Part - 3 (Specifications)

Section - 3
Piling Works

Section - 3

PILING WORKS (Not Applicable)

3.1 SCOPE :

Factual information and reports on site investigation for the works will be provided to the
Tenderers. However, in the event that full report is given including interpretations, opinions or
conclusions, no responsibility is accepted by the Consultant and Employer.

These Specifications cover the construction of Concrete Piling for the foundations of the
Works under the contract adequate to support the loads specified, design, redesign,
construction of piles, testing and replacement of defective piles and all incidental works
necessary to complete the Works satisfactorily in accordance with the drawings, approved
drawings and specifications and as directed by the Engineer.

Where materials and workmanship of items in piling are not described or need to be further
explained the relevant specifications in other Sections of this Document shall be deemed to
apply.

3.2 GENERAL :

The Contractor shall report immediately to the Engineer any ground conditions that differs
from those expected by the Contractor from his interpretation of the site investigation records
which in his opinion would materially affect the bearing capacity of the pile.

The heads of piles shall be within 75mm of the correct plan positions.

Vertical piles shall not deviate by more than one degree from the vertical, and raking piles
shall not deviate by more than two degrees from the designed angle of rake.

Where piles have not been positioned or driven within the limits described in the Contract, no
method of forcible correction shall be permitted. The Engineer may require piles so
positioned to be withdrawn and re-driven, or take such other action as he considers necessary
all at the expense of the Contractor.

The Contractor shall carry out the work in such a manner and at such times as to minimize
noise and disturbance.

Any proposals by the Contractor for ground treatment of any nature or for temporary lowering
of the water table by well pointing or any other method shall be subject to the approval of the
Engineer.

The Contractor shall however remain fully responsible for any effects of such ground
treatment or control of the level of water tables upon the existing roads, buildings and
structures in the vicinity of the Works.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.2 GENERAL [Cont'd]

Any proposals by the Contractor for underpinning, needling, and shoring of existing structures
in the vicinity of the works shall be carefully designed by the Contractor and be subject to the
approval of the Engineer.

3.3 TOLERANCES :

3.3.1 Setting Out :

The Contractor will be responsible for setting out the base lines and pile positions and
establishing datum and cut off levels as shown on the Engineer’s drawings.

A maximum tolerance of 50 mm in any plan direction may be permitted in the position

of any pile. The maximum permitted deviation of the finished from the vertical is 1 in
100. If these tolerances are exceeded, the Contractor shall be responsible for the cost
of and providing the means of rectifying the error, in a manner to be decided by the
Engineer, such as increasing the dimensions and reinforcement of the pile cap or
installing additional piles.

Forcible corrections to piles shall not be made.

3.3.2 Verticality :

At the commencement of installation, the equipment governing the alignment of the

bored pile, shall be made vertical to a tolerance of within 1 to 100. The maximum
permitted deviation of the finished pile form the vertical is 1 to 100.

3.3.3 Rake :

The equipment governing the direction and angle of the pile within a tolerance of 1 in
50. The piling rig shall be set and maintained to attain the required rake. The
maximum permitted deviation of the finished pile from the specified rake is 1 in 25 for
piles raking up to 1:6 and 1 in 15 for piles raking more than 1:6.

3.3.4 Forcible Corrections to Piles :

Forcible corrections to concrete piles to overcome errors of position or alignment shall

not be made. Forcible corrections may be made to other piles only if approved and
where the pile shaft is not fully embedded in the soil.

3.3.5 Piling Method and Programme :

The Contractor shall supply for approval all relevant details of the method of piling
and the plant he proposes to use. Any alternative method to that specified shall be
subject to approval.

The Contractor shall inform the Engineer each day of the intended programme of
piling for the following day and shall give adequate notice of his intention to work
outside normal hours and Public Holidays.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.3 TOLERANCES [Cont'd]

3.3.5 Piling Method and Programme [Cont'd]

The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer his proposed sequence and timing for
boring piles, having regard to the avoidance of damage to adjacent piles.

Any proposals by the Contractor for ground treatment of any nature or for temporary
lowering of the water table by well pointing or any other method shall be subject to
the approval of the Engineer. The Contractor shall however remain fully responsible
for any effects of such ground treatment or control of the level of water tables upon
the existing roads, building and structures in the vicinity of works.

