FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

This issue of Construction Bulletin features two interesting articles. In the first paper, the authors have described instrumentation carried out to measure settlement and pore pressure on a trial embankment to decide the suitability of the proposed methodology for construction of the embankment of a new double line project between Belapur/Nerul to Uran. Here the alignment passes through coastal zone consisting of compressible marine clay sub-soil with ground water at a depth of 0.45 to 2.00 m. from existing ground level where large scale sub-soil settlement is expected. The second paper highlights the methodology for transplantation of matured trees which come in the way of developmental works. The transplantation of trees will not only conserve the environment but also enable early availability of site to accelerate progress of the work. The best way to disseminate knowledge is through publication of articles on the specialised works carried out by you. I, therefore, request the readers to actively participate by sending articles on various issues related to construction, which you feel important to be shared with others through this forum. The articles may be sent on a CD or through e-mail. This bulletin is also available on the website at www.iricen.gov.in With best wishes,

- EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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EDITORIAL BOARD

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Shri Shiv Kumar

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Director/IRICEN

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Chairman

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Shri N. C. Sharda

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Sr. Professor/IRICEN

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Shri Sundhanshu Sharma

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Sr. Professor/IRICEN

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Shri Praveen Kumar

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Shri A. K. Yadav

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INDIAN RAILWAYS CONSTRUCTION BULLETIN
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CONTENTS

VH$ZrH$s nong / TECHNICAL PAPERS

1. CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY TRIAL EMBANKMENT WITH INSTRUMENTATION FOR MEASURING SETTLEMENTS AND PORE PRESSURE OF COMPRESSIBLE MARINE CLAY SUB-SOIL S.K.Gupta and A.V. Kulkarni 1

2.

TRANSPLANTATION OF TREES FOR EARLY EXECUTION OF DEVELOPMENTAL WORKS

1 5

By A. K. Rai

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The views expressed by the authors of technical papers are not necessarily the views of IRICEN

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Published by

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The Director

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Indian Railways Institute of Civil Engineering

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Volume 15, Number 1

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June 2005

CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY TRIAL EMBANKMENT WITH INSTRUMENTATION FOR MEASURING SETTLEMENTS AND PORE PRESSURE OF COMPRESSIBLE MARINE CLAY SUB-SOIL
By S.K.Gupta * and A.V. Kulkarni ** 1. Introduction The new double line project between Belapur/Nerul-Seawood to Uran comprising of 23.70 Km of route length in Navi Mumbai has been sanctioned by Railway Board vide letter No. 97/Proj./BB/5/1 dated 10-7-1997 at an estimated cost of Rs. 495.44 Crores. This project connects the Uran and Jawaharlal Port Trust in Navi Mumbai to Mumbai via Central Business District of Navi Mumbai through Harbour lines of Central Railway (Fig.1).

Fig. 1 Project alignment

* Dy.CE (C), Juinagar, Central Railway ** Astt. Executive Engineer, Juinagar, Central Railway

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2. Geology This region falls under tropical belt with monsoon rainfall conditions. Major part of the alignment passing through coastal zone is affected by tidal water everyday. Most of the coastal zone consists of soft marine clay having depth of 2 m to 16 m. The ground water is at a depth 0.45 m to 2.00 m from the existing ground level. The whole stretch can be classified in to following zones based on bore hole details:
Chainage (meter) Depth of clay (meter) 6.00 2.00 4.00 7.00 to 16.00 Maximum height of bank from ground level (meter) 14.00 8.03 11.63 4.65

0595 to 2720 4005 to 5500 11473 to 13500 13500 to 21760

The following different types of marine clays were met with in sub - strata . Sr. No. Type of clay 1 2 3 4 5 Yellow stiff clay Grey soft marine clay Yellow stiff to hard silty clay with gravel Completely weathered rock (moorum) Moderately weathered amygdaloidal Basalt RQD=0 to 77 N value 5 1 to 4 20 to 28 29 to 52 Un-drained cohesion value (C) 0.49 kg/cm2 0.13 to 0.24 kg/cm2 NA

Sub-soil strata along the chainage is shown in Fig. 2 below.

