TAP Marrickville Geotechnical-Investigation Apr 2013

GeoEnviro Consultancy Pty Ltd
Unit 5/39-41 Fourth Avenue, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia

PO Box 1543, Macquarie Centre. North Ryde, NSW 2113
ABN 62 084 294 762
Tel : (02) 9679 8733

Fax : (02) 9679 8744
Report
Geotechnical Investigation
Proposed Easy Access Upgrade
Marrickville Railway Station
Station Street, Marrickville, NSW
Prepared for
Railcorp
C/- Caldis Cook Group
Level 2, 45 Chippen Street
CHIPPENDALE NSW 2008
Ref: JG09334I
April 2011
ABN 62 084 294 762
Unit 5, 39-41 Fourth Avenue, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia

Tel : (02) 9679 8733
PO Box 1543, Macquarie Centre. North Ryde, NSW 2113
Fax : (02) 9679 8744
Email: geoenviro@exemail.com.au
8th April 2011

JG09334I-r1
Railcorp
C/- Caldis Cook Group
Level 2, 45 Chippen Street
CHIPPENDALE NSW 2008
Attention: Mr Hisham Noori
Dear Sir
Re
Geotechnical Report
Proposed Easy Access Upgrade
Marrickville Railway Station, Station Street, Marrickville
We are pleased to submit our geotechnical report for the proposed easy access upgrade project
for Marrickville Railway Station at Station Street, Marrickville.
This report contains information on sub-surface conditions and our comments and
recommendations on geotechnical issues considered relevant to the proposed development.
Should you have any queries, please contact the undersigned.
Yours faithfully
Solern Liew CPEng (NPER)

Director
D:\09JOB\334\JG09334I-L1.DOC
Caldis Cook Group

JG09334I
April 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Section
1.
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................1
2.
SITE DESCRIPTION AND PROJECT APPRECIATION ......................................................1
3.
INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY.......................................................................................2
3.1
3.2
4.
RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION......................................................................................4

4.1
4.2
5.
SUBSURFACE CONDITION.........................................................................................................4
LABORATORY TEST RESULTS ..................................................................................................5
COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................6

5.1
5.2
6.
FIELDWORK .............................................................................................................................2
LABORATORY TESTING ............................................................................................................3
EXCAVATION AND RETAINING WALLS ....................................................................................6

FOUNDATION ...........................................................................................................................7
LIMITATIONS..............................................................................................................................8
LIST OF DRAWINGS
Drawing No 1 Borehole Location Plan
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A
Borehole Reports
Appendix B
Laboratory Test Results
Appendix C
Explanatory Notes and Graphic Symbols
GeoEnviro Consultancy
Caldis Cook Group

JG09334I
April 2011
1. INTRODUCTION
This report presents the results of a geotechnical investigation for the proposed easy access
upgrade project for Marrickville Railway Station at Station Street Marrickville, as shown on
Drawing No 1. The investigation was commissioned by Mr Hisham Noori of Caldis Cook
Group, acting on behalf of Railcorp following our fee proposal Ref PG09041A dated 29th
May 2009.
We understand that the project will include the construction of a new concourse area with
stairs and lifts to Platforms 1 and 2 as shown on the attached Drawing No 1.
The purposes of this investigation were to provide the following information for the proposed
concourse structure and lifts;
x
Subsurface profile including ground water levels if present.
Recommendations on retaining wall/shoring design parameters.
Recommendations on suitable footing types including allowable bearing capacity.
2. SITE DESCRIPTION AND PROJECT APPRECIATION

Marrickville Railway Station is located on the north eastern corner of Illawarra Road and
Station Street Marrickville. The station consists of a side platform on Station Street side and
an island platform with access via a stairway leading up to the Illawarra Road overpass. Two
railway tracks (upline and downline) run in between the platforms. To the north of the island
platform are freight tracks
The site is situated on low lying to gently undulating terrain.
The NSW Soil Conservation
Services, Soil Landscapes of the Sydney 1:100,000 Sheet describes the land as developed
terrain near the boundary between residual soil and alluvial soil with man made fill. Main
limitations with regard to soil type include localised flooding, high soil erosion hazard, saline
subsoil, seasonal waterlogging and very low soil fertility.
Caldis Cook Group

JG09334I
April 2011
The 1:100,000 geological map of Sydney indicated the underlying bedrock to consist of
Ashfield Shale of the Wianamatta Group comprising of dark grey to black claystone-siltstone
and fine grained sandstone-siltstone laminite.
Surrounding ground surface is approximately level. Based on the survey drawing provided,
the island and side platforms (Platforms 1 and 2 respectively) are at about Reduced Level
(RL) 9.5m Australia Height Datum (AHD) and the Illawarra Road overpass are at about RL
14.8m AHD.
We understand that the proposed easy access project will include the construction of a new
concourse level to accommodate the station masters office, counting room, locker room,
kitchen and toilets. The concourse level will extend from the Illawarra Road overpass with
stairs and lifts leading to both platforms.
3. INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY
3.1 Fieldwork
Fieldwork for the investigation was carried out on the 7th April 2011 and involved drilling of
two boreholes (BH 1 and BH 2) on the railway station platforms as shown on Drawing No 1.
The boreholes were drilled using a hand auger to penetrate through fill followed by spiral
auger drilling using a small tracked mounted drill rig. The boreholes were drilled through the
asphalt pavement and fill and into natural soil to depths of 4.5m and 5.0m below existing
ground surface.
Prior to borehole drilling, underground services checks were carried out using available
drawings provided by Railcorp and Dial-before-you-dig. An underground services locator
equipped with an electromagnetic device was engaged as an extra precautionary measure to
reduce risk of damage to underground services caused by the borehole drilling.
Caldis Cook Group

