Building construction 3

Lecture 3

Week 3
Site Investigation:
Soil tests for bearing capacity

the comprehensive process of evaluating a location’s surface and subsurface conditions—including soil, rock, and
groundwater—to determine its suitability for construction

Purpose of Soil Investigation:

1. Determine the suitability of the site for the proposed project.

2. Determine an adequate and economic foundation design.
3. Determine the difficulties which may arise during the construction
process and period.
4. Determine the occurrence and/or cause of all changes in
subsoil conditions.
The above purposes can usually be assessed by establishing the physical, chemical and general
characteristics of the subsoil by obtaining subsoil samples which should be taken from positions on the
site which are truly representative of the area but are not taken from the actual position of the
proposed foundations. A series of samples extracted at the intersection points of a 20,000 square grid
pattern should be adequate for most cases.

Soil Samples: these can be obtained as disturbed or as undisturbed samples.

Disturbed Soil Samples:

these are soil samples obtained from boreholes and trial pits. The method of extraction disturbs the
natural structure of the subsoil but such samples are suitable for visual grading, establishing the
moisture content and some laboratory tests. Disturbed soil samples should be stored in labelled
airtight jars.

Undisturbed Soil Samples:

these are soil samples obtained using coring tools which preserve the natural structure and properties
of the subsoil. The extracted undisturbed soil samples are labelled and laid in wooden boxes for
dispatch to a laboratory for testing. This method of obtaining soil samples is suitable for rock and clay
subsoils but difficulties can be experienced in trying to obtain undisturbed soil samples in other types
of subsoil.
Depth of Soil Investigation: before determining the actual method of obtaining the required subsoil samples the
depth to which the soil investigation should be carried out must be established. This is usually based on the following
factors:

1 . Proposed foundation type.

2. Pressure bulb of proposed foundation.
3. Relationship of proposed foundation to other foundations.

Soil Investigation Methods: method chosen will depend on several

factors:
1 . Size of contract.
2. Type of proposed foundation.
3. Type of sample required.
4. Types of subsoils which may be encountered.

As a general guide the most suitable methods in terms of

investigation depth are:
1 . Foundations up to 3m deep trial pits.
2. Foundations up to 30m deep borings.
3. Foundations over 30m deep deep borings and in-situ
examinations from tunnels and/or deep pits.
Boring Methods to Obtain Disturbed Soil Samples:

1 . Hand or Mechanical Auger suitable for depths up to 3.0m

using a 150 or 200mm diameter flight auger.
2. Mechanical Auger suitable for depths over 3.0m using a
flight or Cheshire auger a liner or casing is required for
most granular soils and may be required for other types of
subsoil.
3. Sampling Shells suitable for shallow to medium depth
borings in all subsoils except rock.
Borehole Data: the information obtained from trial pits or boreholes can be recorded on a
pro forma sheet or on a drawing showing the position and data from each trial pit or borehole thus:

Boreholes can be taken on a 15.0m to 20.0m grid covering the whole site or in isolated positions relevant to the
proposed foundation(s).
As a general guide the cost of site and soil investigations should
not exceed 1% of estimated project costs.
Soil Assessment & Testing

Soil Assessment: prior to designing the foundations for a building or structure the properties of the subsoil(s)
must be assessed.
These processes can also be carried out to confirm the suitability of the proposed foundations.
Soil assessment can include classification, grading, tests to establish shear strength and consolidation.

Classification: soils may be classified in many ways such as geological origin, physical properties, chemical
composition and particle size.

Particle Size Distribution: this is the percentages of the various particle sizes present in a soil sample as
determined by sieving or sedimentation. BS 1377 divides particle sizes into groups as follows:

