COMPLETE REVISION

February 2009

Process Industry Practices

Civil

PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation
Specification

PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence
over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters
or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not
be made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names
from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather
recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications
are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines
are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA
requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or
other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed.
Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time.

Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The

University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin,
Texas 78759. PIP member companies and subscribers may copy this Practice
for their internal use. Changes, overlays, addenda, or modifications of any
kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written
authorization of PIP.

PRINTING HISTORY
July 1997
Issued
August 2002
Reaffirmation
February 2009
Complete Revision
Not printed with State funds

COMPLETE REVISION
February 2009

Process Industry Practices

Civil

PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation
Specification
Table of Contents
1. Introduction................................. 2

4. Requirements ............................. 4

1.1 Purpose............................................ 2
1.2 Scope ............................................... 2

4.1 General ............................................ 4

4.2 Documentation................................. 5
4.3 Execution ......................................... 7

2. References .................................. 2
2.1 Industry Codes and Standards ........ 2

3. Definitions ................................... 3

Process Industry Practices

Data Form
CVS02010-F - Geotechnical Engineering
Services - Final Report Checklist

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PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

1.

COMPLETE REVISION
February 2009

Introduction
1.1

Purpose
This Practice provides requirements for the performance of a geotechnical
engineering investigation.

1.2

Scope
This Practice describes the minimum requirements for a geotechnical engineering
investigation including subsurface exploration, field and laboratory testing as
needed, analyses, and preparation of reports that present geotechnical
engineering recommendations for design and construction.
This Practice does not include requirements for an environmentally related
investigation or analysis.

2.

References
Applicable parts of the following industry codes and standards and references shall be
considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of the
contract award shall be used, except as otherwise noted. Short titles are used herein where
appropriate.
2.1

Industry Codes and Standards

ASTM International (ASTM)
ASTM D420 - Standard Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering
Design and Construction Purposes
ASTM D698 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3
(600 kN - m/m3))
ASTM D1194 - Standard Test Method for Bearing Capacity of Soil for
Static Load and Spread Footings
ASTM D1195 - Standard Test Method for Repetitive Static Plate Load
Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement Components, for Use in Evaluation
and Design of Airport and Highway Pavements
ASTM D1196 - Standard Test Method for Nonrepetitive Static Plate Load
Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement Components, for Use in Evaluation
and Design of Airport and Highway Pavements
ASTM D1557 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3
(2,700 kN - m/m3))
ASTM D1883 - Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio)
of Laboratory-Compacted Soils
ASTM D2166 - Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive
Strength of Cohesive Soil

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PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

ASTM D2435 - Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional

Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
ASTM D2487 - Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for
Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
ASTM D2850 - Standard Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained
Triaxial Compressive Test on Cohesive Soils
ASTM D4253 - Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and
Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
ASTM D4254 - Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and
Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
ASTM D4429 - Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio)
of Soils in Place
ASTM D5434 - Standard Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface
Explorations of Soil and Rock
ASTM D5778 - Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone and
Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soils
ASTM D6032 - Standard Test Method for Determining Rock Quality
Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
ASTM D6429 - Standard Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical
Methods

3.

Definitions
contract documents: Any and all documents, including codes, studies, design drawings,
specifications, sketches, practices, and data sheets, that the purchaser or engineer of
record has transmitted or otherwise communicated, either by incorporation or reference,
and made part of the legal contract agreement or purchase order between the purchaser
and the geotechnical engineer.
engineer of record: Purchasers authorized representative with overall authority and
responsibility for the engineering design, quality, and performance of the civil works,
structure, foundations, materials, and appurtenances described in the contract documents.
The engineer of record shall be licensed as defined by the laws of the locality in which
the work is to be constructed, and be qualified to practice in the specialty discipline
required for the work described in the contract documents.
owner: The party who has authority through ownership, lease, or other legal agreement
over the site wherein the geotechnical investigation will be performed.
purchaser: The party who awards the contract to the geotechnical engineer. The
purchaser may be the owner or the owners authorized agent.
geotechnical engineer: The engineer responsible for performing the geotechnical
investigation and/or geotechnical consulting during foundation design, construction of
civil works, installation of foundations or other services as required by the owner,
purchaser or engineer of record. The geotechnical engineer shall be licensed as defined
by the laws of the locality in which the investigation is to be performed, and qualified to

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Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

COMPLETE REVISION
February 2009

practice in the specialty discipline required for the work described in the contract
documents.
qualified geotechnical representative: The qualified geotechnical representative shall be
a graduate geotechnical engineer, graduate geologist, or geotechnical technician provided
the technician has at least ten years of relevant field exploration and logging experience.
The qualified geotechnical representative works under the supervision of the geotechnical
engineer.

