Predicting standard penetration test N-value from cone penetration test data using artificial neural networks

Standard Penetration Test(SPT) and Cone Penetration Test(CPT) are the most frequently used field tests to estimate soil parameters for geotechnical analysis and design.Numerous soil parameters are related to the SPT N-value.In contrast,CPT is becoming more popular for site investigation and geotechnical design.Correlation of CPT data with SPT N-value is very beneficial since most of the field parameters are related to SPT N-values.A back-propagation artificial neural network(ANN) model was developed to predict the N6o-value from CPT data.Data used in this study consisted of 109 CPT-SPT pairs for sand,sandy silt,and silty sand soils.The ANN model input variables are:CPT tip resistance(q_c),effective vertical stress(σ'_v),and CPT sleeve friction(f_s).A different set of SPT-CPT data was used to check the reliability of the developed ANN model.It was shown that ANN model either under-predicted the N_(60)-value by 7-16%or over-predicted it by 7-20%.It is concluded that back-propagation neural networks is a good tool to predict N_(60)-value from CPT data with acceptable accuracy.     

地下空洞引起土质地层地陷的形成机制与预测研究

地下空洞引起的土质地层地陷是地质灾害的一种常见形式。由于地陷产生的原因非常复杂,目前相关研究还处于起步阶段。通过地陷成因和实例分析,首先确认了软土和粗粒土地层的地陷破坏模式。然后对软土地层圆柱形地陷,采用土体塑性极限平衡理论导出了计算地陷安全系数的公式,并据此分析了影响地陷的相关因素。对粗粒土地层地陷的圆形塌陷漏斗,基于散体流动理论提出了粗粒土流失判据,推导了地陷安全系数计算公式;通过分析粗粒土地层地陷形成规律,提出了基于土层厚度和地陷漏斗最大沉降的地陷预测与评估方法。最后,采用数值模拟方法分析了软土和粗粒土地层地陷时的地层变形规律,对所提地陷模型的合理性进行了说明。本文研究成果可为认识土质地层地陷的形成机制和地陷防治提供参考。     

Statistical analysis of friction sleeve length effects on soil classification

The cone penetration test (CPT) provides profiles of the tip resistance, sleeve friction, and pore water pressure encountered while penetrating the subsurface. These parameters are used either directly or indirectly to classify the soil types present and to obtain geotechnical design parameters. However, fundamental discrepancies exist in the manner by which these parameters are measured. This paper describes the results of a study that shows the sleeve friction measurement introduces unnecessary redundancy due to the length of the standard friction sleeve compared to the measurement increment. Further, the high sleeve length to measurement increment ratio results in filtering and smoothing of the friction data, thereby causing the variability of the friction between the soil and the cone sleeve to be underestimated. The importance of understanding the role of the sleeve length on measurements is demonstrated using synthetically generated friction profiles and estimating the profiles that would be measured using sleeves of different lengths. Differences in how the soils are classified as a function of the sleeve length used to obtain each profile are illustrated. Solutions are presented to validate the synthetic sleeve friction profiles, to demonstrate the filtering and smoothing effects of the friction sleeve on the data, and to explain the implications of the sleeve length on soil classification. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bayesian approach for calibrating transformation model from spatially varied CPT data to regular geotechnical parameter

Cone Penetration Test (CPT) is widely utilized to gain regular geotechnical parameters such as compression modulus, cohesion coefficient and internal friction angle by transformation model in the site investigation. However, it is challenging to obtain simultaneously the unknown coefficients and error of a transformation model, given the intrinsic uncertainty (i.e., spatial variability) of geomaterial and the epistemic uncertainty of geotechnical investigation. A Bayesian approach is therefore proposed calibrating the transformation model based on spatial random field theory. The approach consists of three key elements: (1) three-dimensional anisotropic spatial random field theory; (2) classifications of measurement and error, and the uncertainty propagation diagram of geotechnical investigation; and (3) the unknown coefficients and error calibration of the transformation model given Bayesian inverse modeling method. The massive penetration resistance data from CPT, which is denoted as a spatial random field variable to account for the spatial variability of soil, are classified as type A data. Meanwhile, a few laboratory test data such as the compression modulus are defined as type B data. Based on the above two types of data, the unknown coefficients and error of the transformation model are inversely calibrated with consideration of intrinsic uncertainty of geomaterial, epistemic uncertainties such as measurement errors, prior knowledge uncertainty of transformation model itself, and computing uncertainties of statistical parameters as well as Bayesian method. Baseline studying indicates the proposed approach is applicable to calibrate the transformation model between CPT data and regular geotechnical parameter within spatial random field theory. Next, the calibrated transformation model was compared with classical linear regression in cross-validation, and then it was implemented at three-dimensional site characterization of the background project.     

