Project Title

Geotechnical Investigation and Assessment for the Proposed Metro Manila Subway Project


Client

Soil Philippines Index Testing, Inc. for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)


Location

Metro Manila

The proposed Metro Manila Subway Project covers a 25-kilometer underground mass transportation system connecting major business districts and government centers in the National Capital Region north and south, from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, comprising of thirteen (13) stations.  This project will be financed by official development assistance (loan) coursed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).


AMH, together with Soil Philippines Index Testing Inc., was engaged by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Design Team to conduct the geotechnical investigation and evaluation for the project, which included drilling of a total of 162 boreholes located along the alignment of the subway. Ground survey was undertaken to establish the coordinates and ground elevation at each borehole location, Ground Penetrating Radar was used to detect underground utilities prior to drilling operation, Seismic Velocity Logging estimated the hardness of the bedrock and the rippability in cutting work and the selection of the shield machine type, and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity testing was utilized to determine the natural ground strength ratio of the bedrock.


Based on the results of the field and laboratory testing, soil shear strength parameters (soil and rock) and bearing capacities were evaluated and potential geotechnical hazards such as the presence of groundwater inrush, ground inflow, etc. were identified. AMH also provided technical supervision on the drilling operations and field works.