DETERMINATION OF DRAINED AND UNDRAINED

SOIL PARAMETERS USING THE SCREW PLATE TEST

by

WILLIAM EDWARD BERZINS

B.A.Sc. The University of B r i t i s h Columbia 1979

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF APPLIED SCIENCE

IN

THE FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

We accept this thesis as conforming

to the required standard

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

October 1983

WILLIAM EDWARD BERZINS, 1983

 In presenting t h i s thesis i n p a r t i a l f u l f i l m e n t of the
requirements f o r an advanced degree at the University
of B r i t i s h Columbia, I agree that the Library s h a l l make
i t f r e e l y available f o r reference and study. I further
agree that permission for extensive copying of t h i s thesis
for scholarly purposes may be granted by the head of my
department or by h i s or her representatives. It i s
understood that copying or publication of t h i s thesis
for f i n a n c i a l gain s h a l l not be allowed without my written
permission.

Department of C./V/L. w<E^/^f^V(^

The University of B r i t i s h Columbia

1956 Main Mall
Vancouver, Canada
V6T 1Y3

D a t e OOTDOg^ / 7 j

DE-6 (3/81)
 -ii-

ABSTRACT

An evaluation of the screw plate test for use i n the determination

of s o i l deformation behavior i s presented. Current methods of analysis

are used to interpret the screw plate data, and the l i m i t a t i o n s of each

method are discussed. As a r e s u l t of the extensive test programme, the

screw plate i s found to provide reproducible estimates of drained moduli

in sands, and undrained shear strengths i n clays.

Screw plate tests were performed at three research s i t e s where clay,

s i l t , and sand l i t h o l o g i e s are encountered. Comparisons are made between

deformation parameters obtained from the screw plate t e s t , and those

obtained from the pressuremeter, cone penetrometer, dilatometer, vane shear,

and t r i a x i a l tests. Published correlations are used where applicable, and

confirm the s u i t a b i l i t y of the screw plate test for f i e l d investigations

i n a v a r i e t y of s o i l conditions.

The development of a unique test apparatus i s also detailed. Special

features of t h i s system include the automation of plate i n s e r t i o n , the

controlled application of rapid c y c l i c load h i s t o r i e s , and the

r e t r i e v a l of the plate upon completion of the sounding. The adaptation

of t h i s system to a conventional hydraulic jacking unit i s also described.

Based upon this systematic evaluation of the screw plate t e s t ,

recommended test procedures and methods of analysis are also summarized.

Suggested topics for future research are presented which would further

enhance the a p p l i c a b i l i t y of the test to foundation design problems.

 -iii-

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT i i

LIST OF FIGURES vi

LIST OF TABLES l x

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS x

1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1. Test P r i n c i p l e s 1

1.2. H i s t o r i c a l Review 1

1.3. Purpose and Scope 2

2. THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF SCREW PLATE DATA 4

2.1. Drained Parameters ... 4

2.1.1. Drained Modulus; Janbu Analysis 4

2.1.2. Drained Young's Modulus; Schmertmann

Analysis 9

2.1.3. Coefficient of Consolidation 13

2.2. Undrained Parameters 14

2.2.1. Undrained E l a s t i c Modulus I 7

2.2.2. Undrained Shear Strength I 9

3. DEVELOPMENT OF TEST APPARATUS AND PROCEDURE 2 2

3.1. Development of Test Apparatus 2 2

3.1.1. Screw Plate Configuration 2 2

3.1.2. Effect of Plate Stiffness 2 7

3.2. I n s t a l l a t i o n System 2 9

3.3. Data Acquisition System 3 0

3.4. Development of Test Procedures 3 8

3.4.1. Drained Tests i n Sand 3 8

3.4.2. Undrained Tests i n Clay 4 0

3.4.3. Factors Affecting Test Procedure and Results . 4 0

 -iv-

TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont'd)

Page

4. DESCRIPTION OF FIELD PROGRAMMES 43

4.1. McDonald - Sand and S l l t y Clay Site 43

4.1.1. General Geology and Site Description . . . . 43

4.1.2. Description of Test Programme 43

4.1.3. Test Results - Drained Behavior 46

4.1.3.1. Constrained Moduli i n Sands . . . . 46

4.1.3.2. Comparison with Laboratory and

Pressuremeter Moduli 51

4.1.3.3. Modulus Determination from Cyclic

Loads 56

4.1.3.4. Young's Moduli i n Sands 62

4.1.3.5. C y c l i c Loading f o r Liquefaction

Assessment 64

4.1.4. Test Results - Undrained Behavior 66

4.1.4.1. Undrained Shear Strength 6 6

4.1.4.2. Repeated Undrained Loading i n S i l t . 68

4.1.5. Torsional Resistance during Plate

Installation 70

4.2. Langley Sensitive Clay Site 7 0

4.2.1. General Geology and Site Description . . . . 7 0

4.2.2. Description of Test Programme 7 2

4.2.3. Test Results 7 2

4.2.4. Undrained Modulus 7 6

4.2.5. Undrained Shear Strengths 7 9

 - v-

TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont'd)

Page

4.3. Cloverdale Sensitive Clay Site 79

4.3.1. General Geology and Site Description ... 79

4.3.2. Description of F i e l d Programme 81

4.3.3. Test Results 81

4.3.3.1. Undrained E l a s t i c Modulus . . . . 81

4.3.3.2 Undrained Shear Strength .... 85

5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 88

5.1. Measurements of Drained Behavior 88

5.1.1. Constrained Modulus 88

5.1.2. Young's Modulus 88

5.2. Determination of Drained Modulus from Unload,

Reload Curves 88

5.3. Measurement of Undrained Shear Strength - c . . . 89

5.4. Measurement of Undrained Modulus . . . . 89

6. SUGGESTED TEST PROCEDURE AND ANALYSIS 91

6.1. Test Equipment 9 1

6.1.1. Screw Plate 91:

6.1.2. I n s t a l l a t i o n System 9 1

6.1.3. Loading System 9 2

6.1.4. Measurement System 9 2

6.2. Suggested Procedure f o r Plate I n s t a l l a t i o n . . . . 9

3

6.3. Suggested Test Procedure i n Sand 9

3

6.4. Suggested Test Procedure i n Clay 9 7

7. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH 1 0 0

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1 0 1
 -vi-

LIST OF FIGURES

Page

2.1. Determination of Screw Plate Modulus Number k ... 6

m

2.2. Values of Janbu's Settlement Number S 8

2.3. Simplified D i s t r i b u t i o n of V e r t i c a l Strain Beneath

Loaded Circular Area 11

2.4. Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation - Janbu

Method 15

2.5. Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation - Kay

& Avalle Method 16

3.1. Schematic Representation of UBC Screw Plate System . . 23

3.2. Example of Double Pitched Screw Plates 26

3.3. Position of Torque Motor 31

3.4. Schematics of Hydraulic Control System 32

3.5. Torque Load C e l l 34

3.6. Axial Load C e l l 35

3.7. Reference Beam i n Position 36

3.8. Screw Plate Recording System 37

4.1. General Location of Research Sites 44

4.2. Typical Cone P r o f i l e at McDonald Site 45

4.3. Location Plan McDonald Farm Sand and S i l t y Clay Site . 47

4.4. Typical Load-Displacement Curve i n Sand 48

4.5. Range of Janbu Modulus Numbers at McDonald Site ... 49

4.6. Range of Cone Resistance at McDonald Site 50

4.7. Comparison of Screw Plate, Pressuremeter and

Laboratory Modulus Numbers 52

4.8. Corrected k verses (k_).. , and (k_) a

m cl lab E pressuremeter ->
H
LIST OF FIGURES (cont'd)

Page

4.9. Variation i n Rebound Modulus E^ with Stress

Amplitude at a Constant Maximum Stress Level 57

4.10. V a r i a t i o n i n Rebound Modulus E^ with Stress Level

at a Constant Stress Amplitude 59

4.11. Relationship between Rebound Modulus and Initial

Modulus at Various Levels of Plate Load ... 60

4.12. Influence of Stress Range and Load on Laboratory

Modulus Determination 61

4.13. Observed Relationship Between Cone Bearing and V e r t i c a l

Young's Modulus 63

4.14. Incremental P l a t i c Strain per Cycle i n Sand 65

4.15. Comparison of Undrained Shear Strengths 67

4.16. Reduction of Strength during Load Test i n S i l t 69

4.17. Relationship between I n s t a l l a t i o n Torque and Cone

Resistance 71

4.18. Typical Cone P r o f i l e at Langley Site 73

4.19. Location Plan at Langley Site 74

4.20. Load Test i n Langley Sensitive Clay 75

4.21. E f f e c t of Plate Rotation during Tests i n Langley

Sensitive Clay 77

4.22. Comparison of Undrained Moduli at Langley Clay Site . . 78

4.23. Comparison of Undrained Shear Strengths at Langley ... 80

4.24. Typical Cone P r o f i l e i n Cloverdale Clay Site 8 2

4.25. Location Plan at Cloverdale Clay Site 8 3

4.26. Load Test i n Cloverdale Clay 8Zt

 -viii-

LIST OF FIGURES (cont'd)

Page

4.27. Comparison of Undrained Moduli at Cloverdale Clay

Site . 86

4.28. Comparison of Undrained Shear Strengths at Cloverdale

Clay Site 87
 - ix _

LIST OF TABLES

Page

2.1. Summary of Modulus Factors A 18

3.1. Observed Plate Stresses at Failure 39

4.1. Summary of Test Programme - MacDonald Site 46

4.2. Summary of Test Programme - Langley Site 72

4.3. Summary of F i e l d Programme - Cloverdale Site 81

 - x-

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author i s grateful for the assistance and guidance provided

by h i s Research supervisor , Dr. R.G. Campanella. I would l i k e to thank

colleagues Don G i l l e s p i e , Peter Robertson and Steve Brown for their

assistance during the f i e l d programme.

Further thanks must go to Art Brookes and Dick Postgate, whose

expertise proved invaluable i n the development of the test

equipment. The author i s also grateful to M e r r i l l Blackmore, who

patiently and s k i l l f u l l y prepared the figures f o r the text.

Test data from the clay sites was obtained by the Graduate

students i n S o i l Mechanics, whose contribution i s acknowledged here.

Financial support was provided by N.S.E.R.C. and was greatly

appreciated.

Heartfelt thanks i s also extended to my parents, to whom this

thesis i s dedicated.
 1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Test P r i n c i p l e s

The screw plate usually consists of a single f l i g h t of a

h e l i c a l auger, with a cross-sectional area ranging from 250 cm to 2

2000 cm . 2
This plate Is screwed down to the test depth and a load

applied at the surface. The load-deformation behavior of the s o i l

i s then recorded, and interpreted to y i e l d drained or undrained

moduli, as well as consolidation c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and undrained shear

strengths.

1.2. H i s t o r i c a l Review

Use of the screw plate test appears to have originated

approximately 25 years ago. Kummeneje (1956) used the screw plate

test to predict settlements of petroleum tanks on sand. Kummeneje

and Eide (1961) used the device to assess changes i n s o i l porosity

and settlements associated with s o i l d e n s i f i c a t i o n through b l a s t i n g .

Gould (1967) presented favourable comparisons between screw plate

tests and large plate bearing tests i n granular deposits. Webb

(1969) conducted screw plate tests i n fine to medium sands well

below the water table, and produced compressibility correlations

for the cone penetration test using compressibility measurements

obtained from the screw plate t e s t . Schmertmann (1970) proposed a

method of predicting settlements using the Cone Penetration Test,

employing the screw plate test as a means of assessing the i n - s i t u

deformability of cohesionless soils. Janbu and Senneset (1973) also

produced a s i g n i f i c a n t contribution by presenting a detailed method

 2

of analysis of the screw plate test f o r determining deformability

and consolidation c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of both cohesive and non-cohesive

soils.

More recent studies have concentrated on the sophistication of

interpretive methods, both i n the correlation of test results with

other i h - s i t u tests, and t h e i r application to more s p e c i f i c

foundation problems. Dahlberg (1975) used the test to determine the

preconsolidation pressure i n sands. Marsland and Randolph (1975)

compared the results of screw plate tests with pressuremeter tests.

