GEOTECHNICAL

INVESTIGATION
REPORT

Subsurface Investigation for the

ALKHEMY OFFICE WAREHOUSE
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park,
Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

APRIL 2017
Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT

Subsurface Investigation for the
ALKHEMY OFFICE WAREHOUSE
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio,
Parañaque City

Table of Contents

Contents Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 PROJECT LOCATION AND REGIONAL GEOLOGY 1
3.0 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS 2
4.0 LABORATORY TESTING 4
5.0 RESULTS OF SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION 5
6.0 EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6
7.0 OTHER COMMENTS 13

Appendices
Borehole Locations Plan
Idealized Soil Profiles
Final Borehole Logs and Summary of Test Results
Photographs
Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

1.0 INTRODUCTION
This report presents the geotechnical evaluation of the results of subsurface
investigation conducted at the site of the PROPOSED ALKHEMY OFFICE
WAREHOUSE, located at Lot 2, pcss-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy.
San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

The geotechnical investigation consisted of drilling three (3) boreholes within

the site in order to assess the subsoil conditions and evaluate its
characteristics. The soil samples recovered were then brought to the soil
laboratory for analysis and testing. Laboratory tests on selected soil samples
include:

• Soil Classification using the USCS (ASTM D2487)

• Grain Size Analysis (ASTM D422)
• Atterberg Limits (ASTM D4318)
• Determination of Moisture Content (ASTM D2216)

This report presents the field and laboratory procedures adopted in the
investigation as well as the evaluation of the test results for foundation analysis
and design.

Subsurface conditions are presented in the form of idealized soil profile and
borehole log that also include the results of the field and laboratory tests on soil
samples.

Soil-Philippines Index Testing, Inc. undertook the geotechnical investigation

at the site from March 24 to 30, 2017.

The geotechnical investigation followed the procedures recommended by the

American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

2.0 PROJECT LOCATION AND REGIONAL GEOLOGY

The project involves the construction of the Alkhemy Office Warehouse located
at Lot 2, PCs-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio,
Parañaque City.

The geology of the project site is characterized by quaternary alluvial deposits

of variable thickness, consisting of clays, silts and sands. These deposits are
underlain by the Guadalupe Tuff Formation (GTF). GTF, which underlie most of
Metro Manila and nearby areas is a horizontally bedded rock commonly
referred to as “adobe”. It consists of well laid rock formation of tuffaceous
sandstone, tuffaceous siltstone and shale being the weakest member.

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

Project Site

Figure 1. Satellite Image of the Project Site (Google Earth)

Guadalupe
Formation

Quaternary
Alluvium

Project Area

Figure 2: Extract from the Geologic Map of Manila and Quezon City Quadrangle
(Source: MGB)

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Geotechnical Evaluation Report Page 2 of 13

Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

3.0 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

The field investigation within the site consisted of drilling three (3) boreholes.
The final depth, water level reading, and date of drilling are presented in Table
1.

Table 1: Summary of Field Investigation

Borehole Water
Final Depth Date of Drilling
Number Level
BH-01 15.00 m 1.00 m 24 – 25 March 2017
BH-02 15.00 m 1.00 m 28 – 29 March 2017
BH-03 15.00 m 1.00 m 27 – 30 March 2017

Figure 3. Borehole Location Plan (Source: SPI)

Washboring procedures were employed in order to advance the drill hole and
the Standard Penetration Test was done in order to get the penetration
resistance profile of the underlying soils.

The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) was done in accordance with ASTM
specifications. For each test, a 2-inch (50.8mm) outside diameter Spoon
Sampler is driven into the soil a distance of 18 (460mm) inches by means of a
140 lb. (63.5 kg.) driving mass falling free from a height of 30 inches (760mm).

The number of blows needed to drive the sampler 18 inches (460mm) is

recorded and the number of blows needed to drive the last 12 inches (305mm)
is taken as the N-value. Soil samples were recovered using the spoon sampler
and were then taken to the laboratory for analysis and testing.

Complementing the field activities is the laboratory testing of the samples

obtained. The results of the field works and laboratory investigation were then

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

used to establish the parameters for determining the type of foundation, level of
foundation and bearing capacities.
4.0 LABORATORY TESTING
Representative soil samples obtained during drilling were subjected to the
following laboratory tests:

Grain Size Analysis per ASTM D422

This method covers the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle

sizes of soils.

