Proposed Residential Development

Phase II

Abbey Road

Swineshead

Lincolnshire

Site Investigation Report

Project No. 3451

November 2015

Design Office: 16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln, LN5 9HF.

Tel: 01522 788000 - E-mail: mail@stevegilmandesign.co.uk - Website: www.stevegilmandesign.co.uk
Directors: S.Gilman B.Eng, C.Eng, M.I.Struct.E. - A.M.Foottit I.Eng. A.M.I.Struct.E.
Company Secretary: H.L.Gilman B.A. (Hons)
Registered Office: South Grange, 28 High Street, Bassingham, Lincoln, LN5 9EY
Registered in England. Registration Number: 5337463. VAT Registration No: 852 7676 88
1.0 - Introduction

1.1 - The proposals are to construct 19 residential units on a site on the eastern edge of the
village of Swineshead. The site is a continuation of the previously constructed Phase 1
Residential development. The site layout is indicated on Clive Wicks Associates drawing
no. 12-2097-01 and includes a mix of housing types ranging from single storey single bed
dwellings to two storey 2 bed properties. All properties are either semi-detached or linked
to form small blocks.

1.2 - Following instructions received in March 2015 from the original Contractor (Langwith
Construction), Steve Gilman Design Ltd was instructed to prepare a basic site investigation
report for the purpose of determining ground conditions to make general
recommendations for the foundations required for the proposed development. This report
has been prepared in general terms only and specific, (and final) founding details for each
individual unit will need to be determined and agreed on site with the building
inspector/NHBC officer once excavations are opened up.

1.3 - The primary aim of this investigation was to extract soil samples for plasticity testing.

1.4 - Trial holes were excavated on 23rd April 2015 using a mini excavator, the weather was
dry and sunny. The sides of the trail holes remained stable during the course of the
excavations and were backfilled immediately after noting the soil types with the
excavated material.

1.5 – Site investigation work has been commissioned by Langwith Construction and undertaken
on by Lincs Laboratory on 6th August 2015 to determine CBR and PH values to make
recommendations for adoptable road construction. A total of 3 trial holes were excavated
across the site and the trial hole logs and locations are contained within the Appendices.

2.0 – The Site

2.1 – The site is relatively square shaped on plan it is approximately 71m wide x 62m deep
into the site. The site is accessed off Abbey Road and is bounded by Phase 1 to the south
and agricultural land to the other boundaries. Towards the east of the site is an open
ditch.

2.2 – A plan indicating the site location is contained in Lincslabs report. The site is currently
(and has historically been) been used as agricultural fields.

2.3 – Ground levels vary slightly across the site ranging from 3.21m AOD at the southern
boundary of the site to 3.04m AOD at the northern boundary. There are no sudden
changes in level across the site.

2.4 – There was no significant vegetation noted.

3.0 – Ground Conditions

3.1 – From our and Lincs Laboratory’s trial hole logs contained in the appendices of this
report, it can be concluded that the ground conditions are consistent across the site. The
subsoils encountered in the trial holes are all believed to be naturally occurring deposits.
No fill material or contamination was encountered in the excavations.
3.2 - From the British Geological Sheet for the area, the site is located on Tidal Flat Deposits
overlying West Walton Formation.
3.3 – There is a fairly consistent thickness of brown sandy silty topsoil overlying the silty clay.
This topsoil will need to be removed from within the footprint of each unit.
 3.4 – The subsoils comprise various gravels (limestone fragments), silts and clays described as
being firm to hard at shallow depths. At greater depths circa 1.5m the material became
softer.

3.5 – The silt and clay encountered are noted to range from to “firm” to “hard”. By reference
to BS8004 (1) and Tomlinson (2), this would suggest that their presumed allowable bearing
values will also vary and could range from around 50kN/m² up to 100kN/m². From the
trial hole logs, most of the softer material was noted at depths beyond 1.5m, well below
anticipated formation level.

3.6 – Groundwater was not encountered in any of the trial holes.

3.7 – Tests on the water by Lincs Laboratory indicated a Design Sulphate Classification of DS-1
and ACEC Classification of AC-1. For specifying concrete elements refer to BRE Special
Digest 1 for guidelines.

3.8 – The Atterberg test results have confirmed that most of the silty clay samples tested had
a plasticity index ranging from 17% to 19%. This would suggest that the majority of the
silty clays on site have low shrinkability characteristics.

4.0 – Proposed Structures and Estimated Foundation Loads

4.1 – The proposals are to construct 19 residential units as noted above.

4.2 – These units will be of traditional load bearing masonry construction with timber trussed
rafter roofs overlaid with traditional tiles, timber first floors and suspended precast
concrete ground floors.

