On the interpretation of seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) results

Abstract

The paper deals with the methodology of performing and interpretation of seismic cone penetration test (SCPT). This type of test is used to determine velocity of the seismic wave in the soil medium. This study is focused on shear wave. The wave is triggered on the ground surface by hitting an anvil with a sledgehammer. Then, vibrations induced at different depths are measured. Based on recorded measurements wave velocity (Vs) and thus also small strain shear modulus Gmax may be calculated. An interpretation of exemplary seismic test results is presented. Crossover and cross-correlation methods are discussed and another, more adequate one is featured and then applied in the interpretation example. Conditions for correct test performance and interpretation are discussed.

Full text

Studia Geotechnica et Mechanica, Vol. XXXV, No. 4, 2013
DOI: 10.2478/sgem-2013-0033
ON THE INTERPRETATION
OF SEISMIC CONE PENETRATION TEST (SCPT) RESULTS
IRENA BAGIŃSKA
Wrocław University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Wrocław, Poland,
e-mail: irena.baginska@pwr.wroc.pl
WOJCIECH JANECKI
Geosoft, Ltd., Wrocław, Poland, e-mail: geosoft@geosoft.com.pl
MACIEJ SOBÓTKA
Wrocław University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Wrocław, Poland,
e-mail: maciej.sobotka@pwr.wroc.pl
Abstract: The paper deals with the methodology of performing and interpretation of seismic cone
penetration test (SCPT). This type of test is used to determine velocity of the seismic wave in the
soil medium. This study is focused on shear wave. The wave is triggered on the ground surface by
hitting an anvil with a sledgehammer. Then, vibrations induced at different depths are measured.
Based on recorded measurements wave velocity (Vs) and thus also small strain shear modulus
Gmax may be calculated. An interpretation of exemplary seismic test results is presented. Cross-
over and cross-correlation methods are discussed and another, more adequate one is featured and
then applied in the interpretation example. Conditions for correct test performance and interpreta-
tion are discussed.
1. INTRODUCTION
Currently, commonly used CPTU probes are often equipped with additional meas-
uring attachments to determine velocity of seismic waves. Two basic types of seismic
waves can be distinguished: compression wave and shear wave. The former is referred
to as the P-wave (primary wave) and the latter as the S-wave (secondary). Elastic con-
stants (Emax, Gmax,
ν
) can be calculated on the basis of determined wave velocities. The
obtained moduli are called small strain, maximal or dynamic (Fajklewicz [4]). Elastic
parameters derived are used in a wide range of analyses, especially associated with
problems of foundation engineering.
The arrangement of the paper is the following. A methodology of in situ seismic
test using a GEOTECH 220-04 CPTU penetrometer equipped with a seismic module
is presented in the next section. Then the interpretation procedure with the use of
SEISMIC-pro software is discussed and example results and their interpretation are
presented. The conclusions are formulated at the end.
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I. BAGIŃSKA et al.
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2. TESTING METHODOLOGY
Seismic test (SCPT) consists in triggering a seismic wave in the soil medium by hit-
ting an anvil resting on the ground surface with the use of a sledgehammer. Then, the
wave is recorded by a system of accelerometers or geophones located behind piezocone.
The vibrations registered for the vertical direction are called longitudinal, while those for
the perpendicular (horizontal) direction are referred to as transverse. These types of vibra-
tions are results of the P-wave and S-wave, respectively. The P-wave is a compression
wave and S-wave is a shear wave. Measurements of the S-wave and/or P-wave are re-
corded at different depths, typically at every meter or every half a meter. The time it takes
for the wave to reach the accelerometers at a given depth is evaluated. Differences of
travel times at subsequent depth levels are determined. The time interval between two
depths is determined. In this way wave velocities may be assessed and consequently,
taking proper assumptions, other geotechnical parameters may be evaluated.
The seismic test can be performed simultaneously with a typical CPTU one. A stan-
dard CPTU test consists in pushing an instrumented probe, with the tip facing down,
into the ground at a controlled speed rate (2.0 cm/s). During the procedure four pa-
rameters are measured and registered each 1 second, i.e., every 2 cm of depth increase.
