Spec 1-SI Works-20 Ogos 14

Specification for Site Investigation Works (EGeo200814)
Specification for SI Works for Project XX??.
Table of Contents
1. General
2. Boring/Boreholes
3. Sampling in Boreholes
3.1 Disturbed samples (split-barrel sampler)
3.2 Undisturbed samples (thin-walled & Mazier samplers)
3.3 Preservation of Disturbed samples
3.4 Preservation of Undisturbed samples
3.5 Labelling of soil samples
3.6 Storage & Transportation of soil samples
3.7 Rock coring, preservation & transportation
3.8 Water sampling
3.9 Provision of recorded samples
4. Insitu Testing
4.1 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
4.2 Field Vane Shear Test (FVST)
4.3 Cone Penetration Test (CPT)
4.4 Piezocone Test (CPTU)
4.5 Pressuremeter Test (PMT)
4.6 Groundwater Measurement
4.7 Permeability test in boreholes
4.8 Packer test
4.9 Pocket Vane Shear Test
4.10 JKR Probe
4.11 Hand Auger Boring (HA)
4.12 Plate Bearing Test (PBT)
4.13 Field Density Test (FDT)
4.14 Flat Plate Dilatometer Test (DMT)
5. Test Pits & Block Sampling
6. Geophysical Methods
7. Laboratory Testing
8. Reporting of SI Results
9. Appendix A: List of submittals & Form to be filled
10. Appendix B: Sample method statement for SI
11. Appendix C: Sample of test pit log & borelog
12. Appendix D: Summary of scope of SI
E-Geo Consultant Sdn Bhd (200814)
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1.0 GENERAL
1.1 Scope of Works
This Specification for Site Investigation (SI) works covers all the necessary resources and
materials for carrying out the SI works within the specified time including boring, sampling,
insitu/field testing, laboratory testing and necessary reporting, etc., in accordance with this
Specification and the details shown in the Drawings, Bills of Quantities (BQ), etc.
The scope of SI works to be carried out shall consist of the following:
a). Five (5) numbers of boreholes at locations as shown in drawing or as directed by the
Engineer plus 5 numbers of open standpipe piezometers with Casagrande tips. Estimated
maximum bore depth is about 30m
b). Five (5) test pits (ASTM D7015-07) with insitu testing/sampling (JKR Probes & sampling of
5 numbers of block samples & disturbed samples for each distinct layer)
c). 20 numbers of Mackintosh/JKR probes in/near test pits and other locations directed by the
Engineer.
d). Three Bulk samples at fill source locations directed by the Engineer for BS standard
compaction tests & soil classification tests. (3 numbers bulk samples of about 50 kg to 100 kg
each). 10 numbers of large pouring sand replacement field density tests at locations directed by
the Engineer at site.
e). Representative disturbed bulk samples (30 kg) at each distinct layer/level of excavation
(directed by the Engineer) from test pits, etc.
f). Laboratory tests include BS standard compaction (3 series of 5 samples each), about 75 sets
of soil classification tests (MS 1056 or BS 1377:1990), 5 series of CIU tests from block
samples. Chemical tests,, etc.
g). Submission of SI factual report as specified in Clause 7.
More detail description of scope of works including sequence of works, frequency of sampling
&testing, and criteria of termination of boreholes are given in Appendix D. The above scope of
SI works may be varied by the Engineer as the SI works proceed.
Completion period from date of site possession to date of submission of final SI factual report is
70 days. Liquidated damages for delay in completion shall be RM 50 per day.
All SI field methods/works, insitu and laboratory testing shall conform to this specification and
the current/latest applicable relevant standards including MS 1056, MS 2038, ASTM, BS
5930:1999, BS1377:1990, BS EN1997 (Eurocode No 7 Part 2) or other applicable standards as
instructed by the Engineer/Client or as specified hereafter. What are instructed by the
Engineer/Client in writing shall be the final in case there is discrepancy or ambiguity of
requirements specified in the Specification/Drawings/BQ.
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1.2 Site Visit
The Contractor shall visit/inspect the site, drawings, BQ and Specification/contract document
before preparation and submission of quotation/tender. The Contractor shall carefully inspect the
site and surroundings and satisfy himself as to the nature and conditions of the
access/obstructions plus site terrains of the site for all the SI works specified in Clause 1.1. The
extent and nature of the specified SI works, equipment and machines necessary for the
completion of all the SI field and laboratory works, availability of water, electricity and other
services, the means of communication with and access to the site/location of boreholes/tests, the
accommodation he may require and generally obtain for himself all necessary information as to
risk, contingencies and all circumstances influencing and affecting his tender/quotation. Any
claim for additional costs or extension of time due to ignorance of the site constraints or
difficult site conditions will not be entertained.
1.3 Method Statement
The method statement shall be prepared by qualified professional engineer (Clause 1.9) and
submit to the Engineer/Client for prior written approval (at least 3 days) before the
commencement of SI works. The method statement shall consist of the following scope:
a) Boring machine (type/model/capacity) & drilling tools plus test equipment to be

deployed. Names & Cv of team leader/technician/driller in charge.
b) Setting up and working platform preparation for each borehole/test point,
c) Type of temporary support (casing, bentonite slurry or both) for collapsible drill holes,
d) Drilling method/borehole advancing method
e) Test method/standards/procedures/precautions for insitu testing (SPT, CPT/CPTU, PMT,
DMT, Geonor vane, Permeability test in borehole, Groundwater pressures, Test pits, etc.)
f) Method/procedure/precautions for sampling (types/details of samplers for undisturbed/
disturbed soil samples & rock samples), etc.
g) Details of handling (preservation & transportation to approved laboratory) of undisturbed
soil samples and rock samples)
h) Strata logging format (include typical form of borehole logging for borehole, test pit, etc.)
The method statement shall prescribe how to execute the works in working details with
drawings/layout diagrams to comply with the specification and contain among other things the
details of sequence of works, specific type of machines or equipment plus necessary staging to be
deployed for drilling and testing, sampling, estimated daily works output rate, necessary quality
control tests/measurements/ observations plus their respective frequency and acceptance criteria.
Remedy or rectification shall also be proposed for cases where the acceptance criteria is not met
or achieved. Specific key site personnel including drillers/operators/supervisors (name, IC and
CV, etc), full details of specific types of machine/equipment/materials to be used, etc., including
catalogues, calibration test certificates and photos of the machine/equipment and materials to be
used plus the proposed machines layout for drilling, sampling and testing shall be shown on
drawings and shall also be included in the method statement. The proposals in the method
statement shall meet all the requirements shown on the Engineers drawings and this specification
hereafter. The method statement shall be prepared and endorsed by the qualified professional
engineer as specified in Clause 1.9.
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Numbers of teams or sets of machine/equipment that shall be mobilized to site shall be according
to what are provided in the BQ and works program. Each team of boring operation shall have one
supervisor, one assistant supervisor/senior operator/driller and at least one more skilled worker.
Unless otherwise provided in the BQ, the supervisor shall be a qualified engineering geologist
from recognized university or experienced and qualified technician well versed in English and
Bahasa Malaysia (graduated from recognized polytechnic with minimum 3 years of physical
working experienced in SI works or at least SPM level with minimum 5 years working
experience in SI works). The assistant supervisor or senior operator/driller shall have at least 2
years of working experience in SI works with minimum primary education and well versed in
English or Bahasa Malaysia.
1.4 Site Clearing and Setting Up
Site clearing for access and accurate locations of site investigation plus taking reduced levels
shall be carried out for all locations of soil investigation works, including boreholes, test pits,
water levels and other tests shown on drawings and BQ. The conditions of the access shall be
maintained and kept reasonably accessible and safe for all site personnel and Client/Engineers
representatives.
The Contractor shall be solely responsible for the setting up and measurement of all test locations
and for providing records such that the positions of these can be accurately determined and
retrieved in relation to the proposed engineering works.
Unless otherwise stated in Drawings or BQ, acceptable tolerances in level shall be 0.01m and
position/location shall be 0.1m. The Contractor shall have his qualified surveyor to set up the
borehole and test locations showing on drawings or as directed by Engineer and establish the
reduced level of all boreholes/test locations with reference to standard and documented nearby
Benchmark.
1.5 Supply of Adequate Plant/Equipment, Materials & Labour
Except otherwise specified, the Contractor shall provide all the necessary and adequate plants,
equipment, tools, labour and materials both for temporary and for permanent works, including the
supervision thereof, transport to or from the Site and in and about the works and other things of
every kind required for the completion of all the SI works specified in Clause 1.1 within the
specified time period.
All plants and tools or equipment which the Contractor proposes to use in the SI Works shall be
reasonably new/clean and in compliance with the relevant standards/specifications and in good
working conditions with all necessary meters in working conditions, calibrations not later than 6
months, unless otherwise stated in Drawings or BQ.
The Contractor shall provide such suitable platforms as may be necessary to keep machine or drill
rigs stable when putting down vertical borings on sloping land or when boring in a body of water
in river, sea or waterlogged swampy areas.
Unless otherwise approved, all boring shall be rotary open hole drilling and rotary core
drilling (Clause 4.2.7 of MS 2038 or BS 5930:1999, Clause 20.7) using proper drill rods with
proper drilling tools/drill bits to advance the boreholes. The Contractor shall provide suitable
pump to generate water pressure for side discharge in drill bits through the drill rods. Water
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jetting through casing for advancement of borehole before sampling and insitu testing shall
strictly not be allowed.
The boring equipment, tools and supplies deployed or used shall have adequate capacity to drill
through all types of subsoil conditions including boulders, hard obstructions to the depth and size
specified on drawing or BQ or minimum depth of 60 m unless otherwise approved in writing by
the Engineer. Boring machine and pump without proper meters to show rate of rotation (rpm),
working hydraulic pressure, etc., in working conditions are not allowed to be used.
1.6 Important facilities that shall be provided by the Contractor at site are:
a). The Contractor shall provide all necessary facilities to ensure site working conditions are
reasonably safe. Adequate safety helmets, safety boots, safety jacket, hand gloves, etc., for all
workers and visitors shall be provided. For SI in hazardous locations such as near road/highway,
steep slopes, deep water areas, etc., adequate safety measures and traffic cones/barriers in
compliance with the relevant authorities requirements shall be provided. First aid kit box
facility and full time standby transport with driver to send to the nearest clinic/hospital in case
of injuries or emergency.
b). Digital camera (minimum effective resolution of 8.0 mega pixels) to take photos for site and
test conditions, sample conditions of all disturbed soil samples in split samplers, all rock samples
in core box and undisturbed samples before any laboratory tests with labels for necessary
identification and verification. Soft copy of the photos (3R) shall be sent/emailed daily to the
Engineer soonest possible. Refer Clause 1. 15.
c). Relevant SI Code of practice/test manuals/test standards about boring, sampling and
insitu testing procedures shall be made available at site at all times for reference and inspection
by the site personnel and the Engineer or his representatives.
d). The Contractor shall make his own arrangement for water, electricity, storage facilities, etc.,
for all the SI works requirements and all the costs involved are deemed to be included.
e). Unless otherwise approved, the Contractor shall provide a full time qualified
geologist/engineer with minimum 2 years working experience in SI works at site to manage and
coordinate the SI works.
f). All the site personnel and workers shall be adequately covered by SOSOC and accident
insurances. All risk insurance of at least RM100,000.oo or 10% of the total contract sum,
whichever is the higher, shall be included.
The Contractor shall only be allowed to proceed the SI works if all the facilities and suitable
plants/equipment, etc., as listed/specified are made available at site.
1.7 Removal of Improper Plant and Unqualified Personnel
The Engineer shall during the course of the Works have the power to order in writing from time
to time:-
a). The removal from the Site any defective plant, machine, equipment, tool, facilities, materials,
etc., not conforming to the requirements of this specification and the subsequent replacement of
such equivalent should be at the Contractor's own cost. Plant or equipment or tools without
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proper calibrated and functional meters to record RPM (rotation rate) and hydraulic pressure, etc.,
shall be removed from the site immediately. All SI works carried out by improper equipment
and/or improper test procedure shall be rejected and without payment.
b). The dismissal from the site any Contractors site personnel including geologist, technician,
supervisor, plant operator/driller, or any workmen found incapable of communication or
performance or refusing to accept Engineers instruction or follow the proper procedure of SI
work specified, and subsequent replacement of such workmen shall be at the Contractor's own
cost. The Contractor's attention is drawn particularly to the geologist or technician's or
supervisor's capability to identify and describe correctly soil, rock and water samples in the field
according to MS 2038 (2006) or BS 5390 (1999), and to do survey work including taking reduced
levels and setting up to the required specified accuracy. The Engineer has the right to check the
capability of the geologist or site supervisor/technician at site at any time. Any SI work or test
result or measurement performed and done by unqualified personnel or using improper equipment
or improper test procedure shall be rejected and redone properly as specified at the Contractors
own costs.
1.8 Local By-laws and Damage to Adjacent Properties
The Contractor shall comply with all the relevant requirements of local bylaws including the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 514 (1994). The requirements of this specification shall not
limit any of the contractors statutory obligations or liabilities under the local regulations and by-
laws. The Contractor shall at all times exercise with due care and diligence to carry out the SI
works to ensure that the sensitive buried utilities/services, or artefacts of archaeological interests
and neighbouring properties/structures shall not be damaged or destroyed for the duration of the
SI Contract periods as all claims for compensation by others shall be the sole responsibility of the
SI Contractor. The SI Contractor shall ascertain necessary details from the utility authorities/
statutory boards/companies. Dilapidation survey by qualified personnel or photos showing the
conditions of buildings/structures before SI works shall be captured before commencement of SI
works.
1.9 Qualified Professional Engineer
In order to ensure all SI works are reliable and properly carried out using proper equipment and
correct test procedures as per BEM 4/2005 requirements, all SI works at site shall be directed,
planned, executed, monitored, coordinated, checked and endorsed by a qualified professional
engineer (P Eng), preferable with the SI Contractor as a director or employee. The name, IC and
CV the P Eng shall be submitted to the Engineer/Client for prior written approval. The qualified
professional engineer (P Eng) shall be a Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) registered
Professional Engineer and have adequate geotechnical knowledge/experience (more than 5 years)
and familiarize all the SI works specified, including common SI methods, field and laboratory
testing involved. The main scope and responsibility of the professional engineer shall include
checking the site conditions, preparation of method statement, checking and endorsing the
qualification/experience of all site and laboratory personnel, monitoring/ checking records/results
of all SI works (bore logs, field testing & laboratory testing), preparation of SI draft report as
specified (Clause 8) and endorsement of the final SI factual report.
1.10 Preservation, Retainment & Keeping of Samples
Unless otherwise instructed or approved, upon completion of the laboratory tests, all the
remaining soil and rock samples shall be preserved, retained and kept for 6 months (after
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completion of SI report) for possible subsequent review and additional testing instructed by
Engineer/Client.
1.11 Accredited Laboratory
All soil, rock and water samples for laboratory tests shall be properly preserved and stored as
specified hereafter and sent to the accredited laboratory with prior written approval by
Engineer/Client. Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer/Client, the proposed accredited
laboratory shall be accredited with ISO certification and equipped with proper and adequate
equipment and qualified laboratory technicians under supervision by at least one qualified
Engineer, who shall have at least 3 years physical laboratory testing experience. List of laboratory
testing equipment, technicians and supervising engineer with CV shall be submitted for
Engineers written approval. The Engineer/Client reserves the right to visit and inspect the
proposed accredited laboratory before giving approval.
1.12 Works program
Before commencement of SI works, the Contractor shall prepare SI works program in bar chart
format showing the time required to complete the SI field works (BH/Test Pit/HA/CPT/CPTU,
etc), laboratory testing, draft SI factual report, final SI factual report, etc. The SI works program
shall be sent to Engineer/Client for written approval at least 3 days before commencement of SI
works. The submission to and approval by the Engineer/Client of such works programme shall
not relieve the Contractor of any of his contractual obligations and responsibility under the
Contract.
1.13 Responsibilities & Duties of Contractor
The Contractor performing the site investigation works described in this Specification shall be the
CIDB registered SI contractor and shall have adequate experience and proven track records of site
investigation works/tests specified. The Contractors on-site supervisors and drillers/operators
shall have a minimum of three (3) years of physical experience in site investigation works and the
specified testing and sampling works as specified hereafter.
The Contractor shall liaise with the authorities, Client/Engineer, all relevant parties and shall
ensure that:
a). Only inspections, sampling or testing for which it is adequately equipped and staffed are
performed,
b). Technicians and personnel perform only inspections, sampling and testing for which they are
adequately trained, qualified and certified in accordance with applicable specifications/standards,
c). All equipment is properly maintained in good working conditions and is calibrated as
applicable and as specified hereafter, and
d). All inspections, testing and sampling shall be carried out in accordance with relevant
standards and quality control criteria as specified hereafter.
e). All SI works are carried out in accordance with this specification and instruction from the
Engineer/Client.
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f). All SI works shall be carried out with due care and diligence to avoid damage to water
pipes/mains, electricity cables, gas pipes/mains and the like during the execution of SI works. The
Contractor shall be fully responsible for any damage to any buried or overhead utilities/services
and for claims for consequential damages.
1.14 Workers Accommodations
The Contractor shall provide reasonable safe and proper accommodations for his workers in
hotels or houses with necessary basic facilities. The Contractor shall seek the written approval
from the local authorities if he intends to accommodate his workers on site.
1.15 Provision of Photos and Videos
Digitalized colour photos (3R) of general site conditions, location of each borehole/SI test, all
disturbed and undisturbed soil/rock/water sample conditions, rock core samples, laboratory
equipment conditions, etc., with necessary labels shall be provided and sent/emailed to the
Engineer/Client as soon as possible with soft and hard copies. Photos showing all the soil/rock
sample conditions, insitu testing equipment layout, machine set up, etc., with necessary labels
(smaller than the target object for identification), etc., for each borehole/test pit, etc., shall be
saved in a folder of the soft copy for convenience checking and reference by the
Engineer/designer. All photos shall be taken by proper digitalized camera as specified (Clause
1.6b). Any photo of a quality unacceptable to the Engineer shall be retaken immediately.
Videos showing boring machine, test/sampling equipment/tools, process of drilling/sampling