4.3 – For the worst case house types the maximum perimeter wall load at foundation level
will be in the order of 48.0kN/m run, party walls 62.0kN/m run and internal walls
35.0kN/m run.

5.0 - Proposed Planting

5.1 - The Site Layout drawing indicates new planting for the site. It is recommended that only
new ornamental trees and shrubs of low water demand should be planted close to the
proposed buildings. Further away from the buildings larger trees of similar nature may
be considered. The proposed Landscaping Layout is indicated on Clive Wicks Associates
drawing no. 12-2097-LP, refer to the appendices.

6.0 – Foundation Recommendations and Ground Floor Slabs

6.1 – The subsoils encountered on site appear to be natural tidal deposits and that all of the
properties will be founded on this material.

6.2 – If these firm to hard silty clays are encountered at minimum founding level, then it
would be reasonable to adopt an assumed allowable bearing capacity of approximately
75KN/m² to limit total settlements to acceptable levels.

6.3 - For typical house types and assuming the loads at foundation level are as noted above,
then standard mass concrete strip or trench fill type foundations 600mm wide should
suffice for external walls. Two storey party walls would increase to 750mm wide. Internal
wall foundations could be reduced to 450mm wide.

General discussion

6.4 - The above are general recommendations only and in all cases it will be appropriate to
review the ground conditions and soil type encountered at foundation level once
excavations for each individual unit are opened up for inspection. Advice from the
 Building and NHBC Inspectors should be obtained in each separate case. Construction of
the foundations should be in accordance with the recommendations of NHBC standards
chapter 4.4 (Strip and Trench Fill foundations).

6.5 - If variable soil conditions are met within the excavations for individual units then it may
be appropriate to consider introducing reinforcement within the footings to help span
potential soft spots etc.

6.6 – If the softer silts and clays are encountered at founding level either the trench widths
should be increased to reduce bearing pressures further (and hence to limit the
risk/degree of settlement) or excavation depths increased to found on more competent
strata.

Effect of Proposed Vegetation (Trees and Shrubs)

6.7 – The development includes for numerous new trees and shrubs to be planted as indicated
on the Landscape Plan. Again the relative position and tree type will need to be carefully
considered in setting foundation depths.

Minimum Founding Level

6.8 – Considering the Atterberg test results it would be advised to set the minimum founding
depth for the properties on this site at 0.9m below existing ground level in the clay.

Below Ground Services

6.9 – Foundation levels should be fully co-ordinated with below ground services to ensure that
surcharging or undermining does not occur. Care should be taken so that the underside
level of the foundations is outside the 45º line as measured from the bottom of the
services trench.

Concrete Specification

6.10 – Lincs Laboratory report confirms that a Design Sulphate Classification of DS-1 should be
adopted for the site in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1. An ACEC (Aggressive
Chemical Environment for Concrete) classification of AC-1 should be adopted to determine
the most appropriate concrete mix for the building foundations and other below ground
concrete elements.

From BRE Special Digest 1 (3) a design chemical class of DC-1 is appropriate for the
foundations of low rise domestic buildings as proposed for this site. From “design guide
2a” (part 3), no additional protective measures (APM’s) are necessary.

It is normal for the concrete supplier to determine the mix constituents based on certain
design criteria. In this case, for the foundations of the properties and to achieve design
chemical class DC-1, the following criteria are appropriate:-

Aggregate Carbonate Range = A, B, C.

Cement or Combination Group = 2,3 (Ref table 3 BRE Spec Dig 1)
Minimum Cement Content = 240Kg/m³
Max Free Water:Cement Ratio = 0.60.

Prescribed concrete “RC25” should prove satisfactory but specific advice from suppliers
should be sought to confirm the final concrete mix specification and constituents.

Health and Safety

6.11 - The sides of the trial holes remained stable during excavation as did the trenches
formed in Lincs Laboratory’s investigation. This would suggest that construction of the
foundations should be relatively straight forward. If operatives are required to enter
 excavation trenches, then consideration should be given to temporary propping to the
trench sides where required.

6.12 – All operatives should wear appropriate personal protective equipment and should be
suitably trained and experienced in this type of work.

7.0 - Conclusions

7.1 – The nature and consistency of the subsoils across this site range from “firm” to “hard”
silty clays at formation levels.

7.2 – The bearing characteristics of these subsoils appear to be conducive to the use of
traditional simple strip or trench fill concrete foundations.

7.3 – The plasticity of the clay subsoils has been assessed and they can be considered to be in
the low shrinkability range. The minimum foundation depth in the clay soils should be set
at 0.9m below external ground level taking into account the reduction factor for climate.

7.4 – The effect of the proposed trees should be taken into account when setting foundation
depths.

