CHAPTER II

TECHNICAL STUDY

This chapter covers the technical data, information and details needed prior to the

proposed design. It discusses the specific data that presents a more technical and in-depth

analysis of the design project. Also included in this chapter are the constraints in terms of

environmental, safety, project and other theoretical approaches and basis used in the

conduct of the design.

A. Technical Data, Information and Details

An outline of field and laboratory methods involving both simple and complex

techniques that were accomplished for site characterization are necessary to formulate

geotechnical study for the engineering design of the proposed type of project. This

includes evaluation of the site for idealized condition and its implication with physical

and engineering realities that are influential in proper selection and construction of any

foundations or structures on the area.

The survey data of the project location are provided on Table 1 presenting the site

line bearing and line distances.

Table 1
Lot Bearing of the Site
Line Bearing Distance
1–2 N 03°25’31” W 134.9003
2–3 N 69°28’00” W 32.2838
3–4 N 71°39’27” W 51.3192
4–5 N 05°08’00” W 121.5259
5–1 N 80°23’00” W 82.9231
Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

The whole project covers an area of 10,000 square meters. The estimated net floor

area of the convention center is 3,494.15 square meters. Figure 5 below shows the

location points of the project site bearing.

Figure 5. Site Bearing Location Point

According to Calapan ecological profile, Barangay Tawiran has a soil type of San

Manuel Silt Loam. San Manuel Silt Loam’s surface soil is coarse granular and

mellow when moist. The boundary with the lower layer is diffuse. The subsoil is

pale brown silt loam to fine sandy loam with yellowish brown streaks; slightly

compact.

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

Considering the type of soil in Barangay Tawiran, the allowable bearing capacity

is also observed. According to a geotechnical investigation report of a four-storey

office building in Barangay Tawiran, the allowable or safe bearing resistance is based

on shear failure control taking into consideration the absence of groundwater level

for shallow area.

The effect of footing width on bearing capacity and settlement is shown

conceptually in the figure below. For narrowing footing widths, the allowable bearing

capacity is controlled by shear-failure considerations, but as footing width increases,

the allowable bearing capacity is limited by settlement potential of the soils

supporting the footing.

Source: Geotechnical Investigation Report of BIR RR9 DPD Building

Figure 6. Allowable Bearing Capacity Controlled by Shear Failure

Considerations versus Settlement Considerations

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

Based on the investigation report under shear failure and load-settlement criteria,

the recommended allowable bearing capacity and other strength parameters for general

condition is intended for shallow foundation to provide sufficient margin of safety with

respect to bearing failures and deformation or settlement. Table 2 presents the

allowable bearing capacity for certain footing depths and other strength parametes to

be considered.

Table 2
Allowable Bearing Capacity and Other Strength Parameters
Vertical
Modulus
Allowable Unit Weight Shear Strength of
Footing Bearing Subgrade
Depth, Capacity, Reaction
m kPa (psf) Moist Angle of Cohesion,
kN/m3 submerged Friction, su kPa MPa/m
ø (deg) (psf)
Above Unsuitable - 15 8 1
3m
> 3.0 m 40 (840) - 16 14 2

> 4.0 m 60 (1260) - 16

> 5.0 m 80 (1680) - 16 16 8

> 6.0 m 115 (2415) - 18

Groundwater Table 0m to -0.34m depth with respect to the surface.

Source: Geotechnical Investigation Report of BIR RR9 DPD Building

However, greater rigidity can be attained by using deep foundation either driven or

bored pile. This may require conducting preliminary load testing prior to construction

or deeper soil investigation as no sound formation of soil was encountered through

limited observation of 20 m maximum.

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

B. Nature of Services

The multi-purpose convention center is composed of facilities with different

functions. Spaces are provided for conventions, sports and recreational activities. It is

designed to be flexible and complex in order to maximize the benefit of the public.

With different athletic facility design, the city aims to become the center of sports

events specifically of basketball, volleyball, badminton, sepak takraw, loan tennis, and

even swimming competitions. The proposed project will provide opportunity to many

sports aspirants from Calapan and other towns within the province of Oriental Mindoro.

The ability to cordon off spaces, provide flexibility to host different types of events

and still facilitate flow, security and visibility is critical. With that matter, the Calapan

Convention Center will be managed by the city government. It will be open for public

use in any day and will not only accommodate, but will actually enhance the experience

of each user group.