Soil was passed through a series of sieves, the weight of soil retained in each
sieve determined and recorded. For each sample analyzed, a gradation curve
was drawn based on the percent finer weight.

Determination of Moisture Content per ASTM D2216

This method covers the laboratory determination of the water (moisture)

content of soil by weight.

The moisture content of a material is defined as the ratio, expressed as a

percentage, of the mass of pore water in a given mass of material to the mass
of the solid material particles.

Atterberg Limit Test per ASTM D4318

This test method covers the determination of the liquid limit, plastic limit, and
the plasticity index of soils.

Liquid Limit of Soils

The liquid limit of a soil is the water content expressed as a percentage of the
weight of the oven-dried soil after attaining the condition between the liquid and
plastic states.

Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of Soils

The plastic limit of a soil is the water content, expressed as a percentage of the
mass of the oven-dried soil after attaining the condition between the plastic and
semi-solid states.

Plasticity Index is defined as the difference between the liquid and plastic limits
of the soil.

Soil Classification Tests per ASTM D2487

This standard describes a system for classifying mineral and organo-mineral

soils for engineering purposes based on laboratory determination of particle
size characteristics, liquid limit and plasticity index.

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

5.0 RESULTS OF SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION

The results of the subsurface investigation show that the site subsoil
predominantly consists of sand, silt, and clay of varying relative condition and
consistency. Within 1.0 meter to 9.0 meters depth, SPT N-values are generally
indicative of loose to medium dense relative condition. Beneath these layers,
medium dense to dense sand and medium stiff to very stiff silt and clay were
encountered. Tuff layers were not encountered in the investigation.

Water levels were recorded at a 1.0 meter depth below ground surface during
the conduct of the field tests.

Table 2 to Table 4 present the idealized subsurface condition based on the

results of field and laboratory testing.
Table 2: Idealized Subsurface Condition at BH-01
Remarks
Soil Classification SPT N-
Depth, m (Consistency / Relative
(USCS) value
Condition)
0.0 – 1.0 CL 12 Stiff
1.0 – 9.0 SC / SM 5 – 19 Loose – Medium Dense
9.0 – 13.5 ML / SC / SM 15 – 23 Medium Dense

13.5 – 15.0 CL 27 Very Stiff

Table 3: Idealized Subsurface Condition at BH-02

Remarks
Soil Classification SPT N-
Depth, m (Consistency / Relative
(USCS) value
Condition)
0.0 – 1.0 CL 16 Stiff

1.0 – 5.0 SC / SM / SP 5 – 10 Loose

5.0 – 9.0 SC / SM 30 – 47 Dense

9.0 – 15.0 MH / CL 8 – 16 Medium Stiff – Stiff

Table 4: Idealized Subsurface Condition at BH-03

Remarks
Soil Classification SPT N-
Depth, m (Consistency / Relative
(USCS) value
Condition)
0.0 – 2.0 SC 25 – 33 Medium Dense - Dense

2.0 – 6.0 SM / CH 4–6 Loose / Soft

6.0 – 9.0 SM 44 – 52 Dense – Very Dense

Medium Stiff – Stiff /
9.0 – 15.0 SC / SM / MH / CL 6 – 14
Loose

Based on these results, geotechnical evaluation was carried out to obtain the
geotechnical parameters necessary for the analysis and design of foundation
and substructures.
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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

6.0 EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Liquefaction Potential

Soil liquefaction is a phenomenon that occurs mostly in saturated medium to

fine-grained sands. During liquefaction, a mass of soil loses a large percentage
of its shear resistance when subjected to monotonic, cyclic or shock loading,
and flows in a manner resembling a liquid. Much of the damage on
substructures and foundation during earthquake is attributed to this
phenomenon.

A reliable method for initially assessing liquefaction potential based on SPT

data was developed by Seed and Idriss in a series of their publications. Based
from their study, the following criteria describe soils with liquefaction potential:

• SPT N-value < 10;

• D50 (soil particle diameter at 50% passing) is between 0.02mm to
2.0mm;
• Saturated soil material or below the water table;
• Non-plastic fines (cohesionless); and
• Proximity to a source capable of generating ground shaking.

The results of the field and laboratory tests reveal that upper layers of the
subsoil are generally composed of very loose to medium dense sand and silt.
As such, the project site is evidently prone to liquefaction. This is consistent
with the liquefaction hazard map of Metro Manila (Figure 4), as published by
PHIVOLCS.

