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    Correcting SPT Blow Counts To N60 Values

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    Derek Ang
    (1) SPT blow counts (N-values) need to be corrected to N60 values to account for changes in testing procedures since the 1960s and provide more accurate data for design analyses. (2) Factors like hammer type, borehole diameter, and rod length can affect energy transfer and need to be corrected to standardize results using the N60 method. (3) Requiring N60 values in geotechnical reports could improve consistency and reduce variability in soil data.

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    Correcting SPT Blow Counts To N60 Values

    Uploaded by

    Derek Ang
    812 views15 pages
    (1) SPT blow counts (N-values) need to be corrected to N60 values to account for changes in testing procedures since the 1960s and provide more accurate data for design analyses. (2) Factors like hammer type, borehole diameter, and rod length can affect energy transfer and need to be corrected to standardize results using the N60 method. (3) Requiring N60 values in geotechnical reports could improve consistency and reduce variability in soil data.

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    Correcting_SPT_Blow_Counts_To_N60_Values

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    (1) SPT blow counts (N-values) need to be corrected to N60 values to account for changes in testing procedures since the 1960s and provide more accurate data for design analyses. (2) Factors like hammer type, borehole diameter, and rod length can affect energy transfer and need to be corrected to standardize results using the N60 method. (3) Requiring N60 values in geotechnical reports could improve consistency and reduce variability in soil data.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    812 views15 pages

    Correcting SPT Blow Counts To N60 Values

    Uploaded by

    Derek Ang
    (1) SPT blow counts (N-values) need to be corrected to N60 values to account for changes in testing procedures since the 1960s and provide more accurate data for design analyses. (2) Factors like hammer type, borehole diameter, and rod length can affect energy transfer and need to be corrected to standardize results using the N60 method. (3) Requiring N60 values in geotechnical reports could improve consistency and reduce variability in soil data.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 15
    At a glance
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    The key takeaways are that N60 values are needed for more accurate design analyses and have less variability than uncorrected SPT N-values. Correcting SPT counts to N60 values standardizes field procedures.

    When SPT empirical design correlations were developed, experts believe N60 values better represent what was used. Also, uncorrected N-values can vary by a factor of 3, so N60 values have less variability.

    Originally, mud rotary drilling was used instead of augers, reducing geostatic stress release. The inside diameter of the barrel was the same as the tip. Only safety and donut hammers were used.

    Correcting SPT Blow

    Counts to N60 Values

    Roger A. Failmezger, P.E.


    In-Situ Soil Testing, L.C.
    WHY IS IT IMPORTANT ?
    Â When SPT empirical design correlations were
    developed (1940s-1960s), experts believe that
    N60 values represent what those earlier
    researchers used.
    Â SPT method has changed since the 1960s.
    Â Uncorrected “N” values can vary by a factor of 3.
    Earlier Research Methods
    Â Mud rotary drilling was used instead of augers.
    Reduces the geostatic stress release.
    Â ID of barrel was same as tip.
    Â Only safety and donut hammers were used.
    Although N60 Corrections are
    easy to perform, they are only
    rarely performed in practice.
    N60 Formula

    (After Coduto, 1994)


    SPT Hammer Types

    (After Coduto, 1994)


    SPT Hammer Energy Calibration
    Typical Hammer Efficiencies
    Â Theoretical Energy = (30in)(140lbs) = 4200 ft-lbs
    Â Donut -- 0.45
    Â Safety -- 0.60
    Â Automatic (CME) – 0.95
    Consult Manufacturer
    N60 Correction Factors

    (After Coduto 1994)


    Today’s SPT Sampler

    (After Coduto, 1994)


    Borehole Diameter
    Â Large inside diameters of boreholes reduce
    confinement making it easier for spoon to
    penetrate soil
    Â Only important when I.D. is 6 inches or more
    Rod Length Correction
    Â When the hammer strikes the rods, a
    compression wave travels down the rods and is
    reflected as a tension wave after is reaches the
    bottom of the split spoon.
    Â When the tension wave travels back to the
    hammer, the hammer is lifted and energy
    transfer essentially stops.
    Â Incomplete hammer energy is transferred when
    rod lengths are less than 30 feet.
    Conclusions

    Â N60 values are needed for more accurate design


    analyses.
    Â N60 values have less variability or scatter due to test
    method. {Standardization of field procedures}
    Â Contractor fees may be reduced from consistent
    data reporting.
    Â Consider revising geotechnical report guidelines to
    require N60 values on all boring logs
    Worked Examples

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