TITLE:
Engineering Geological and Geotechnical Investigations for Design of Oxygen Plant
AUTHORS:
Khaleel Hussain, Dou Bin, Javid Hussain, Syed Yasir Ali Shah, Hadi Hussain, Altaf Hussain, Sadam Hussain
KEYWORDS:
Geotechnical Properties, Subsurface Profile, Water Conditions, SPT, Bearing Capacity, Foundation
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.13 No.4,
April
29,
2022
ABSTRACT: The most important aspect of every civil engineering project is acquiring
reliable information on the ground on which the project will be constructed.
This research includes a site investigation, which is seen as a primary stage
in gathering geological, geotechnical, and other essential engineering data for
structures’ safe and cost-effective design. Five boreholes at well-spaced spots
were drilled for subsurface investigation at a maximum depth of 15 m to 30 m.
The standard penetration tests (SPT) were performed at different depths, soil
samples were taken at various intervals, and lithological changes were
observed. The friction angle was between 19.6º and 33.03º, whereas the cohesion
ranges between 0.25 kg/cm2 and 0.42 kg/cm2, indicating a strong resistance to shearing
and a high capacity to sustain the load. Furthermore, the soil samples’ maximum dry density ranges from 1.63 g/cm3 to 1.80 g/cm3. In addition, water table depths were recorded from 6.0 m to 7.0 m. The net bearing
capacity for isolated/pad foundation at a depth of 1.5 m to 2.5 m below the ground
level has been calculated as 95.0 to 120.0 kPa and 120.0 to 180.0 kPa for raft
foundation. The net allowable pressure settlement limits for isolated/pad and
raft foundations are 25 mm (1-inch) and 50 mm (2-inches), respectively. The
investigation has found no severe geological flaws on the proposed construction
site, and therefore it is appropriate for the construction of an Air Separation
Unit (ASU) Oxygen Plant.