National Highways Authority of India

*A
fl

Zonsultancy Services for Feasibility study and Detailed Project Report

or 416 Laning of Karur=Madurai section of NH.7 from Km 30518 to 42616
in the State of Tamil Nadu (Consultancy Package C-ll 111)

7.

CQMT?hCs PACYACE PIS R2 (TM)

r-

nam

'f
C

VOLUME I11 : MATERIAL REPORT

January 2005

BCEOM

FfEm;H ENO*EERiNG C O N S V I ? S

eEB

L\ i,

h i n t VentWith
a p v w aqsoc i!.t?.S

..

"wm"

OPERATION RESEARCH GF

Table of Contents

,&- *

hlm V a * v e

BCBOM

7~

-.=--ear

CHAPTER

4 /6 Laning of Kamr - Madumi Sedion of NH-7

Consultancy
Setvices
for FeasibiliYy study and Preparation of DPR
~

TABLE OF CONTENTS

-I

S. No
1.0

Wlh

adreezS5xate5
i sd.au-.
ru*h

Page No.

Description
MATERIAL INVESTIGATION
1.I

Introduction

1.2

Project Description

1.3

Objective Of Material Investigation

1.3.1

investigation for Embankment and Sub grade

1.3.2

Pavement Materials

1.3.3

Stone Aggregate

1.3.4

Sand

1.3.5

Cement, Steel and B i m e n

CHAPTER II
2.0

SUBGRADE INVESTIGATION
2.1

Introduction

2.2

Project Description

2.3

Sub grade Soil Investigations

2.4

2.3.1

Methodology

2.3.2

Results of Investigations

2.3.3

Field Tests on Existing Alignment

Recommendations

I
<'-.

Final Detailed Project Report

Contract Package: - NS 82 (TN)
Volume Ill:Material Report

Table of Contents

4 /6 Laning of Kamr - Madurai Section of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibility study and Preparationof DPR

LlST OF FIGURES
Fig. No

Description

Page No.

Project road and & location of various quarries and borrow areas
Soil Classification
Plasticity lndex
MDD of Borrow Area Samples
CBR of Borrow Area Samples
Soil Classification
Plasticity lndex
FDD & MDD
FMC & OMC
Soaked CBR at 97% MDD
LlST OF TABLES
Table N o

Description

Page No.

Test Results of Borrow Area Samples

Test Results of Gravel Samples
Test Results of Aggregates Samples
Test Results of Sand Quarry Samples'
Borrow Areas for Embankment ISub grade
Summary of Test Results
Results of CBR & SNSG from DCP Tests
Summary of Test Results
Summary of Test Results

h
A
A

Final Detailed Project Report

Contract Package: - NS 82 (TN)
Volume Ill: Material Report

Table of Contents

ii

-k

Chapter 1 :Material Investigations

BOBOM

ig$Ey&&

Fr/.-.**nnun
k

4 /6 Laning of Karur - Madurai Section of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibility study and Prepamtion of DPR

--Bag

1.0

REPORT ON MATERIAL INVESTIGATIONS

II

INTRODUCTION

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H), Govt. of lndia has taken up the
development of various National Highway Corridors where the traffic intensity has increased
significantly thereby necessitating capacity augmentation for safe and efficient movement of
traffic. This Project is a part of North - South corridor connecting Srinagar in J&K State to
Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. National Highways Authority of lndia (NHAI) has been entrusted to
implement the development projects for these corridors. The work of conducting Feasibility
Studies and Preparation of Detailed Project Report for Four I Six laning from Karur (Km
305.800) to Madurai (Km. 426.660), a section of NH 7 has been entrusted to the Joint Venture
of BCEOM - Aarvee Associates.
For the convenience in construction, the present project corridor has been divided into three
packages. They are:
Package NS-80 (TN):
Package NS-81 (TN):
Package NS-82 (TN):