The values being measured include cone resistance (qc), sleeve friction ( fs), pore water
pressure (u2), and inclination of the probe as a control parameter.
The additional seismic attachments for the CPTU probe include a seismic module
synchronized with an electric conical tip, a cable for sending analog signals, an interface
box, an anvil and a pedestal as well as a sledgehammer to induce seismic waves (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1. Measurement equipment of the seismic module with single tri-axial accelerometer set
The seismic module is situated directly above the measurement cone in the CPTU
probe. Inside the module there are three accelerometers arranged in three perpendicular
directions. Two of them are horizontal (X, Y) and one is vertical (Z). During the meas-
urement the accelerometers register vibrations resulting from a seismic wave induced on
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On the interpretation of seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) results 5
the ground surface level. An example of the seismic test results recorded from a single
accelerometer, to be discussed later in the paper, is presented in Fig. 2. The test in which
two signals are analyzed from two different depths by one geophone or accelerometer is
called pseudo-interval and was used in surveys analyzed and published in the paper.
Fig. 2. An exemplary outcome of seismic test – a record of vibration in the X direction
Measurements are typically taken at consecutive depths spaced at a distance of
1.0 m. The S-wave is triggered twice for each particular measurement depth: on the
left and then the right side of the rod. A scheme of this process is shown in Fig. 3.
SCPT probe
S-wave / right
static
load
static
load
S-wave / left
Fig. 3. Diagram of the S-wave measurement
The seismic wave is triggered by the hammer impact in the horizontal direction.
The wave induces vibration of soil particles. The predominant direction of movement
is horizontal, i.e., transverse to the vertical direction of wave propagation. Two identi-
cal anvils resting firmly on the ground are typically used. The anvils are set symmetri-
cally to the rod. The wave is induced by the impact on the left and the right anvils for
each measurement depth. An electrical circuit is closed by the contact of the hammer
and the anvil when it is being hit. Then the wave is induced and the measurement rec-
ord is being initiated at the same time. In every record there are indications for the
three accelerometers, arranged in three perpendicular directions (X, Y and Z). The
seismic test can be repeated at any depth. Adjusting the sensitivity range of the meas-
uring instruments is advised to obtain the most readable results.
SCPT probe
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I. BAGIŃSKA et al.
6
The hammer strikes need to be performed with consistent intensity, paying careful
attention to their “purity”, that is a single contact from the hammer at each strike. Test
quality significantly depends on the settlement of the anvil and its contact with the
ground. The anvil should be properly connected to the ground and loaded. Vibrations
affecting the pressing device should be avoided because they could disturb the meas-
urement. These problems have already been addressed in literature on the subject (e.g.,
Bajda [3]). It should be remembered that the break for the seismic test should not be
too long, because it can affect the conventional CPT test.
3. INTERPRETATION OF SCPT RESULTS
An exemplary seismic measurements, the interpretation of which is discussed in
this section, was carried out simultaneously with a standard CPTU examination. The
aim of measurements was to determine the geotechnical profile and the initial shear
modulus of the subsoil. Plots of acceleration versus time recorded at different depths
for the “left” and “right” waves are provided in Fig. 4.
7.00 m <X
7.00 m >X
8.00 m <X
8.00 m >X
9.00 m <X
9.00 m >X
Selected w aves
Time [ms ]
20018016014012010080604020
Depth [m]
9.4
9.2
9
8.8
8.6
8.4
8.2
8
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
7
6.8
6.6
2
0
18016014012010080604020
0
2
0
18016014012010080604020
0
2
0
18016014012010080604020
0
Fig. 4. “Left” and “right” wave records at depths of 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 m
The results are analysed in a two-step procedure. The first step involves deter-
mination of the time it takes for the wave to reach the sensors. Average velocity for
a given depth interval is calculated on the basis of differences in arrival times meas-
ured at consecutive depths. This step was performed using SEISMIC-pro software.
The results from the first step are incorporated in the second one, in which shear
modulus is evaluated for given depth intervals. The second stage was conducted
with the use of CPT-pro software.
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On the interpretation of seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) results 7
3.1. DETERMINATION OF S-WAVE VELOCITY
Measurements recorded for horizontal directions were analysed in order to deter-
mine velocity of the shear wave. Because more amplitudes were observed in the
X direction, the results for a single direction (X) are discussed later in the article.