/testing, etc., shall also be captured and recorded to enable Engineer/Client to check whether
proper equipment and proper procedure are adhered.
Costs for disturbed sampling (SPT), rock coring, block sampling, boreholes/CPT/CPTU/ insitu
tests, test pits, etc., will not be paid without the evidence of photos and videos to show proper
equipment and test procedure as specified in this Specification have been duly complied with
accordingly.
1.16 Field Logging
Field logging of subsurface exploration of soil, rock and groundwater conditions for deep boring
or boreholes, hand augering, test pits and other field tests and sampling shall be carried out by
qualified technician (at least a qualified SPM holder with more than 3 years of working
experience in SI works) or engineer or geologist with appropriate qualification, skills, experience
and knowledgeable or well-versed with Clause 7 of MS 2038 or BS 59301999 (Clause 6 about
description of soils & rocks) or ASTM D5434-03, Standard guide for field logging of subsurface
exploration of soil and rock. CV of the qualified technician or engineer or geologist for logging
borehole and various sampling (thin-walled samples, Mazier samples, Denison samples, etc) and
insitu testing (field vane shear, pressuremeter, CPT, CPTU, Dilatometer tests, piezometer
installation, etc) shall be submitted for approval. Samples of field bore logs for deep boring, hand
augering, test pit, field records of insitu testing, etc., by the proposed technician or engineer or
geologist shall be submitted for approval before commencement of field works. Refer Appendix
A for submittals required.
Field bore logs not properly logged according to MS 2038 or BS 5930:1999 or approved
equivalent shall be rejected. Refer Appendix C for typical borelog.
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2.0 BORING/BOREHOLES
2.1 Boring Equipment & Setting up
Suitable and adequate numbers of rotary drilling rigs inclusive of drilling machine, drilling frame,
pumps, drilling rods, augers, casings (NW/HW/PW), samplers, insitu testing equipment, and all
other necessary tools and materials plus necessary manpower to carry out all the scope of works
specified in Clause 1.1 shall be mobilized and sent to site. The plant, equipment, tools and
materials used shall be suitable for advancing the borehole, sampling, insitu testing and rock
coring in accordance with the Specification and good SI practice to ensure quality and reliability
of SI results. Particular requirements as specified in Clause 1.3 and 1.5 shall be complied fully.
All boring shall be such that truly representative and undisturbed soil strata/conditions can be
undertaken from any depth/location of borehole for undisturbed sampling or insitu testing plus
identification of soil sample conditions.
After mobilization of boring machine sets to the site, the Contractor shall shift and set up the
machine for each location properly including setting up of proper working platform as specified.
Working platforms for boring are classified in 3 types:
a). For existing land site including slight rolling terrains with slope inclination of about 25
degrees within 6m around the borehole, no staging is necessary except some site clearing and
minor excavation or filling or levelling o other methods to create the necessary working platform
for the boring machine may be necessary.
b). For boring over shallow water of more than 0.5m but less than 2m deep or on steep slope of
well more than 25 degrees or water logged/swamp, staging or matting or other methods shall be
necessary for working platform.
c). For boring not as (a) and (b) above, but over deep water of more than 2m or other site
conditions, working platform shall be by barge or vessel or jacked-up platform or drum pontoon
or other methods deemed suitable and safe.
The Contractor shall maintain all his equipment so as to ensure that the safety of his operation is
maximised. The Engineer may require the rectification or replacement of equipment he deems to
be unsafe or not suitable to meet the requirements specified.
2.2 Method of Advancing Boreholes
Suitable machine/plant and equipment compatible with the soil and groundwater conditions shall
be used to perform boring, insitu testing and sampling to assure that soil/rock sampling of the
required quality are obtained and the insitu testing is in undisturbed conditions specified. The
method used shall be such that an accurate and continuous observation/inspection/identification/
description/recording of the soils/rocks encountered are possible throughout the process.
Mingling of soils from different levels/strata shall be minimized or not allowed to occur. When an
undisturbed sample or insitu test is to be performed, a reasonably clean hole free from slough and
disturbed material shall be provided and the portion of soil to be sampled or tested is not unduly
disturbed.
Acceptable methods of advancing boreholes are continuous rotary augering (solid or hollow-
stem flight augers), continuous sampling/insitu testing and rotary open hole drilling using string
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of drill rods with proper drill bits or a combination of these methods. Unless otherwise approved
by the Engineer, dry drilling using continuous rotary augering in unsaturated or stable strata
above water table shall be adopted and drilling using drilling fluid shall only be used for strata
below water table or below the saturated zone. Percussion boring and wash boring/water
jetting shall not be permitted unless prior written approval from the Engineer is obtained.
For boring above water table and in unsaturated zones, dry rotary augering or hollow-stem
continuous flight auger (ID=75mm to 110mm) with centre stem plug assembly with drag bit or
equivalent shall be used until the required first level instructed by the Engineer for SPT or
undisturbed sampling is required. The hollow-stem continuous flight augers act as casing and as a
screw conveyor bringing cuttings to the ground for identification and logging. Additional auger
sections can be added until encountering hard layer or water table.
Normal rotary open hole drilling with drilling fluid (water/mud/bentonite/polymer) can be carried
out in saturated strata or below water table.
Before conducting any insitu testing or sampling in the borehole, the borehole shall be advanced
by casing with proper casing shoe and without any water jetting until reaching the level required
for SPT or insitu testing or sampling. The slough and the remained soil within the casing should
only be removed and flushed out by drilling rod with proper drill bits (drag or tricone roller bit for
hard or dense material or other proper equivalent). Drill bits shall be equipped with side-
discharge at low water pressure and at low rate of rotation of drill rod (<30rpm). To ensure insitu
testing and sampling are in undisturbed strata, the base of borehole should be adequately cleansed
by properly sized drilling rod with proper side-discharge drill bits at low water pressure and low
rpm (<30 rpm). Water jetting through casing to advance borehole to the base of the bore hole
before sampling or testing is strictly prohibited. Samples showing serious disturbance or
unsatisfactory recovery shall be rejected and redone at Contractors own cost. Conditions of each
sample in open split samplers shall be captured with colour photos (3R size photos with labels
showing BH reference, depth & sample number). No payment shall be made for improper SPT or
improper sampling or SPT sample without submitting clear photos as specified. Contractors site
personnel especially the site supervisor, driller/operators, who have inadequate knowledge and
experience of how to clean borehole properly before performing the insitu testing and sampling
specified shall not be allowed at site to perform SI works.
2.3 Uncased and Cased Boreholes
Unless otherwise stated, boring without casing may be permitted provided that there is no
collapse of the borehole. A collapse is considered to have occurred when, in the opinion of the
Engineer, there is a mingling of soil or rock from different depths inside the borehole.
Casing shall be provided as soon as there are signs that the walls of the boreholes are collapsing.
The casing shall not be inferior to that specified in BS4019:1993, and shall be used in lengths not
greater than 1.5m, unless otherwise approved by the Engineer in writing.
Unless otherwise specified in Drawings or BQ or instructed by the Engineer, water may be used
to facilitate advancing the casing only when, in the opinion of the Engineer, difficult driving
requires the use of water. Where such use of water permitted, a record must be kept of the
elevations between which the water was used in driving the casing. Water for cleaning out the
casing between samples can generally be allowed if approved by the Engineer in writing, but
when the moisture content of the material below the casing, of which a sample is desired, may be
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altered by introducing a head of water in the hole, the casing must be cleaned dry by means of
augers or other methods approved by the Engineer.
If water is used, cleaning borehole with water from the casing discharge is not allowed.
Advancing the borehole by either surging action or chopping off with the casing is strictly not
allowed. The borehole is only be allowed to advance to the required level of the borehole by
rotary action of the casing with minimal water pressure and then cleaning rods introduced into the
casing to flush out the soil clean before SPT or sampling is carried out. To clean the borehole
inside casing, clear water shall be used so that the soil being flushed can be observed. The
pressure of water head discharge from cleaning rods inside the casing shall be controlled
according to the consistency of the soil. In the event when coarse sand and or fine gravel are
encountered during the process of cleaning the borehole, the Engineer may instruct the Contractor
to use bentonite or equivalent solution to clean the borehole. It is mandatory requirement that
before any sampling or testing, the bottom or base of the borehole shall be thoroughly and
properly cleansed by drilling rod with proper drill tool at suitable low pressure until all sloughs
and disturbed material are flushed and removed.
2.4 Other Methods of Stabilisation of the Boreholes
Other methods of stabilisation of the boreholes may be carried out subject to the prior approval of
the Engineer on the procedure used. Nevertheless, casing shall be used when, in the opinion of
the Engineer, there is considerable doubt on the effectiveness of the method of stabilisation
proposed or practised.
2.5 Heaving of the Bottom of the Boreholes
To prevent disturbance of the soil at the bottom of the borehole, the level of drilling fluid in the
borehole must at all times be equal to or higher than the elevation of the ground water. The
condition shall be strictly observed in formations of fine sand or silt, or in operations involving
SPT or undisturbed sampling. In addition, the Engineer may instruct the Contractor to use
bentonite solution to prevent heaving/boiling of sand/silt below the casing. In certain condition,
when heaving of sand cannot be controlled despite of the use of the above methods, the
Contractor may after consulting the Engineer, skip the testing or sampling and advance to next
level. All these shall be recorded in the bore log.
2.6 Size and Depth of Boreholes
The size of the boreholes shall be at least NW/HW size or such that the requirements of specified
size in sampling, insitu testing and rock coring, etc., are satisfied.
Unless otherwise specified in Drawing or BQ or directed/instructed by the Engineer, the criteria

for terminating the borehole shall be when hard or very dense soil strata with five (5) consecutive
SPT values exceeding 50 or minimum 4.5m rock coring when encountering bedrock. The
Engineer may modify this general rule depending on the actual site conditions.
When rock is encountered and unless otherwise directed by the Engineer, NMLC diamond core
drilling shall be carried out into rock in accordance with ASTM D2113: "Standard Practice for
Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site Investigation".
The general guideline for termination criteria for rock coring shall be as follows unless otherwise
stated:-
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Rock Type Minimum Core Remarks

Length
Igneous rocks/granite & bore depth <24m 4.5m if RQD>50% Unless otherwise
or 6m if RQD <50% specified or
approved, NMLC
Igneous rocks/granite & bore depth >24m 3.0m if RQD>50%
diamond coring or
or 6m if RQD <50%
approved
Shale/schist/slate/sandstone & bore depth <24m 6.0m if RQD>50% equivalent shall be
or 7.5m if RQD used.
<50%
Shale/schist/slate/sandstone & bore depth >24m 4.5m if RQD>50%

or 6m if RQD,50%
Limestone without cavity 6.0m if RQD>50%

or 9m if RQD<50%
Limestone with cavities Min 9m & until no

cavity or max 21m
Other rocks & bore depth <24m Min 4.5m & until
RQD> 50%
Other rocks & bore depth >24m 4.5m if RQD> 50%

or 6.0m if RQD<
50%
*Min core size should be 52mm diameter (NMLC or HMLC or equivalent

or as specified.
Appropriate rock core barrel with suitable casing/drill rods and techniques by experienced driller
shall be deployed to ensure rock core recovery is at least 90%. Unless otherwise specified, core
barrel used shall be as shown in the Table below:
TABLE 1: COMMON SIZES OF ROCK CORE BARRELS

Nominal Casing (mm) Drill Rod
Core Nominal
borehole
Barrel Core Size OD ID OD ID
Size
Double-
tube
TNW 61 mm 76 mm NW 89 76 BW 54 44
T2 76 62 mm 76 mm HW 115 101 NW 67 57
T2 101 84 mm 101 mm PW 140 126 HW 89 80
T6 101 79 mm 101 mm PW 140 126 HW 89 80
Triple-tube
NMLC 52mm 76mm NW/HW NW
HMLC 63.5 mm 99 mm HW 115 101 NW 67 57
Mazier * 64 mm 99 mm PW 140 126 HW 89 80
3C MLC 74 mm 101 mm PW 140 126 NW 67 57
** 76 mm 111 mm PW 140 126 NW 67 57
4C MLC 102 mm 140 mm SW - 168 153 HW - 89 80
**
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Drill holes in rock shall be cased when necessary to prevent the sides from caving in, and in the
event of persistent caving-in, the Engineer will consider a reduction in core size in consultation
with the Contractor.
When rock disintegrates under the action of coring the rock particles shall be recovered from the
return drilling water by settlement of such particles. The nature of the rock shall be identified as
far as possible and the sediment particles retained in sampling jars and clearly labelled. Drilling
shall be carried out in such a manner and using such types of barrels of appropriate size to ensure
that the maximum of core is recovered. A close surveillance of wash water, drilling pressures,
lengths of runs and all other data significant to the nature of the material drilled shall be made and
recorded.
The Core Recovery Ratio (CRR) and the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) as described below
shall be recorded and reported for each core run.
2.7 Rotary Rock Coring
Rotary core drilling shall be carried out at locations/depths as required or as directed by Engineer.
Drilling shall be carried out in accordance with good practice as detailed in Clause 20.7 of
BS5930 (1999) or similar approved standard such as ASTM D2113-99. Drilling shall consist of
obtaining core samples of the full depth of the strata being penetrated. Payment shall be based on
actual length of rock core sample recovered only. Rock coring without core samples and photos
shall not be paid.
Should Contractor fail to ensure that drilling and sampling are properly undertaken by
experienced operator as specified or instructed, then it shall be liable to re-drill all or part of a
borehole at his own expense.
2.7 (a) CORE BARREL TYPES
In residual soils and highly fractured weathered rock, rotary drilling shall be carried out using
Mazier type triple tube retractable core barrels producing a core diameter of not less than 76 mm
diameter (H-size). The detachable inner liner shall be used to transport and store the sample.
When drilling in competent and relatively unweathered rock, conventional triple and double tube
barrels shall be used. The latter type shall be confined to good rock without a significant presence
of fractures and only swivel-type designs shall be accepted. The triple tube system is preferred.
When using these non-retractable core barrels, the minimum core diameter shall be 54 mm (N
size).
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2.7 (b) DRILLING METHOD

