Company Registration No: 198403839N

Soil Investigation at
West Coast Crescent

For M/s Urban Redevelopment Authority

Purchase Order No. URA000EPO07000186

Issue Date : 13-02-2007

Date: 16th April, 2007

*A Total Solutions Provider in Ground Engineering*

TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK 2

2.1 Site Condition 2
2.2 Field Investigation 2
2.2.1 Drilling 2
2.2.2 Standard Penetration Test 3
2.2.3 Undisturbed Sampling 3
2.2.4 Disturbed Sampling 4
2.3 Laboratory Tests 4
2.3.1 Moisture Content 4
2.3.2 Bulk and Dry Density Determination Tests 5
2.3.3 Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test 5

3.0 RESULT OF SOIL INVESTIGATION 6

3.1. Subsoil Condition 6
3.2. Laboratory Tests 8
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
This report presents the soil investigation based on 6 boreholes, conducted at

the project site, (See location map in APPENDIX-B). The main purpose of the soil

investigation is to obtain and understand the geotechnical information on the subsoil

conditions required for the design and construction works.

a) Name of the Project : West Coast Crescent

b) Location : West Coast Crescent

c) Client : Urban Redevelopment Authority

d) Period of Work : Field Work

27 Feb - 16 April, 2007

e) Scope of Work : Field Work

Number of Borehole 6 nos.

Drilling in soil 195.94 m.

Coring in Rock Mass 15.00 m.

Standard Penetration Test (SPT) 64 nos.

Undisturbed Sample (UD) 12 nos.

Disturbed Sample (DS) 46 nos.

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2.0 SCOPE OF WORK
2.1 Site Condition
The project site is located at the vicinity of West Coast Crescent and West
Coast Link. The ground surface at this site behaves a flat and smooth landscape. The
key plan of the project site, including location of the boreholes, is shown in
APPENDIX-B.

2.2 Field Investigation

The field work involved in the geotechnical investigation was carried out as
recommended in BS 5930: 1981 “Code of Practice for Soil Investigation”. Prior to
commencement of the site investigation, trial pit up to 1.5m in depth was conducted at
each borehole before drilling. Summary on quantity of field works for this project is
listed in APPENDIX–A (Table 1).

2.2.1 Drilling
Drilling was carried out using hydraulic feed rotary boring machine. A metal
crown bit as a cutting tool was attached at the lower end of the drilling rods and
circulated mud water was pumped through hollow rods into the bottom of borehole to
wash out the cuttings to ground surface.
6 nos. of boreholes were performed at 6 points namely, BH-1 to BH-6. All
boreholes were terminated when drilling encountered underlying rock and showed
rebounding effect on the drill stem, or as per instruction from the client representatives.
The diameter of the borehole is 100mm and the diameter of coring is 75mm. The
boring log data is summarized in APPENDIX-C. In this project, total drilling depth
is 210.94m, whereas 195.94m were drilled in soil horizon and 15.00m were coring in
rock mass.

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2.2.2. Standard Penetration Test
This test is done in accordance with BS 1377: 1990 Part 9 and covers the
determination of the resistance of the penetration of a split-barrel sampler and
obtaining disturbed samples of the soil for identification purpose. It was performed
using a split-barrel sampler connected to the lower end of boring rods. The sampler
was driven into soil by means of a 63.5kg hammer falling freely through a height of
76cm onto an anvil attached to the top of the rods. A trip-release mechanism and
guiding assembly were used to control the falling hammer and the driving energy was
thus transmitted through the rods to the SPT sampler. The sampler was driven 45cm
into soil with the number of blows required for each 15cm of penetration recorded.
The resistance, N-value, was taken as the number of blows for the last 30cm of
penetration. When 100 blows were reached before the full penetration of 30cm, no
further blows were applied and the final penetration was recorded. At the end of the
test, the sampler was withdrawn and some extracted soil was placed into a plastic
container and then labeled. These samples were used to describe the type of soil
existing in the boring points.
In this project, total 64 numbers of SPT were taken in order to get the
information and technical data on the strength and type of soil (See Table 1).