C. Potential Users

Beneficiaries of the proposed development plan of multi-purpose convention center

are ultimately the potential users and tourists of the city. The project does not only offer

convenience for holding events or serve as a training ground to Calapaneños athletes

but to all the people and visitors of the Oriental Mindoro province.

Different athletes will be the main users of the facility. Within the development

plan are other courts for sports events like badminton, sepak takraw, volleyball, and

loan tennis. A swimming track and a grandstand are also designed for water sports

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

competitions. Likewise, such facility will also be used for conventions, meetings, and

concerts.

Implementation of the proposed project in Calapan would not only bring back the

life of sports competitions and recreational activities but would also boost the economy

of tourism. Besides, the project would be an addition to the picturesque beauty of the

“Gateway to the Golden Aisle”.

D. Environmental Constraints

There are constraints in every working environment and the construction industry

having a rather huge impact on the environment probably comes as no surprise.

Technically, it requires an extensive amount of materials and energy to create buildings

and infrastructures. Assessing environmental constraints is an essential way to limit

factors concerning geographical location, geological features, excavation, tree and

wildlife preservation, hazardous materials, and other pollutants.

The project location is an agricultural land and does not have trees to be cut for site

clearing. However, some construction activities contribute to air pollution in terms of

high level of dust and noise pollution mainly produced by heavy equipment and other

machinery. To prevent these, the site is dampen with water and the other parts are

screened to control the dust from spreading. Preventing environmental damage will

require additional effort but will bring a a better project output.

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

E. Safety Constraints

In most industrialized countries, the construction industry is one of the most

significant in terms of contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). In the Philippines,

it is expected to continue playing an important role in projecting the country’s

economic growth. As the employment in the industry continuous to grow, so does the

need to protect more construction workers from hazards present in a construction site.

According to In-Ju Kim (2017), the construction industry is one of the most hazardous

and accident-prone working environment and is one of the highest risk businesses as

far as its activities are concerned. Construction site injuries can be among the most

lethal injuries and taking steps to prevent accidents is the most effective way.

Control of accident is vital in the construction industry. Employers are required to

access risk and take practical measures to protect, ensure safety and health of their

worker and minimize risk by means of continuous surveillance, and monitor where

accidents are likely to occur (Odetoyinbo O.A., 1986).

Most construction site injuries can be traced to just a handful of causes. Accidents

may be caused of exhaustion, trips and falls, falling objects and machinery failure.

Moreover, accidents may be due to negligence, poor communication, unregulated

practices, and adhering to traditional methods of working. Minimizing workers’

exposure to these risk factors is a good way to start with regard to accident prevention.

In line with the proposed project design of multi-purpose convention center in

Tawiran, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, handling and transport of materials and

equipment are highly considered. Implementation of safety policy, use of safety items

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

and gears, training on safety measures and accident prevention methods, ensuring safe

working environment and enforcing safety rules should be carried out.

Before entering the construction site, workers are required to have their Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE). These are to be supplied to all workers and even to

personnel who visits the site. PPE may include helmet, safety glasses, protective

gloves, safety vests, proper clothing, face shield, safety footwear, and safety harness.

Health and safety training also promotes safety awareness on construction site. It is

required for a construction site to provide temporary facilities and services including

utilities, construction and support facilities, security, and protection. For security and

protection, proper signs and barricades must be provided on the site to prevent people

from wandering onto the construction site and possibly get hurt by falling debris.

Causes and prevention of accidents, safety regulations and emergency procedures

must be addressed to all workers. First aid services and provisions for medical care

shall be made available by the employer for every employee. Health and safety policy

includes fire protection policy in sites. Emergency plan and procedures must be

practiced and followed.

F. Project Constraints

If constraints are better understood at the outset, it is believed that better

performance can be assured. Thus, knowing the project constraints is a pre-condition

for achieving high performance in the construction working environment. They

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

describe the relationship between your objectives and the methods of achieving them.

However, there can be situations that we are unaware of the existence of these

constraints and just tend to put more emphasis on the project goals. Constraints should

be identified and described in as much detail as possible during the early stages of a

project, so their potential impact can be managed.