JG09334I
April 2011
To assess the strength of the soil profile, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) tests were
carried out in the boreholes. The DCP tests involved driving a steel probe into the ground
using a standard weight sliding hammer and measuring the penetration resistance at every
100mm depth intervals.
The boreholes were observed for groundwater during drilling. Upon completion of the site
investigation, the boreholes were backfilled with excavation spoil and the surface of the
boreholes plugged with concrete.
The site investigation was supervised on a full-time basis by our geotechnical engineer. The
works were carried out in general accordance with our Safe Work Method Statement (Ref
JG09334I-L1 dated 1st April 2011).
Details of the subsurface profile and field tests are summarised on the Borehole Reports in
Appendix A. Explanatory notes and graphic symbols used in the Borehole Reports are
attached in Appendix C.
3.2 Laboratory Testing
Three disturbed soil samples were taken from BH 1 [0.7-0.9m], BH 1 [3.4-3.6m] and BH 2
[1.5-1.7m] to our NATA accredited laboratory for Atterberg Limits test to aid assessment of
soil characteristics and obtain correlated soil reactivity parameters.
The laboratory test results are summarised on Laboratory Test Report in Appendix B.
Caldis Cook Group

4.
RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION
4.1
Subsurface Condition
JG09334I
April 2011
Reference should be made to the Borehole Reports in Appendix A for details of the
subsurface conditions encountered in each test location. The following is a generalised
description of the subsurface profile;
Pavements
The boreholes which were drilled through existing pavement encountered Asphalt Concrete
about 50mm to 115mm thick overlying a layer of crushed rock about 300mm to 350mm.
Beneath the crushed rock in BH 1, a layer of ripped sandstone about 200mm thick was
encountered.
Fill
Fill was encountered beneath the pavement in both boreholes to a depth of 1.7m below
existing ground surface. The fill consists of fine to medium grained Clayey Sand and Sand.
DCP test No 2 revealed the fill to be loose. The fill was found to be dry to moist.
Natural Soil
Natural soil was encountered beneath the fill in both boreholes consisting of fine to medium
grained Silty Sand. The natural soil becomes more clayey at lower depths. At about 2.6m in
BH 1 and 2.8m in BH 2, medium plasticity Sandy Clay/Clayey Sand was encountered. Based
on the DCP test results, the upper 400mm of the Sandy Clay/Clayey Sand was assessed to be
loose to medium dense and at lower depths, the soil was assessed to be medium dense or very
stiff. The sandy soil appears to be of alluvial origin.
Medium to high plasticity residual Silty Clay was encountered in BH 1 at a depth of about
3.5m below existing ground surface. The Silty Clay was assessed to be very stiff.
The Sand and Silty Sand were found to be dry to moist and the Sandy Clay/Clayey Sand was
found to be moist to wet. The moisture content of the Silty Clay in BH 1 was assessed to be
slightly greater than the plastic limit.
Caldis Cook Group

JG09334I
April 2011
Bedrock
Bedrock was not encountered in both boreholes which were terminated at depths of 4.5m and
5.0m below existing ground surface.
Groundwater
Ground water was encountered in BH 2 at a depth of about 4.4m below existing ground
surface and groundwater seepage was encountered in BH 1 at a depth of 2.8m below existing
ground surface.
4.2 Laboratory Test Results
For details of the laboratory test results, refer to Laboratory Test Reports in Appendix B. The
following is a summary of the laboratory test results for the samples taken from the boreholes;
BH
Liquid
Plastic
Plasticity
Linear
Moisture
Limit (%)
Limit (%)
Index (%)
Shrinkage (%)
Content (%)
BH 1 (0.7-0.9m)
NP
NP
NP
NP
15.3
BH 1 (3.4-3.6m)
55
20
35
15
24.7
BH 2 (1.5-1.7m)
18
14
0.0
9.5
Based on the laboratory test results, the natural soil was assessed to have a low to moderate
reactive to moisture variation.
Caldis Cook Group

