Evaluation of geotechnical parameters of a lagoonal clay deposit in Jiangsu Lixia River area of China by seismic piezocone tests

Abstract

The use of the Seismic Piezocone Test (SCPTU) in geotechnical site investigation offers field assessment on stratigraphy and soil behavior. Compared with some traditional investigation methods such as drilling, sampling and field inspecting method or laboratory test procedures, SCPTU can greatly accelerate the field work and hereby reduce corresponding operation cost. The results of a site investigation on the soft, normally to slightly overconsolidated, Lixia River lagoonal clay deposit underlying several expressway lines, including a seismic piezocone penetration test, undisturbed sampling from an adjacent borehole, and laboratory testing, are reported. The determination of soil profile and the main geotechnical properties is facilitated by the use of seismic piezocone penetration test that can provide up to four independent reading with depth from a single sounding. The coupled use of normalized cone resistance and pore pressure parameter provides a simple and quick soil classification for highly interbedding of Lixia River lagoon ground. Comparison of the results reveals the validity of SCPTU tests to interpret the engineering properties of Lixia River lagoonal clay. These data will also be particularly useful for future local construction work.