Proceedings ISC-2 on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterization, Viana da Fonseca & Mayne (eds.

)
2004 Millpress, Rotterdam, ISBN 90 5966 009 9

Comparison of CPTU and laboratory tests interpretation for Polish

and Norwegian clays
Z. Bednarczyk
Institute for Opencast Mining, the Poltegor-Institute, Wroclaw, Poland

R. Sandven
Geotechnical division, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway

Keywords: CPTU, oedometer tests, triaxial tests, soil parameters, stability, opencast mines
ABSTRACT: The background of the reported research work is slope stability evaluations of the opencast
brown coal Belchatow mine in the central part of Poland, some 40 km south of the city of Lodz. In this mine,
CPTU have been used for soil investigations mainly in cohesive soils, up to about 200 meters below the natural terrain level. A field and laboratory test programme for the Polish soils was compared to results from a
Norwegian clay deposit. The study was made possible by the financial support of The Norwegian Research
Council and NATO, and was undertaken during a research stay at the Norwegian University of Science and
Technology (NTNU). In the study, engineering parameters of the Polish soils are estimated using CPTU and
laboratory tests on soil samples recovered from the Belchatow mine site. Norwegian clay interpretation was
based on CPTU test located in Stjrdal, 35 km east of Trondheim and reference laboratory data. Interpreted
Polish and Norwegian CPTU tests were compared to laboratory test results for both clay deposits, relating
various selected soil parameters. The interpretation includes both soil classification and identification, as well
as interpretation of different mechanical parameters such as total and effective shear strength, compression
moduli and stress history. The laboratory test programme for the Polish clays, performed at the NTNU, includes general index tests, strength testing in high capacity triaxial apparatus and deformation testing in IL
and CRS oedometer cells. Using interpretation methods developed at NTNU, described by e.g. Senneset,
Sandven and Janbu (1989) and Sandven (1990) and additionally soil classification methods proposed by
Robertson (1990), both soil type predictions and estimates of mechanical parameters can be made. The main
findings in the study indicate that reasonably good correlations between field and laboratory tests results
could be obtained for the Polish soils, repeating similar conclusions from the Norwegian deposit. However,
some difficulties in the interpretation were observed in the Polish soil, obtaining discrepancies between values
from laboratory and CPTU tests, probably due to difficult soil conditions in the mine, where sample were
taken 50m below the ground level and partly unsaturated due to the mine water pumping system. This complicated the interpretation since the applied interpretation methods basically are developed for saturated soil.
The study shows, however, that some of the existing interpretation methods could be used to estimate soil parameters under the prevailing geotechnical conditions, but local correlation and laboratory tests should normally be carried out to supplement direct interpretation from CPTU.
1

FIELD AND LABORATORY TEST

PROGRAMME

The field and laboratory test programme was carried

on two research sites in Poland and Norway. The
Norwegian research site, Glava, was situated in
Stjrdal, close to Trondheim (Fig. 1), representing a
moderately overconsolidated, non-sensitive, low
plastic clay deposit. Reference laboratory parameters
were taken from various previous investigations (see
e.g. Sandven 1990). In Poland two piezocone tests,
performed in the Belchatow open-pit mine were selected (Fig. 1). The tertiary clay, which was the subject of research, could be described as a very stiff

overconsolidated, low plastic (CL), clay. For laboratory research, four soil specimens (75 900mm) of
the clay were taken. The laboratory test programme
on the Polish clays performed at NTNU included:
1. General index tests for classification and characterization of the clay (density relations, water
content, Atterberg limits, classification shear
strength, grain size distribution)
2. Strength testing in high capacity triaxial apparatus (max. cap. 5 tons axial loading),
3. Determination of total and effective shear
strength parameters, stress-strain relationships
and pore pressure parameters.
1791

4. Deformation testing in oedometer with max. cap.

60 MPa for determination of deformation and
consolidation characteristic (deformation moduli,
preconsolidation stress and stress history)
2

