Module 5: Site investigation using in situ testing

Learning objectives
In this module, the techniques by which information can be obtained in-situ conditions
are presented. A classification of the in-situ tests on the basis of the degree to which tests
can be analyzed in a fundamental way to obtain real soil parameters has been provided.
Based on the classification, the test procedures have been explained in detail and their
advantages, disadvantages, results, interpretation and uses are mentioned, along with the
determination of the soil parameters through these tests.
Keywords
In-situ testing, Penetration tests, shear test, permeability tests
Questions
1) How in-situ material information can be obtained?
2) What are in-situ test to get shear and compressibility properties of soil?
3) Explain split spoon and its role in measuring soil strength?
4) Compare static and dynamic penetration tests?
5) Explain source of error in SPT?
6) Explain CPT procedure with advantage and disadvantage?
7) Explain vane shear working concept and what are its disadvantage over other methods?
8) What are application of different types of pressuremeter test in site investigation?
9) Draw schematic plate load test plots?
10) How do we interprate soil properties from dilatometer results?
11) Give a brief overview of permeability test and compare variable and constant head?
12) What all are the corrections applied in SPT and CPT test and why?
13) How CPT test is useful in determing the seismic ground hazard?
14) A standard penetration test (SPT) has been conducted in a loose coarse sand stratum to a
depth of 16 ft below the ground surface. The blow counts obtained in the field were as

follows: 0-6 in = 4 blows; 6-12 in =6 blows, 12-18 in =8 blows. The tests were conducted
using a US-style donut hammer in a 6 inch diameter boring with a standard sampler and
liner. The effective unit weight of the loose sand stratum is about 93.8 pcf.
Determine the corrected SPT if the testing procedure is assumed to be only 60% efficient.
15) A shear vane test is used to determine an approximate value of the shear strength of clay.
The tester has a blade diameter d=3.625 inches and a blade height h=7.25 inches. In a
field test, the vane required a torque of 17.0 ft-lb to shear the clay sample, which has a
plasticity index of 47% (PI=LL-PL). Determine the un-drained cohesion cu correctly for
its plasticity. d3

16) The results of a constant-head permeability test for a fine sand sample having a diameter
of 150 mm and a length of 300 mm are as follows:
Constant head difference = 500 mm
Time of collection of water = 5 min
Volume of water collected = 350 cm3
Temperature of water =240C
Find the hydraulic conductivity for the soil at 200C
17) For a variable-head permeability test, the following are given: length of specimen =15 in.,
area of specimen= 3 in.2, and k= 0.0688 in./min. What should be the area of the standpipe
for the head to drop from 25 to 12 in. in 8 min.?