For Volume 2:

Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterisation 5 – Lehane, Acosta-Martínez & Kelly (Eds)
Empirical estimation© 2016
of soil unitGeomechanics
Australian weight and undrained
Society, shear
Sydney, Australia, strength
ISBN 978-0-9946261-2-7
from shear wave velocity measurements
Empirical
Empiricalestimation
estimationofofsoil
soilunit
unitweight
weightandandundrained
undrainedshear shearstrength
strength
from
from
S.W.shear
shear&
Moon wave
wave
T. Kuvelocity
velocitymeasurements
measurements
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
S.W.
S.W.Moon
Moon&&T.T.Ku
Ku
Department
DepartmentofofCivil
Civiland
andEnvironmental
EnvironmentalEngineering,
Engineering,National
NationalUniversity
UniversityofofSingapore,
Singapore,Singapore
Singapore

ABSTRACT: The main objective of this study is to establish useful empirical relationships to estimate engi-
neering properties of soil in terms of geotechnical applications of shear wave velocity (Vs). Based on each
special database compiled from globally well-documented geotechnical test sites, site-specific stress-
ABSTRACT:
ABSTRACT:
normalized VThe Themain mainobjective
objectiveofofthis thisstudy
studyisistotoestablish
establishuseful usefulempirical
s and downhole-type shear wave mode are utilized for estimating soil unit weight and undrained
empiricalrelationships
relationshipstotoestimate estimateengi- engi-
neering
neering properties
properties ofof soil
soil inin terms
terms ofof geotechnical
geotechnical applications
applications
shear strength, respectively. In addition, the application of proposed global empirical relationships is exam- ofof shear
shear wave
wave velocity
velocity (V(V s).
s). Based
Based onon each
each
special
special database
database compiled
compiled from
from globally
globally well-documented
well-documented
ined at two test sites (i.e., Australia and China) as independent case studies. The geological setting and ge- geotechnical
geotechnical test
test sites,
sites, site-specific
site-specific stress-
stress-
normalized
normalizedV
otechnical Vs sand
anddownhole-type
characterizationdownhole-type of the shear shear
two wave
test wave
sitesmode
mode are
areutilized
are summarizedutilizedfor forestimating
and estimating
further soil
soilunit
discussions unitweight
weight
are and
describedandundrained
undrained
in detail.
shear
shear strength,
strength, respectively.
respectively. InIn addition,
addition, the
the application
application ofof proposed
proposed
Using the proposed correlations, it is shown that field shear wave velocity measurements can offer reasonable global
global empirical
empirical relationships
relationships isisexam-
exam-
ined
ined atat two
two test
test sites
sites (i.e.,
(i.e., Australia
Australia and
and China)
profiles of the soil unit weight and undrained shear strength at given sites.China) asas independent
independent case
case studies.
studies. The
The geological
geological setting
setting and
and ge-ge-
otechnical
otechnicalcharacterization
characterizationofofthe thetwotwotest testsites
sitesarearesummarized
summarizedand andfurther
furtherdiscussions
discussionsare aredescribed
describedinindetail. detail.
Using
Usingthe theproposed
proposedcorrelations,
correlations,ititisisshown shownthat thatfield
fieldshear
shearwavewavevelocity
velocitymeasurements
measurementscan canofferofferreasonable
reasonable
profiles
profiles ofofthe
1 INTRODUCTION thesoilsoilunitunitweight
weightand andundrained
undrainedshear shearstrength
strength atatgiven
givensites.
Jamiolkowski sites. 1991; Ku and Mayne 2014; Stokoe
and Santamarina 2000; Tatsuoka and Shibuya 1992).
Shear wave velocity (Vs) of geo-materials such as In several previous studies, the in-situ Vs measure-
11soils and rocks is one of the fundamental engineer- Jamiolkowski
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION Jamiolkowski
ments have been 1991;
1991;appliedKuKu and andestablish
to Mayne
Mayne 2014; 2014; Stokoe
empirical Stokoe
cor-
ing measurements for geotechnical design problems and
and Santamarina
Santamarina 2000;
2000; Tatsuoka
Tatsuoka
relations with engineering properties of soils (e.g., and
and Shibuya
Shibuya 1992).
1992).
Shear
Shear
due towave wave
its directvelocity
velocity (Vs)s) ofofwith
(V