Fig. 2 Sub - soil strata

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The properties of the subsoil indicate that these layers would undergo large settlements under the extra load of embankment. 3. Background 1. Being the construction of formation on compressible marine clay, RDSO/GE directorate was consulted. After carrying out the detailed investigation, RDSO has prepared the consultancy report No. GE-19 of December 1998. Main recommendations of this report were as under: a) 1m top clay was to be excavated and thrown away outside the alignment. It was to be replaced by selected specified compacted soil up to 150 mm below ground level, over which a refilled compacted coarse grained sand filter of thickness 600mm was to be laid where depth of marine clay is up to 4.00 m b) Where the depth of the clay was more than 4 m, use of sand piles of 500 mm dia, at 2000 mm in square pattern, up to the depth of hard strata along with a base layer of 1200 mm thick coarse sand layer with deep cross drains and longitudinal drains on both sides of the embankment was to be adopted. 2. The excess expenditure due to this recommendation was to the tune of Rs. 60 crores. The requirement of the sand would have been approximately 6,00,000 cum. In view of this, the matter was referred back to RDSO to review their recommendations and to suggest another alternative economical method. 3. RDSO, in the revised recommendation, advised not to use sand piles and lay only 300 mm thick sand layer on existing ground. However, in this recommendation RDSO has desired that monitoring of the settlement of the bank as well as development of the pore water pressure in the clay strata below should be done to assess the condition of the incipient failures of the bank so that the construction of the bank can be carried out in stages, keeping necessary interval of time between stages. 4. Therefore, it has been decided to construct the trial embankment with instrumentation to measure the actual settlement and pore water pressure in sub-soil during the construction as well as after completion of the work.

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4. 4.1

Instruments and their installation Vibrating wire type piezometer

A vibrating wire piezometer (VWP) (Fig.3) is designed for taking pore pressure readings electrically in sub-soil.It consists of magnetic, high tensile strength stretched wire, one end of which is anchored and the other end fixed to a diaphragm that deflects in some position to the applied pressure. Any variation in pore pressure causes the diaphragm of the sensor to deflect. This changes the tension in the wire, thus affecting the frequency of vibration. Thus, any change in pore pressure directly affects thetension in the wire. The pore pressure is proportional to the square of the frequency and the read out unit (Fig.4) is able to display this directly in engineering units. The cable iscarried from the piezometer tip to the terminal box and is protected against any possible damage during construction.

Fig. 3 Vibrating wire

piezometer

Fig. 4 Read out unit

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These instruments have been installed at site as per RDSOs pre determined locations and depths, and as per manufacturers installation procedures. Total fourteen numbers of vibrating wire type piezometer (VWP) to measure the water pore pressure in sub-soil has been provided. One VWP has been provided on either side of the embankment at ground water level, and 12 m at the center line of the embankment at the longitudinal interval of 2 m and at vertical interval of 1m depth from ground level i.e. 3 at every 1 m, 2 m, 3 m and 4 m depth from ground level.

Installation of piezometer
i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. Make a 100 mm diameter bore hole up to a depth of 200 mm below the proposed tip level of piezometer and clean the bore. Keep the borehole full with water. Pour measured quantity of saturated clean and well graded sand up to 150 mm depth from the bottom of the hole. Tamp the sand in the hole with a tamping rod. Record the reduced level of the top of the sand layer in bore hole. Lower the piezometer tip assembly along with cable, withdrawing the casing pipe if provided, into the hole as shown in Fig.5. Fill the bore hole with saturated sand, around the piezometer tip about 300 mm above piezometer and gently tamp the sand with a tamping rod. Bentonite seal should be provided over it and fill the remaining bore up to ground level with local clay slurry. Laying of leads: Excavate main and offset trenches for laying the piezometer cables from the hole to the instrument house. Each cable should be properly separated. Cables should not be stretched out prior to backfill and slack of about 10% should be uniformly distributed in each cable, in order to compensate for differential settlement along the length of the cable. After placing the cables, trench should be back filled. A min. 450 mm compacted typical embankment material must cover before allowing movement of any machinery over the trench. Initial readings of all Piezometers are recorded at the time of installation.

xii.

xiii.

