Analytical CPTU Models Applied to Sensitive Clay at Dover, New Hampshire
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 12
Abstract
Two analytical models for interpreting piezocone penetration tests (CPTUs) in soft sensitive Presumpscot clay were applied to in situ and laboratory results from a highway embankment project in Dover, New Hampshire. A closed-form limit plasticity solution provided the effective stress friction angle at both peak strength () and maximum obliquity () from the total cone resistance () and pore-water pressure () readings. A hybrid cavity expansion–critical state model provides undrained rigidity index (), undrained shear strength (), and four profiles of yield stress ratio (YSR) with depth. The interpreted CPTU results compared favorably with independent benchmark values obtained from field vane shear tests and laboratory index, triaxial compression, and consolidation tests. As a supplement to soil behavior charts, an alternate means of identifying sensitive clays from regular insensitive clays is presented.
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Data Availability Statement
Some data and models generated or used during the study are available from the authors by request, including the CPTU, VST, consolidation, index, and triaxial results.
Acknowledgments
The first author thanks ConeTec Group for supporting in situ research activities at Georgia Tech. The second author is grateful for the funding and support provided by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation for the experimental work at the Dover-Newington project.
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Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 12 • December 2020
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© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 11, 2019
Accepted: Jun 18, 2020
Published online: Sep 23, 2020
Published in print: Dec 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Feb 23, 2021
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