relationship geo-materials
geo-materials
initial shear such
such
modu-asas InInseveral
soil several previous
unit weight,previous γt; studies,
studies,
peak the
thein-situ
friction in-situ
angle,VVsϕspmeasure-
;measure-
and un-
soils
soils and
and rocks
rocks isis one
one ofof the
the fundamental
lus (G0) at small strains. Indicating the beginning of fundamental engineer-
engineer- ments
ments have
have been
been applied
applied to
to establish
drained shear strength, su) (Levesques et al. 2007a;establish empirical
empirical cor-
cor-
ing
ing measurements
measurements for
for geotechnical
geotechnical
all stress-strain-strength curves, the initial shear design
design problems
problems relations
relations with
with engineering
engineering properties
properties
Mayne 2007b; Uzielli et al. 2013). Using two special ofof soils
soils (e.g.,
(e.g.,
due
duetotoits
modulus itsdirect
isdirect relationship
relationship
calculated usingwith with
G0 =initial
initial
ρ·Vs shear
2shearmodu-
, where modu-
ρ is soil soilunitunitweight,
databases weight,
compiled γtγ;t;peakpeakfriction
frictionthis
worldwide, angle,
angle,
paperϕϕp;p;describes
and
andun- un-
lus
lus (G(G
the bulk ) )atat small
small strains.
strains. Indicating
Indicating
0 0 soil density. It is employed for performing the
the beginning
beginning ofof drained
drained shear
shear
two new global empiricalstrength,
strength, s s) )(Levesques
(Levesques et
et
u u relationships between: (1)al.
al. 2007a;
2007a;
all
all
sitestress-strain-strength
stress-strain-strength
response analysis as well curves,
curves, the
as ground the initial
initial shear
deformationshear Mayne Mayne
soil 2007b;
unit2007b;
weights Uzielli
Uzielli
(γ t ) etet
andal.
al.in-situ
2013).
2013).site-specific
Using
Usingtwo twospecial
special
stress-
22
modulus
modulus isis calculated
calculated using
using
analysis with respect to foundation system. G G 0 =
0 = ρ·V
ρ·V s s , ,where
where ρ ρ is
is databases
databases compiled
compiled worldwide,
worldwide,
normalized shear wave velocity, instead of conven- this
this paper
paper describes
describes
the
the
Forbulk
bulk soil
soildensity.
measuring density. isisemployed
shearItItwave employed
velocity,for for performing
performing
borehole seis- two two
tionalnew
newVsglobal
global empirical
– γt models;empirical (2)relationships
relationships
undrained shear between:
between: (1)
strength (1)
site
site response
response analysis
analysis asas well
well
mic methods (downhole test or crosshole test) and asas ground
ground deformation
deformation soil
soil unit
unit weights
weights (γ
(su) and shear wave velocity. (γ
t )t )and
and in-situ
in-situ site-specific
site-specific stress-
stress-
analysis
analysiswith
non-invasive withrespect
respect
geophysicaltotofoundation
foundation
techniques system.
system.
(surface wave normalized normalizedshear shearwave wavevelocity,
velocity,instead insteadofofconven- conven-
For
For measuring
measuring shear
shear wave
wave velocity,
velocity,
survey or reflection test/refraction test) as well as la- borehole
borehole seis-
seis- tional
tional VVs –
s – γ γ
t t models;
models; (2)
(2) undrained
undrained shear
shear strength
strength
mic
mic methods
methods (downhole
(downhole test
test
boratory testing methods (bender element test or res-or or crosshole
crosshole test)
test) and
and (s(s) )and
and shear
shear wave
wave
2u u PROPOSED RELATIONSHIPS velocity.
velocity.
non-invasive
non-invasive
onant columngeophysical geophysical
test) have been techniques
techniques
developed. (surface
(surface wave
wave
The utiliza-
survey
survey
tion of ororreflection
reflection
in-situ Vtest/refraction
test/refractiontest) test)asaswell
s data for establishing several
wellasasla- la- 2.1 Normalized shear wave velocity – unit weight
boratory
boratory testing
testing methods
methods (bender
(bender element
element
empirical relationships may lead to potential uncer- 22 PROPOSED test
test ororres-
res- PROPOSEDRELATIONSHIPS RELATIONSHIPS
onant
onant column
column test)
test) have
have been
been developed.
developed. TheThe utiliza-
utiliza- For this study, a special database (Mayne et al. 2009)
tainty coupled with scattered outliers attributed to
tion
tion ofof in-situ
in-situ VVs s data
data and for
for sensitivity
establishing