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Fig. 5 Typical sketch showing installation of the piezometer

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4.2

Magnetic extensometer PLATE TYPE

It is a device used for monitoring vertical movement/ settlement in embankments/ sub soil. It consists of a magnet, signal receiver, and a probe as a read switch encapsulated inside it. The spider magnets positioned out side a central access tube grip the surrounding soil at locations where displacement is to be monitored. A probe incorporating read switch is lowered within the access tube to sense the position of magnets. The read switch closes on entering a magnetic field and activates a buzzer in the signal receiving instruments. There are 2 types of magnets, the spider magnet to be provided in sub-soil; and the plate type magnet used in embankment above ground (Fig.6).

SPIDER MAGNET
Fig. 6 Plate and spider magnets

The signal receiver consists of a reel with battery pack and buzzer. A 30 m long high tensile, virtually non-stretchable, nylon coated steel flat cable, marked at every 1 cm, connects probe into the signal receiver ( Fig.7).

PROBE

SIGNAL RECEIVER

Fig. 7 Probe and signal receiver

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Installation of magnetic extensometer

i. i. ii. iii. Make a vertical uniform 100 mm dia. borehole upto the hard strata depth. Take PVC pipe of adequate length and plug bottom end. Lower pipe vertically at center of the hole. Insert magnet holder over PVC tube into the hole with the help of graduated GI pipe/ access pipe pushing slowly downwards to place the magnet holder at desired depth as shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 8 Installation of magnetic extensometer After installation of magnet holder, fill the hole with local soil gently, so that position of magnet holder is not disturbed.

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v4.3

Toe movement prints (TMP)

Toe movement points (Fig.9) are provided to record/measure the horizontal movement of the toe due to horizontal displacement of sub-soil. TMP, 25 mm dia., 1.3 m long MS rod with finished top and central punch mark at top, are to be installed in 150mm bore holes in cement concrete about 1.0 m below the ground level and 30 cm above the ground level, at a distance of 10 m intervals on either side of embankment. It enables to record toe movement due to settlement of embankment. Total 24 numbers of TMPs have been provided, 12 on either side of embankment.

Fig. 9 Toe movement point

4.4

Surface settlement points(SSP)

It is provided to record the settlement of ground surface as well as top of the finished earthwork. These are to be installed at pre-determined locations to record surfacesettlement during and after construction of embankment. Surface settlement platform/points (SSP) with M.S. rod of 25 mm dia with non corrosive and machine finished top, fixed at the bottom and grouted in cement concrete. The M.S. rod encased in G.I. casing pipe in concrete platform having 400 mm dia. as per the drawing. Total 8 numbers of SSPs were provided, 6 on the top of the embankment and 1 each on either side of the embankment.

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5. 5.1

Scheme and sequence of construction Location

Construction of rail embankment with instrumentation were done where the depth of marine soft strata is more than 4 m and height of the embankment is more than 10 m. the Scheme of instrumentation is shown in Fig. 10 to 12.

Fig. 10 Scheme of instrumentation

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Fig . 11 Scheme of instrumentation (contd.)

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Fig. 12 Scheme of instrumentation ( contd.)

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5.2

Construction of embankment a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) Removing the vegetation and leveling the ground Laying of 30 cm thick well graded granular soil duly compacted Making the bore at predetermine location for installation of piezometers and magnet extensometers in sub soil Installations of piezometers and magnet extensometers in bore holes as shown in sketch Laying of 30 cm thick sand layers Then the construction of bank is started with side slopes of 2.5:1 The bank is laid in layers of 30 cm. thickness duly compacted to 98% maximum dry density (MDD) Taking the readings of VWP & magnetic extensometer regularly The work of embankment is to be stopped when the pore pressure reading exceeds the 0.7 kg/cm2 till it drops down below this reading

6.

Frequency of observations

In observational method of construction, the embankment is designed with marginal factor of safety. The strength will increase with dissipation of pore water pressure. Thus, it is necessary to keep a close and vigilant watch over pore pressures, settlements and toe movements during construction. In the initial stages, normally up to 2-3 m height of embankment, the observations may be recorded once a week, but as the height of construction increases, frequency of observations required is as under: i. During construction Daily ii. After completion Fortnightly upto 6 months. iii. After completion Monthly after 6 months. 6.1 Readings of piezometers
Height of embankment from GL (m) At the time of installation Earth work up to 1 m Ht 2 m Ht 3 m Ht 4 m Ht Pore pressure in piezometer (Kg/cm2) At depth of At ground water level 0.08 0.05 0.14 0.14 0.13 1m 0.12 0.12 0.31 0.34 0.38 2m 0.22 0.23 0.41 0.45 0.50 3m 0.32 0.32 0.53 0.58 0.6 4m 0.37 0.38 0.59 0.63 0.68