苏中腹地湖相沉积土层相关距离的统计分析

相关距离是用随机场理论建模土层剖面的一个非常重要的参数,也是利用随机场理论进行岩土工程可靠性分析的关键所在。基于苏中地区某建筑工程原位静力触探测试数据中的锥尖阻力指标,针对粉质黏土层,利用不同取样间距对相关距离进行了统计计算,分析了取样间距对相关距离计算结果的影响及原因,提出了实际应用中基于尺度匹配原则的取样间距确定方法;随后,基于江苏中部某高速公路工程地质勘察所提供的大量原位静力触探测试数据,结合相关距离计算的平均零跨距法、递推空间法和相关函数法,对该区湖相沉积土层土性参数的竖直向和水平向相关距离进行了系统地统计分析。研究成果不仅提供了土性参数相关距离计算过程中取样间距的确定原则,而且获得了相关距离的区域性代表值,为区域性土性参数随机场模型的建立打下坚实的基础,能对苏中地区岩土工程可靠性分析提供参考。     

Algorithm for generation of stratigraphic profiles using cone penetration test data

Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data are often used directly in the design of shallow and deep foundations and many other applications. To produce more cost-effective designs, it is advantageous to use CPT data to establish stratigraphic profiles as well. Algorithms to generate a stratigraphic profile using data from an individual CPT sounding and a Soil Behavior Type (SBT) chart as inputs are presented. Two SBT charts from the literature were selected and modified to eliminate ambiguity in soil classification. Novel algorithms were developed for handling the occurrence of thin layers within a stratigraphic profile to account for the fact that the standard CPT cone cannot accurately sense layers with thickness below a certain limit and a representative cone resistance cannot be obtained if the layer is too thin. Likewise, the algorithms prevent the creation of a soil profile with adjacent layers of essentially the same soil by consolidating layers appropriately. The algorithms presented generate a design soil profile, produced using a precise classification based on soil type and state and by elimination of artificial layering, that can be more effectively used in design.     

The influence of urbanization of sinkhole development in central Pennsylvania

The karsted limestone valleys of central Pennsylvania contain two populations of sinkholes. Solution sinkholes occur in the Champlainian limestone units along the margins of the valleys. Solution sinkholes are permanent parts of the landscape and, although a nuisance to construction, do not present other problems. The second population is the suffosional or soil-piping sinkholes These occur on all carbonate rock units including the Beekmantown and Gatesburg dolomites that comprise the two principal carbonate aquifers in the valley. Suffosional sinkholes are the principal land-use hazard. Suffosional sinkholes are transient phonomena. They occur naturally but are exacerbated by runoff modifications that accompany urbanization Suffosional sinkholes are typically 1.5–2.5 m in diameter depending on soil thickness and soil type. The vertical transport of soil to form the void space and soil arch that are the precursors to sinkhole collapse is through solutionally widened fractures and cross-joints and less often through large vertical openings in the bedrock. The limited solution development on the dolomite bedrock combined with soil thickness, seldom greater than 2 m, limits the size of the sinkholes. All aspects of suffosional sinkhole development are shallow processes: transport, piping, void and arch formation, and subsequent collapse take place usually less than 10 m below the land surface Factors exacerbating sinkhole development include pavement, street, and roof runoff which accelerates soil transport Such seemingly minor activities as replacing high grass and brush with mowed grass is observed to accelerate sinkhole development. Dewatering of the aquifer is not a major factor in this region     

Stratigraphic delineation by three-dimensional clustering of piezocone data

Piezocone soundings are a fast and economical approach for geotechnical site characterization, providing three separate and continuous channels of data with depth, including: tip resistance q _T, porewater pressure u ₂ and sleeve friction f _s. Literally hundreds to thousands of data points are collected by a single sounding. Since these readings are functions of both soil type and soil behaviour, they can be used for the delineation of soil stratigraphy.

One way to process large amounts of data involves clustering. Cluster analysis is an efficient statistical way to analyse the stratigraphic vertical profiling of geomaterials and means to detect the inherent similarity between data sets and group them together. Clustering in previous geotechnical research was based on only two channels of piezocone data (q _T and u₂). The method works well for soils that are under the groundwater table and was applied to soundings in clay deposits.

