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Development of Empirical Correlations Between CPT and Other Soil Parameters Within DMDP Area, Bangladesh

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Abstract

The cone penetration test (CPT) has gained significant popularity in site investigation and geotechnical design, with increasing demand for accurate correlations to estimate various geotechnical properties. In contrast, the standard penetration test (SPT) is commonly used but has limitations, such as variations in results introduced by different operators conducting the test and discrete recording. This study focuses on establishing correlations between CPT parameters, SPT and total unit weight to address the gap in CPT-based correlations for soil parameters, particularly in the Dhaka metropolitan development plan (DMDP) area of Bangladesh. The research methodology involves field data collection, including SPT and CPT tests, across various soil layers in the DMDP area. The data collection process involved drilling 54 boreholes, conducting SPT and CPT tests, and obtaining disturbed samples for laboratory testing to determine soil type classifications and total unit weight. Existing correlations from previous studies were reviewed, and new correlations were developed specifically for the DMDP area. Through thorough data analysis and statistical techniques, multiple linear regression models are formulated to establish empirical correlations for the SPT N value and total unit weight of soil from the CPT parameters. The validity and accuracy of the correlations are assessed using statistical measures such as the coefficient of determination (R-squared value). The dataset used in this study exhibits noise stemming from diverse sources, including measurement errors and environmental factors. The variability caused by noise may influence the accuracy of our regression model, potentially resulting in a lower R-squared value. The proposed correlations are developed for all soil types and specific to each soil type found within the DMDP area. Similarly, correlations are established for estimating soil total unit weight from CPT parameters, considering different soil parameters and specific soil types. The graphical analysis demonstrates a significant correlation between the observed and estimated values of SPT N and total unit weight, with minor deviations, indicating the accuracy of the developed correlations. These correlations can enhance subsurface data reliability, improve geotechnical design accuracy and provide a cost-effective approach to site investigations, which enables engineers to leverage the strengths of both testing methods, leading to more robust and informed engineering decisions.

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Data Availability

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Abbreviations

d 50 :

Mean grain size (mm)

f s :

Sleeve friction (MPa)

q c :

Cone tip resistance (MPa)

q t :

Corrected cone resistance (MPa)

u 0 :

Hydrostatic porewater pressure (MPa)

u 2 :

Porewater pressures at shoulder position (MPa)

z :

Depth from the surface (m)

B q :

Normalized pore pressure ratio

FC:

Fine content (%)

G s :

Specific gravity

I c :

CPT soil classification index

N :

Penetration resistance or blow counts from SPT

N 10 :

N Values correct by 10% efficiency

N 55 :

N Values correct by 55% efficiency

N 60 :

N Values correct by 60% efficiency

N * :

qC/N per blow 0.3 m (bar)

P a :

Atmospheric pressure (kPa)

PI :

Plasticity index

R f :

Friction ratio = (fs/qt) × 100%

R 2 :

Coefficient of determination

γ t :

Total unit weight (kN/m3)

γ d :

Dry unit weight (kN/m3)

γ sat :

Saturated unit weight (kN/m3)

γ w :

Unit weight of water (kN/m3)

σ vo :

Total vertical (overburden) stress (kPa)

σ′vo :

Effective vertical (overburden) stress (kPa)

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

ASTM:

American Society for Testing and Materials

CPT:

Cone penetration test

CPTu:

Cone penetration test with porewater pressures

SPT:

Standard penetration test

DMDP:

Dhaka metropolitan development plan

DMA:

Dhaka metropolitan area

MLR:

Multiple linear regression

SBT:

Soil behavior type

SR:

Symbolic regression

USCS:

Unified soil classification system

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  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh

    Sumaya Hasan & Mehedi Ahmed Ansary

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  1. Sumaya Hasan
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  2. Mehedi Ahmed Ansary
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AK: 60%. MAA: 40%.

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Correspondence to Mehedi Ahmed Ansary.

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Hasan, S., Ansary, M.A. Development of Empirical Correlations Between CPT and Other Soil Parameters Within DMDP Area, Bangladesh. Indian Geotech J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40098-024-00947-0

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