Relationship of Plasticity Index of Soil with Laboratory and Field Electrical Resistivity Values

Abstract

Borehole sampling and laboratory soil characterizations provide accurate engineering properties, yet it is time-consuming and expensive. Geo-electrical survey is an attractive tool for delineating subsurface properties without soil disturbance. The primary objective of the current research work is to investigate the relationship between electrical resistivity and plasticity index of soil. The results from electrical resistivity tests (field and laboratory) and Atterburg limit tests were analyzed to understand the relationship between electrical resistivity and plasticity index of soil. Plasticity index have a significant correlation with field and laboratory electrical resistivity values for all soil samples. It was found that silty sand soil samples are characterized by higher plasticity index and lower resistivity values whereas sandy soil samples have lower plasticity index and higher resistivity values.