Report prepared by:-

Andrew Foottit

For and on Behalf of Steve Gilman Design Ltd

November 2015.

References

1 – BS8004:- British Standard Code of Practice for Foundations (BSI)

2 – Foundation Design and Construction – MJ Tomlinson
3 – BRE Special Digest 1 – Concrete in Aggressive Ground - (BRE)
Appendix A

Steve Gilman Design Ltd’s Trial Hole Logs 23rd April 2015 with Photographs
 Project
Residential Development Phase II
Abbey Road
Swineshead
16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln LN5 9HF
Tel : 01522 788000 Client Geda
Email : mail@stevegilmandesign.co.uk

Title Trial Hole 1 Date Nov 2015 Scale 1:10 Number 3451/ TH01

Ground Level

Soft brown TOPSOIL

-0.450m

Multi coloured
slightly gravelly very
silty CLAY becoming
more moist/wet with
depth

-1.500m End of Trial Hole

Trial Hole 1
 Project
Residential Development Phase II
Abbey Road
Swineshead
16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln LN5 9HF
Tel : 01522 788000 Client Geda
Email : mail@stevegilmandesign.co.uk

Title Trial Hole 2 Date Nov 2015 Scale 1:10 Number 3451/ TH02

Ground Level

Soft brown TOPSOIL

-0.450m

Multi coloured
slightly gravelly very
silty CLAY becoming
more moist/wet with
depth

Sample Ref. S219 taken at -1.100m

-1.500m End of Trial Hole

Trial Hole 2
 Project
Residential Development Phase II
Abbey Road
Swineshead
16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln LN5 9HF
Tel : 01522 788000 Client Geda
Email : mail@stevegilmandesign.co.uk

Title Trial Hole 3 Date Nov 2015 Scale 1:10 Number 3451/ TH03

Ground Level

Soft brown TOPSOIL

-0.400m

Multi coloured
slightly gravelly very
silty CLAY becoming
more moist/wet with
depth

-1.500m End of Trial Hole

Trial Hole 3
 Project
Residential Development Phase II
Abbey Road
Swineshead
16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln LN5 9HF
Tel : 01522 788000 Client Geda
Email : mail@stevegilmandesign.co.uk

Title Trial Hole 4 Date Nov 2015 Scale 1:10 Number 3451/ TH04

Ground Level

Soft brown TOPSOIL

-0.500m

Multi coloured
slightly gravelly very
Sample Ref. S220 taken at -0.900m silty CLAY becoming
more moist/wet with
depth

-1.500m End of Trial Hole

Trial Hole 4
 Project
Residential Development Phase II
Abbey Road
Swineshead
16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln LN5 9HF
Tel : 01522 788000 Client Geda
Email : mail@stevegilmandesign.co.uk

Title Trial Hole Location Plan Date Nov 2015 Scale N.T.S Number 3451/ TH05

3
3.1

TH 02
4
3.0

2.98
2.90 2.96

TH 03 2.45
2.96

1
3.2
9
3.2

9
3.1

3.12 EP

2.24 3.27

EP

TH 02
7
3.2

TH 04
1
3.2

7
3.3 MA
RK
ER
PO
ST

TE
RE
NC
CO

3.20
2.18 3.29

9
3.2

1
3.2
Drain

2.26
9 2.99
3.1
e
Wir m
t& 0.6
Pos ce H t
Fen

MP
line
er
Sew
PO 3.30

2
3.2

.58 ch
PO 3 Dit
rd
Boa .8m
se 1
Clo ce H t
Fen
CRAGG CLOSE
61
T

Ht :4 ad:4.0
Spre h:0.2
T PO .25
all 3
kW rd Girt
Boa .6m
.0
Ht :4 ad:4

Br ic se 0
Spre h:0.2

Clo ce H t
Girt

Fen 3.2
4
4 0
3.3 8 2.7
2.7 6
2.2
3.4 all
8 kW
3.4 3.4 Br ic .6m
0 0 H t0 65
3.3
8 MH N o. ge Fie
ld
3.4 Rid55 10
2 7 9. 1
3.5 3.3 es
CL 7 TP Eav 34 nd
3.49
8. pou
Com
3.47
ing ter
3.3 Pav Wa Fie
ld
3.31 lian
3.44

1
3.64

Ang
3.0

3.29 r
3.48 nte
6

Pla
1.97 3.32 3.49 LP 9 08
3.3 3.3
4 3. TP S 3.28
3.