2.2.3 Undisturbed Sampling

Undisturbed sampling was carried out by using a thin-wall tube sampler with
outer diameter of 75mm. Prior to sampling; the borehole was flushed with water to
remove the remnants left at the bottom of the borehole. The bottom was measured to
confirm the depth at which the soil sample was taken. The sample tube was lowered
down to the bottom of the hole and jacked into soil. After the sample tube was jacked
to the required depth, the sample tube was taken out to the surface. Wax was then
applied to form a seal on both sides of the UD tube and labelled properly before
transporting to the laboratory for testing.

3
 In this project, total 12 numbers of undisturbed samples were collected by
taking UD samples at the depth of 3, 6, and 9m from every borehole whenever the
conditions are favourable. (See Table 1).

2.2.4 Disturbed Sampling

Disturbed samples were taken from a split tube sampler for identification
purpose, and were stored in sealed plastic containers. In this project, 46 number of
disturbed samples were collected. (See Table.1).

2.3 Laboratory Tests

The following Laboratory tests are carried out on the undisturbed samples
obtained from the boreholes. Summary of test results are listed in APPENDIX-D.
- Moisture Content
- Bulk and Dry Density Determination Tests
- Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test
The purpose of laboratory tests is for the evaluation of shear strength,
compressibility characteristics and classification of soil properties. All tests were
carried out in accordance to BS 1377. Classification of soil types is based on the
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).

2.3.1. Moisture Content

To determine the moisture content of soils, a soil sample is dried at a
temperature of 105°C to 110°C for about 24 hours. The loss in weight of the soil
sample represents the weight of moisture in the soil. The moisture content of the soil
to the dry weight of soil in percentage is the moisture content of the testing soil. This
test if performed in accordance with BS 1377 : Part 2 : 1990 #3.

4
2.3.2. Bulk and Dry Density Determination Test
The bulk density of a soil is the mass per unit volume of the soil deposit
including any water it contains. The dry density is the mass of dry soil contained in a
unit volume. Both are expressed in Mg/m 3, which is numerically the same as g/cm3. It
was determined at the laboratory by using the linear measurement method approached
by B.S. 1377 : 1990 Part 2 : Test 7:2

2.3.3. Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test (UU)

Unconsolidated undrained triaxial compression tests were conducted to
determine the undrained shear strength of the soil. This test is performed with the
drain valve closed for all phases of the test and before the sample has a chance to
consolidate. That is, the undisturbed samples (on 38mm diameter x 76mm length)
are sheared under undrained condition. It is based on the test method approached by
B.S 1377 : 1990 Part 7 : Test 9.

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3.0 RESULTS OF SOIL INVESTIGATION
3.1 Subsoil Condition
This section briefly describes the soil conditions encountered at site. Detailed
soil conditions are presented in each log of boring in the Appendices of Borehole Logs.
The summary of borehole data is given in the form of a Generalised Sub-Soil
Profile (see Cross-Section) which interpolate conditions between boreholes but the
results are not necessarily accurate representations of true conditions on site.
Based on the data collected from 6 number of boreholes, it can be classified
the soil layers and the bed rock as follows :

Soil Rock
(1) Fill (6) Siltstone
(2) Silty Clay (7) Limestone
(3) Peaty Clay
(4) Clay
(5) Clayey Sand / Sand

(1) Fill
From the surface up to the depth of 1.2 to 1.5 meter was covered with back fill
soil mixed with hardcore materials.
(2) Silty Clay
A thick layer of this type of soil can be seen in all bore holes. It consists of
soft to hard, brown to purplish brown, occasionally dark grey to black, mottled with
yellow, carbonaceous in parts, Silty Clay. Thickness is about 10 to 18 meters and SPT
'N' values ranged from 1 to 41 blows.

(3) Peaty Clay

This layer being interbedded with silty clay layer, can be seen only in BH-6. It
consists of soft, dark grey to black, Peaty Clay. Thickness is about 3 meters and SPT
value registered at 3 blows.