Constraints may cause undesirable consequences or may not be supportive of the

project goals. It is the environment and the limitations of the system which dictates the

solutions (Stein 1997). Identifying and removing constraints from bottleneck activities

help reduce uncertainties in construction processes and increase the transparency of

project management. Each project has its own goals and tasks to be completed at a time

specified. Since the project is a local government project, minimum budget is expected.

However, work procedures must be finished according to the work timeline and

resources.

Barangay Tawiran is categorized as under Seismic Zone 4 with Seismic Source

Type A as influenced by Central Mindoro Fault and Aglubang River Fault on the

southwest to south proximity of Mindoro Island; and Lubang Fault on the northwest-

north area. Likewise, the province of Oriental Mindoro is part of the active Marikina

Fault Valley and Western Philippine Fault, earthquake belts, which the Philippine

Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recently predicted can trigger

major earth movement or tremor anytime (Mahusay, J., 2011). In November 1994, an

intensity 7 earthquake struck the City of Calapan and Baco town that resulted to deaths

and destruction of properties. However, based on findings of the recent study of

Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) it appears that the city of

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

Calapan, towns of Baco and Naujan were already a low-land surface that further tilted

downward due to the 1994 earthquake.

According to a Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) report, the uniform shifting

of the major river systems at the eastern half of Mindoro Island could be a consequence

of geologically recent tectonic activities which tilted depositional platform of Mindoro

Island. The southern end on Manila Trench cuts through the southern end of Mindoro

Island and this geologic feature may be connected to the presence of a thrust faulting

at the southern tip of the island province. This thrust fault may have caused southern

margin of the island to rise thus, tipping island to the northerly direction resulting to

the dipping of the northern coastline where Barangay Tawiran, Calapan City is located.

The MGB report proves that the city of Calapan has a low elevation of lands and is

vulnerable to flooding. Table 3 shows that broad alluvial plain is dominant within the

city with a percentage of 76.02. These areas are level to gently sloping (0% to 3% slope)

and ranges from 3 to 15 meters in elevation. It is composed of clay, silt, sand, gravel

and cobbles deposited from the highlands by rivers and streams. The town is

surrounded by rivers like Mag-asawang Tubig, Pangalaan and Bucayao River. Hence,

the risk of perennial flooding in the city is high due to huge river basin and high alluvial

plain.

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

Table 3

Land Management Units (Lowland) in Calapan and their Physiographic and

Hydrological Properties

LMU Land Area Share

Symbol Management (has.) (%)
Physiography Hydrological
Unit
Properties
Level, 0 to 1 percent Poorly drained
slope, 0 to 1.5 mts.
01 Fishpond 588 2.61
Elevation
Mangrove Level, 0 to 2 percent Poorly drained
and Nipa slope, 0 to 2 mts.
02 720 3.20
Elevation, concave

03 Beach ridge Level to nearly level, 0 Very rapid infiltration 424 1.88
and swales to 3 mts. Elevation and permeability rate,
moderately well-
drained to poorly
drained

Level to gently sloping, Moderate to slow

0 to 3 percent slope, 3 to infiltration and
09 Broad 17,119 76.02
15 meters elevation, permeability rate,
Alluvial Plain
seasonal flooding of moderately well-
depressed areas drained to poorly
drained

Swamps and Level to nearly level, 0

Marshes-tree to 1 percent slope, 3 to 5
10 Very poorly drained 28 0.12
type mts. Elevation, concave

Swamps and Level to nearly level, 0

marshes to 1 percent slope, 3 to 5
11 Very poorly drained 173 0.77
mts. Elevation, concave
Source: Calapan SEPP 1980

Construction of a convention facility along the area may bring a lot of concern.

There may be large amount of soil embankment to be used since the sloping ranges

from 0 to 3 percent only.

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Proposed Development Plan of Multi-Purpose Chapter II: Technical Study
Convention Center in Brgy. Tawiran,
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Marasigan, D. F., Politico, R. T. T., Soquiat, S. S.

With an allotted area of 10, 000 square meters, challenges also lies in constructing

and maximizing the space for the proposed project. The city government aims to use

the project not only for conventions and meeting events but also to hold different sports

competitions. Based on the site development plan, a basketball, badminton, lawn tennis

court, and a swimming track are also included in the proposed design. Designing these

would be a concern because the allotted area may seem to be small for a convention

center or sports complex. The researchers are challenged to maximize the area for best

accommodation and to come up with the best design while incorporating civil

engineering techniques.

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