Title | Comparison of CPTU and laboratory soil parameters for bridge foundation design on fine grained soils: A case study in Massachusetts |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1999 |
Authors | Mitchell T.J., Degroot DJ, Lutenegger AJ, Ernst H., McGrath V. |
Journal | Transportation Research Record: Transportation Research Board |
Volume | 1675 |
Start Page | 24 |
Pagination | 24-31 |
ISSN | 0361-1981 |
ISBN Number | 0309070740 |
Accession Number | 00771196 |
Keywords | Alternatives analysis, Bridge foundations, Case studies, Cone penetrometers, Deformation curve, Disturbed samples, Field tests, Fine grained soils, Laboratory tests, Marine clays, Oedometers, Sampling, sand, shear strength, Shear tests, Silts, Soft clays |
Abstract | Results of a case study to demonstrate the use of the piezocone (CPTU) for selection of soil parameters for design of bridge foundations at a clay site in Massachusetts are presented. The test site is the location of several timber-supported bridges that have suffered significant deck and foundation deterioration and need replacement. The soil profile generally consists of 1 to 10 m of fine sand and silt, followed by 45 m of a low-plasticity marine clay that rests on a very dense fine to coarse sand. The site investigation consisted of traditional drilling and sampling techniques, field vane testing, and CPTU profiling. Shelby tube samples were used for laboratory tests, including basic soil characterization and measurements of stress-strain-strength behavior through oedometer and K sub 0 consolidated direct simple shear tests. Results from laboratory tests showed that some of the tube samples had suffered moderate to high levels of sample disturbance, making them unreliable for laboratory stress-strain-strength testing. A comparison of the laboratory results with the CPTU profiles showed that the CPTU provided excellent information on soil stratigraphy and good comparison with the laboratory-determined stress history and undrained shear strength profiles. The CPTU test program involved less time and expense than the laboratory test program and was not susceptible to sample disturbance effects. This case study suggests that state departments of transportation should consider the CPTU as the instrument of first choice in site characterization programs for design of bridges founded on soft clays. |
URL | http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309070740 |
DOI | 10.3141/1675-04 |