TABLE OF CONTENTS

TEXT

1.0 INTRODUCTION: ........................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 FIELD WORK: ................................................................................................................................ 1

3.0 SAMPLING AND LABORATORY TESTING: ......................................................................... 3

4.0 SITE CONDITIONS: ...................................................................................................................... 3

4.1 SURFACE CONDITION: .................................................................................................................. 3
4.2 SUB-SURFACE CONDITION: ......................................................................................................... 4
4.3 GROUND WATER CONDITION: ...................................................................................................... 5
5.0 DISCUSSION ON FOUNDATION CONDITIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: .......... 6

6.0 CHEMICAL ATTACK ON BURIED CONCRETE:................................................................. 7

7.0 CONCLUSION: ................................................................................................................................ 8

ANNEXURES

1.0 SITE PLAN ..............................................................................…….....................................I

2.0 PROCEDURE FOR SITE INVESTIGATIONS...... ..............…..........................................II
3.0 RECORD OF BORE
HOLES................................................….............................................III
4.0 RECORD OF TRIAL PITS..............................................….................................................IV
5.0 LABORATORY TEST RESULTS..............................................................…..……………....V
6.0 REPRODUCTION OF EXTRACT FROM CIRIA PUBLICATION 31/84 & BRE
DIGEST NO.363 : 1991............…………...…......................................................…...VI
7.0 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS.……..........................................….................................................VII
 Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No.133, Block – A at Barbazoom. Thumrait,Dhofar Gov., J-6331, May’2017

REPORT ON

SOIL INVESTIGATION FOR

PROPOSED HEALTH CENTER ON
PLOT NO. 133, BLOCK – A AT
BAR BAZOOM, THUMRAIT IN
DHOFAR GOVERNORATE

---------------------------------------------------
CLIENT : MINISTRY OF HEALTH

MAIN CONTRACTOR : AL TURKI ENTERPRISES LLC

1.0 INTRODUCTION:

OMAN DRILLING & SOIL TECHNOLOGY CO. LLC was commissioned for carrying out
Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No. 133, Block – A at Bar
Bazoom, Thumrait in Dhofar Governorate by the Main Contractor M/S AL TURKI

ENTERPRISES LLC. The work involved field study of the soil condition, drilling, trial
pitting, sample collection, testing of the samples in laboratory, examination and
interpretation of the data thus collected. This report presents the results of the
investigation alongwith an assessment of the soil type, its bearing capacity, its physical
and chemical behavior etc. and recommendations regarding the proposed foundation.

2.0 FIELD WORK:

The field investigations comprised visual examination of the ground surface condition,
excavation of six trial pits, drilling of two boreholes with in-situ standard penetration
testing, lithologging and sample collection from the trial pits and boreholes etc. Location

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 Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No.133, Block – A at Barbazoom. Thumrait,Dhofar Gov., J-6331, May’2017

of the trial pits and boreholes were marked based on the drawing provided by the Main
Contractor. These locations are shown on the site plan enclosed in Annexure I.

Drilling of the boreholes was carried out by employing rotary core drilling technique
using a truck mounted diamond core drilling rig supported by mud pump. Bentonite
mud circulation and temporary steel casing were utilised to stabilise the sides and bottom
of the boreholes wherever required. The boreholes were drilled upto 10.0 m depth each
from the existing ground level as specified. The boreholes were drilled in silty sandy
GRAVEL with cobbles and occasional boulders followed by very closely to closely
fractured, moderately to highly and at places completely weathered LIMESTONE type
rock formation. Disturbed and core samples were collected from the boreholes in casing
tubes and using double tube core barrels during drilling at appropriate depths and logged.
After completion of drilling, the boreholes were flushed with clear water to clean
bentonite mud and left for ground water monitoring for 24 hours. Afterwards, the
boreholes were backfilled with a cement based grout.