4.

Requirements
4.1

General
4.1.1

Geotechnical engineering investigations shall be performed in

accordance with the purchasers contract documents including the scope
of work document that describes the proposed facilities (i.e., preliminary
plot plans, anticipated loads, and construction loads), this Practice, and
purchasers Final Report Checklist, PIP CVS02010-F.

4.1.2

A qualified geotechnical representative shall be provided in the field full

time during exploration activities. The geotechnical representative shall
perform the following work:
a. Supervise and observe all subsurface exploration operations and insitu testing
b. Classify samples and prepare logs of borings, soundings, pits, etc.

4.1.3

The following items shall be provided with the proposal submitted to the
purchaser:
a. If purchaser furnishes a required program for field and/or laboratory
testing, a statement supporting the adequacy of the proposed
program or suggested modifications. The number and depth of
borings, CPT soundings, and other tests shall be optimized.
b. If purchaser does not furnish a required program for field and
laboratory testing, a detailed proposed program of field exploration,
field testing, and laboratory testing containing the following:
(1) Plan showing locations and depths of proposed borings, CPT
soundings, and other tests
(2) Proposed field-sampling and testing program, including types
and frequency of samples and tests
(3) Proposed laboratory-testing program, including types and
numbers of tests
(4) Descriptions of any proposed methods/tests not referenced
herein
c. A schedule of beginning and completion dates of field and laboratory
work and dates for submittal of preliminary and final reports

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PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

February 2009

d. Descriptions of any known structures, equipment, utilities,

vegetation, or other facilities that shall require alteration or removal,
or that may be damaged to permit equipment access to boring
locations
e. Resumes or statement of qualifications and experience of personnel
to be assigned to the project, including field personnel, and
descriptions of the roles, responsibilities, and degree of involvement
of each individual.

4.2

4.1.4

The geotechnical engineer shall obtain all work permits, excavation

permits, and other permits or authorizations required by the purchaser or
by governmental or regulatory agencies and/or local jurisdictions
(e.g., permits or authorizations for borings, soundings, pits, wells,
piezometers, transportation of samples, etc.).

4.1.5

The purchaser and engineer of record may provide to the geotechnical

engineer an overlay which modifies provisions of this specification as
appropriate to the specific project. The overlay may include an
investigation plot plan depicting the locations of borings, soundings, and
test pits with a listing of locations and proposed depths. The overlay may
include adjustments to test procedures. The overlay shall be part of the
contract documents.

Documentation
4.2.1

Field Reports
4.2.1.1 Field logs of borings, soundings, pits, wells, and other field
exploration/testing activities shall be provided in accordance
with ASTM D5434.
4.2.1.2 Weekly progress reports shall be provided including the
following:
a. Summary of work completed
b. Description of unusual or unanticipated conditions
encountered
c. Assessment of adequacy of work scope and any
recommended modifications
d. Statement of progress relative to planned schedule

4.2.2

Preliminary Report
4.2.2.1 A preliminary report shall be provided that contains findings,
conclusions, and recommendations and shall include as
applicable the following:
a. Logs and location plan of borings, soundings, pits, wells, and
other field exploration/testing activities
b. Subsurface cross-sections and fence diagrams

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PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

COMPLETE REVISION
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c. Discussion of groundwater level observations and impact of

anticipated minimum and maximum levels on proposed
construction, including design recommendations
d. Results and interpretations of field testing
e. Recommended foundation type(s) and design parameters
f.

Discussion of foundation settlements, i.e., elastic, total,

differential, primary and secondary

g. Discussion of potential geotechnical and/or geological

conditions and/or hazards that may affect project planning,
schedule, cost, design, or construction
h. Recommended sections for flexible and/or rigid pavement
roads, lined and unlined ditches and ponds and other
earthworks proposed for the project
i.

Recommended soil composition or modifications for use as

structural or general fill

j.

