Showing papers on "Standard penetration test published in 2021"

Performance evaluation of hybrid GA–SVM and GWO–SVM models to predict earthquake-induced liquefaction potential of soil: a multi-dataset investigation

Abstract: The prediction of the potential of soil liquefaction induced by the earthquake is a vital task in construction engineering and geotechnical engineering. To provide a possible solution to such problems, this paper proposes two support vector machine (SVM) models which are optimized by genetic algorithm (GA) and grey wolf optimizer (GWO) to predict the potential of soil liquefaction. Field observation data based on cone penetration test (CPT), standard penetration test (SPT) and shear wave velocity (VS) test (SWVT) are employed to verify the reliability of the GA–SVM model and the GWO–SVM model, the numbers of input variables of these three field testing data sets are 6, 12 and 8, respectively, and the output result is the potential of soil liquefaction. To verify whether the two optimization algorithms GA and GWO have significantly improved the performance of SVM model, an unoptimized SVM model is served as a reference in this study. And five performance metrics, including classification accuracy rate (ACC), precision rate (PRE), recall rate (REC), F1 score (F1) and AUC are used to evaluate the classification performance of the three models. Results of the study confirm that when CPT-based, SPT-based and SWVT-based test sets are input into three classification models, the highest classification accuracy of 0.9825, 0.9032 and 0.9231, respectively, is achieved with GWO–SVM. And based on these three data sets, the values of AUC obtained by GWO–SVM are all higher than those obtained by GA–SVM. Further, by comparing the other metrics of the three classification models, it is found that the classification performance of the two hybrid models is very similar and significantly better than the SVM, which indicates that GWO–SVM, like GA–SVM, can also be used as a reliable model for predicting soil liquefaction potential.

Case study of a driven pile foundation in diatomaceous soil. I: Site characterization and engineering properties

Abstract: Diatomaceous soils are comprised of the silica frustules of diatom microalgae that are present in marine and lacustrine environments throughout the world. Owing to their unique origin, diatomaceous soils are typically characterized by high intraparticle porosity, complex particle shapes, and uniform mineralogy, causing them to exhibit atypical physical and engineering behaviors. A substantial deposit of diatomaceous silt was observed during site exploration for construction of the Buck Creek Bridge on OR140 near Klamath Falls, OR, USA. A comprehensive laboratory and in situ testing program indicated that the diatomaceous soil possessed “non-textbook” engineering properties. Specifically, tested samples had high liquid limits (≈100%-140%) with natural water contents at or near the liquid limit. Geologically, the soil is expected to be normally consolidated, yet high apparent overconsolidation ratios (OCR) (≈15-40) were observed both in oedometric consolidation tests and through cone penetration test (CPT) correlations. Standard penetration test (SPT) results show a corrected standard penetration resistance consistent with a medium-dense sand (i.e. N160≈25). CPT results include corrected tip resistances (qt) of approximately 7-10 MPa and excess pore pressures (u2) of up to 4 MPa. In CPT dissipation tests, pore water pressures (PWPs) returned to hydrostatic pressure in less than one hour. In this work, we synthesize these seemingly disparate material properties in an attempt to infer appropriate engineering properties for the diatomaceous deposit at the Buck Creek Bridge and attempt to provide insight into the underlying reasons for the observed behavior.

Spatial mapping of geotechnical soil properties at multiple depths in Sialkot region, Pakistan

Abstract: This paper aims to create spatial maps (SMs) using a spatial interpolation technique based on extensive geotechnical subsoil data derived from comprehensive field and laboratory investigations. Sialkot, a rapidly developing industrial and agricultural district, is used as a case study. The subsoil information was assessed in terms of Standard Penetration Test N-values (SPT-N), shear wave velocity, soil type, soil consistency, and chemical analysis. Using ArcGIS, the SMs were created by treating each depth level as a surface and using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation technique. Correlations were also developed using linear regression analyses for SPT-N values, and soil consistency in conjunction with depth, allowing quick and reliable assessment of soil strength and stiffness, and soil consistency during the preliminary planning and design process of any proposed project in the study area. The results show that at shallow depth (i.e., up to 3 m) the fine-grained soil is predominant with a plasticity index (PI) ranged between 7 and > 17; SPT-N values between 2–8; and shear wave velocity between 138 and 195 m/s. Beyond, 3 m depth, the non-plastic coarse-grained soil is predominant exhibiting SPT-N values between 8 and > 16; and shear wave velocity between 195 and > 232 m/s. In addition, the correlation coefficient for SPT-N values exhibits good prediction accuracy, i.e., at shallow depth (up to 3 m) the correlation coefficient between actual and predicted value ranges between 82 and 90%; whereas beyond 3 m the correlation coefficient varies between 67 and 89%. Meanwhile, for PI value the correlation coefficient up to 9 m depth ranges between 82 and 94%. Moreover, the prediction accuracy for soil type using SMs is around 83%. This information enables engineers to construct a preliminary ground model for a new site using data derived from adjacent sites or sites with the same subsoils exposed to similar geological processes. Furthermore, having reliable information on the geometry and geotechnical properties of underground layers will make projects safer and more cost-effective.