CHARACTERIZATION OF RESEARCH
SITES

The Glava clay deposit consists of homogenous, marine clay underlying a 0.5 m thick sand layer. The
deposit includes thin silt lenses, and also occasionally carries shell fragments and grains of coarser materials. The clay is medium stiff to stiff, overconsolidated and with low sensivity. The natural water
content is about 30%, and the plasticity is low. The
clay content ranges from 35-48% (<0.002mm). The
initial pore pressure distribution at the site is hydrostatic and the groundwater table is usually located at
0.5-1.0m depths.
The Polish research site is situated in Belchatow
open-pit mine in central part of Poland, 44 km south
from the city of Lodz. The CPTU tests were performed in the southern slope of the mine, located
near the active landslide area in clay deposits. The
clays are situated over the upper calcacerous marl
detritus, north from the tectonic border of the
Kleszczow Rift Valley. The clay deposits used for
investigation are represented by low plasticity (CL),
clays, silty clays and clayey sands. The clay content
for clays ranges from 35-40% (<0.002mm). Their
physical and mechanical properties were established
during a long and complicated geological history,
within which they underwent loading and unloading
cycles caused by glacial activity.

the CPT-PRO software and prepared for further interpretation.

Initially description and correction of data files
was made (net cone area ratio, reduction of false
measurement, eliminations of thin layers and , pore
pressure dissipation tests). The following parameters
were calculated for this interpretation:
1. corrected cone resistance (qt=qc+1(1-a)u2))
2. corrected sleeve friction (ft)
3. pore pressure behind the cone (u2)
4. in situ pore pressure (uo)
5. total overburden pressure(vo)
6. effective overburden pressure (vo)
7. net cone resistance (qn= qt-vo,)
8. norm. cone resistance (Qt=(qt-vo)/ vo)
9. norm. friction ratio (Fr=fs/(qt-vo))
10. pore pressure ratio (Bq=(u2-uo)/(qt-vo))
11. friction ratio (Rf=ft/qt100%)
12. soil type
13. undrained shear strength (Su=(qt-vo)/NkT)
The following reference laboratory parameters and
other input data were loaded into the spreadsheet
software:
1. soil type (code),
2. ground water level,
3. initial pore pressure uo [MPa],
4. unit weight of soil [kN/m3],
5. attraction a [kPa],
6. angle of plastification (o),
7. bearing capacity factor Nc ,
8. pore pressure factor Nu, coefficient i and m
for constrained moduli.
In the spreadsheet software the following parameters
were accounted:
1. cone resistance number Nm = (Nq-1)/(1+NuBq),
2. pore pressure ratio Bq = u/(qT-z),
3. friction angle tan,
4. total overburden pressure vo [kPa],
5. undrained shear strength su,
6. compression modulus Mi and Mn (in overconsolidated and normally consolidated range).
The preconsolidation stress and stress history was
calculated from CPTU tests and compare with laboratory results from oedometer tests. It was done using spreadsheet software, and different interpretation
methods, e.g. (Sully 1988) and Powell (1988).

Figure 1. Norwegian and Polish CPTU tests.

4
3

CPTU INTERPRETATIONS

Interpretation of CPTU recordings was made using

CPT-PRO software by Geosoft Ltd, Poland, and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. Selected CPTU
profiles from Norway and Poland were processed in

1792

INTERPRETATION IN NORWEGIAN
CLAYS

In the Glava clays interpretation was based on piezocone test and reference laboratory parameters. A
clay stratum was encountered below depth 2.7 m.
Underlying silty sands to sandy silts were divided by
clayey silts to silty clays. For soil design parameters
2004 Millpress, Rotterdam, ISBN 90 5966 009 9

interpretations it was important to emphasize the

homogeneous clay stratum. Because of some differences to other CPTU tests performed at the site, the
stratum below 6.0 meters depth was chosen due to
its homogenity.
Soil type.