establishing is applied basedshear on 120 well-documented test sites
inherent site conditions of several
several 2.1
applied 2.1 Normalized
Normalized shear wave
wave velocity
velocity––unit unitweight
weight
empirical
empirical relationships
relationships maymaylead lead totopotential consisting of 61 clay sites, 6 fissured and calcareous
test methods. Nevertheless, in-situ Vpotential
s measurement
uncer-
uncer-
For
For this
this
tainty
tainty coupled
coupled with
with scattered
scattered outliers
outliers attributed
attributed toto sites, 8study,
study, aaspecial
silt sites, special
35 sand database
database
sites,(Mayne
(Mayne
and 10etet al.
al.2009)
other 2009)
sites.
techniques are generally efficient and suitable for as- isisapplied applied based
based onon 120120 well-documented
well-documented test
test sites
sites
inherent
inherent The ranges of compiled engineering properties of
sessmentsite site conditions
conditions and
of geotechnical and sensitivity
sensitivity
engineering ofof applied
problems applied
since consisting
consisting ofof 6161 clay
clay sites,
sites, 66 fissured
fissured and
and calcareous
calcareous
test
test methods.
methods. Nevertheless,
Nevertheless, in-situ
in-situand VVs smeasurement
measurement soils such as plasticity index (PI), void ratio (e), and
Vs data can be obtained quickly economically sites,
sites,
techniques
techniques are
are generally
generally efficient
efficient and
and suitable
suitable for
foras-
as- total 8unit
8silt
silt sites,
sites,(γ
weight 35 35 sand
sandsites,sites,and and10
t) are summarized in Table 1.
10other
othersites.sites.
with minimum soil disturbance. Furthermore, G0 The The
sessment
sessmentofoffrom geotechnical
geotechnical For assessment of seismic liquefaction potentialofof
ranges
ranges ofof compiled
compiled engineering
engineering properties
properties of
calculated in-situ Vengineering
engineeringproblems
s measurement is commonly
problemssince since
soils
soilssuchsuch asas plasticity
plasticity index
index(PI), (PI),void void ratio
ratio (e),
(e), and
and
Vs sdata
datacan canto bebe soils, the in-situ measurements of V have been
Vconsidered beobtained
obtained
more accurate quickly
quickly andandand economically
economically
reliable than that total totalunit
unitweight
weight (γt)t)are
(γ aresummarized
summarized
s
ininpressure
Table
Table1.1.(σʹv0)
with
with minimum
minimum soil
soil disturbance.
disturbance. Furthermore,
Furthermore, G G normalized by effective overburden
determined from laboratory tests, which generally 00
For
Forassessment
assessment ofofseismic
seismicliquefaction
liquefaction potential
potential ofof
calculated
calculated from
fromG in-situ
in-situ V V measurement
measurement isis commonly
commonly adopting a constant exponent of 0.25 at the reference
present lower 0 due to
s s sample disturbance, stress soils,
soils, the the in-situ measurements ofof VVs s have
in-situ measurements have been been
considered
considered
relief, andtotoloss be bemore
moreof accurate
accurateand
ageing andreliable
effect reliable
(Ghionna than
thanthatthat
and normalized
normalized by byeffective
effective overburdenoverburden pressure pressure (σʹ (σʹv0v0) )
determined
determined from from laboratory
laboratory tests, tests, which
which generally
generally
adopting
adoptingaaconstantconstantexponent exponentofof0.25 0.25atatthe thereference
reference
present
presentlower lowerGG0 0due duetotosample sampledisturbance,
disturbance,stress stress
relief,
relief, and and loss loss ofof ageing ageing effect effect (Ghionna
(Ghionna and and 1247
Table 1. Details of collected database: soil type, number of site and data, and range of soil properties (PI, e, γt, Vs1, Vsn) used for
correlation between unit weight and normalized shear wave velocity (data from Mayne et al. 2009).
Range of
Soil Type No. of Site No. of Data γt Vs1 Symbol
PI e Vsn (m/s)
(kN/m )3
(m/s)
Intact Clay 61 698 0-250 0.40-6.75 11.2-22.7 35-406 39-438
Fissured Clay 3 21 12-55 0.43-0.84 18.8-21.3 178-313 187-306
Calcareous Clay 3 18 0-11 0.95-1.38 16.2-19.7 186-400 182-535
Silts 8 32 0-15 0.64-1.43 16.7-20.2 122-319 142-215
Sands 35 200 0-11 0.43-2.15 14.9-22.2 106-621 88-728
Gravels 7 43 - 0.27-0.70 19.6-22.5 120-366 263-280
Clay Till 3 16 0-11 0.19-0.56 20.1-24.0 188-611 242-645