Correlation between field electrical resistivity and geotechnical SPT blow counts at tropical soils in Brazil

Abstract: The joint application of geophysical investigations, non-invasive methods, and geotechnical investigations, invasive methods, in order to interpret the geological features in subsurface has been increasingly accepted, however, the correlation between the values collected by the geophysical methods and the direct investigative techniques have been developed in recent years. The obtained linear relationships are site specific and complementary studies are needed to establish their validation and limitations for each site. In this study, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was used with Standard Penetration Test (SPT) for geotechnical investigation at three hillslope sites with different tropical soil properties in Bahia, Brazil. The results from thirteen boreholes were analyzed against data from 2D inverted sections. Linear fitting successfully correlates resistivity and NSPT for one borehole. Correlations of electrical resistivity and NSPT values were also performed using soils with similar compositions and physical characteristics, which showed good results. The coefficient of correlation (R) was 0.94. In addition, results the fitting slope coefficient seems to be dependent of soil genesis (lithology, texture and clay content variation) scription obtained in SPT surveys.

Assessment of liquefaction potential of soil based on standard penetration test for the upper Benue region in Nigeria

Abstract: Determining a specific site ‘s geotechnical parameters is a crucial step in geotechnical analyses and designs in a seismically active area. In recent years, many parts of Nigeria have been subjected to several earthquakes; therefore, subsurface description has been a challenging task in geotechnical practice in this region. This paper aims to evaluate subsurface formation for soil liquefaction analysis at a sugar plant site located in Nigeria ‘s Upper Benue region. The study used data from the standard penetration test (SPT) measured at 28 boreholes and soil samples ‘ laboratory analysis. The liquefaction parameters were derived according to the procedure in Idriss and Boulanger (2014). Soil liquefaction has been evaluated, assuming an earthquake scenario of 7.5 Mw with a peak horizontal acceleration (amax) of 0.15 g. Results showed that the subsurface formation between 1.5 and 4.5 m is saturated loose to medium-dense sandy, silty clayey soil, and the liquefaction safety factor is less than 1. The Formation at a depth deeper than 4.5 m comprises very densely to stiff clayey sands with a safety factor higher than 1. The applied approach has been proved to be a rapid and reliable method for investigating sandy soil’s liquefaction under the effect of earthquakes.

Evaluation of kinetic moduli and soil competence scale of soil profiles in Jizan area, southwestern Saudi Arabia

Abstract: The P-wave seismic refraction, multi-channel analysis of surface waves, and standard penetration test data were integrated in this study to assess the heterogeneity of the soil profiles of Jizan area with emphasis on dynamic moduli and the soil competence scale. The standard penetration test data were acquired from 120 boreholes in Jizan City and analyzed to construct a soil profile till 20 m depth. Moreover, fourteen profiles of seismic refraction and multichannel analysis of surface waves were created near boreholes to estimate 1D and 2D velocity models for P- and S-wave velocities. The depth of the soil profiles has been identified where it ranges from 0 down to 31.5 m. Based on results, Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, rigidity modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and ultimate bearing capacity vary in the ranges of 0.3–3.2 × 109, 0.2–3.3 × 109, 0.12–1.35 × 109, 0.21–0.34, and 0.04–1.05 kg/cm2, respectively, while the mean values of the N value, density gradient, concentration index, material index, and stress ratio range from 2 to 30, from 1.13 to 1.51, from 4.0 to 5.8, from − 0.34 to + 0.16, and from 0.27 to 0.51, respectively, through the area. Lithological heterogeneities and dynamic and geotechnical parameters were quantified for the two upper layers. The topmost layer has varying features down to a depth of about 8 m, indicating a loose to moderately dense soil overlying the second layer with medium to dense deposits. The changing of soil profiles either laterally and vertically, and their corresponding dynamic and geotechnical properties, either generate new or increase the pre-existing geotechnical and engineering problems. Engineering treatments of very soft (liquefiable) soils are highly recommended before constructing new buildings and infrastructure in Jizan City.

