PIP CVS02010-2009

COMPLETE REVISION February 2009

Process Industry Practices Civil

PIP CVS02010 Geotechn eotechnical ical Engineerin Engineering g Investigation Specification

PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY 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  August 2002 February 2009

Issued Reaffirmation Complete Revision

 Not printed with State funds

COMPLETE REVISION February 2009

Process Industry Practices Civil

PIP CVS02010 Geotechn eotechnical ical Engineerin Engineering g Investigation Specification Table Table of Contents 1. Introduction.................................2

4. Requiremen Requi rements ts .......... ............... .......... .......... ......... .... 4

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

4.1 General ................... ............................. ................... ............... ...... 4 4.2 Documentation............. Documentation...................... ................... ............ 5 4.3 Execution ................... ............................. ................... ............ ... 7

2. Referenc es .......... ............... .......... .......... .......... .........2 ....2 2.1 Industry Industry Codes and Standards Standards ........ ........ 2

3. Defin it ions io ns .......... ............... .......... .......... .......... ..........3 .....3

Process Industry Practices

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

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PIP CVS02010 Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

1.

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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

Indust ry Codes and Standards •

ASTM International (ASTM)  – ASTM D420 - Standard Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering  Design and Construction Construction Purposes

 – ASTM D698 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction 3 Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft  3 (600 kN - m/m ))  – 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 3 Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft  (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 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 Purposes (Unified Soil Classification Classification System) 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 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) (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: Purchaser’s 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, 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 owner’s owner’s 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 geotechnical engineer shall be licensed licensed as defined  by the laws of the locality locality in which the investigation investigation is to be performed, and qualified qualified to

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 practice in the specialty discipline discipline required for the work 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 investigations shall be performed in accordance with the purchaser’s contract documents including the scope of work document that describes the proposed facilities (i.e., preliminary  plot plans, anticipated anticipated loads, and construction construction loads), this Practice, and  purchaser’s Final Report Checklist, 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: work: a.

Supervise and observe observe all subsurface exploration operations and ininsitu testing

 b. Classify samples and prepare prepare logs of borings, soundings, soundings, pits, etc. 4.1.3

The following following items shall be provided provided with the proposal proposal submitted to the  purchaser: a.

If purchaser purchaser furnishes furnishes a required program program for field and/or laboratory laboratory testing, a statement supporting the adequacy of the proposed  program or suggested modifications. modifications. The number and depth of of  borings, CPT soundings, soundings, and other tests shall be be optimized.

 b. If purchaser does not furnish 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 locations and depths of proposed proposed borings, CPT soundings, and other tests (2) Proposed field-sampling field-sampling and testing program, including including types and frequency of samples and tests (3) Proposed laboratory-testing laboratory-testing program, including types types and numbers of tests (4) Descriptions of any proposed proposed methods/tests methods/tests not referenced herein c.

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A schedule schedule of beginning beginning and completion completion dates of field and laboratory laboratory work and dates for submittal of preliminary and final reports

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d. Descriptions of any any known 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.

4.2

Resumes or statement of qualifications qualifications and experience experience of personnel to be assigned to the project, including field personnel, and descriptions of the roles, responsibilities, responsibilities, and degree of involvement of each individual.

4.1.4

The geotechnical engineer shall obtain all work permits, excavation  permits, and other permits or authorizations authorizations required by the purchaser or  by governmental or regulatory regulatory agencies and/or local jurisdictions jurisdictions (e.g., permits or authorizations for borings, soundings, pits, wells,  piezometers, transportation 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 4.2.1

Field Report s 4.2.1.1 Field logs of borings, soundings, soundings, pits, wells, wells, and other field exploration/testing exploration/testing activities shall be provided in accordance with ASTM D5434. 4.2.1.2 Weekly progress progress reports shall be provided including including the following: a.

Summary of work completed

 b. Description of unusual unusual or unanticipated conditions conditions encountered c.

Assessment of adequacy of work scope and any recommended modifications

d. Statement of progress relative to planned schedule

4.2.2 4.2.2

Preliminary Report Report 4.2.2.1 A preliminary report shall be provided that contains contains findings, conclusions, and recommendations and shall include as applicable the following: a.

Logs and and location location plan of borings, borings, soundings, soundings, pits, wells, and other field exploration/testing exploration/testing activities

 b. Subsurface cross-sections cross-sections and fence diagrams

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PIP CVS02010 Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Specification

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Discussion of groundwater 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 sections for flexible 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 improvements and/or ground modification

4.2.2.2 Three copies of the preliminary preliminary report shall be submitted submitted to the  purchaser. 4.2.2.3 Electronic copies of the reports reports shall be furnished in native 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 provided on electronic media media with each paper copy.