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6.2

Readings of magnetic extensometer Reduced levels of magnetic extensometer

Height of embankment from GL (m) Earth work up to 0 m ht 1 m Ht 2 m Ht 3 m Ht 4 m Ht Net Settlement till date in m

Location of extensometer at depth from ground level (m) 1st at -4.00 -2.545 -2.545 -2.545 -2.605 -2.560 0.015 2nd at -2.00 -0.545 -0.545 -0.560 -0.615 -0.585 0.040 3rd at 0.00 1.455 1.455 1.445 1.380 1.400 0.055 4th at 3.00 4.715

Work is still in progress and earthwork is to be done up to the height of 10m from ground level. 7. Conclusion

Wherever high embankment is required to be constructed on compressible strata or on weak sub-soil, it is better to go for instrumentation by constructing the trial embankment on short stretch. It will help in deciding the
B B B B

Methodology for construction Stages of construction Anticipated settlement of subsoil Designs of side slopes

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TRANSPLANTATION OF TREES FOR EARLY EXECUTION OF DEVELOPMENTAL WORKS

By A. K. Rai*

1.

Introduction

Developmental works, often, necessitate cutting of trees. At times, valuable, grown up trees have to be felled. Besides, sometimes the construction activity has to wait for permission for felling of trees. This results in overall delay in completion of the project. Similar situation arises when individual trees lying close to existing structures cause unsafe conditions for the structure and have to be removed. Transplantation of grown-up trees is a procedure through which this loss of trees can be avoided. The first attempts towards such transplantation were made in U.S.A. in 1970s. Over the years transplantation has been accepted as an alternative to cutting of trees to facilitate developmental activities. In India, isolated relocation of trees were undertaken during 1980s and 1990s to facilitate construction of buildings, widening of roads and other similar projects. In the late 1990s, large-scale transplantation of trees was undertaken in Delhi first to facilitate construction of flyovers and widening of roads, and then for construction of Delhi Metro. Railways have also adopted this practice in several cases. Tiruchirapalli Division of Southern Railway has successfully transplanted grown-up trees at few stations including a century old Peepal tree at Tiruppadiripuliyar station. Recently, in April 2005, fourteen Ashoka trees, lying at the proposed site for new bungalow for Director/IRICEN at Pune, have been shifted to alternate locations. The survival rate of transplanted trees is claimed to be around 70% to 90%. Of course, the survival rate depends on site conditions, size of trees, season and care taken during and after transplantation. This survival rate is considered to be fairly good. In this article the procedure for transplantation and other related issues have been discussed in detail. 2. Best time for transplant

Some species of trees can be transplanted in any moderate season i.e. other than extreme summer and winter. However many delicate species may not survive transplantation in unfavorable conditions. It is preferable to undertake transplantation in autumn or early spring.

Professor (Works), IRICEN, Pune.

Indian Railways Construction Bulletin Vol. 15, No. 1, June 2005

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3.

Preparing the tree

Transplantation of tree is a shock to it. The tree has, therefore, to be prepared to withstand this shock. This is done in two steps, namely preparation of shoot system and preparation of root system. To reduce the requirement of food for the tree, its branches are trimmed. In case of large trees, pruning also becomes necessary from handling considerations. Normally only secondary branches are pruned. At the time of pruning, the tree should be well watered. Saw should be preferred to axe for pruning. The cut ends should be applied with clay or cow dung to prevent drying and growth of fungus. As part of preparing the root system, the roots of the tree are also pruned. This is done by digging a trench around the tree (Fig.1). The location of trenching depends on type and size of the tree (Fig.2). After cutting the trench, overall 50% of the roots are cut with a sharp object. The soil should be kept wet during this activity. After cutting the roots, fungicide is spread on the cut area. Afterwards, root hormone is applied at cut surfaces. Then the trench is filled up with loose soil. At this stage the tree is left for a few days. If considered necessary, the tree should be supported. This activity prepares the tree for transplantation in two ways. Firstly, the trenching facilitates final digging out of the root ball. And secondly, the roots in the cut portion start growing up and are in position to fulfill the requirements of the tree for water and nutrition just after replanting. After the trenching the tree is to be watered regularly. In about three or four weeks the roots start sprouting and the plant is ready for replanting.

