Seismic CPT in strong soils

Technical Abstract

The seismic cone penetration test involves pushing a sensor directly into the ground. The sensor measures seismic wave speeds in order to characterise the site. Such information is useful both for computer modelling and for empirical understanding of soil-induced amplification of ground motion. Currently this technique is limited to relatively soft materials because it is not possible to penetrate harder ground. The new method is to drill a hole into the hard material and to backfill it with soft material, then to proceed as usual.

Although some problems were experienced with ground water flow, the new technique was shown to be feasible, and vital additional information about the Parkway site was obtained.