stress of 1 atmospheric pressure (Kayen et al. 2013). tionships with soil unit weight in spite of some scat-
On the other hand, a site-specific exponent that tered data.
depends on actual geostatic stress condition at each
site can be employed for the normalization of Vs 26
instead of the constant exponent 0.25. In this study, (a)
stress-normalized shear wave velocity (Vs1) and site- 24 PI = 5

Total Unit Weight, γt (kN/m3)

specific stress-normalized shear wave velocity (Vsn)
22
of various geo-materials are calculated from the
following equations, respectively: 20
PI = 50
Vs1 = Vs (m/s) / (σʹv0 / σatm)0.25 (1) 18
Vsn = Vs (m/s) / (σʹv0 / σatm)n (2) PI = 200
16

where σʹv0 = effective overburden pressure, σatm = 1 14 Clay and Clay tills:
bar = 101.325 kPa = atmospheric pressure, n = site- γt (kN/m3) = 11.27(Vs1)0.147(PI)-0.096
specific stress exponent. As noted in Equation 1, the 12 with Vs1 (m/s); n = 53, r2 = 0.726,
exponent 0.25 has been commonly determined as an S.E.Y. = 0.074
10
empirical value based on laboratory tests with clean 0 200 400 600
silica sands (Stokoe et al. 1985; Yu and Richart Normalized Shear Wave Velocity, Vs1 (m/s)
1984). However, the exponent n in Equation 2 can 26
be estimated to have various values because it is of- (b)
ten significantly dependent on the site-specific con- 24
Total Unit Weight, γt (kN/m3)

PI = 5
ditions as noted by Ku et al. (2011).
In order to obtain better fitting models, involving 22
an increase in coefficient of determination (R2) and 20
PI = 50
decrease in the standard error of the dependent vari-
able (S.E.Y.), higher order regressions are examined 18 PI = 200
using stress-normalized Vs and PI. Two empirical
correlations for the estimation of total unit weight 16
are observed in Figure 1 as a function of both PI and 14
Vs1 or Vsn: Clay and Clay tills:
γt (kN/m3) = 7.91(Vsn)0.194(PI)-0.068
12 with Vsn (m/s); n = 39, r2 = 0.768,
γt = 11.27(Vs1)0.147(PI)-0.096 (3) S.E.Y. = 0.069
γt = 7.91(Vsn)0.194(PI)-0.068 (4) 10
0 200 400 600
As described in Figure 1, Equation 3 and 4 present Normalized Shear Wave Velocity, Vsn (m/s)
improved γt relationships for clay and clay tills from Figure 1. Total unit weight versus normalized shear wave
the database collected. In addition, the proposed ex- velocity with prediction lines from multiple regression analysis:
pression (N = 39; R2 = 0.768; S.E.Y. = 0.069) using (a) Vs1 and (b) Vsn.
Vsn, Equation 4, is comparable with that (N = 53; R2
= 0.726; S.E.Y. = 0.074) using Vs1, Equation 3. From the proposed empirical relationships between
Based on the observed statistical information, the γt and Vs1 or Vsn, γt is determined with depth via fol-
regression model using Vsn can be considered to be lowing procedures: (1) determination of σʹv0 with
slightly more robust. Apparently, both normalized depth based on assumed initial γt values; (2) calcula-
shear wave velocities are proven to have strong rela- tion of Vs1 and Vsn; (3) estimation of γt with depth
using Equations 3 and/or 4; (4) re-calculation of σʹv0

1248
and n using γt with depth obtained from previous 1,000
stage; (5) re-estimation of γt with depth using Equa- (a)