4.1

The soil type was identified using two different interpretation methods presented by Senneset, Sandven and Janbu (1989) and Robertson (1990). The
two methods gave approximately the same soil identification. Using the Robertson classification chart
along with the CPT-PRO software the soil below 6.0
m depth was identified as partly silty clays
(Figure 2). The NTNU chart, using the corrected
cone resistance qt and the pore pressure ratio Bq , the
soil consists of stiff clay and silt. (Fig. 3)
CPTU F5SCWOC24
Silty sand to sandy silt
Clayey silt to silty clay
Silty sand to sandy silt

u2[MPA]

qc[MPA]

0.80

1.60

0.20

Su[MPA]

0 .60 0

0.080

0.040

Undrained shear strength

4.2

The undrained shear strength su was calculated using

various theoretical methods applicable for CPTU
(see e.g. Sandven 1990). A typical range of the bearing capacity factor Nc = 6 - 9 was chosen. The best
fit of the bearing capacity factor Nc was calculated
by dividing the net cone resistance qn by the selected
reference value of su. The reference value of su clay
from laboratory test was obtained using two criteria:
1. the peak shear stress max from triaxial test con
solidated to the present effect. stress level, (LAB 1)
2. equation su =c(c+a) (c0.22-0.28), (LAB 2)
Values of su are plotted against depth and compared
with values from laboratory tests on figure 4.
Undrained shear strength su is interpreted from
CPTU data for two different values of Nc (Nc=6,
Nc=9), plotted versus depth and compared with reference laboratory values. The best fit for this approach gave a bearing capacity factor of Nc=9.
Su [kPa]

1.0

50

100

150

200

6.0

Silty sand to sandy silt 2.0

4.0

8.0

Depth [m]

Clayey silt to silty clay

6.0

U1

10.0

Nc=6 CPTU
Nc=9 CPTU
LAB 1
LAB 2

8.0

12.0
10. 0

14.0
12. 0

Figure 2 Piezocone test performed in Norway (Stjrdal), Glava

clay, plot qc, u2 and Su against the depth (soil classification according to Robertson method 1990)

The cone resistance number Nm, and pressure ratio Bq plotted on soil classification chart (Senneset,
Sandven, Janbu 1989) is presented in Figure 3. Plots
of loose sand in the classification chart represent the
sandy layer from the ground level to about 2.7 m
depth.
110
100
90
80

Hard stiff soil (OC)

Nm

70
60
50

dense sand

40
30

loose sand

20

stiff clay, silt

fine silt, clay

10
0
-0.6

-0.4

-0.2

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

soft clay
1.2

1.4

Bq

Figure 4. Glava clay, prediction of undrained shear strength using bearing capacity theory (Nc=6-9).

4.3

Soil strength effective parameters

Interpretation of CPTU in terms of effective stress

strength parameters may be obtained using the
method by Senneset et. al (1988). In this method, the
cone resistance number Nm, the pore pressure ratio
Bq, the angle of plastification and the soil attraction were estimated. In clays below 6.5m depth, values of Nm were between 7.0 and 8.0, whereas the
pore pressure ratio Bq ranged from 0.5 to 0.6. It corresponds to a mean qt value 0.8-1.0 MPa. These values indicate an overconsolidated clay.
The best estimate of friction angle from CPTU
data is presented in Figure 5. A comparison of tan
obtained from CPTU interpretation to reference
laboratory values shows that the interpreted CPTU
values, tan = 0.59-0.69 are slightly higher than
those from reference laboratory tests, tan = 0.540.59.

Figure 3. Glava clay, diagram Nm and Bq, soil classification

chart after Senneset, Sandven, Janbu (1989 NTNU chart).

Proceedings ISC2 on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterization, Viana da Fonseca & Mayne (eds.)

1793

Preconsolidation pressure [MPa]

Mi [MPa]
0

20

40

60

0.0

80

0.2

0.4

0.6

6.0

52.0
8.0

Depth [m]

Depth [m]

52.5

53.0

53.5

10.0

NTH
PPR1
EPPR1
PPD1
LAB

12.0

Mi CPTU
Mi LAB

Figure 5. Glava clay, comparison between tan received from

CPTU and from reference laboratory results below 6.0m depth.