6
 (4) Clay
This is a minor soil type in this project area. Being interbedded with silty clay,
clayey sand and sands, it occurred as relatively a thick layer and can be seen in all
bore holes, except BH-5 and 6. It consists of very soft to hard, dark grey to black,
highly carbonaceous in parts, Clay with traces of silt and rock fragments. Thickness is
about 3 to 9 meters and SPT 'N' values ranged from 0 to 100 blows.

(5) Clayey Sand / Sand

This soil type can be seen at near to the bottom of all bore holes, exceptionally
sometimes less impurity of clays and changed to sand layer. It consists of dense to
very dense, light grey to dark brown, mottled with black, Clayey Sand / Sand with
traces of clay and rock fragments. Apparent thickness is about 0.5 to 6 meters and
SPT values registered at 32 to 100 blows. True thickness can not be estimated as some
of the bore holes were terminated in this layer.

(6) Siltstone
This sedimentary rock appeared as bed rock . It is moderately strong to weak,
dark grey to black, moderately to highly weathered, moderately to highly fractured,
Siltstone with fair RQDs.

(7) Limestone
The limestone occupied as the basement rock in this area. It is weak to
moderately strong, light grey to grey, slightly to highly weathered, moderately to
highly fractured, with very poor RQDs.

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 General Geology
Based upon the Geological Map of Singapore by PWD (1974) and the present
investigation, peaty clay & silty clay from Kallang Formation, followed by silty clays
/ clays and clayey sands / sands, products of weathered siltstone, sandstone and
limestone from Jurong Formation, are well distributed at the project site.

3.2 Laboratory Tests

Summary of laboratory test results and details of individual test results are
shown in the APPENDIX-D.

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 APPENDIX - A
TABLES & CHARTS
CLIENT : URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PROJECT : WEST COAST CRESCENT
TABLE 1. : SUMMARY ON QUANTITY OF FIELD INVESTIGATION
Period of Fieldwork Insitu Test & Installation Laboratory Test
Physical Test Mechanical Test Chemical Test
Total Depth Depth of Depth of Grain Size Triaxial Tests
Reduce
Bore of Bore Drilling in Coring in Atter-
Level SPT DS UD Bulk/Dry Moisture Specific
Hole No. Commence Complete Hole Soil Rock berg Mech-
(m) (Nos) (Nos) (Nos) Density Content Gravity Hydro UU* CIU* Soil Water
(m) (m) (m) Limit anic
(Nos) (Nos) (Nos) (Nos) (Nos) (Nos)
(Nos) (Nos)

BH 1 09-04-07 16-04-07 - 36.30 36.30 - 12 11 2 2 2 - - - - 2 - - -

BH 2 08-04-07 12-04-07 - 48.00 43.00 5.00 14 8 2 2 2 - - - - 2 - - -
BH 3 08-04-07 11-04-07 - 38.50 33.50 5.00 11 8 2 2 2 - - - - 2 - - -
BH 4 09-04-07 12-04-07 - 39.00 39.00 - 13 9 2 2 2 - - - - 2 - - -
BH 5 27-02-07 05-04-07 - 25.00 20.00 5.00 6 5 2 2 2 - - - - 2 - - -
BH 6 06-04-07 09-04-07 - 24.14 24.14 - 8 5 2 2 2 - - - - 2 - - -

210.94 195.94 15.00 64 46 12 12 12 12

Note :
SPT = Standard Penetration Test UD = Undisturbed Sample CU = Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Test
DS = Disturbed Sample UU = Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Test
 Client : Urban Redevelopment Authority
Project : West Coast Crescent
Location : West Coast Crescent

TABLE 2. MONITORING RECORD FOR WATER LEVEL AT BOREHOLE (During Operation)