Schwab (1976) and Schwab and Broms (1977) examined the time-

dependent and time-independent behavior of s i l t y clays. Selvadurai

and Nicholas (1979) provide a comprehensive review of the

theoretical assessment of the screw plate test i n cohesive s o i l s ,

and provide a framework within which the screw plate test can be

compared with other i n - s i t u tests i n cohesive s o i l s . Bodare and

Massarch (1982) use a screw plate modified for impulse loading to

study i n - s i t u shear moduli. Kay and Parry (1982) evaluated the use

of the screw plate test f o r the determination of moduli, shear

strength and c o e f f i c i e n t of consolidation i n s t i f f clays. Recent

developments include the measurement of I n s t a l l a t i o n torque using a

torque load c e l l , and the application of rapid c y c l i c loads (Berzins

and Campanella, 1981).

1.3. Purpose and Scope

The primary objective of t h i s d i s s e r t a t i o n i s to compare

deformation parameters obtained from the screw plate test, with

those derived from other i n - s i t u and laboratory t e s t s . Review of

 . 3

the screw plate data w i l l be completed using existing a n a l y t i c a l

techniques, with an emphasis on determining moduli and shear

strengths of cohesive and non-cohesive s o i l s .

In order to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of factors

a f f e c t i n g the test r e s u l t s and interpretation, an improved

i n s t a l l a t i o n system was developed, and i s discussed herein. Use of

t h i s i n s t a l l a t i o n system allowed the author to evaluate deformation

behavior at a variety of research s i t e s . These test results are

reviewed, and suggested guidelines f o r test procedures and further

research are i d e n t i f i e d .
 4

2. THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF SCREW PLATE DATA

Screw plate tests have b een analyzed to provide data on the

deformation behavior of s o i l . A n a l y t i c a l techniques are summarized

in the following sections as they pertain to drained and undrained

behavior.

2.1. Drained Parameters

The drained analysis of the test assumes that a l l

consolidation-induced strains occur during the test. This i s

normally accomplished using incremental loading, with s u f f i c i e n t

time allowed between load increments for pore pressure d i s s i p a t i o n .

The parameters which can be derived from drained analyses are the

constrained modulus, M, Young's Modulus, E, and c o e f f i c i e n t of

consolidation f o r r a d i a l drainage, c .
f

Attempts have also been made to measure an i n - s i t u bearing

capacity i n sands, (Berzins and Campanella, 1981). It was generally

observed that high plate loads i n sands resulted i n considerable

deformation of the plate i t s e l f , and that f a i l u r e loads could not be

achieved. Consequently, peak strengths could only be inferred from

extrapolation of the test data using a hyperbolic r e l a t i o n s h i p .

2.1.1. Drained Modulus; Janbu Analysis

A method of determining a drained constrained modulus i s

presented by Janbu and Senneset (1973). The constrained modulus i s

defined by the expression:

 5

p
a

where M = constrained tangent modulus (Janbu, 1963)

k = modulus number
m

p = reference s t r e s s , (normally 1 bar)

p' = v e r t i c a l e f f e c t i v e stress

a = stress exponent = 1 for O.C. clays

= .5 f o r sand and s i l t

= 0 for N.C. clays

It should be noted here that i n t u i t i v e l y the stress exponent 'a'

should vary with the O.C.R. i n overconsolidated clays; however t h i s

range i s not documented.

Janbu and Senneset (1973) then use a construction as i l l u s t r a t e d i n

Figure 2.1 to determine the modulus number k ,

m using the following

equation:

6 = 1 - _2_ (2.2)
k p
m a

in which: 6 = plate d e f l e c t i o n

S = dimensionless settlement number

km = modulus number

p = reference stress (normally 1 bar)

Si

P n = net stress on plate = p - p^

B = plate diameter.

p = applied stress on plate

p'o = i n i t i a l v e r t i c a l e f f e c t i v e overburden

pressure.
 J,

p-1

PLATE D I S P L A C E M E N T <J

FIGURE 2 1 - DEFINITION OF JANBU MODULUS

NUMBER k m
 7

By measuring the net plate stress 'p ' and d e f l e c t i o n '6'

n
in the f i e l d , and using the solutions for 'S' given i n Figure 2.2,

a modulus number 'k ' can be determined. From t h i s , a constrained

m
modulus can be calculated at each depth for a uniform s o i l .

Janbu's analysis assumes that the s o i l i s homogeneous, e l a s t i c ,

i s o t r o p i c , and that a l l s t r a i n s are v e r t i c a l . In addition, t h e i r

theory does not compensate for variations i n plate s t i f f n e s s ;

consequently i n dense sands the constrained modulus w i l l be

underestimated. An advantage of their method i s that i t recognizes

that the modulus i s very much dependent upon stress l e v e l ;

consequently, i t provides a method whereby the v a r i a t i o n of modulus

with depth i s accounted f o r .

In addition, the use of the i n i t i a l tangent portion of the load

curve, rather than subsequent unload-reload curves, reduces the

compounding e f f e c t s of continued disturbance. Since the modulus of

the s o i l i s very much dependent upon the stress level and history,

the use of repeated loading curves can only introduce further

uncertainty i n the determination of a representative modulus.

Janbu's method, on the other hand, u t i l i z e s the i n i t i a l portion of

the loading curve, which represents the s o i l ' s "least disturbed"

state.

The primary uncertainty i n defining the i n i t i a l portion of the

curve i s related to the selection of an applied stress l e v e l which

results i n the i n - s i t u "undisturbed" state. Arching of stresses

immediately behind the plate, which generally occurs i n sands, may

e f f e c t i v e l y reduce the residual load on the back of the plate, hence

the applied stress may not necessarily be superimposed upon the i n -

s i t u stress l e v e l .
 1.0 -

t
s oc - CLAY:
OS-
M

0-
0 10 20 30

0-1 1 1 1 1
0 -, tO 20 30 40

O 10 20 30 40

EFFECTIVE OVERBURDEN STRESS

(Po' IN l/m )
2

FIGURE 2 2 - VALUES OF JANBU'S SETTLEMENT

NUMBER "S"
(AFTER JANBU AND SENNESET, 1973)
 9

For the purpose of t h i s study, i t was assumed that arching did

occur. Consequently, constrained moduli were obtained by drawing

tangents to the test curve when the applied stress equalled the

overburden stress.

2.1.2. Drained Young's Modulus; Schmertmann Analysis

Schmertmann (1970) presents a method whereby the e l a s t i c

modulus "E " can be determined using a simplified strain influence

s

factor. His analysis assumes a homogeneous, i s o t r o p i c , e l a s t i c h a l f

space.

The Schmertmann (1970) analysis i s derived from Ahlvin and

Uhlery (1962) who define the v e r t i c a l strain at depth beneath a

uniform c i r c u l a r load by:

e = ( l + v) [(l-2v)A + FJ (2.3)
Z
E

where: = v e r t i c a l s t r a i n at depth
p = v e r t i c a l stress on c i r c u l a r plate of radius 'r'
E = e l a s t i c modulus
v = Poisson*s r a t i o
A,F = dimensionless factors which are a function of the
point l o c a t i o n .

By assuming "p" and E are constant, the v e r t i c a l s t r a i n i s shown to

depend on a v e r t i c a l s t r a i n influence factor, I , where:

I = (1+v) [(l-2v)A + FJ (2.4)

 The d i s t r i b u t i o n of the influence factor i s shown i n Figure 2.3.

This simplified d i s t r i b u t i o n i s based upon Schmertmann's review of

t h e o r e t i c a l and experimental a n a l y s i s .

Schmertmann then proposes corrections to the s t r a i n influence

factor which consider the e f f e c t s of s t r a i n r e l i e f due to embedment

and settlement due to creep.

The embedment correction applied to compensate f o r an

assumption inherent i n the e l a s t i c model; i n which the overlying

material can produce t e n s i l e stresses which reduce the s t r a i n f e l t

at the bearing l e v e l . A linear correction factor i s applied,

whereby:

p
C = 1 - 0.5() (2.5)
Ap

where = embedment correction factor

p = in-situ vertical pressure

*o r

Ap = P~P Q
=
net foundation pressure increase.

The correction* for creep can be f i r s t attributed to Nonveiler

(1963), who suggested the following logarithmic relationship:

> t = P [ l + 0 log(t/t ) j
0 (2.6)

where p = settlement at time t

= reference settlement at t
o o
3 = constant = 2 to 3.

Based on case h i s t o r i e s , Schmertmann suggests that t = 3.2 x i o 6

o
 11

FIGURE 2-3 - SIMPLIFIED DISTRIBUTION OF VERTICAL

STRAIN BENEATH LOADED CIRCULAR
AREA

AFTER SCHMERTMANN (1970)

 12

seconds, hence f o r a rapid plate load test i n sand, the correction

factor:

C 2 = 1 + B log(t/t ) o (2.7)

does not converge. Consequently, creep cannot be considered a

factor i n rapid tests i n sand, and = 1.

Application of the embedment correction to the general equation

describing v e r t i c a l s t r a i n , and integration over the depth of

influence y i e l d s :

2B I
P = / e z dz Ap j dz
o o E
s

2B I
= C Ap I (-*) Az (2.8)
0 E
s

The determination of E can be made by back calculation from the

s J

r e s u l t s of the screw plate t e s t , and the above equation. An

assumption of a constant modulus within the s t r a i n area beneath the

plate y i e l d s the following expression from which E g can be

determined:

E s = C x ^ 1.2 B (2.9)
P

where: E g = equivalent Young's modulus

 = embedment factor = 1 - (,5)()
Ap

Ap = applied plate stress

p = measured plate d e f l e c t i o n

B = plate diameter.

The modulus can then be calculated by assuming a tangent or

secant to the stress-deformation curve, depending upon the stress

l e v e l of i n t e r e s t . It should also be noted that Schmertmann (1970)

recommends modulus be determined over a stress range 1 to 3 t s f (- 1

to 3 kg/cm ), which i s a t y p i c a l design value for shallow

2

foundations. The method cannot be confidently applied at low

i n i t i a l plate stresses, p a r t i c u l a r l y at depth since the method has

been developed for a t y p i c a l stress range.

2.1.3. Coefficient of Radial Consolidation

The screw plate test can also be used to determine the

c o e f f i c i e n t of consolidation (Janbu and Senneset, 1973, Kay and

Avalle, 1982). Janbu and Senneset (1973) present a method whereby

axisymmetric or one-dimensional consolidation theories can be

applied to incremental load tests i n cohesionless soil. By using

the basic r e l a t i o n s h i p :

Td 2
(2.10)
c =
t

where: c = c o e f f i c i e n t of consolidation
d = drainage path
t = time a f t e r load increase
T = dimensionless time factor,
 14

they analyze the consolidation beneath the loaded plate, which i s

assumed to be governed by e s s e n t i a l l y r a d i a l drainage. By using the

construction shown i n Figure 2.5, a c o e f f i c i e n t of r a d i a l drainage

can be determined by using the following equation:

D2 TJ2
c
r = T
90 * 3 3 5 ( 2 > 1 1 )

C
90 90
fc

where: c o e f f i c i e n t of r a d i a l consolidation
plate radius = length of drainage path "d"

'90 time for 90% consolidation

90
r time factor f o r 90% consolidation = 0.335.

Kay and Avalle (1982) propose a revised method for determining c ,

whereby more r e a l i s t i c drainage conditions are assumed. Their

method i s summarized i n Figure 2.4.

The f i e l d measurement of the c o e f f i c i e n t of consolidation

requires incremental load tests of lengthy duration. As a r e s u l t ,

v e r i f i c a t i o n of the aforementioned theories was not undertaken i n

this study. The analyses have been presented, however, for

completeness.

2.2. Undrained Parameters

Undrained parameters are obtained from rapid load tests i n f i n e

s i l t s and clays in which the rate of load application precludes

s i g n i f i c a n t pore pressure d i s s i p a t i o n . Undrained analyses of screw

plate data yields estimates of an undrained modulus and undrained

shear strength.
 IMPERVIOUS
i
PERMEABLE

C = Q335 . f
r

*90

IMPERVIOUS

TIME, mm. - (v^--scole)

, _
1 2 4 6
. 15

03 '90 = 2.7 min.