Recommended ground improvements and/or ground

modification

4.2.2.2 Three copies of the preliminary report shall be submitted to the

purchaser.
4.2.2.3 Electronic copies of the reports shall be furnished in native and
PDF formats. The native files shall be suitable for the purchaser
to pose questions within the report without writing a separate
document.
4.2.2.4 One copy of the report shall be provided on electronic media
with each paper copy.
4.2.3

Final Report
4.2.3.1 A final report shall be provided that includes all information
required in accordance with purchasers Final Report Checklist,
PIP CVS02010-F.
4.2.3.2 The final report shall respond to purchasers comments and
questions on the preliminary report.
4.2.3.3 Final reports shall be submitted under the signature and seal (if
appropriate) of the geotechnical engineer.
4.2.3.4 Six copies of the final report shall be submitted to the purchaser.
4.2.3.5 Electronic copies of the reports shall be furnished in native and
PDF formats. The native files shall be suitable for the purchaser
to pose questions within the report without writing a separate
document.
4.2.3.6 One copy of the report shall be provided on electronic media
with each paper copy.

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PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

February 2009

4.3

Execution
4.3.1

General
4.3.1.1 All labor, equipment, tools, supervision, supplies, and
transportation required to perform the geotechnical investigation,
exploration, testing, analyses, and reporting in accordance with
ASTM D420 and with this Practice, including requirements in the
Appendix, shall be provided.
4.3.1.2 The work shall be performed in accordance with the federal
standards and instructions of OSHA, including any additional
requirements by state or local agencies that have jurisdiction
where the work shall be performed.
4.3.1.3 The work shall be performed in accordance with all aspects of
safety programs and policies of the purchaser and/or owner.
4.3.1.4 The work shall be in accordance with ASTM procedures
referenced in this Practice and with other widely accepted
standards or specifications as approved by purchaser.
4.3.1.5 The purchaser shall be immediately informed if initial field work
and/or testing indicate a need for modifications of the work
scope.

4.3.2

Examination of Site
4.3.2.1 Prior to commencing work the site shall be examined by the
geotechnical engineer to assess and record existing conditions
when authorized reconnaissance of the project site is provided by
the purchaser. The existing work site conditions shall be
evaluated with respect to safe and timely performance of the
investigation and the investigation plan adjusted accordingly.
4.3.2.2 The geotechnical engineer shall examine the site and select
appropriate geophysical methods to non-destructively examine
the site. ASTM D6429 shall be used as a guide in selecting the
examination methods.
Comment: Geophysical methods can discover anomalies and
geohazards in the soils which can cause difficulties
with foundations and other structures. Certain
methods can detect buried hazards and obstruction
(e.g., piping, cables, buried trash, and metals).
Geophysical results often permit greater spacing of
geotechnical borings, soundings, or pits because the
results can provide the ability to interpolate
between those locations.

4.3.3

Utilities
4.3.3.1 Underground utilities shall be located with due diligence before
commencing the field work. This shall include requests to the
purchaser and local utilities for information, and may include
probing before drilling.

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Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

COMPLETE REVISION
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4.3.3.2 The purchaser shall be requested to locate all facility

underground utilities at least 48 hours prior to commencing the
work.
4.3.3.3 All work shall be performed a sufficient distance away from
known underground and aboveground utilities to protect
personnel and utilities.
4.3.4

Field Work
4.3.4.1 A detailed field work schedule shall be provided to the
purchaser.
4.3.4.2 Purchaser shall be notified 3 working days minimum before
commencement or completion of field work and/or
arrival/removal of equipment from site.
4.3.4.3 Any site modifications, improvements, special equipment, or
clearing required to access locations of borings, soundings, pits,
etc., will be furnished by the purchaser.
4.3.4.4 Field work shall include borings, cone penetrometer test (CPT)
soundings, other in-situ exploration procedures (i.e.,
pressuremeter, dilatometer, field vane, etc.), test pits and other
tests (e.g., plate load/CBR tests and field engineering properties
testing).
4.3.4.5 The number and depth of borings or CPT soundings shall be
decided in collaboration with the engineer of record before the
field work is started.
4.3.4.6 The site shall be restored to original condition after completion
of the work.
4.3.4.7 If any indication of soil or groundwater contamination is
detected, all work shall be immediately suspended and the
purchaser informed. Work shall not be resumed until written
notification to proceed is received from the purchaser.
4.3.4.8 Soil sampling shall be performed at intervals not greater than
2.5 feet (0.75 m) in the upper 10 feet (3 m), and thereafter every
5 feet (1.5 m) and at changes in strata to a depth of 100 ft (30 m).
Below a depth of 100 ft (30 m), samples will be stipulated by
engineer of record.
4.3.4.9 Minimum 3-inch (76.2-mm) diameter tubes shall be used for
thin-walled tube sampling.
4.3.4.10 Groundwater levels shall be determined in each borehole,
sounding and test pit on detection and again 24 hours after
excavation. Provide temporary piezometers in caving soils.
4.3.4.11 Borings and CPT soundings shall not be terminated in loose or
soft material, but continued until dense or firm materials or rock
suitable for support of foundations is encountered.

