Evaluation of stiffness and void ratio by field velocity probe in soft soils

The reliable evaluation of shear stiffness in soft soils has become increasingly more important. Furthermore, the void ratio is an important design parameter in soft soils for the evaluation of soil behavior. The purpose of this study is to assess the elastic moduli and void ratios based on the compressional and shear wave velocities by using the penetration type Field Velocity Probe for void ratio(FVPe). The compressional and shear waves are obtained by using piezo disk elements and bender elements. The penetration tests are conducted in the using calibration chambers. The sand-clay mixtures are mixed at the liquid limit of 46 using a slurry mixer. After the specimen is consolidated, the FVPe is progressively penetrated. The elastic waves are measured at 10mm intervals. The elastic moduli and void ratio are estimated by using the compressional and shear wave velocities. This study suggests that the FVPe may be a useful tool for the evaluation of the elastic moduli and void ratio based on compressional and shear wave velocities in soft soils.