Abstract
In situ geotechnical testing of surficial sediment layers in areas of active sediment dynamics can provide essential information about physical and geotechnical variations of sediment properties, which have the potential to contribute to engineering activities in subaqueous environments. Portable free fall penetrometers have been used for the rapid geotechnical investigation of subaqueous sediment layers. However, data analysis methods and interpretation are still hampered by a lack of understanding of surficial sediment layer mechanics. Field measurements were conducted at four different locations along the York River Estuary in Virginia, USA. A portable free fall penetrometer was deployed 45 times, and complementary sediment samples were collected. The collected samples were tested and analyzed to obtain vertical profiles of bulk densities and grain size distribution through the upper seabed, X-ray images of sediment texture, and the erodibility of the sediment surfaces. The data were investigated regarding the impact of sedimentological characteristics on the in situ geotechnical behavior of surface sediments. With regard to processes and forces governing the resistance against the penetrating object at the surface of the seabed, the role of soil drag and soil buoyancy was explored. The results indicated that soil buoyancy has a limited influence on the sediment resistance, but soil drag seemed to have a significant impact, especially in the case of loose sand or soft mud top layers. The erodibility of surficial sediments appeared inversely proportional to the geotechnical sediment strength, providing empirical insight into a possible correlation of sediment strength and erodibility. In conclusion, a coupled analysis of geotechnical and sedimentological properties of surficial layers allowed insights into a potential transition from fluid-like to soil behavior of the uppermost seabed surface layers, and potential relations between sedimentological characteristics and in situ geotechnical properties.
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