Any proposals by the Contractor for underpining, needling and shoring of existing
structures in the vicinity of the works shall be carefully designed by the Contractor
and be subject to approval of the Engineer.

3.3.6 Piling Records :

The Contractor shall keep records as follows for the installation of each pile and shall
submit two ( 2 ) signed copies of these records to the Engineer not later than noon of
the next working day after the pile was installed. The signed records will form a
record of the work.

Any unexpected boring conditions shall be noted in the records.

Data to be Recorded :
a) Contract
b) Pile reference number (location)
c) Pile type
d) Nominal cross-sectional dimensions or diameter
e) Nominal diameter of under-ream/base
f) Standing groundwater level from direct observation or given site investigation
data
g) Date and time of boring
h) Date of concreting
i) Ground level at pile position at commencement of installation of pile
(commencing surface)
j) Working level on which piling base machine stands
k) Depth from ground level at pile position to pile toe
l) Toe level
m) Pile head level as constructed
n) Pile cut-off level
o) Length of temporary casing
p) Length of permanent casing
q) Soil samples taken and in situ tests carried out during pile formation or adjacent
to pile position
r) Length and details of reinforcement
s) Concrete mix
t) Volume of concrete supplied to pile where this can be measured in practice
u) All information regarding obstruction delays and other interruptions to the
sequence of work.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.3 TOLERANCES [Cont'd]

3.3.7 Damage to Adjacent Services and Structures :

If damage will be, or is likely to be, caused to mains, services or adjacent structures,
the Contractor shall submit to the Engineer his proposals for making surveys,
monitoring movements or vibrations, and minimizing or avoiding such damage.

The Contractor shall carryout the work in such a manner and at such times to as to
minimize noise and disturbance.

3.4 STANDARDS :

All materials and workmanship shall be in accordance with the appropriate Codes of Practice
and this specification and to the approval of the Local Authority.

The overall design, construction techniques and quality assurance must satisfy the
requirements of ACI Committee 336 (1980 - 1985), and B.S. 8110 & B.S. 8004 :1986.

Safety regulations throughout the piling operations shall comply with all relevant
International, National and Local requirements.

3.5 DESIGN CALCULATIONS :

The Contractor must prepare and submit for the approval of the Engineer and Dubai
Municipality fully detailed design calculations and drawings in accordance with the
requirements of B.S. 8110 and B.S. 8004 using a factor of safety of 2.5 for soil strength, and
maximum settlement of 5mm. All piles should withstand a horizontal as well as vertical
forces acting on the piles. The pile should be designed for an eccentricity of 75mm. of the
vertical force.

All piles shall contain a minimum of twelve ( 12 ) number longitudinal bars with suitable
helical binding. The bars are to project a minimum of 2.0 m above the specified cut-off level.
The actual quality and size of the reinforcement bars is to be specified by the Contractor and is
to be dependent upon the loading conditions on the pile. All reinforcement shall be protected
against corrosion and approved by the Engineer.

The minimum longitudinal reinforcement shall be provided over the entire pile length with
minimum total cross sectional area of 0.6% of the cross sectional area of the pile. Pile
reinforcement shall have a minimum protective concrete cover of 75mm.

3.6 PILING SPECIFICATION :

The Contractor shall supply full details of the type and size of pile offered, the standards of
control to be used and how the calculations and checking of the load bearing capacity and
settlement of the piles will be carried out.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.7 SPOIL AND RUBBISH DISPOSAL :

The Contractor shall include in this work for the prompt removal from site of any spoil
removed from the pile bores and upon completion of the works shall clear away all spoil and
rubbish and leave the site clean and to the satisfaction of the Engineer.

Disposal of drilling mud is the responsibility of the Contractor. It must not be deposited into
the local drainage system etc. The ground water may be removed by passing through
settlement tanks and disposed in accordance with local authority regulation and to the
approval and satisfaction of the Engineer.

3.8 PILE LENGTH :

All piles shall be founded in the calcarenite layer with a socket length of minimum 2 meters or
3 times the diameter of the pile which ever is greater. Any significant variations are to be
notified to the Engineer before proceeding.

3.9 CUT-OFF :

All piles shall be terminated in faultless concrete at the cut-off level specified on the drawings,
with a deviation of +200 mm -0.00 mm. The Contractor will be responsible for any additional
cost in cutting down or making piles outside this tolerance or for replacing defective concrete
up to cut-off level.