Km 305.800 to Km 345.000
Km 345.000 to Km 381.ZOO
Km 381.ZOO to Km 426.660

In this chapter, the data pertaining to the Construction package: NS-82 (TN) is presented.
1.2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The road section from Km 381.200 to Km 426.660 of NH-7 (Package NS82 (TN)) is taken up
for conducting detailed engineering studies for rehabilitation and up-gradation of existing 2 lane
to 4 lane divided carriage way highway with improved traffic capacity. Suitable construction
materials (such as embankment material, sub-grade material, Granular sub base material,
metal quarries and Aggregate crushers) investigations form an essential part of studies
conducted for identification of potential sources with minimum lead and easy approach to the
construction site. The study involves assessing the requisite quantity available in respect of
estimated quantity.
The investigation entails carrying out the visual locations of Borrow areas, locations of quarries
etc. with approachable minimum lead, collection of samples, laboratory testing for assessing
their quality, and suitability, and assessment of their quantity available for construction
purposes.
The investigation and testing of materials is carried out in accordance with the provisions of
TOR clause 4.1 1.5. A mass haul diagram is also prepared and enclosed indicating locations of
selected Borrow areas, quarries etc. haulage routs with minimum lead approximate quantity
available against the requirement and the ownership of the Borrow areaslquarries etc. The
following sections discuss about the details of samples collection, laboratory tests carried out
and their results and suitability of materials.

4 /6 Laning of Kamr- MaduraiSection of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibility study and Preparation of DPR

1.3

OBJECTIVE OF MATERIAL INVESTIGATIONS

Basic objective of material investigations is to identify the potential sources of construction

materials along the project stretch, to yield adequate quantity of materials which are suitable for
various pavement layers viz. embankment, sub grade, sub base, base, etc.
Suitable sources have been identified along the project stretch by local enquiry. However,
consultants have carried out tests on selected sources to find their suitability for use. Sufficient
number of quarries has been identified to verify availability of materials within economical leads.
The information on the materials sources was summarized with the following objectives:
ldentification of source locations indicating places and the status of quarries whether in
operation or new sources.
Identificationof requirements for road pavements, shoulder works, cross drainage and other
works.
Material specification and characteristics.
Testing and evaluation of materials for use in works.
Consultants have identified a number of quarries for stone, sand, gravel and borrow areas for
earth. More borrow areas are available along the roadside. The samples were tested in the
laboratory to evaluate their suitability for road construction. A sketch showing the project road
and location of various quarries and borrow areas along with the leads is given in Figure 1.I.
1.3.1

Investigation for Embankment and Subgrade

Material was collected from the borrow areas and tests were conducted to determine the
following parameters:
Grain size analysis
Atterberg's limits
Compaction characteristics
Strength characteristics
Table 1.1 presents details of location of borrow areas for embankment and subgrade. The
analysis brings out the following
Soils are predominantly GC (29%) and SC(71%)
Plasticity index ranges from 15% to 18%
Maximum dry density is ranges from 1.98 gmlcc to 2.17 gmlcc
CBR was found to be ranging between 15% to 35%
Figure 1.2 to Figure 1.5 shows the location wise variation of Plasticity Index, Maximum dry
density and CBR respectively. The summary of test results of borrow area samples furnished in
Table 1.1 and Gravel samples in Table 1.2. The details of quarry and borrow locations are
given in Table 1.5.
It can be inferred from above that all borrow soils are suitable for Embankment an
pter - 1: Material Investigations
Volume Ill:Material Report
.

..

.,..

