Journal Published Online: 01 June 1998
Volume 21, Issue 2

Analysis of Bender Element Tests

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

A study is presented of potential errors in, and methods of interpreting, the results of cantilever-type, piezoceramic bender element tests for measuring the shear wave velocity of laboratory soil specimens. Interpretations based on the first direct arrival in the output signal are often masked by near-field effects and may be difficult to define reliably. Interpretations based on characteristic points or cross-correlation between the input and output signals are shown to be theoretically incorrect in most cases because of: (1) the effects of wave interference at the boundaries; (2) the phase lag between the physical wave forms and the measured electrical signals; and (3) non-one-dimensional wave travel and near-field effects. Interpretations based on the second arrival in the output signal are theoretically subject to errors from non-one-dimensional wave travel and near-field effects. Differences in Vs values obtained by the different interpretation methods are illustrated analytically and experimentally.

Author Information

Arulnathan, R
University of California, Davis, CA
Boulanger, RW
University of California, Davis, CA
Riemer, MF
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Pages: 12
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ10750J
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10750J