The method and equipment used shall be such that:-
The soils encountered and the levels of strata boundaries can be accurately identified up
to the required depth below the existing ground level;
Truly representative disturbed and undisturbed sample can be undertaken from any depth
in the borehole; and
All insitu tests referred to in the Specifications can be undertaken and field installation
incorporated at any depth in the borehole.
Drilling shall be carried out in such a manner and using such sizes of bits, including any required
modification to the drill bit, such that the maximum amount of core is recovered. This requires
close surveillance of drilling fluid, drilling pressures, lengths of runs and all other factors relevant
to the nature of the material being drilled.
The core barrel shall be withdrawn and the core removed as often as may be necessary to secure
the maximum possible amount of core. Core runs shall be limited length of 1.5 meters. When less
than 95% of the core is recovered from a run, the length of the following run shall be reduced by
50% unless otherwise directed by Engineer. If less than 50% recovery is achieved, the following
run shall not exceed 0.5 m until full recovery is achieved from two consecutive runs.
The core barrel shall be removed from the borehole immediately if blocking of the bit or grinding
of the core is apparent, regardless of the length of core run which has been made.
Contractor shall, in general, use no drilling lubricants in the borehole other than clean water, air
or air with an approved drilling foam additive.
2.7 (c) CORE BARRELS, CASING AND DRILL RODS
Contractor shall submit to Engineer the manufacturers brochures illustrating the type of
equipment it proposes to us. It shall also submit the Specifications of all core barrels and
proposed tungsten carbide and diamond core bits including their sectional drawings. The use of
equipment without such information shall not be allowed.
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The core barrels shall be of approved manufacture and, unless otherwise approved by Engineer,
all accessories and spare parts shall be as supplied or recommended by the manufacturer.
Contractor shall provide sufficient numbers of core barrels and accessories on Site to carry out
the work.
Each core barrel shall be provided with a full range of bit types to cope with the various ground
conditions encountered at the Site. Spares for each bit type shall be available for use on Site
without causing any delay to drilling operations. An adequate supply of short, medium and long
plain retractor shoes shall be available for use with Mazier type triple tube retractable core
barrels.
All core barrels shall be equipped with sediment catcher tubes. The tubes shall have the same
external diameter as the core barrel, and their length shall be approximately 750mm. The upper
end shall be tapered with the upper edge curved slightly inwards to prevent fouling the side of the
borehole on withdrawal of the core barrel.
Triple tube core barrels shall be equipped with built-in ball check pistons to ensure that the core is
not subjected to water flushing when extracting the inner barrel containing the core.
Casing shall be used to prevent collapse of the sides of the hole. The size of casing and drill rods
shall be appropriate for the size of core barrel in use. All casings and drill rods shall be straight
and in good condition, and shall be cleaned thoroughly before use to ensure that all scale, dirt and
other loose materials are removed. All drill rods shall be of standard lengths e.g. 3.0 meters, 1.5
meters, 0.75 meter, 0.5 meters.
Short lengths of drill rods and casings shall be available to enable continuous coring to be carried
out.
2.7 (d) DRILLING RIGS AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT
Drilling rigs shall be of the hydraulic feed type with sufficient horsepower and capacity to drive a
rotary tool tipped with diamonds or tungsten carbide in the sizes and to the depths specified. The
rigs shall be such that they are capable of applying to the drilling bit a working hydraulic thrust of
the order of 10 kN to 20 kN.
15
The weight of the drilling rig shall be compatible with the maximum hydraulic thrust required
without movement of the rig. If the weight of the rig is insufficient to prevent movement, the base
of the rig shall be securely anchored down or loaded.
The rigs shall also be fitted with a tachometer and a hydraulic feed pressure gauge, both of
appropriate scales. A rigid rod, clearly graduated in 10mm increments shall be permanently
attached and parallel to the hydraulic feed rams, to provide a means of measuring penetration and
estimating penetration rates.
Where the flushing medium is water, a centrifugal or reciprocating pump shall be provided
equipped with a gear box and capable of delivering a capacity up to 2 liter/sec. The pump shall
incorporate a surge bottle to reduce fluctuations in water pressure and the suction hose shall be
fitted with a suitable filter at all times.
A full by-pass system shall be provided and attached to the drilling rig to allow the operator full
control of water flow from zero to maximum pump delivery rate.
A pressure gauge capable of operating in the range 0 kN/m2 to 2000 kN/m2 shall be directly fitted
onto the water supply line on the downstream side of the by-pass valve.
Where the flushing medium in use is air with foam additive, an air compressor capable of
producing 2 m3/min to 5m3/min of air with a working pressure up to 700 kN/m2 shall be provided.
A by-pass system similar to that required for water flush and a pressure gauge of appropriate
scale shall also be provided.
To inject liquid foam mixture into the flushing air-stream, an air-driven drum pump or other
approved system shall be provided. The pump shall be equipped with a pressure balancer, a
pressure-limiting valve, and an on/off control valve with the facility for regulating the flow of
liquid foam mixture up to maximum of 0.1 liter/sec.
Details of the proposed foam additive and mixes shall be submitted to Engineer for approval and
the use of a foam stabilizer shall not be permitted unless this has been agreed with Engineer.
Contractor shall ensure that the proposed foam is either fully biodegradable or water-soluble and
make arrangements for the collection and removal or dispersal of the foam returns when required.
16
Contractor shall provide recent certified calibration certificates for all gauges and measuring
equipment used. Certification shall have taken place within one (1) year of intended use.
2.7 (e) RECORD OF DRILLING EQUIPMENT
On the daily record sheet, the driller shall record the type of core barrel used and the type of
coring bit used. This information shall be recorded for each core run.
2.7 (f) EXTRACTION OF CORES
Cores shall be extracted from double tube barrels using a hydraulic or similar approved extruder.
The extruder shall apply a continuous pressure to one end of the core whilst the barrel is in a
horizontal position.
Drilling shall not be allowed to commence unless a suitable approved extruder is available on
Site. Engineer shall approve no standing time in respect of delays resulting fro this requirement.
Cores from triple tube barrels with continuous inner liners shall be carefully removed from the
core barrel, sealed and labeled as specified.
Cores from split-tube triple tube core barrels shall be carefully removed from the core barrels
using hydraulic pressure and be carefully removed from the core barrels using hydraulic pressure
and be carefully transferred into split plastic tubes of the same internal diameter as the split inner
tubes.
Core lengths shall be sealed in aluminum foil and waxed before sealing inside the plastic tube.
Where air/foam is used as the flushing medium, a water supply with complete by-pass shall also
be available and used for the extrusion of the split inner tubes from the cube barrel. Under no
circumstances shall air pressure be used for the extrusion of cores.
Contractor shall submit a detailed method statement explaining how the core shall be extracted
from the core barrel. The work shall not proceed until this method statements has been agreed
with Engineer.
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2.7 (g) PHOTOGRAPHS OF ROCK CORES
In addition to the requirements of specified, Contractor shall take photos for the cores in a fresh
condition prior to logging and to ensure that the following criteria are fulfilled:
A graduated scale in centimeters is provided.
Labels and markers are clearly legible in the photograph.
Core boxes are evenly and consistently lit.
A clearly legible reference board identifying the project title, borehole no., date and depth
of drill runs is included in each photograph.
The length of the core box in each photograph fills the frame.
The focal plane of the camera and the plane of the core box are parallel.
The camera is placed in the same position with respect to the core box in every
photograph.
2.7 (h) Core Recovery Ratio (CRR) and Rock Quality Designation (RQD)
Good quality core is defined as intact core having a fully circular circumference or in the case of
broken rock fragments assembled to form cores with a fully circular circumference. The CRR
shall mean the ratio of the total length of the good quality cores over the drilling, expressed to the
nearest 5%. The RQD is the ratio of the total length of good quality cores each exceeding 100
mm in length, over the drilling run, correct to the nearest 5 %.
2.7 (i) Core/drill Runs
Drill runs shall not exceed 1.5m length and the core barrel shall be withdrawn and core removed
as often as may be necessary to secure the maximum possible amount of core recovery.
In particular, the core barrel shall be removed from the hole immediately if blocking of the bit or
grinding of the core is indicated regardless of the length of run which has been made.
When less than 80% of the core is recovered from a run, the length of the following run shall be
reduced by 50% unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. When encounter low percentage core
recovery again, the Engineer in consultation with the Contractor may direct the coring to be
carried out in a core size appropriate for the type and condition of bedrock.
2.7 (j) Drill Fluids
The drilling fluid shall normally be clean clear water. However, with the agreement of the
Engineer, air, drilling mud, bentonite, additives/polymer or foam may be used.
2.7 (l) Removal of Cores, Core boxes, Packing Arrangement, Labelling, Storing
18
Core barrels shall be held horizontally whilst the core is extruded by applying a constant pressure,
without vibration and in a manner to prevent disturbances to the cores. Lifting the core barrels
vertically and striking it with a hammer to extrude the rock core is strictly prohibited. After
extrusion all cores shall be immediately placed in the approved core box.
Core boxes shall be soundly constructed in timber or other approved material, fitted with stout
carrying handles, fastening and hinged lids. Cores shall be placed in the box with shallowest core
to the top left hand corner, the top being considered adjacent to the hinged section.
Depth shall be indicated by permanent marker pens at the end of each drill run.
2.8 Unnatural Obstructions
Should unnatural obstructions to boring be encountered, the Engineer shall be informed