In the present paper, a new cluster analysis approach is developed based on all three channels of data, thus extending the method to soils above the water table and applicable to sands, silts, and clays. Example soil profiles derived by three-channel cluster analysis are presented herein and compared with conventional soil boring and sampling data.     

A genetic classification of sinkholes illustrated from evaporite paleokarst exposures in Spain

This contribution analyses the processes involved in the generation of sinkholes from the study of paleokarst features exposed in four Spanish Tertiary basins. Bedrock strata are subhorizontal evaporites, and in three of the basins they include halite and glauberite in the subsurface. Our studies suggest that formation of dolines in these areas results from a wider range of subsidence processes than those included in the most recently published sinkhole classifications; a new genetic classification of sinkholes applicable to both carbonate and evaporite karst areas is thus proposed. With the exception of solution dolines, it defines the main sinkhole types by use of two terms that refer to the material affected by downward gravitational movements (cover, bedrock or caprock) and the main type of process involved (collapse, suffosion or sagging). Sinkholes that result from the combination of several subsidence processes and affect more than one type of material are described by combinations of the different terms with the dominant material or process followed by the secondary one (e.g. bedrock sagging and collapse sinkhole). The mechanism of collapse includes any brittle gravitational deformation of cover and bedrock material, such as upward stoping of cavities by roof failure, development of well-defined failure planes and rock brecciation. Suffosion is the downward migration of cover deposits through dissolutional conduits accompanied with ductile settling. Sagging is the ductile flexure of sediments caused by differential corrosional lowering of the rockhead or interstratal karstification of the soluble bedrock. The paleokarsts we analysed suggest that the sagging mechanism (not included in previous genetic classifications) plays an important role in the generation of sinkholes in evaporites. Moreover, collapse processes are more significant in extent and rate in areas underlain by evaporites than in carbonate karst, primarily due to the greater solubility of the evaporites and the lower mechanical strength and ductile rheology of gypsum and salt rocks.     

A Parametric Study on Stability of Open Excavations in Alluvial Soils of Lahore District, Pakistan

Rapid urbanization and expansion of metropolitans in the developing world is pressing the need of tall structures with multiple basements. In several such projects, open land is available around excavation site and unsupported deep excavations by maintaining appropriate side slopes offer economical solution. In this research, subsoil stratigraphy of Lahore district was established to be comprising of a top clay stratum 1.5–8 m thick, followed by a sand layer. Considering subsoil data from several geotechnical investigation reports, the effect of four key parameters viz., cohesion of clay layer, friction angle of sand layer, thickness of clay layer at the top and slope inclination of underlying sand layer on safety factor of open excavations was studied. Six hundred twenty-five slope stability analyses were conducted by considering different geometries and soil properties. Based on the results of these analyses, a regression model was suggested to estimate safety factor of open excavations in similar stratigraphy which would be useful in feasibility studies and preliminary design of deep excavations. It was established that the clay layer cohesion was the most dominant contributor to safety factor.     

塔里木盆地肖尔布拉克剖面下丘里塔格组层序地层及其油气勘探意义

塔里木盆地晚寒武世台地沉积区发育大量的白云岩,其中蕴涵着大量白云岩储层。以柯坪地区肖尔布拉克剖面为例,首次提出了以地层单层厚度为划分依据划分层序地层的方法,结合岩石学分析结果,确定了肖尔布拉克剖面寒武系下丘里塔格组白云岩的层序地层四分方案,塔中地震资料表明该四分方案可能适用于塔里木盆地整个西部台地区。根据肖尔布拉克剖面下丘里塔格组白云岩的岩石学分析,埋藏岩溶作用产生的溶蚀空间为该白云岩段的主要储集空间,因此可将下丘里塔格组白云岩储层定义为"埋藏岩溶型白云岩储层",该储层发育位置与层序界面有密切关系,一般沿层序界面之下发育。根据上寒武统白云岩的层序地层四分方案,与层序地层对储层的控制作用,提出了塔里木盆地西部台地区上寒武统"埋藏岩溶型复式白云岩储层"概念,并给予了阐释。     