4.4

Interpretation of preconsolidation pressure

The maximum overburden pressure for which the

soil has been consolidated c was difficult to calculate using only CPTU results and it was more accurate to use reference oedometers test results. For
Glava clay, different interpretation models were
used to interpret CPTU data. The NTH model with
effective stress approach (Sandven at al 1988) allows prediction of the preconsolidation pressure using equation:
q`T+a = Nqc(`c+a)
where:
q`T = qT - uo = effec. corrected cone resistance,
uo = equilibrium or hydrostatic pore pressure,
Nqc = bearing capacity coefficient (),
Nqc = (Nq+NuBq)/(1+NuBq),
Nu = bearing capacity factor (u),
Nq = bearing capacity factor (),
Bq = pore pressure ratio,
`c = preconsolidation stress,
a = attraction.
On Figure 6, preconsolidation pressure calculated
by this method is compared with reference laboratory results. Preconsolidation pressure prediction
was also made using an approach introducing differential pore pressure ratios: PPR1, EPPR1 ,PPD1
(Sully 1988), where PPD1=(u1-u2)/uo, PPR1=u1/u2,
EPPR1=(u1-uo)/(u2-uo). Values of the preconsolidation pressure calculated by different methods from
CPTU tests for Glava clays are generally lower than
from oedometer tests results.
4.5

Interpretation of overconsolidation ratio.

The overconsolidation ratio OCR for Glava clay was

calculated using different methods and pore pressure
ratios from previous tests. Results from these methods provide lower OCR values compared to refer-

1794

14.0

Figure 6. Glava clay, prediction of preconsolidation pressure.

ence oedometer tests. The lowest values were obtained using Powell method (1988) OCR=0.3(qtvo/vo). The highest value was obtained using the
PPR1 method (Sully 1988). Reference OCR value
from the laboratory at 6.0m depth is 6.0 and decrease to about 4.0 at 12m depth.
Interpretation of compression moduli

4.6

The compression moduli in overconsolidated range

Mi (Senneset at. al., 1982, 1989) calculated using
equation: Mi = iqn = i (qt-vo) have a better fit
compare to reference oedometer test values than
compression moduli Mn for normally consolidated
clays. They are presented on Figure 7.

Mi [MPa]
0

10

15

20

6.0

8.0

Depth [m]

54.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

Mi CPTU
Mi LAB

Figure 7. Glava clay, compression moduli from CPTU and oedometer tests for clays in overconsolidated range.

LABORATORY TEST PROGRAM ON

SELECTED POLISH CLAY SAMPLES

The laboratory programme for Polish soils included:

1. Basic physical properties of soil tests
2. Unconfined compression tests
3. IL and CRS oedometer tests
4. CID and CIU triaxial tests

2004 Millpress, Rotterdam, ISBN 90 5966 009 9

300

3 )/

2 (kPa)

400

200

The undrained shear strength measured in unconfined compression tests varied from 33.8-52.8 kPa in
clayey sand/ sandy clay to 200 kPa in clay.
The compressibility of the soil was determined
using 12 incrementally loaded (IL) oedometer tests
and 8 continuous loading CRS tests with pore pressure measurements. The preconsolidation stress was
estimated from different parameter variations (coefficient of consolidation from Taylors method, constrained modulus M and the time resistance number
rs from the creep phase). Results of CRS oedometer
tests compared well to the results from IL oedometer
tests, but the values of the oedometric modulus M
were slightly lower.
Twelve isotropically consolidated drained and
undrained triaxial tests were carried out on
100 54.3 mm cylindrical specimens in a fully
automated triaxial apparatus (Tab. 1). The specimens were tested at different cell pressures and isotropically consolidated and saturated in steps to 300,
400, 500 and 600 kPa, applying a backpressure in
the range of 70-360 kPa, for saturation of the specimens. Every step of consolidation was continued until no or insignificant changes in the expelled pore
water volume was observed. The shearing stage was
performed with deformation rates 0,075 mm/hour
for undrained tests and 0.05 mm/hour for drained
tests. The major part of the Polish soil samples was
only partly saturated, in some cases with degrees of
saturation as low as 30-60%. These low degrees of
saturation was caused by the water pumping system
in the mine. However, some of the samples were almost fully saturated, to about 99 %. For this reason,
the specimens were saturated with high backpressure
and consolidated in stages. The following values of
the friction angle and cohesion for clays were obtained from CIU triaxial tests: = 21.3o, c = 8.56
kPa. For the more sandy type of clay, obtained values were nearly the same: = 21.0o, c = 8.50 kPa.
The corresponding values of the friction angle from
CID tests were 8.1o for the clays and 25.1o for the
sandy clays. The cohesion values obtained from
drained CID tests were significantly higher and varied from 60 to 100 kPa. This could be caused by a to
high deformation rate in the test, or a low B-value.
Because of the larger variations in test results, and
the lower saturation B values in the CID triaxial
tests, the effective stress strength parameters for
comparison with CPTU data was chosen from the
CIU tests. The undrained shear strength from triaxial
tests was specified using the peak deviator stress
value. This stress reached 500-800 kPa in profile
B9602, whereas somewhat lower values between
280-500 kPa were obtained in profile B9603. The
preconsolidation pressure varied accordingly between 400 to 700 kPa. The soils were overconsolidated with an overconsolidation ratio of 6.5 in profile B9602 and 2.7-3.0 in profile B9603.