immediately so that a decision may be made regarding the use of any special technique, including
chiselling or diamond drilling, or termination of the borehole. Boreholes abandoned due to
unnatural obstructions shall be entirely at the Contractor's own cost.
Under no circumstances shall the Contractor abandon or terminate a borehole without the
approval of the Engineer.
2.9 Abandoned Borings and Drilling
No measurement or payment will be made for borings or drilling abandoned or lost before
reaching the specified depths except as otherwise provided hereinafter for false starts, or unless
and to the extent the Engineer deems that the borings or drilling so abandoned are acceptable.
Except with the specific permission of the Engineer, the Contractor shall not abandon or complete
any boring or drilling or remove any casing or boring or drilling equipment, without first
affording the Engineer the opportunity of obtaining the position and depth of the exploratory hole
prior to abandonment or completion, and any other information which the Engineer may require.
No allowance or payment whatsoever will be made for any boring or drilling abandoned or
completed without compliance with these stipulations. In addition, in order to receive
consideration for payment for abandoned borings or drilling the Contractor shall furnish the
Engineer with complete records and samples for the depths penetrated in the manner prescribed
for completed holes.
2.10 Underground/Overhead Services
The Contractor shall avail himself of all available information pertaining to local authorities and
other underground/overhead services prior to the commencement of fieldwork. If there is any
possibility that the planned boreholes may intersect any such services, the Contractor shall advice
the Engineer and propose an alternative location for his approval.
The Contractor shall obtain all boring and drilling permits, etc. as required by local Authorities.
The cost associated with the above activities shall be included for in the Contractor's lump sum
provision for mobilisation/demobilisation.
2.11 False Starts
It is intended that borings and drilling be made so as to clear all underground pipes, cables,
conduits and other underground utilities or structures. However, should the Contractor be unable
19
to complete any boring or drilling due to encountering underground utilities or structures, which
cannot be reasonably foreseen or because other obstructions are encountered which the Engineer
considers are of an unusual nature and that failure to penetrate the obstructions is not the fault of
the Contractor's method or equipment a false start will be allowed. In such a case, if directed by
the Engineer, another boring or drilling will be made in the adjacent vicinity. All samples taken
and the length of the false start, measured from the ground surface to the lowest elevation
penetrated, will be paid for at the rate indicated in the Bill of Quantities for the particular type of
sampler used and boring or drilling being performed, provided, however, that the Contractor shall
submit to the Engineer a complete record of all false starts.
2.12 Backfilling of Boreholes & Test pits
All boreholes shall be properly maintained to prevent surface runoff from flowing into the
boreholes during the period of monitoring the water level. The boreholes shall also be covered
with plywood or equivalent to prevent people from falling into the boreholes. All boreholes shall
be fully backfilled at the Contractor's cost with free-flowing sand with less than 10% fines after
the final water level/table is established on completion of the boreholes.
All test pits shall also be backfilled with excavated materials to prevent any ponding and erosion.
3.0 SAMPLING
3.1 Disturbed Samples
Before any sampling, the bottom or base of borehole shall be thoroughly cleansed by proper
drilling rods with proper drill bit/shoe until free from slough and debris. Disturbed samples can be
obtained from deep bore holes, test pits, etc. Disturbed samples may be obtained by any means as
long as the soil sample obtained is representative and unchanged in the constituent contents.
Samplers with flap retainer or basket retainer or other attachment may be necessary for non
cohesion soils.
The minimum amount of soil sample required shall be that quantity sufficient for the soils to be
tested in the various classification tests, such as moisture content, Atterberg limits and particle
size distribution.
When sufficient quantity of soil is not obtained in the first instance, the sampling operation
shall be repeated at no extra cost. It is the Contractor's responsibility to repeat the sampling
operation so that enough samples will be obtained in the least number of sampling operation.
Rate for SPT tests shall deemed to have included the cost of taking disturbed sample plus
photos and sending the sample to the laboratory for tests.
For disturbed samples from SPT split sampler, the sample conditions in opened split sampler
shall be captured in digitized photos for Engineers verification and checking as specified in
Clause 1.15. Costs for SPT shall not be paid without the evidence of photos showing the sample
conditions.
3.2 Undisturbed Samples
Undisturbed samples shall be taken with the thin-walled tube sampler described in ASTM
D1587-00, "Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical
Purposes". Unless otherwise approved, the minimum outside diameter of the tube used shall be
20
76.2mm, wall thickness less than 1.65mm and the minimum length of the tube 910mm with
inside clearance ratio less than 1%.
In soft to stiff cohesive soils the thickness of the wall of the tube shall not be greater than
1.65mm. The tube shall be hydraulically pushed into the ground at a rate of 100 to 200 mm per
minute, without impact or twisting. Under no circumstances shall the sampler be advanced by
rotation, hammering, jarring or other dynamic method. For successful sampling without driving
of the sampler, the boring plant used shall be weighted to exert hydraulically a force up to 25kN
(2.5 tons) without uplifting the plant. Should the plant be unable to exert such a force, it shall be
considered as an improper plant and be replaced under the Clause 1.7 "Removal of Improper
Plant".
For soft to stiff cohesive soils, the last 0.3m of soil in the borehole left overnight shall be removed
before attempting to take the undisturbed sample.
Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer, continuous sampling shall be Delft Continuous
Sampler of 66mm diameter and equivalent 200 kN Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT) hydraulic
jacking machine shall be used.
For undisturbed sampling in stiff to hard subsoil, Denison sampler or equivalent shall be used
when specified and instructed by the Engineer.
Foam Drilling
For stiff or residual soils with negligible coarse sand/gravels, Mazier sampler (a triple-tube
sampler with an outer and inner barrels, a PVC tube and a sampler head, a cutting shoe and a drill
bit) shall be used to obtain quality undisturbed sample by air or foam drilling method approved by
the Engineer using suitable foam pump, air compressor, foam forming liquid, etc. The mix ratio
of foam forming liquid to clean water shall be 2% to 5 % by volume. Borehole diameter shall be
about 75mm to 100mm and flush jointed casing shall be used. The correct mix of air to foam-
water mixture is achieved when there is no apparent dripping of water from hand/palm when the
foam is scooped by hand. Proper controlled rotating speed (<30rpm) and pressure shall be carried
out by experienced driller for maximum single sampling run of 0.8m in length. Mazier sampler
shall be extracted from the borehole when it is nearly full or coring is difficult. The undisturbed
sample in the PVC tube shall be slowly pushed out by from the inner tube by applying an air
pressure through the air valve. After record sample reference including recovery ratio, depth &
borehole reference, etc., small portion of the sample from the bottom end of the sampler for
description and also for immediate sealing by non-shrinkable paraffin wax for both ends. The
sample tube shall be carefully wrapped with sponge and stored in rigid box with necessary
protection from sunlight and rain before delivery to laboratory for tests. Conditions of
undisturbed sample immediate after extrusion in the laboratory shall be captured by photos for
Engineers examination/review and records purposes. Procedure of sampling shall be in
accordance with GEO Hong Kong method unless otherwise approved by the Engineer.
For stiff soil and residual soils with adequate clay content and negligible coarse
sand/gravels, Mazier samples may be taken using water as flushing medium. Mazier
samples shall not be taken at strata with significant percentage (>5%) of coarse sand
/gravels if recovery is low.
21
3.3 Preservation of Disturbed Samples
Disturbed samples shall be preserved, immediately after being recovered, in a wide-mouth, air-
tight, screw-top, clear glass jar sealed with non-shrinking microcrystalline wax. Alternatively,
samples may be placed and double layered in heavy-gauge polythethelene bags, ensuring each
layer sealed to form an air-tight bag. Samples shall be labelled and stored properly in box
containing moist sawdust ready for transport. Under no circumstances shall samples be exposed
to the sunlight.
3.4 Preservation of Undisturbed Samples
About 40 mm of soil shall be removed from the top and bottom of the sample tube exposed ends
and shall be sealed with non-shrinking microcrystalline wax in suitable layers. Any voids at the
ends shall then be completely filled with moist sand or other suitable fillers. Sealing of the tube is
completed by capping the tube with suitable tight-fitting caps and the caps sealed with wax.
3.5 Labelling of Soil Samples
For disturbed samples, a label clearly and indelibly marked with the brief name of the project,
borehole number, depth of sampling, date taken and the type of sample (e.g. split-barrel tube
samples, auger samples or from the ends of undisturbed samples) shall be placed inside the jar or
within the double layered polyethylene bag. The outside of the jar or bag shall also be marked
with the sample number, borehole number and project number with the same legend used in the
bore log. For undisturbed samples, additional information required in the label includes the
recovery ratio and the maximum hydraulic force/dynamic force used to secure the sample. The
label shall be placed just below the cap at the top of the sample. The marking on the outside of
the tube shall be similar to that for the disturbed samples. In addition, the top and bottom of the
sample shall be indicated.
3.6 Storage and Transportation of Soil Samples
All soil samples shall be stored orderly at site in protective boxes in a dry place and under cover
until they are despatched to the designated laboratories. The undisturbed samples shall be placed
in wooden boxes, preferably with partitions, and packed with saw-dust, paper, etc., to prevent
damage during transit. Under no circumstance should the undisturbed samples be transported
without proper packing.
3.7 Rock Coring, Preservation, Storage and Transportation
The procedure of preservation and storage of rock cores shall be in accordance with ASTM
D2113-06: "Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site Investigation". The
JKR standard core box measured about 1.5mx0.3mx 0.08m thick with 25mm thick waterproof
plywood and steel stiffeners at corners and hinges shall be used. The name of the project and
borehole number or numbers shall be printed on the cover. The labelling inside the box shall
follow that recommended in the above ASTM standard. Each box shall contain cores from the
same project. Digitalized photographic records of all rock core conditions extruded from the core
barrel shall be captured in photos with label (BH reference, depth & core reference) smaller than
the rock core picture shall be made for the Engineers examination and verification.
22
3.8 Water Sampling
Water samples shall be taken as specified in Clause 4.6 (d).
3.9 Provision of "Record Samples"
Whenever directed by the Engineer about 300g of representative soil sample shall be taken from
the disturbed/undisturbed samples, and sealed inside a polyethylene bag. These samples shall be
known as "record samples" and shall be delivered to the Engineer. The borehole number and the
depth of samples shall be marked on a card placed inside the bag. All the "record samples" from
the same project shall be stored in a big polyethylene bag of suitable gauge and size, with the
name clearly and indelibly marked on the bag.
The instruction to supply these "record samples" shall be given together with the instruction for
laboratory test. The cost of provision of these samples shall be deemed to be included in the BQ
or obtaining the disturbed/undisturbed samples.
4.0 INSITU TESTING
4.1 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
SPT is a common dynamic penetration test and shall be carried out in accordance with BS EN
ISO 22476-3 (SPT) or Clause 3.3 of B.S. 1377: Part 9: 1990, "Determination of the penetration
resistance using the split-barrel sampler". The equipment shall comprise a thick-walled sample
tube or split tube with a driving head and a heavy duty cutting shoe of 75mm long and with sharp
cutting edge of not more than 1.6mm thick. The cutting shoe shall not be bent or dented. The
inner and external diameter of the cutting shoe and split-barrel shall be 35mm and 50mm
respectively. The test shall be carried out with a free-falling 63.5 kg from a height of 760 mm.
The self-tripping/automatic hammer shall be in good working order and the hammer and rods
shall be vertical as they are essential to accurate and consistent results. Rods used for driving the
sampler shall be at least AW rods (43.7mm o.d.). For holes deeper than 20m, steadies at 3m
intervals or rods at least as stiff as BW in size (54.0mm o.d) shall be used. Only straight rods
within straightness 1:1000 shall be used.
A blow count shall be made of the number of blows required to drive through an initial 150mm
and subsequent 300mm test zone. The initial penetration of 150mm or 25 blows whichever is
reached, shall be recorded as seating drive. The blow count for the full 300mm test zone shall be
termed the N value. If the 300mm penetration cannot be achieved after 50 blows, the test shall
be terminated and recorded as 50 blows/mm penetration. Blow counts shall be taken for every 75
mm penetration.
In general SPT shall be carried out in all types of soil except the very soft clays and gravely soil,
where in the opinion of the Engineer other methods of insitu testing shall be decided. Normally
in-situ vane shear test shall be carried out in very soft or soft clay strata or undisturbed sample by
thin walled sampler collected. It shall be carried out at 1.5 m (max) intervals or change of soil
types/hardness/resistance unless specified or directed by the Engineer.
When a penetration resistance of 50 blows for 35mm penetration is encountered in the seating
drive, the test value should be reported as N = 50/35mm.
23
Sample conditions in the open split sampler shall captured by photos before the soil samples are
recovered from the split-barrel tube and shall be preserved as a disturbed sample for subsequent
testing.
When tests are carried out in soils containing cobbles, gravels or in highly weathered rock zones
of high resistance, the split barrel sampler shall be replaced by a solid 60 degrees cone when
agreed or directed by the Engineer.
Photos showing conditions of all labelled samples in split sampler shall be taken for subsequent
evaluation and checking by the Engineer before selection of samples for relevant laboratory tests
(as specified in Clause 1.15)
4.2 Field Vane Shear Test (FVST)
Vane shear tests shall be carried out in accordance with BS EN ISO 22476-9 (field vane Test) or
Clause 4.4 Part 9 of B.S. 1377 (1990) "Determination of Insitu vane shear strength of weak intact
cohesive soils". It shall be carried out in very soft to stiff fully saturated clays at about 1.5m
intervals unless otherwise instructed or specified by the Engineer. Generally, the test shall only be
used in clays having undrained strengths less than 100 kPa and or when the SPT blows are
recorded zero consecutively as in the typical deposited alluviums/marine clay in coastal areas.
The test shall not be carried out when the clay contains sand or silt laminations as it may give rise
to unreliable results. Each operation shall include the determination of both the undisturbed and
remoulded strength.
The minimum diameter of the field vane shall be 63.5 mm.
The full operation of the field vane test shall include the taking of a representative disturbed
sample after the completion of the shearing operation with a split-barrel sampler unless ordered
otherwise by the Engineer.
The vane, together with its extension rods, shall be lowered into the boreholes ensuring that the
rod couplings are tightened. This is to prevent the movement of the couplings are not taken as
readings of shearing of the soil. With the vane resting at the bottom of the borehole, below the
casing, the vane shall be shall be pressed steadily and centrally without twisting, a distance of
0.30m (or at least 3 times the diameter of the borehole diameter), into the undisturbed soil. The
vane shall be rotated at rate of 6 to 12 degrees per minute until the soil has sheared. A remoulded
test shall then be carried out to determine its sensitivity.
The gauges used for the measurement of strength shall be calibrated regularly, at least once a
year. Calibration certificate from an acceptable standards agency shall be given to the Engineer
and a copy made available at the Site where the particular gauge is used for the Engineer's
inspection. Any gauge calibrated more than a year earlier shall not be allowed to be used.
The test report shall include all the details as specified in Clause 4.4 Part 9 of BS 1377 (1990).
Photos showing the test layout for each test shall be included with necessary labels for subsequent
identifications.
4.3 Cone Penetration Test (CPT)
Cone Penetration Test or Deep sounding test shall mean the "Dutch Cone Test" using mechanical
friction cone penetrometer described in BS EN ISO 22476-1 (CPT & CPTU) or ASTM D 3441-
24
05: "Standard Test Method for Mechanical Cone Penetration Tests of Soil". The plant used shall
be of an approved type with a vertical thrust capacity of 100 kN (minimum) unless otherwise
stated in the BQ or drawings.
The geometry and sizes of the testing apparatus including friction-cone penetrometer, push rods,
inner rods, measuring equipment, thrust machine, etc., shall comply with requirements specified
by ASTM D3441-05.
The thrust machine shall be properly set up to ensure thrust direction is vertical and the rate of
penetration shall be maintained at a rate of 10 mm/s to 20 mm/s. After advance the friction-cone
penetrometer tip to the required test depth by applying sufficient thrust on the push rods, apply
sufficient thrust on the inner rods to extend the penetrometer tip to obtain 2 resistances. First
obtain the cone resistance during the initial phase of extension. When the lower part of the tip
engages and pulls down the friction sleeve, obtain a second measurement of the total resistance of
the cone plus the sleeve. Subtraction gives the sleeve resistance/friction.
Unless otherwise instructed by Engineer, cone resistance, friction resistance and total friction
shall be taken at 0.10m intervals up to a depth of 5m and at 0.20m interval for depths greater than
5m. Total friction which is not defined in the ASTM standard shall mean the total frictional
resistance developed along the full length of the sounding rod up to that depth.
Cones with electrical recording mechanism with necessary calibration shall only be used after
checking and approval by the Engineer. CPT penetrometer, machine layout & accessories for
each location shall be captured with photos for record & checking purposes.
Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer, the units to be reported are kN for the total friction,
kPa (kN/m2) for the local friction resistance and MPa for the cone resistance, all to 2 significant
figures.
Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer, the test shall only be terminated until the specified
depth or very dense/hard strata or at the capacity limit of the hydraulic machine (after application
of necessary preboring or friction reducers, etc.).
CPT test report including graphs of cone resistance, friction resistance and friction ratio (in
different colours) against depth shall be plotted as specified by ASTM D3441-05.
4.4 Electric Cone & Piezocone Penetration Test (CPTU)
The test equipment/apparatus/penetrometer, thrust machine, test procedure, etc., used for Electric
Cone and Piezocone Penetration Test (CPTU) shall comply with all the requirements stipulated
by ASTM D5778-07. Unless otherwise specified in BQ or drawings, vertical thrust capacity of
the test equipment shall be at least 200 kN. The cone shall have transducers to measure cone
resistance and local friction plus pore water pressure (for Piezocone only) and other features such
as uniaxial inclination and temperature, etc., as specified in Drawing or BQ. Cones shall be
calibrated by the manufacturer or authorized/qualified technician and simple field calibration
shall also be carried out at the field to check cone resistance and local friction just before testing.
Field calibration shall be repeated for each position of piezocone test unless otherwise approved
by the Engineer.
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The filter elements used for pore water pressure measurement shall have a diameter 35cm pore
size and of polypropylene material. All filters shall be de-aired in silicon oil. A new filter shall be
used for each sounding location.
Piezocone test shall only be carried out by qualified technician well versed in necessary
calibrations and test procedure for piezocone test and with previous experience approved by the
Engineer in writing before commencement of works.
Method of Testing
The method to carry out the penetration test shall be accordance to ASTM D5778-07. The
advancement of the piezocone into the ground shall be at a rate of 20 mm/s and data to be taken
and recorded every 50mm interval.
Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer, the test shall only be terminated until the specified
depth or very dense/hard strata or at the limit of the machine (after application of necessary
preboring or friction reducers, etc).
Porewater pressure in dissipation test shall be monitored and recorded (porewater pressure versus
time) until equilibrium porewater pressure is reached or until at least 50% of the initial excess
porewater pressure has dissipated before proceeding to the next test. If porewater pressures are
measured at u2 or u3 locations, it is common practice to release the force on the push rods. If
porewater pressures are measured at the midface location u1, maintain the force on the push rods.
Graph of porewater pressure versus log of time shall be plotted for all dissipation tests.
Piezocone with electronic/transducers recording mechanism shall be calibrated as specified.