..
,-,

, . . I

me=-

4 /6 Laning of Karur MaduraiSection of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibility study and Preparation of DPR

m
--

-.rr

PROJECT ROAD
NH/SH HIGHWAYS-

MAJOR ROADS
OTHER ROADS

AGGREGATE QUARRY

SAND QUARRY

GRAVEL QUARRY

--

~~

--

RIVER/STREAM

RAILWAY LINE

BORROW QUARRY@

rr

Figure 1.I. The project road and location of various quarries and borrow areas

.*

,,,

.c=
:.
., . '\.,
1,

:
'

.:,

h
,

Final Project Report

Contract Package - NS82 iTN)
Volume Ill: ater rial ~ e p o i '

Chapter I: Material l n v e ~ ~ & s ..-:

:' '

I!

if

.1

"\jL5z~~&lI

4 /6 Laning of Karur - Madumi Section of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibility study and Prepamtion of DPR

Figl.2 Soil Classlflcatlon

Plasticity index

18.5
18 17.5 17 16.5 b 16 15.5 -.
15 -.
14.5 14 -.
13.5 7

\
\

4WlO

42114

39312

39712

40510

412/900

4234

Chainage

Fig 1.3 Plasticity Index

Maxi~m
Dry Density

22

*.

2.1 -

2.15

0 205-

2-

1.9 -

1.95

1.85 7
400/0

42114

39312

39712

40510

Location of B o r n h

412/900

4234

Fig 1.4 MDD of Borrow Area Samples

t Final Project Report

Contract Package NS82 (TN)
Volume Ill: Material Report

..--

Chapter 0 I: Material Investigations

>.

y .

f 11

4 /6 Laning of Kamr - Madurai Section of NH-7

Consultancy Sewices for Feasibility study and Preparation of DPR

Soaked CBR (%)

40

35 -

30-

iz 25 L0

15 -.
10 5

/ \
/

1-

01
W O

42114

39312

30712

4030

412/900

4W4

LocatJon of Bomm Area

Fig 1.5 CBR of Borrow Area Samples

1.3.2

Pavement materials

The pavement has been designed to comprise the following materials:

SurfaceMlearing course
Base Course
Sub-base Course

Bituminous Concrete
Dense Bituminous macadam IWet Mix Macadam
Granular sub-base

For the above components, the basic materials available from natural Iquarry sources are
shown in Table 1.3 and analysis brings out the following.
1.3.3

Stone Aggregate

Samples have been collected from the existing quarries and crushers to find their suitability for
use in the cement concrete, sub base, base and wearing courses.
The aggregates have been subjected to the following tests:
Impact value
Specific gravity and water absorption
Stripping value
Soundness
In the primary investigations, the aggregates seem to be having a stripping value of more than
5%. It may be required to add anti stripping agents to bitumen during construction of asphalt
courses. The test results are furnished in Table 1.3.

1.3.4

Sand

Sand has been collected from three quarries and all the quarries satisfy requiremen
II sand, which is ideal for reinforced concrete. But, there is a recent order that san
only through PWD

Volume Ill: Material Report

4 /6 Laning of Kamr - Madurei Section of NH-7

ConsuItancy Services for Feasibility study and Preparation of DPR

to manufacture "crusher sand " by installing additional machinery along with stone crusher. The
test results are furnished in Table 1.4.
1.3.5

Cement, Steel and Bitumen

.*

Cement, bitumen, steel etc are the manufactured materials. Bitumen is produced indigenously
in lndia and is generally supplied from the nearest oil refinery. Regular supply of bitumen can
be satisfactorily met by advance agreements.
Cement conforming to BIS specifications can be procured directly form factories or can be
purchased from dealers of the factories in all the major towns along the project road. The
reinforcement steel both CRS and ordinary Tor steel of different grades conforming to BIS
specifications is available. Hence there is no difficulty in respect of its availability in this project.
The nearest sources are:
Bitumen
Cement
Steel

Madras Refinery 1 Cochin refinery

India Cements, Chennai.
Rashtriya lspat Nigam Limited (Visakhapatnam Steel Plant)

Final Project Report

Contract Package - NS82 (TN)
Volume Ill: Material Report

Chapter - I:Material lnve

6of 11

Table 1.2 Test Results of Gravel Samples

N.prw

'mi.a-

RbM

(h.1

G4

Somkkapatti
In Behneen to
Kmngothopu
Andipatly village
MI NH-7

(Km.)

mm

0.5
nun

4.75
mm

2.36
mm

20
mm

0.425
mm

0.075
mm

75.0
mm

53.0
mm

26.5

19.0

mm

PL
(K)

CBR T n l

Roctor Test

A(tnbwp's U m b

Slaw Analysis (Cum X P.ulw)

l
m
WI
TYp.