Standard Penetration Tests / Dynamic Cone Penetration Tests were carried out during
drilling. For this purpose, a split spoon sampler alongwith accessories as per BS 5930
was used. Due to the presence of weathered rock formation at shallow depth, the SPT
drive shoe was replaced by 50 mm dia, 60o apex solid cone and DCPTs were conducted.
Four DCPTs were conducted in the boreholes. The procedure adopted for site
investigation was as per BS 5930 and is detailed in Annexure II. The record of
boreholes with DCPT results alongwith coring and Rock Quality Description (RQD)
details are shown in Annexure III.

Six trial pits were excavated at this site upto 0.30 m – 0.50 m depth from the existing
ground level. The excavation was carried out by mechanized means using a light
backhoe excavator (JCB). Further excavation in the pits was not possible due to the
presence of rock formation at shallow depth. The trial pits were logged and bulk samples
were collected from them. Record of the trial pits are given in Annexure IV.
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 Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No.133, Block – A at Barbazoom. Thumrait,Dhofar Gov., J-6331, May’2017

3.0 SAMPLING AND LABORATORY TESTING:

Bulk samples of soil were collected from the trial pits at appropriate depths.
Disturbed and core samples were collected from the strata encountered in the
boreholes in casing tubes and using double tube core barrel during drilling. These
samples and the return water sludge were visually examined, logged, labelled and
preserved for future reference. The laboratory tests carried out and the quantity tested
are as under:

Sr. No. Laboratory Tests Qty.

1. Sieve Analysis 4

2. Atterberg Limits 2

3. Moisture Density Relationship 1

4. Gypsum Content 2

5. Unconfined Compressive Strength Test 2

6. Chemical Analysis on Soil i.e. SO3, Cl and pH 3

Analysis results of the samples thus collected and the test certificates are given in
Annexure V.

4.0 SITE CONDITIONS:

4.1 Surface Condition:

The site investigated is located on Plot No. 133, Block – A at Bar Bazoom, Thumrait in
Dhofar Governorate. The plot covers an area of 15,000.0 sq.m. as per the krookie made
available by the Main Contractor. The plot is flanked by graded road to its East and open
area / open plot on other sides. The surface topography of the plot consists of undulated
ground and is covered by silty very sandy GRAVEL. It is devoid of any vegetation.
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 Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No.133, Block – A at Barbazoom. Thumrait,Dhofar Gov., J-6331, May’2017

4.2 Sub-Surface Condition:

Full details of the strata encountered are given in the borehole and trial pit records. The
subsurface profile and lithology encountered in the boreholes and the trial pits shows
minor lateral variation. The subsurface conditions as revealed by the investigation are
summarized below:

The subsurface lithology at this site comprise of LIMESTONE rock under various degree
of weathering and fracturation at different depths. The top layer is represented by reddish
brown, medium dense to dense, very sandy silty GRAVEL with cobbles and few boulders
upto 0.30 m – 0.70 m depth below the existing ground level. These are followed by beige
to reddish brown, highly to completely and at places moderately weathered LIMESTONE
upto 3.20 m – 4.00 m depth. These are underlained by beige, very closely to closely
fractured, moderately to highly and at places completely weathered LIMESTONE upto
10.0 m depth explored.

The Rock Quality Designation (RQD) which is a quantitative measure of the fractured
state of rock and indirectly gives an index to quality of rock mass has been computed
from the recovered core of individual drilling runs in the boreholes (Ref. Borehole
records – Annexure III). The result can be correlated by referring to the following table
given in BS 5930.

RQD Rock Description

%

– 25 Very Poor

25 - 50 Poor

50 – 75 Fair

75 – 90 Good

90 – 100 Excellent

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 Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No.133, Block – A at Barbazoom. Thumrait,Dhofar Gov., J-6331, May’2017

Referring this table, the rock strata encountered in the borehole can be categorised as of
‘Very Poor to Poor’ strength quality upto 10.0 m depth explored.