Concrete and reinforcement for piles shall fully comply with the requirements of the
appropriate section of this specification and the drawings together with the following extra
clauses.

3.10 EXCAVATION :

Construction methods shall be used which insure that the pile hole is properly located, in
plumb, that the soil adjacent to the hole is not unduly disturbed and that a clean hole of the
specified dimensions is provided for its entire length. Each pile shall be founded into or on the
designated competent bearing stratum. The concrete and reinforcement shall be continuous
and of the strength and minimum dimensions specified.

During excavation of the shaft the contractor should make frequent checks on the plumbness
of the shaft. Some causes for excessive deviations from plumb area are:
a) Failure to initially position and then hold the drill rig and auger on the design center of
the shaft. Sometimes it is necessary to rotate the drill rig or move from the hole during
excavation. Care should be taken to reposition and replumb the auger prior to resuming
the drilling.
b) When the auger encounters obstructions such as boulders, old
foundations or rubble fill, the auger may tend to veer off and slant the
hole.
c) If the drill rig itself is situated on soft ground, uneven settlements may cause the kelly
bar to veer out of alignment.
d) The additional force or torque applied when drilling in very dense soils may change the
kelly bar alignment.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.10 EXCAVATION [Cont'd]

In hard, firm soils with little or no groundwater seepage casing may not be required except for
safety. Loose casings, used solely for the purpose of protecting workmen and inspectors
should be of at least 1/4" (6 mm) thick steel. They are normally removed from the hole when
inspection is completed. Under other circumstances, depending on the method of installation,
ground and water conditions and surrounding facilities, sheeting, tight casing, bentonite slurry,
or other means may be required to retain the earth. Where subsidence must be prevented or
kept to a minimum, retaining of the earth is mandatory.

When penetration into rock is specified such penetrating shall be obtained by approved
methods such as drilling, coring, chipping, and chopping. Blasting shall not be permitted in
confined areas where such blasting may cause damage to sheeting or casing or affect the
surrounding soil and property.

When piles are to be founded on rock, the shaft shall be cut into the rock and the bottom be
stepped or levelled so that the bearing is obtained on surfaces sloping not more than 10°.

3.11 INVESTIGATION :

Details of soil investigations will be provided to the Contractor, but the Contractor is to carry
out any further soil investigations he requires at his own expense.

3.12 PILING SYSTEM :

Piles shall be cast-in-situ reinforced concrete, Bored System using Bentonite Slurry, unless
otherwise specified hereinafter, all as shown on the Drawings and as directed by the Engineer.

The bearing capacity and crushing strength of each pile shall be as indicated on the Drawings.

The Contractor shall submit with his Tender Documents detailed Drawings and Specifications
for the piles he intends to use or for any alternative piling system he proposes to adopt based
on Contract Drawings and Specifications together with calculations and details of the type,
number and length of piles, loads carried, casting and/or driving methods, lengthening
arrangements and pile caps where required for the approval of the Engineer. Such drawings
and specifications, as approved by the Engineer, shall form an integral part of the Contract
Documents.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing piles / pile groups to withstand the loading
specified with a sufficient margin of safety as required by the loading test.

From the results of the test piles and other available information, the Contractor shall
determine the lengths of piles necessary to carry the specified safe working loads and shall
submit his proposals to the Engineer for approval. He shall not cast any piles without prior
approval of the Engineer.

Approval so accorded shall not in any way relieve the Contractor of his responsibility to
provide piles capable of carrying the required loading.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.13 CONCRETE FOR PILING :

All concrete works for piling shall comply with the relevant clauses in "Concrete Works".

3.13.1 Class of Concrete :

The concrete for the construction of piles shall be Grade 40 and with moderate
sulphate resisting cement complying with the relevant clauses in "Concrete Works".

3.13.2 Composition and Strength of Concrete :

The composition of concrete shall be such that it meets the requirements specified in
Table-1. The concrete mixes shall be as detailed under prescribed mixes and trial
mixes in Section - 4 "Concrete Works" except that the details of Table-1 herein shall
be followed :

TABLE - 1

28 DAY CUBE STRENGTH

Consistency
Characteristic Prescribed Min. Cement Max. Water
Grade (Rang in
Strength Trial Mix Content Cement Ratio
Slump)

40 40 N/mm² 60 N/mm² 450 kg/m³ 0.45 150-175mm

3.13.3 Composition and Strength of Concrete :

All concrete aggregates, cement and water shall be sampled and tested as frequently as
deemed necessary by the Engineer as detailed under the relevant clauses in "Concrete
Works" section.

