Cone-penetrometer exploration of Sinkholes: Stratigraphy and soil properties |
| |
| Authors: | D Bloomberg S B Upchurch M L Hayden R C Williams |
| |
| Institution: | (1) Department of Geology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA;(2) Department of Civil Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA;(3) Williams & Associates, Inc., Clearwater, Florida, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | Four sinkholes with varying surficial expressions were subjected to detailed stratigraphic and soil analysis by means of Standard
Penetration Tests (SPT) and Electric Friction Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) in order to evaluate applications of CPT to sinkhole
investigations. Although widely used, SPT data are of limited value and difficult to apply to sinkhole mapping. CPT is sensitive
to minor lithologic variability and is superior to SPT as a cost-effective technique for determining geotechnical properties
of sinkholes.
The effectiveness of CPT data results from the force measurements made along the sleeve of the cone. The friction ratio (ratio
of sleeve to tip resistance) is a good indicator of soil stratigraphy and properties. By smoothing the friction-ratio data,
general stratigraphy and changes in soil properties are easily identified.
Stratigraphy of the sinks has been complicated by intense weathering, karstification and marine, transgressions. The resulting
deposits include five stratigraphic units. I and II represent Plio-Pleistocene marine sediments with Unit II being the zone
of soil clay accumulation. III and IV are horizons residual from Miocene strata and indicate an episode of karstification
prior to deposition of Units I and II.
Conduit fill is a mixture of materials with low cohesion. The fill materials indicate centripetal and downward movement of
insoluble sediments derived from the surrounding strata. Loss of cohesion results in near-zero friction ratios. Very low friction
ratios, coupled with materials with little cohesion, indicate potentially-liquefiable soils in the immediate vicinity of zones
where piping failure may be imminent. SPT does not provide sufficient data to predict these zones of potential, failure.
CPT provides sufficient information for recognition of sinkhole stratigraphy and geotechnical properties. When coupled with
laboratory soil analysis, CPT provides unique information about sinkhole geometry and dynamics. In contrast, SPT data fail
to produce consistent indicators of sinkhole stratigraphy or properties. With laboratory soil data, SPT indicates general,
inconclusive trends. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