Two core samples collected from the boreholes were subjected to Uniaxial Compressive
Strength Test. The test result shows the compressive strength of 26192 kN/m2 and
53494 kN/m2. Thus the rock encountered at this site can be classified as ‘Moderately
Strong to Strong’ as per the chart given in BS 5930 and reproduced below:

Term Compressive Strength

MN/m2

Very Weak Less than 1.25

Weak 1.25 to 5

Moderately Weak 5 to 12.5

Moderately Strong 12.5 to 50

Strong 50 to 100

Very Strong 100 to 200

Extremely Strong Greater than 200

4.3 Ground water Condition:

Groundwater was not encountered in the boreholes / trial pits upto the depth explored
at this site during the time of conducting the field investigation. No long term
monitoring of ground water was specified. Thus the ground water conditions
established is applicable for the time of investigation only. The ground water
condition is subjected to climatic changes and any changes in the surrounding area.
Reconfirmation of groundwater level is recommended prior to any work relating to the
ground water regime by installing Piezometer / open pit upto the bottom of excavation
/ foundation for long term monitoring
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 Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No.133, Block – A at Barbazoom. Thumrait,Dhofar Gov., J-6331, May’2017

5.0 DISCUSSION ON FOUNDATION CONDITIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The subsurface profile revealed by the boreholes and trial pits explored at this site
indicate the presence of top medium dense to dense, very sandy silty GRAVEL with
cobbles and few boulders upto 0.30 m – 0.70 m depth followed by highly to completely
and at places moderately weathered LIMESTONE upto 3.20 m – 4.00 m depth and very
closely to medium fractured, moderately to highly and at places completely weathered
LIMESTONE thereafter upto 10.0 m depth explored.

After examining the subsurface condition, DCPT results, coring, RQD details and other
engineering characteristics, we suggest the following net allowable bearing pressure for
design of Isolated pad footing type foundation and for RCC Raft foundation placed at
various depths below the lowest existing ground level (LEGL) of each structure.

Sr. No. Depth of Foundation Net Allowable Bearing Pressure

below LEGL (kPa)
(m) Isolated pad footing Raft foundation

1. 1.0 250 200

2. 1.2 – 1.5 300 220

3. 2.0 – 3.0 350 250

The foundation excavation upto the recommended depth is possible by mechanical

means. Rock breaker may be required to reach the founding depth. Care should be taken
to ensure that the excavated floor is not unduly disturbed during excavation. The
excavated floor may not be left open to nature for long. No loose portion may be left on
the excavated ground and it may be well compacted and if any voids, cracks or crevices
are observed, these should be filled with mass concrete before the foundation concrete is
laid. Barring major seasonal change, groundwater is not expected to be encountered
during foundation excavation. The soil material available at this site is not suitable for
structural back filling purpose.
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 Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No.133, Block – A at Barbazoom. Thumrait,Dhofar Gov., J-6331, May’2017

6.0 CHEMICAL ATTACK ON BURIED CONCRETE:

One of the major causes of deterioration of foundation concrete is corrosion of the

reinforcement. Corrosion results from attack by Chlorides present either within concrete
aggregates or in the environment and can only occur in the presence of oxygen and
water. The risk of corrosion can be reduced by assuring that the amount of Chloride in
concreting materials are kept to a minimum and by ensuring both the adequacy and
integrity of the concrete cover.

Chemical aggression of Sulphate present in concrete materials and in the environment to

which concrete is exposed may lead to internal expansion and disintegration of the
concrete itself. Their effect can be reduced by the use of certain selected cements or in
extreme conditions by protecting the concrete by tanking. However, where sulphate and
chlorides occur together, problems are accentuated because sulphate resisting cements
provide less protection to steel against attack in the presence of Chlorides.

The Chemical Analysis carried out on the soil samples collected from this site shows the
following range:

CONSTITUENTS Contents

Maximum Minimum

Sulphate as SO3 (gm/l) : 0.233 0.219

Chloride as Cl (%) : 0.016 0.001

pH : 7.5 7.3

Taking into consideration the sulphate content, the recommendations for mix design for
sub-surface concrete contained in BRE Digest No. 363:1991 may be used for guidance
(Ref. Annexure VI). For choosing cement type, content and water:cement ratio, the Class
1 condition specified in Table No. 1 of the above literature may be referred.