5.
COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1
Excavation and Retaining Walls
JG09334I
April 2011
We understand that the proposed lifts would typically have service pits about 1.5m deep and a
sump at the bottom. The borehole investigation indicates the proposed lift locations to be
underlain by fill up to 1.7m deep over Sand, Silty Sand and Clayey Sand of variable relative
densities (ie very loose to medium dense) to a depth of about 3.2m. At below 3.2m, the
Sandy Clay/Clayey Sand was assessed to be loose to medium dense and the natural Silty Clay
in BH 1 at below 3.5m was assessed to be very stiff.
We expect excavation for the service pits to be carried out within the sandy fill. Natural Silty
Sand/Sand may be encountered at the base of the excavation. Care should be taken to ensure
that excavation works do not result in undermining of adjacent footings.
Temporary
shoring/retaining walls will be required to prevent undermining of surrounding structures if

the proposed excavation works are carried our within close proximity to existing structures
with shallow footings. If the proposed excavation works are carried out away from the zone
of influence of surrounding structures, the excavation works may be batter to not steeper than
1 Vertical to 1 Horizontal for the short-term.
The zone of influence of existing footings may be taken as the area below the 1 Vertical to 1.5
Horizontal line transecting the outer edge of the footings.
If shoring/retaining walls are required, a rigid wall system using an at-rest lateral earth
pressure coefficient (Ko) should be adopted in the design. The following lateral earth pressure
coefficients may be adopted;
Ko
Bulk Density (kN/m3)
Fill
0.55
18.0
Natural Sandy and Soil
0.5
20.0
Material
Permanent subsurface drains should be provided at the back of the retaining wall, or half
hydrostatic ground water pressures should be taken into account in the design.
Caldis Cook Group

5.2
JG09334I
April 2011
Foundation
Based on the drawings provided, the proposed concourse structure will span over the railway
platforms from the Illawarra Road overpass.
The site is underlain by alluvial soil and borehole investigation revealed the site to be
underlain by fill and weak natural Sand/Silty Sand to depths varying from 3.0m to 3.2m
below existing platform level. Though the DCP results indicate the underlying natural clay to
be very stiff (for cohesive soils) or medium dense (for cohesionless soil) at below 3.2m, there
is a potential for the strength and type of alluvial soil to vary significantly over short distances
particularly at the upper soil stratum.
On this basis, we recommend the proposed concourse structure and lift wells to be supported
on piers. Due to the presence of groundwater and the cohesionless nature of the insitu soil,
we recommend grout injected piers be adopted.
For piers taken through the fill and to a minimum depth of 3.5m below existing ground
surface and founded on medium dense Sandy Clay/Clayey Sand or very stiff Silty Clay, an
end allowable bearing capacity of 400kPa may be adopted. An allowable shaft adhesion of
15kPa may be adopted for the section of piers within the natural clay. Shaft adhesion should
be ignored for the section of piers within fill. We recommend pier inspections be carried out
by a suitable qualified and experienced geotechnical engineer during piering to confirm the
subsurface ground conditions and to check the adequacy of the foundation material to support
the proposed structure.
Bored piles may only be considered if the piers are constructed above the groundwater table
level. We note that ground water level may vary depending on seasonal weather condition,
therefore trial bored piles may be carried out to further assess the suitability of this pile type
for the site. If bored piles are considered suitable, some provision for temporary liners to
prevent collapse of pier holes should be allowed for in the costing of the project and
concreting using Tremie method may be required if ground water is encountered during
bored piering. For bored piles, care should be taken to ensure the bases of the piers are
cleaned of remoulded and loose debris prior to concreting and concreting should be carried
out immediately after excavation to prevent softening of foundation material caused by
moisture.
Caldis Cook Group

JG09334I
April 2011
The natural clayey soil was assessed to have a low to moderate reactivity. We therefore
recommend that the footings be design to accommodate a Class M (Moderately Reactive)
site in accordance with AS2870.
6.
LIMITATIONS
The interpretation and recommendations submitted in this report are based in part upon data
obtained from a limited number of boreholes. There is no investigation which is thorough
enough to determine all site conditions and anomalies, no matter how comprehensive the
investigation program is as site data is derived from extrapolation of limited test locations.
The nature and extent of variations between test locations may not become evident until
construction.
Groundwater conditions are only briefly examined in this investigation. The groundwater
conditions may vary seasonally or as a consequence of construction activities on or adjacent
to the site.
In view of the above, the subsurface soil and rock conditions between the test locations may
be found to be different or interpreted to be different from those expected. If such differences
appear to exist, we recommend that this office be contacted without delay.
The statements presented in this document are intended to advise you of what should be your
realistic expectations of this report and to present you with recommendations on how to
minimise the risk associated with groundworks for this project. The document is not intended
to reduce the level of responsibility accepted by GeoEnviro Consultancy Pty Ltd, but rather to
ensure that all parties who may rely on this report are aware of the responsibilities each
assumes in to doing.
Your attention is drawn to the attached Explanatory Notes in Appendix C and this
document should be read in conjunction with our report
D:\09JOB\334\JG09334I-r1
18/4/11 10:00AM
BH1
BH2
Legend
Borehole

Unit 5, 39-41 Fourth Avenue, Blacktown
NSW 2148, Australia
Tel: (02) 96798733 Fax: (02) 96798744
Drawn By: SG
Date: 18/04/2011
Caldis Cook Group
Checked By: SL
Date: 18/04/2011
Revision:
Date:
Scale: NTS
c:\\lab\report\R011
Test Location Plan
A4
Project No: JG09334I
Drawing No: 1
Form No. R011/Ver02/06/07
Caldis Cook Group

JG09334I
April 2011
APPENDIX A
Borehole Reports
Unit 5, 39-41 Fourth Avenue, Blacktown NSW 2148, Australia

