Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, Volume 43, Dec. 1999, pp. 601 – 610

The prediction of engineering properties of soils by geophysical exploration method: laboratory ultrasonic and field seismic refraction tests at Khon Kaen, Thailand

WANNAKAO, L., YOUNGME, W. AND WANNAKAO, P.

Department of Geotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 40002

Abstract: This research studied the wave velocities through compacted soils of SM group at different water contents. The soil samples were collected from Amphoe Muang Khon Kaen and adjacent areas, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. The compression and shear wave velocities (Vp, Vs) were determined by an ultrasonic velocity test. The results indicate Vp and Vs decrease with increasing moisture and decreasing density. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), modulus of elasticity (Ed) and modulus of rigidity (G) could be predicted as follow: UCS = 0.4Vp^0.83 = 0.3Vs ^0.98 kPa, Ed = 4.8Vp^1.79 = 8.2Vs^1.9 kPa and G = 1.9Vp^1.79 = 2.0Vs^2.0 kPa. The seismic refraction method was used to check the laboratory test. The dynamic elastic constants determined from field investigation indicate a good fit to laboratory wave velocity curves.

https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm43199959