4.2.3 4.2.3

Final Report 4.2.3.1 A final report shall be provided provided that includes all information information required in accordance with purchaser’s Final Report Checklist, PIP CVS02010-F . 4.2.3.2 The final report shall respond to purchaser’s comments comments and questions on the preliminary report. 4.2.3.3 Final reports shall be submitted submitted under the signature signature and seal (if appropriate) of the geotechnical engineer. 4.2.3.4 Six copies of the final report report shall be submitted to the purchaser. 4.2.3.5 Electronic copies of the the reports shall be furnished in 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 provided on electronic media media with each paper copy.

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4.3

Execution 4.3.1

General 4.3.1.1 All labor, equipment, equipment, tools, supervision, supervision, supplies, 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 accordance with the federal 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 of safety programs and policies of the purchaser and/or owner. 4.3.1.4 The work shall be in accordance with ASTM procedures 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 immediately informed if initial field field work and/or testing indicate a need for modifications of the work scope.

4.3.2 4.3.2

Examination of Site 4.3.2.1 Prior to commencing work the site 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 engineer shall examine the site and select select appropriate geophysical methods to non-destructively 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. C ertain 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. locations.

4.3.3

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

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4.3.3.2 The purchaser shall shall be requested to locate all facility facility underground utilities at least 48 hours prior to commencing the work. 4.3.3.3 All work shall be performed a sufficient sufficient distance away from known underground and aboveground utilities to protect  personnel and utilities. utilities.

4.3.4 4.3.4

Field Work 4.3.4.1 A detailed field work schedule schedule shall be provided to the  purchaser. 4.3.4.2

Purchaser shall shall be notified 3 working 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, modifications, improvements, improvements, special equipment, 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 include borings, cone penetrometer penetrometer test (CPT) soundings, other in-situ exploration procedures (i.e.,  pressuremeter, dilatometer, field vane, 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 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 after completion of the work. 4.3.4.7 If any indication of soil or groundwater contamination contamination is detected, all work shall be immediately suspended and the  purchaser informed. Work shall shall not be resumed until written written notification to proceed is received from the purchaser. 4.3.4.8 Soil sampling shall shall be performed at intervals not greater 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 shall be determined in each borehole, 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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4.3.4.12 If rock is encountered, borings shall 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 Test (CPT) Soundings a.

CPT soundings soundings shall be performed performed in in accordance accordance with with  ASTM D5778 .

 b. The thrust machine shall shall be capable of the following: (1) Being leveled (2) Providing a continuous continuous stroke of 3 feet (1 m) minimum (3) Providing a reaction force of 20 tons 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. minimum. c.

The cone cone size shall be be 2.32 sq inches inches (15 sq cm).

d. The push push rod size shall shall be 1.75 inches inches (44.5 mm). e.

Refusal depth depth shall shall be extended by using using pushrod pushrod support 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 soundings shall be grouted from the  bottom of the hole up with with a grout mixture of the following: following: a.

Portland cement

 b. 4% to 15% by weight of of bentonite c.

Potable water or water from a source approved by the the  purchaser

4.3.4.15 Test Pits a. Test pits pits shall shall be made as required to to permit detailed examination of the upper soils in a large scale to evaluate the following: (1) Collect large samples for laboratory laboratory testing for Proctor density, soil modification, grain size analyses, and other tests (2) Nature and consistency consistency of near-surface soils soils and  presumed fill (3) Suitability for fill material (4) Organic content (5) Highly erodable erodable soils soils (6) Collect box-type box-type in-situ samples

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 b. Test pits greater than 4 feet (1.2 m) deep deep shall be benched, shored, or properly sloped back to provide personnel  protection and shall shall be evaluated for stability 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, testing, and and description description shall proceed 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 Plate Load Tests a.

Field CBR and plate plate load tests shall be 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 reaction vehicle for field CBR or plate load tests. This vehicle will  provide a reaction force of 7000 lbf 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 4.3.5

Laboratory Testing 4.3.5.1 Written approval shall shall be obtained from the purchaser purchaser for any modifications to the agreed testing program. 4.3.5.2 Classification testing testing shall be in accordance with with  ASTM D2487 . 4.3.5.3 Primary soil properties shall shall be determined in accordance with with  ASTM D698 , ASTM D1557 , ASTM D1883, ASTM D2166 ,  ASTM D2435, ASTM D2850, ASTM D4253, and  ASTM  ASTM D4254. 4.3.5.4 Modified Proctor density density testing in accordance with with  ASTM  shall be used for structural fill or load bearing soils.  D1557  shall 4.3.5.5 Relative density testing testing shall be performed to test 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 required to modify otherwise undesirable silts and clays into reasonable

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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 property testing shall be in accordance accordance with appropriate ASTM or other generally recognized test procedures.

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