
7) Triaxial / Uniaxial
strength.
8) Relative density.
9) Rock mass classification.
10) Load settlement
Characteristics.

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 b) Sliding and overturning. 1) Degree of discontinuity.
2) Rock quality designation
including rock mass
characteristics.
3) Pore water pressure.
4) Shear strength.
5) Shear moduli.
6) Over consolidation ratio.

c) Sliding and overturning. 1) Stratigraphy.

2) Density.
3) Compressibility /
Consolidation
4) Angle of internal friction.
5) Elastic moduli.
6) Dynamic Moduli, Poisson’s
ration

d) Seismic response and Same as 1 (a)

design acceleration level.
e) Ground water. Same as 1 (b)

3. Foundation a) Settlement and Heave 1) Elastic Moduli

Movements 2) Dynamic moduli, Poisson’s
ration and damping.
3) Creep.
4) Compressibility /
Consolidation
5) Over-consolidation ratio.
6)Loading history of foundation
material.
7) Behavious under repeated
dynamic deformation.
8) Degree of discontinuity and
presence of fracture zones.
9) Shear and compression wave
velocity variation with depth.

b) Seismic response and Same as 1 (a)

design acceleration level.
e) Ground water. Same as 1 (b)

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 TABLE – 6
SAFETY ANALYSIS PARAMETERS TO BE DETERMINED
FOR DIFFERENT SITE CONDITIONS
Sl. Safety Analysis Parameters Site Condition
No. Rocky Soil Site
Site
Cohesive Soil Sandy Soil
1. Grain size distribution - Y Y
2. Unit weight Y - -
3. Bulk Density - Y Y
4. Relative density - - Y
5. Chemical and Physical characteristic Y Y Y
of groundwater /soil
6. Ground water level and its variation Y - -
7. Permeability Y Y Y
8. Pore water pressure - - Y
9. Elastic Moduli (Static) Y Y Y
10. Shear Moduli Y Y Y
11. Dynamic moduli, Poisson’s ratio and Y Y Y
damping
12. Shear and compression wave velocity Y Y Y
13. Cohesion, Angle of internal friction - Y Y
14. Atterberg limits - Y Y
15. Uniaxial Compressive Strength Y - -
16. Shear strength - Y Y
17. Dynamic shear strength Y - -
18. Modulus of sub grade Y Y Y
19. Compressibility / Consolidation - Y Y
20. Over consolidation ratio - - -
21. Stratigraphy Y Y Y
22. Heterogeneity of sub-surface material Y Y Y
23. Existing sub-surface faulting or other Y - -
weakness in the foundation locality
24. Degree of discontinuity and presence Y - -
of fracute zones
25. Rock quality designation and rock Y Y Y
mass rating
26. Creep, Stress history and strain Y - -
assessment
27. Sub-surface cavity and karstic Y Y Y
formation
28. Electricity resistivity Y Y Y

Note : ‘Y’ indicates parameter to be determined.

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References :

1) AERB Safety Guide NO.AERB/NPP/SG/CSE-2 Geotechnical

Aspects and Safety of Foundation for Buildings & Structures important to
Safety of Nuclear Power Plants.

2) USNERC – Regulatory Guide 1.32 – DG 11001 – Site Investigation for

foundation of Nuclear Power Plants

3) Soil Mechanics & foundation by Robert W.Day.

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