PI(%)

CBR
Wsturm
VALUE -4(X)
.oc*lw(%l

YDD

onJ=

Palanl SebampaW
roadofy0-810km

39412

8.5

100

100

96

89

73

48

40

34

29

25

35

15

20

GC

2.10

10.3

30

12.6

Along mad side ( NH-7)

of Kodal mad

41012

0.2

100

BB

94

90

76

46

40

37

25

27

37

18

19

GC

2.092

29

10.5

Table 1.3 Test Results of *qgmgah Samples

",?

V I I ~ ~~ . .n w

P a w - Sebsmpatly road

Sorakkapattl

AS

~uuy~oution

ParsyaMIplpl

DESCRIPTIONOF
SAMPLE

~
(KM.1

of 14n kn

GrsnKe GenJs (Igneous

Rock type)

AvanaipuramTwukwhrn Road

G ~ ~ ( l o n e 0 u s
Rocktype)

394n

37916

Cft

T&IW
~
(Km.)

W.1.r
~
(x)

Soundmu
(54)

Oblpping
Value(%)

14.5.20.5

19.8

2.818

0.15

I.M

1&20

10.4

22.2

2.88

0.78

0.8

5-10

,
+

,
,
m--

-.--

4 16 Laning of Karur - Madurai Section Of NH-7

Consultancy Setvices for Feasibility study and Preparation of DPR

I
--kr

Location Details

Final Detailed Project Report

Contract Package NS 82 (TN)
Volume Ill: Material Report

Chapter I : Material Investigations

jy

Chapter Z :Subgrade Investigations

--

BCEOM

:, r

lolnt ventwe wlm

m dsscNa~es

k JJ =---31-ruz-,r?rs r r

h-rm
cw*m-Oap

4 /6 Laning of K a ~-rMadurai Section of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibility study and Preparation of DPR

2.0

SUBGRADE INVESTIGATIONS

2.1

INTRODUCTION

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H), Govt. of lndia has taken up the
development of various National Highway Corridors where the traffic intensity has increased
significantly thereby necessitating capacity augmentation for safe and efficient movement of
traffic. This Project is a part of North - South corridor connecting Srinagar in J8K State to
Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. National Highways Authority of lndia (NHAI) has been entrusted to
implement the development projects for these corridors. The work of conducting Feasibility
Studies and Preparation of Detailed Project Report for Four I Six laning from Karur (Km
305.800) to Madurai (Km. 426.660), a section of NH 7 has been entrusted to the Joint Venture
of BCEOM - Aarvee Associates.
For the convenience in construction, the present project conidor has been divided into three
packages. They are:
Package NS-80 (TN):
Package NS-81 (TN):
Package NS-82 (TN):

Km 305.800 to Km 345.000
Km 345.000 to Km 381.200
Km 381.200 to Km 426.660

In this chapter, the data pertaining to the Construction package: NS-82 (TN) is presented.

2.2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The road section from Km 381.200 to Km 426.660 of NH-7 Package NS-82 (TN) is taken up for
conducting detailed engineering studies for rehabilitation and up-gradation of existing 2 lane to
4 lane divided carriage way highway with improved traffic capacity. Soils and material
investigation for a road project is an essential requirement to assess real scenario for design
and construction. During design stage, the road pavement, embankment, and other structures,
the existing soils and materials inventory is needed for their characteristics, availability in right
quality and quantity for constructions at reasonable cost. The investigations covered all relevant
aspects.
All relevant information such as geological maps data published by various authorities
regarding soil profile, ground water quality etc., have been studied to the extent possible.
Subgrade investigations along the alignment of the project was essentially directed towards
collecting all the data about the existing pavement, subgrade etc., necessary for strengthening
the existing pavement for widening and paved shoulders and for new bypass alignments.
The investigation and testing of materials is carried out in accordance with the provisions of
TOR clause 4.1 1.3.3.

