Application of wave equation theory to improve dynamic cone penetration test for shallow soil characterisation

Among the geotechnical in situ tests,the dynamic penetration test(DPT)is commonly used around the world.However,DPT remains a rough technique and provides only one failure parameter:blow count or cone resistance.This paper presents an improvement of the dynamic cone penetration test(DCPT)for soil characterisation based on the wave equation theory.Implemented on an instrumented lightweight dynamic penetrometer driving with variable energy,the main process of the test involves the separation and reconstruction of the waves propagating in the rods after each blow and provides a dynamic cone load-penetration(DCLT)curve.An analytical methodology is used to analyse this curve and to estimate additional strength and deformation parameters of the soil:dynamic and pseudo-static cone resistances,deformation modulus and wave velocity.Tests carried out in the laboratory on different specimens(wood,concrete,sand and clay)in an experimental sand pit and in the field demonstrated that the resulting DCLT curve is reproducible,sensitive and reliable to the test conditions(rod length,driving energy,etc.)as well as to the soil properties(nature,density,etc.).Obtained results also showed that the method based on shock polar analysis makes it possible to evaluate mechanical impedance and wave velocity of soils,as demonstrated by the comparisons with cone penetration test(CPT)and shear wave velocity measurements made in the field.This technique improves the method and interpretation of DPT and provides reliable data for shallow foundation design.

Prediction of Swelling Kinetics of Expansive Soils of Rufisque (Senegal, West Africa)

The disorders caused by the swelling of the soil on the structures have been observed for several years in the city of Rufisque. This article presents the results of the study of swelling kinetics of expansive soils in Rufisque and their prediction based on the hyperbolic rule. The odometer is used as an instrument for measuring swelling and the tests are carried out on some intact samples at their sampling water content. The present study shows that in Rufisque the most swelling layer is marl. The results show two phases of development. The first phase is very fast and represents 77% of the final deformation and the second one is slower. The prediction of the issue by the hyperbolic rule shows that it underestimates the first phase but gives a good prediction of the second phase of the swelling rate. There is a good correlation between the final swelling rates. However, the model gives a bad approximation of the half-swelling time.

Property estimation of free-field sand in 1-g shaking table tests

Experimental data taken from free-field soil in 1-g shaking table tests are valuable for seismic studies on soil-structure interaction.But the available data from medium-to large-scale shaking table tests were not abundant enough to cover a large variety of types and conditions of the soil.In the study,1-g shaking table tests of a 3-m-height sand column were conducted to provide seismic experimental data about sand.The sand was directly collected in-situ,with the largest grain diameter being 2 cm and containing a water content of 6.3%.Properties of the sand were estimated under the influence of white noise plus pulse and earthquake motions,including the settlement,the dynamic properties of the sand column,and the three soil layers′shear modulus degradation relationships.The estimated properties were then indirectly verified by means of finite element analysis.Results show that the estimated parameters were effective and could be used in numerical modeling to reproduce approximate seismic responses of the sand column.

Determination of an Equivalent Loading Circle Which May Represent the Loading of the Dual Wheels

This work aims to look for a simplifying surface that can represent the effect of the dual wheels on the variation of the stress and deformation state prevailing during the passage of traffic loads. This was facilitated by the results of Thiam (2016) [4] obtained on the distribution of the vertical contact stress in the space described by the dual wheels. The analysis of the results of this study, on all the loading circles considered, shows that the radius loading circle equal to 0.181 m makes it possible to most probably represent the effect of the dual wheels. With this new surface, the effect of the dual wheels can be determined in 2D. The choice of this load is confirmed by a study in case of overload. Thus, the single axle with dual wheels is represented by a simplified diagram equipped on each side by a disk of radius 0.181 m. These results are obtained using a numerical simulation under Cast3M with a gravelly lateritic pavement.

Taking into Account the Effect of Dual Wheels on the Behavior of Lateritic Gravelly Pavements

The representation in the three-dimensional space of the physical model symbolized by the application of the pairing of the wheels described by 2 disks with a radius of 0.125 m and a 0.375 m spacing has the advantage of more accurately simulating the loading. In most cases, the assumption of a uniform distribution of loading on the circular surface is considered. In order to determine the effect of dual wheels, this research proposes a new approach to the distribution of vertical contact stress in three-dimensional space with loading on the circular surface. This allowed evaluating the maximum deformation on the space described by the dual wheels. The results showed that vertical deformation is maximum at the center of each circular surface. The distribution of the vertical contact stress is non-uniform on the circular footprint and has a significant influence on the deformation of the pavement at the level of the bituminous layer. The impact assessment of the twinning reveals that the dual wheels load causes less damage than that of a single wheel. These results are obtained by means of a numerical simulation under Cast3M with a gravitational lateritic pavement.