Liquefaction potential is established by the Factor of Safety (FSL). It is

calculated as the ratio of the Cyclic Resistance Ratio (CRR) to the Cyclic
Stress Ratio (CSR). This is based on the most recent methods recommended
by the National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (NCEER)
Workshop on Liquefaction and Special Publication 117 (Guidelines in Analyzing
and Mitigating Liquefaction in California). The results of the analysis indicate
that liquefaction-induced settlement ranges from 7.15 to 12.89 cm as presented
in Figure 5 to Figure 7.

Table 5: Summary of Thicknesses / Depths of Potentially Liquefiable Layer

Depth of Potentially Average Computed

Borehole
Liquefiable Layer, m Settlements, cm

BH-01 1.0 – 7.0 7.15

BH-02 1.0 – 5.0 9.59
2.0 – 3.0, 4.0 – 6.0,
BH-03 12.89
10.5 – 12.0, 13.5 – 15.0

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

Project Site

Figure 4. Liquefaction Hazard Map of Metro Manila (Source: PHIVOLCS)

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

LIQUEFACTION ANALYSIS
ALKHEMY OFFICE WAREHOUSE
Hole No.=BH-01 Water Depth=0 m Magnitude=7.2
Acceleration=0.4g
Soil Description Raw Unit Fines Shear Stress Ratio Factor of Safety Settlement
(m) SPT Weight % 0 1 0 1 5 0 (cm) 10
0 12 17 NoLq

1 17 18 39

2 5 17 46

3 8 17 27

4 12 18 24

5 9 17 26

6 18 18 18

7
19 18 17
8

9 23 18 54

10
22 18 42
11

12 15 18 32

13
27 19 NoLq
CivilTech Software USA www.civiltech.com

14

fs1=1 S = 7.15 cm
15
CRR CSR fs1 Saturated
Shaded Zone has Liquefaction Potential Unsaturat.
16

17

18
LiquefyPro

19

20

CivilT e ch Corpora tion San Dionisio, Parañaque City Plate A-1

Figure 5. Liquefaction Analysis for BH-01

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

LIQUEFACTION ANALYSIS
ALKHEMY OFFICE WAREHOUSE
Hole No.=BH-02 Water Depth=0 m Magnitude=7.2
Acceleration=0.4g
Soil Description Raw Unit Fines Shear Stress Ratio Factor of Safety Settlement
(m) SPT Weight % 0 1 0 1 5 0 (cm) 10
0 16 18 NoLq

1 10 18 38

2 7 17 9

3 5 17 17

4 5 17 34

5 30 18 35

6 34 19 48

7
47 19 28
8

9 8 17 NoLq

10
10 17 NoLq
11

12 12 18 NoLq

13
16 18 NoLq
CivilTech Software USA www.civiltech.com

14

fs1=1 S = 9.59 cm
15
CRR CSR fs1 Saturated
Shaded Zone has Liquefaction Potential Unsaturat.
16

17

18
LiquefyPro

19

20

CivilT e ch Corpora tion San Dionisio, Parañaque City Plate A-1

Figure 6. Liquefaction Analysis for BH-02

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

LIQUEFACTION ANALYSIS
ALKHEMY OFFICE WAREHOUSE
Hole No.=BH-03 Water Depth=0 m Magnitude=7.2
Acceleration=0.4g
Soil Description Raw Unit Fines Shear Stress Ratio Factor of Safety Settlement
(m) SPT Weight % 0 1 0 1 5 0 (cm) 50
0 33 19 46

1 25 18 25

2 6 17 16

3 4 15 NoLq

4 5 17 15

5 6 17 25

6 44 19 47

7
52 20 39
8

9 14 18 66

10
9 17 39
11

12 6 16 NoLq

13
14 18 45
CivilTech Software USA www.civiltech.com

14

fs1=1 S = 12.89 cm
15
CRR CSR fs1 Saturated
Shaded Zone has Liquefaction Potential Unsaturat.
16

17

18
LiquefyPro

19

20

CivilT e ch Corpora tion San Dionisio, Parañaque City Plate A-1

Figure 7. Liquefaction Analysis for BH-03

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

Shallow Foundation

Based on the results of the subsurface investigation and considering the

anticipated loads of the warehouse, utilization of shallow foundation system is
feasible.