Final Detailed Project Report

Contract Package - NS82 (TN)
Volume Ill: Material Report

Part - 2: Report on Subgrade Investigations

Iof 12

. ..

,.

1 13

I)CEOM

2.3

:,,,$&$gL
).I/

.-.*~uuriuri,Uriurirrda

hm
.- ,
o..mnlarm

oao

4 /6 Laning of Karur- Madurai Section of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibilitystudy and Preparation of DPR

SUBGRADE SOIL INVESTIGATIONS

Subgrade investigations along the alignment of the project was essentially directed towards
collecting all the data about the existing pavement, subgrade etc., necessary for strengthening
the existing pavement for widening and paved shoulders and for new bypass alignments.

2.3.1

Methodology

All relevant information such as geological maps data published by various authorities
regarding soil profile, ground water quality etc and data available with PWD (NH) have been
studied to the extent possible. In addition fresh investigations were carried out by cutting trial
pits in the following manner.

Large test pits (1.0m x 1.0m) were excavated at the pavement shoulder interface to a
depth of 1 m, Minimum three pits were dug for each homogeneous road segment or change
of soil as per TOR and staggered IeWright for carrying out the following activities.
9 Measuring and logging the thickness of various pavement layers.
9 Conducting field (in-situ) density test using sand replacement method as per 18:2720 part-28

>

Field moisture content

9 Conducting DCP Test (TRL Method) down to a depth of 1.5m below subgrade level.
9 Collecting samples of subgrade (approx. 50Kg) for following laboratory tests
s Atterberg limits
As per 18:2720
3 Grain size analysis
As per 18:2720
3 Maximum laboratory
As per 18:2720
Dry density (heavy compaction)
s Optimum Moisture content
As per 18:2720
AASHTO TI93
3 CBR (4 days soaked) at
three energy levels
3 Free swell index
As per lS:2720
9 Collecting Auger samples at different depths for Laboratory tests for soil classification
Small pits (0.7m x 0.7m) were dug upto the subgrade level at the pavement - shoulder
interface staggered left/right in between the large pits at every I k m interval. The following
activities were carried out

>

Measuring and logging the thickness of various pavement layers

9 Collecting samples of subgrade for following laboratory tests
3 Atterberg limits,
3 Grain size analysis
3 Natural moisture content
a Free swell index

New Alignment: Pits on natural ground adjoining the existing pavement to

strength for new carriageway1 proposed bypass alignments at every 5Km i
following activities were carried out.
9 Collecting bulk samples (approx. 50Kg) for following laboratory test.

Final Detailed Project Report

Contract Package - NS82 (TN)
Volume Ill: Material Report

Part - 2: Report on Subgrade Investigations

u<
\!a:Y'
\

2 of 12

4 /6 Laning of Karur- Madurai Section of NU-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibilrtystudy and Preparation of DPR

Atterberg Limits
Grain size analysis
3 Maximum Laboratory dry density (heavy compaction)
3 Optimum moisture content
s CBR (4 days soaked) at three energy levels
3 Free swell index
9 Driving auger down to 1.5m below the natural ground or till hard strata is encountered,
9 collecting 1 Kg sample at I.Om and 1.5117depth for soil classification
9 Recording water table, If encountered in the bore.
3

2.3.2

Results of Investigations

The results of field and laboratory investigations have been compiled in the form of tables and
are given in the Appendix, at the end of this chapter.
Table 2.1

Test results at Subgrade level at every 1km interval from small pits

Table 2.2

DCP-CBR value at Sub-grade and below sub-grade level

Table 2.3

Test results at Subgrade and below sub-grade level from large pits

Table 2.4

Test results of natural ground

2.3.3
2.3.3.1

Field Tests on Existing Alignment

Existing Sub-grade

The existing sub-grade soils have been investigated for moisture content, density, DCP-CBR
etc. The test was done staggered at the junction of shoulder and carriageway through test pit
dug up to the formation level as per standard procedure.
2.3.3.2