Layered elastic model for analysis of Cone Penetration Testing

A layered elastic model is adopted in the paper for the analysis of soil layering effects on the results of Cone Penetration Testing (CPT). Analytical solutions associated with the layered elastic CPT model and obtained via numerically integrating the fundamental singular solution for layered elastic solids due to the action of a body force concentrated on a circular ring. The soil layering effects on the CPT tip and friction resistance are examined in detail using the layered elastic CPT model. These examinations include parametric studies, influence of soil compressibility, comparisons with theoretical results given in the literature, verification with experimental data and simulation of field trial results. The examinations lead to the conclusions that the layered elastic CPT model can be used to analyse soil layering effects on CPT results and to estimate relative shear modulus strength of soil layers. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Karst database implementation in Minnesota: analysis of sinkhole distribution

This paper presents the overall sinkhole distributions and conducts hypothesis tests of sinkhole distributions and sinkhole formation using data stored in the Karst Feature Database (KFD) of Minnesota. Nearest neighbor analysis (NNA) was extended to include different orders of NNA, different scales of concentrated zones of sinkholes, and directions to the nearest sinkholes. The statistical results, along with the sinkhole density distribution, indicate that sinkholes tend to form in highly concentrated zones instead of scattered individuals. The pattern changes from clustered to random to regular as the scale of the analysis decreases from 10–100 km² to 5–30 km² to 2–10 km². Hypotheses that may explain this phenomenon are: (1) areas in the highly concentrated zones of sinkholes have similar geologic and topographical settings that favor sinkhole formation; (2) existing sinkholes change the hydraulic gradient in the surrounding area and increase the solution and erosional processes that eventually form more new sinkholes.     

Sinkhole subsidence due to mining

This paper reviews the modes of formation of sinkhole subsidence associated with mining activities, drawing on examples in India. Sinkhole (pot-hole) subsidence is an abrupt local depression at the surface which can be hazardous to life and property due to its tendency to occur without warning. Shallow extraction, weak overburden and geological discontinuities are the main factors which cause them. Sinkholes occur due to the failure of a mine roof which migrates through the overlying strata until the failure zone intercepts the unconsolidated overburden. Alternatively they may occur by the creation of cavities in the overburden following the inflow of sand and soil from the overlying weathered and friable strata through faults. Overburden cavities eventually cave in and sinkholes appear at the surface. Sinkholing phenomena can be controlled to some extent by proper design of mining supports and construction of walls to create a barrier around an area prone to sinkholes in bord and pillar workings. Backfilling and grouting can be used to stabilize abandoned underground workings.     

Bayesian assessment of site‐specific performance of geotechnical design charts with unknown model uncertainty

Soil properties are indispensable input parameters in geotechnical design and analysis. In engineering practice, particularly for projects with relatively small or medium sizes, soil properties are often not measured directly, but estimated from geotechnical design charts using results of some commonly used laboratory or in situ tests. For example, effective friction angle ?′ of soil is frequently estimated using standard penetration test (SPT) N values and design charts relating SPT N values to ?′. Note that directly measured ?′ data are generally not available when (and probably why) the use of design charts is needed. Because design charts are usually developed from past observation data, on either empirical or semi‐theoretical basis, uncertainty is unavoidably involved in the design charts. This situation leads to two important questions in engineering practice: 1 how good or reliable are the soil properties estimated in a specific site when using the design charts? (or how to measure the performance of the design charts in a specific site?); and 2 how to incorporate rationally the model uncertainty when estimating soil properties using the design charts? This paper aims to address these two questions by developing a Bayesian statistical approach. In this paper, the second question is firstly addressed (i.e., soil properties are probabilistically characterized by rationally incorporating the model uncertainty in the design chart). Then, based on the characterization results obtained, an index is proposed to evaluate the site‐specific performance of design charts (i.e., to address the first question). Equations are derived for the proposed approach, and the proposed approach is illustrated using both real and simulated SPT data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

湖南郴州地区岩溶塌陷分布规律及其影响因素浅析

通过地质环境调查,分析湖南郴州地区岩溶塌陷分布规律及其影响因素,结果表明:(1)1980-1983年为岩溶塌陷盛发期,平均8.5个?年-1;2012-2020年塌陷发生频率增加,平均5.88个/年;岩溶塌陷主要发生在3-7月份雨季;(2)低丘冲沟中发生塌陷54个,占塌陷总数的55.67％;岩溶平原中发生塌陷40个,占4...     

