In Situ Testing in Geomechanics The Main Tests

Demanding a thorough knowledge of material behaviour and numerical modelling, site characterisation and in situ test interpretation are no longer just basic empirical recommendations. Giving a critical appraisal of the understanding and assessment of the stress-strain-time and strength characteristics of geomaterials, this book explores new interpretation methods for measuring properties of a variety of soil formations. Emphasis is given to the five most commonly encountered in situ test techniques: standard penetration tests cone penetration tests vane test pressuremeter tests dilatometer tests Ideal for practising engineers in the fields of geomechanics and environmental engineering, this book solves numerous common problems in site characterisation. It is also a valuable companion for students coming to the end of their engineering courses and looking to work in this sector.

ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgementsList of symbolsIntroductionGeneral considerationsCodes of practiceInterpretation methodsScope and purposesStandard penetration test (SPT)General considerationsStandards and proceduresWave propagation analysisMeasurements and correctionsCharacterization and classificationSoil properties in granular materials Soil properties in cohesive materialsSoil properties in bonded soilsSoil properties in weak rockDirect design methodsSoil liquefactionConcluding remarksNotesPiezocone penetration test (CPTU)Equipment and proceduresNew developmentsSpecifications and standardsTest resultsSoil classificationInterpretation methodsSoil properties in cohesive materialsGranular soilsProperties in silty soilsProperties in bonded geomaterialsPile bearing capacityLiquefactionNotesVane testGeneral considerationsEquipment and proceduresInterpretationShear strengthStress historyNotesPressuremeter testsGeneral considerations Types of instrumentsCalibration procedures Experimental results Analysis of pressuremeter tests Pressuremeter tests in sand Cone pressuremeter tests in clay and sandPressuremeter tests in cohesive-frictional soilsPressuremeter tests in unsaturated soil conditions Design rulesFlat dilatometer test (DMT) General considerations Equipment and procedures Intermediate DMT parameters Interpretation of test resultsSoil characterization Geotechnical parameters in clay Geotechnical parameters in sandDirect applications Design parameters: guidelines Clay Sand 282Residual soils Stiffness References and further reading Index

Fernando Schnaid is Associated Professor of Civil Engineering at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.