Multivariate Correlation Among Resilient Modulus and Cone Penetration Test Parameters of Cohesive Subgrade Soils

Extensive research have been performed in the past in developing empirical equations between resilient modulus (Mᵣ) and other in-situ testing parameters. Despite an increase in the correlation studies, less effort has been made in developing reliable correlations to determine resilient modulus property with cone penetration testing indices. In this research study, an attempt is made to develop new design correlations between piezocone penetration test (CPTU) testing indices and resilient modulus property for clayey soils by using multivariate normal distribution approach. In order to perform this study, a database collected from 16 different sites in Jiangsu province, China, was used. The database contains 124 sets of resilient modulus (Mr) at the in-situ stress condition, piezocone penetration test (CPTU) indices including cone tip resistance (qc), sleeve frictional resistance (fs), and laboratory indices including moisture (w) and dry density (γd). Using all parameters in the database, first a multivariate normal distribution model is developed. This is achieved by converting individual parameters to standard normal variables using Box-Cox method. Later, correlation coefficients between all the pairwise data are obtained using Pearson product-moment method. Based on the constructed multivariate normal distribution model, formulas for predicting Mᵣ using CPTU testing indices were derived. The analysis shows that the derived equations are consistent with both the actual database and data collected from literatures. This research highlights the new reliable correlations between Mᵣ and CPTU testing parameters, where Mᵣ values of subgrade soils can be directly obtained from CPTU testing parameters.

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