In situ tests for settlement design of compacted sand

Abstract

The reliability of settlement analyses depends on the selection of realistic input parameters. The tangent modulus method is proposed for the settlement analysis of uncompacted and compacted sand. The tangent modulus can be estimated based on the appropriate modulus number and corresponding stress exponents. Four concepts are presented, based on whether the modulus number is estimated from laboratory tests, empirical values or in situ tests (cone penetration tests and flat dilatometer tests). From the increase in horizontal stress following compaction, it is possible to estimate the overconsolidation ratio. A case history is presented to illustrate application of the proposed concepts.