Journal Published Online: 20 November 2020
Volume 44, Issue 5

Comparing Engineering Properties of Small Diameter Pressuremeter Tests to Clegg Impact Hammer Tests in Cemented Coquina Base and Sandy Subgrades

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

A comprehensive field testing program was undertaken to show that the small diameter pressuremeter (SDPMT) produces engineering data that compare well with the existing literature and Clegg Impact Hammer data. SDPMT tests were conducted using two SDPMT probe lengths (15- and 30-cm or 6- and 12-inch) and inflation techniques (incremental injection and continuous injection). Incremental tests required about 5 to 10 minutes to complete while continuous tests were completed within 1 minute. This device was successfully used in the drive pin hole used for nuclear density testing. Following a preliminary SDPMT equipment validation, 156 SDPMT tests and 96 Clegg Impact Hammer tests were performed in three sandy pavement subgrades and a cemented coquina base rock at four locations in Brevard County, Florida. SDPMT at-rest, initial stiffness, and limit pressures were evaluated using five statistical models. Good to excellent correlations were developed between the stiffness and limit pressure. Regression coefficients (R2) as high as 0.98 were found from SDPMT tests with incremental injection using the longer probe, indicating that these two variables are correlated. Comparisons between SDPMT stiffness and strength parameters and Clegg Impact Values (CIV) also produced strong correlations, with R2 values ranging from 0.75 to 0.90, indicating that CIVs are correlated to SDPMT strength and stiffness. These results indicate that SDPMT tests produce reliable strength and stiffness parameters in sandy subgrades and cemented coquina base materials common in Brevard County, Florida.

Author Information

Cosentino, Paul J.
Civil Engineering and Construction, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA
Misilo III, Thaddeus J.
Civil Engineering and Construction, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA
Pages: 18
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20190421
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20190421