Undrained Shear Strength, su

OCR = 50
tion 3 and/or 4; (6) iterations of stage 4 and 5 until OCR = 10
convergence (e.g., 2-3 times). The assumed initial γt
values in step 1 have a little effect on the results. 100 OCR = 1

(kPa)
su (kPa) = 0.077(Vs)1.283
2.2 Shear wave velocity – undrained shear strength
10
A new worldwide database was compiled towards
the intent of this study, including Australia, Canada,
Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Singa- su (kPa) = 0.102(Vs)1.197(OCR)0.147 with Vs and OCR;
n = 329, r2 = 0.811, S.E.Y. = 0.134
pore, Taiwan, Thailand, and United States, Figure 2. 1
It was observed that the collected clay database 0 200 400 600 800 1,000
exhibits a wide range of overconsolidation ratios Shear Wave Velocity, Vs (m/s)
(OCR) and PIs. 1,000
In-situ Vs and/or G0 values were collected from (b)

Undrained Shear Strength, su

PI=100
several geophysical tests such as cross-hole test PI=30
(CHT), and down-hole type test (DHT or seismic
PI=5
cone penetrometer). 100

(kPa)
su (kPa) = 0.077(Vs)1.283

10

su (kPa) = 0.006(Vs)1.552(PI)0.343 with Vs and PI;

n = 303, r2 = 0.818, S.E.Y. = 0.137
1
0 200 400 600 800 1,000
Shear Wave Velocity, Vs (m/s)

Due to the dependency of the measured su on

various factors (e.g., testing method, strain rate), it is
Figure 2. Worldwide site locations from the compiled database unreasonable to compare the selected su values di-
in this study. rectly. Thus, several transformation methods have
been proposed to convert undrained shear strength
On the other hand, su values were selected based on obtained from different types of tests to the reference
various in-situ tests, including field vane shear test (Bjerrum 1972; Kulhawy and Mayne 1990; Mesri
(FV), cone penetration test (CPT), fall cone test and Huvaj 2007). In order to convert su(TC) to the ref-
(FCT), pressuremeter (PMT), standard penetration erence (su(FV)), this study employs a correction factor
test (SPT), and plate load test (PLT). su values from determined by comparing the ratio between su(TC) and
different types of laboratory tests, including iso- su(FV). Based on the collected database, the average
tropic consolidated undrained compression (CIUC), ratio (i.e., su(FV)/su(TC)=0.76) is used as the correction
K0-consolidated undrained compression (CK0UC), factor to convert the su(TC) values.
and unconsolidated undrained compression (UU) Attempting to improve the fitting and statistics
were also included. (e.g., R2 and S.E.Y.), the higher order regressions are
su(FV) values obtained from FV were used as a pri- investigated by including PI or OCR with Vs in
mary option for this study because it is generally terms of su. Significant statistical trends relating un-
considered to be a reference value and also drained shear strength as a function of both Vs and PI
correlated with other strength parameters. It should or OCR are observed in Figure 3 and the multi-
be noted that corrected su(FV) values with PI (e.g., su regressions are expressed as follows:
multiplied by a correction factor (μ) which varies
with PI) were collected for the database. For a few su = 0.102(Vs)1.197(OCR)0.147 (5)
sites with unknown correction information, su(FV) da- su = 0.006(Vs)1.552(PI)0.347 (6)
ta were assumed to be corrected values. As a second
option, su(TC) values that were measured from labora-
tory CIUC or CK0UC tests were also used for this
study. In addition, some su(CPT) values were compiled
based on CPT at four test sites because no other ref-
erence su data were available.
Figure 3. Trends between undrained shear strength and shear
wave velocity with repect to (a) OCR, (b) PI.

1249
3 CASE STUDIES tions using 1) PI from Mayne and Peuchen (2013);
2) Vs from Burns and Mayne (1996) and Mayne
In order to investigate the applicability of the pro- (2001); and 3) Vs1 from Mayne (2007a), as listed in
posed new regression models for the estimation of γt Table 2. As shown in Figure 5(a), γt of 16 kN/m3
and su, available geotechnical and geophysical data was initially assumed. Eventually, the predicted γt
from the well-known Burswood clay in Australia profiles after three iterations from the equations us-
and Huaiyan Expressway site in China are reviewed. ing Vs1 and Vsn derived in this study provide more
These two sites were not included in each compiled reasonable agreements with the measured γt profile,
database, thus independent case studies can be per- compared with the estimated γt profiles from the ex-
formed using the data from both sites. isting correlations in previous studies.