All sampling and testing shall be as detailed under the laboratory testing clause.

The minimum cover to the reinforcing bars shall be 75mm unless otherwise shown on
drawings and the Contractor shall ensure that no steel is displaced from its position
during the placement of concrete.

3.14 PLACING CONCRETE :

No concrete shall be placed until all boring within a radius of 3 times the diameter of the
larger pile (center to center of piles) has been completed, nor until all the shells for any one
cluster have been completely bored. If this cannot be done, all boring within above limits
shall be discontinued until the concrete in the last pile cast, has been set for at least 24 hours.

All piles except those that are to be finished at a lower level shall be placed with their tops at
least 1 meter above pile cut-off level in their respective pile caps. All bore-holes, except for
piles that are to be finished at a lower level or unless otherwise specified, shall be filled with
concrete to the top of the hole so that the Engineer can be assured that all the bentonite has
been displaced by the concrete.

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Piling Works

3.14 PLACING CONCRETE [Cont'd]

Bore holes for piles that are to be finished at a lower level where the Engineer's approval is
given for the concrete not to be filled to the top, shall be filled to the minimum of 1,500mm
above the designated cut-off level. Empty pile borings shall not be left open but shall be back-
filled with surplus excavated material to ensure site safety.

The method of placing the workability of the concrete shall be such that a continuous
monolithic concrete shaft of the full cross-section is formed.

The Concrete shall be placed without such interruption as would allow the previously placed
batch to have hardened. The method of placing shall be approved.

The Contractor shall take all precautions in the design of the mix and placing of concrete to
avoid arching of the concrete in temporary casing. No soil, liquid or other foreign matter,
which would adversely affect the performance of the piles, shall be permitted to contaminate
the concrete.

Slump measured at the time of discharge into the pile bore shall be in accordance with the
standards shown in Table-2.

The Concrete shall be of the workability approved when in its final position and shall remain
sufficiently workable for all the pile construction procedures to be safely completed.

TABLE - 2

Piling Mix Slump (mm)

Typical Conditions of Use
Workability Maximum Range

A 75 75 - 150 Placed into water free permanently lined bore

of 600mm dia. or over, or where casing level
lies below temporary casing; reinforcement
wisely spaced, leaving ample room for free
movement of concrete between bars.

B 100 100 - 200 Where reinforcement is not spaced widely;

where cut-off level of concrete is within
temporary casing; where pile bore is water-
free and the diameter is less than 600mm.

C 150 150 or more Where concrete is to be placed by tremie

under water or drilling mud or by pumping.

Internal vibrators shall not be used to compact concrete.

Approved measures shall be taken to ensure that the structural strength of concrete placed in
all piles is not impaired through grout loss, segregation or bleeding. Concrete shall be directed
vertically into the concrete of each vertical pile so that grout is not lost form the initial
discharge.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.14 PLACING CONCRETE [Cont'd]

Before placing concrete, measures shall be taken to ensure that there is no accumulation of silt
or other material at the base of the boring, and the Contractor shall ensure that heavily
contaminated bentonite suspension, which could impair the free flow of concrete from the
tremie pipe, has not accumulated in the bottom of the hole.

Concrete to be placed under water or drilling fluid shall be placed by tremie and shall not be
discharged freely into the water or drilling fluid. Pumping of concrete my be approved where
appropriate.

A sample of the bentonite suspension shall be taken from the base of the boring using an
approved sampling device. If the specific gravity of the suspension exceeds 1.20, the placing
of concrete shall not proceed. In this event, the Contractor shall modify or replace the
bentonite as approved to meet the specifications.

The concrete shall be a rich coherent mix of high workability and cement in accordance with
Sub-section 8/8.5 and mix C, table-2. The concrete shall be placed in such a manner that
segregation does not occur.