Dynamic Cone penetration Test: (TRRL Method)

Dynamic Cone Penetration test according to TRL method was conducted to assess the in-situ
CBR at and below subgrade level. The test was conducted at large pits along the existing
pavement edge (300 mm from the edge of the carriageway) of the road. TRRL's DCP
apparatus consists of a hardened steel cone (60cone) 20 mm in diameter, which is driven by a
weight of 8 Kg with a drop height of 575 mm. The CBR value was calculated for different soil
layers encountered from the graph of penetration versus number of blows. Slope changes of
penetration versus number of blows graph indicates interface of two soil layers. From this
graph, layer thickness and respective slopes (penetration 1 blow) have been calculated.
DCP-CBR value have been calculated using the following formula (TRL overseas
using 60" cone)

Final Detailed Proiect Reoort

Contract package- ~ ~ (TN)
8 2
Volume Ill: ate rial ~ e ~ o i

Part - 2: Re~orton Subarade lnvestiaations

\~'.
\L

I\

'

of 12

4 /6 Laning of Kamr - Madurai Section of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibility study and Preparation of DPR

Loglo CBR = 2.48

- I.057*loglo

(mmlblow)

The above DCP-CBR value was converted to an overall equivalent DCP - CBR value using the
following Japanese formula.

Overall CBR = [@(Layer thickness) x (DCP CBR)'") I(Z(Layer thickness)13

Table 2.2 of Appendix gives the data on the overall CBR. Maximum, minimum and average
values of DCP-CBR value have been found to be 71.8, 30.9 and 48.6 respectively.

2.3.3.3

Laboratory test results o f the existing sub-grade

Laboratory test results obtained from small pits have been grouped along with results of large
pits and analyzed. The soil samples have been primarily classified on the basis of Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) which is based on the unified soil classification System (UCS). Densitymoisture relation, CBR (soaked) swell at
10, 30 and 65 blows, were determined.
Soil Classification
Comprehensive results of laboratory tests
on subgrade samples of the existing
SM
pavement are summarized in Table 2.1 &
27
2.3 in Appendix. The subgrade soil is
mostly sand, sandy clay and some gravel
C
material, with low plasticity. The soil is
73%
mostly classified as SM or SC group
according to the UCS System. Soil
Fig 2.1 Soil Classification
profiles along the alignment have been
given in Figure 2.6, Appendix.
Grain size analysis: In the entire section soil, the 75 micron passing material is 33%
(average value) which ranges from 3.4% to 59.9%.
Atterberg's Limits: The mean Liquid limit and Plastic limit values are found to be 30% and
15% respectively. The average value of plasticity index of the soil is found to be 15%.
About 9% of soil samples have a PI value in the range of 0-10%, 51% of soil samples have
PI in the range of 10-20%, about 13% of
Plasticity lndex
samples have PI in the range of 20-30%
and 27% of samples are non-plastic in
0-10
NP
nature, and is given in the figure 2.2.
.1&20
Moisture content vs. Dry Density
20
relationship (Heavy compaction), is given
13%
51%
in the figure 2.4
Soil samples obtained from trial pits have
Fia 2.2 Plasticitv lndex
been compacted in the laboratory at
various moisture contents to derive a dry density versus moisture content relationship. The
method of heavy compaction in accordance with IS: 2720 (P
given in figure 2.3.
Final Detailed Project Report
Contract Package - NS82 (TN)
Volume Ill: Material Report

--

Part - 2: Report on Subgrade lnves

'9

M n t Yenb.r W i h

*B='&

25 $

hA-*

-arm

4 /6 Laning of Karur- Madurai Section of NH-7

~
Consuitancy
Services for Feasibilitystudy and Preparation of DPR

PumOao

It shows Subgrade soil

having maximum dry density
(MDD) ranging from 1.82
gmlcc to 2.2 gmlcc. The
optimum moisture content
(OMC) varies from 9.5% to
16.5% showing an average
of 12.17%.