CPTU penetrometer, machine layout & accessories for each location shall be captured with
photos for record & checking purposes.
Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer, the units to be reported are kN for the total friction,
kPa (kN/m2) for the sleeve friction resistance and MPa for the cone resistance, kPa for porewater
pressure, all to 2 significant figures.
CPTU test report shall include all the details and graphs of cone resistance, friction resistance,
porewater pressure and friction ratio (in different colours) against depth, etc., as specified by
ASTM D5778-07. Photos showing the test layout at site for each test plus the readout units shall
be included in the report.
4.5 Pressuremeter Test (PMT)
The test equipment, apparatus, calibration and test procedure for pressuremeter test (PMT) shall
be carried out in accordance with the requirements stipulated by BS EN ISO 22476-4 (PMT) or
ASTM D4719-07 Standard test method for Prebored Pressuremeter Testing in Soils. The
pressuremeter test basically consists of placing an inflatable cylinder probe in a predrilled hole
and expanding this probe while measuring the changes in volume and pressure in the probe. The
probe is inflated under equal pressure increments or equal volume increments and the test is
terminated when yielding in the soil becomes disproportionately large. The Contractor shall
ensure:
The technician to carry out the test shall have adequate training and experience. Name, IC
and Cv shall be submitted for the Engineers checking and approval.
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The size of prebored borehole for pressuremeter test shall be checked to ensure the size is
within the specified permissible limits for the size of pressuremeter probe used.
Requirements of Test Cavity with respect to probe diameter as specified in ASTM D
4719-07 shall be checked and complied with. The predrilled borehole shall be properly
drilled and cleansed without undue disturbances.
Proper calibrations have been carried out.
PMT shall be rejected or repeated at Contractors own cost if there is indication of poor quality of
pressuremeter test results.
PMT with electronic/transducers recording mechanism shall be calibrated as specified. PMT

equipment/machine layout & accessories shall be captured with digitalized colour photos for
record & checking purposes.
PMT report for each PMT test shall include all the details specified by ASTM D4719-07.
Photos showing PMT test layout at site & meter readings shall be included for PMT test report.
4.6 Groundwater Measurement
Groundwater measurement shall be carried out according to the requirements of EC 7-2 (Clause
3.6) or BS EN ISO 22475 or MS 2038 (Clause 4.5). The measurement and observation of
groundwater level in all types of boreholes shall be made with a tape, dipmeter or rule that
permits measurement with 50mm accuracy. In a cased borehole, before a days work is completed
the casing shall be pulled up by about 0.30m and left in such a position overnight. The
groundwater level shall be recorded early next morning before continuing boring. The recording
shall be repeated daily while boring for that particular borehole is in progress. In boreholes
involving impervious stratum, or whenever directed by the Engineer the casing shall be capped
overnight by the Contractor to prevent the entry of rainwater and surface water.
4.6 (a) Open-Standpipes
Open standpipes are only suitable to determine groundwater level for sandy or gravelly soils.
Standpipes shall be installed as specified in BS 5930:1999 (Clause 23) or EC 7-2 (Clause 3.6) or
as directed by the Engineer. Standpipes shall comprise PVC (minimum Class C for depth less
than 20m or Class D for depth deeper than 20m) or similar pipe tubing of greater than 15mm
internal diameter with a perforated section which shall be wrapped with an appropriate filter cloth
(non-woven geotextile of at least 200 gm/m2). The top of the standpipes shall protrude not less
than 250 mm above the surrounding ground. The tip of the standpipe shall be slotted or
perforated with at least 1.5 mm wide evenly spaced to provide a minimum open area of 30% of
the total circumferential surface. The standpipe (annular space between borehole & PVC pipe)
shall be backfilled with clean sand and gravel (fines <10%).
Prior to placement of the standpipe, all drill fluids shall be evacuated from the borehole. After
placement of the standpipes the borehole shall be placed around the standpipe at the surface to
seal the borehole from surface water ingress. The standpipe itself shall be provided with a cap.
The Contractor shall continue to make daily recordings of the installed standpipes during the
works period and shall make at least once weekly recordings or as specified during the month
following the works.
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4.6 (b) Casagrande Standpipe Piezometer
Casagrande Standpipe Piezometer shall be installed as specified in BS 5930:1999 (Clause 23) or

as directed by the Engineer. The depth of the installation shall depend on the actual subsoil and
the ground water conditions. Generally, the depth of the piezometer shall be at least 2 m below
expected ground water table.
The piezometer tip shall comprise of a porous ceramic piezometr tip protected by PVC end caps
and threaded sockets to facilitate accurate placing of the tip. The length of the piezometer tip shall
not be less than 150 mm with a diameter not less than 40 mm.
Unless otherwise specified by the Engineer, the Low Air Entry tip with an average pore diameter
of 60 microns and a permeability of approximately 3x10-4 m/sec shall be used.
The tube shall be joined together to the porous element with couplings and glue so that the joints
remain leak proof under the anticipated head of water.
A grout of cement and bentonite in approved proportions and bentonite shall be used.
The sand filter around the piezometer tip shall be clean sand and the grading shall within 1200
and 210 microns.
After installation of the piezometer, the system shall be flushed and the riser tube top with clear
water. Contractor shall observe and record the fall in head of water. This is ensured that the
piezometer is working properly and that there is no obstruction in the riser tube. Water level shall
be taken daily during the field works and weekly for at least 4 times after the water level is
stabilized or as directed by the Engineer.
4.6 (c) Pneumatic Piezometers
Pneumatic Piezometers or approved equivalent hydraulic piezometers or as specified in the

drawings or BQ shall be installed as specified in Clause 23.2 of BS 5930:1999 or unless
otherwise directed by the Engineer. The depth of the installation shall depend on the actual
subsoil and the ground water conditions. Generally, the depth of the piezometer shall be at least 2
m below expected ground water table.
The Contractor shall submit the method statement including type/make/model of pneumatic
piezometers, names and qualifications of technicians & engineers involved sequence of works
and details of installation and measurements plus reporting to the Engineer for written approval.
The Contractor shall carry out the installation and measurements with due care and diligence by
qualified technicians according to BS 5930 (1999).
Water pressure shall be taken daily or weekly or as specified in BQ/drawings or instructed by the
Engineer.
The report shall include all readings taken & derived plus graphs showing depth/pressure of water
table verse dates, etc. Photos showing the location and reduced level of each piezometer and
typical layout for the readout unit during the measurement shall be included.
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4.6 (d) Water Sampling
Groundwater samples collected shall be representative of the groundwater found in the water
bearing stratum in the borehole. Care shall be taken that the water sample has not been
contaminated or diluted by drilling fluids used to advance the borehole. It shall be taken as soon
as practicable after groundwater is first encountered. About 1 litre shall be collected by bailing
with a clean container. Metal container shall not be used. The name of the project, borehole
number and the date of sampling shall be indicated on the outside of the container. If groundwater
is to be collected after boring works, the water shall be collected only by first pumping out or
bailing the water from borehole. Water shall be taken only on seepage water of the borehole.
For site that has water table at shallow depths, say less 3m, water sample shall be obtained by dry
augering or by excavation.
4.6 (e) Inclinometer
The Inclinometer shall be installed and measured as specified in this specification or as instructed
by the Engineer.
The Contractor shall submit the method statement including type/make/model of inclinometers,
names and qualifications of technicians & engineers involved in installation and measurements
plus scope of reporting to the Engineer for written approval.
The Contractor shall install inclinometer at locations and with depths and derails as shown in the
drawings or as instructed by the Engineer. The inclinometer access tube shall be installed inside
the wall (diaphragm wall, bored pile, secant pile etc.) or at locations shown in drawings unless
otherwise instructed by the Engineer. The toe of the inclinometer access tube shall be at least
7.0m below the toe wall or as directed by the Engineer. The Contractor shall make sure the
construction or installation does not cause damage to the inclinometer access tube and vice versa.
If the inclinometer access tube is damaged, a new tube shall be installed to the satisfaction of the
Engineer.
Inclinometer access tube shall consist of broached PVC tubing with four keyways set at right
angles to each other and shall be supplied in 3.0m lengths with 0.3m long couplings and end caps.
The spiral twisting of the keyways shall not exceed 0.75 degrees per meter length of the tubing.
The grooves in each section of tube shall be accurately aligned using the alignment tool supplied
before fixing the joint. Where necessary, the Engineer may instruct the Contractor to obtain spiral
metric measurements of the keyways in the inclinometer tubing after installation. Each joint shall
be completed using eight equally spaced pop rivets supplied. After assembly joints and rivets
shall be coated in sealing and wrapped in sealing silver duct tape. All joint must be watertight.
The inclinometer access tube shall be assembled and inserted into the pre installed steel pipe in
the wall using the couplings and pop rivets supplied. The keyway shall be oriented such that
movements are measured parallel to and right angles to the excavation face.
The bottom section of tube shall be fitted with a protective cap riveted in a similar manner to the
tube joints. The cap fitting and all joints shall be made watertight using silver duct tape or other
means approved by the Engineer.
When the inclinometer access tube has been installed to the specified base elevation it shall be
tested and proved to the Engineer that the sensor probe will run freely the full length of the tube.
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If any obstruction is found, the tube shall be removed and made good by the Contractor. When
the tube has been found satisfactory it shall be completely filled with clean water.
The annulus between the inclinometer access tube and the hole drilled in the wall shall be
grouted. The grout shall have a minimum compressive strength of 30 N/mm2 at 25 days
measured on 100mm cubes. The grout shall be placed by pumping through a hose or pipe inserted
to the full depth of the borehole and withdrawn as the annulus is filled. Initial grouting shall be
completed in one operation and shall not cease until all water and diluted grout has been expelled
from the top of the borehole. Immediately upon completion of grouting, the inside of the casing
shall be flushed by passing a hose with clean running water to the full depth of the casing to
remove any grout which may have entered.
For inclinometers installed in the ground behind the wall, the annulus between the inclinometer
access tube and the borehole in the ground shall be grouted.
One or two days after initial grouting the level of grout in the borehole shall be checked and
topped up to ground level if necessary. When the grout has set, a concrete pad shall be cast
around the top of the casing. A removable protective cap with locking facility shall be fitted to the
top of the casing and additional permanent protection shall be installed by the Contractor as
required by this Specification. Equipment necessary for taking measurements from the
inclinometer casing comprising sensor probe, cable, cable reel, data logger and indicator will be
the responsibility of the Contractor.
Angular movement shall be measured by an inclinometer torpedo which shall be biaxial type with
a gauge length of 500mm, and the system shall be capable of measuring lateral deformation to an
accuracy of 10mm over a depth of 30m. The casing of the inclinometer probe shall be
constructed of stainless steel and the probe shall be full waterproof and corrosion proof. The
inclinometer probe shall be supplied with a rigid carrying case fully lined with shockproof
padding. The cable supplied for use with the inclinometer shall be a polyurethane sheathed cable
with minimum length of 50m, incorporating a central Kevlar straining wire. The cable shall be
graduated in intervals of 500mm and shall be supplied complete with a portable cable reel.
The inclinometer data logger unit shall display the readings from the inclinometer torpedo on an
alphanumeric display. The readout unit shall be powered by a re-chargeable battery with a
minimum life of 12 hours continuous use between charges. A suitable automatic battery charger
shall be supplied with the readout unit. The readout unit shall incorporate an RS232C port and a
solid state data storage unit with the capacity to store at least 30000 readings directly from the
inclinometer probe together with time and date of reading. The following facilities are also
required within the readout unit.
a) Scan stored data
b) Display of face errors as reasons are being obtained
c) Display of mean deviation and cumulative deviation of any one set of readings
d) Graphical display of displacement profile between any two sets of readings
e) Backlit LCD display
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A calibration frame shall be supplied to enable the inclinometer calibration to be checked and
vertical and 10 degrees either side of vertical.
Immediately before or after taking a series of readings, the level and position of the top of the
access tube shall be measured by standard leveling techniques. Before passing the torpedo down
the access tube, a dummy torpedo should be lowered to the base of the tube and pulled up to
check for obstructions or constrictions. The inclinometer torpedo shall then be lowered to the
base of the access tube and raised taking readings every 0.5m until the torpedo reaches the top.
The readings shall be read by and stored in the data logger. The procedure shall be repeated on
the opposite face following the manufacturers method and sign convention.
Frequency and period of monitoring shall be as specified in Drawing or BQ or as instructed by

the Engineer.
The report shall include all readings taken & derived plus graphs showing depth verse deflection
and dates measured. Photos showing the location of each inclinometer and typical layout for the
readout unit during the measurement shall be included.
4.6 (f) Displacement Markers, Settlement Markers and Survey Stations
(i) Scope: Displacement markers and settlement markers or optical prism as shown in
drawings or BQ are required to monitor the horizontal and vertical movement of the ground or
embankment surface or wall. Survey stations provide a reference for leveling at horizontal
measurement to other points and shall be established on the stable ground unaffected by
construction activities. The Contractor shall be responsible for establishing displacement markers
and settlement markers or optical prisms in locations selected by the Engineer in longitudinal and
lateral directions along and across the embankment crest, slopes, walls and toes, and for installing
permanent survey stations on undisturbed ground clear of the embankment as indicated by the
Engineer.
(ii) Equipment and Installation: The markers shall comprise steel rods of 20mm diameter
which shall be driven vertically into the embankment or undisturbed ground for a minimum depth
of 1m or required by the engineer and shall project approximately 75mm above the ground
surface. The rods shall be surrounded evenly by not less than 150mm deep below ground surface
and 150mm wide of grade 20 concrete or cement/sand mortar at ground level, and their tops shall
be carefully domed and centre punched. The details of the installation are shown on the drawing
or approved/directed by the Engineer. The concrete shall be scored with the reference number of
the marker.
(iii) Method of Monitoring: For settlement markers, levels of the top of the rod shall be
measured using standard precise leveling techniques within 1mm accuracy. The datum used shall
preferably require only one set up of the level, and leveling shall be closed back to the datum.
For displacement markers, horizontal location of the top of the rod shall be measured by taping
from a suitably located survey station or control point. If direct taping is not possible, then other
surveying techniques shall be used as agreed with the Engineer.
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For survey stations, level and plan location of the top of the rod shall be established using agreed
survey control. The measured values shall be checked using the agreed control at intervals to be
agreed with the Engineer.
Frequency and period of monitoring shall be as specified in Drawing or BQ or as instructed by

