Spatial correlation structures of CPT data in a liquefaction site

Abstract

In this paper the spatial structures of cone penetration test parameters in a liquefaction site in Taiwan are estimated based on multiple CPTs conducted in-situ. The study area was divided into three sub-regions based on the geological condition of the study area. The results show that in the vertical profile, cone tip resistance ( q c ) has a larger scale of fluctuation (SOF) than that of sleeve friction ( f s ). The soil profile which is composed of various sources and complex process of deposition has a smaller SOF in q c parameter. However, the spatial structure in f s parameter is not sensitive to the geological formation. The analysis results of the CPT data in horizontal direction indicate that the correlation distances of q c and f s in horizontal direction are similar. The horizontal spatial structure is dominated by the anisotropy of the geological and river systems. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that a proper geological zonation is necessary for estimating the spatial structure in both the vertical and horizontal directions.