FDD & MDD

25

1':
&
05

ltiif{faEf
Chaln.0.

California Bearing Ratio

Fig 2.3 FDD 8 MDD
(CBR) tests were carried out
on the pit samples as per standard procedures. At OMC, the soil samples were compacted at
three different energy levels corresponding to 10 blows, 30 blows and 65 blows as per 18:2720
(Part8). The samples were tested after immersion in water and soaking for four days. The
amount of swell, soaked moisture and density were determined for the samples. For the same
samples CBR at FDD, 95% of MDD, 97% of MDD and at MDD has been interpolated from the
results
at
different
levels
of
FMC 8 OMC
compaction.
--

.---

Comprehensive results of laboratory

'investigations are tabulated in Table
2.3 of Appendix. The soaked CBR at
MDD ranges from 9.6% to 27.7% and
the soaked CBR at FDD ranges from
4.6% to 18.5%. Figure 2.5 presents
the results of soaked CBR compacted
at 97% MDD.

01.1,"'p

Fig 2.4 FMC 8 OMC

The field dry density and moisture content of the subgrade soil has been measured at every
large pit and the results are
CBR (%)
illustrated in Table C8 of Appendix-- -- -- - -30 - - - ---- -- C. It shows a range of FDD from
25 18.0kNl m3 having an average
\
value of 20.0kNI m3. The field
moisture content (FMC) varies from
5 2.0% to 6.1% having an average
0
value of 4.1 %. The average ratio of
FMC and OMC is 0.34 while the
Chainagm
ratio of FDD and MDD is 0.92.

smT

Investigation of

natural ground

Fin 2.5 Soaked CBR at 97%

\ Lfiw\Z\../
L , . /;
\

Final Detailed Project Report

Contract Package - NS82 (TN)
Volume Ill: ate rial ~ e ~ o i

Part - 2: Report on Subgrade Investigations

-of

/t

12

33

-BAIEOEM

7.,

.;*....

loh(VsbnWith

F a-

dwxi.3~5
-,arm

mluorYtlon*m

4 /6 Laning of Kamr - Madurai Section of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibility study and Preparation of DPR

'a-m-eap

abutting the existing carriageway and along proposed alignment of bypasses was done through
test pit and auger samples collected for Laboratory tests. Comprehensive results of laboratory
tests are presented in Table 2.4 of Appendix.
Grain size analysis : Results of Grain size indicates an average value of 75 micron down
material is 33% (Range 3.4 % to 59.9%)
Atterberg's Limits: The mean Liquid limit and Plastic limit values are found to be 30% and 15%
respectively. The average value of plasticity index of the soil is found to be 15% (Range 8% to
25%)
Moisture content vs. Dry Density relationship (Heavy compaction)
a Average Maximum dry density (MDD) of the natural ground is 2.0glcc (Range: 1.8glcc to 2.
2gmlcc). The optimum moisture content (OMC) varies from 9.5% to 16.5% &owing an
average of 12.2%.
CBR Test: Laboratory CBR on the test pit sample from natural ground at MDD has been found
to be 18.4% (average value) with a range of 9.6% to 27.7%.
Auger Samples: Auger samples were collected at three depth 50cm, Im, 1.5m for natural
moisture content. The soil samples from different depths were collected at each site and
representative test samples were prepared for analysis.
2.3.3.4

Interpretation of Test Results

Majority of the alignment soil is mostly sand, sandy clay and some gravel material, with low
plasticity. The soil is mostly classified as SM or SC group according to UCS system.

