Comparative Analysis of DMT, CPTt And DPH for Soil Characterization of Granular Rhine Soil

Abstract

This paper presents the results of direct and indirect field investigations carried out as part of a detailed soil investigation of granular Rhine soil in Germany. After a brief overview of the project and geological conditions in the project area, the results of the field investigations are shown in a compressed and comprehensive manner. Focus of the presented results are the DMT, which are a novelty for projects in Germany. The presented results clearly indicate the challenges regarding the interpretation of the test results in the mainly dense to very dense sands and gravels, as especially the results of the DMT tend to scatter a lot. Despite the interpretation challenges, a comparative analysis of the CPT and DMT is carried out showing possible relations between dilatometer modulus Ed, friction angle DMT , corrected cone resistance qt and relative density ID. The relations are discussed, and limitations are presented. Afterwards, a strength-based correlation between CPT and DMT to determine the effective friction angle as a function of the cone resistance is presented indicating reasonable results for the investigated soils in the project area. The paper finishes with a discussion of limitations of the DMT and conclusions.

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