100

to

0
0

100

200

300
400
500
600
(11 + 13 ) / 2 (kPa)

700

800

900

Figure 8. Typical CIU polish clays triaxial test results.

Table 1. List of triaxial tests on Polish clay.
Test Depth

Soil type

Test
type

Cosolidation B-val.
pressure kPa] [%]

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

clay
clay
clay
clay
clay
clay
clay
clay
sandy clay
sandy clay
sandy clay
sandy clay

CID
CID
CIU
CIU
CIU
CID
CID
CID
CID
CID
CIU
CIU

400
600
300
400
500
300
400
500
300
600
450
600

60.7
60.9
60.3
60.1
60.2
60.3
60.4
60.5
52.5
52.7
52.8
52.9

0.71
0.81
0.88
0.59
0.63
0.62
0.31
0.40
0.67
0.60

INTERPRETATION IN POLISH CLAYS

The interpretation in Polish clay was based on two

tests B9602 and B9603 performed 50 meters below
ground level in the Belchatow open-pit mine. For
laboratory tests, four soil samples with dimensions
75 900mm were taken in locations close to the
CPTU tests.
6.1

Soil type

As for the Norwegian clays, the classification charts

proposed by Robertson (1990) and Senneset, Sandven and Janbu (1989) were used, and interpretation
gave approximately the same results. By the first
method, the interpretation chart gave clayey silts to
silty clays (Figure 9). The test profiles revealed thin
clay layers, interbedding the sandy layers. The
NTNU chart indicated hard stiff overconsolidated
soil to sand. Using the pore pressure ratio Bq and the
cone resistance number Nm soil, the method gave
stiff clay and silt to sand (Figure 10). The value of
the pore pressure ratio Bq was very small compared
to the Norwegian clay since the soil was not fully
saturated.

Proceedings ISC2 on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterization, Viana da Fonseca & Mayne (eds.)

1795

Soil strength effective parameters

6.3

Figure.9 Piezocone test performed in Belchatow, Poland plot

qc, fs, u2, Rf and Su against the depth. (soil classification according to Robertson method 1990)

Effective stress strength parameters were calculated

from the method proposed by Senneset et. al (1988).
Mean values of Nm for clays varied from 2.0-4.0
(for sandy soils 10-25). The pore pressure ratio Bq
was very low and ranged from 0.0 to 0.005-0.015.
A comparison of tan obtained from CPTU and reference laboratory values shows that the CPTU interpretations were significantly lower, see Figure 12.
The values of attraction (a = 8.5 kPa) and angle of
plastification (=-15) used in this calculation were
taken from reference laboratory tests.
tan
0.00
52.0

0.20

0.40

0.60

0.80

110
100

52.5

90
80

Depth [m]

Hard stiff soil (OC)

Nm

70
60
50

53.0

dense sand

40

53.5

30

CPTU
LAB

loose sand

20

stiff clay, silt

clay, fine silt

10
0
-0.6

-0.4

-0.2

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

54.0

soft clay
1.2

1.4

Figure 12. Comparison between tan from piezocone test and

reference laboratory tests. Polish clay, CPTU B9602.

Bq

Figure 10 Polish clay, diagram Nm and Bq, soil classification

chart after Senneset, Sandven, Janbu (1989 NTNU chart).

6.4

Undrained shear strength.