Calculation of the velocity is based on differences in time after which characteristic
points of registered wave appear at plots referring to subsequent depths. The interval
shear velocity is given by the distance interval divided by the time interval. Maximum of
the “right” wave record and the corresponding minimum of the “left” wave record or
vice versa, as well as zero points may be considered characteristic points of the plots. In
another approach, the points where “left” and “right” graphs are crossed are investigated.
Those methods are discussed in detail by Areias and Van Impe [1].
SEISMIC-pro software was used as an interpretation tool in the example discussed
in this paper. The program is based on another method, which involves a comparison of
wave records provided by striking a single anvil, either “left” or “right”. An analysis
taking into account a number of tests suggests that the “left” and “right” waves differ
in more aspects than polarization only (see Fig. 4). The factors responsible for this fact
include, e.g., inevitable differences in the way the anvils are attached, a lack of repro-
ducibility of impulses and asymmetric behavior of accelerometers.
The method applied in SEISMIC-pro software is based on the following assumptions:
1. Single waves, either “left” or “right”, are included in the determination of wave
velocity for a given depth interval.
Fig. 5. Spectrum of a wave record presented in Fig. 2 and the range of frequency considered
Fig. 6. A sample of registered vibration after filtering procedure
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I. BAGIŃSKA et al.
8
4.00 m <X
5.00 m <X
Compa r is o n
Time [ms ]
1501401301201101009080706050
Time [ms ]
1501401301201101009080706050
0.05
0.045
0.04
0.035
0.03
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
-
0.005
-0.01
-
0.015
-0.02
-
0.025
-0.03
-
0.035
-0.04
-
0.045
-0.05
0.04
0.035
0.03
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
-0.005
-0.01
-0.015
-0.02
-0.025
-0.03
-0.035
-0.04
-0.045
4.00 m <X
5.00 m <X
Comparison
Time [ms ]
16015014013012011010090807060
Time [ms ]
1501401301201101009080706050
0.05
0.045
0.04
0.035
0.03
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
-
0.005
-0.01
-
0.015
-0.02
-
0.025
-0.03
-
0.035
-0.04
-
0.045
-0.05
0.04
0.035
0.03
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
-0.005
-0.01
-0.015
-0.02
-0.025
-0.03
-0.035
-0.04
-0.045
Fig. 7. Graphs of filtered wave records at two consecutive depths:
before shifting at the top and shifted at the bottom
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On the interpretation of seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) results 9
2. If the seismic module consists of several accelerometers, then it is recom-
mended to consider waves recorded by the same one.
3. Before the wave records from consecutive depths are compared, they are filtered
with use of Fourier transform. It is admissible to use different filter settings for dif-
ferent depth intervals, but they need to be identical for a pair of waves being com-
pared. Figure 5 presents the frequency spectrum of the sample result from Fig. 2
and the range of frequency to be filtered. A subsequent graph in Fig. 6 presents the
filtered wave record.
4. The time difference, in which the wave reaches a given depth level is deter-
mined by overlapping the filtered record of vibration at a greater depth over
the record obtained at a lower depth and shifting along the time axis. That
time is automatically calculated by SEISMIC-pro software once the shifting is
completed. The shift should be imposed so that the best fit is obtained (see
Fig. 7).
5. Wave velocity is calculated automatically by the program. A sample report of
S-wave velocity computation is presented in Fig. 8.
Fig. 8. Graphs of filtered records of the wave
at consecutive depths
1.00 m <X
2.00 m <X
3.00 m <X
4.00 m <X
5.00 m <X
6.00 m <X
7.00 m <X
8.00 m <X
9.00 m <X
Select ed w aves
Time [ms]
24022020018016014 0120100806040200
Depth [m]
9.5
9
8.5
8
7.5
7
6.5
6
5.5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
2
5
20015010050
0
2
5
20015010050
0
2
5
20015010050
0
2
5
20015010050
0
2
5
20015010050
0
2
5
20015010050
0
2
5
20015010050
0
2
5
20015010050
0
2
5
20015010050
0
3.2. DETERMINATION OF SHEAR MODULUS
The value of small strain shear modulus can be calculated on the basis of shear
wave velocity applying the following formula
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I. BAGIŃSKA et al.
