Characterization on the correlation between SPT-N and small strain shear modulus Gmax of Jiangsu silts of China

Abstract

Small strain shear modulus plays a fundamental role in the evaluation of site response parameters. Only few authors used measured density and shear wave velocity (Vs) to estimate small strain shear modulus. In this study, an attempt has been made to develop the regression relationship between standard penetration test (SPT) N values and the small strain shear modulus (Gmax). For this purpose, field investigations SPT and seismic piezocone penetration test (SCPTU) data from locations in Su-Xin Expressway of China, have been used, which were also used for ground improvement project. The in situ density of soil layer was estimated using undisturbed soil samples from the boreholes. The Vs profiles with depth were obtained for the locations close to the boreholes. The values for small strain shear modulus have been calculated by measured Vs and in situ soil density. About 50 pairs of SPT-N and Gmax values were used for regression analysis. The differences between measured and corrected values which were used in fitted regression relations were analyzed. Most of the existing correlations were developed based on the studies carried out in Japan and in India, where N values are measured with hammer energy of 78%, which may not be directly applicable for other regions because of the variation in SPT hammer energy which in China is about 55%. A new correlation has been generated using the measured values in silts of China. From this study, it is found that uncorrected values of N and modulus gives the best fit regression relations when compared to corrected N and corrected modulus values. With most equation was used for sand and clay, the regression relations between corrected values of N and modulus gives the equation of silts in China.