Selection of standard penetration test number for geotechnical investigation of a vertical cross section considering spatial variability and correlation in soil properties

The standard penetration test (SPT) is a widely used in situ for characterizing variation of subsurface soil properties, and results site investigation are usually simplified as two-dimensional (2D) vertical cross section subsequent geotechnical design construction. Current codes guidelines only provide general recommendations selection an appropriate number tests (e.g., SPT) the greater variability conditions, larger SPTs required to obtain sufficient underground information). No quantitative or rational method available selecting considering spatial correlation conditions. A comprehensive parametric study carried out this investigate influence conditions on minimum SPT needed satisfying accuracy requirement investigation. Random field adopted model properties typical 2D Bayesian compressive sampling interpolate sparse data. Based results, statistical chart developed engineers conveniently select section. Real data from New Zealand illustrate validate proposed method.