0 VELDS
C * 420 m /yeor
r
2

(RNE SAND)

5! On

131 x
y
IX)

FIGURE 2-4- DETERMINATION OF COEFFICIENT

OF CONSOLIDATION
JANBU METHOD
(AFTER JANBU AND SENNESET, 1973)
FIGURE 2-5 - DETERMINATION OF COEFFICIENT
CONSOLIDATION
KAY AND AVALLE METHOD, 1982
 2.2.1. Undrained E l a s t i c Modulus

Selvadurai and Nicholas (1979) provide a t h e o r e t i c a l assessment

of the screw plate tests i n a homogeneous, i s o t r o p i c , e l a s t i c

medium. They present a number of closed-form solutions which

consider the effects of plate r i g i d i t y and the p l a t e - s o i l i n t e r f a c e .

The closed form solutions follow the basic relationship:

P^E" = A
<' >
2 12

in which: 6 = plate displacement

p = average stress on plate

a = plate radius

E u = undrained, e l a s t i c Young's modulus

A = modulus factor.

The modulus factor 'X' i s a function of Poisson's r a t i o and the

degree of bonding with the plate. The r e s u l t s of a review by

Selvadurai et a l . (1979) are presented in Table 1.1. They conclude

that the undrained modulus can be approximated by the expression:

= 0.60 to 0.75 (2.13)

Pa/E u

The upper l i m i t applies when the plate i s p a r t i a l l y bonded to the

s o i l , which might be the case i n a s e n s i t i v e clay. Kay and

Parry (1982) suggest that a value of .66 be adopted as a reasonable

 TABLE 1.1. SUMMARY OF MODULUS FACTORS 'A'.

Solution * -A Reference
pa/E u

(a) 0.630 Kelvin (1890)

(b) 0.589 Collins (1962, Kanwal and Sharma (1976),

Selvadurai (1976)

(c) 0.750 Hunter and Gamblen (1974)

(d) 0.750 Keer (1975)

(e) 0.648 Selvadurai (1979 a)

(f) 0.585 Selvadurai (1976)

(8) 0.730 Christian and Carrier III (1978)

P e l l s and Turner (1978)

(h) 0.525 Christian and Carrier III (1978)

P e l l s and Turner (1978)

a = radius of screw plate

P = average stress on screw plate = S-.
IT a
E
u = undrained modulus

6 = plate displacement

Solution Remarks

(a) average displacement of uniform load

(b) displacement of f u l l y bonded r i g i d disc
(c) displacement of smoothly embedded r i g i d disc
(d) displacement of p a r t i a l l y bonded r i g i d disc
(e) central displacement of f l e x i b l e disc
(f) displacement of r i g i d spheroidal region
(g) average displacement of deep borehole
subjected to uniform load
(h) displacement of r i g i d plate at base of deep
borehole

(After Selvadurai et a l . 1979)

 approximation f o r p a r t i a l bonding i n most clays.

Selvadurai et a l . (1979) studied the disturbance associated

with plate i n s t a l l a t i o n by performing f u l l scale model t e s t s . They

concluded that the disturbance induced by rotation of the plate

through a clay was minimal. This finding i s reflected i n the

analysis they propose, whereby the effect of stress r e l i e f i s not

s p e c i f i c a l l y addressed. Selvadurai e t a l . (1979) attempt to

eliminate this uncertainty by analyzing the unload-reload portion of

the test curve for the modulus determination, rather than the

i n i t i a l tangent portion. The v a l i d i t y of this method cannot

be v e r i f i e d t h e o r e t i c a l l y , however Selvadurai as well as Kay and

Parry (1982) found reasonable agreement between the i n i t i a l tangent

moduli and subsequent reload moduli.

The uncertainty i n the determination of an undrained elastic

modulus i n an i d e a l media w i l l be further complicated when any of

Selvadurai et a l . ' s (1979) assumptions are violated. This i s

p a r t i c u l a r l y true i n many s o i l deposits which exhibit heterogeneity

and strength anisotropy. The combination of stress r e l i e f , soil

v a r i a b i l i t y and preshearing during plate i n s t a l l a t i o n make an

accurate determination of undrained modulus tenuous at best.

2.2.2. Undrained Shear Strength

The undrained shear strength can be determined from the screw

plate test by using the expression of the bearing capacity of a deep

c i r c u l a r footing, whereby:
 in which: c undrained shear strength
u
ultimate average plate stress
P
ult
a t o t a l overburden stress
vo
bearing capacity factor.
\ =

Again the undrained shear strength depends upon boundary

conditions including the s o i l - p l a t e interface and plate s t i f f n e s s .

Selvadurai et a l . (1979) reviewed c l a s s i c theoretical and empirical

solutions, and concluded that:

p
ult
= ^ - 9.0 for p a r t i a l bonding (2.15)
c
u
= 11.35 for f u l l bonding

It should be noted here that factors including s t r a i n rate e f f e c t s ,

strength anisotropy and progressive f a i l u r e are not specifically

addressed i n current methods of screw plate analysis.

Failure loads were achieved i n the clays tested during t h i s

study. However, i t i s recognized that load l i m i t a t i o n s with a more

conventional test apparatus may preclude the development of

s u f f i c i e n t plate stress to cause f a i l u r e , p a r t i c u l a r l y In s t i f f

clays. Kay and Parry (1982) propose a method whereby the load-

displacement curve can be extrapolated to obtain the ultimate plate

capacity, and hence undrained shear strength. By measuring the

plate d e f l e c t i o n at two s p e c i f i c points on the stress-displacement

curve, they estimate the ultimate plate load using the following

hyperbolic relationship;

Pult = 2
' 5 4
Py " '
X 5 4
Px <' >
2 16

where:

P^ u t = the ultimate plate s t r e s s ,

p = the plate stress at a s t r a i n equal to 1.5% of the plate

diameter (B)

Py = the plate stress at a s t r a i n equal to 2% of B.

 22

3. DEVELOPMENT OF TEST APPARATUS AND PROCEDURE

3.1. Development of Test Apparatus

Upon i n i t i a t i o n of the research project, the a v a i l a b l e

l i t e r a t u r e was collated i n an e f f o r t to define the design c r i t e r i a

for the plate configuration and i n s t a l l a t i o n system. Development of

an automated test apparatus concentrated upon the adaptation of the

test to a h y d r a u l i c a l l y operated CPT r i g developed at U.B.C. A

schematic representation of the screw plate system i s presented i n

Figure 3.1, and i s elaborated upon i n subsequent sections.

The system developed incorporated several features which

extended i t s t e s t i n g c a p a b i l i t y . The servo-controller system was

used to apply c y c l i c loads to the plate, and could also be used to

apply strain-controlled loading i f a displacement transducer was

used. Other special features included the measurement of torque

during plate i n s t a l l a t i o n , and the c a p a b i l i t y to vary rates of

rotation and thrust i n a controlled fashion.

3.1.1. Screw Plate Configuration

Previous researchers studying the screw plate have u t i l i z e d a

single f l i g h t of h e l i c a l auger, ranging i n area from 250 to 2000 sq.

cm. The aspect r a t i o , ( i . e . , the r a t i o of the h a l f - p i t c h to

diameter), i s reported to be between 0.1 and 0.2. Thickness of the

plate, hence i t s r e l a t i v e r i g i d i t y , has been discussed by Selvadurai

and Nicholas (1979), but has not been extensively treated i n

published l i t e r a t u r e . In order to provide a p i v o t a l point around

which the h e l i c a l auger can rotate, the screw plate has a conical
 TORQUE PLATE LOAD CELL
TORQUE MOTOR
-OUTER RING CONNECTED
- 2000 Nm (17,000 In.lbs.) TORQUE
TO PISTONS
OUTPUT ot 140 bar (2000 pl)
INPUT PRESSURE
- 0-100 RPM 'INNER RMG ATTACHEO TO
BASE OF TORQUE MOTOR

HYDRAULIC PISTONS; -GAUGES ATTACHED TO

SPOKES
TOTAL THRUST AREA 122 iq.cm
CELL OUTPUT 10 mV ot 2000 Nm
(18 88 q In)
MAXIMUM SAFE THRUST 75 KN
(17,000 lb.) WITHOUT ANCHORS
THRUST BEARING HOUSING

SCREW PLATE FLOW FORWARD- FEMALE SPLINE

SYSTEM RATE REVERSE TO RECEIVE
CUTOFF CONTROL CONTROL MOTOR HUB

LOAO CELL
MAIN TRUCK ' ROLLER BEARINGS
HYDRAULICS
MANUAL
PISTON CONTROLl
MALE SPLINE
SERVO-LOOP 2cm TRAVEL
CONTROLLER

SCREW PLATE RODS

4-45 cm. (1-75 In.) O.D. - 1015
GRADE MECHANICAL STEEL DISPLACEMENT TRANSDUCER
TUBING 127 cm (-5 In) ID.
- TRANSTEK LVDT 3" ( 7 6 cm)
21 SPLINE COUPLINGS
MAXIMUM TENSILE LOAD ACROSS - MAGNET ATTACHED TO RODS
PINNED COUPLINGS 22 kN
(5000 Ibl.)

F I G U R E 3*1-SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION
0 F
SCREW PLATE SYSTEM

Is}
U>
 point i n advance of the plate i t s e l f .

In order to assess the v i a b i l i t y of a particular plate design,

one must consider the various components of plate resistance.

Preliminary calculations based upon the mechanisms of resistance,

and available CPT data on the t i p and sleeve resistance of various

s o i l deposits revealed that the plate should s a t i s f y the following

criteria:

1) reduced f r i c t i o n between the plate surface and the soil,

2) reduced surface area on the leading (cutting) edge of the

plate,

3) reduced edge area,

4) reduced diameter of the conical t i p .

Preliminary calculations indicated that a single f l i g h t e d auger

would require approximately 50% less torque to i n s t a l l than a double

h e l i c a l plate. During the course of the f i e l d testing, however, i t

was found that plate size ( f o r a single f l i g h t e d auger), had a

minimal effect on the total torque which was required during

i n s t a l l a t i o n i n most s o i l s . The t o t a l i n s t a l l a t i o n torque became an

important factor in dense sands, where the capacity of the system

may be reached, and c y c l i c t o r s i o n a l loads required.

The plate s t i f f n e s s i s a key parameter in s t i f f s o i l s , as

increased f l e x i b i l i t y r e s u l t s In higher measured deformations;

hence an underestimation of the e l a s t i c modulus. The effect of

plate r i g i d i t y i s further discussed when the test data are

presented.

It was generally observed that the double f l i g h t e d plate was

 25

self-centering, and tended to "wander" less during i n s t a l l a t i o n . As

a r e s u l t , i t i s believed that the use of a double f l i g h t e d plate

leads to reduced s o i l disturbance, p a r t i c u l a r l y i n dense sands, and

also permits symmetrical loading on the plate.

The "wandering" phenomena observed during the i n s t a l l a t i o n of

the s i n g l e - f l i g h t e d plate was most l i k e l y the r e s u l t of a tendency

for the plate to rotate about a point located on the cutting edge,

rather than the central c o n i a l t i p . The e c c e n t r i c i t y of the center

of r o t a t i o n increased the t o t a l t o r s i o n a l force required during

i n s t a l l a t i o n , since the applied torque was no longer being used

s o l e l y to overcome the bearing resistance of the cutting edge. The

conical t i p has to be quite large to overcome the tendency to

wander; hence the zone of disturbance below the plate i s increased

considerably. The use of a self-centering, double-flighted plate

allows the size of the c o n i c a l t i p to be reduced; consequently s o i l

disturbance w i l l be l e s s .

Another important consideration i n the s e l e c t i o n of the plate

i s that i t should be recovered at the end of the sounding. This was

found to be quite important, as with the Swedish c a s t - i r o n plate,

(see F i g . 3.2) which was found to have broken during a load test i n

dense sands. By recovering the plate, one can examine i t for

evidence of buckling or breakage, which would s i g n i f i c a n t l y a l t e r

the i n t e r p r e t a t i o n and hence r e l i a b i l i t y of the data. In order to

accommodate this improvement during this study, splined rods with

pinned connections were used to permit removal of the plate.