Standard penetration test State-of-the-art report

Abstract: Important developments have taken place since ESOPT 1974 both with respect to the test method as well as the interpretation of the results. The considerable amount of research into the method being undertaken in the USA and Japan is reviewed against the new European Standard for the test. Japan has raised an objection to the specified rod size. Driving techniques have been closely examined in the search for a more precise standard in the USA. In reviewing the correlations with the various soil parameters particular attention is given to large scale laboratory experiments on the relationship between SPT N value, overburden pressure and relative density in sands that has emphasised the need for consideration of the other factors involved. Outline descriptions are given of eleven new methods for estimating settlement in granular soils and the results of a comparative study between eighteen methods. The test is important for estimating the danger of liquefaction and statistical methods are being suggested. Examples are included for compaction control by SPT. Besides its application in soils the test is widely used in Britain when investigating weak rocks and techniques have been proposed to aid pile design.

Liquefaction potential for the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: a sensitivity study

Abstract: An assessment of liquefaction potential for the Kathmandu Valley considering seasonal variability of the groundwater table has been conducted. To gain deeper understanding seven historical liquefaction records located adjacent to borehole datapoints (published in SAFER/GEO-591) were used to compare two methods for the estimation of liquefaction potential. Standard Penetration Test (SPT) blowcount data from 75 boreholes inform the new liquefaction potential maps. Various scenarios were modelled, i.e., seasonal variation of the groundwater table and peak ground acceleration. Ordinary kriging, implemented in ArcGIS, was used to prepare maps at urban scale. Liquefaction potential calculations using the methodology from (Sonmez, Environ Geol 44:862–871, 2003) provided a good match to the historical liquefaction records in the region. Seasonal variation of the groundwater table is shown to have a significant effect on the spatial distribution of calculated liquefaction potential across the valley. The less than anticipated liquefaction manifestations due to the Gorkha earthquake are possibly due to the seasonal water table level.

SPT and CPT application for liquefaction evaluation in Greece

Abstract: This research aims to calculate the potential of soil liquefaction due to earthquakes in the coastal area of the gulf of Patras in Greece. For this purpose, the coastal area of the gulf of Patras and its sub-regions, where liquefaction had occurred after an earthquake of Mw = 6.4 that struck Greece in 2008, has been selected as the study area. Liquefaction analysis was performed based on geotechnical in-situ tests of standard penetration test (SPT) and cone penetration test (CPT). The results obtained from SPT and CPT were used for the calculation of the safety factor (FS) and the Liquefaction Potential Index (LPI). Then the values of LPI inserted in geographical information systems (GIS) for the production of a liquefaction hazard map, with the Kriging and IDW interpolation methods. The assessment of soil liquefaction was evaluated for three earthquake scenarios: (I) hypothetical earthquake with Mw = 7.5 and amax = 0.24 g, (II) hypothetical earthquake with Mw = 6.5 and amax = 0.24g, and (III) real earthquake that struck the same area on 8 June 2008 with Mw = 6.4 and amax = 0.18 g. Interpretation of liquefaction hazard maps for the three different earthquake scenarios in the research area shows that (a) the first scenario (I) extracted high to very high LPI values in the sub-regions Niforeika-Kato Achaia-Alisos-Vrachneika, (b) the second scenario (II) extracted moderate to high LPI values in the sub-regions Niforeika-Kato Achaia-Alisos and moderate LPI values in the sub-region Vrachneiika, and (c) the third scenario (III) predicted with accuracy some sparse zones where the liquefaction event occurred after the 2008 earthquake. More specifically, it predicted moderate LPI values in the sub-region Vrachneiika, which in general is not prone to liquefaction for this scenario. It may be concluded that the production of preliminary liquefaction hazard maps for different earthquake scenarios, predicts zones where liquefaction may occur after an earthquake event. The most probable scenario in the research area is an earthquake event with Mw = 6.5 and amax = 0.24 g (scenario II), which could cause severe damages to the existing buildings and infrastructures.

