Correlations between Shear Wave Velocity and Geotechnical Parameters for Jiangsu Clays of China

Abstract

The shear wave velocity ( $$V_{\text{s}}$$ ) is an important factor reflecting the dynamic characteristics of soil. Measured $$V_{\text{s}}$$ values are always used in combination with laboratory parameters (e.g., effective confining pressure, $$\sigma_{\text{m}}^{{\prime }}$$ , and void ratio, e) and in situ penetration parameters from the standard penetration test (SPT) and piezocone penetration testing (CPTU). This study aims not only to estimate Vs based on correlations with other parameters in the absence of site-specific data, but also to outline relationships for estimation of soil properties. A database of seismic CPTU (SCPTU) and soil properties information for Jiangsu clays in East China was used to develop correlations between $$V_{\text{s}}$$ and geotechnical parameters (vertical effective stress, unit weight, preconsolidation stress, site-specific parameters, undrained shear strength, and CPTU net cone resistance). Laboratory tests were carried out on thin-walled tube samples and high-quality block samples to measure soil properties. The results showed that the predicted values of $$V_{\text{s}}$$ were in good accordance with measured values from field tests, especially the Vs values predicted from the CPTU net cone resistance. The relationship between $$V_{\text{s}}$$ and the undrained shear strength showed better performance than the others. The good relationships between $$V_{\text{s}}$$ and geotechnical parameters could be used to interpret engineering properties of Jiangsu clays for site investigation.