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 Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No.133, Block – A at Barbazoom. Thumrait,Dhofar Gov., J-6331, May’2017

For protection against chloride, the recommendations given in CIRIA Special Publication
31 of 1984 for reinforced concrete in an extreme environment may be used. Copy of the
relevant part of this publication is attached in the Annexure VI.

Considering the sulphate and chloride content of the subsoil and prevailing exposure
conditions, the following concrete criteria are recommended for the foundation:

Cement Minimum Maximum Suggested clear Protection type suggested

type cement content Water : cement cover over
Kg/m3 ratio reinforcement

OPC / Bituminous / Rubberised

350 0.45 75 m.m. Bituminous Coating
SRC

7.0 CONCLUSION:

The interpretation and recommendations contained in this report are based on result of
Trial Pit, Borehole and Laboratory Test conducted at the time of the investigation. The
sub-surface conditions inferred from the data are indicative for the test location and the
site as a whole, the accuracy of which cannot be assured for locations and time other than
those investigated.

FOR OMAN DRILLING & SOIL TECHNOLOGY CO. LLC.

B.R. MANJUNATH
Geotechnical Engineer

8
CLIENT MAIN CONTRACTOR PROJECT LEGEND OMAN DRILLING AND SOIL TECHNOLOGY CO LLC

BOREHOLE P.O BOX-1657, RUWI,

POSTAL CODE-112
TRIAL PIT SULTANATE OF OMAN
 INVESTIGATED PLOT

CLIENT MAIN CONTRACTOR PROJECT OMAN DRILLING AND SOIL TECHNOLOGY CO LLC
P.O BOX-1657, RUWI,
POSTAL CODE-112
SULTANATE OF OMAN
 SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
CLIENT : Ministry of Health
PROJECT : Soil Investigation for Proposed Health Center on Plot No. 133, Block - A
LOCATION : Bar Bazoom, Thumrait in Dhofar Governorate

MOISTURE GYPSUM UNCONFINED

TP/BH SAMPLE DEPTH ATTERBERG LIMITS DENSITY CONTENT COMPRESSIVE CHEMICAL
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS RELATIONSHIP STRENGTH
ANALYSIS
No. No. (m) Clay Sand Gravel Cobble LL PL PI Max. Optimum SO3 Cl pH
/ Dry moisture
Silt* Density content
% % % % % % kPa g/lt %
% Mg/m3 %

TP – 1 B–1 0.00 – 0.40 26 23 51 Nil 26 18 8 2.04 9.3 0.30 0.219 0.016 7.3

TP – 2 B–1 0.00 – 0.40 28 23 49 Nil 0.222 0.010 7.4

TP – 4 B–1 0.00 – 0.50 30 24 46 Nil

TP – 5 B–1 0.00 – 0.50 30 17 49 4 25 17 8 0.25 0.233 0.001 7.5

BH – 1 C–5 5.21 – 5.34 53494

BH – 2 C-1 1.80 – 1.98 26192

* - Passing 0.063 mm. Sieve. B - Bulk Sample

C - Core Sample
*******************************************************************

DRILLING WORK IN PROGRESS

 TRIAL PITS

TP - 1

DEPTH : 0.00 – 0.40 M

TP - 2

DEPTH : 0.00 – 0.40 M

 TRIAL PITS

TP - 3

DEPTH : 0.00 – 0.40 M

TP - 4

DEPTH : 0.00 – 0.50 M

 TRIAL PITS

TP - 5

DEPTH : 0.00 – 0.50 M

TP - 6

DEPTH : 0.00 – 0.30 M

 SAMPLE OF BOREHOLE-1 : DEPTH : 0.00 – 3.40 M
*******************************************************************

SAMPLE OF BOREHOLE-1 : DEPTH : 3.40 – 10.00 M

 SAMPLE OF BOREHOLE-2 : DEPTH : 0.00 – 3.30 M
*******************************************************************

SAMPLE OF BOREHOLE-2 : DEPTH : 3.30– 10.00 M