Characterization and Geotechnical Properties of Piedmont Residual Soils

Abstract

In this paper, characterization and geotechnical properties of Piedmont residual soils are presented for two research sites located at the Carolina slate and Charlotte belts of North Carolina. Similar to most other residual soils, the index and geotechnical properties of the Piedmont residual soils are highly variable. Site investigations were conducted at the test sites using standard penetration test (SPT) and borehole shear test (BST). Also, a series of laboratory tests were performed to obtain consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial strengths and index properties of the soils. By comparing the CU strength of the soils to the borehole shear data at known moisture contents, the strength properties attributable to degree of saturation or suction were estimated.