Vertical spatial correlation length based on standard penetration tests

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe spatial correlation length (SCL), or the scale of fluctuation, is a parameter for describing the spatial variability of soil and one of the important parameters used in random field theory. Studies reporting the spatial correlation length based on real field data of offshore/nearshore sea bottom soils are rather limited in the literature, so in this study, the vertical spatial correlation length is determined using site investigation data from two sites of the southern coast of Turkey. Based on quite extensive data, the vertical spatial correlation length is estimated using four different autocovariance functions. The values are within typical ranges reported in the literature for similar soil groups, both onshore and offshore. It is also noted that the widely-used exponential function almost always gives the lowest value of spatial correlation length. The results of this study add to the database of spatial correlation lengths based on real data and could be useful for future studies on reliability assessment of offshore foundations using random finite element method.