Correlation of Electrical Resistivity and SPT-N Value from Standard Penetration Test (SPT) of Sandy Soil

Abstract

In general practice, soil investigation (SI) incorporating bore hole sampling produced the most reliable value of the relevant soil parameters for the purpose of actual calculation on factor of safety (FOS) in slopes even tough time consuming and very expensive. Assessments of slope stability using electrical parameters have least been research by many scholars due to non-destructive and very sensitive and it is attractive tool for describing the subsurface properties of the slope without disturbing the physical characteristic of the soil. The method has been applied in various contexts like groundwater exploration, agronomical management by identifying areas of excessive or soil horizon thickness and bedrock depth. This paper investigates the relationship between electrical resistivity and SPT-N values of sandy soils. The research work consists of field resistivity surveys, soil boring and soil characterization tests. Field survey included 1D vertical electrical sounding (VES) and SPT method in obtaining SPT-N value. The test being conducted on 3 different areas and 11 sandy soil sample with electrical, physical soil characterization data which being used for least-squares regression method. In this part of the study, correlations of electrical resistivity with SPT values of soil were assessed. The findings showed good correlation between the resistivity and soil properties. The obtained results demonstrate the possibility usage of electrical resistivity survey as an alternative to standard penetration test SPT is possible.