the Engineer.
The report shall include all readings taken & derived, direction and amount of
displacement/settlement measured. Photos showing the location of each marker and typical layout
for the measurement during the monitoring shall be included.
4.6 (g) Tilt-Meters
Tilt meter shall be used to monitor changes in the inclination or rotation of designated structures
and to provide an accurate history of relative movement and early warning of serious potential
structural damages.
Tilt plates shall be properly installed on the structures and monitored on the structure at location
specified by the Engineer. They must be either securely bonded using an approved rapid setting
epoxy adhesive compound or screwed to the surface of the structure. Extra care shall be taken to
ensure proper alignment of the tilt plate to the required orientation directed by the Engineer.
The tilt-meter system shall include the required number of tilt plates, the portable tilt-meter and
readout unit. Tilt plates must be dimensionally stable and weather resistant during the monitored
period. The portable tilt-meter shall be in metric unit system and housed in a rugged frame with
precise machined surfaces to facilitate accurate positioning on the tilt plate which may be
mounted horizontally or vertically as specified by the Engineer. The readout unit to be used must
be suitable for the above mentioned tilt-meter unit and applications and shall be of a rugged
weather-proof design with easy to read display and rechargeable battery or equivalent. Sufficient
length of jumper cable shall be provided for connecting the tilt-meter to the readout unit. The tilt-
meter shall conform to:
Range +/- 30 from vertical
Resolution 8 arc seconds
Temperature Coefficient +/- (0.05% of reading + 5 are seconds)/ C
Tilt reading shall be taken by positioning the tilt-meter readout unit on the rigid tilt plate and
connecting the tilt meter to the readout unit. At least two readings shall be taken by rotating the
tilt meter at 180 for each reading. Frequency and period of monitoring shall be as specified in
Drawing or BQ or as instructed by the Engineer.
The report shall include all readings taken & derived, direction and amount of tilt measured.
Photos showing the location of each tilt meter and typical layout for the readout unit during the
measurement shall be included.
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4.6 (h). Dilapidation Survey (DS)
The Dilapidation Survey (DS) is to be carried out with the objectives of taking sufficient
photographs and records on the current conditions of the houses or buildings or structures
adjacent to the proposed excavation or piling or other construction activities in case of future
disputes. Therefore, the DS shall include taking photos for all the external and internal facets of
the respective houses/buildings/structures and picking up all the structural and non-structural
cracks or distresses of the houses/buildings. Plans/drawings/sketches showing locations of
conditions captured by all photos shall be properly prepared. Each photo shall be labeled with a
reference number plus written description of defects/distress/cracks. Crack width shall be
measured by proper calipers (accuracy within 0.1mm) and crack length by proper ruler (accuracy
within 5mm).
Work scope for DS
The DS is to be carried out on structures and buildings surrounding the proposed site as indicated
in attached drawing or as directed by the Engineer. The Contractor is deemed to include obtaining
approval from the tenants to enter their respective premises for DS works.
Dilapidation survey shall be carried out at the external and internal (if required and permitted) of
the buildings and shop lots or structures surrounding the proposed site only. All distress/cracks or
defects shall be labeled and measured (dimension of the cracks such as length. width, etc., by
proper equipment). The locations of cracks or defects shall be indicated in the layout plan. Close-
up photographs of the cracks or defects with ruler shall be attached and every photograph shall
have their respective date.
A proper report (5 copies plus master soft copy) summarizing objectives, scope of works and
findings with proper documented photos with proper labels as specified shall be prepared. The
report shall be checked and endorsed by a qualified P. Eng.
4.7 Permeability Test in Borehole
Permeability test shall be carried out in accordance to Clause 25.4 of BS 5930:1999 and shall
consist of Constant Head Method or the Variable Head Method.
The natural ground water table shall be established before test is being carried out.
The borehole shall be washed out with clean water before carrying out the test. The casing length
shall be raised and exposed to approximately two times the borehole diameter. Suitable granular
fill material shall be used to support the base of the casing if the side of the uncased borehole is
likely to collapse.
For falling head test, the water level in the borehole shall be raised by adding water to a level
determined at the site.
For rising head test, the water level in the borehole shall be bailed out as determined at the site
Readings of water level shall be taken at every 10 second intervals initially and then less
frequently later until consistent readings and time is observed.
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Report for each permeability test shall include all the details and graphs specified in Clause 25.4
of BS 5930 (1999). Photos showing the each test layout shall be included in the report.
4.8 Packer Test
Packer test shall be carried out in accordance with Clause 25.5.2 of BS 5930 (1999).
Packer test shall be carried out to obtain an approximate value of the permeability of the fractured
rock mass. As it is used to assess the potential for water to penetrate rock discontinuities, clean
water shall be used for the test. The test shall be carried out as a single packer or as a double
packer test. Preferable single packer of pneumatic type shall be used. The test length shall not be
less than ten borehole diameter to minimize end effects.
Five stage test shall be carried with the maximum pressure in three equal increments and then
reduce with decrements of the same amount. The water level of the borehole above the packer
shall be constant during testing as any rising of water may indicate leakage.
4.9 Pocket Vane Shear Test
The pocket vane shear shall be as specified in Drawing or BQ or the type approved by the
Engineer. They shall be used on the top and bottom of all undisturbed samples and in test pits and
the readings recorded on the appropriate logs.
Test report shall include the date & location of test. Calibration graphs and photos showing
location of tests shall be included.
4.10 JKR Probe Test (JPT)
The apparatus used shall be the standard JKR probe which consists of a hardened steel
penetrometer of 25 mm diameter with 60 degrees apex angle (Clause 5.3.2.2 of MS 2038). The
penetrometer shall be connected to a string of penetration steel rods of 12 mm diameter in 1.2m
length each. The penetration rods are connected by coupling of 22mm diameter. The subsoil
resistance of manually-operated JKR probe shall be measured by a hammer of 5 kg, dropping
from a height of 280 mm along a guided rod. The penetrometer resistance shall be recorded for
the number of blows required to penetrate a depth of 300 mm. The JKR probe test shall be
terminated when the resistance is 400 blows/0.3m or a maximum penetration of 15m, whichever
comes first. Hole collapse conditions, water table (location of wet rod, if visible), force required
to extract the rods, depth encountering rebound, etc., shall be recorded.
Basically, the Mackintosh probe is almost the same as JKR probe except that the apex angle of
the penetrometer is 30 degrees and the subsoil resistance of manually-operated Mackintosh probe
shall be measured by a hammer of 4.5 kg, dropping from a height of 300 mm along a guided rod.
Results of JKR probes or Mackintosh probes shall be plotted in graphs (blow counts against
depth) for each location of test. Date & time of test, name of supervisor, location of test (marked
on drawing) & other details shall be included.
4.11 Hand Auger Boring (HA)
The hand auger boring shall be carried out at locations as shown on drawings or as directed by the
Engineer. It shall be light and portable (helical or spiral or Iwan type as specified in ASTM
34
D14527-07 or approved equivalent) and the cutting shoes shall have a minimum size of 100mm
diameter. It shall be used in cohesive soil free from gravel or granular material and above water
table. Termination criteria of hand augering shall be when the sides of the holes start to collapse
or resistance to augering cannot be advanced with man power. Bore depth by rotating and
advancing the auger into the ground up to about 3m or more in soft to stiff subsoil is possible.
Disturbed sample shall be taken at every 0.30 m or at every soil strata change for Classification
Tests. Overnight water table shall be taken when water table is encountered. Completed auger
hole shall be sealed at the top for overnight water table measurement. For each HA, detail subsoil
strata shall be described and logged in field bore log as specified in Clause 1.16. Disturbed
samples shall be taken for laboratory classification tests. Photos for all soil sample shall also be
taken with necessary labels (HA reference & depth).
4.12 Plate Bearing Test (PBT)
Plate Bearing Test shall be carried out in accordance to Clause 31 of BS 5930:1999. The test shall
be carried out between 1.5m to three meters or as instructed below the ground level, using thick
circular steel plate or square plate which shall not buckle under the specified maximum test
pressure. The minimum size of plate shall be 400 mm diameter or square and minimum thickness
of 20mm. The kentledge shall be enough to exert a pressure of not less than 300 kPa or three
times the design working pressure (fba), whichever is higher.
The static load bearing test shall be applied in equal increments and shall be carried out in 3 load
cycles (0.25fba, 0.5fba, 0.75fba, 1.0fba, 0.5fba, 0.0fba, 0.5fba, 0.75fba, 1.0fba, 1.25 fba, 1.5fba. 1.75fba,
2.0fba, 1.5fba, 1.0fba, 0.5fba, 0.0fba, 0.5fba, 1.0fba. 1.5fba, 2.0fba, 2.25fba, 2.5fba, 2.75fba, 3.0fba, 2.5fba,
2.0fba, 1.5fba, 1.0fba, 0.5fba & 0.0fba) unless otherwise specified or directed by the Engineer. Test
shall be carried out to a minimum of eight loading stages and four unloading stages. Depending
on the consistency of the soil at the site, the Contractor may change the number of loading stages
but with the consent of the Engineer. Each loading shall be maintained at interval of not less than
10 minutes or until the rate of settlement is less than 0.025 mm/min, whichever is later, except at
1.0fba, 2.0fba & 3.0fba, where settlement at 1 min, 2min, 3 min, 4, min, 5min, 6 min, 10 min, 20
min, 30min, 40 min, 50min and 60 minutes intervals shall be recorded to check creep effects.
Plate settlements shall be measured by a minimum of three (3) dial gauges place around the
circumference of the plate. The sensitivity of the dial gauge shall not be less than 0.001 in/div.
The dial gauges shall be calibrated by an approved institution.
The load on the plate shall be measured by means of load cell, which shall be capable of reading
to an accuracy of 1 % of the maximum applied load. The load cell shall be calibrated before and
after. Generally, pressure gauge attached to the hydraulic jack for loading may not be acceptable
for load reading due to its insensitivity. All calibrations, equipment, work program, and method
of statements shall be submitted for approval prior to commencement of works.
Sufficient disturbed sample under the test plate shall be collected and sealed in double layered
heavy duty polythene bag for soil classification test and a JKR/Mackintosh Probe shall be carried
out to determine any underlying soft stratum under the test area. The depth of JKR/Mackinstosh
shall be carried out to a maximum depth of not more than 15 meters or the resistance has reached
400 blows/0.3 m penetrations whichever comes first.
35
For each plate bearing test, graphs/plots of applied pressure verse settlement and settlement verse
time (log scale) shall be prepared for 1.0fba, 2.0fba & 3.0fba. Photos showing test layout for each
location shall be included.
4.13 Field Density Test
All field density tests shall be carried out according to Clause 5.6 of MS 2038 or Clause 2 Part 9
of BS 1377 (1990) unless otherwise specified or directed by the Engineer. The following 5
methods are acceptable but their respective applications and limitations shall be complied with:
a). Sand Replacement Method (small pouring cylinder method) is only suitable for natural
and compacted fine and medium-grained soils in layers not exceeding 150 mm. Field density of
soft and peaty soils or granular soils with negligible cohesion are not suitable to be determined by
this method. Apparatus, materials (calibrated clean sand, etc), test procedure, etc., shall be strictly
in accordance with the requirements specified in Clause 2.1 of BS 1377 Part 9 (1990).
b). Sand Replacement Method (large pouring cylinder method). This method covers the
determination insitu of density of natural or compacted soil containing coarse-grained materials.
This method is suitable for fine, medium and coarse-grained soils in layers not exceeding 250
mm. Field densities of soft and peaty soils or granular soils with negligible cohesion or when wet
are not suitable to be determined by this method. Apparatus, materials (calibrated clean sand, etc),
test procedure, etc shall be strictly in accordance with the requirements specified in Clause 2.2 of
BS 1377 Part 9 (1990).
c). Water Replacement Method is suitable for coarse-grained soils. This method covers the
determination insitu of the density of natural and compacted coarse-grained soil using a circular
density ring on the ground surface and a flexible plastic sheet to retain water to determine the
volume of the excavated hole. The method is used for coarse and very coarse soils when the other
methods for determining the field density are unsuitable because the volume excavated would be
unrepresentative. Apparatus, materials (calibrated water container, etc), test procedure, etc shall
be strictly in accordance with the requirements specified in Clause 2.3 of BS 1377 Part 9 (1990).
d). Core Cutter Method is only suitable for cohesive soils free from coarse-grained materials.
Apparatus, materials, test procedure, etc., shall be strictly in accordance with the requirements
specified in Clause 2.4 of BS 1377 Part 9 (1990).
e). Nuclear Methods are suitable for fine, medium and coarse-grained soils. Only qualified
personnel shall be engaged to carry out the tests and necessary safety precautions and mitigations
for using the equipment as specified by equipment manufacturer shall be observed. Apparatus,
materials, test procedure, etc., shall be strictly in accordance with the requirements specified in
Clause 2.5 of BS 1377 Part 9 (1990).
Test report shall include all the details as specified in Clause 2 Part 9 of BS 1377 (1999). Photos
showing the test layout and equipment for each test shall be included.
4.14 Flat Plate Dilatometer Test (DMT)
Flat plate Dilatometer test shall be carried out as specified in ASTM D6635-01 Standard Test
Method for performing the Flat Plate Dilatometer.
36
DMT in initiated in predrilled bore hole of at least 100mm diameter by forcing the steel flat plate
(Dilatometer blade of about 96mm wide and 15mm thick) with its sharp cutting edge into the soil,
followed by the expansion of a flat circular metallic membrane (60mm diameter, facing
horizontal direction) into the surrounding soil. Pressures required to produce expansion of the
membrane into the soil at 2 preset deflections are recorded to estimate insitu stratigraphy, stress,
strength, compressibility and porewater pressure properties. The membrane may possibly
recording an optimal third measurement before advancing the blade to another 015m to 0.3m
deep to repeat the test. Each test sequence typically requires about 2 minutes. Penetration
resistance (thrust force or blow counts per penetration) shall also be recorded.
DMT is applicable for most of the soils that can be readily penetrated with the Dilatometer blade
using static force.
DMT shall be rejected or repeated at Contractors own cost if there is indication of poor quality
of Dilatometer test results.
DMT with electronic/transducers recording mechanism shall be calibrated as specified. DMT

equipment/machine layout & accessories shall be captured with digitalized colour photos for
record & checking purposes.
DMT report shall include all the details specified by ASTM D6635-01. Photos showing the test
layout and equipment for each test shall be included.
5.0 TEST PIT
5.1 General
Unless otherwise specified in Appendix D test pit up to about 5m shall be carried out by suitable
mechanical excavator or other suitable methods approved by Engineer. Qualified personnel shall
be engaged to examine and describe/log the subsoil strata, to observe and determine water table,
to recover disturbed/bulk and undisturbed samples, examine and describe the relict geological
discontinuities, to carry out insitu testing such as field density, plate bearing tests, JKR probe,
etc., as specified. Sketches of all 4 sides of excavation showing soil types and stratification shall
be prepared, logged and recorded with details as shown in Appendix C with photos for subsoil
strata and various tests carried out in each test pit.
5.2 Method of Advancing Test Pits
Unless otherwise specified in the BQ or drawings, the plant used shall be suitable for advancing
or excavation the test pits to the minimum 3m deep and minimum plan area of 1.5mx2.5m, and to
enable the specified sampling and insitu testing be carried out.
The Contractor shall maintain all of his equipment so as to ensure that the safety of his operation
is maximised. The Engineer may require the rectification or replacement of equipment he deems
to be unsafe.
The method used shall be such that an accurate and continuous observation of the soils
encountered is possible throughout the process throughout the process. No mingling of the soils
from different levels shall be allowed to occur.
5.3 Size and Depth of Test Pits
37
The size of the test pits shall be such that the requirements of size for observation, sampling,
testing, etc. are satisfied.
The depth of the test pit shall be such as indicated on the appropriate Bill of Quantities or as
directed by the Engineer at the time of excavation. Near vertical sides of excavation shall be
adequately supported or braced by some timer/steel frame, etc., to prevent sudden collapse.
Proper stairs shall be provided for the Engineer to enter the excavation for examination of the
subsoil strata conditions.
5.4 Unnatural Obstructions
Should unnatural obstructions to excavation be encountered, the Engineer shall be informed

