Correlation of shear-wave velocities and cone resistance of quaternary glacial sandy soils defined by Seismic Cone Penetration Test (SCPT)

Abstract

The derivation of dynamic geotechnical parameters of soil are of primary importance in designing specific structures. Direct measurements are expensive and time-consuming. In this study the correlation between the seismic wave velocities and cone resistance was derived from seismic cone penetration testing (SCPT) of Quaternary glacial sandy soils in Lithuania. The close relationship was obtained for sandy soils indicating wide range of cone resistance and seismic wave velocities. The correlation is as high as R = 0.80. The derived regression equation could be reasonably used in assessing dynamic geotechnical and seismic parameters in Lithuania and other territories characterized by similar geological conditions using conventional cone penetration testing (CPT) method. It enables consistent geotechnical and seismic zoning of sandy soils.