The hopper and pipe of the tremie shall be clean and watertight throughout. The pipe shall
extend to the base of the bore and a sliding plug or barrier shall be placed in the pipe to
prevent direct contact between the first charge of concrete in the tremie and the water or
drilling fluid. The pipe shall at all times penetrate the concrete which has previously been
placed and shall not be withdrawn from the concrete until completion of concreting. A
sufficient quantity of concrete shall be maintained within the pipe to ensure that the pressure
from it exceeds that from the water drilling fluid. The internal diameter of the pipe of the
tremie shall be not less than 150mm for concrete made with 20mm aggregate. It shall be so
designed that external projections are minimized, allowing the tremie to pass within
reinforcing cages without casing damage. The internal face of the pipe of the tremie shall be
free form projections.

No concrete shall be placed until all driving within a radius of 4.5 meters has been completed,
nor until all the shells for any one cluster have been completely driven. If this cannot be done,
all driving within above limits shall be discontinued until the concrete in the last pile cast, has
been set for at least seven ( 7 ) days.

Unless designated as basement piles, all piles shall be placed with their tops at least 1 meter
above pile cut-off level in their respective pile caps. All boreholes, except for basement piles
or unless otherwise specified, shall be filled with concrete to the top of the hole so that the
Engineer can be assured that all the bentonite has been displaced by the concrete.

3.15 TEMPORARY BACKFILLING :

After each pile has been cast, any empty bore remaining shall be protected and shall be
carefully backfilled as soon as possible with the approved materials.

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Piling Works

3.16 CUTTING OFF PILE HEADS :

When cutting off and trimming piles to the specified cut-off level, the Contractor shall take
care to avoid shattering or otherwise damaging the rest of the pile. Any cracked or defective
concrete shall be cut away and the pile repaired is an approved manner to provide a full and
sound section at the cut-off level.

3.17 REINFORCEMENT :

The reinforcement shall be fusion bonded epoxy coated high yield strength tor steel from
Qatar, to sizes and lengths as indicated on the Drawings and in conformity to the
Specifications described under "Concrete Works" section.

3.18 REINFORCEMENT FOR PILES CONTROL :

The reinforcement for the piles shall conform to the requirement of Section - 4 of the
Specifications.

Reinforcement in the form of a cage shall be assembled with additional support, such as
spreader forms and lacings, necessary to form a cage which can be lifted and placed without
permanent disortion. Intersecting bars shall be fixed together by approved means. Hoops,
links or helical reinforcement shall fit closely around the main longitudinal bars and be bound
to them by approved wire, the ends of which shall be turned into the interior of the pile.
Reinforcement shall be placed and maintained in position to pro vide the specified projection
of reinforcement above the final cut-off level.

Temporary casings shall be free form significant disortion. They shall be of uniform cross-
section throughout each continuous length. During concreting they shall be free from internal
projections and encrusted concrete which might adversely affect the proper formation of piles.

Where piles are bored under water or bentonite suspension in an unlined state, the insertion of
a full-length loosely fitting casing to the bottom of the bore prior to placing concrete will not
be permitted.

Where boring takes place through unstable water bearing strata, the process of excavation and
the depth of temporary casing employed shall be such that soil form outside the area of the
pile is not drawn into the pile section and cavities are not created outside the temporary casing
as it is advanced.

Where the use of drilling fluid is specified or approved for maintaining the stability of a bore,
an adequate temporary casing shall be used in conjunction with the method so as to ensure
stability of the strata near ground level until concrete has been placed. During construction,
the level of drilling fluid in the pile excavation shall be maintained within the cased or stable
bore so that it is not less than 1.0m above the level of external standing groundwater at all
times.

In the event of rapid loss of drilling fluid from a pile excavation, the bore shall be backfilled
without delay and the instruction of the Engineer shall be obtained before boring at that
location is resumed.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.18 REINFORCEMENT FOR PILES CONTROL [Cont’d]

All reasonable steps shall be taken to prevent the spillage of bentonite suspension on the Site
in areas outside the immediate vicinity of boring. Discarded bentonite shall be removed from
the Site without undue delay. Any disposal of the bentonite shall comply with the regulations
of the Dubai Municipality.

The cover to all reinforcement in cast-in-place piles shall be not less than 75mm unless
otherwise approved by the Engineer. Spacers shall be designed and manufactured using
durable materials which will not lead to corrosion of the reinforcement or spalling of the
concrete cover.

The number of laps in longitudinal steel bars shall be kept to a minimum. Joints in
reinforcement shall be such that the full strength of each bar is effective across the joint and
shall be made so that there is no detrimental displacement of the reinforcement during the
construction of the pile.

