Shear Strength Correlations
Shear Strength Correlations
(OP)
Can anyone direct me to reference materials which may have correlations to estimate shear strength from atterburg limit results ? I have been told these correlations exist, but I cannot find them. This data is for concept design only, so I am using available info and any correlations I can find. I also have blow counts from some limited split spoon samples. The material is classified as SM and MH
TX.....
TX.....
RE: Shear Strength Correlations
500PLUS REIDBAR Design Manual
I quote the undrained shear strengths Cu...
Very soft Exudes between fingers when squeezed in fist 5 kPa
Soft Easily penetrated by thumb 9 kPa
Medium Difficult to penetrate strength with thumb 20 kPa
Firm Easily indented with thumb nail 37 kPa
Stiff Readily indented with thumb nail 75 kPa
Hard Difficult to indent with thumb nail 150 kPa
RE: Shear Strength Correlations
RE: Shear Strength Correlations
I realize you are seeking an estimate of the soil Su from Att limits, but if all you require is an estimate why not use your SPT blow count values. Based on my experience, this conversion method has accuracy of approximately
+/- 40%.
A more accurate method, but much more involved method would require looking at the Su/Overburden stress ratio. This method involves looking at the Platicity index and a correlation chart published by Skempton. (I think other people have also published a similar chart?)
Some other items which you will need are; the depth and overburden stress at the sample depth and an understanding of how the Su/Over stress ratio correlate for N.Consolidated and Over consolidated soils.
Best of luck
Coneboy
RE: Shear Strength Correlations
from Page 62-63 for undrained strength they suggest:
Su/sigma'vo = 0.45 * liquid limit (as decimal)
Su/sigma'vo = 0.11 + 0.0038 * plasticity index (in percent)
from page 89 for residual angle of friction:
for Ip = 10, residual angle of friction is 27 degrees
for Ip = 20, residual angle of friction is 22 degrees
for Ip = 30, residual angle of friction is 17 degrees
for Ip = 40, residual angle of friction is 14.5 degrees
Hope this helps !
DRT
RE: Shear Strength Correlations
Manual of Estimating Soil Properties for Foundation Design by Kulhawy and Mayne
Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto California.