Probabilistic Assessment of Standard Penetration Test Hammer Energy Efficiency and Rod Length Corrections
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 8
Abstract
Despite the clearly stated procedures in current standards, and contrary to its name, nonstandard execution of the standard penetration test (SPT) has been common. The use of different equipment and procedures produces significantly different SPT blow counts. To minimize the effects of these differences, correction factors are applied. Two of these corrections factors, namely hammer energy efficiency ratio () and rod length () corrections, are the scope of this research study. With the intent of quantifying the effects of variabilities and reducing the uncertainties, SPT hammer efficiency measurements were compiled from available literature. Additionally, new hammer energy measurements were performed in the field, controlling the variables of the problem. The resulting database is used to probabilistically develop a set of new and recommendations. The recommended mean energy ratios for safety hammer and automatic hammers are estimated as and , respectively, which are higher than typically assumed values in engineering practice. The recommended rod length correction values at shallow depths, proven to be also a function of SPT blowcounts, N () values, are higher than typically used values. This suggests less pronounced rod length effects. Additionally, a modified procedure to assess the stress-wave energy at anvil and above the SPT sampler elevations is introduced.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The authors are deeply grateful to many engineers and researchers who documented the field SPT energy measurement data, upon which these types of correlations are developed. We are also grateful to the anonymous reviewers, many engineers, and colleagues who encouraged this current work, and whose discussions and comments were of great value.
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© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 26, 2022
Accepted: Mar 6, 2023
Published online: May 25, 2023
Published in print: Aug 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Oct 25, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Bibliographies
- Continuum mechanics
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Energy efficiency
- Energy engineering
- Energy measurement
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Equipment and machinery
- Geotechnical engineering
- Geotechnical investigation
- Information management
- Mathematics
- Measurement (by type)
- Motion (dynamics)
- Penetration tests
- Probability
- Rods
- Solid mechanics
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Uncertainty principles
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