3.19 PLACING REINFORCEMENT :

Steel reinforcement, steel stubs or core sections shall be accurately placed and adequately
supported in correct location. Should the method of pile construction employed specify
removal of sheeting or casing, care should be exercised to insure that the reinforcement or
other embedded metal is not disturbed or exposed to surrounding soil during the removal
process. Spacers, capable of sliding on the casing should be securely attached to the
reinforcement.

3.20 BORING FOR PILES :

Prior to boring, the Contractor shall check the casing position for each pile during and
immediately after placing the casing, and agree it with the Engineer.

Where the open bore is unstable, temporary casing, or bentonite suspension may be used to
support the wall of the bore prior to concreting.

Piles shall not be bored so close to other piles which have recently been casted and which
contain workable or unset concrete that a flow of concrete could be induced from or damage
caused to any of the piles.

The Contractor shall carryout the work in such a manner and at such times as to minimize
noise and disturbance.

Any proposals by the Contractor for ground treatment of any nature or for temporary lowering
of the water table by well pointing or any other method shall be subject to the approval of the
Engineer. The Contractor shall however remain fully responsible for any effects of such
ground treatment or control of the level of water tables upon the existing roads, buildings and
structures in the vicinity of the Works.

Any proposals by the Contractor for underpinning, needling, and shoring structures in the
vicinity of the works shall be carefully designed by the Contractor and be subject to the
approval of the Engineer.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.20 BORING FOR PILES [Cont'd]

Pumping from pile bores shall not be permitted unless the bore has been sealed against further
water entry by casing or unless the soil is stable and will allow pumping to take place without
ground disturbance below or around the pile.

For a pile constructed in a stable cohesive soil without the use of temporary casing or other
form of support, the pile shall be bored and concrete shall be placed without such delay as
would lead to significant impairment of the soil strength.

Each pile bore which does not contain standing water or drilling fluid shall be inspected
directly or indirectly prior to concrete being placed in it. This inspection shall be carried out
from the ground surface in the case of piles of less than 750mm diameter. Torches or other
approved means of lighting, measuring tapes, and a means of measuring verticality shall be
provided. For piles of 750mm diameter or larger, equipment shall be provided by the
Contractor to enable his representative and the Engineer to descend into the bore for the
purpose of inspection. Any method of descent and the equipment used shall comply with the
requirements of BS 5573.

On completion of boring and where inspection of a dry pile bore indicates the necessity, loose
disturbed or softened soil shall be removed from the bore. Where pile bores contain water or
drilling fluid, a cleaning process shall be employed before concrete is placed. Large debris /
or accumulated sediment shall be removed using appropriate approved methods, which shall
be designed to clean while at the same time minimizing ground disturbance below the pile
bases. Water or drilling fluid shall be maintained at such levels throughout and following the
cleaning operation that stability of the bore is preserved.

3.21 CONCRETING OPERATIONS :

The following procedures and precautions should be followed by the Contractor :

a) Observe and report if the reinforcing steel is clean and properly placed, and whether bar
size and length are correct.

b) Observe and report on the condition of the pile bottom just prior to placing of concrete.

c) The bottom of the hole should be free of silt deposition. Thorough cleaning of pile
bottom is a must.

d) Concreting operations should be completed at the same day immediately after the
boring has been inspected and approved by the Engineer.

e) Observe and report on the condition of the shaft walls or steel casing which will contact
the fresh concrete and, note the position of the water level behind the core barrel or
casing. The concrete should be placed immediately after these inspections.

f) Observe and report on the method of placing concrete in the pile and make sure there is
no segregation of the materials when such methods as free fall through a hopper, tremie
pipe, or bottom dump bucket are used.

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Section - 3
Piling Works

3.21 CONCRETING OPERATIONS [Cont'd]

g) Perform tests on the fresh concrete such as slump, air content and wet unit weight when
required, and take test specimens. It is recommended that one test cube be taken from
every truckload to get at least minimal quality control.

h) Assure that concrete is placed continuously without interruption or long delays and that
a sufficient head of concrete is maintained inside the casing or barrel if it is to be
withdrawn. Compare the theoretical volume with the actual volume of concrete placed.

j) When the concrete is placed inside a core barrel or casing and the barrel or casing is
removed from the pile at the same time, observe if the concrete falls, remains stationary,
or moves upward with barrel or casing. If it moves upward, immediately stop
operations and make necessary corrections.