Total Unit Weight, γt (kN/m3)

3.1 Burswood site
12 14 16 18
Figure 4 shows the selected engineering properties 0
of soils such as PI, OCR and Vs, based on a variety (a) Initially assumed
Estimated from Vsn
of site investigations performed for Burswood clay
(Low 2009). The soil profile consisting of 3 m thick Measured
Estimated from Vs1
weathered crust (stiff and fine sand) and 12 m thick
Estimated from Vs1
soft silt clay exhibits a lightly overconsolidated and 5
sensitive silty clay, having high to uncommonly high
Estimated from Vsn

Depth (m)
plasticity. Shell fragments and silt lenses are
frequently found in a depth of 12 m and tiny shell Burns & Mayne
fragments are occasionally found at greater depth. In (1996)
addtion, dessicated plants are found in a depth of 7 10
Measured Initially
Mayne (2001)
assumed
m (Low 2009). The profile of measured shear wave
velocity is obtained from seismic cone tests, as Mayne (2007a)
shown in Figure 4(c).
Plasticity Index (%) OCR Vs (m/s) Mayne & Peuchen
20 30 40 50 60 0 2 4 6 8 20 40 60 80 100 (2013)
0 15
Weathered (a) (b) (c)
crust Undrained Shear Strength, su (kPa)
3

Soft silty clay 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

including 0
Depth (m)

6
shell fragments (b) Estimated from
and silt lenses Measured
Vs&OCR
9
w = 65 to 120 %
γ = 14 to 15.8
kN/m3 Estimated from
12
Clay fraction Vs&PI
= 7 to 29 %
5
15
Measured
Depth (m)

Figure 4. Case study for Burswood clay (data from Low

(2009)): (a) PI, (b) OCR, and (c) Vs. Ashford et al (1996)

Table 2. Empirical correlations in previous studies 10 Estimated

Empirical relationships References from Vs & OCR Levesques et al
(2007)
Mayne & Peuchen Estimated
γt (kN/m3) = 30.4·PI-0.174
(2013) from Vs & PI
Burns & Mayne Long et al (2013)
γt (kN/m3) = 6.87(Vs m/s)0.227/( σʹv0 kPa)0.057
(1996)
γt (kN/m3) = 8.32log(Vs m/s) - 1.61log(z m) Mayne (2001) 15
γt (kN/m3) = 4.17ln(Vs1 m/s) – 4.03 Mayne (2007a) Figure 5. Comparison of estimated and measured (a) unit
weight and (b) undrained shear strength at Burswood clay site.
Ashford et al.
log (su (kPa)) = (log(Vs (m/s)/23)/0.475
(1996)
su (kPa) = (Vs (m/s)/7.93)1.59
Levesques et al. Figure 5(b) presents the measured su profile from
(2007b) field vane shear tests, compared with the estimated
su (kPa) =0.001·Vs 2(m/s) + 0.016·Vs (m/s) +
60.8
Long et al. (2013) su profiles from the Equation 5 and 6. Also, the ref-
erence su profile is compared with three existing
Figure 5(a) compares the measured γt profile with empirical correlations using 1) Ashford et al. (1996);
the estimated γt profiles from the Equation 3 and 4 2) Levesques et al. (2007b); and 3) Long et al.
described in this study. In addition, the predicted γt (2013), as illustrated in Table 2. Figure 5(b) shows
profiles are compared with four empirical correla- that the predicted su profiles from the equations us-

1250
ing PI and OCR derived in this study are closely profiles from the equations using PI and OCR in this
matched to the measured su profile. Evidently, the study provide relatively good agreements with the
predictions seem better matched than the other su measured su profile.
profiles estimated from previous correlation studies.
Total Unit Weight, γt (kN/m3)
3.2 Huaiyan express site 14 16 18 20 22
0
Huaiyan express site is located on the Lixia River Estimated from Vsn
Initially assumed
area which is near the city of Yancheng in East
Juangsu province, China. Figure 6 shows soil pro- Measured
files determined from the geotechnical site investi- Estimated from Vs1
5 Estimated from Vs1
gations using samples from boreholes and the labor-
atory test results (Anand et al. 2011; Cai et al. 2015; Estimated from Vsn