3.33 3.48 3.28

12

4
ch 3.3 LP
3.41 G
Dit 3.32 3.51 3.6
0 3.22 3.44
3.33 2.60 3.45
3.08 LP 2.65 MP 5 3.29
3.48 3.1 3.2
3 G
4.06 2.10 MH 3.31 RE 3.33 3.27 3.46 3.26
9 G
3.3 3.32 3.29 3.2 3.21 3.26
SV MH 3.22
S
CL MH 9 4 3.25
3.2 G WO H CL 3.22
TP 3.10 3.33 CL ABBEY ROAD BTM
3.18 3.65
3.23 3.73
3.70

2.08
ld 2.04 2.03
Fie ch
3.85 Dit
3.67
3.74 ld
Fie

Site Location Plan

Appendix B

Lincs Laboratory Report Dated 19th August 2015

Appendix C

Atterberg Test Results 29th April 2015

 Lincs Laboratory
St Georges Lane, Riseholme, Lincoln, LN2 2LQ
Tel: (01522) 530355 Fax: (01522) 510573
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincslab 0699

TO: Steve Gilman Design

16 Torgate Lane
Bassingham
LINCOLN
LN5 9HF

REPORT NO: 66347

JOB NO: 38500
DATE: 29 April 2015

PROJECT TITLE: ABBEY ROAD, SWINESHEAD

WORK UNDERTAKEN: ANALYSIS OF SOIL SAMPLES

Authorising Signature: (G Johnson; Supervisor – Laboratory Testing)

Notes:

1. This report is factual and only relates to the items tested.

2. Advice on the interpretation of these results is available from Lincs Laboratory Consultancy Staff. Opinions and
interpretations are outside the scope of our UKAS/ISO 17025 accreditation.
3. Any samples or their residues will normally be kept for four weeks after the publication of this report.
4. Tests marked ‘UKAS accredited’ in this report are listed in our UKAS accreditation schedule bearing No. 0699.
5. This report shall not be reproduced except in full, without written approval of Lincs Laboratory.

Distribution:

1 - Client
1 - Lab File

Page 1 of 3
 Lincs Laboratory
St Georges Lane, Riseholme, Lincoln, LN2 2LQ
Tel: (01522) 530355 Fax: (01522) 510573
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincslab 0699

REPORT: 66347
JOB NO: 38500
DATE: 29 April 2015

PROJECT TITLE: ABBEY ROAD, SWINESHEAD

WORK UNDERTAKEN: ATTERBERG LIMITS TEST RESULTS

Lab TH Sample Depth NMC LL PL PI Ret 425um

Sample (No) (type) (m) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)
No:

S219-15 2 d 1.10 27 39 20 19 1

S220-15 4 d 0.90 21 36 19 17 0

Notes:

i) Sampler : Client
ii) Sampling Procedure : Not Supplied
iii) Date Received : 24/04/15
iv) Date Tested : 27/04/15-29/04/15
v) Test Procedures : (MC) BS 1377:Part 2:1990 Cl 3.2 (UKAS Accredited)
(PL) BS 1377:Part 2:1990 Cl 5.3 (UKAS Accredited)
(LL) BS 1377:Part 2:1990 Cl 4.4 (UKAS Accredited)
(PI) BS 1377:Part 2:1990 Cl 5.4 (UKAS Accredited)
vi) The samples were prepared in accordance with BS 1377:Part 1:1990 (UKAS Accredited)
vii) d = Disturbed
viii) The samples were tested in their natural state.

Page 2 of 3
 Lincs Laboratory St Georges Lane
Riseholme
Tel: (01522) 530355 Fax: (01522) 510573 Lincoln LN2 2LQ
www.Lincolnshire.gov.uk/Lincslab

REPORT: 66347
JOB NO: 38500
DATE: 29 April 2015

PROJECT TITLE: ABBEY ROAD, SWINESHEAD

WORK UNDERTAKEN: VISUAL DESCRIPTION TEST RESULTS

Lab Sample TH Sample Depth Visual Description

No. (No) (type) (m)

S219-15 2 d 1.10 m Multi-coloured reddish brown, yellowish

brown, light grey, slightly gravelly, very silty
CLAY. Gravel material is limestone with
rare pseudo-fibrous root material

S220-15 4 d 0.90 m Multi-coloured strong brown, dark brown,

grey, very silty CLAY with frequent pseudo-
fibrous root material

Notes:

i) Sampler : Client
ii) Sampling Procedure : Not Supplied
iii) Date Received : 24/04/15
iv) Date Tested : 29/04/15
v) Test Procedure : BS 5930:1999 (Not UKAS Accredited)
vi) The samples were prepared in accordance with BS 1377:Part 1:1990 (UKAS Accredited)
vii) d = Disturbed

Page 3 of 3
Appendix D

Clive Wicks Associates drawing no. 12-2097-01 – Site Layout

Clive Wicks Associates drawing no. 12-2097-LP – Landscape Plan