Identifying Collapsible Soils from Seismic Cone (SCPT): A Qualitative Approach

Collapsible soils are unsaturated low-density that undergo abrupt settlement when flooded without any increase in the in-situ stress level. The first stage of site characterization is identifying collapsible soils, since these problematic soils. Seismic cone testing (SCPT) has been increasingly used for characterization, because it allows combining stratigraphic logging with maximum shear modulus (G0) determination. In this paper, laboratory and tests carried out at 21 sites non-collapsible interpreted to differentiate between such based on seismic test (SCPT). have G0/qc values greater than 23 qc1 less 70, while 70. investigated microstructure (bonding/cementation), but classical approach cannot be sufficient identify alone. An was (G0), normalized resistance (qc1), (qc). chart versus boundaries an alternative distinguishing early investigation. This qualitative should preliminary investigation phase select potentially helps guide sampling testing. Further SCPT data from different soil types, particularly ones, valuable adjust or confirm boundary equations suggested.