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PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

4.3.4.12 If rock is encountered, borings shall core a minimum of 5 feet

(1.5 m) into the rock and rock quality shall be field evaluated
for Rock Quality Designation (RQD) using the methods of
ASTM D 6032.
4.3.4.13 Cone Penetration Test (CPT) Soundings
a. CPT soundings shall be performed in accordance with
ASTM D5778.
b. The thrust machine shall be capable of the following:
(1) Being leveled
(2) Providing a continuous stroke of 3 feet (1 m)
minimum
(3) Providing a reaction force of 20 tons (178 kN)
minimum unless mounted on a swamp buggy or
anchored trailer, in which case the reaction force shall
be 15 tons (133 kN) minimum.
c. The cone size shall be 2.32 sq inches (15 sq cm).
d. The push rod size shall be 1.75 inches (44.5 mm).
e. Refusal depth shall be extended by using pushrod support
casing to prevent buckling in the upper soft soil zones of the
sounding when required by the geotechnical engineer or
engineer of record.
4.3.4.14 Completed boreholes and soundings shall be grouted from the
bottom of the hole up with a grout mixture of the following:
a. Portland cement
b. 4% to 15% by weight of bentonite
c. Potable water or water from a source approved by the
purchaser
4.3.4.15 Test Pits
a. Test pits shall be made as required to permit detailed
examination of the upper soils in a large scale to evaluate
the following:
(1) Collect large samples for laboratory testing for Proctor
density, soil modification, grain size analyses, and other
tests
(2) Nature and consistency of near-surface soils and
presumed fill
(3) Suitability for fill material
(4) Organic content
(5) Highly erodable soils
(6) Collect box-type in-situ samples

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b. Test pits greater than 4 feet (1.2 m) deep shall be benched,

shored, or properly sloped back to provide personnel
protection and shall be evaluated for stability and safety by
the geotechnical engineer.
c. Excavations into embankments are permitted provided there
is no overhang and rapid exit is not blocked.
d. Sampling, field testing, and description shall proceed as
soon as the test pit face is exposed.
Comment: The longer a pit stands open the potential for
collapse increases. Dry soil particles running
down the pit face is a warning signal that
collapse may soon occur. In addition,
immediate testing and sampling will minimize
the effects of changes in moisture content and
effective pressure.
4.3.4.16 Field CBR and Plate Load Tests
a. Field CBR and plate load tests shall be performed as
required for pavement designs and shallow foundations.
b. Field CBR load tests shall be in accordance with ASTM
D4429.
c.

Field plate load tests shall be in accordance with ASTM

D1194, ASTM D1195, and/or ASTM D1196.

d. The purchaser will furnish the required heavy reaction

vehicle for field CBR or plate load tests. This vehicle will
provide a reaction force of 7000 lbf (31 KN) minimum and
have a ground clearance under the reaction beam of 2 feet
(600 mm) minimum.
Comment: A loaded single axle dump truck can be used.
4.3.5

Laboratory Testing
4.3.5.1 Written approval shall be obtained from the purchaser for any
modifications to the agreed testing program.
4.3.5.2 Classification testing shall be in accordance with ASTM D2487.
4.3.5.3 Primary soil properties shall be determined in accordance with
ASTM D698, ASTM D1557, ASTM D1883, ASTM D2166,
ASTM D2435, ASTM D2850, ASTM D4253, and ASTM D4254.
4.3.5.4 Modified Proctor density testing in accordance with ASTM
D1557 shall be used for structural fill or load bearing soils.
4.3.5.5 Relative density testing shall be performed to test cohesionless
materials where impact compaction test methods (e.g., Proctor)
are not appropriate.
4.3.5.6 Soil modification testing shall be performed as required to
modify otherwise undesirable silts and clays into reasonable

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PIP CVS02010
Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

structural fills by processing with cement, fly ash, or lime.

Appropriate ASTM methods shall be used to assess which
stabilization methods are effective with a particular soil.
4.3.5.7 Other soil property testing shall be in accordance with
appropriate ASTM or other generally recognized test procedures.

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