Tel: (02) 96798733 Fax: (02) 96798744
Borehole Report
Borehole no: 1
Client: Caldis Cook Group
Job no: JG09334I
Project: Proposed Ease of Access Upgrade
Date: 18/04/2011
Location: Marrickville Railway Station
Logged by: SG
Slope:
Hand Penetrometer kPa
Material Description
Soil Type, Plasticity or Particle Characteristic, colour, secondary
and minor component
Datum:
Moisture Content
Unified Soil Classification
Classification Symbol
Bearing:
Depth(m)
Tests, etc
Notes: Samples,
Water
Support
Method
Hole Diameter: 100 mm
R.L. Surface:
Consistency/Density Index
Drill Model and Mounting: Easyway TCH-05
Structure and Additional

Observations
Asphaltic Concrete - 115mm

Fill: Ash/Crushed Rock, 1 sandstone cobble, 1 ironstone
1.0
cobble dark grey
Fill: Ripped sandstone, grey white
Fill: Clayey Sand: Fine to medium grained, brown, with

fine to medium grained gravel
SW Sand: Fine to medium grained, dark grey/grey
LMD
NIL
V-BIT
2.0
SC Sandy Clay/Clayey Sand: Medium plasticity/fine to medium

3.0
M-W
LMD
grained, grey
Slight Groundwater seepage
MD
CI-CH Silty Clay: Medium to high plasticity, grey with a trace

4.0
MC= Vst
>PL
of iron staining
End BH 1 at 4.50m
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
c:\\Lab\report\R007
Form no. R007/Ver04/06/10

Tel: (02) 96798733 Fax: (02) 96798744
Borehole Report
Borehole no: 2
Client: Caldis Cook Group
Job no: JG09334I
Date: 18/04/2011
Logged by: SG
Slope:
Hand Penetrometer kPa
Material Description
Soil Type, Plasticity or Particle Characteristic, colour, secondary
and minor component
Datum:
Moisture Content
Unified Soil Classification
Classification Symbol
Bearing:
Depth(m)
Tests, etc
Notes: Samples,
Water
Support
Method
Hole Diameter: 100 mm
R.L. Surface:
Consistency/Density Index
Drill Model and Mounting: Easyway TCH-05
Structure and Additional

Observations
Asphaltic Concrete - 50mm

Crushed Rock: Fine to medium grained, grey brown
Fill: Sand: Fine to medium grained, grey brown
Another 20mm Layer of AC

D-M
at 0.3m
1.0
2.0
SM Silty Sand: Fine to medium grained, brown, trace of fine
D-M
VL
NIL
V-BIT
grained gravel and silty clay
3.0
SC Sandy Clay/Clayey Sand: Medium plasticity/fine to medium
LMD
grained, grey brown with iron staining
SC Clayey Sand: Fine to medium grained, grey brown
MD
4.0
M-W
5.0
End BH 2 at 5.0m
6.0
7.0
8.0
c:\\Lab\report\R007
Form no. R007/Ver04/06/10
Caldis Cook Group

JG09334I
April 2011
APPENDIX B
Laboratory Test Results

Tel: (02) 96798733 Fax: (02) 96798744
Dynamic Cone Penetration Test Report

Client / Address:Caldis Cook Group (CHIPPENDALE)
Job No. JG09334I
Date: 18/04/2011
Report No. R01A
Test Procedure: AS 1289 1.1, 1.2.1, 6.3.2

Test Data
Test No: 1
Test No: 2
Test Location:
Test Location:
Borehole 1
Borehole 2
RL:
RL:
Soil Classification:
Soil Classification:
Refer to Borehole Report
Refer to Borehole Report
Depth (m)
Blows
Depth (m)
Blows
Depth (m)
Blows
Depth (m)
Blows
0.0-0.1
3.0-3.1
0.0-0.1
3.0-3.1
0.1-0.2
3.1-3.2
0.1-0.2
3.1-3.2
0.2-0.3
13
0.2-0.3
12
0.3-0.4
0.4-0.5
15
0.4-0.5
3.2-3.3
3.3-3.4
3.4-3.5
0.3-0.4
3.2-3.3
3.3-3.4
3.4-3.5
0.5-0.6
3.5-3.6
17
0.5-0.6
3.5-3.6
0.6-0.7
20
0.6-0.7
12
0.7-0.8
0.8-0.9
0.9-1.0
3.6-3.7
3.7-3.8
3.8-3.9
3.9-4.0
1.0-1.1
22
1.1-1.2
1.2-1.3
1.3-1.4
1.4-1.5
1.5-1.6
1.6-1.7
1.7-1.8
1.8-1.9
1.9-2.0
2.0-2.1
2.1-2.2
2.2-2.3
2.3-2.4
2.4-2.5
2.5-2.6
2.6-2.7
2.7-2.8
2.8-2.9
2.9-3.0
22
0.7-0.8
DCP Terminated
0.8-0.9
at 3.80m
0.9-1.0
3.6-3.7
3.7-3.8
3.8-3.9
3.9-4.0
4.0-4.1
1.0-1.1
<1
4.0-4.1
4.1-4.2
4.2-4.3
4.3-4.4
4.4-4.5
4.5-4.6
4.6-4.7
1.1-1.2
4.1-4.2
4.2-4.3
4.3-4.4
4.4-4.5
4.5-4.6
4.6-4.7
4.7-4.8
4.8-4.9
4.9-5.0
5.0-5.1
5.1-5.2
5.2-5.3
5.3-5.4
5.4-5.5
5.5-5.6
5.6-5.7
5.7-5.8
5.8-5.9
5.9-6.0
1.2-1.3
1.3-1.4
1.4-1.5
1.5-1.6
1.6-1.7
1.7-1.8
1.8-1.9
1.9-2.0
2.0-2.1
2.1-2.2
2.2-2.3
2.3-2.4
2.4-2.5
2.5-2.6
2.6-2.7
2.7-2.8
2.8-2.9
2.9-3.0
Remarks:
5
6
12
25
23
28
DCP Terminated
at 4.20m
4.7-4.8
4.8-4.9
4.9-5.0
5.0-5.1
5.1-5.2
5.2-5.3
5.3-5.4
5.4-5.5
5.5-5.6
5.6-5.7
5.7-5.8
5.8-5.9
5.9-6.0
Weight:
9kg
Drop:
510mm
Rod Diameter:
c:\\lab\report\R009
16mm
Form No. R009/Ver06/06/10
This document is issued in accordance with NATAs accreditation requirements

Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025
NATA Accredited Laboratory Number: 14208.
Approved Signatory
Solern Liew Date 18/04/2011

Tel: (02) 96798733 Fax: (02) 96798744
Test Results - Atterberg Limits

Client / Address:Caldis Cook Group (CHIPPENDALE)
Job No. JG09334I
Date: 18/04/2011
Report No. R02A
Sample Identification
BH 1 (0.7-0.9m)
BH 1 (3.4-3.6m)
Sample Register No
SR 6633
SR 6634
SR 6635
Sample Date
7-Apr-11
7-Apr-11
7-Apr-11
BH 2 (1.5-1.7m)
Test Date
14-Apr-11
14-Apr-11
14-Apr-11
Sample Procedure
AS 1289 1.1, 1.2.1 (6.5.3)
AS 1289 1.1, 1.2.1 (6.5.3)
AS 1289 1.1, 1.2.1 (6.5.3)
Test Results
Test Procedure:
AS 1289 3.1.2
AS 1289 3.1.2
AS 1289 3.1.2
Liquid Limit (%)
NP
55
18
Test Procedure:
AS 1289 3.2.1
AS 1289 3.2.1
AS 1289 3.2.1
Plasitc Limit (%)
NP
20
14
Test Procedure:
AS 1289 3.3.1
AS 1289 3.3.1
AS 1289 3.3.1
Plasticity Index (%)
NP
35
Test Procedure:
AS 1289 3.4.1
AS 1289 3.4.1
AS 1289 3.4.1
Linear Shrinkage (%)
NP
15.0
0.0
Test Procedure:
AS 1289 2.1.1
AS 1289 2.1.1
AS 1289 2.1.1
15.3
24.7
9.5
Clayey Sand: Fine to

medium grained, grey
brown
Silty Clay: Medium

plasticity, grey brown, with
some sand
Clayey Sand: Fine to

medium grained, grey
brown
Natural Moisture
Content %
Material
Description
Remarks
NON PLASTIC
c:/lab/reports/R004
Form No. R004/Ver 07/06/10
This document is issued in accordance with NATAs accreditation requirements

Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025
NATA Accredited Laboratory Number: 14208.
Approved Signatory
Solern Liew Date 18/04/2011
Caldis Cook Group

JG09334I
April 2011
APPENDIX C
Explanatory Notes and Graphic Symbols

regarding rock classification, is given on the following
sheet.
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Introduction
These notes have been provided to amplify the

geotechnical report with regard to investigation
procedures, classification methods and certain matters
relating to the Discussion and Comments sections. Not all
notes are necessarily relevant to all reports.
Geotechnical reports are based on information gained from
finite sub-surface probing, excavation, boring, sampling or
other means of investigation, supplemented by experience
and knowledge of local geology. For this reason they must
be regarded as interpretative rather than factual documents,
limited to some extent by the scope of information on
which they rely.
Description and Classification Methods
The methods the description and classification of soils and
rocks used in this report are based on Australian standard
1726, the SSA Site investigation Code, in general
descriptions cover the following properties - strength or
density, colour, structure, soil or rock type and inclusions.
Identification and classification of soil and rock involves
to a large extent, judgement within the acceptable level
commonly adopted by current geotechnical practices.
Soil types are described according to the
predominating particle size, qualified by the grading or
other particles present (eg sandy clay) on the following
bases:
Soil Classification
Particle Size
Clay
Less than 0.002mm
Silt
0.002 to 0.6mm
Sand
0.6 to 2.00mm
Gravel
2.00m to 60.00mm
Soil Classification
Clay
Silt
Sand
Gravel
Particle size
less than 0.002mm
0.002 to 0.06mm
0.06 to 2.00mm
2.00mm to 60.00mm
Cohesive soils are classified on the basis of strength,

either by laboratory testing or engineering examination.
The strength terms are defined as follows:
Classification
Very Soft
Soft
Firm
Stiff
Very Stiff
Hard
Undrained Shear Strength kPa