Comprehension of Conventional Methods for Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundation by PLT and SPT in Southern Bhutan

Abstract: Shallow foundations are very distinctive in Bhutan since construction of buildings are regulated to 7-8 story and the superstructure loads are not very high compared to high-rise buildings elsewhere. However, the safety of the buildings depends primarily on the stability of the subsoil. This can be evaluated by estimating Ultimate Bearing Capacity (UBC) and it is the measure of the subsoil strength. In the current study, field test such as Plate Load Test (PLT) and Standard Penetration Test (SPT) are conducted in the study area which are most common conventional methods adopted in Bhutan given the typology of infrastructures. Detail analysis is performed for PLT and SPT data collected from southern parts of Bhutan to assess the shear stability characteristics of the subsoil. The field exploration was carried out at embedment depth of 1.5 m in both the tests. PLT directly provides UBC through load and settlement plot. With SPT N-values, UBC are estimated for square footing using empirical correlations proposed by Terzaghi 1943 and Meyerhof 1963. The results are compared to comprehend the design parameters. Both in-situ test resulted close estimation of UBC. In SPT, analysis results indicate Meyerhof's correlation more conservative suggesting safe and economical foundation design. The parametric analysis was performed to deduce and validate correlations among the parameters used. The subsoil lithology was reviewed to validate the subsoil characteristics for the southern belt of Bhutan to which resistivity profiles of the underlying strata of the subsoil in the region have been reported similar to the investigation conducted in this study.

Resistivity Correlations with SPT-N and Shear Wave Velocity for Patna Soil in India

Abstract: The paper develops the resistivity correlations with standard penetration test (SPT)-N and shear wave velocity (Vs) for the soil in Patna region in India. As part of the investigation, 16 numbers of each SPTs and electrical resistivity tests (ERTs) were conducted in the study area of 500 acres. The field tests were conducted up to a depth of 20 m, uniformly spanning across the study area. During the SPT, soil samples were collected at selected depths for the laboratory investigation. ERTs were performed using the Schlumberger array. Field test results were used to develop the correlation between resistivity and SPT-N. Previously available shear wave velocity data of the area were used for the developing the correlation between resistivity and shear wave velocity. The results revealed the existence of a strong linear correlation between resistivity and SPT-N. A relatively weak linear correlation was observed between resistivity and shear wave velocity. Further, the resistivity correlations were extended to corrected SPT-N and moisture content for the given soil. In overall, the developed correlations are useful for the quick determination of the soil design parameters solely performing electrical resistivity tests, saving the time and effort required by conventional tests.

Engineering geology and geotechnical characterization of Tabriz Metro Line 2, Iran

Abstract: The present study was performed in order to determine the engineering geology and geotechnical details of soils and rocks along Tabriz Metro Line 2(TML2) by using the information and raw data which were acquired by borehole drilling and all field and laboratory tests in the study area. The minimum and maximum depths of the boreholes were 15 and 40 m, respectively. The results of their analysis revealed that geologically, the areas of metro route, mainly formed by alternating layers of claystone, siltstone, marl, and conglomerate, covered mainly by the alluvial deposits and in addition to older, dextral, strike-slip North Tabriz Fault (NTF) which is a major and most important geological structure of Tabriz area, there are also many minor and generally young and seismically active faults. The results of investigation on the groundwater depth in boreholes of TML2 also indicated that the groundwater depth varies between 1.5 and 30 m, along the route of metro. Eventually, based on the standard penetration test values (N-SPT), it was revealed that soils of the western parts of TML2 are in the group of dense to very dense, the central parts are in the group of very dense (Bazaar area) and dense (Fahmideh area), and the eastern parts are very dense. And finally the results achieved from determining groundwater sulfate values according to Concrete Code of Iran (CCI) indicated that the amount of soluble sulfate in the soil is mild to extremely high. Accordingly, the amount of sulfate increases from the western to the eastern parts. So that, this value is between 200 and 26,500 ppm. Based on these studies, the average of sulfate in the western, central and eastern parts is, respectively, 1118, 1275 and 4840 ppm. Thus, the groundwater in the east part is highly aggressive, and deterioration of concrete lining of the tunnel is expected in the near future.

Determination of relationship between standard penetration test and geotechnical parameters in Ahwaz soil

Abstract: The present study is the result of more than 150 geotechnical investigations that were conducted over 2 years (from 2015 to 2016) on the Ahwaz soil (which is mainly composed of clay with low plasti...