Root Pruning Trench

Fig. 1 Trenching scheme

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Fig. 2 Trenching around the tree

4.

Site selection

The transplantation site should be chosen close to the original location so that the damage caused to the tree in transportation is minimal. The site chosen for planting should be suitable to the particular species in terms of soil type, moisture, drainage, light and wind. The selected site should match with the original location. In case suitable conditions are not available naturally, the site conditions will have to be suitably modified. 5. Digging out

Unlike the fully mechanized digging out in U.S.A. and other developed countries, the digging out is done manually in India. The tree should be well watered for two-three days before the digging. It should be ensured that the plant roots do not get dried during the transplantation process. The tree is dug out with its soil ball. The root system together with soil ball is called root ball. The size of root ball should cover major roots. A root-ball diameter equal to 6 inches for each inch of trunk diameter can be taken as rough norm. In case of shrubs the root ball diameter should be about half of the branch spread. The root ball depth should cover all major roots. The cutting of roots should be done with sharp tools. For digging out, the trench dug earlier should be extended all around the tree and should be dug deep enough to get below the major roots. All the roots should be completely cut before taking out the root ball.

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6.

Plantation pits

Proper planting pits are must for survival of transplanted trees. The pits should be approximately two times wider than the root ball of the tree (Fig.3). The sides of the pit should be roughened. The depth of the pit should be at least equal to the depth of root ball. The pit should be treated with fungicide.

2 times the root ball width

Fig. 3 Planting pit

7.

Uprooting and transportation

The branches of the tree may have to be tied up to prevent injury during digging or transportation. It is also advisable to mark one side of the trunk so that the tree can be planted in the same orientation. In the entire process the tree should be protected from direct sunlight and winds. It is preferable to carryout the exercise in evening or night. The time taken in transportation and replanting should be kept minimal. The area around the tree is watered taking care that the area doesnt become muddy and difficult to work in. Then the trenching around the tree is completed. As 50% roots had already been cut at the time of preparing root system, the remaining 50% roots are cut clean with sharp tools, treated with fungicide and applied with root hormone. The root ball is then covered with jute cloth or any similar material and kept damp during the transplantation. It is desirable to treat the jute cloth with fungicide and insecticide. It is a good practice to carry sufficient soil from the original place. Once the root ball is completely cut and covered, the tree is held with the help of chain. Then the tree is lifted by a hydraulic crane of sufficient capacity ( Fig.4). The tree is then taken to the new site either directly by the crane (Fig.5) or by using a trailer. While transporting, the tree should be adequately supported and protected. Tall trees would particularly require supports.

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Fig. 4 Uprooting of tree

Fig. 5 Shifting of uprooted tree

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8.

Planning

The bottom of the planting pit should be filled with sand. Then the pit should be sprayed with fungicide and adequately watered before planting. The tree is lowered in the pit with the keep of crane. The tree is planted at the same depth as in the previous location. While planting it is preferable to retain the orientation of the plant relative to sun. Then the pit is filled with good soil. 9. Post plantation care

Subsequent to the re-plantation, the tree should be provided with sufficient water and nutrition. After the transplantation, the trees shed leaves but sprouting takes place after the tree adjusts to the new site. Complete acclimatisation may take three to four months and during this period the tree should be taken good care of. To match the food habit of the tree, it is always advisable to use the same soil in the immediate vicinity. Supply of water and nutrients should be controlled. 10. Expenditure of transplantation

In Indian conditions the expenditure of transplantation of mature trees is reported to be between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 8000 per tree. Obviously the expenditure will depend on size of tree and distance of new site. However, this expenditure is small as compared to the value of the grown up trees and benefits that accrue to the society. 11. Conclusion

The process of transplantation has now been accepted as a viable option to cutting of trees to facilitate new construction. It would also help preserve grown-up trees of rare variety and trees having historical significance. Adoption of transplantation techniques is also likely to expedite commencement of projects, as it would be easier to obtain necessary clearances for transplantation than for cutting of trees.

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