k) The Contractor must be constantly on guard to assure that no soil is included in the
concrete.

l) Soil cave-in when placing in uncased holes of questionable stability. With close
inspection, a cave-in during concrete placement normally can be detected. When a
cave-in takes place, the pile must be cleaned out, cased, and the concrete placed again.
It is always possible for a soil cave-in to go undetected. Placing in uncased holes
should be avoided except in soils of assured stability, such as cohesive soils of adequate
strength.

m) Surface soil cave-in over top of casing can occur only when the casing does not
protrude sufficiently above ground surface or when there is a spoil pile too close to the
pile location.

n) Side soil cave-in as casing is pulled and concrete placed. This results either from
inadequate head of concrete in the casing at the time of pulling to balance the forces
tending to cause soil cave-in, or, it can occur if the concrete becomes “hung up” in the
casing either through arching or through a fast set. The suction created as the casing
and concrete are pulled tends to cause an influx of soil and water beneath the casing.
The Contractor should make sure that these conditions do not exist.

3.22 METHODS OF EXPLORATION TO DETERMINE SOUNDNESS OF PILES :

If critical soil or groundwater conditions or questionable construction methods raise any

doubts about the integrity of any or all piles in the project, the Engineer may in such
conditions request core drilling in the pile, TV inspection, borescope inspection, and sonic
testing between two core holes, sonic devices and techniques without core holes, or sonic
testing from the surface for identifying critical conditions.

3.23 REPORTS :

Daily reports, signed by the Contractor, should be submitted on proper forms to the Engineer.
These reports should cover the following items as required :
a) Accurate location and dimensions of pile holes bored.

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Piling Works

3.23 REPORTS [Cont’d]

b) Accurate top and bottom elevations.

c) Measurement data for plumbness.
d) Type of shaft-excavating methods used.
e) Description of materials encountered during excavation.
f) Description of groundwater conditions encountered.
g) Description of obstructions encountered and whether removal was obtained.
h) Description of temporary or permanent casing placed including purpose,
length and wall thickness, and anchorage or sealing obtained, if any.
j) Description of any soil and water movements, bell and wall stability, loss of ground,
methods for control, and pumping requirements.
k) Data secured for all shaft, bell, and shear ring measurements.
l) Description of cleanout methods and adequacy of initial cleanout.
m) Elevation at which bearing material encountered. Description of bearing material,
probe holes made, method of probing, rate of drilling in rock, samples taken, tests made
and conclusions reached with regard to adequacy of bearing material.
n) Description of adequacy of cleanout just prior to concrete placement.
p) Record of depth of water in hole and rate of water infiltration prior to concrete
placement.
q) Record of reinforcing steel inspection for position and adequacy.
r)Method of concrete placement and removal of casing, if any. Record head of concrete
during removal of casing. Record elevation of concrete when vibration started.
s) Record of any difficulties encountered. This should include possible soil inclusion,
possible voids, possible shaft squeeze-in and possible casing collapse.
t) Condition of concrete delivered to site including record of slump, unit weight, air
content, and other tests and cubes made for compression testing.
u) Record of any deviations from the specifications and decisions required.

3.24 CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE :

Unless compensated for by the structural design, permissible construction tolerances

for plumbness should be 1 percent of length or not exceeding 12.5% percent of the
shaft diameter or 0.38 m at the bottom, whichever is less. The tolerance on location at
the top of the pile should be not more than 4 percent of the pile diameter or 7.5 cm in
any direction, whichever is less.

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Piling Works

3.24 CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE [Cont’d]

Measurements of bells and shear rings should be made by the Contractor. The area of the bell
bottom should not be less than 98 percent of that specified. In no case should the bell roof
slope at an angle less than 55 deg with the horizontal and the design edge should be at least
0.15 m thick. The bell roof slope should be a straight line or be concave downward. In no
case shall it be concave upward by more than 0.15 m at any point from a straight line running
between the edge of the shaft at the top and the design edge at the bottom. The bottom of the
bell should be essentially horizontal and at no place should the bell bottom vary from
tolerances noted.

The location of and dimensions of shear rings should be within 10 percent of those specified in
the drawings.

All loose material and spoil should be cleaned out of shafts and bells prior to placing concrete.
In no case should the volume of such material exceed that which would be required to cover 5
percent of the area to a depth of 5 cm.

