A unified CPT–SPT correlation for non-crushable and crushable cohesionless soils

Abstract

Despite the continuous developments in the Cone Penetration Test (CPT), the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is still used extensively in site investigations. Hence, there is a constant need to update the CPT–SPT correlations to make use of the growing experience with the CPT. Many CPT–SPT correlations have been proposed based on case histories of predominantly quartzitic/non-crushable sands; yet, more efforts are needed to enhance their reliability. Additionally, recent studies were carried out on calcareous/crushable sands have shown that the common CPT–SPT correlations for these sands are even less reliable than they are for quartzitic sands. In this study, a proposed approach is presented to define the related soil compressibility parameters of the CPT–SPT correlations. The presented methodology enhances the reliability of the CPT–SPT correlations and provides a unified approach encompassing both crushable and non-crushable sands.