Formation mechanism of large sinkhole collapses in Laibin,Guangxi, China

On June 3, 2010, a series of karst sinkholes occurred at Jili village surrounded by Gui-Bei highway, Wu-Ping highway and Nan-Liu High-Speed Railway in Laibin, Guangxi, China. The straight-line distances from an large sinkhole pit, 85 m in diameter and 38 m in depth, to the above mainlines are 200, 600 and 500 m, respectively. Several investigation methods including geophysical technology, borehole and well drilling, groundwater elevation survey and hydrochemistry analysis of groundwater were used to study the formation mechanisms of these sinkholes. Based on the results, the spatial distribution of the Jili underground river was confirmed with a strike of SN along the middle Carboniferous limestone bedrock and the Quaternary deposits controlled the sinkhole formation. In addition, both historical sinkhole events and analysis of the groundwater–air pressure monitoring data installed in the underlying karst conduit system indicate that sinkholes in this area are more likely induced by extreme weather conditions within typical karst geological settings. Extreme weather conditions in the study area before the sinkhole collapses consisted of a year-long drought followed by continuous precipitation with a daily maximum precipitation of 442 mm between May 31 and June 1, 2010. Typical geological conditions include the Jili underground river overlain by the Quaternary overburden with thick clayey rubble. Especially in the recharge zone of the underground river, a stabilized shallow water table was formed in response to the extreme rainstorm because of the presence of the thick clayey rubble. When the underground conduit was flooded through the cave entrance on the surface, air blasting may have caused the cave roof collapse followed by formation of soil cavities and surface collapses. Borehole monitoring results of the groundwater–air pressure monitoring show that the potential karst sinkhole can pose threats to Shanbei village, the High-Speed Railway and the Wu-Ping highway. Local government needs to be aware of any early indicators of this geohazard so that devastating sinkholes can be prevented in the future. The results also suggest that groundwater–air pressure monitoring data collected both the Quaternary deposits and the bedrock karst system provide useful indicators for potential sinkhole collapses in similar karst areas where sinkholes usually occur during rainy season or karst groundwater level is always under the rockhead.     

CPT data in normally consolidated soils

The paper presents observations made in CPTs performed under controlled laboratory conditions in normally consolidated clay–sand mixtures at various penetrations. These results are combined with data from field tests to develop a relationship for CPT data in young normally consolidated soils that combines end resistance and friction sleeve data. This relationship can be used to assist assessment of soil type and CPT parameters for un-aged normally consolidated soils as well as allowing judgements to be made in relation to likely levels of under-consolidation, structure and over-consolidation in any given soil deposit.

     

Management and mitigation of sinkholes on karst lands: an overview of practical applications

When karst lands are developed for residential or commercial purposes, sinkholes are to be properly managed or mitigated. This paper discusses various types of sinkholes and their possible formation mechanisms, presents some guidelines for sinkhole management, and summarizes several engineering measures for sinkhole remediation. Because a sinkhole is often not an isolated feature but a component of an integrated groundwater and surface water system, knowledge of the sinkhole geology and hydrology is essential in selection of the proper management tools and remediation options. Adverse effects including flooding, additional sinkholes, and groundwater contamination can result from poorly managed or improperly repaired sinkholes.     

Mapping the susceptibility to sinkholes in coastal areas, based on stratigraphy, geomorphology and geophysics

Sinkholes and land subsidence are among the main coastal geologic hazards. Their occurrence poses a serious threat to the man-made environment, due to the increasing density of population, pipelines and other infrastructures along the coasts, and to the catastrophic nature of the phenomena, which generally occur without any premonitory signs. To assess the potential danger from sinkholes along the coast, it is important to identify and monitor the main factors contributing to the process. This article reports a methodology based on sequential stratigraphic, hydrogeological and geophysical investigations to draw up a susceptibility map of sinkholes in coastal areas. The town of Casalabate situated in the Apulia region (southern Italy), affected by a long history of sinkhole phenomena, is here presented as an example. The approach proposed is based on sequential stratigraphical, geomorphological and geophysical surveys to identify the mechanisms of sinkhole formation and to provide a zonation of the areas in which further sinkhole phenomena may likely occur. Interpretation of the ground penetration radar and electrical tomography profiles has enabled us to identify the potentially most unstable sectors, significantly improving the assessment of the sinkhole susceptibility in the area. The proposed methodology is suitable to be exported in other coastal areas where limestone bedrock is not directly exposed at the surface, but covered by a variable thickness of recent deposits.