A pile should not be considered acceptable when concreting operations were begun prior to the
completion of the inspection procedures described above and obtaining the Engineer’s
approval.

3.25 DRILLING FLUID :

Bentonite as supplied to the site and prior to mixing, shall be in accordance with specification
DFCP 4 of the Oil Companies Materials Association.

A Certificate shall be obtained by the Contractor from the manufacturer of the bentonite
powder, showing the properties of each consignment delivered to the site.

This certificate shall be made available to the Engineer on request. The properties to be given
by the manufacturer are the apparent viscosity range (in centipoises) and the gel strength range
(in newtons per square meter) for solids in water.

Bentonite shall be mixed thoroughly with clean fresh water to make a suspension which will
maintain the suitability of the pile excavation for the period necessary to place concrete and
complete construction. The temperature of the water used in mixing the bentonite suspension
and of the suspension when supplied to the borehole shall not be lower than 5 oC.

Where saline or chemically contaminated groundwater occurs, special precautions shall be

taken to modify the bentonite suspension or prehydrate the bentonite in fresh water so as to
render it suitable in all respects for the construction of piles.

The frequency of testing drilling fluid and the method and procedure of sampling shall be
proposed by the Contractor prior to the commencement of the work. The frequency may
subsequently be varied as required, depending on the consistency of the results obtained.

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 Part - 3 (Specifications)
Section - 3
Piling Works

3.25 DRILLING FLUID [Cont'd]

Control tests shall be carried out on the bentonite suspension, using suitable apparatus. The
density of freshly mixed bentonite suspension shall be measured daily as a check on the
quality of the suspension being formed. The measuring device shall be calibrated to read to
within 0.005 g/ml. Tests to determine density, viscosity, shear strength and pH value shall be
applied to bentonite supplied to the pile boring. For average soil conditions the results shall
generally be within the ranges stated in Table-3.

Tests shall be carried out until a consistent working patterns has been established, account
being taken of the mixing process, any blending of freshly mixed bentonite suspension and
previously used bentonite suspension and any process which may be used to remove
impurities from previously used bentonite suspension. When the results show consistent
behavior, the tests for shear strength and pH value may be discontinued, and tests to determine
density and viscosity shall be carried out as agreed with the Engineer. In the event of a change
in the established working pattern tests for shear strength and pH value shall be reinforced for
a period if required.

TABLE - 3

Property to be measured Range of results at 20 oC Test method

Density Less than 1.10 g/ml Mud density balance

Viscosity 30 - 90 s or less than Marsh cone method Fann

20 cp Viscometer*

Shear strength 1.4 - 10 N/m2 Shearometer

(10 minute gel strength) or
4 - 10 N/m2 Fann Viscometer

pH 9.5 - 12 pH indicator paper strips or

electrical pH meter

* Where that Fann Viscometer is specified, the fluid sample should be screened by a
number 52 sieve (300 um) prior to testing.

3.26 RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADEQUATE AND SAFE FOUNDATIONS :

With respect to Employer and Engineer the Contractor shall assume full responsibility for the
soil investigation, design and execution of the foundations for the works.

The design of piles and foundations shall be checked, confirmed and revised if necessary on
the basis of allowable bearing capacity of soil and rock as indicated in the soil investigation
report. No claim in time or money will be accepted in the event that the soil investigation
report necessitates revision of design of the foundations.

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 Part - 3 (Specifications)
Section - 3
Piling Works

3.27 PILE RECORDS :

A record of all piles installed shall be kept by the Contractor and a copy of the record of work
done each day shall be given to the Engineer within 24 hours.

On completion of the piling, the Contractor shall deliver to the Engineer a drawing recording
the final depths of all piles relative to cut off depth or penetration depth as appropriate.

3.28 PROTECTION OF PILES FROM CHEMICAL ATTACK :

All piles shall have protective sleeve for a minimum depth of 3 meter below the cut-off level
of the pile. This sleeve shall be plastic or metal bedded in mastic to form a fully waterproofed
seal to the concrete.

3.29 CLEARANCE OF WORKS :

Upon the completion of the works, the Contractor shall clear away and remove from the Site
all constructional plant, equipment, surplus materials, rubbish, etc. and leave the whole of the
Site and Works clean and in perfect condition to the satisfaction of the Engineer.

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