6.2

The undrained shear strength su was estimated using

similar methods as for the Norwegian clays (Sandven 1990). Obtained values of su are plotted against
depth and compared to reference values from laboratory triaxial tests. In Figure 11, the undrained shear
strength su interpreted from CPTU tests for two different values of the bearing capacity factor Nc is
plotted against depth and compared to reference
laboratory strength. The best fit of the reference values was obtained by the equation su = c (c+a) and
Nc=9.

Preconsolidation Pressure [MPa]

Su [kPa]
0

500

1000

Interpretation of preconsolidation stress

For calculation of preconsolidation stress from

CPTU results, the NTNU effective stress interpretation model (Sandven 1990) was used. In Figure 13,
the preconsolidation stresses calculated by this
method are compared with reference laboratory results from oedometer tests. For the Polish clay, values of the preconsolidation stresses were show good
agreement for test B9602 (500kPa), whereas
slightly higher values in test B9603.

1500

0.0
52.0

2000

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

52.0

Depth [m]

52.5

Depth [m]

52.5

53.0

53.5

54.0

Nc=6 CPTU
Nc=9 CPTU
LAB 1 max
LAB 2 c+(c'+a)

53.5

EFFECTIVE OVERBURDEN
PRECOSOLIDATION PRESSURE CPTU

54.0

PRECONSOLIDATION. PRESSURE LAB

LAB 3 - UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION

Figure 11. Prediction of undrained shear strength in Polish

clay, CPTU B9602, bearing capacity theory (Nc=6-9).
1796

53.0

Figure 13. Preconsolidation stress from piezocone tests compared to laboratory test, Polish clay, CPTU B9602.

2004 Millpress, Rotterdam, ISBN 90 5966 009 9

Interpretation of overconsolidation ratio.

6.5

The overconsolidation ratio (OCR) for Polish clays

was calculated using the method suggested by Powell (1988). The interpreted results were compared to
reference oedometer test data and are presented in
Figure 14. Obtained values of the overconsolidation
ratio shows good agreement with reference laboratory data in clays, varying from 6.0 to 8.0 and decreasing by depth. In the sandy layers, values of
OCR were significantly higher.
OCR
0

10

20

30

52.0

Depth [m]

52.5

53.0

53.5
CPTU (POWELL)
LAB
54.0

Figure 14. Prediction of overconsolidation ratio (OCR) using

the method by Powell (1988), Polish clay, CPTU B9602.

6.6

Interpretation of compression moduli

The compression moduli in the overconsolidated

stress range (Mi = iqn, with i = 10 5) are presented in Figure 15. As for the Norwegian clays, interpreted values from CPTU tests showed the best-fit
to the reference oedometer test values in the overconsolidated stress range (compare to moduli for
normally consolidated stress range Mn). Reference
laboratory values of the compression moduli from
oedometer tests varied from 17-30 MPa

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATION FOR FURTHER
WORK

Interpretations of CPTU tests made for selected sites

in Poland and in Norway showed that reasonably
good comparison between field and laboratory test
data could be obtained by using existing interpretation methods. The test methods proposed by Senneset, Sandven and Janbu (1988) allow soil type predictions from CPTU tests in addition to mechanical
parameters of the soil, such as shear strength, compression moduli, and preconsolidation stress. The
soil type classification method proposed by Robertson (1990) also gave very good results.
A laboratory test programme carried out at
NTNU also allowed prediction of soil design parameters in the Polish clays. For the Norwegian clay,
reference laboratory parameters were similarly established from previous laboratory tests on the soil.
A summarized comparison between parameters obtained from CPTU results for the Polish and Norwegian clays, respectively, is presented in Table 2. The
Polish clays were taken from a very different geological environment compared to the Norwegian
clays. The tests in Poland were made 50 meters below the ground level, and the soil samples were
partly saturated due to the mine water pumping system. This feature complicated the interpretation and
comparison of results. Testing of partly saturated
specimens requires special type of triaxial apparatus
with possibility of air pressure measurements inside
the sample, which was not available in this project.
Table 2. Comparison between CPTU interpretations for Polish
and Norwegian clays.
Parameter
Soil type

Mi [MPa]
0

20

40

60

80

52.0

Depth [m]

52.5

53.0

53.5
Mi CPTU

54.0

Undrained shear
strength [kPa]
Preconsolidation
pressure [kPa]
Overconsolidation
ratio [-]
Compression moduli in
overconsolidated range
[kPa]
tan [-]

Norwegian
Polish clay
clay
Stiff clay, silt Stiff clay to
hard stiff soil
80-100
250-500
200-300

500-600

5-4

6-8

7000-8000

20 000-30 000

0.6-0.7

0.2-0.4

Mi LAB

Figure 15. Compression moduli from piezocone test and laboratory test for clays in overconsolidated range, Polish clay,
CPTU B9602.