Borehole Water Level

Date Time Borehole Depth (m)
Number (m)
10-04-07 08:30 6.00 2.10
11-04-07 08:30 21.00 2.30
BH 1
14-04-07 08:30 30.00 2.20
16-04-07 08:30 36.00 2.50
09-04-07 08:30 9.00 2.10
10-04-07 08:30 27.00 2.10
BH 2
11-04-07 08:30 43.00 2.40
12-04-07 08:30 46.00 2.20
09-04-07 08:30 21.00 2.10
BH 3 10-04-07 08:30 33.50 2.10
11-04-07 08:30 36.50 2.20
10-04-07 08:30 6.00 2.10
BH 4 11-04-07 08:30 21.00 2.20
12-04-07 08:30 33.00 2.30
04-04-07 08:30 20.00 2.50
BH 5 05-04-07 08:30 23.00 2.50

07-04-07 08:30 12.00 1.80

BH 6 08-04-07 08:30 18.00 1.80
09-04-07 08:30 21.00 2.00
 APPENDIX - B
LOCATION PLAN
 APPENDIX - C
BOREHOLE LOG
KEY TO BORING LOG
BORE HOLE LOG
( BH-1 to BH-6 )
GENERALIZED SOIL PROFILE
( CROSS _ SECTIONS )
 APPENDIX - D
LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
Summary of Laboratory Test Results
 SUMMARY OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
Atterberg Grain Size Triaxial Compression Consolidation Vane Chemical

Unconfined Compression
Limit Distribution UCT UU CU CD Soil Water

Test - Rock Core (Mpa)

Moisture Content (%)
Bulk Density (Mg/m3)

Dry Density (Mg/m3)

2:1 water:soil extract

Sulphate Content in
Compression Index
Plasticity Index (%)

Undisturbed Shear

Remoulded Shear
Cohesion (kN/m2)

Cohesion (kN/m2)

Cohesion (kN/m2)

Cohesion (kN/m2)

Pressure (kN/m2)

Sulphate Content
Strength (kN/m2)

Strength (kN/m2)
Specific Gravity

Chloride Content
Preconsolidation
Initial Void Ratio
Plastic Limit (%)
Liquid Limit (%)

Total Sulphate
Phi Angle (o)

Phi Angle (o)

Phi Angle (o)

Content (%)
Gravel (%)
Borehole Sample Depth

Sand (%)

pH Value

pH Value
Clay (%)
Silt (%)

Salinity
No. No. (m)

UD1 6.00-6.50 1.70 1.13 50 27 0

BH 1
UD2 9.00-9.50 1.89 1.43 32 28 0
UD1 3.00-3.50 2.06 1.76 17 125 7
BH 2
UD2 6.00-6.50 1.47 0.82 80 43 0
UD1 3.00-3.50 2.09 1.76 19 100 5
BH 3
UD2 6.00-6.50 1.49 0.86 70 29 0
UD1 3.00-3.50 1.96 1.52 29 22 0
BH 4
UD2 6.00-6.50 1.54 0.98 57 23 0
UD1 3.00-3.50 2.04 1.71 19 75 3
BH 5
UD2 6.00-6.50 1.38 0.74 86 25 0
UD1 3.00-3.50 2.13 1.82 17 90 2
BH 6
UD2 6.00-6.50 1.27 0.64 98 18 0

Client: M/s Urban Redevelopment Authority * Multi Stage UCT - Unconfined Compression Triaxial Test
Location: West Coast Crescent ^ Field Vane UU - Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test
Project: URA000EPO07000186, Dated : 13-02-2007 ~ Lab. Vane CU - Consolidated Isotropic Undrained Triaxial Compression Test
CD - Consolidated Isotropic Drained Triaxial Compression Test
Moisture Content / Bulk Density
Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test
 APPENDIX - E
PHOTOGRAPHS OF CORING ROCK SAMPLES
 PHOTPGRAPHS OF CORING ROCK SAMPLES
SOIL INVESTIGATION AT WEST COAST CRESCENT

Box 1 of 1 : BH-2

Box 1 of 1 : BH-3
Box 1 of 1 : BH-5