Gravel particles- over 2mm

Sand particles- between 2mm and 0.06mm
Silt particles- between 0.06mm 0.002mm
Clay particles- less than 0.002mm
SETTING OUT MARKINGS
Setting-out marking are simply the visible marks intended to
indicate the parameters within which the trenches are to be
dug out.
• It first requires the erection of the Profile board along the
perimeter of the proposed building.
• Then string lines demarcating the positioning of the
foundations must be fastened. This should be along both
the external and internal foundation line for all the WALLS,
Columns and Ground Beams of the building.
• Thereafter, apply the 3,4,5 square check to ensure that the
string lines have achieved the perfect 90 degrees Right
Angle.
• Finally now use a Chalk Powder to mark out the foundation
parameters along the lengths of the STRING LINES and
directly below the string lines to ensure precition.
SETTING OUT MARKINGS
 EXCAVATION PROCESS
• The excavation process involves a series of systematic
steps to safely and efficiently remove earth, rock, or other
materials from a designated area. The specific details of
the process can vary depending on the purpose of the
excavation, whether it's for construction, mining,
archaeological purposes, or other applications. Here is a
general overview of the excavation process:
• Site Preparation:
• Conduct a thorough survey of the site to assess the
soil composition, topography, and any potential
hazards.
• Mark the boundaries of the excavation area and
establish reference points for accurate
measurements.
• Clearing and Stripping:
• Remove any vegetation, debris, or obstacles from the
excavation site.
• Strip away the topsoil to expose the underlying
materials to be excavated.
 EXCAVATION PROCESS
• Setting Benchmarks and Profiles:
• Establish benchmarks and reference points to ensure
accurate measurements and proper excavation depths.
• Create profiles or outlines of the excavation area to guide
the digging process.
• Excavation:
• Use heavy machinery or equipment such as excavators,
peeks, shovels (spade) or bulldozers to dig and remove
material.
• Follow the established profiles and benchmarks to achieve
the desired depth and shape.
• Excavate in layers if necessary, taking care to avoid
over-excavation and destabilizing the surrounding soil.
• Material Handling:
• Load excavated material onto trucks or wheelbarrows for
removal from the site or relocation to another area.
• Separate and stockpile materials for reuse if applicable,
such as saving topsoil for landscaping.
EXCAVATION PROCESS
• Safety Measures:
• Implement safety measures to protect workers,
equipment, and the surrounding environment.
• Install support systems like shoring or sloping to
prevent cave-ins.
• Monitor for underground utilities and take precautions
to avoid damage.
• Quality Control:
• Inspect the excavated materials for quality and
suitability for the intended purpose.
• Conduct tests if required, especially in construction
projects, to ensure the soil meets specified
engineering standards.
EXCAVATION PROCESS
• Backfilling:
• Once the excavation is complete, place
reinforcement, pour concrete and then build your
foundation walls. Once all that is done backfill the
area with suitable materials to restore the site to its
intended grade.
• Compact the backfill to achieve stability and prevent
settling.
• Documentation:
• Keep detailed records of the excavation process,
including measurements, soil types, and any
unexpected conditions encountered.
• Throughout the entire excavation process, adherence to
safety protocols, environmental regulations, and project
specifications is crucial to ensure a successful and
secure outcome.
 EXCAVATION PROCESS- safety measures
• Risk Assessment:
• Conduct a thorough risk assessment before starting any
excavation work.
• Identify potential hazards such as unstable soil, utilities,
nearby structures, and environmental factors.
• Utility Locating:
• Contact utility companies to locate and mark the
positions of underground utilities before digging.
• Use appropriate methods, such as ground-penetrating
radar or utility locating services, to identify and mark
utility lines.
• Protective Systems:
• Use appropriate protective systems to prevent cave-ins.
This may include shoring, sloping, or trench boxes.
• Ensure that all protective systems are installed and
inspected by a competent person.
 EXCAVATION PROCESS- safety measures
• Access and Egress:
• Provide safe access and egress points for
workers entering and exiting the excavation.
• Use ladders, ramps, or other means of entry and
exit that are properly secured and easily
accessible.
• Trench Box Installation:
• Use trench boxes or shields to protect workers
inside the excavation from cave-ins.
• Ensure that trench boxes are installed and
secured according to manufacturer
specifications.
• Soil Analysis:
• Conduct soil testing to determine the stability of
the soil and the appropriate protective measures
needed.
• Monitor and reassess soil conditions regularly,
especially during adverse weather conditions.
 EXCAVATION PROCESS- safety measures
• Protective Clothing and Equipment:
• Provide workers with appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety boots,
high-visibility clothing, and gloves.
• Ensure that equipment operators are trained and
certified to operate machinery safely.
• Training and Awareness:
• Ensure that all workers involved in excavation are
trained on safety procedures and the proper use of
equipment.
• Conduct regular safety meetings to reinforce awareness
of potential hazards and safe work practices.
• Emergency Procedures:
• Establish and communicate emergency procedures,
including evacuation plans and the location of
emergency services.
• Provide first aid kits, rescue equipment, and ensure that
workers are trained in emergency response.
 EXCAVATION PROCESS- safety measures

• Monitoring and Inspections:

• Regularly inspect the excavation site, protective
systems, and equipment.
• Assign a competent person to monitor the excavation
continuously, especially during critical activities.
• Communication:
• Establish clear communication channels between
workers, equipment operators, and supervisors.
• Use signals, radios, or other communication devices to
maintain contact and relay important information.
• Permitting and Documentation:
• Obtain all necessary permits before starting excavation
work.
• Maintain accurate documentation of inspections, training
records, and any changes in excavation conditions.