Figure 3.2 I l l u s t r a t e s the double h e l i c a l plates employed In

this study.
Figure 3.2 - Example o f D o u b l e P i t c h e d Screw Plates
 n

3.1.2. E f f e c t o f P l a t e S t i f f n e s s

Selvadurai and N i c h o l a s (1979) s t u d i e d the r e l a t i v e e f f e c t o f

p l a t e r i g i d i t y i n d e t e r m i n i n g an undrained modulus. By examining

t h e i r a n a l y s i s , we c a n g a i n some i n s i g h t i n t o the e f f e c t o f v a r y i n g

plate stiffness. Selvadurai (1979) developed an e x p r e s s i o n f o r the

behavior o f a f l e x i b l e plate i n contact w i t h an e l a s t i c medium:

w(3-4v)(l+v)( 144-60 5 + 90R)

= X (3.1)
pa/E 16(l-v)(64+90R)

where: 6 = plate deflection

p = average p l a t e load

a = plate radius

E = s o i l modulus

v = Poisson's r a t i o f o r s o i l

X = modulus f a c t o r

= radius o f rods behind plate

a

R i s defined as the r e l a t i v e r i g i d i t y o f the p l a t e , where:

R = '(3-4v)(l-fv) 5> (Hj 3

( 3 . 2 )

12(l-v ) ( l - v ) E a

i n which: h = plate thickness

{v } p and {E } = e l a s t i c c o n s t a n t s f o r p l a t e .
p

The s o l u t i o n o f t h i s e q u a t i o n f o r v a r y i n g plate stiffnesses yields

 28

X = .589 for log R = 2 = .25 (3.3)

pa/E
.883 f o r log R = 0
(After Selvadurai (1979))

This formula provides a basis whereby a s t i f f n e s s correction

factor can be applied to the test data. By re-arranging 3.3, the

relationship becomes:

E = X SI (3.4)
6

From t h i s , a relationship between moduli determined from s t i f f and

f l e x i b l e plates i s determined, where

where: E g = modulus determined by a s t i f f plate t e s t ,

Ej = f l e x i b l e plate modulus,

8 = s t i f f n e s s correction factor
= 1.5 f o r a f l e x i b l e plate
= 1.0 f o r a s t i f f plate.

Admittedly, Selvadurai's solution i s for undrained behaviour,

consequently volume change due to shear as observed i n sands i s not

accounted f o r . Nevertheless, the s t i f f n e s s factor represents a

method by which the screw plate moduli can be normalized f o r plate

stiffness. An increase i n plate r i g i d i t y , R, or the radius of the

push rods, , w i l l reduce the correction factor and produce more

3.
 consistent E determinations.

3.2. I n s t a l l a t i o n System

Screw Plate Rods

In evaluating various alternatives for the screw plate rods,

consideration was given to s a t i s f y i n g the forces required during

i n s t a l l a t i o n of the plate and during load t e s t s . The cross-

sectional area of the loading rods chosen ensured a minimal amount

of e l a s t i c compression during loading, (0.25 centimeters at 90 kN

load for 20 metres of rod). In addition, i n anticipation of

conducting repeated t o r s i o n a l shear tests i n - s i t u , the t o r s i o n a l

twist was minimized. The connections between rods are splined i n

order to allow clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation during

i n s t a l l a t i o n and removal of the plate. Set screws are employed i n

order to prevent accidental disengagement of the rods, and to permit

the rods to be pulled up where the s o i l provides i n s u f f i c i e n t

reaction during withdrawal of the plate. The rods are hollow i n

order to allow for future instrumentation of the plate i t s e l f , as

well as permitting the use of i n t e r n a l rods i n the future i n order

to apply the load d i r e c t l y at the plate, and thus eliminate the

e f f e c t of rod f r i c t i o n .

Torque Motor

Preliminary calculations indicated that i n s t a l l a t i o n of the

screw plate would require approximately 2000 Nm of torque.

Selection of a suitable torque motor was governed not only by

required power, but also by space limitations within the pre-

 existing hydraulic pistons, as well as the input pressures provided

by the truck hydraulics. The motor selected i s capable of operating

continuously at low rates (1 to 100 RPM) and high loads (up to

20 kN). Figure 3.3 i l l u s t r a t e s the positioning of the torque

motor.

Hydraulic Loading Pistons

The screw plate system was e s s e n t i a l l y designed 'around' the

hydraulic pistons i n i t i a l l y developed for use with the CPT t e s t .

F u l l d e t a i l s of the hydraulic system are given elsewhere (Campanella

and Robertson, 1981). The system i s limited to producing 75 kN of

thrust, which i s the reaction force provided by the truck. To be

compatible with the screw plate system, the hydraulic pistons had to

provide a variable rate of advance, with an additional control of

pressures applied to the rods during i n s t a l l a t i o n . The advance of

the pistons can be controlled either manually, or through a servo-

loop system. Figure 3.4 i l l u s t r a t e s the schematics of the hydraulic

control system.

In order to enable the torque motor to apply torque to the

screw plate rods, and at the same time apply an axial load, a thrust

bearing was designed. This bearing permits the a p p l i c a t i o n of

either a compressive or tensile force on the rods during screw plate

advancement or withdrawal.

3.3. Data Acquisition System

A p a r t i c u l a r refinement of the measuring system over

conventional screw plate systems was the design of a torque load

 32

LEVELING JACKS PENETRATION HEAD ROTARY HEAD

(ONE OF F O U R )

9-
FLOW DIVIDERS
O II CONTROL
LOCKING
VALVE

AD
R E L '.EF ! j
L l_l I l_j ADJ. i U-J
R E L I E F L_

HIGH - LOW PRESSURE

CONTROLS
( l O O O p s i and 2 0 0 0 p s i )
liL (6900kPo and IJBOOkPo)

VARIABLE VOLUME
P R E S S U R E COMPENSATED PUMP

INTAKE STRAINER

FIGURE 3-4-SCHEMATIC OF HYDRAULIC CONTROL

SYSTEM
after Campanella 8.
Robertson (1981)
 33

c e l l which enable the operator to measure I n s t a l l a t i o n torque during

the advancement of the p l a t e . Figure 3.5 shows the p r i n c i p l e of the

torque load c e l l .

A x i a l loads, hence the load on the plate, were measured using

an axial load c e l l shown i n Figure 3.6. Axial loads were also

estimated using a pressure transducer which recorded the pressure i n

the hydraulic system. This pressure was multiplied by the cross-

sectional area of the pistons to obtain an estimate of the t o t a l

applied load.

A x i a l displacements were recorded using a d i r e c t current

displacement transducer (DCDT) mounted on a reference beam (Figure

3.7). The reference beam was employed to ensure that changes i n

surface load beneath the truck pads did not influence the

deformation measured at the rods.

The parameters measured during the test consist of:

1) installation torque
2) a x i a l load

3) axial displacement

X-Y-Y' chart recorders were used to record the i n s t a l l a t i o n torque

and the load-displacement curves. Loads and displacements were also

routinely recorded on time plots as well. Figure 3.8 shows a

t y p i c a l layout of recording equipment.

The transducer outputs were also used as input signals to an

MTS servo-controller. In t h i s manner, s t r a i n or stress controlled

tests could be performed, with variable amplitudes and magnitude.

The hydraulic system could routinely provide 1 hz load cycles i n

dense sands. Lower frequency loading of 0.1 hz was used i n s i l t s

 34

FIGURE 3.5 TORQUE LOAD CELL

 35

FIGURE 3.6 A X I A L LOAD C E L L

FIGURE 3 . 8 SCREW PLATE RECORDING SYSTEM
where large amplitude s t r a i n resulted i n considerable fluid

displacement i n the pistons. Square, triangular or sinusoidal

waveforms could also be applied.

3.4. Development of Test Procedures

3.4.1. Drained Tests i n Sand

Gould (1967) i d e n t i f i e s a suggested load procedure whereby

loads are incrementally applied to the plate, with

consolidation/compression permitted before each additional load

increment i s applied. Dahlberg (1975) specifies that a t ^ be

reached for each load increment, as the c o e f f i c i e n t of consolidation

can be determined during the load test using Eqn. 2.1.3.

Generally, the screw plate test i n sands can be considered a

f u l l y drained t e s t , hence the tests conducted during this study were

done at a rate of 0.1 Hz. Cyclic stress amplitudes as well as

maximum stress l e v e l s were varied p e r i o d i c a l l y . The e f f e c t of these

variations i s discussed later.

The general test procedure adopted during this study i s

summarized below.

(1) Plate I n s t a l l a t i o n - the plate was rotated into the s o i l under

i t s own impetus, i n other words i t was allowed to " p u l l i t s e l f "

downward. E f f o r t s to advance i t at a rate equal to the p i t c h

times the rate of revolution resulted only i n preloads on the

plate which were detected during i n s t a l l a t i o n and the f i r s t

load increment. The rate of revolution was approximately 10

revolutions per minute. The torque required during

i n s t a l l a t i o n was generally not affected by the rate of

 39

revolution.

(2) Load A p p l i c a t i o n D u r i n g T e s t s - l o a d s were a p p l i e d u s i n g a l o a d

c e l l which p r o v i d e d an analogue s i g n a l to a servo c o n t r o l l e r .

C y c l i c l o a d s were a p p l i e d a t 0.1 Hz, g e n e r a l l y t o the maximum

c a p a c i t y of the t e s t i n g v e h i c l e . Higher frequency l o a d i n g was

found d i f f i c u l t to achieve given the l i m i t a t i o n o f the

h y d r a u l i c system. Deformations were recorded using a

displacement transducer.

Loads were g e n e r a l l y a p p l i e d u n t i l f a i l u r e o f the s o i l was

observed. The failure s t r e s s e s observed i n t h i s study during

t e s t s i n cohesive and noncohesive s o i l s are summarized i n T a b l e

3.1 below.

TABLE 3.1. Observed P l a t e S t r e s s e s a t F a i l u r e .

STRESS AT FAILURE
(bars)

S i l t y Clay 4-6
Sensitive Clay 1-2.5
Fine Sand, Loose 8-14
Medium Sand, Dense g r e a t e r than 14

As mentioned p r e v i o u s l y , f a i l u r e l o a d s were not a t t a i n e d during

p l a t e load t e s t s i n dense sands.

(3) R e p e t i t i o n o f Load Sequence - upon c o m p l e t i o n o f the l o a d t e s t ,

the p l a t e would be advanced one to two metres, and the test

repeated. It was considered t h a t a one metre ( o r 4 p l a t e

diameters) d i f f e r e n c e between t e s t depths was sufficient to

eliminate s i g n i f i c a n t s u p e r p o s i t i o n o f s t r a i n on successive

tests.
 (4) Upon completion of the p r o f i l e , the plate rotation was reversed

and the entire down hole apparatus retrieved. At this time, i t

was observed that i n v a r i a b l y , the disturbed zone through which

the plate passed was unable to support the weight of the plate

plus rods. This seemed to confirm the assumption that rod

f r i c t i o n was i n s i g n i f i c a n t since i t was less than the t o t a l

weight of the rods. This observation was also made by

Schmertmann (1970).

(5) The development of the aforementioned test equipment and

procedures resulted i n a system which proved to be a rapid

investigative t o o l . A 15 metre p r o f i l e , including torque

measurements and cycled tests at 1 metre intervals could be

completed i n 8-10 hours; thereby providing valuable deformation

parameters over the depth of influence beneath most

conventional shallow foundations.

3.4.2. Undrained Tests i n Clay

A similar test procedure was employed i n clays to determine

undrained shear strengths and moduli. Drained tests were not

attempted because of the length of time i t normally took to achieve

90% consolidation. Researchers studying consolidation parameters i n

clays generally conduct slow incremental load tests (Janbu and

Senneset (1973), Kay and Parry (1982)).

3.4.3. Factors Affecting Test Procedure and Results

The contribution of rod weight to the i n i t i a l plate load

depends upon the amount of f r i c t i o n along the rods- When i t was

 discovered that the rods had to be clamped at the surface during

withdrawal of the plate, i t was conservatively assumed that the

f r i c t i o n on the rods was n e g l i g i b l e , hence a l l load calculations

included rod weight. The i n s t a l l a t i o n system reported by Janbu and

Senneset (1973) u t i l i z e s a down-hole hydraulic piston to apply the

load to the plate, thereby eliminating any possible e f f e c t s on

f r i c t i o n on the rods. A r e s t r i c t i o n of their system i s that i t

precludes possible instrumentation of the plate through inner

cables, and further complicates the i n s t a l l a t i o n procedure.

Consequently, a simpler system using only exterior rods was adopted

i n t h i s study. Further refinement of the test might involve the use

of inner rods to apply the load to the plate, i n a fashion s i m i l a r

to the mechanical f r i c t i o n cone. This should be considered If rod

f r i c t i o n becomes excessive.

