Volume 37, N. 3

Special Issue: In Situ Testing for Ground Characterization (Invited Editor: Roberto Q. Coutinho), September-December, 2014

Examination of the Potential of the Seismic Dilatometer (SDMT) to Estimate In Situ Stiffness Decay Curves in Various Soil Types

Article

Volume 37, N. 3, Special Issue: In Situ Testing for Ground Characterization (Invited Editor: Roberto Q. Coutinho), September-December, 2014 | DOWNLOAD PDF (21 downloads)

Abstract

This paper illustrates the use of the seismic dilatometer (SDMT) to assess the decay of in-situ stiffness with strain level in different soil types. The approach adopted in this study relies on the ability of the SDMT to provide routinelyat each test depth both a small strain stiffness (G0 from VS) and a working strain stiffness (constrained modulus MDMT derived from the usual DMT interpretation). At various test sites, working strain DMT moduli are compared with reference stiffness decay curves back-figured from (i) the behavior observed under a full-scale test embankment (at Treporti) or footings (in Texas), (ii) from laboratory tests (at L’Aquila, Fucino plain and Po plain) and (iii) various combinations of in-situ and laboratory testing techniques (Western Australia). Typical ranges of the shear strains γDMT associated with working strain DMT moduli are inferred to assist construction of stiffness – strain decay curves for different soil types.

Keywords: Seismic dilatometer, In situ stiffness decay curves, Working strain stiffness, Small strain stiffness,


Submitted on June 18, 2022.
Final Acceptance on June 18, 2022.
Discussion open until June 18, 2022.
DOI: 10.28927/SR.373177