immediately so that a decision may be made regarding termination or otherwise of the test pit.
Test pits abandoned due to unnatural obstructions shall be entirely at the Contractor's own cost.
Under no circumstances shall the Contractor abandon or terminate a test pit without the approval
of the Engineer.
5.5 Abandoned Test Pits
No measurement or payment will be made for test pit abandoned before reaching the specified
depths except as otherwise provided hereinafter for false starts, or unless and to the extent the
Engineer deems that the test pits so abandoned are acceptable. Except with the specific
permission of the Engineer, the Contractor shall not abandon or complete any test pit without first
affording the Engineer the opportunity of obtaining the position and depth of the test pit prior to
abandonment or completion, and other information which the Engineer may require.
No allowance or payment whatsoever will be made for any excavation abandoned or completed
without compliance with these stipulations. In addition in order to receive consideration for
payment for test pits the Contractor shall furnish the Engineer with complete records and samples
for the depths penetrated in the manner prescribed for completed test pits.
5.6 Underground/Overhead Services
The contractor shall avail himself of all available information pertaining to local authorities and
other underground/overhead services prior to the commencement of work. If there is any
possibility that the planned test pits may intersect any such services, the Contractor shall advise
the Engineer and propose an alternative location for the Engineer's approval.
The contractor shall obtain all excavation permits, etc. as required by local authorities. The cost
associated with the above activities shall be included for the Contractor's lump sum provision for
mobilisation/demobilisation.
5.7 False Starts
It is intended that all test pits be made so as to clear all underground services and structures.
However, should the Contractor be unable to complete any test pit due to encountering
underground services or structures, which cannot be reasonably foreseen or because other
obstructions are encountered which the Engineer considers are of an unusual nature and that
failure to penetrate the obstructions is not the fault of the Contractor's method or equipment, a
false start will be allowed. In such a case, if directed by the Engineer, another test pit will be
made in the adjacent vicinity. All samples taken and depth of the false start, measured from
38
ground surface to the lowest elevation penetrated, will be considered for payment at the rate
indicated on the Bill of Quantities provided, however, that the Contractor shall submit to the
Engineer a complete record of all false starts.
5.8 Backfilling of Test Pits
Test pits shall be backfilled with the excavated spoil from the test pit using the equipment on
hand in such a manner as to reinstate the excavated area as near to as possible the original
condition prior to commencement of the excavation so as to prevent ponding and erosion.
In the event that there is insufficient spoil remaining to reinstate the test pit excavation to at least
level with the original ground surface, then the Contractor shall import material from another
source to make up the difference. The imported material shall be of a quality equal to or better
than the spoil from the test pit.
The cost of backfilling, including the cost of any imported backfill material, shall be deemed to
be included in the rates for excavation.
5.9 Obtaining Disturbed Samples in test pits
Disturbed samples may be obtained by any means as long as the soil sample obtained is
representative and unchanged in its constituent contents.
The minimum amount of soil sample required shall be that quantity sufficient for the soil to be
tested in the various classification tests, such as Moisture Content, Atterberg Limits and Particle
Size Distribution.
When sufficient quantity of soil is not obtained in the first instance, the sampling operation shall
be repeated at no extra cost. It is the Contractor's responsibility to choose whatever sampling
method is appropriate so that enough samples will be obtained in the least number of sampling
operations.
5.10 Preservation of Disturbed Samples from Test Pits
Disturbed samples shall be preserved, immediately after being recovered, in bags made of heavy-
gauge polyethylene sheeting, each layer sealed to form an air-tight bag.
5.11 Labelling of Soil Samples from Test Pits
For disturbed samples, a label clearly and indelibly marked with the name of the project, test pit
number, depth of sample, and date taken shall be placed inside the polyethylene bag. The outside
of the bag shall also mark with the sample number, test pit number, and project number.
5.12 Storage and Transportation of Samples
All soil samples shall be stored in an orderly manner at the site in protective boxes in a dry place
and under cover until they are dispatched to the designated laboratories.
5.13 Provision of 'Record Samples'
39
Whenever directed by the Engineer, about 1kg of representative soil samples shall be taken from
the disturbed samples and sealed inside a polyethylene bag. These samples shall be known as
'record samples' and shall be delivered to the Engineer. The test pit number and the sample depth
shall be marked on a card placed inside the bag. All the 'record samples' from the same project
shall be stored in a large polyethylene bag of suitable gauge and size, with the project name and
number clearly and indelibly marked on the bag.
The instruction to supply these 'record samples' shall be given with the instruction for laboratory
testing. The cost of provision of these samples shall be deemed to be included in the bills for
obtaining disturbed samples.
5.14 Undisturbed Block Sample
Undisturbed or intact block sample shall be taken in Test Pit or at locations and depths directed
by the Engineer. The block sample shall be prepared strictly according to ASTM D7015 and cut
and trim manually with appropriate cutting tools to cubical 300 mm X 300 mm X 300 mm or
cylindrical dimensions and stored in pre-made approved wooden square boxes of reasonably size
and strength. Care shall be taken to ensure that the block sample is taken without unduly
disturbances. The location and orientation of the sample shall be marked and logged. The space
between the sample and wooden box shall be as fitting as possible and any voids seen shall be
packed with moist sand or similar to prevent undue movement during transportation. The
undisturbed sample shall then be sealed with microcrystalline wax to prevent loss of moisture. It
shall then be wrapped lining and stored in proper manner before transporting to the approved
laboratory.
Block samples shall be taken from the subsoil that has excessive sand and gravel contents
and that has high probability of serious disturbances.
Detail procedure of preparation of cubical block sample (ASTM D7015) should be as follows:
At the location where the block sample is to be obtained, level and smoothen the ground
surface and mark the outline of a face of the block (0.3mx0.3m). Surface soils containing
roots or other organic matters should be removed.
Carefully excavate a trench around the block sample to the required depth.
Gradually remove excess soil on the sides of the block using the chain saw and/or hand
methods until the pedestal of the desired size (0.3mx0.3mx0.3m) is obtained.
Measure and record the elevation (or depth below the ground surface) to the top of the
sample and depth of water level if encountered.
Visually classify the soil(s) in the sample based on the trimmings and exposed surfaces of
the block in accordance with ASTM D2488 and describe the insitu conditions of the soil,
such as colour, odour, moisture condition, consistency, cementation and structure. Each
block sample shall be recorded with details as specified above and ASTM D7015.
Photographs of the block location (before and after trimming around the block) shall be
taken with proper labelling for future retrieval and examination.
40
Cover the freshly exposed surfaces of the sample (pedestal) with cheesecloth and paint
with melted wax. Additional cheesecloth and wax shall be carried out to form minimum 3
layers. Hot wax shall not be poured directly on soil.
Mark the sample reference (sample number, GL, depth of sample, orientation, etc.)
To remove the cubical block sample, carefully cut or shear the base of the sample from
the underlying soil using a thin wire such as piano wire if clayey soils, or with either a
chain saw, shovels, or knives if in other soil types.
Carefully tilt the sample on one side. Add appropriate packing materials such as cotton
wool to minimise ant voids between the box and sample. Cover the exposed bottom face
with at least 3 layers of cheesecloth.
Record all the information on data sheet with the above details with photos and sketches.
Block samples shall be handled and transported with due care without disturbance to the
accredited laboratory for tests.
6.0 Geophysical Methods/surveys
Geophysical methods/surveys shall be carried out according to Clause 6.12 of MS 2038 and as
specified in the drawing and BQ.
Only experienced technicians and geologists are allowed to carry out the geophysical survey.
Geophysical methods based on seismic velocity or electrical resistivity can be used to determine
global indicative information such as thickness of superficial deposits, bedrock and weathering
profiles, structural features (such as locations of faults, dykes), etc.
Reference shall be made to ASTM D6429 and Clause 6.12 of MS 2038 when selecting
appropriate geophysical methods or as instructed by the Engineer to determine the required
properties.
Seismic Refraction Method
This method is commonly used to map geologic conditions such as depth to bedrock or to water
table, stratigraphy, lithology, structures and fractures or all of these. These properties can be
estimated on the basis of calculated seismic wave (compression) velocity and other geologic
information.
Planning, execution, interpretation and reporting shall be carried out by qualified engineering
geologist approved by the Client/Engineer and in compliance with the requirements specified by
Clause 35.3.4 of BS 5930 (1999).
Seismic Reflection Method
This method is also commonly used to map geologic conditions such as depth to bedrock (10m to
50m) or to water table, stratigraphy, lithology, structures and fractures or all of these. These
41
properties can be estimated on the basis of calculated seismic wave (compression) velocity and
other geologic information.
Planning, execution, interpretation and reporting shall be carried out by qualified engineering
geologist approved by the Client/Engineer and in compliance with the requirements specified by
Clause 35.3.5 of BS 5930 (1999).
7.0 LABORATORY TESTING
7.1 Testing standards
Testing shall be carried out in accordance with MS 1056 or BS 1377 (1990) or ASTM Section
04.08 and 04.09 (latest version) or other soil/rock testing standards shown on drawings or
directed by the Engineer.
All samples not used for testing shall be retained in suitable storage for at least two (2) months
following the completion of the specified testing.
All laboratory tests shall be carried out in approved accredited laboratory by approved qualified
technicians under the supervision and direction of approved qualified professional engineer (P.
Eng), who should check and endorse all the results of laboratory tests as specified in Clause 1.9
and 1.11(refer Appendix A for list of submittals). Only proper equipment and proper test
procedures shall be used and all laboratory tests shall be carried out under supervision and
direction of qualified laboratory engineer. The Engineer has the right to inspect the laboratory and
interview the laboratory technicians and engineer in charge of the laboratory before giving
written approval.
Unless otherwise specified, technical requirements and sample preparation for all samples before
any laboratory test shall comply with BS 1377 Part 1 (1990).
Unless otherwise specified in the drawings or BQ or directed by the Engineer in writing, all the
laboratory tests shall comply with the test standard and method specified as follows:
a). Classification tests shall comply with BS 1377 Part 2 (1990).
b). Chemical and electro-chemical tests shall comply with BS 1377 Part 3 (1990).
c). Compaction-related tests shall comply with BS 1377 Part 4 (1990).
d). Compressibility, permeability & Durability tests shall comply with BS 1377 Part 5 (1990).
e). Consolidation & permeability tests in hydraulic cells and with pore pressure measurement
shall comply with BS 1377 Part 6 (1990).
f). Shear Strength tests (Total Stress) shall comply with BS 1377 Part 7 (1990).
g). Shear Strength tests (effective stress) shall comply with BS 1377 Part 8 (1990).
42
7.2 Submission of Laboratory Test Results
Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer, laboratory results shall be submitted to the Engineer
as soon as possible not later than agreed date from the issue of testing instructions by the
Engineer. They are to be submitted in complete sets and in sequence according to numerical
order.
A visual description of the sample shall be included on all laboratory sheets, which shall indicate
test standard and method and name of laboratory technician. The Engineer may request method
statement and detail sequence of laboratory tests be submitted for verification and records.
Sample conditions for all undisturbed samples or block samples shall be described and
captured with photos after extruded from samplers or opened from the block sample boxes.
Strength and deformation tests shall not be proceeded if obvious disturbances are observed.
8.0 REPORTING OF RESULTS
8.1 Scope of SI Report
SI Factual Report shall be prepared and endorsed by a qualified P.Eng (Clause 1.9) well versed in
SI practice and approved by the Engineer. SI Factual Report shall include at least the following
chapters/sessions/Para and details:
Session 1: Introduction shall include purpose of SI and scope of SI. Appendix to Session 1 shall
include site plan, plan/drawings showing locations of various boreholes/testing/
sampling/instruments and method statement for all SI works, etc. (At least 3 appendix namely
Appendix 1-A for Site Plan, 1-B for Locations for BH/testing/sampling/instruments, etc., 1-C for
Method Statement, etc.)
Session 2: Field Investigation shall include general site/access conditions (with site photos)
general site geology, scope/list of field or insitu testing and sampling & their respect test
standard/method used (in tabulation). Appendix to Session 2 shall include (a) Tables showing the
locations (coordinates) and reduced levels of boreholes and field testing/sampling positions,
results of water table monitoring. (b) Reported borelogs shall be based on field borelogs, but the
soil/rock description shall be corrected after the soil/rock classification tests. Reported borelogs
are preferred to be prepared in A3 size drawing (AutoCAD). Reported borelogs shall include
scale in meter, elevation (RL), depth in m, legend, soil/rock description as specified (BS 5390),
sampling records (type, depth, sample reference), field test results (SPT results shall include
recovery, blows count per 75mm, N-value & SPT profile., soil classification results, date & time
of commencing of boring and interruption or termination of boring with peculiar conditions such
as obstruction, no return of water, etc. Format of reported borelogs shall be approved by the
Engineer in writing. (c) Test reports for the results of other field tests such MP, Geonor vane
tests, piezometers, Pressuremeter tests, other instrumentation, etc., shall be as specified in Clause
4 of this Specification. (d) Photos showing site conditions, laboratory condition/test layout,
test/BH locations, sample conditions (all disturbed and undisturbed samples with sample
reference), instruments used, etc. Typical borelog and details to be presented are shown in
Appendix C of this Specification.
Session 3: Laboratory Testing shall include all the laboratory tests carried out and their
respective standards used. Appendix to this Session shall be (a) Summary of laboratory tests
including BH or HA or Bulk/Block sample reference, basic & index properties, shear strength,
43
compressibility properties, chemical properties, etc. (b) Details of triaxial tests, compressibility/
consolidation tests, particle size distribution/hydrometer tests (graphs only), compaction test, etc.
Photos showing the CIU sample conditions before and after CIU tests shall be included as
appendix to this Session.
Session 4: Ground Conditions & Subsoil Properties shall include (a) Brief description of
geological condition with relevant geological maps, (b) Generalised subsoil profiles for at least 3
or more sections for building project sites in colours with soil stratifications, SPT/shear strength
values/profiles, WT and soil/rock descriptions as directed by Engineer. Detail summarised subsoil
properties with respect to insitu test results, basic & index properties, chemical properties, shear
strength and other engineering properties, etc., for each stratum/layer shall be described. (c)
Plot/graph of Bore hole depth against SPT values/profiles, moisture content, LL, PL, PSD, soil
classification (BSUSCS), Shear strength (insitu & lab tests) & other engineering properties for
each bore hole.
The Contractor shall maintain a log of each borehole/insitu test and laboratory test for Engineers
examination and validation. The log shall at least include the following information:
* Borehole/insitu test/insitu sample reference.
* Date drilled/tested/sampled
* Drilling Method
* Nominal hole diameter/casing size
* Relative ease of penetration versus depth
* Descriptions of soils encountered by qualified geologist/technician
* Changes in strata/soil type/stiffness
* Groundwater level fluctuation
* Types of samples recovered & the conditions with digitised photos
* Depth and labels for each sample
* SPT 'N' values measured (including the blow counts for each of the 6 x 75 mm intervals)
* In-situ shear vane test results
* Pressuremeter test results
* Soil/rock Description and Classification system (BS 5930)
The Contractor shall provide to the Engineer a legible copy of each field log within twelve (12)
hours after the completion of each borehole.
A register of all samples (soil & rock) with digitised photos shall be maintained and submitted to
the Engineer. The register shall indicate:
44
* Borehole/sample reference
* Depth
* Sample No. /Type
* Sample dimensions and recovery
* Description as per BS 5930: 1999
The register shall provide room for indicating laboratory test requirements.
Field summary sheet of all groundwater measurements shall be maintained. The sheet shall
indicate the datum point from which the depth is measured (i.e. top of standpipe or ground level,
etc).
8.2 Marking and Recording Observations (in accordance to MS 2038 or B.S. 5930:1999
but with the following notes)
8.2.1 Soil & Rock Description
Soil and rock description shall be carried out according to Clause 41 and Clause 44 of BS 5030
(1999) respectively or Clause 7 of MS 2038.
8.3 Draft SI Factual Report
On completion of the SI field and laboratory Works, the Contractor shall prepare proper Draft
Site Investigation Factual Reports comprising the scope specified in Clause 8.1 and all relevant
notes, remarks and pertinent information required by this Specification, together with complete
laboratory test results as specified and the finalized/corrected boring and field testing records as
described in the Specification. The Contractor shall ensure that the main constituent of the soil
said description in the field logs tally with that of the laboratory classification test (BS5930). The
draft report shall be thoroughly checked all SI results and endorsed by a qualified PEng, who
shall have at least 5 years working experience in SI works and whose CV shall be approved by
the Engineer. The Contractor shall submit a draft Site Investigation Factual Report to the
Engineer for his checking and approval.
The Contractor shall resubmit the draft report after all comments and remarks from the Engineer
are duly considered and amended.
8.4 Submission of Site Investigation Factual Reports
After the draft report is approved by the Engineer in writing, the final reported SI Factual Report
can be submitted and shall include all types of exploratory works specified including all
boreholes, insitu testing and all observations and recordings previously entered on site daily/logs
These records shall be thoroughly evaluated by the approved qualified PEng (Clause 1.9) and
shall be updated and corrected accordingly where required to ensure consistency of description
between soils and rocks of similar types, and compatibility with the results of laboratory test
results and field bore logs/records.
45
These final reported logs shall be completed in the format approved by the Engineer on which
entries should be made in all columns for all observations relevant to the operation being
recorded.
Final reports on laboratory testing should likewise contain all information called for and given on
previous preliminary or interim records, updated and corrected as required.
Only after receiving the written approval of the draft by the Engineer the Contractor shall proceed
to prepare the final Site Investigation Report. Five (5) copies of SI report shall include one (1)
original copy and four (4) duplicate copies, all of which shall be submitted by the Contractor
directly to the Engineer. A soft copy of the report in Microsoft Words format or other approved
format shall be submitted to the Engineer. Payment shall only be made after the submission
and acceptance of the SI Final Factual Report as specified.
...............................................................................................................................
Appendix A: List of submittals for Engineer/Client approval before commencement

of SI Works
1. Method statement (Clause 1.3), including list of boring rigs, drilling tools,
casing & drill rods (sizes & lengths), samplers, insitu testing equipment (with
photos) to be mobilized, list of site personnel (name & cv of
supervisors/driller/operators, skilled workers), list of facilities (Clause 1.3), etc.,
details plus sequence of works & QC for sampling and insitu testing,
catalogues/test/calibration certificates, etc.
2. Name of Accredited Laboratory (Clause1.11): name, address, contact numbers,

list of testing equipment, list of laboratory technicians, engineer in charge & their
CV, etc.
3. Works program (Clause 1.12)
4. Professional Engineer (Clause 1.9): name, IC & CV. Letter from the P Eng
indicating the acceptance to be the P Eng to prepare, to check and endorse the SI
report as specified.
5. Formats/samples for field borelog, reported borelog for Borehole/boring (Clause