Depth (m)
Measured
Cai et al. 2010). The soil layers consist of a clay fill
and slightly overconsolidated lacustrine clay deposit Burns & Mayne
of the Holocene age. Also, the soil boundary be- 10 (1996)
tween highly sensitive and moderately sensitive clay Mayne (2001)
was found at approximate depth of 13 m. From
Mayne (2007a)
Seismic Piezocone Test (SCPTu), it is noted that the
Initially
generation of pore water pressure is remarkably in- 15 assumed Mayne & Peuchen
creased with depth in the muck layer and dramatical- (2013)
ly decreased again (i.e., below 12 m). In addition,
Figure 6(c) presents shear wave velocity measure- Undrained Shear Strength, su (kPa)
ments obtained from SCPTu. 0 30 60 90 120 150
0
(b)
(b) Estimated from
Plasticity Index (%) OCR Vs (m/s) Measured
0 10 20 30 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 0 50 100 150 200 250 Vs&OCR
0
Clay (a) (b) (c)
Estimated from
5 Vs&PI
5
Lagoonal Clay
Measured
Depth (m)

Depth (m)

Estimated
from Vs & OCR
10
Muck Clay Ashford et al (1996)
10 Estimated
from Vs & PI
Clay 15
Levesques et al
(2007)
Figure 6. Case study for Hauiyan express site (data from Anand
et al. (2011), Cai et al. (2015), Cai et al. (2010)): (a) PI, (b) 15 Long et al (2013)
OCR, and (c) Vs.

Figure 7(a) compares the measured γt profile with Figure 7. Comparison of estimated and measured (a) unit
the estimated γt profiles from the Equation 3 and 4 in weight and (b) undrained shear strength at Huaiyan express site.
this study as well as other four empirical correla-
tions. As presented in Figure 7(a), γt of 16 kN/m3
was assumed in the initial stage and the evolved γt 4 CONCLUSIONS
profiles are obtained after three iterations from the
equations using Vs1 and Vsn derived in this study. In this study, the global correlation models between:
The final prediction profiles show more reasonable (1) soil unit weight and normalized shear wave ve-
agreements with the measured γt profile than the es- locities (Vs1 and Vsn), and (2) undrained shear
timated γt profiles from the existing correlations in strength and shear wave velocity were investigated
the depth range of 3m to 12m. The underestimation via each special database compiled worldwide. Two
of predicted γt at depths of below 13m can be at- case studies (i.e., Burswood and Huaiyan Express)
tributed to the existence of the boundary changing were examined for the estimation of γt and su. For
from highly sensitive clay to moderate sensitive estimating soil unit weight and undrained shear
clay. strength, consequently, newly developed Vs-based
Figure 7(b) presents the measured su profile from empirical expressions from multiple regression
field vane shear tests and the estimated su profiles studies which are combined with OCR or PI are
from the Equation 5 and 6. Again, the reference su recommended beyond various previous empirical
profile is compared with three existing empirical approaches.
correlations. Figure 7(b) shows that the predicted su

