Development of statistical correlations between shear wave velocity and penetration resistance using MASW technique

T.P. Thaker, K.S. Rao

In the proceedings of: GEO2011: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference, 14th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 5th Pan-American Conference on Teaching and Learning of Geotechnical Engineering

Session: Earthquake Engineering & Geophysics

ABSTRACT: Prediction of ground shaking response at soil sites requires knowledge of the soil, expressed in terms of shear wave velocity (Vs). It is preferable to measure Vs by in situ wave propagation tests, however it is often not economically feasible to perform the tests at all locations. Hence, a reliable correlation between Vs and standard penetration test blow counts (SPT-N) would be a considerable advantage. This paper presents the development of empirical correlations between Vs and SPT-N values for different categories of soil in Surat city in the state of Gujarat, India, characterized by complex variation of soil condition. The extensive shear wave velocity measurement was carried out using Multichannel analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) technique at sites where SPT-N values are available. The correlations between shear wave velocity and SPT-N were developed for three categories of soil: all soils, sand and clay. The proposed correlations SPT-N were compared with regression equations proposed by various other investigators and found that the developed correlations exhibit good prediction performance. Proposed equation could be used to predict shear wave velocity at similar site condition sites which can use further for Seismic Microzonation and Ground response studies.

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Cite this article:
T.P. Thaker; K.S. Rao (2011) Development of statistical correlations between shear wave velocity and penetration resistance using MASW technique in GEO2011. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{GEO11Paper958,author = T.P. Thaker; K.S. Rao ,title = Development of statistical correlations between shear wave velocity and penetration resistance using MASW technique,year = 2011}