Existing Subgrade
In-situ average DCP-CBR value is 48.6% with large variation (Range: 30.9% to 71.8%) which is
more than Laboratory CBR 18.4% (Range: 9.6% to 27.7%). This indicates the densification of
sub-grade has occurred over a period of time.
Average Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) is 12.2% where as Natural Moisture Content (NMC)
is about 6.3%. Therefore the mean NMC is 50% less than OMC.
New Sub-grade1Natural ground
Majority of the natural soil abutting existing alignment is predominantly sandy claylsandy silt
(SCISM group) and average Laboratory CBR 13.47% (Range 5% to 23%) which is less than
existing subgrade CBR at MDD (20.23%). Average Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) is 12%
where as Natural Moisture Content (NMC) at a depth of 0.50m, I m and 2m below ground level
was collected and presented in Table 2.4, Appendix.
2.4

RECOMMENDATIONS

Geotechnical lnvestigations including subsurface drilling at the locations of

of the various bridges and flyoverslRoBs, insitu testing and laboratory testing
during April 2004 to June 2004 through a geotechnical consultant.

Final Detailed Project Report

Contract package--~ ~ (TN)
8 2
Volume Ill: Material Report

Part - 2: Report on Subgrade Investigations

6of12

4 /6 Laning of Kamr - Madurai Section of NH-7

Consultancy Services for Feasibility study and Preparation of DPR

The subsoil investigation work was carried conforming to the requirements of the relevant IS
and IRC codes and specifications. The boreholes were advanced using rotary type drilling, SPT
values were recorded in the soil formation at on interval of 1.5m generally. Where rock
formations were met with, cores were recovered using double tube core barrel. Since formation
was sandy soil followed by weathered rock or rock, all through the alignment, it was found
possible to adopt open foundations. The depth of foundation was mostly in the range of 2 to 3m
and a safe bearing capacity of 30-45 Urn2 was adopted. In a few cases foundation depth was
deeper. In case of lightly loaded structures, foundation were located on sandy layers and
allowable bearing capacity of 15 to 25 Um2 was adopted.
Basic input for the design of pavements is the soaked CBR value compacted at 97% MDD.
Considering this parameter, and the type of existing soils available, a soaked CBR value of
10% has been adopted uniformly for the design of existing and new pavement.
In order to evaluate the stability of high embankments in the approaches to bridge and other
structures, two bore holes were drilled in each of the approaches as well as the strength
properties of fill soils were evaluated. The sub-soils in the stretch are materials having high
shear strength as also the fill materials. The high embankments are safe with 1:2 side slopes.

Final Detailed Project Report

Contract Package - NS82 (TN)
Volume Ill: Material Report

Part 2: Report on Subgrade Investigations

7 of 12

6cww

4 /6 Laning of Karur- Madurai Section Of NH-7

ConsuItamySfvice$ for Feasibility study and PmparaIron of DPR

.,:< " +, 3.$?~"~:zy:l;..,

. . ... -. . - .
h..p.*...r.n

--Uug

Table 2.1 :Summary of Test Results

Laboratory test results of Subgrade soil samples at small pits

Final Detailed Project Report

Contraa Package- NS82 (TN)
Volume Ill : Material Report

Chapter 2 : Subgrade Investigation

80f 12

4 /6 Lening of KaNr- Madurai Section Of NH-7

Consultancy Sewices for FeesMity study and Preparation of DPR

Test
location
NO.
(h)

Final Detailed Pmject Report

Contracl Package- NS82 (TNJ
Volume Ill : Material Report

Table 2.2 : Results of CBR &SNSG from DCP Tests

Layer 1
Layer3
Layer2
NO.of DCPNO.of DCPNo. Of
Thickness
blows
blows CBR
CBR

Chapter 2 : Subgrade Investigation

3 ,

Overall CBR

OCPJapanese
CBR

SNSG

4rn~~no&r-~adur(lisedionof~~-7
Consultancy S m ' w s fwfeesibiity slvdy and Prepsmtion d DPR

(
P
a
.
=
.
-

Table 2.3 : Summaty of Test Results

.,I

:
I

%.\.~

.,:

;.

..
.,

, ;

.- .

'

,
'

Fgna, Oatailed Pfqecl Report

C o m c l Packapb NS82 (TNJ