The e f f e c t of rod compression on measured plate deformation was

also evaluated. Calculations showed that the screw plate rods would

be compressed by .1 mm per metre at the f u l l capacity of the loading

system. At a depth of 10 metres, rod compression would t y p i c a l l y

contribute only 5% of the observed plate deformation at the maximum

load, hence rod compression effects were neglected during modulus

determinations. The e f f e c t of rod buckling could not be quantified.

The use of inner rods on down-hole hydraulic pistons could reduce

the possible influence on measured displacements.

The s t i f f n e s s of the plate can also has a s i g n i f i c a n t e f f e c t on

deformations measured i n s t i f f s o i l s , as discussed i n 3.1.2.

Several times during the i n s t a l l a t i o n of the plate i n dense

sands, c y c l i c t o r s i o n a l loads were required, i n which the plate

r o t a t i o n r e p e a t e d l y was reversed during i n s t a l l a t i o n . This was

found to be the only way i n which the p l a t e could be advanced

through the denser sands. T h i s c y c l i c t o r s i o n a l l o a d i n g undoubtedly

pre-shears the s o i l immediately below the p l a t e , and hence would

tend to reduce the s t i f f n e s s measured d u r i n g the i n i t i a l load

cycle.
 4. DESCRIPTION OF FIELD PROGRAMMES

The f i e l d testing programmes were conducted on three research

s i t e s shown on Figure 4.1. The generalized s i t e geology i s given i n

Table 4.1 below.

SITE SOIL DESCRIPTION

McDonald Site - Sea Island Sand and clayey S i l t

Langley Clay Site Sensitive Clay
Cloverdale Clay Site Sensitive Clay

TABLE 4.1. General Lithology at Research S i t e s .

4.1. McDonald - Sand and S i l t y Clay Site

4.1.1. General Geology and Site Description

The McDonald s i t e i s situated on sea island, and i s

approximately 2 metres above sea l e v e l . The deposits represent

various stages of development of the Fraser Delta. The general soil

p r o f i l e consists of:

0-2 m - clay; s i l t y , s o f t , organic

2-13 m - sand; medium to coarse, variable density,

concretionary layers at depth

13-15 m - fine sand; t r a n s i t i o n zone

151-300 - s i l t ; clayey, normally consolidated, soft

A typical cone p r o f i l e Is shown i n Figure 4.2.

4.1.2. Description of Test Programme

A detailed s i t e i n v e s t i g a t i o n has been carried out at the s i t e

as part of an on-going research e f f o r t . Details on equipment and

FIGURE 4 2 - TYPICAL CONE PROFILE AT McDONALD SITE
(AFTER CAMPANELLA, ROBERTSON AND GILLESPIE, 1983)
 procedures are given i n Robertson (1982). The tests under

consideration i n this study are summarized i n Table 4.2 below.

TEST TYPE NO.

Cone penetration p r o f i l e s 6
Standard penetration tests 13
FIELD Self boring pressuremeter p r o f i l e 3
Dilatometer p r o f i l e s 2
push-in cone pressuremeter p r o f i l e 2
Screw plate p r o f i l e s 12

LAB c y c l i c t r i a x i a l tests 7
t r i a x i a l compression tests 5

TABLE 4.2. Summary of Test Programme - McDonald Site.

A location plan i s given i n Figure 4.3.

4.1.3. Test Results - Drained Behaviour

4.1.3.1. Constrained Moduli i n Sands

A t y p i c a l screw plate load displacement curve i s presented i n

Figure 4.4. These curves were analyzed using Janbu and Senneset's

(1973) method of analysis, using the i n i t i a l tangent modulus. The

modulus numbers k within the McDonald sands are presented i n

m
Figure 4.5 and range from

k = 120 to 550 .
m

The v a r i a t i o n i n k^ corresponds quite c l o s e l y with the v a r i a t i o n

i n cone bearing values at the s i t e (Figure 4.6). Both p r o f i l e s

indicate peaks at approximately 9 to 10 metres, where the sand

density appears greatest. The presence of the dense layer at 12 to

13 metres i s not reflected i n the screw plate tests because of the

presence of the softer layer at depth.

 GRAVEL ROAD
A PIEZOMETER CONE TEST
FLAT PLATE OILATOMETER
TEST
STEEL
O SELF BORING PRESSUREMETER
REFERENCE
POST
a TEST
# PUSH IN CONE PRESSUREMETER
3 TEST
or 53 BOREHOLE, STANDARD PENE
TRATION TEST, SAMPLES
"o
tf)
+ SCREW PLATE TEST
SBPMT-3
O
4
PC2 BCHI
A P C 4 H

SBPMT-2
O
1-4 PPMT-2
DMTZ A P C >

PC6
PCS

A ^ OSBPMT-

PPMT-I
DMT-1

4 m
SCALE

FIGURE 4-3 - LOCATION PLAN AT MACDONALD FARM

SAND AND SILTY CLAY SITE
after Robertson (1982)
 1.0 2'0
PLATE DISPLACEMENT (cm)

FIGURE 4.4-TYPICAL LOAD DISPLACEMENT CURVE IN SAND

 JANBU MODULUS N U M B E R km

100 200 300 400 500

-f 1 1 1

FIGURE 4 5 - RANGE OF JANBU MODULUS NUMBER

km AT MACDONALD SITE
 50

BEARING RESISTANCE (q,.)

BARS

RANGE OF CONE
RESISTANCE

FIGURE 4-6 - RANGE OF CONE RESISTANCE AT

MCDONALD'S FARM

after Robertson (1983)

 This v a r i a t i o n can be attributed to variations i n l i t h o l o g y ,

occasional cementing within the beach-deposited sands (concretions),

and l o c a l i z e d high K q values a r i s i n g out of the deposition of the

sand i n a high energy environment.

4.1.3.2. Comparison with Laboratory and Pressuremeter Moduli

The screw plate k ffl values are compared to laboratory (kg^iab

and pressuremeter (k_) values as reported by Robertson (1982) i n

E pmt
Figure 4.7. The use of the nondimensional modulus number "k"

eliminates the effect of stress v a r i a b i l i t y . The laboratory k

values were obtained from the i n i t i a l tangent portion of the

t r i a x i a l tests performed on 'undisturbed' samples. It i s recognized

that the measurement of deformation behaviour at low levels of

stress and s t r a i n i s d i f f i c u l t unless specialized procedures are

used. The pressuremeter k^ was obtained from unload-reload tests

performed at the s i t e . When screw plate k values are corrected

r r
m
for plate r i g i d i t y , using equation 3.5, they compare favourably with

laboratory and pressurementer values as shown In Fig. 4.8. It i s

recognized that the various moduli numbers represent different

loading mechanisms and stress paths. However, f o r the purposes of

discussion, the k m values w i l l i n i t i a l l y be compared to the average

kg value. A d i f f e r e n t i a t i o n between the various moduli numbers

w i l l be made a f t e r further discussion.

The apparent relationship between the various modulus numbers

can be summarized as:

(.9 to 1.2) (k )
E i n fine sand
 52

JANBU MODULUS NUMBER km

PMT A N D LABORATORY K c

100 200 300 400 500 600

I I I I I

o
A
o A
o
o A
5 +
o
o
o O'

A (k ) PRESSUREMETER
o
E

O
a.
u
(kg) LABORATORY o o o
o O (kj JANBU'S METHOD o
10

O
O o
O
O
o
o
O
15 I
100 ZOO 300 400 500 600

FIGURE 4 7 - COMPARISON OF SCREW PLATE,

PRESSUREMETER AND LABORATORY
MODULUS NUMBERS
 k (.75 to 1.0) (kg) i n medium dense sand. (4.1)
m

I n t u i t i v e l y , one would expect that (kg) t would be lower than k,

m

unless the i n - s i t u K Q value i s high, because the pressuremeter

measures a horizontal modulus, whereas the screw plate measures a

v e r t i c a l constrained modulus. Ladd et a l . (1977) observed that the

v e r t i c a l modulus can be approximately twice the horizontal.

Similarly, i f we examine the relationship between the

constrained modulus and v e r t i c a l e l a s t i c modulus, using:

M
(l+v)(l-2v) <'>
4 2

in which: M = constrained modulus

E = e l a s t i c Young's modulus

v = Poisson's ratio,

we would expect that k

ffi = (1.5 to 2.1) ( k ) ^ ^ , provided that the
E a

laboratory k was obtained from a truly undisturbed sample. It

should be recognized that the e f f e c t s of sample disturbance

generally result i n an underestimation of the modulus determined

from laboratory t e s t s , consequently i n practise one would expect

that the i n - s i t u k m values would be even greater than twice the

laboratory k .

The discrepancy i n the modulus numbers observed l n Figure 4.8

may arise out of a v i o l a t i o n of the assumptions i n Janbu's analysis.

Factors which would reduce the measured s t i f f n e s s of the s o i l , as

discussed previously, Include s o i l disturbance during i n s t a l l a t i o n ,

JANBU MODULUS NUMBER k m

PRESSUREMETER AND LABORATORY k E

and l a t e r a l strains during loading which r e s u l t i n greater measured

v e r t i c a l displacements. These factors cannot be quantified without

model studies or parametric f i n i t e element studies which would

indicate the v a r i a t i o n i n modulus which i s expected with various

degrees of s o i l disturbance.

Robertson (1982) observed that the pressuremeter unload-reload

modulus i s approximately equal to the i n - s i t u horizontal modulus.

If we extend t h i s observation to the screw plate data and assume

that (E) v e r t i c a l = 2(E) h o r i z o n t a l > then we would expect that:

k = 1.5 to 2.1 (k_) , . (4.3)

m E vertical v
'
and

k m - 3.0 to 4.2 ( k ^ . (4.4)

In order to obtain a more r e a l i s t i c v e r t i c a l constrained modulus

from Janbu's analysis, i t i s necessary to adjust the modulus number

accordingly:

(k )
m
=
r U
(2.7 to 3.6) i n fine sand
^m^ Janbu

= (2.3 to 3.0) In medium dense sand. (4.5)

The r e l a t i v e r i g i d i t y of the UBC plate was evaluated using equation

3.2, and i t was concluded that the U.B.C. plate was very f l e x i b l e .

Consequently, the use of this plate leads to an underestimation of

modulus i n dense sands. To obtain a corrected modulus, E should be

multiplied by B = 1.5 when a f l e x i b l e plate i s used. Based on

this analysis, i t can also be shown that an optimal ( s t i f f e r ) plate

design can be achieved by:

(1) increasing the plate thickness,

(2) decreasing the plate diameter, and

(3) increasing the diameter of the rods i n contact with the

plate.

These would be primary considerations i n the optimization of plate

design.

4.1.3.3. Modulus Determination from C y c l i c Loads

Several researchers have indicated that e l a s t i c moduli can be

determined from the unload-reload portion of i n - s i t u tests. Hughes

(1982), for example, presents a t h e o r e t i c a l basis for the

determination of shear moduli from reload tests using the self

boring pressuremeter.

A number of c y c l i c screw plate load tests were performed i n the

sands at the s i t e to obtain a preliminary assessment of the

s u i t a b i l i t y of the screwplate test to determine a drained elastic

modulus i n a similar fashion. Figure 4.9 presents an example of the

v a r i a t i o n i n a rebound modulus, E^> with stress amplitude at a

constant upper l i m i t . E p ranges from:

E R = {.73 to 1.1} E i f (4.6)

= I n i t i a l e l a s t i c modulus.
E
i
 PLATE DISPLACEMENT (cm)

FIGURE 4 9 - VARIATION IN ER WITH STRESS AMPLITUDE AT A

CONSTANT MAXIMUM STRESS LEVEL
In t h i s instance, and F^ represent the slope of the stress

displacement curve.

Figure A.10, on the other hand, shows how the modulus also

varies with maximum attained load for constant stress amplitudes.

This phenomena i s summarized i n Figure 4.11, where a considerable

v a r i a t i o n i n rebound modulus i s shown. An optimum l e v e l of plate

load was found to be approximately 60% of the ultimate plate load.

In practise, t h i s plate load can be estimated from the cone r e s i s t -

ance p r o f i l e .

