Appendix H Geotechnical Investigation - 14-16 Mary Street, Noosaville - Bounce Hostels 15.6.2018

J000605-001-R-Rev1                                                                                   March 2018


4.0        METHOD OF INVESTIGATION
4.1 Review of available information
To assess likely ground conditions and assist in developing a geological model for the site, a review of
published geological maps was undertaken (refer Section 5.1).

4.2 Fieldwork
Fieldwork was conducted on 28 February 2018 in the presence of a geotechnical engineer from Core. Prior
to carrying out the borehole drilling, a Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) search was carried out. Borehole
locations were assessed for underground services by a licenced contractor.
Four boreholes (designated BH1 to BH4) were drilled across the proposed development footprint at the
locations shown on the attached Figure 1.
The boreholes were drilled using a utility-mounted drill rig using open-hole augering. Borehole depths ranged
between 6.5 m and 9 m below ground level. Dynamic cone penetrometer testing (DCP) was conducted
within the boreholes, with pocket penetrometer testing carried out on disturbed clay samples (off the auger).
Soil samples were recovered from the boreholes for laboratory testing (refer Section 4.3).
Borehole positions were recorded in the field using a handheld GPS unit.
Reports of Boreholes are attached in Appendix A, together with explanatory notes. Subsurface conditions
are discussed in Section 5.2.

4.3 Laboratory testing
Soil samples were sent to the NATA-accredited Eurofins laboratory for ASS testing. Laboratory test results
are attached in Appendix B, and discussed in Section 7.0.

5.0        INVESTIGATION RESULTS
5.1 Available geological & geotechnical information
Published information1 indicates that the site is underlain by Quaternary aged “estuarine, channels and
banks”.
Our experience in the area is that ground conditions generally comprise fill over alluvial sand and clay,
underlain by stiff to hard residual clay.
The subsurface conditions encountered (described in Section 5.2) generally confirm the published geology
and our previous experience in the area.
5.2 Subsurface conditions
The subsurface conditions encountered in the boreholes generally comprised:

          About 1 m of dense sandy fill, underlain by
          A former topsoil layer of about 0.2 m thick, over
          Sand alluvium to about 5 m depth (typically medium dense to very dense, some loose)
          Firm to stiff clays to between 5.8 m and 6.5 m depth, underlain by
          Stiff to hard clays to the investigation depth.
Groundwater was encountered in all four boreholes at between 0.9 m and 1.3 m depth.
Subsurface conditions are discussed in more detail in sections 5.2.1 to 5.2.4.
5.2.1 Fill
Fill depths in the boreholes range between 0.7 m and 1.1 m depth BGL. The fill is generally sandy and
dense, with varying gravel and clay content.


1   GYMPIE SPECIAL 1:100,000 Geol. Map, DME, 1999



                                                       2