A brief study of the repeatability of in-situ tests at the Florida Department of Transportation deep foundations research site in Orlando, Florida, USA

摘要

An experimental test site located at the University of Central Florida, Orlando was established for deep foundation engineering research. An initial site characterization program was performed in January and February of 2002. The scope of work included fourteen cone penetration tests, two miniature cone penetration tests, four dilatometer tests, and six standard penetration tests. Qualitative comparisons among cone penetration test and dilatometer test soundings using three different agencies revealed consistent results with little variation between agencies, respective to test. The results of the standard penetration test program were less conclusive because of compounding variables including hammer type, hole type, operator, and limited testing. Considerable difference was observed between drillers at the same site regardless of equipment. However, these isolated results support the argument that the cone penetration and dilatometer tests are more repeatable than the standard penetration test. Based on the exploration program an initial generalized soil profile was established: 1) 0-1.5 m. medium sand, 2) 1.5-10 m sand-silty sand, 3) 10-15.8 m silty clay-clay, and 4) 15.8-18.3 m medium cemented sand. From the center eastward a hard pan sand layer existed from about 3 to 4.5 m.