INVESTIGATION ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE SUBSURFACE

CONDITIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 4-STOREY BUILDING AT

ALANGILAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BATANGAS CITY

Shara Mae Z. De Mesa, Jewel Emerald V. Higuit, Allan Cedric P. Tejada, Julius Mae P.
Tolentino, Lyka Mae O. Uao

Undergraduate Students, Department of Civil and Sanitary Engineering, Batangas State

University, Batangas City Philippines

ABSTRACT

Soil subsurface investigation of the construction site in Alangilan Elementary School was

conducted. The subsurface condition is determined with reference to the data gathered from the

DPWH Batangas II DEO. Stability of the soil for foundation construction was analyzed by

determining the capacity gross load using the Terzhagis bearing capacity equation, in which the

standard depth of foundation, 2.1m that ranges from 289kPa to 304kPa was used. The results

showed that the amount of load carrying capacity in the location of Borehole 1 was different and

lesser than the load capacity of the other two borehole locations with the difference percentage of

12.39%. Findings of this study show that a possible and unpredicted settlements may occur after a

certain period of time and suggests proper compaction of soil during foundation work.

I. INTRODUCTION

Soil subsurface investigation was conducted in Alangilan Elementary School for the

construction of Proposed 4-storey, school building. The site is located in Brgy. Alangila n,

Batangas City, under the Seismic Zone 4, and near to the known active fault, the Lubang Fault.

This investigation is important to foresee and provide against difficulties that may arise during

construction due to ground and other local conditions.

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 The Industrial Inspection (International), Inc. wherein they drilled three boreholes to

scrutinize the subsurface, managed the investigation. The inspection was conducted mainly to

collect, interpret and model geological data to provide soil geotechnical information. From the

data gathered, different methods are applied and this include borehole sampling and in-situ testing.

This study aims to assess and evaluate soils description and determine the subsurface

condition of the site depend on the test results from various investigation. This paper will review

the dependency of the processes used based on the ASTM standards. It will conclude with a

discussion about what can be learned from this case study for the foundation design and

construction.

II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Department of Public Works and Highways set a standardize specifications for a school

type building construction. It is in line with the National Government effort to address the

increasing needs of classroom brought about by K to 12 program by the Department of Education.

The building structure which covers approximately 513 square-meters. The ongoing building

construction is expected to take approximately 215 days from design to occupancy with the

anticipated grand opening on March 29, 2017.

As the base of any structure, foundation acts as a medium to transmit the loads to the soil

or rock below it. Without a proper design, problems such as cracking, settlement of building and

to the extent, the whole building may collapse within the design life. The selection of foundatio n

is the most important part of the design process and most difficult to define because the selection

is governed by many factors such especially the ground or soil conditions. Example of isolated

spread footing used in the project site (see Appendix A).

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 An adequate and appropriate site investigation of the subsurface is a requirement for any

project. Every foundation design requires the evaluation of the site conditions and also the soil

parameters. The fact that the soil is not a homogenous material and the soil profiles vary with depth

and location, an engineer must first determine the types of soil deposits at the site before designing

a foundation that can safely support a building. Site investigation or soil explorations are done for

obtaining the information about subsurface conditions at the site of proposed construction as well

as the in-situ testing of soils.

Field investigation showed that the project site is occupied by alternating layers of silty

sand (SM) and sandy silt (ML) with pockets of clay. This investigation is consistent with geologic

setting of the Province of Batangas, wherein mostly underlain by weathered volcanic and

sedimentary rock.

Objectives

This case study is an assessment of the geotechnical report provided by the Industria l

Inspection (International), Inc. in the construction of a 4- storey building at Alangilan Central

School, Alangilan Batangas City.

Specifically, this study aims to:

to evaluate the geotechnical data from various laboratory investigation.

to review the dependency of the processes used based on ASTM Standards

to check the subsurface condition of the site based on the soil properties data gathered by

the Industrial Inspection (International), Inc.

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Methods of Investigation

The sampling and testing methods used for boring are consistent with the present-day state

of practice for the design of offshore foundations. Wash boring procedure by ASTM D- 6286

provides drilling method that gives completely disturbed sample and is not suitable for very soft

soil, fine to medium grained cohesionless soil and is cemented soil (see Appendix B). In addition,

Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is performed in accordance with ASTM D-1586. SPT provides a

disturbed soil sample for moisture content determination and laboratory identification. This test

method is used extensively in a great variety of geotechnical exploration projects. Many local

correlations and widely published correlations which relate SPT blow count, or N-value, and the

engineering behavior of earthworks and foundations are available.