Less than 12
12 - 25
25 - 50
50 - 100
100 - 200
Greater than 200
Non-cohesive soils are classified on the basis of relative

density, generally from the results of standard penetration
tests (SPT) or Dutch cone penetrometer test (CPT), as
below:
Relative Dense
Very Loose
Loose
Medium Dense
Dense
Very Dense
SPT 'N' Value

(blows/300mm)
Less than 5
5 - 10
10 - 30
30 - 50
> 50
CPT Cone
Value (qc-Mpa)
Less than 2
2-5
5 - 15
15 - 25
> 25
Rock types are classified by their geological names,

together with descriptive terms
on
degrees
of
weathering strength,
defects
and
other
minor
components. Where relevant, further information
C:\\lab\reports\r016-1
Sampling
Sampling is carried out during drilling to allow
engineering examination (and laboratory testing where
required) of the soil or rock.
Disturbed samples taken during drilling provided
information on plasticity, grained size, colour, type,
moisture content, inclusions and depending upon the
degree of disturbance, some information on strength and
structure.
Undisturbed samples are taken by pushing a thin walled
sample tube (normally know as U50) into the soil and
withdrawing a sample of the soil in a relatively
undisturbed state. Such Samples yield information on
structure and strength and are necessary for laboratory
determination of shear strength and compressibility.
Undisturbed sampling is generally effective only in
cohesive soils. Details of the type and method of sampling
are given in the report.
Field Investigation Methods
The following is a brief summary of investigation
methods currently carried out by this company and
comments on their use and application.
Hand Auger Drilling
The borehole is advanced by manually operated
equipment. The diameter of the borehole ranges from
50mm to 100mm. Penetration depth of hand augered
boreholes may be limited by premature refusal on a variety
of materials, such as hard clay, gravels or ironstone.
Test Pits
These are excavated with a tractor-mounted backhoe or a
tracked excavator, allowing close examination of the insitu
soils if it is safe to descend into the pit. The depth of
penetration is limited to about 3.0m for a backhoe and up
to 6.0m for an excavator. A potential disadvantage is the
disturbance caused by the excavation.
Care must be taken if construction is to be carried out near,
or within the test pit locations, to either adequately
recompact the backfill during construction, or to design the
structure or accommodate the poorly compacted backfill.
Large Diameter Auger (eg Pengo)
The hole is advanced by a rotating plate or short spiral
auger generally 300mm or larger in diameter. The cuttings
are returned to the surface at intervals (generally of not
more than 05m) and are disturbed, but usually unchanged
in moisture content. Identification of soil strata is generally
much more reliable than with continuous spiral flight
augers and is usually supplemented by occasional
undisturbed tube sampling.
Continuous Spiral Flight Augers
The hole is advanced by using 90mm - 115mm diameter
continuous spiral flight augers, which are withdrawn at
intervals to allow sampling or insitu testing. This is a
relatively economical means of drilling in clays and in
sands above the water table. Samples are returned to the
surface, or may be collected after withdrawal of the augers
flights, but they are very disturbed and may be highly
mixed with soil of other stratum.
Information from the drilling (as distinct from specific
sampling by SPT or undisturbed samples) is of relatively
low reliability due to remoulding, mixing or softening of
samples by ground water, resulting in uncertainties of the
original
sample
depth.
Form No. R016-1/Ver02/0104
ii
Continuous Spiral Flight Augers (continued)
The spiral augers are usually advanced by using a V - bit
through the soil profile refusal, followed by Tungsten
Carbide (TC) bit, to penetrate into bedrock. The quality
and continuity of the bedrock may be assessed by
examination of the recovered rock fragments and through
observation of the drilling penetration resistance.
Non - core Rotary Drilling (Wash Boring)
The hole is advanced by a rotary bit, with water being
pumped down the drill rod and returned up the annulus,
carrying the cuttings, together with some information from
the "feel" and rate of penetration.
Rotary Mud Stabilised Drilling
This is similar to rotary drilling, but uses drilling mud as a
circulating fluid, which may consist of a range of products,
from bentonite to polymers such as Revert or Biogel. The
mud tends to mask the cuttings and reliable identification
is again only possible from separate intact sampling (eg
SPT and U50 samples).
Continuous Core Drilling
A continuous core sample is obtained using a diamond
tipped core barrel. Providing full core recovery is
achieved (which is not always possible in very weak rock
and granular soils) this technique provides a very reliable
(but relatively expensive) method of investigation. In
rocks an NMLC triple tube core barrel which gives a core
of about 50mm diameter, is usually used with water flush.
Portable Proline Drilling
This is manually operated equipment and is only used in
sites which require bedrock core sampling and there is
restricted site access to truck mounted drill rigs. The
boreholes are usually advanced initially using a tricone
roller bit and water circulation to penetrate the upper soil
profile. In some instances a hand auger may be used to
penetrate the soil profile. Subsequent drilling into bedrock
involves the use of NMLC triple tube equipment, using
water as a lubricant.
methods is used to obtain samples in 50mm diameter thin

