SPT-CPT Correlation and Its Application for Liquefaction Evaluation in China

Abstract

The standard penetration test (SPT) and cone penetration test (CPT) are the two most commonly used in-situ tests. In this paper, SPT-CPT correlation is investigated using statistical and regression method based on a database of in-situ tests. Two correlation equations of the SPT N-value and the CPT cone tip resistance q_c are proposed. The equations are applied for the liquefaction potential evaluation. Three effect factors including the soil type, mean particle size, and fine content are investigated for SPT-CPT correlation. The simple correlation can be used for the preliminary site investigation with least data and information. The comprehensive one can give more accurate result with detailed data. These two correlation equations are useful for different purposes with different accuracies. The liquefaction evaluations using the proposed correlation method are compared with those from the Chinese code method. It is shown that the proposed correlation can be helpful for site investigation and geotechnical design in practice.

Keywords:

• blow account
• cone penetration test
• cone tip resistance
• liquefaction evaluation
• standard penetration test

Acknowledgments

The data collection work was carried out by colleagues from Jiangsu Electric Power Design Institute. The authors would like to express appreciations to the editor and anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions.

Notes

Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/umgt.