Our Projects

Date: 28-08-2026

Team Members: Sharvesh R (Quality Manager, Geotechnical Engineer), V. Aravindhan (Geotechnical Engineer), S Hariharan (Geotechnical Engineer), Anima SR (Geologist), Jomey M. Susan Abraham (Geologist), P. Vijay (Project Coordinator)

Blog Writer: Jomey M. Susan Abraham, Geologist

Project in one line: A field-based waste characterization and geotechnical investigation undertaken at selected KSWMP locations in Shornur and Cherpulassery to understand waste characteristics and subsurface conditions.

Project Snapshot

• Locations: Shornur & Cherpulassery, Kerala
• Trial Pits: 7
• SPT: SPT

Detailed Project Execution Sequence

1. Project initiation and scope confirmation
2. Site Reconnaissance: Field visit and preliminary assessment
3. Mobilization: Equipment, manpower and field preparation
4. Location Marking: Identification of investigation points
5. Trial Pit Excavation: Excavation and waste exposure
6. Waste Sampling: Representative sample collection
7. Waste Characterization: Segregation, weighing and composition
8. Borehole Drilling: Subsurface investigation
9. SPT & Sampling: In-situ penetration testing and recovery
10. Laboratory Testing: Testing of collected samples
11. Engineering Analysis: Compilation and interpretation
12. Report & Submission: Technical reporting and client submission

Starting at the Site

The field programme began with site reconnaissance, mobilization and location marking. The investigation then moved into trial-pit excavation and representative waste sampling.

Waste Characterization

Waste characterization determines the composition of the waste stream by identifying, segregating and weighing representative waste fractions. For this project, the field programme included 7 trial pits, waste profiling, sample collection, logging and preservation. The stated sampling detail is 14 samples per 100 kg.

Waste characterization in the field involved excavation and separation of the waste using a JCB up to a depth of 3 m. The excavated waste was then segregated and quartered systematically, and representative samples were collected from the quartered material. All collected samples were properly labeled, documented, and preserved for further laboratory analysis.

Field Waste to a Representative Sample

The excavated waste is spread on a clean surface, thoroughly mixed and reduced using the quartering approach until a representative sample size is obtained.

1. Collect
2. Spread
3. Mix
4. Conical Heap
5. Four Quarters
6. Remove Opposite Two
7. Representative Sample

Sequence of Characterization: Sample Spread → Mix → Form conical heap → Divide into four quarters → Discard two diagonally opposite quarters → Mix remaining quarters → Collect representative sample → Label & preserve.

Waste Segregation & Measurement

The reduced sample is manually separated into predefined waste categories. Each fraction is weighed using a calibrated balance and recorded in the field data sheet.

Categories include: BIODEGRADABLE, PAPER, PLASTIC, GLASS, METALS, TEXTILES, RUBBER, WOOD, LEATHER, DOMESTIC HAZARDOUS, MISC.

The collected samples were subjected to laboratory analysis for the specified chemical parameters, in addition to the physical characterization, to determine their overall composition and characteristics.

Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

Reference standard: IS 2131 — Method for Standard Penetration Test for Soils.

Following the waste characterization study, borehole investigation and SPT were undertaken to assess the in-situ penetration resistance and document subsurface conditions at the investigated locations.

SPT Field Sequence

1. Advance Borehole: Drill to the required test depth and prepare the borehole.
2. Position Sampler: Place the standard split-spoon sampler at the test level.
3. Drive Sampler: Conduct the SPT using the prescribed hammer arrangement.
4. Record Penetration: Record penetration and blow observations.
5. Determine N-Value: Determine N-value in accordance with IS 2131.
6. Recover Sample: Recover, identify and preserve the disturbed sample.
7. Log the Stratum: Record depth, sample description and field observations.

From Field Work to Engineering Information

The integrated field investigation provides a structured basis for understanding waste characteristics and subsurface conditions and for developing the project technical report.

Falcon Industrial Testing Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. successfully completed a comprehensive geotechnical field investigation at Malur, Karnataka, to characterize subsurface conditions and evaluate key in-situ engineering properties. The programme comprised Standard Penetration Testing (SPT), Electrical Resistivity Testing (ERT), and Field California Bearing Ratio (CBR) testing.

Project at a Glance

Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

Standard Penetration Testing was carried out at two designated boreholes, BH-01 and BH-02, with reference to IS 2131, to assess in-situ ground resistance and document changes in subsurface strata with depth.

Field California Bearing Ratio (CBR)

Field CBR testing was conducted at three designated locations to assess the in-situ strength and load-bearing characteristics of the subgrade soil, with reference to IS 2720 (Part 31). At each location the surface was trimmed and levelled, the loading plate/mould assembly positioned, and a 50 mm diameter penetration piston advanced while load–penetration readings were recorded at 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm penetration.

Electrical Resistivity Testing (ERT)

ERT was conducted at two designated points using the Wenner four-electrode arrangement to evaluate the electrical resistivity characteristics of the subsurface.

Four electrodes were positioned in a straight line with equal spacing. A known electrical current was introduced into the ground through the two outer electrodes, while the potential difference was measured between the two inner electrodes. Apparent electrical resistivity was calculated from the measured current, potential difference and electrode spacing, and the recorded field values were compiled for technical interpretation of subsurface conditions, including changes in soil/rock strata, moisture conditions and possible anomalous zones.

Conclusion

The geotechnical field investigation at Malur, Karnataka, comprised two SPT boreholes, two ERT points and three Field CBR locations. The study gives the client data to take decisions on foundation type, safe bearing capacity of the soil, foundation depth, soil and rock profile, subgrade reaction, and electrical resistivity of soil for earthing purposes.

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