10
2
max )( s
VG
ρ
=,(1)
where:
ρ
– bulk density, Vs – shear wave velocity.
Values of wave velocity provided by SEISMIC-pro software were exported to an-
other program: CPT-pro. The program allows the user to calculate modulus Gmax and
also to present results of standard CPTU. Figure 9 presents basic CPTU test results,
i.e., recorded values of qc, fs, u2 and derived Rf as well as values of Vs imported
00.1 0.2 0.3 0. 4
00.02 0. 04 0.06 0.08 0.10
q
c [MPa]
fs [MPa]
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
Depth [m]
00.1 0.2 0. 3 0.4 0.5
00.1 0.2 0. 3 0.4 0.5
u2 [MPa]
u2 [MPa]
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Rf [%]
Rf [%]
020 40 60 80 100120 140
020 40 60 80 100120 140
Vs [m/ s]
Vs [m/ s]
010 20 30 40 50
010 20 30 40 50
Gmax [MPa]
Gmax [MPa]
Fig. 9. Recorded values of qc, fs, u2, calculated and derived Rf and interpreted Vs and Gmax
SBT Robertson 1986
1 Sensitive fine grained
2 Organic material
3Clay
4 Silty clay to clay
5 Clayey silt to silty clay
6 Sandy silt to clayey silt
7 Silty sand to sandy silt
8 Sand to silty sand
9Sand
10 Gravelly sand to sand
11 Very stiff fine grained
0123456789101112131415
Rf[%]
0.1
1
10
100
qt [MPa]
Depth
0.50-3.62 m
3.62-5.76 m
5.76-9.42 m
Robertson 1986
12
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
12 Sand to clayey sand
Fig. 10. Measuring points on the graph of extended classification by Robertson (1986)
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On the interpretation of seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) results 11
from SEISMIC-pro and Gmax calculated in accordance with (1). All values are pre-
sented on the graph as functions of depth.
Finally, the soil type has been identified on the basis of the extended classification
by Robertson (1986) [2] (see Fig. 10). The soil was determined to be clay and/or or-
ganic material. Soil consistency was determined as very soft.
4. CONCLUSIONS
Preciseness and correctness of a seismic test as well as a proper interpretation pro-
cedure play a key role in proper determination of shear modulus Gmax. Sources of dis-
turbance in measurements include extrinsic noise, incorrect and not repeatable hits as
well as incorrect attachment and load of an anvil. Setting a proper measuring range
and instrument calibration are also very important.
The discussed method used to evaluate seismic wave velocity is precise and effec-
tive. It provides a more accurate estimation than in the cross-correlation method due to
the elimination of some sources of disturbance. Use of selective filtering of the wave
ensures elimination of the noise effect. Moreover, it is not necessary to perform “left”
and “right” hits. A single strike at each depth is enough for the presented methodol-
ogy. That may decrease the time and costs of investigations.
The in situ seismic test (SCPTU) performed simultaneously with a standard CPTU
one makes it possible to determine strength as well as deformation parameters and as
such it provides full recognition of the subsoil.
REFERENCES
[1] AREIAS L., Van IMPE W., Interpretation of SCPT Data Using Cross-over and Cross-Correlation
Methods, Engineering Geology for Infrastructure Planning in Europe, Springer, 2004.
[2] BAGIŃSKA I., Analiza oceny rodzaju gruntu ustalonego na podstawie badań CPTU, Geoinżynieria,
Drogi, Mosty, Tunele, 2012, nr 2, 38–45.
[3] BAJDA M., Źródło generacji fali sejsmicznej w sondowaniach SCPT, Przegląd Naukowy Wydziału
Inżynierii i Kształtowania Środowiska, 2009, No. 4 (46), 57–66.
[4] FAJKLEWICZ Z., Zarys geofizyki stosowanej, Wydawnictwo Geologiczne, Warszawa 1972.
[5] LUNNE T., ROBERTSON P.K., POWELL J.J.M., Cone Penetration Testing in geotechnical practice,
Blackie Academic and Professional, London 1997.
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