1251
5 REFERENCES Measurement of Soil Properties & Case Histories, Bali,
Indonesia, 27-48.
Anand, J.P., Guojun, C., Liyuan, T., Songyu, L., 2011. Mayne, P.W., 2007a. In-situ test calibrations for evaluating soil
Assessment of the coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest parameters. . Characterization & Engineering Properties of
(K o) from in situ seismic tests. Geotechnical Testing Natural Soils. Taylor & Francis Group, London, 1602-1652.
Journal, 34(4), 1-11, doi: 10.1520/GTJ102520. Mayne, P.W., 2007b. Synthesis 368: Cone Penetration Testing.
Ashford, S.A., Jakrapiyanum, W., Lukkanaprasit, P., 1996. National Cooperative Highway Research Program
Amplification of earthquake ground motions in Bangkok. (NCHRP).
Bjerrum, L., 1972. Embankments on soft ground. ASCE Mayne, P.W., Peuchen, J., 2013. Unit weight trends with con
Specialty Conference on Performance of Earth and Earth- resistance in soft to firm clays. Geotechnical and
Supported Structures. ASCE, Purdue University, Lafayette, Geophysical Site Characterization 4. Taylor & Francis
Ind., 1-54. Group, London, 903-910.
Burns, S.E., Mayne, P.W., 1996. Small- and high-strain Mesri, G., Huvaj, N., 2007. Shear strength mobilized in
measurements of in-situ soil properties using the seismic undrained failure of soft clay and silt deposits. Proceedings
cone penetrometer. National Academy Press, Washington, of Geo-Denver, 1-22.
DC. Stokoe, K.H., Lee, S.H.H., Knox, D.P., 1985. Shear moduli
Cai, G., Liu, S., Puppala, A.J., 2015. Evaluation of under true triaxial stresses. Advances in the Art of Testing
geotechnical parameters of a lagoonal clay deposit in Jiangsu Soil Under Cyclic Conditions. ASCE Convention, Detroit.
Lixia River area of China by seismic piezocone tests. KSCE Stokoe, K.H., Santamarina, J.C., 2000. Keynote: Seismic
Journal of Civil Engineering, 1-14. wave-based testing in geotechnical engineering. GeoEng
Cai, G., Liu, S., Tong, L., 2010. Field evaluation of 2000, Melbourne, Australia, 1490-1536.
deformation characteristics of a lacustrine clay deposit using Tatsuoka, F., Shibuya, S., 1992. Deformation characteristics of
seismic piezocone tests. Engineering Geology, 116(3), 251- soil and rocks from field and laboratory tests, Keynote
260. Lecture. IX Asian Conference on SMFE, Bangkok, 101-
Ghionna, V., Jamiolkowski, M., 1991. A critical appraisal of 190.
calibration chamber testing of sands. . 1st International Uzielli, M., Mayne, P.W., Cassidy, M.J., 2013. Probabilistic
Symposium on Calibration Chamber Testing (ISOCCTI). assessment of design strengths for sands from in-situ testing
Elsevier, Potsdam, N.Y, 13-39. data. In: (series), A.i.S.M.G.-n.E. (ed.) Modern Geotechnical
Hight, D.W., Bond, A.J., Legge, J.D., 1992. Characterization Design Codes of Practice. IOS-Millpress, Amsterdam, 214-
of the Bothkennar clay : an overview. Geotechnique, 42(2), 227.
303-347. Yu, P., Richart, F.E., Jr., 1984. Stress ratio effects on shear
Kayen, R.E., Moss, R.E.S., Thompson, A.M., Seed, R.B., modulus of dry sands. Journal of Geotechnical and
Cetin, K.O., Der Kiureghian, A., Tanaka, Y., Tokimatsu, K., Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, 110(3), 331-345.
2013. Shear-Wave Velocity–Based Probabilistic and
Deterministic Assessment of Seismic Soil Liquefaction
Potential. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental
Engineering, ASCE, 139(3).
Ku, T., Mayne, P.W., 2014. Stress history profiling using
OCD-G0 anisotropy relationship. Geotechnical Engineering,
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
journal, 167(5), 476-490.
Ku, T., Mayne, P.W., Gutierrez, B.J., 2011. Hierachy of Vs
modes and stress-dependency in geometerials. 5th
International Symposium on Deformation Characteristics of
Geometerials, Seoul, 533-540.
Kulhawy, F.H., Mayne, P.W., 1990. Manual on estimating soil
properties for foundation design. Electric Power Research
Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA); Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY
(USA). Geotechnical Engineering Group.
Levesques, C.L., Locat, J., Leroueil, S., 2007a.
Characterization of postglacial sediments of the Saguenay
Fjord, Quebec. Characterization and Engineering
Properties of Natural Soils. Taylor & Francis Group,
London, 2645-2677.
Levesques, C.L., Locat, J., Leroueil, S., 2007b.
Characterization of postglacial sediments of the Saguenay
Fjord, Quebec. In: Tan, T.S., Phoon, K.K., HIght, D.W. &
Leroueil, S. (eds.) Characterization and Engineering
Properties of Natural Soils. Taylor & Francis Group,
London, 2645-2677.
Long, M., Quigley, P., O'Connor, P., 2013. Undrained shear
strength and stiffness of Irish glacial till from shear wave
velocity. Ground Engineering, 26-27.
Low, H.E., 2009. Performance of Penetrometers in Deepwater
Soft Soil Characterisation. Doctor of Philosophy, The
University of Western Australia.
Mayne, P.W., 2001. Stress-strain-strength-flow parameters
from seismic cone tests. Intl. Conf. on In-Situ

1252