To carry out this study, the researchers gathered relevant data from the DPWH Batangas II

DEO. Initial evaluation are performed through field investigation and consultation from the site

engineer. The primary objective at hand, is to gather information that enables risk assessment to

be carried out to have scientific predictions. Geotechnical data gathered from latter description

provides factual information on the analysis of soil parameters. The present condition of the site,

showed discernible advantageous characteristics as a building a material in foundation. As strength

and stability of soil depend on physical properties.

III. EVALUATION

All soil samples are taken from the site and conducted to DPWH Accredited soil laboratory

to verify and confirm the field classification and description. The soil samples were tested based

on American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standard and classify according to the Unified

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Soil Classification System (USCS). Based on the data, the soils were classified based on its texture

and plasticity. Moreover, the laboratory tests carried out on selected soil samples are:

In-situ Moisture Content (ASTM D 2216)

Particle Size Analysis of Soils (ASTM D 422)

Atterberg Limit Test (ASTM D 4318)

Soil Classification for Engineering Purposes (ASTM D 2487)

Subsurface Condition

A site-specific soil boring was drilled to characterize the subsurface conditions. The field

investigation showed that the proposed project site is occupied by the interchanging layers of silty

sand (SM) and sandy silt (ML) with clay receptacles and usually contain traces of tuffaceous

siltstone fragments (see Appendix C). This interpretation is consistent with geologic setting of the

Province of Batangas, wherein mostly underlain by weathered volcanic and sedimentary rock (see

Appendix D). Based on SPT N-value, the subsoil condition at shallow to intermediate depth is

generally very stiff, hard, dense and very dense with isolated pocket of loosely packed deposit at

the area of Borehole- 1 (BH-1).

Tables 1, 2, and 3 presents the summarization and idealized subsurface condition of the project

site based on the results of borehole sampling and laboratory testing consisting of three (3)

boreholes (see Appendices E, F and G).

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Table 1. Idealized subsurface condition at BH- 1

Depth, m USCS Classification SPT N- Relative

value Condition /
Consistency
0.0 1.5 CL 33 Hard
1.5 2.5 ML 15 Stiff to Very Stiff
2.5 4.5 ML/SM 9 -15 Hard / Very Dense
4.5 5.5 SM 9 Loose
5.5 7.5 SC/CL 22 47 Medium Dense/
Dense
7.7 10 SM >50 Very Dense

From Table 1, layers of soil in BH-1 contain silty sands making it inadequate for support

because the granular particles will lose their friction and can be washed away, which can leave

gaps beneath the foundation which can eventually cause settlement.

Table 2. Idealized subsurface condition at BH- 2

Depth, m USCS Classification SPT N- Relative Condition

value / Consistency
0.0 1.5 ML 43 Hard
1.5 2.5 ML 24 Very Stiff
2.5 5.5 ML/SM >50 Hard / Very Dense
5.5 7.5 CH 27 41 Very Stiff / Hard
7.5 10.5 ML/SM >50 Hard / Very Dense

Table 2 shows that the layers of soil in BH-2 are composed mostly sandy silts with slightly

plasticity and is considered as fair soil for support since it shrinks significantly when dry that

causes the foundation to move up and down, and eventually crack.

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Table 3. Idealized subsurface condition at BH- 3

Depth, m USCS SPT N- Relative Condition /

Classification value Consistency

0.0 1.5 SM >50 Very Dense

1.5 2.5 CL 23 Very Stiff
2.5 5.5 SM / ML >50 Hard / Very Dense
5.5 6.5 ML 25 Very Stiff
6.5 10.5 ML >50 Hard

Table 3 shows that the layers of soil in BH-3 are composed of the combination of silty sand

and sandy silt soils which makes it suitable for foundation and can be considered safe for

foundation construction, since majority of the layers are incompressible soils and can handle heavy

loads that cause significant settlement.

Groundwater table

The presence of water in the foundation alters the normal bearing capacity of soil. In the

field investigations, 24 hours after drilling was completed, Groundwater level was not encountered

in all boreholes.