Considerable evidence e x i s t s of variations i n screw plate

rebound modulus, much more so that that observed i n pressuremeter

and laboratory t e s t s . Perhaps the most important consideration i s

the boundary stress condition, including the load acting on the back

of the plate during unloading. The resistance of the s o i l column

above the plate would lead to less e l a s t i c rebound; hence an

increase i n the apparent r i g i d i t y of the s o i l . This increase would

be dependent upon i n s t a l l a t i o n procedure as well as s o i l parameters,

and has not been accounted for through closed-form solutions.

Similarly, E R varies considerably with stress l e v e l at

constant stress amplitudes, as was shown i n Figure 4.10, and can be

up to twice the i n i t i a l value. This behavior Is consistant with the

observation of Makhlouf and Stewart (1965), which i s shown i n Figure

4.12. They found that sands were s t i f f e r with increasing stress

l e v e l , and with decreasing s t r a i n amplitude. Consequently, the

determination of an " e l a s t i c " modulus i s very much dependent upon

the stress l e v e l and amplitude during the unload-reload portion of

FIGURE 4-10 EXAMPLE OF THE VARIATION IN E WITH STRESS
LEVEL AT A CONSTANT STRESS AMPLITUDE

PLATE D I S P L A C E M E N T (cm)
 60

FIGURE 411 - RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REBOUND

MODULUS AND INITIAL MODULUS AT
VARIOUS LEVELS OF PLATE LOAD
(data from a l l t e s t s )
 INFLUENCE UPON E OF T H E INFLUENCE UPON E OF T H E
LOWER LIMIT OF A CONSTANT RANGE OF DEVIATOR STRESS
RANGE OF DEVIATOR STRESS WITH A CONSTANT UPPER LIMIT

FIGURE 4 12 INFLUENCE OF STRESS RANGE AND

LEVEL ON LABORATORY MODULUS
DETERMINATION

(AFTER MAKHLOUF a STEWART, 1965)

test. Consistent modulus determinations cannot be obtained by

selecting arbitrary stress levels or amplitudes, hence a standard

procedure should be adopted.

The Janbu analysis takes into consideration the e f f e c t of

stress l e v e l with the modulus factor, k . As a result, i t

* m

represents one of the better methods of determining an i n - s i t u

modulus, p a r t i c u l a r l y at low stress l e v e l s . The use of an i n i t i a l

tangent to the loading curve reduces the possible errors inherent i n

methods which use the unload-reload curves.

4.1.3.A Young's Moduli i n Sands

The load-displacement curves were also analyzed using

Schmertmann's (1970) method, and equation 2.8. Young's moduli were

obtained by assuming a secant modulus at 2 bars (-2 t s f ) as

suggested by Schmertmann, and neglecting the effects of compression

due to creep i n sands during a test of short duration. The r e s u l t s

are presented i n Figure A.13.

The values obtained during t h i s study exhibit a scatter s i m i l a r

to that found i n the l i t e r a t u r e (Dahlberg (1975) and Schmertmann

(1970)). Young's modulus, E , i s found to vary by a factor of 2-3

at the s i t e , again possibly due to the v a r i a t i o n i n the l i t h o l o g y at

the s i t e .

Perhaps the most s i g n i f i c a n t observation here i s the tendency

for the McDonald s i t e data to increasingly underestimate E g in

high q c ( s t i f f ) sands. Returning again to the effect of plate

s t i f f n e s s discussed i n Section 3.1, the appropriate correction

factor has again been applied, whereby

 63

1000

10 J
1 >- ' 1 1
10 20 40 100 200 400

CONE BEARING CAPACITY

<L. (bar)

FIGURE 4-13 - OBSERVED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

CONE BEARING q AND VERTICAL c

YOUNG'S MODULUS, E (SCHMERTMANN^ s

METHOD)

MCDONALD SITE
 64

OS.)
s'corr
E x B (4.7)

where: Young's Modulus c o r r e c t e d f o r

s corr

p l a t e s t i f f n e s s , and

E u n c o r r e c t e d modulus, and
s

correction factor f o r plate s t i f f n e s s ,

1.5 f o r f l e x i b l e plates

1 forrigid plates.

A p p l i c a t i o n o f t h i s c o r r e c t i o n f a c t o r t o the t r e n d o b t a i n e d i n t h i s

study b r i n g s i t well within the range r e p o r t e d i n the l i t e r a t u r e ,

and h i g h l i g h t s the importance o f p l a t e r i g i d i t y d u r i n g the e v a l u a -

t i o n of test data.

4.1.3.5. C y c l i c L o a d i n g f o r L i q u e f a c t i o n Assessment

Hughes e t a l . (1980) propose t h a t repeated c y c l i c l o a d tests

can be performed with the pressuremeter to assess the l i q u e f a c t i o n

resistance. T h i s assessment c a n be made through an e s t i m a t e o f t h e

cyclic s t r e s s r a t i o t o cause l i q u e f a c t i o n (Robertson 1982). The

c o n s t a n t s t r e s s amplitude p o r t i o n o f the l o a d c u r v e o f F i g u r e 4.10

has been reduced, and the r e s u l t s shown i n F i g u r e 4.14. Here the

p o t e n t i a l f o r using t h e screw p l a t e t e s t i n a s i m i l a r manner c a n be

seen. P l o t s of cumulative or i n c r e m e n t a l s t r a i n can be used i n a

manner s i m i l a r t o t h a t suggested f o r the pressuremeter. The maximum

p l a t e l o a d reached during each c y c l e o b v i o u s l y a f f e c t s the

c u m u l a t i v e s t r a i n t o a l a r g e e x t e n t , however s t a n d a r d i z a t i o n of test
 2 4 6 8 10

NUMBER OF CYCLES " N "

FIGURE 4-14 - INCREMENTAL PLASTIC DEFLECTION PER

CYCLE
procedures could permit similar comparison to be made between the

response i n loose and dense sands.

It should be noted here that several c y c l i c tests were also

done to compare results from various waveforms. No appreciable

change was observed with either triangular, square or sinusoidal

loading. Sinusoidal loading was generally adopted for the c y c l i c

tests because i t placed less s t r a i n on the hydraulic system.

4.1.4. Test Results - Undrained Behavior

4.1.4.1. Undrained Shear Strength

Undrained shear strengths were obtained using a v a r i e t y of

correlations with the screw plate, cone, pressuremeter and

dilatometer data. Some disagreement between the various shear-

strength determinations i s to be expected, due to inherent

differences i n the o r i e n t a t i o n of f a i l u r e planes, induced

disturbance and strain rate. Nonetheless, comparisons are presented

herein.

A summary of the undrained shear strength p r o f i l e i s presented

in Figure 4.15. The strength values agree reasonably well, within a

range of 10 kPa of the median value. An N^ value of 9 f o r the

screw plate data appears to give good agreement with other i n - s i t u

strength determination. The cone factor N = 17 was selected

using a r i g i d i t y index of G/c u = 300, and the c o r r e l a t i o n

developed by Baligh (1975).

There i s some evidence of scatter i n the data, which i s b r i e f l y

discussed i n the next section. It i s also important to note that

the tests done i n the s i l t y clay at depth were done while the author
 UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH Cu
kPo

SCREW PLATE N K = 9

CONE N c = 17

A PRESSUREMETER

DILATOMETER

FIGURE 4-15 - COMPARISON O F UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTHS

MCDONALD SILTY-CLAY SITE
was s t i l l developing a suitable test procedure; consequently the

possible e f f e c t of plate r o t a t i o n during the application of load,

which i s discussed i n a l a t e r section, was not s p e c i f i c a l l y

addressed. In addition, a t t h i s p a r t i c u l a r s i t e the e f f e c t of rod

f r i c t i o n within the overlying dense sands could be s i g n i f i c a n t , and

r e s u l t i n lower calculated values of c^. A proper assessment would

require f i e l d vane tests at depth, as well as modifications to the

i n s t a l l a t i o n system, including inner rods which would eliminate the

effect of rod f r i c t i o n .

4.1.4.2. Repeated Undrained Loading i n S i l t

During undrained c y c l i c load tests i n s i l t , a s i g n i f i c a n t

reduction i n ultimate plate capacity was noted with successive load

increments. This behavior i s t y p i f i e d i n Figure 4.16, where s t r a i n

softening appears to be occuring. Continued strain also occurs

a f t e r the load i s released, which would indicate that some c o n s o l i -

dation may be taking place after the drop i n the plate load.

There i s l i t t l e evidence i n the other i n - s i t u tests to suggest

that this behavior should be expected. The effect of s t r a i n -

softening on a determination of c u would vary according to the

degree of disturbance associated with each i n s t a l l a t i o n . Conse-

quently, unless t h i s phenomena i s accounted f o r , the selection of a

suitable N or N factor i s somewhat a r b i t r a r y . This factor

K. C

h i g h l i g h t s the importance of c a r e f u l l y controlled i n s t a l l a t i o n of

the plate , p a r t i c u l a r l y i n strain-softening materials.

 69

FIGURE 4-16 - REDUCTION OF STRENGTH DURING LOAD

TESTS IN SILT AT MACDONALD SITE
4.1.5. Torsional Resistance during Plate I n s t a l l a t i o n

Measurements of i n s t a l l a t i o n torque were made during several of

the soundings at the s i t e . Torque soundings for a 500 cm 2

plate and

a 250 cm plate are presented i n Figure 4.17, along with the appro-
2

priate cone bearing profile.

The I n s t a l l a t i o n torque "T" appears to correlate quite c l o s e l y

with the cone bearing q , and varies according to the following

approximation:

T/q c = 17.6 i n s i l t y clay

= 6.6 In sand (4.8)

where: T = torque i n Nm

q^ = cone bearing i n bars.

This correlation can be used to predict the s i t e - s p e c i f i c i n s t a l l a -

t i o n torque required given the cone bearing p r o f i l e . In addition,

the torque record can be used to indicate when pre-determined test

depths are reached, and provide a rough log of stratigraphy at the

site.

4.2. Langley Sensitive Clay Site

4.2.1. General Geology and Site Description

This s i t e Is adjacent to the #1 Highway, and situated at the

base of a 5 m cut for the road r i g h t of way. The water table i s at

2.3 i depth. The general geology consists of Capilano sediments,

raised marine and f l u v i a l deposits. The s i t e stratigraphy i s :

 (T/q ) SILTY CLAY 17.5
t

2 50 cm'
NOTt -. IN Nm
500 cm plate
TOOObt
2
gc IN IMS
(T/q,J SAND .6

FIGURE 4-17 - RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSTALLATION TORQUE

AND CONE RESISTANCE AT SAND AND SILTY
CLAY SITE
 0-2 m - gravel and c l a y f i l l

2-10 m - clay, over-consolidated with interbedded s i l t y sand;

s e n s i t i v i t y = 10-15 based on S. = (R.. = f r i c t i o n

t R^ r

ratio)

10-30 m - clay, s l i g h t l y over-consolidated to normally

consolidated.

A t y p i c a l cone p r o f i l e i s presented i n Figure 4.18.

4.2.2. Description of Test Programme

A detailed s i t e i n v e s t i g a t i o n was carried out, and i s

summarized below:

TEST TYPES NUMBER

Cone penetrometer 1
Dilatometer 1
Vane 1
Piezometer Cone 1
Cone Pressuremeter 1
Screw Plate 1

TABLE 4.2. Summary of Test Programme - Langley Site.

Location of the probings are shown i n Figure 4.19.

4.2.3. Test Results

A t y p i c a l screw plate load test i n sensitive c l a y i s presented

in Figure 4.20. The achievement of a peak and residual load i s more

t y p i c a l of the response which might be observed through laboratory

testing, and has not previously been reported i n l i t e r a t u r e covering

the screw p l a t e .
FIGURE 4-18 - CONE PROFfLE AT LANGLEY CLAY SITE
 74

LEGEND

PI C P T I O C T . 14, 1982
P2 DILATOMETER NOV. 4 ,1982
P3 VANE TEST N O V . 18, 1982
P4 PORE PRESSURE DISSIPATIONS N O V .18, 1982
P5 PUSH IN CONE PRESSUREMETER N O V . 2 5 , 1982
P6 SCREW PLATE D E C . 2, 1 9 8 2

FIGURE 4-19 - LOCATION PLAN AT LANGLEY CLAY SITE

 DEPTH 7 m

FIGURE 4 - 2 0 - LOAD TEST IN LANGLEY SENSITIVE

CLAY
 During the tests at t h i s p a r t i c u l a r s i t e , i t was observed that

the torque rods were rotating s l i g h t l y during the application of

load. When the rods were clamped as shown i n Figure 4 . 2 1 , the peak

load was again achieved.

