Soil Analysis and Foundation Assessment for Mtuba Sports Complex Construction
EngeoLabCC conducted a geotechnical investigation for the Mtuba Sports Complex stadium construction, focusing on soil stability, settlement analysis, and foundation suitability. The investigation included test pit profiling, in-situ soil testing, and detailed settlement calculations to ensure safe structural support for the stadium’s reinforced concrete columns.
- Company Details
- Sevices Provide
- Project Timeline
- Location
- Mtuba Sports Complex Project
- Geotechnical consulting, test pit profiling, dynamic penetration testing (DPSH), Marchetti flat dilatometer
- Not specified
- Mtubatuba, South Africa
Project Description
EngeoLabCC conducted a comprehensive geotechnical investigation for the proposed Mtuba Sports Complex stadium to assess soil stability and foundation safety for the reinforced concrete column design. The stadium was planned with a 7.5m x 7.5m grid of reinforced concrete columns, designed to bear dead loads of 1350 kN and live loads of 350 kN, with wall loads estimated around 250 kN/m.
The fieldwork included a walk-over site inspection, followed by the excavation and profiling of five test pits. In-situ testing consisted of Dynamic Penetration Super Heavy (DPSH) and Marchetti Dilatometer Tests (DMT) performed at key points near test pits 1, 4, and 5. These tests provided data on soil consistency, strength, and load-bearing capacity.
The site was characterised by loose to medium dense sands intercalated with silts, clays, and sand-clay mixes, underlain by a basal pebble layer resting on basalt bedrock approximately 18m below the surface. Geotechnical software including Geostru LoadCap, RocScience Settle 3D, and proprietary Dilatometer software were used to perform settlement calculations and evaluate soil compressibility and deformation characteristics.
Results indicated varying settlement behaviours depending on foundation type. For the strip footings, settlement was calculated at approximately 45mm due to a deeper depth of significant influence (DOSI). The square footings (1.8m x 1.8m) were estimated to experience around 59mm of settlement due to higher foundation pressures. Both designs showed potential compression zones affecting the soft clay layer, suggesting a second zone of settlement risk.
The investigation provided critical data to guide foundation design, ensuring structural safety and long-term stability for the stadium’s construction. Further recommendations included careful monitoring of settlement zones and appropriate adjustments to foundation dimensions to mitigate identified risks.