Considering the variability of the subsoil, it is recommended that an integrated

shallow foundation system consisting of spread footings with tie beams or mat
footing be used. Depth of foundation shall be at least 2.0 meters from existing
ground level, ensuring adequate footing embedment.

Within the level of loose sand, an allowable soil bearing capacity of 60 kPa
(~1,200 psf) may be adopted for analysis considering dead and codal live
loads. The usual one-third overload factor for analysis considering transient
loads may not be applied on this project site because of its liquefaction
susceptibility

In general, Terzaghi’s bearing capacity (general shear failure) theory was used
in the computation of the ultimate bearing capacity, the equation of which is
given as
1
qult  q c  q q  q  c' N c   1 D f N q   2 BN 
2
where qult = ultimate gross bearing capacity or soil bearing pressure
c ' = cohesion of the soil below foundation level
 1 = effective unit weight of soil above foundation level
 2 = effective unit weight of soil below foundation level
D f = depth of footing below lowest adjacent soil surface
N c , N q , N  = soil-bearing capacity factors, dimensionless terms, whose
values relate to the angle of internal friction,  ' .

A factor of safety of 3.0 was adopted to obtain the safe bearing pressure.
Deformation criteria (settlements) were considered in coming up with the
allowable bearing capacity.

Ground Improvement

Depending on the structural load calculations, a higher bearing capacity may

be required. As such, ground improvement techniques such as utilizing jet
grouted piles, and stone columns may be adopted. These technologies aimed
to improve the subsoil condition which will consequently increase the bearing
capacity. It is important to note that it is essential to understand the system and
limitations of each ground improvement technique before application.

Alternatively, reinforced concrete micro pile with typical diameters of 150mm to

300 mm may also be utilized. The length of pile should at least be able to
bypass the liquefiable layers.

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

Excavations for Foundation

Water level at the project area is known to be generally shallow. As such,

provision for dewatering should be made (particularly during the rainy season)
to ensure that excavations and subsequent construction of footings are
undertaken under relatively dry condition.

Moreover, the stability of excavation cuts shall be ensured. Adequate shoring

and bracing shall be provided, whenever warranted.

Design of Retaining Structures

In the stability analysis and design of excavation supports or retaining walls,

the following parameters may be used. This generally assumes the parameters
of loose sand:

Table 6: Geotechnical Parameters

Angle of friction,  28°
Cohesion, c Nil
Unit Weight,  17 kN/m3

Lateral loads due to surcharge, as well as the dynamic thrust in the occurrence
of an earthquake, shall also be considered in the analysis and design.

Design of Pavements and Slabs-on-Grade

It is recommended that the subgrade underneath pavements and slabs-on-

grade be compacted to 95% MDD (maximum dry density). The provision of
gravel bedding (crushed aggregates base course), 100 to 150 mm thick, is also
recommended to provide a free-draining base course.

Seismic Design Considerations

If the seismic provisions of the NSCP (2015) shall be adopted, the proximity of
near seismic sources shall be considered. The most prominent seismic source
near the project site is the West Valley Fault.

Based on the Fault Map published by PHIVOLCS, the trace of the West Valley
Fault is located approximately 6.1 kilometers east of the project site.

Considering the distance and characteristics of the West Valley Fault, the
following seismic parameters are recommended:
Table 7: Seismic Parameters
Seismic Source West Valley Fault
Distance from the fault ~ 6.1 kilometers
Soil Profile SD
Zone factor 0.4

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Subsurface Investigation for the Alkhemy Office Warehouse
Lot 2, PCS-00-015243, Amvel Business Park, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City

Near Source Factors Na and Nv, and Seismic Coefficient Ca and Cv shall be
based on NSCP 2015 provisions as stated in Table 208-5 and 208-6, and
Table 208-7 to 8, respectively.

Project Area

Figure 8. Location of the Project Site with Respect to the Nearest Active Fault (PHIVOLCS)

7.0 OTHER COMMENTS

The foregoing findings and recommendations are generally based on the
results of the subsurface investigation carried out by Soil-Philippines Index
Testing, Inc. consisting of three (3) boreholes.

Should any difference in the site subsoil conditions be observed during

construction, the undersigned must be informed so that further evaluation and
necessary changes in the recommendations can be made.

The design of pavements, foundation and substructures are beyond the scope
of this report.

26 April 2017

JOHN MICHAEL B. GARGULLO

Civil-Geotechnical Engineer
PRC No. 116709

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