A possible explanation of t h i s phenomena i s that the f r i c t i o n a l

resistance of the thoroughly remolded s o i l i n contact with the plate

i s n e g l i g i b l e , hence the plate has a tendency to rotate during

loading because of i t s screw p i t c h . This w i l l tend to reduce the

measured strength and modulus.

The i r r e g u l a r i t i e s i n the loading curve beyond the peak are

possibly related to f a i l u r e planes which develop beneath the plate

and r e s u l t i n a discontinuous load-deformation curve. Again, t h i s

phenomena has not been extensively treated i n the l i t e r a t u r e .

Note also that the apparent undrained modulus does not appear

to have been s i g n i f i c a n t l y affected by loading the plate past the

peak or " f a i l u r e " load. This i s an important consideration when

examining the relationship between i n i t i a l and reload modulus

values from undrained tests i n c l a y .

4.2.4. Undrained Modulus

A comparison of undrained modulus values i s shown In Figure

4.22. The screw plate moduli reported are E^Q, taken as a secant

modulus to a load of 50% of P and E, , which i s taken from

ult' loop'

the f i r s t reload cycle. The screw plate moduli give modulus values

approximately twice that estimated from the cone. This seems quite

reasonable, since the cone modulus i s based on laboratory

correlations which generally underestimate the i n - s i t u modulus.

 DEPTH = 8 m

.2

JL_ , 1 1-
0 5 10
PLATE DISPLACEMENT (cm)

FIGURE 4-21 - EFFECT OF PLATE ROTATION

DURING TESTING IN LANGLEY
SENSITIVE CLAY
FIGURE 4-22 - COMPARISON OF UNDRAINED MODULI
AT LANGLEY CLAY SITE
More test data i s required before a conclusion can be drawn.

4.2.5. Undrained Shear Strengths

The general agreement between undrained strengths from a

variety of tests (excluding the dilatometer) i s evidenced i n Figure

4.23. In view of the previously stated difference i n the

orientation of the f a i l u r e planes associated with each test, t h i s

agreement i s not necessarily expected. Naturally, the s e l e c t i o n of

bearing factors i s somewhat a r b i t r a r y , nonetheless the general

agreement beween various i n - s i t u determination of c u is

encouraging. The value of N = 17 chosen for the cone was based

on a r i g i d i t y index of 1^ = G/c u - 200, and Baligh's (1975)

solution. Adoption of a single N^ or N^ for a p a r t i c u l a r s i t e

would require a more comprehensive laboratory and f i e l d programme.

The e f f e c t s of s t r a i n rate and strength anisotropy were not

evaluated at this s i t e ; and would, result i n variations i n undrained

shear strengths. A s t a t i s t i c a l l y v a l i d number of tests would be

required i n order to make a confident assessment of these f a c t o r s .

4.3. Cloverdale Sensitive Clay S i t e

4.3.1. General Geology and Site Description

The s i t e i s located on l e v e l ground approximately 2-3 metres

above sea l e v e l . The s i t e i s underlain by s i l t y clays and clays of

the Cloverdale sediments situated on t i l l . The s p e c i f i c l i t h o l o g y

at the s i t e i s :

0-1.5 m - s i l t , sand and gravel fill

1.5-4.0 m - clay, s l i g h t l y O.C., soft

 80

UNDRANED SHEAR STRENGTH Cu kPa

10 20 30 40 50 60
-t- i 1 1 1

LEGEND

VANE SHEAR

. DILATOMETER
U.B.C. CONE N =I7 C

SCREW PLATE
0 ( N = 9)
K

PUSH-IN CONE
+ PRESSUREMETER
5+ ASSUMING P - IQ=5CU
L

PUSH-IN CONE
PRESSUREMETER
(GIBSON a
ANDERSON)
i ( P - P )= 52 Cu
L Q

a.

10-
/

FIGURE 4 23 - COMPARISON OF UNDRAINED SHEAR

STRENGTHS AT LANGLEY SENSITIVE
CLAY SITE
 81

4-14 m - clay, s l i g h t l y O.C., very sensitive, S fc = 10 to 27

14-25 m - clay, N.C, soft silty

25-25.3 m - dense sand

25.3-27.7 m - clay, N.C.

27.7 - glacial till

A t y p i c a l cone p r o f i l e i s presented i n Figure 4.24.

4.3.2. Description of F i e l d Programme

A series of i n - s i t u t e s t s were completed at the s i t e . The test

programme i s summarized i n Table 4.3 below.

TEST DESCRIPTION NUMBER

Cone penetration test 1

Dilatometer 1
Vane shear 1
Piezometer cone p r o f i l e 1
Screw plate test p r o f i l e 1

TABLE 4.3. Summary of F i e l d Programme - Cloverdale S i t e .

Test locations are given i n Figure 4.25.

4.3.3. Test Results

4.3.3.1. Undrained E l a s t i c Modulus

A t y p i c a l load displacement curve i s presented i n Figure 4.26.

At this s i t e the torque rods were not clamped, hence the true peak

loads were probably not attained. Based upon the tests at Langley,

this might lead to a 10-15% underestimation of the ultimate load.

It i s also evident here that the s e l e c t i o n of a suitable modulus

PORE
PRESSURE FRICTJ^JJpiST BEARING , RESISTANCE OIFF. RR. SOIL
U (BAR) FC QC (BAR) RAT"
TIO AllAX PROFILE
0 24 0 05 0 20 0 0 JBO
*
urganic,silt.sana
& asstd. gravel f i l l
Soft.sensitive,
s l i g h t l y over-
consolidated clay
Soft,sensitive
s l i g h t l y over-
consolidated s i l t y
clay.
S increases l i n e a r l y
u

with depth from about

14 kPa-26 kPa
S /p* r a t i o - 0.54
u

at s u r f a c e t o 0.28
at 14 m
Cv = 0.01 ctn /min 2

k - 4.9 X 10-8cm/sec
Soft, sensitive
normally c o n s o l i -
dated s i l t y - c l a y
S increases
u

l i n e a r l y w i t h depth
about 26 kPa-47 kPa
S /P' r a t i o i s
u

constant w i t h depth
at 0.28.
E n t i r e stratum
has tandom & occa-
s i o n a l l e n s e s of s i l t

SAND

Normally c o n s o l i d a t e d
clay
Dense g l a c i a l t i l l
End o f Hole ~

CLOVERDALE UBC CONE NOV. 5,1981

UBC PIEZOMETER CONE 3. NO PORE PRESSURE CORRECTION REQ0.

FIGURE 4-24- TYPICAL CONE PROFILES AT CLOVERDALE SITE 63

 83

GRAVEL
ROAD
LEGEND
TEST HOLE NO

i. FUGRO CONE ^FSCK 225, OCT. 22/81

2. FLAT DILATOMETER, OCT. 29/81
3. SWEDISH VANE, OCT. 29/81
4. U.B.C. PIEZOMETER CONE
*C6 FPST 3 UBC, NOV. 5/81
SCREW PLATE TEST, NOV. 19/81

-BRIDGE

PAVED ROAD

NOT TO SCALE

FIGURE 4-25 - LOCATION PLAN CLOVERDALE CLAY SITE

 E R - REBOUND MODULUS
E| = INITIAL MODULUS
DEPTH = 6m

50 4

PLATE DISPLACEMENT (cm)

FIGURE 4-26 - LOAD TEST IN CLOVERDALE CLAY

from a reload curve i s very much dependent upon the amplitude of the

plate loadings reached during each cycle.

Values of E U are compared i n Figure 4.27. It appears that

except f o r E ^ Q , the screw plate test produces higher values of the

i n - s i t u undrained modulus, as was the case at Langley. Again, t h i s

r e f l e c t s the fact that the screw plate modulus may more closely

correlate with the true i n - s i t u modulus.

An important point here i s that the tests i n the Langley clay

showed no change i n modulus f o r a f u l l unload-reload past f a i l u r e .

In contrast, the Cloverdale test shows that the modulus varies i f

f u l l unload i s not achieved.

4.3.3.2. Undrained Shear Strength

Undrained shear strengths are compared i n Figure 4.28. A cone

N = 12 was selected based on a best f i t with the corrected vane

c

strengths. Remarkably good c o r r e l a t i o n i s seen between the various

i n - s i t u tests, with the dilatometer again giving s l i g h t l y higher

values of c u i n the sensitive c l a y . It should be noted, however,

that at this s i t e , plate rotation was not prevented, hence the

ultimate load reached during the test may have been underestimated.
 86

FIGURE 4-27 - COMPARISON OF UNDRAINED MODULI AT

C L O V E R D A L E CLAY SITE
 UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH Cu kPa

FIGURE 4-28 - COMPARISON OF UNDRAINED SHEAR

STRENGTHS AT CLOVERDALE, CLAY SITE
 5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

5.1. Measurements of Drained Behavior

5.1.1. Constrained Modulus

The screw plate test appears to produce an underestimation of

the i n - s i t u constrained modulus, M. This underestimation arises

because of several factors, most notably:

1) plate flexure which results l n greater deflections,

2) Janbu's assumption of v e r t i c a l compression,

3) disturbance associated with plate i n s t a l l a t i o n .

This combination y i e l d s values of k m which are 25 to 30 percent of

expected k values. The k determinations are consistent,

m m
however, and indicate that reproducible r e s u l t s can be obtained.

5.1.2. Young's Modulus

The determination of a Young's modulus, E ,

g using

Schmertmann's method i s also sensitive to the effect of plate

stiffness. The r e s u l t s shown herein indicate that the a p p l i c a t i o n

of a modulus factor, A, according to the r e l a t i v e s t i f f n e s s of the

plate, w i l l r e s u l t i n E g values s i m i l a r to those published

elsewhere. This highlights the a p p l i c a b i l i t y of the test i n sands

of varying densities.

5.2. Determination of Drained Modulus from Unload Reload Curves

Review of the c y c l i c loading curves indicates that the screw

plate reload modulus Is very much dependent upon stress l e v e l and

stress amplitude. Determination of an absolute reload modulus i s

further complicated by the uncertain load condition acting on the

back of the plate. It does appear, however, that careful selection

of a maximum plate load and stress amplitude could y i e l d a

reasonably consistent modulus values.

5.3. Measurement of Undrained Shear Strength - c u

The screw plate c y determinations agreed very well with other

in-situ tests. An value of 9.0 was found to provide a

reasonable estimate of c y i n the clays tested, however further

s i t e s p e c i f i c correlations are required. It was also discovered

that plate rotation during load testing i n sensitive clays can lead

to an underestimation of c . u

In general, i n - s i t u determinations of c u must address the

issues of s t r a i n rate, strength-anisotropy, and progressive failure

before confident c o r r e l a t i o n can be made.

5.4. Measurement of Undrained Modulus

The most apparent uncertainty of the screw plate test i s i t s

estimate of undrained modulus i n sensitive clay. As with the

determination of sand moduli, the plate boundary conditions

including plate back load and torque-induced shear s t r a i n contribute

to rather uncertain E u determinations. Part of the inaccuracy of

e x i s t i n g i n t e r p r e t i v e techniques also l i e s i n t h e i r assumption of

homogeneous, e l a s t i c , i s o t r o p i c media.

The selection of a suitable undrained modulus from the screw-

plate test has h i s t o r i c a l l y involved an arbitrary selection of the

stress l e v e l at which an unload-reload modulus i s determined. The

d a t a p r e s e n t e d d u r i n g t h i s study h i g h l i g h t s the n e c e s s i t y f o r

f u r t h e r work Into the r e s o l u t i o n of whether i n i t i a l tangent or

r e l o a d moduli should be used.

 91

6. SUGGESTED TEST PROCEDURE AND ANALYSIS

As with any t e s t , the standardization of test procedures and

analyses w i l l improve the a p p l i c a b i l i t y of the test i n a variety of

s o i l conditions. Based on the r e s u l t s of t h i s study, the following

guidelines are proposed.

6.1. Test Equipment

6.1.1. Screw Plate

The screw plate should s a t i s f y the following c r i t e r i a :

(1) double-flighted

(2) cross-sectional area of 250 cm 2

for use i n sand; 500 cm 2
in

clay

(3) have a high r e l a t i v e s t i f f n e s s , as defined i n Section 3.1.2.