Soil Properties

The engineering properties of the foundation soil are one of the important factors affecting

the design of any soil related structure. These can be obtained from the published empirica l

correlations with the interpreted results of SPT N- value.

With the data on- hand and using SPT N- value correlation, the following are the soil

properties adopted for the analysis of soil bearing capacity and stability of shallow foundation.

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Table 4. Clays: (Essential of Soil Mechanics and Foundations, by David F. Mc Carthy)

N' Approx. Cohesion Unit Wt.

(kg/m) (kg/m)
24 1220 2440 1437
58 2440 4890 1597
8 15 4890 9780 1597
15 30 9780 19300 1756 1916
above 30 Above 19300 1996

Table 5. Mixed soils: Sand, Clayey/ Sandy Silt & Clayey Silt

N' Approx. Cohesion Unit Wt.

(kg/m) (kg/m)

48 1220 2440 1437

8 15 2440 4890 1597
15 30 4890 9780 1597

Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity

The SPT N- values obtained from the field test were used to derive the soil parameters and

properties such as cohesion, friction angle, unit weight and bearing capacity. The soil bearing

capacity was determined based on the number of blows recorded in the field and corrected from

field procedure. The following equations were used in the calculation process:

= { + ( 1) + 0.5 }/

= { + + 0.5 }/

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 Using the interpreted results of SPT N- value ( ), the following are the estimated net

allowable soil bearing capacity taken at various founding depth. These bearing pressures include

25 millimeters settlement. A factor of safety of 3 was used in the calculation process.

Table 6. Tabulated Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity vs. Depth

Depth Allowable Soil Bearing Capacity, kPa

(m)
BH - 1 BH - 2 BH - 3
1.0 167 258 168
1.5 273 273 168
2.0 289 289 309
2.5 304 347 347
3.0 320 364 364
3.5 335 381 381
4.0 350 398 398
5.0 381 432 432
6.0 466 196 426

Allowable bearing capacity is what is used in geotechnical design, and it is the ultimate

bearing capacity divided by a factor of safety. These values are the theoretical maximum pressure

between the foundation and the soil which can be supported without failure.

Table 7. BH- 1 Swell Index (see Appendices H, I and J )

Depth (m) USCS Atterbergs Limit Swell

Index
LL PL PI
0.55 - 1.00 CL 34 16 18 0.049
1.55 - 2.00 ML - - NP -
3.55 - 4.00 SM - - NP -
5.55 - 6.00 SC 30 12 18 0.049
6.55-7.00 CL 34 17 17 0.046
7.55 - 8.00 SM - - NP -

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Table 8. BH- 2 Swell Index

Depth (m) USCS Atterberg Limits Swell

Index
LL PL PI
0.55 - 1.00 ML - - NP -
1.55 - 2.00 ML - - NP -
2.55 - 3.00 ML - - NP -
4.55 - 5.00 SM - - NP -
5.55 6.00 CH 55 19 36 0.097
7.55 8.00 ML - - NP -
9.55- 10.00 SM - - NP -

Table 9. BH- 3 Swell Index

Depth (m) USCS Atterberg Limits Swell

Index
LL PL PI
0.55 - 1.00 SM - - NP -
1.55 - 2.00 CL 35 21 15 0.038
2.55 - 3.00 ML - - NP -
4.55 - 5.00 SM - - NP -
5.55 6.00 ML - - NP -
7.55 8.00 ML - - NP -

Table 5, 6 and 7 shows a less swell index which indicates a small increase in volume in

soil, without any external constraints on submergence in water. Also, it shows that SM (silty sand)

and ML (sandy silt) are describe as non-plastic.

Differential Settlement

Based on the Figure 1, data readings from BH-1 states that there is large amount of granular

soil found as the depth increases. Most granular material includes silty sand soils 1.4 below the

spread footing. In addition, settlement consideration was built in order to counter effect the

possible settlement from the soil variations.

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 Many building codes and foundation authorities specify permissible values. Terzaghi and

Peck (1948) specify 20 mm as the permissible differential settlement between adjacent columns,

and also 25 mm as the permissible differential settlement of foundations in sand.

Liquefaction Potential

A risk analysis has been developed for studying the likelihood of earthquake-ind uced

ground failure by liquefaction. Another important objective of geotechnical investigation is to

analyze the proposed project site in terms of potential hazard particularly liquefaction potential.