Voxel modeling of geotechnical characteristics in an urban area by natural neighbor interpolation using a large number of borehole logs

Abstract: Borehole logs are important geospatial data for understanding subsurface geological and geotechnical conditions. Recently, many borehole logs in urban areas have been open to the public on the Internet in machine-readable file format. However, a few simple methods allow us to construct a voxel model of geological and geotechnical characteristics with high objectivity of the modeling process. Our work aims to develop a simple method that facilitates the use of open borehole logs in geological and geotechnical investigations in urban areas. In this paper, we propose a voxel modeling method of geotechnical data using the machine-readable open borehole logs. The method is designed to construct voxel models of lithofacies and standard penetration test results by stacking a series of horizontal two-dimensional grid data that are created by natural neighbor interpolation using geotechnical data stored in borehole logs at regular elevation intervals. A test calculation to evaluate the proposed method was performed using a large number of borehole logs in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Japan. Results confirmed that the proposed method not only allows us to ensure the objectivity of the modeling process but also provides a good overview of the three-dimensional distribution pattern of the subsurface geotechnical characteristics without any setting of complicated calculation parameters. In conclusion, the proposed method improves the efficiency of geological analyses, such as stratigraphic correlation using borehole logs, and facilitates the use of open borehole logs in urban areas.

Site Soil Classification Interpretation Based on Standard Penetration Test and Shear Wave Velocity Data

Abstract: Site soil classification provides vital information for predicting the soil amplification or the site factor. The site factor is important for calculating the surface spectral acceleration in the seismic design of buildings. Based on the Indonesian seismic code, site soil classification can be conducted by calculating the average standard penetration (N-SPT) resistance, the average shear wave velocity (VS) and the average undrained soil strength (Su) of the upper 30 m of a subsoil layer. Different results may be obtained at the same location when the site soil classification is predicted using N-SPT than when using VS data. The restriction of N-SPT values until a maximum of 60 compared to a VS maximum of 750 m/sec can produce different soil classes and will directly impact the calculation of the surface spectral acceleration. This paper describes the different results of site soil classification prediction calculated using the average N-SPT and the average VS, conducted at Semarang City, Indonesia. Site soil classification maps developed based on both datasets are also presented, to evaluate the different site soil classification distributions. Only soil classes SD and SE were observed using N-SPT maximum 60, whereas soil classes SC, SD and SE were observed using N-SPT maximum 120.

An IDW-based GIS application for assessment of geotechnical characterization in Erzincan, Turkey

Abstract: Preparing maps for geotechnical characterization in earthquake-prone areas is significantly important for decision-makers and local-planners in order to reduce loss of lives. This study presents a series of maps for Erzincan city, which is mostly located in a deep alluvial basin in nearby area of North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ). The maps for addressing certain physical properties of soils Atterberg’s limits, classification, standard penetration test (SPT), shear wave velocity (Vs), and primary wave velocity (Vp) findings in the region have been prepared using field-based methods and geotechnical data of 92 available boreholes in Erzincan. The geological units underlying the city is consisted of various amounts of silt, clay, gravel, and sand, while it is predominantly classified as either low plastic clay (CL) or medium plastic silt (SM). Liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL) values varied between 28–45% and 5–24%, respectively. The lowest SPT blow counts were found to be in southern part of the Erzincan city. The northern parts with the highest Vs values (higher than 1000 m/s) have been determined as very dense cohesionless soils. Furthermore, a correlation performed via NN between the unconfined compression testing results and dynamic elastic modulus from field studies yielded a very high correlation coefficient (R2=0.97). Evidently, the GIS maps produced by inverse distance weighting (IDW) method could be efficiently used by engineers as well as researchers for the purpose of land-use planning and urban development in earthquake-prone regions.

Effect of mineralogical composition related to profile depth on index and strength properties of regolith soil

Abstract: While chemical weathering is the most significant geochemical process that affects the engineering behavior of rocks, the fact that authigenic soils present different values of their physical and mechanical properties depending on the depth is also directly related to weathering. Although it is known that such variation is applicable for regolith soils with thickness reaching tens of meters, significant differences can be observed through the depth of residual soils with the thickness of only a few meters. Ignoring such aspects especially in sites with a high risk of landslide leads to many engineering problems. Therefore, Trabzon Province, which has the highest potential of landslide in Turkey, has been selected as the pilot area within the scope of this study. The variations in engineering properties of regolith soils, which have a depth of up to 15 m and are weathered products of volcanic rocks, have been researched as a function of geochemical properties. For this purpose, the data collected from borehole applications, geophysical surveys, in situ cone penetration tests (CPT), and standard penetration test (SPT) as well as laboratory experiments have been evaluated; and it is observed that physico-mechanical properties are directly based on geochemical variations. While the zones with low SiO2 and high Al2O3 and Fe2O3 values are characterized with high content of clay and cohesion, depths with low S wave velocity correspond to areas with the highest chemical alteration index values and the highest degree of weathering. And high liquid limit (LL) values correspond to areas with high illite content as well as high Al2O3 and Fe2O3 values. At these depths, high friction ratio values are observed in CPT results. Obtained data indicate that physico-mechanical properties vary as a function of the depth based on geochemical properties, and this suggests that the soil in projects with regolith soils needs to be separated into different layers and analyzed.