6.1.2. I n s t a l l a t i o n System

The torque required during i n s t a l l a t i o n of the plate depends

primarily upon the s o i l type. During this study, i t was observed

that the i n s t a l l a t i o n torque varied accordingly:

100 to 250 Nm - i n clay and silt

250 to 2000 Nm - in sand.

The s e l e c t i o n of a suitable torque motor w i l l be governed by the

observed cone resistance. Where a higher torque i s required during

i n s t a l l a t i o n , the plate may be advanced by c y c l i c a l l y reversing the

d i r e c t i o n of rotation; a l t e r n a t i v e l y a smaller plate should be

used.

The rate of advance of the plate can be up to a rate equal to

the pitch times the rate of rotation. In general, a low friction

bearing at the top of the rods should permit the unhindered

advancement of the plate into the s o i l .

The screw plate rods should be pinned so that the plate may be

removed upon completion of the p r o f i l e . A larger rod cross-

sectional area i s required i n order to improve the r e l a t i v e

s t i f f n e s s of the plate, perhaps at the expense of Increased rod

f r i c t i o n during loading.

6.1.3. Loading System

The loads required f o r f a i l u r e i n cohesive materials ranged

from 1.0 to 2.5 bars. In sands, f a i l u r e loads may not necessarily

be achieved, as the resistance of the sand w i l l increase during

testing. Consequently, the loading frame should have a capacity of

approximately:

12 kN i n s i l t and clays

50 to 75 kN i n sand.

6.1.4. Measurement System

The parameters which must be measured during the test are:

(1) plate load

(2) plate displacement.

The load may be measured using a load c e l l , or by measuring the

piston pressure with a pressure gauge. The capacity of the load

c e l l should be greater than the overall capacity of the loading

frame.

The displacement may be measured using a displacement

transducer or d i a l gauge. During this study i t was observed that

displacements were generally:

 = 0 to 2.0 cm i n sand
Total
= 2.0 to 5.0 cm i n c l a y s .

The range and accuracy of the displacement gauges should be selected

accordingly.

The use of automated recording equipment and e l e c t r i c a l

transducers allows the operator to apply rapid c y c l i c loads with a

suitable loading frame.

6.2. Suggested Procedure f o r Plate I n s t a l l a t i o n

A f t e r s e l e c t i o n of a suitable plate and i n s t a l l a t i o n system,

the i n s t a l l a t i o n of the plate i t s e l f i s r e l a t i v e l y straightforward.

It can be rotated to the test depth at a variable rate, governed

primarily by the a b i l i t y of the frame torque motor to follow the

plate downward. The plate should be permitted to " p u l l itself"

downward without the application of v e r t i c a l loads. Load tests

should be separated by at least four plate diameters i n order to

reduce the p o s s i b i l i t y of superposition of s t r a i n s .

Upon completion of the p r o f i l e , the plate should be withdrawn

and inspected. During withdrawal, i t may be necessary to clamp the

rods to prevent the apparatus from slipping downward, though i t i s

unlikely that the rods would drop completely down the hole.

6.3. Suggested Test Procedure i n Sand

Drained tests i n sand should be carried on i n the following

manner.

1) An i n i t i a l load equal to approximately 60% of the capacity of

the loading frame should be applied, and the load displacement

curve recorded.
2) The constrained tangent modulus i s then obtained by:

M = k (-r~
j/jl-a
p
a
(2.D
p
a
Janbu and Senneset (1974)

where: M = constrained tangent modulus

k = modulus number
m
p = reference stress (1 bar)
3.

p' = v e r t i c a l e f f e c t i v e stress

a = stress exponent = .5.

The modulus at the test depth can be estimated from a tangent

drawn through the i n i t i a l portion of the test curve

S n

P B

6 = (2.2)
k
m p *a

where: 6 = plate deformation, corrected for rod

compression

B = plate diameter

p^ = net plate stress = applied stress + rod weight

where necessary

S = dimensionless settlement number, S, (Figure

2.2) .

3) The s t i f f n e s s of the plate should be calculated using the

s t i f f n e s s factor R, whereby:
 95

R = -* (3-4v)(l-rV) 5> ( h j 3 ( 3 > 2 )

12 (1-v ) ( l - v ) E 3

P
Selvadurai et a l . (1979)

in which: h = plate thickness

a = plate radius

{v} and {E} = s o i l e l a s t i c constants

{ V p } and {Ep} = plate e l a s t i c constants.

The calculated modulus value should then be multiplied by the

appropriate s t i f f n e s s correction factor, B:

3=1 for log R = 2

B = 1.5 f o r log R = 0.

4) Based on the limited data obtained during this study, a

r e a l i s t i c v e r t i c a l constrained modulus, , can be estimated

' true'
using:

M
t r u e
= (2.3 to 3.6) i n sand. (4.5)
^Janbu

5) Alternatively, Schmertmann's method of analysis can be applied

to the data to obtain an equivalent Young's Modulus, E ,

g for

v e r t i c a l compression. E g i s obtained by using a secant

modulus over the range from 1 to 3 bars, and the r e l a t i o n s h i p :

 2B I
= C Ap I Az (2.8)
1
o E
s

where: p = plate settlement

A
P = P ~ P Q

p = applied plate stress

p Q = i n - s i t u e f f e c t i v e overburden pressure

B = plate diameter

I = s t r a i n influence factor ( F i g . 2.3)

z
A = depth
z

= embedment correction

Po
{ 1 - .5t-!4 }
P- o
p

Any consistent units may be used. This modulus has been

v e r i f i e d f o r a number of case h i s t o r i e s , and i s most applicable

to shallow foundations which generally have design stresses of

that order.

6) A complete unload-reload cycle should then be completed to the

maximum capacity of the loading frame. The secant modulus

during this load curve, should be approximately equal to the

i n i t i a l tangent modulus. A deviation from t h i s observation

probably r e f l e c t s the effects of s o i l disturbance. A

s i g n i f i c a n t difference would indicate that the s o i l has been

disturbed during i n s t a l l a t i o n of the plate, and that only the

rebound modulus w i l l be r e l i a b l e .
 97

6.4. Suggested Test Procedure l n Clay

(1) Based on an understanding of the site stratigraphy, which can

be obtained through cone penetration testing or more

conventional investigative methods, the i n - s i t u undrained shear

strength should be estimated. The ultimate plate stress can be

estimated using the following relationship:

Pult * u\ vo '
c +
0 ( 2 1 5 )

where: P ]_t
u
= u
l t :
*- m a t e
plate capacity

c u = undrained shear strength

= bearing factor = 9

o = i n - s i t u v e r t i c a l effective stress,
vo

(2) A rapid undrained test should be performed, with the load

applied to 60% of the estimated P j_

u t
a n
d dropped to zero.

An estimate of undrained modulus, E , can then be made using

Selvadurai et a l . (1979):

= X (2.13)
pa/E
u
Selvadurai and Nicholas (1979)

where A = {0.60 to 0.75} = modulus factor (2.14)

p = plate load

a = plate radius

E = undrained e l a s t i c modulus
u
6 = plate displacement.

This modulus should be calculated using the i n i t i a l portion of

the load displacement curve.

 98

(3) Care must be taken to prevent plate r o t a t i o n during the t e s t .

(4) A f i n a l load cycle should be applied to the f a i l u r e load. From

this load, c can be determined from

u

p , - a
ult VO /o i c \
c
u =
57 ( 2
' 1 5 )

where: c = undrained shear strength

u
P^ t
=
plate load plus rod weight

a = i n - s i t u v e r t i c a l stress
vo
= bearing factor = 9.

(5) Further load cycles should be applied to check for s t r a i n

softening.

(6) The plate should be advanced at least one metre to the next

test depth, and the test repeated.

(7) Upon completion of the p r o f i l e , the plate should be withdrawn,

and inspected for damage.

(8) In s t i f f e r c l a y s , where an ultimate load may not be achieved,

the ultimate load may be estimated by:

p , = 2.54 p - 1.54 p (2.17)

*ult r
y x
Kay and Parry (1982)

i n which: p .^ = ultimate plate stress

ult
p = plate stress at a s t r a i n equal to
X
1.5% of the plate diameter (B)
 99

Py = the plate stress at a s t r a i n equal

to 2% of B.

(2) The constrained modulus number 'k ' can be estimated i n a f u l l y

m

drained test from the i n i t i a l tangent portion of the curve and

Janbu's formula:

S Pn B

6
* IT
m a

where: 6 = plate deformation

k = constrained modulus number

m
S = dimensionless settlement number (see Figure 2.2)

p = net plate stress

n

P a = reference stress (= 1 bar)

B = plate diameter.

(3) Corrections should be made for rod compression and effect of

plate r i g i d i t y . These corrections are detailed i n 3.1.2.

 100

7. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Future research related s p e c i f i c a l l y to the research s i t e s

discussed herein should be directed towards obtaining more f i e l d

vane shear data to correlate with the screw plate estimates of

undrained shear strength. This i s p a r t i c u l a r l y true of the silty

clays at depth at the McDonald s i t e , where no vane tests were

completed. Through these c o r r e l a t i o n s , the e f f e c t s of variable

s t r a i n rate and strength anisotropy can be examined. Furthermore,

e f f o r t s should be made to eliminate rod f r i c t i o n and plate rotation

in the additional screw plate tests at those depths.

Further research into the s o i l behavior i n drained tests i n

sand should be directed at achieving a more fundamental

understanding of the relationship between the screw plate - derived

modulus number k , and the true k_ value of the soil,

m' E

Parametric f i n i t e element studies, including a study of the e f f e c t

of load on the back of the plate, would be most applicable here.

Additional f i e l d testing could be used to v e r i f y the predicted

response, and directed towards improvements i n the test apparatus,

including plate geometry and s t i f f n e s s .

As our fundamental understanding of s o i l behavior improves,

more attention can then be directed towards interpretting the

r e s u l t s of c y c l i c load tests performed using the plate. This could

include r e l a t i n g the unload-reload curves to such parameters as i n -

s i t u moduli and sand d e n s i t i e s , and t h e i r application to machine

foundations.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Berzins, W.E. and Campanella, R.G., 1981, "Development of the Screw

Plate Test for In-sltu Determination of Soil Properties", Dept.

of C i v i l Engineering, University of B r i t i s h Columbia, Soil

Mechanics Series No. 48.

Bjerrum, L., 1973, "Problems of S o i l Mechanics and Construction on

Soft Clays", Proceedings 8th International Conference on Soil

Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, V o l . 3, Moscow.

Bodare, A. and Massarch, R., 1982, "Determination of Dynamic S o i l

Properties i n the f i e l d " , VBB Report, Sweden.

Campanella, R.G. and Robertson, P.K., 1981, "Applied Cone Research",

Sym. on Cone Penetration Testing and Experience, Geotechnical

Engineering Div., ASCE, Oct. 1981, pp. 343-362.

Campanella, R.G., Robertson, P.K. and G i l l e s p i e , D., 1983, "Cone

Penetration Testing i n Deltaic S o i l s " , Canadian Geotechnical

Journal, V o l . 20, February.

Dahlberg, R. 1974. "Penetration, Pressuremeter and Screw Plate Tests

in a Preloaded Natural Sand Deposit", Proceedings of the

European Symposium on Penetration Testing, ESOPT I, Stockholm,

Vol. 22.

Gould, J.H., 1967, "A Comparative Study of the Screw Plate and Rigid

Plate Bearing Tests", M.Sc. Thesis, Dept. of C i v i l Engineering,

University of F l o r i d a .

Hughes, J.M.O., 1982, "Interpretation of Pressuremeter Tests for the

Determination of the E l a s t i c Shear Modulus", Engineering

Foundation Conference on Updating Subsurface Sampling of S o i l s

and Rocks and Their In-situ Testing, Santa Barbara,

California.
Janbu, N., (1963), " S o i l Compressibility as Determined by Oedometer

and T r i a x i a l Tests", Proceedings 4th European Conference on

S o i l Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.

Janbu, N. and Senneset, K., 1973, " F i e l d Compressometer - P r i n c i p l e s

and Applications, Proceedings 8th International Conference on

Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Moscow, V o l . 1.1.

Kay, J.N. and Avalle, D.L., 1982, "Application of Screw-Plate to

S t i f f Clays", Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering D i v i s i o n ,

ASCE, V o l . 108, No. GT1, January.

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