Soil liquefaction is the transformation of very loose fine grain granular materials such as sand and

silt. From solid to near liquid condition. The temporary fluid- like behavior of the saturated

granular soils typically occurs in areas where groundwater level is high. Considering the nature of

soil and the consistency of the materials encountered at site, the potential risk of soil liquefac tio n

during major seismic event is non- liquefiable.

Seismic Design and Considerations

The site is classified under the Seismic Zone 4 according to National Structural Code of

the Philippines (NSCP, 2010 Vol.1 6 th Edition). Based on the geographical setting, Batangas

province is surrounded by the active and inactive fault lines and trenches along the countrys

geographical map. The nearest known active seismic source is the Lubang Fault which is located

approximately 20 25 km southwest of the project site. The site soil profile type may be defined

as SD (stiff soil profile) or SC (very dense soil and soft rock) from Table 208-2 Soil Profile Types

for the span of the borehole depth.

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Field Investigation

Investigation of the subsurface conditions at a site is prerequisite to obtain sufficient information

for the case study. Based on the researchers keen observation during site visit, the soil within the excavated

depth of 2.1 meters is described as sandy silt with the mixture of lean clayey soils. Furthermore, according

to the site engineer, Engr. Fredericko Navung, the soil is good and suitable to build foundation with a 90%

passing rate to the DPWH Standards (see Appendix L).

IV. IMPLICATIONS

As a result of rapid economy growth, civil engineers are facing increasing technical

challenges than before in performing their professional duties. Much of the challenges are coming

from the uncertainties in the ground conditions, which are sometimes the product of mother of

nature or man-made, and the ability to adopt timely effective measures to reduce the inherent

geotechnical risks. To identify and understand geo-hazards, and formulate solutions to solve the

issues, it takes a geotechnical engineer to start off with solid learning of good fundamenta ls,

practical experience in executing the design in field, lessons learnt from case studies and failures,

risk management and communication skill to convey the design content and proposed solution.

Characteristics of Allowable bearing capacity in Soil Strata

The axial loads on the foundations are computed using Terzhagis bearing capacity

equation of determining the gross load with the factor of safety of 3.

Borehole 1 suggest that the allowable soil bearing capacity with the depth of 2.1m ranges

from 289kPa to 304kPa. With the calculation process, the load on which the foundation of strata

can carry is 7904kN. This load compared to allowable bearing capacity of borehole 2 and borehole

3 did not produce the same amount of previous load carrying amount 9022kN. It was computed

that there is 12.39% difference with the soil bearing capacity of soil deposits containing sandy silts

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with small fragments of silty sand and lean clay. Detailed analyses comparing predicted loads may

result in unpredicted settlements from natural disturbances. This is due to standard size of footing

used from the building symmetry.

It is not easy to decide what value of settlement will have detrimental effect on the

structure. But in the case of the study, geotechnical engineers has adopted permissible values of

settlement. Most likely, in the condition of Alangilan Platform, 25 mm permissible settlement is

introduced which is advantageous for the soil foundation as it experienced possible differentia l

settlement in most part of the building due to granular materials below the foundation.

Suggestions to Conventional Practice

The engineering properties of the foundation soil are one of the important factors affecting

the design of any soil related structure. In order to assure the quality of soil, test procedures were

conducted such as Standard Penetration Test and other soil related test. From the test conducted,

shallow foundation may be adopted in the site. During foundation work, excavated foundation pits

should be well compacted, preferably, using high speed mechanical tamping foot and any soft and

unsuitable materials foundation within the foundation bed must be removed prior to lay down of

footing element.

The main objective of site investigation is to ascertain ground conditions and determine

the soil properties of the project area. Although the test results show that the soil is suitable for

support, additional laboratory tests for in situ soil must still be conducted for more accurate

measurement of direct and index properties of the soil and the designed load bearing capacity.

Aside from wash boring test and Standard Penetration Test, additional tests such as hydrometer

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analysis test, tri-axial shear test, and soil compaction test must also be conducted for the

determination of the shear strength properties of a soil.

The researchers recommend a better communication between geotechnical and structural

engineers. There should be an explicit opportunity for the geotechnical engineer to review the final

design of the foundations before the platform is built. The success of any adopted ground

improvement techniques depends on the close monitoring system and the quality control in all the

steps involved in the engineering works such as sub-soil investigation, design and construction.