Assessment of Liquefaction Susceptibility in Sedimentary Deposits on the Western Side of the Antalya Urban Area (Turkey)

Abstract: Liquefaction, one of the major causes of damage during earthquakes, is a phenomenon in which saturated alluvial sediments lose their strength and stiffness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of alluvial sediment liquefaction on the western side of the urban area of Antalya. The region consists primarily of variable granulometric sedimentary deposits. The research was conducted in two phases of in situ and laboratory testing. Twenty boreholes were drilled at different locations in the first stage, and the standard penetration test (SPT) was carried out. In the second stage, laboratory tests were carried out to establish the physical properties of the soil. Liquefaction potential was studied using a simplified approach based on SPTs. Earthquake scenarios of magnitude Mw = 6.0, 7.0 and 7.4 were used in the calculations. PGA values of 0.28, 0.30 and 0.32 g were analysed. The analytical findings were measured as the liquefaction capacity of the high groundwater level and alluvial soil composition with the region's seismic characteristics. The findings indicate increased likelihood of liquefaction risk in areas with sedimentary deposits, shallow groundwater levels and relatively high ground motion, depending on the current seismic hazard.

Geological Influence on the Spatial Variability of Soils

Abstract: An evaluation of the spatial correlation length of two geological formations known as mudflows and residual soils has been conducted using standard penetration test (N1)60 values. The spatial corre...

The empirical correlation between shear wave velocity and penetration resistance for the eolian sand deposits in the city of Olmos-Peru

Abstract: Shear wave velocities (Vs) and the number of blows of SPT (N) are parameters that are generally recorded in a geotechnical exploration campaign, in the literature there are several publications on the empirical correlations between N y Vs in different types of soil, the first studies being attributed to Japanese researchers in the 60s and 70s. North Peruvian pipeline was built on a recent quaternary eolian deposit, so a research area in Olmos near to the structure was used for tests. In the geotechnical research campaign were carried out in an arrangement multi-channel and standard penetration test in order to obtain Vs and N respectively. The correlations in this publication are for eolian sand deposits that can potentially be used in other regions with similar characteristics. The correlations presented are; N₆₀ - Vs considering and incorporating into the model the influence of the effective overload.

Modified Standard Penetration Test for Drilled Shaft Design in Weak Fine-Grained Rocks:

Abstract: Standard penetration tests (SPTs) have been used to estimate strength parameters of soils and weak rocks when it is difficult to obtain high-quality samples for laboratory shear testing. SPTs requi...

Geotechnical zonation and soil–structure interaction at Puerto Vallarta, México

Abstract: We performed a seismic vulnerability assessment that involves geotechnical and building structure analysis for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a city located along the pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta, like many other Latin American cities, has significant seismic risk. We implemented the multichannel analysis of surface waves and the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio methods to estimate shear wave velocity and soil resonance frequency. We considered a standard penetration test to determine the penetration resistance and soil classification. We divided the Puerto Vallarta into four zones according to a building taxonomy based on construction materials and structural systems and story number and height. The VS30 parameter shows that Puerto Vallarta has soil types C, D, and E according to the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP). We classified the soil into three types based on the estimated fundamental period, TS. Both VS30 and TS parameters showed an overall transition of soil properties from the mountain toward the valley area. The standard penetration tests corroborate the results of the implemented geophysical methods. The correlation between the fundamental period of the soil and the fundamental period of the most common building types at each zone of Puerto Vallarta indicates high seismic vulnerability. We identify building vulnerability to resonance effects principally at the south and along the coast of the Puerto Vallarta. This work combines academic and governmental efforts to solve a real and transcendental problem since it might directly affect the regulation and evaluations of structures in the area.

Prediction of standard penetration test N-value from dynamic probing light N-value using ANFIS and multiple regression models

Abstract: Standard penetration test (SPT) is one of the most widely used tools to predict the soil properties In recent years, the dynamic probing light (DPL) test has been performed more frequently for geo