USE THE SPT TO MEASURE DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES?--YES, BUT....!

This article reviews the statics and dynamics of the standard penetration test, with emphasis on stress wave analyses. The author agrees a properly standardized SPT has a reasonable, already partly demonstrated potential for quantitative correlations with a factor of safety against liquefaction, with the J damping coefficients in pile- driving problems, and perhaps with high- and low-strain shear wave velocity. However, he recommends establishing and enforcing an alternative ASTM Method D1586 standard that requires a mechanized hammer drop, a calibrated energy content in the first compression wave in the rods, and the use of rotary drilling in a hole kept full with drilling mud.

• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Schmertmann, J H
• Publication Date: 1980-4

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 34-53
• Serial:
  • Highway Focus
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue Number: 2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accuracy; Coefficients; Damping (Physics); Dynamics; Liquefaction; Pile driving; Properties of materials; S waves; Soil penetration test; Soils; Standardization; Statics; Stresses; Waves
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic characteristics; Soil properties; Stress waves
• Old TRIS Terms: Liquefaction (Soil); Static conditions
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00324546
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 12 1981 12:00AM