1.16 & 8.1), HA log and test pit logs showing the details to be recorded, etc.
Samples of field record format/sheet for all insitu testing and sampling shall also
be submitted.
6. Type of digitalized camera & video camera to be used (Clause 1.15)
7. Name, IC & CV of the qualified technician to record and log all the boring,
sampling and testing at site as specified (Clause 1.16)
8. Other relevant information required by the Engineer.
46
Appendix B: Guide for Preparation of Method statement for SI (Clause 1.3)
1. SI Works Specification GENERALLY tells us to do this and to that in good engineering

practice and according to Code of practice while method statement (MS) has to tell us
SPECIFICALLY how an activity or series of activities will be carried out at site with
particular reference to plant/equipment used, sequence of works, realistic work output,
observations & recording requirements with their respective frequency and details based
on specific resources (3M) requirements to be provided according to the specification and
approved works program. A realistic and comprehensive MS can ensure a project to be
completed within the schedule as planned without too much unforeseen surprises
(reference: IEM Jan 2000 Bulletin, Earthwork Practice).
2. A proper MS of an activity for a SPECIFIC site can only be prepared by an experienced

manager or Professional engineer who has related extensive and intensive working
experience and also knowledgeable about the characteristics, capacity and efficiency of
their sources available to his disposal. In addition, he must have inspected the site and
surrounding conditions thoroughly and assessed how the specific working environments
or site constraints will affect the output of his resources, i.e. machine, manpower and
material required.
3. Before approving a MS, the SI Contractor shall make sure :-
a) MS is prepared by a qualified and competent/experienced manager or

Professional engineer (Clause 1.9) with more than 5 years of relevant working
experience.
b) Scope of work activity and sequence of work shall be adeq1uately comprehensive
and complete. Make sure method or techniq1ue of SI method plus the specific
output for each sub activity with necessary observations and records are
comprehensive and according to the specification. Specific site and weather
constraints should be duly considered so that the output of work is realistic.
Diagrammatic illustrations of sequence of works, layout of plant/equipment, etc.,
wherever possible, are preferred.
c) Specific model, capacity, etc, of machines/equipment shall be stated and if
possible relevant catalogue shall be enclosed for reference. Make sure the
machines have adequate capacity to perform as specified. Make sure adequate
sets of machines are deployed to ensure output can achieve the targeted
47
completion time with due considerations of the site and weather constraints and
other factors. Check previous track records of machines, operators, etc.,
proposed.
d) Make sure the operators and supervisors are experienced and qualified as
specified. CV of key personnel such as supervisor and operator shall be submitted
as appendix to method statement for Engineer/Client checking and approval
(refer Appendix A).
e) Make sure the materials and equipment with necessary details have complied with
the standards specified and are from reliable and reputable supplier/sources with
ISO certification, if possible.
f) Logging and recording requirements with particular reference to the type of

geologic materials or measurements or observation, their respective frequency
and details shall be clearly stated, etc., shall be by qualified personnel (Clause
1.16 and 1.7).
g) To ensure test results and records are reliable and reproducible, test standards
used shall be clearly stated. Details of test equipment, test procedure and test
sequence plus necessary calibrations shall be summarized and given as appendix
to method statement.
h) The Professional engineer or manager preparing the MS should seek necessary

advice or consultancy from experienced specialist SI contractors or expert before
preparation of MS related to special SI methods, drilling/boring techniques,
sampling and insitu testing methods, etc. This is crucial to ensure all SI works,
testing and sampling are properly and reliably carried out by qualified personnel,
using proper equipment and observing proper test procedure as specified and
according to good engineering practice.
48
Appendix C: Typical borehole log
49
50
51
Appendix D: Summary of Scope of SI
1. OBJECTIVES
This housing development project involves in construction of about 215 units of bungalows
residential houses, etc. The existing site terrain (flat to hilly) is generally flat consisting of cuts and
fills. Important geotechnical issues and problems that required detail study and design are related
to slope stability of rock and fill slopes, building foundations over thick and complex fill
materials, retaining walls, etc.
The main objectives of SI are:
- To determine generalized subsoil profile and subsoil properties for the cost-effective
foundation analysis and design of foundations for the bungalows.
- To determine generalized subsoil profile and to identify any unstable soil/rock formation
(geological discontinuities) and water table (water bearing zones and free water table
depth) for ground stability analysis and necessary ground stabilization design.
- To determine generalized subsoil profile and subsoil properties near the cut slope areas
for necessary slope stability analysis and slope stabilization design.
2. SCOPE & SI METHODS
Proposed scope of SI is as follows:
a). Five (5) numbers of boreholes including necessary insitu testing and sampling as specified in
BQ and Para 3 below.
b). Five (5) numbers of test pit of about 1m deep with minimum plan area of 1mx1m plus at least
one block sample for each test pit and disturbed samples for each distinct layer for soil
classification tests. No plate bearing tests at 100kPa, 150kPa, 200kPa & 300kPa at about 1.5m
deep and 3m deep are necessary.
c). Three (3) bulk samples of about 50 kg to 100 kg each at locations directed by the Engineer for
laboratory BS standard/heavy compaction tests and soil classification tests. Ten (10) field density
tests as specified in Para 3 below at about 0.8 m to 1.2m below the ground level at locations
directed by the Engineer shall also be carried out. Bulk and block samples shall also be taken as
specified.
d). 20 numbers of JKR/Mackintosh probes at test pits and other locations as directed by the
Engineer. Each probe shall be until 15m or 400 blows/0.3m, whichever comes first as specified.
e). Laboratory testing including soil classification tests (about 75 series), CIU shear strength tests,
compaction tests (BS standard/heavy), chemical tests, etc.
Locations of the above SI works are shown in Drawing attached or as directed by the Engineer.
Exact locations of boreholes, test pits, hand augers and Mackintosh probes shall be determined at
site by the Engineer.
All SI works shall be carried out strictly according to the Specification for Site Investigation
Works (E-Geo 2014). All insitu testing and sampling shall only be carried out after the
borehole has been properly cleansed as specified (Clause 2.2). All sample conditions, test
method/equipment plus drilling & testing operation procedure shall be captured with photos
and videos as specified (Clause 1.15).
52
The SI contractor shall submit the details as listed in Appendix A of the Specification including
method statement for each SI method for approval before commencement of works. The method
statement shall include type of machine/equipment used, names & IC of the technician/supervisor
with CV, rate of output of works, sequence of works, recording details, QA plan, etc.
3. CRITERIA OF TERMINATING BOREHOLES
3.1 Boreholes/Boring & Mackintosh Probes
All boreholes shall be terminated at about 2m below formation level unless otherwise
directed by the Engineer. SPT at 1.5m intervals (maximum) or at change of soil types
shall be carried out as specified. Photos for all sample conditions in split sampler
conditions shall be taken as specified. Thin-wall undisturbed samples shall be taken when
encountered soft strata. Refer Clause 2 (deep boring) of the Specification for method of
boring, sampling and insitu testing, etc. Dry boring by solid stem augering or hollow
stem augering or approved equivalent in unsaturated zone shall be carried out as
specified. Wet drilling shall only be used after water table or saturated zone unless
otherwise approved by the Engineer.
Mackintosh probes or JKR probes shall be carried out near test pits, hand augers and
other locations directed by Engineer. All JKR/Mackintosh probes shall be carried out
until 400 blows/0.3m or 15m deep, whichever comes first.
Locations of boreholes/test pits/bulk sample locations/JKR probe locations are given in

the site plan. Exact locations shall be decided/directed at site by the Engineer.
3.2 Test Pits & Bulk sampling.
Test pits shall be carried out as specified (Clause 5 of the Specification) up to about 1m
deep. Details to be logged and recorded for each test pit shall be as specified and shown
in Appendix C. Block sample as specified (Clause 5.14) shall also be taken/carried out in
each of the test pit.
Field density tests (large pouring cylinder method) shall be carried out near the bulk
sample locations (fill areas). Disturbed and bulk sample (50 kg to 100kg) shall be
collected for compaction tests (BS standard) and soil classification tests.
At least one Mackintosh/JKR probe at ground level and one at deepest excavated level
shall be carried out for each test pit and other locations directed by the Engineer.
4. FIELD TESTING & SAMPLING
Wash samples should be checked continuously and SPT should be carried out at change of soil
type or at 1.5m interval (max) except when taking undisturbed samples or where soft cohesive
stratum is encountered where insitu vane shear test should be carried out (at 1.0m to 1.5m
intervals) instead of SPT.
Typical undisturbed samples from soft to firm strata using thin walled stationary piston samplers
should be taken (min 63.5mm diameter).
53
5. LABORATORY TESTING
Field borelogs should be sent to the Designer as soon as each borehole is completed. This is to
enable the designer to determine as early as possible the types of lab tests required. This is also to
enable the Designer, after examination of the field borelogs, to determine the adequacy of SI (to
add or to omit or to amend the scope of SI).
As a general guide, typical disturbed samples from boreholes, test pits and SPT samplers from
each location/borehole should be selected for classification tests which shall include natural
moisture content, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, and particle size distribution and other
chemical tests unless otherwise specified or directed by the Designer.
Typical undisturbed samples from soft to firm strata may be selected for Odeometer tests/UU/CIU
tests etc.
Block samples and typical undisturbed samples from residual soils may be selected for CIU/CD or
permeability tests, etc. Water samples are for chemical tests & salt contents tests, etc.
Bulk samples from trial pits are mainly for classification, compaction & laboratory CBR tests.
Block samples will be mainly for triaxial tests (CIU/CD) or permeability tests plus soil
classification tests, etc.
Sample conditions of all undisturbed samples shall be captured by photos in the laboratory before
carrying out the laboratory tests such as CIU test, Odeometer tests, permeability tests, etc.
Laboratory tests especially the strength and deformation tests for undisturbed samples showing
obvious signs of disturbance shall not be proceeded.
5. SI FACTUAL REPORT
SI factual report shall be prepared according to Clause 8 of this Specification by PEng (Clause
1.9) of the Specification. Draft SI report (Clause 8.3) shall be submitted for checking and
acceptance by the Engineer before preparation of final SI Factual Report (Clause 8.4). Digitalized
colour photos showing all the soil/rock sample conditions, insitu testing, machine layout
conditions, etc., with necessary labels for each borehole/test pit, etc., shall be saved in a folder of
the soft copy for convenience reference and checking by the Engineer/designer (Clause 1.15).
54

Spec 1-SI Works-20 Ogos 14

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Specification for Site Investigation Works (EGeo200814)

Specification for SI Works for Project XX??.

1.1 Scope of Works

The scope of SI works to be carried out shall consist of the following:

g). Submission of SI factual report as specified in Clause 7.

1.2 Site Visit

1.3 Method Statement

a) Boring machine (type/model/capacity) & drilling tools plus test equipment to be

1.4 Site Clearing and Setting Up

1.5 Supply of Adequate Plant/Equipment, Materials & Labour

1.7 Removal of Improper Plant and Unqualified Personnel

1.8 Local By-laws and Damage to Adjacent Properties

1.9 Qualified Professional Engineer

1.10 Preservation, Retainment & Keeping of Samples

1.11 Accredited Laboratory

1.12 Works program

1.13 Responsibilities & Duties of Contractor

1.14 Workers Accommodations

1.15 Provision of Photos and Videos

Videos showing boring machine, test/sampling equipment/tools, process of drilling/sampling

1.16 Field Logging

2.1 Boring Equipment & Setting up

Working platforms for boring are classified in 3 types:

2.2 Method of Advancing Boreholes

2.3 Uncased and Cased Boreholes

2.4 Other Methods of Stabilisation of the Boreholes

2.5 Heaving of the Bottom of the Boreholes

2.6 Size and Depth of Boreholes

Unless otherwise specified in Drawing or BQ or directed/instructed by the Engineer, the criteria

Rock Type Minimum Core Remarks

Shale/schist/slate/sandstone & bore depth >24m 4.5m if RQD>50%

Limestone without cavity 6.0m if RQD>50%

Limestone with cavities Min 9m & until no

Other rocks & bore depth >24m 4.5m if RQD> 50%

*Min core size should be 52mm diameter (NMLC or HMLC or equivalent

TABLE 1: COMMON SIZES OF ROCK CORE BARRELS

2.7 Rotary Rock Coring

2.7 (a) CORE BARREL TYPES

2.7 (b) DRILLING METHOD

2.7 (c) CORE BARRELS, CASING AND DRILL RODS

2.7 (e) RECORD OF DRILLING EQUIPMENT

2.7 (f) EXTRACTION OF CORES

2.7 (g) PHOTOGRAPHS OF ROCK CORES

2.7 (i) Core/drill Runs

2.7 (j) Drill Fluids

2.8 Unnatural Obstructions

Should unnatural obstructions to boring be encountered, the Engineer shall be informed

2.9 Abandoned Borings and Drilling

2.10 Underground/Overhead Services

2.11 False Starts

2.12 Backfilling of Boreholes & Test pits

3.1 Disturbed Samples

3.2 Undisturbed Samples

3.3 Preservation of Disturbed Samples

3.4 Preservation of Undisturbed Samples

3.5 Labelling of Soil Samples

3.6 Storage and Transportation of Soil Samples

3.7 Rock Coring, Preservation, Storage and Transportation

3.8 Water Sampling

Water samples shall be taken as specified in Clause 4.6 (d).

3.9 Provision of "Record Samples"

4.0 INSITU TESTING

4.1 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

4.2 Field Vane Shear Test (FVST)