walled samples tubes in clays. In these circumstances, the
best results are shown on the bore logs in brackets.
Dynamic Cone Penetration Test
A modification to the SPT test is where the same driving
system is used with a solid 600 tipped steel cone of the
same diameter as the SPT hollow sampler. The cone can
be continuously driven into the borehole and is normally
used in areas with thick layers of soft clays or loose sand.
The results of this test are shown as 'Nc' on the bore logs,
together with the number of blows per 150mm penetration.
Cone Penetrometer Testing and Interpretation
Cone penetrometer testing (sometimes referred to as Dutch
Cone-CPT) described in this report, has been carried out
using an electrical friction cone penetrometer and the test
is described in Australian Standard 1289 test F5.1.
In the test, a 35mm diameter rod with cone tipped end is
pushed continuously into the soil, the reaction being
provided by a specially designed truck or rig, which is
fitted with a hydraulic ram system. Measurements are
made of the end bearing resistance on the cone and the
friction resistance on a separate 130mm long sleeve,
immediately behind the cone. Transducer in the tip of the
assembly are connected by electrical wires passing through
the centre of the push rods to an amplifier and recorder
unit mounted on the control truck.
As penetration occurs (at a rate of approximately 20mm
per second) the information is output on continuous chart
recorders. The plotted results in this report have been
traced from the original records. The information provided
on the charts comprises:
Standard Penetration Tests

Standard penetration tests are used mainly in non-cohesive
soils, but occasionally also in cohesive soils, as a means of
determining density or strength and of obtaining a
relatively undisturbed sample. The test procedure is
described in Australian Standard 1289 "Methods of testing
Soils for Engineering Purpose"- Test F31.
The test is carried out in a borehole by driving a 50mm
diameter split sample tube under the impact of a 63Kg
hammer with a free fall of 769mm. It is normal for the
tube to be driven in three successive 150mm increments
and the "N" value is taken as the number of blows for the
last 300mm. In dense sands, very hard clays or weak
rocks, the full 450mm penetration may not be practicable
and the test is discontinued.
The test results are reported in the following form:
In a case where full penetration is obtained with
successive blows counts for each 150mm of, say 4, 6,
and 7 blows.
as 4, 6, 7
N = 13
In a case where the test is discontinued short of full

penetration, say after 15 blows for the first 150mm
and 30 blows for the next 40mm.
as 15,30/40mm
Cone resistance - the actual end bearing force

divided by the cross sectional area of the cone,
expressed in Mpa.
Sleeve friction - the frictional force on the sleeve
divided by the surface area, expressed in kPa.
Friction ratio - the ratio of sleeve friction to cone
resistance, expressed in percentage.
There are two scales available for measurement of cone

resistance. The lower "A" scale (0-5Mpa) is used in very
soft soils where increased sensitivity is required and is
shown in the graphs as a dotted line. The main "B" scale
(0-50Mpa) is less sensitive and is shown as a full line.
The ratios of the sleeve resistance to cone resistance will
vary with the type of soil encountered, with higher relative
frictions in clays than in sands. Friction ratios of 1% to 2%
are commonly encountered in sands and very soft clays,
rising to 4% to 10% in stiff clays.
In sands, the relationship between cone resistance and SPT
value is commonly in the range:
qc (Mpa) = (0.4 to 0.6) N (blows per 300mm)
In clays the relationship between undrained shear strength
and cone resistance is commonly in the range:
qc = (12 to18) Cu
Interpretation of CPT values can also be made to allow
estimate of modulus or compressibility values to allow
calculation
of
foundation
settlements.
Inferred
stratification, as shown on the attached report, is assessed
from the cone and friction traces, from experience and
information from nearby boreholes etc.
The results of the tests can be related empirically to the

engineering properties of the soil. Occasionally the test
Form No. R016-2/Ver02/0104
iii
Cone Penetrometer Testing and Interpretation
continued
This information is presented for general guidance, but
must be regarded as being to some extent interpretive. The
test method provides a continuous profile of engineering
properties and where precise information or soil
classification is required, direct drilling and sampling may
be preferable.
Portable Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (AS1289)
Portable dynamic cone penetrometer tests are carried out
by driving a rod in to the ground with a falling weight
hammer and measuring the blows per successive 100mm
increments of penetration.
There are two similar tests, Cone Penetrometer (commonly
known as Scala Penetrometer) and the Perth Sand
Penetrometer. Scala Penetrometer is commonly adopted by
this company and consists of a 16mm rod with a 20mm
diameter cone end, driven with a 9kg hammer, dropping
510mm (AS 1289 Test F3.2).
Laboratory Testing
Laboratory testing is carried out in accordance with
Australian Standard 1289 "Methods of Testing Soil for
Engineering Purposes". Details of the test procedures are
given on the individual report forms.
Engineering Logs
The engineering logs presented herein are an engineering
and/or geological interpretation of the sub-surface
conditions and their reliability will depend to some extent
on frequency of sampling and the method of drilling.
Ideally, continuous undisturbed sampling or core drilling
will provide the most reliable assessment, however, this is
not always practicable or possible to justify economically.
As it is, the boreholes represent only a small sample of the
total sub-surface profile. Interpretation of the information
and its application to design and construction should take
into account the spacing of boreholes, frequency of
sampling and the possibility of other than "straight line"
variations between the boreholes.
Ground water
Where ground water levels are measured in boreholes,
there are several potential problems:
In low permeability soils, ground water although
present, may enter the hole slowly, or perhaps not at
all, during the investigation period.
A localised perched water table may lead to a
erroneous indication of the true water table.
Water table levels will vary from time to time, due to
the seasons or recent weather changes. They may not
be the same at the time of construction as indicated
in the report.
The use of water or mud as a drilling fluid will mask
any ground water inflow. Water has to be blown out
of the hole and drilling mud must be washed out of
the hole if any water observations are to be made.
More reliable measurements can be made by installing
stand pipes, which are read at intervals over several days,
or weeks for low permeability soils. Piezometers sealed in
a particular stratum may be interference from a perched
water table or surface water.
Every care is taken with the report as it relates to