An overview of the conclusions obtained from the

comparison is presented in Table 3

Proceedings ISC2 on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterization, Viana da Fonseca & Mayne (eds.)

1797

REFERENCES

Table 3
Parameters
from CPTU
Soil type

Norwegian
clay
Good
prediction

Polish
Remarks
clay
Good
For Polish soils
prediction better fit with Bq
and Nm
Undrained
Good predic- Good
Good correlation
shear
tion, using
prediction Nc=9,
strength
different apbetter using
proaches
Su = c(c+a)
Preconsoli- A little lower Good pre- NTH method,
dation pres- values, NTH diction
for the Norwegian
sure
method gave test
soils also using
the best fit
B9602,
Sully (1988)
test
method
B9603
lower values
OverconLower
Good pre- For the Norwegian
solidation ra- values
diction, in soils the best fit
tio
test
PPR1 method
B9603
(Sully 1988)
lower values
Compression Good
Good
Good fit with
moduli Mi
prediction
prediction i=10
Compression Lower
Lower
Acceptable fit with
moduli Mn
values
values
n= 6
Controlling paFriction an- Good predic- Lower
gle
tion or
values us- rameters: plastifislightly
ing plasti- cation angle,
suction
overestimated fication
angle
=-15o

Bednarczyk, Z., 2002. Research use of CPTU as a method for

estimating soil design parameters.- NATO Advanced Fellowship Programme, study report. Norwegian University of
Science and Technology, Geotechnical Division, Trondheim.
Janbu, N, Senneset, K. 1973. Effective Stress Interpretation of
In Situ Static Penetration Tests. ESOPT 1, Stockholm, Proceedings, vol.1.
Lunne, T., Robertson, P.K. and Powell, J.M., 1997. Cone Penetration Testing in Geotechnical Practice. Blackie Academic
& Professional.
Lunne, T., Sandven R., 1995. Cone Penetration Testing. National Report for Norway. Proceedings, CPT95, Linkping
Sweden. Also in Bulletin 32, Norwegian University of Science and Technolog,. Geotechnical Division., Trondheim.
Robertson, P.K., 1992. Soil Classification Using Cone Penetration Test. Canadian Geotechnical Journal No. 1, 151-158.
Sandven, R. 1990. Strength and deformation properties of finegrained soils obtained from piezocone tests.PhD thesis,.
Geotechnical Division, Norwegian University of Science
and Technology.
Senneset, K., Janbu, N., Svano, G. 1982. Strength and deformation parameters from cone penetration tests. ESOPT 2,
Amsterdam, Proceedings, vol. 2.
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Conference, San Diego, Proceedings. .
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history in clay. ISOPT, Orlando, Florida, Proceedings,
vol.2.

This study mainly focused on correlations between

CPTU and laboratory results for Polish clays, and
was based on a limited number of soil samples and
CPTU records. Research work is in progress, but
fully acceptable testing procedure for this type of
unsaturated soils has not yet been developed. Investigations showed that CPTU in combination with
laboratory testing could be used to estimate clay soil
parameters under the prevailing geotechnical conditions, but caution should be shown since the interpretation methods are sensitive to choice of input parameters, and they are mostly relevant for fully
saturated conditions.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks are extended to Kaare Senneset, Jan
Jonland and Kjell Roksvg from the Geotechnical
Division, Wojciech Janecki from Geosoft Ltd. and
for Belchatow Opencast Mine Company. The research study was financed by the Norwegian Research Council and the NATO Advanced Fellowship
Programme.

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2004 Millpress, Rotterdam, ISBN 90 5966 009 9