Moreover, since DPWH provides standardization in the specifications in the design

structure, there must be a modifications and variations in the design practice as there are differe nt

soil types in a specific location.

The design of foundation is beyond the scope of this report. The forgoing studies are limited

to a general evaluation of the subsurface condition to aid in the design of foundation system and

other aspect related to foundation. Its scope therefore is limited to this project and represents our

understanding and professional opinion on the relevant aspect of the soil layers and foundatio n

consideration. The discussions and recommendations presented herewith are based on the very

limited information and the available data collected from three (3) boreholes drilled within the

project site. Deviations from these are expected and unanticipated subsurface condition may be

encountered during construction and cannot be fully determine by the required test boring.

V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

With regards to the assessment done on the collected geotechnical data, shallow foundatio n

is built and further assessed to establish scientific predictions of failure. The spread footing

foundation system was examined through site investigation linked with geotechnical data essential

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for overall analysis. This foundation is isolated spread footing rigidly connected with grade beams.

The footing is 4m x 4m, reinforced concrete. The soil is normally consolidated clay and sandy silt.

According to the existing geotechnical data gathered in subsurface condition, suggested

shallow foundation is adopted. By evaluation of soil parameters, the footing is required to have

depth no less than 1.5 meters rest on top of prepared sub grade compacted dense and non-yield ing

surface. The specified depth of 2.1 meters is due to the lateral stability consideration.

The conventional method of foundation design is based on the concept of bearing capacity

since the soils behave in a complex manner when loaded. Since the value of the bearing capacity

of soil from the test results at shallow depth is sufficient to safely take the load of the structure,

hence the layers of soil from the project are considered good and suitable as support for shallow

foundation, or for isolated and combined footing. In addition, given that the layers of soil from the

borehole test results are mostly combination of silty sand and sandy silt, the bearing capacity is

considered to be high.

This study is documented to assess the foundation by giving scientific rationale in

connection with standardization of school buildings in national level. In addition, current design

methods is sometimes perceived to be suitable for some types of soil conditions. Lastly, case study

highlights three opportunities to improve current design practice. First the depth of the foundatio n

should be maintained in more than minimum to avoid impending failure of structure and the soil

itself. Second, guidelines should be reviewed for design checks on the overall foundation system

in connection of indicating the type of shallow foundation to be used. Third, soil strata should be

examined to determine the size of footing to be made. By this, accuracy for better stability of soil

foundation can be obtained prior to the future work.

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 APPENDICES

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 Appendix A. Isolated Spread Footing

Appendix B. Wash Boring Method

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 Appendix C. Generalized Subsoil Profile

Appendix D. Vicinity and Borehole Location Plan

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 Appendix E. Borehole log 1

Appendix F. Borehole log 2

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 Appendix G. Borehole log 3

Appendix H. BH-1 Grain Size Analysis (ASTM D- 422)

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 Appendix I. BH-2 Grain Size Analysis (ASTM D- 422)
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 Appendix I. (cont.) BH-2 Grain Size Analysis (ASTM D- 422)

Appendix J. BH-2 Grain Size Analysis (ASTM D- 422)

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 Appendix K. Earthquake map of Batangas City

Appendix K. (cont.) Flood map of Batangas City

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 Appendix L. Actual Excavation Site

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REFERENCES

Das, B.M (2015). Philippine Edition: Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering

Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards. (2012).

(http://noah.dost.gov.ph/#/section/geoserver/flood5)

ASTM International. (1996). Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and
Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils. (https://www.astm.org/Standards/D1586.htm)

Builders Engineer. (2012). Boring Method - Site Exploratio n.

(http://www.abuildersengineer.com/2012/10/boring- methods-site-exploration.html)

Civil and Building Engineering. (2012). Investigation of Subsurface Exploratio n.

(http://aboutbuildingengineering.blogspot.com/2012/09/investigation-of-subsurface-
conditions.html)

IndiaBIX. (2009). Civil Engineering: Building Construction. (http://www.indiabix.com/civil-

engineering/building-construction/discussion-412)

Morales, M. M. Failure in Design and Construction and Their Investigation- Case Studies

Bosela, P. A. Failure Case Studies in Civil Engineering: Structures, Foundations and the
Geoenvironment 2nd Edition.

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