interpretation of sub-surface conditions, discussions of
geotechnical aspects and recommendations or suggestions
for design and construction. However, the company cannot
always anticipate or assume responsibility for:
Unexpected variations in ground conditions. The
potential for this will depend partly on bore spacing
and sampling frequency.
Changes in policy or interpretation of policy by
statutory authorities.
The actions of contractors responding to commercial
pressures.
If these occur, the company will be pleased to assist with
investigation or advice to resolve the matter.
Site Anomalies
In the event that conditions encountered on site during
construction appear to vary from those which were
expected from the information contained in the report, the
company request immediate notification. Most problems
are much more readily resolved when conditions are
exposed than at some later stage, well after the event.
Reproduction of Information for Contractual Purposes
Attention is drawn to the document Guidelines for the
Provision of Geotechnical Information trader Documents,
published by the Institute of Engineers Australia. Where
information obtained for this investigation is provided for
tender purposes, it is recommended that all information,
including the written report and discussion, be made
available. In circumstances where the discussion or
comments section is not relevant to the contractual
situation, it may be appropriate to prepare a specially
edited document. The Company would be pleased to assist
in this regard and/or make additional copies of the report
available for contract purpose, at a nominal charge.
Site Inspection
The Company will always be pleased to provide
engineering inspection services for geotechnical aspect of
work to which this report is related. This could range from
a site visit to confirm that the conditions exposed are as
expected, to full time engineering presence on site
Review of Design
Where major civil or structural developments are
proposed, or where only a limited investigation has been
completed, or where the geotechnical conditions are
complex, it is prudent to have the design reviewed by a
Senior Geotechnical Engineer.
Engineering Reports
Engineering reports are prepared by qualified personnel
and are based on the information obtained and on current
engineering standards of interpretation and analysis.
Where the report has been prepared for a specific design
proposal is changed, say to a twenty storey building. If this
occurs, the company will be pleased to review the report
and sufficiency of the investigation work.
Form No. R016-3/Ver02/0104

TAP Marrickville Geotechnical-Investigation Apr 2013

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GeoEnviro Consultancy Pty Ltd

Unit 5/39-41 Fourth Avenue, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia

ABN 62 084 294 762

Tel : (02) 9679 8733

GeoEnviro Consultancy Pty Ltd

ABN 62 084 294 762

Unit 5, 39-41 Fourth Avenue, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia

8th April 2011

Solern Liew CPEng (NPER)

Caldis Cook Group

SITE DESCRIPTION AND PROJECT APPRECIATION ......................................................1

RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION......................................................................................4

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................6

EXCAVATION AND RETAINING WALLS ....................................................................................6

Caldis Cook Group

Subsurface profile including ground water levels if present.

Recommendations on retaining wall/shoring design parameters.

Recommendations on suitable footing types including allowable bearing capacity.

2. SITE DESCRIPTION AND PROJECT APPRECIATION

The NSW Soil Conservation

Caldis Cook Group

Caldis Cook Group

Caldis Cook Group

RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION

Caldis Cook Group

Caldis Cook Group

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Excavation and Retaining Walls

shoring/retaining walls will be required to prevent undermining of surrounding structures if

Bulk Density (kN/m3)

Natural Sandy and Soil

Caldis Cook Group

Caldis Cook Group

GeoEnviro Consultancy Pty Ltd

Caldis Cook Group

Marrickville Railway Station

Test Location Plan

Project No: JG09334I

Caldis Cook Group

GeoEnviro Consultancy Pty Ltd

Unit 5, 39-41 Fourth Avenue, Blacktown NSW 2148, Australia

Client: Caldis Cook Group

Job no: JG09334I

Project: Proposed Ease of Access Upgrade

Location: Marrickville Railway Station

Hand Penetrometer kPa

Unified Soil Classification

Hole Diameter: 100 mm

Drill Model and Mounting: Easyway TCH-05

Structure and Additional

Asphaltic Concrete - 115mm

cobble dark grey

Fill: Ripped sandstone, grey white

Fill: Clayey Sand: Fine to medium grained, brown, with

SW Sand: Fine to medium grained, dark grey/grey

SC Sandy Clay/Clayey Sand: Medium plasticity/fine to medium

Slight Groundwater seepage

CI-CH Silty Clay: Medium to high plasticity, grey with a trace

Form no. R007/Ver04/06/10

GeoEnviro Consultancy Pty Ltd

Unit 5, 39-41 Fourth Avenue, Blacktown NSW 2148, Australia

Client: Caldis Cook Group

Job no: JG09334I

Project: Proposed Ease of Access Upgrade