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Predictive Relationship for Estimation of Vs30 Using Shallow Bore Logs for Karachi

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Abstract

Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is one of the most widely adopted methods for determination of the average shear wave velocity for the top 30 m of soil at a given site, Vs30. However, in many cases, the bore logs do not extend to the required depth of 30 m. In such scenarios, Vs30 needs to be predicted using the average shear velocity of shallow bore logs (depth <30 m), Vsd. This paper investigates the relationship between the average shear wave velocity for a shallow bore log and the average shear wave velocity for the top 30 m of soil at a given site for Karachi. To this end, a large dataset of bore logs is congregated which includes 140 deep bore logs with the depth extending up to or exceeding 30 m and 1,350 shallow bore logs with the depth below 30 m. The most suitable relationship is selected from the literature for conversion of the SPT N-values to corresponding shear wave velocity. Utilizing the deep bore logs, a predictive relationship is developed herein to correlate the average shear wave velocity for the shallow bore log with Vs30. A comparative analysis of the relationship developed in this paper is carried out with two existing methods, namely the extrapolation assuming constant velocity and extrapolation using the regression coefficients proposed for California. Based on the statistical study, it is noted that the extrapolation assuming constant velocity and extrapolation using regression coefficients proposed in this work produce better estimates of Vs30. Finally, Vs30 maps are generated for Karachi.

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Acknowledgments

The authors indebted to Mr. Kazim Al Mansoor, Mr. Farooq Fazal and Mr. Niaz Hussain for their immense support and encouragement throughout this study, especially for providing the SPT data which made it possible for us to carry out this study.

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Correspondence to Mukesh Kumar.

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Lodi, S., Kumar, M., Samad, M. et al. Predictive Relationship for Estimation of Vs30 Using Shallow Bore Logs for Karachi. Geotech Geol Eng 33, 559–573 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-014-9840-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-014-9840-x

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