resultsofin-situtesting-geosystemgatech.docVIP

Results of Seismic Piezocone Penetration Tests Performed in Memphis, Tennessee GTRC Project Nos. E-20-F47/F34 submitted to USGS/MAE Hazard Mapping Program Central Region by Georgia Tech Research Corporation Geosystems Engineering Division Civil Environmental Engineering Atlanta, GA 30332-0355 May 12, 2000 Date: May 12, 2000 To: Dr. Buddy Schweig Central U.S. Coordinator Earthquake Hazards Program USGS/MAE Campus Box 526590 The University of Memphis Memphis, TN 38152-6590 Re: Results from Seismic Piezocone Penetration Tests Five Sites at Mud Island, Memphis, TN GTRC Project Nos. E-20-F47/F34 Dear Dr. Schweig, We have prepared this document of recent field testing in the Memphis area in association with USGS award no. 00HQGR0025 and MAE project GT-12. Introduction: This report documents the results of six seismic piezocone penetration tests (SCPTu) conducted for the purpose of site characterization and shear wave velocity measurements at Mud Island in March of 2000. The collected data have also been used to perform a standard liquefaction evaluation of the subsurface materials. A brief overview of the cone penetration test (CPT) equipment and procedures used for this study will be discussed, followed by descriptions of the sites, presentation of the CPT data, and synopsis of the results of the liquefaction evaluation. Seismic Piezocone Tests: 2.1 Equipment The cone penetrometers are manufactured by Hogentogler Company and consist of 36-mm (10-tonne) and 44-mm (15-tonne) units (Figure 1) with the force reflecting the rating of the point tip capacity. The 36-mm diameter cone has a 60o apex at the tip, 150-cm2 sleeve surface area, and a shoulder position (u2) porewater pressure element. A velocity geophone and an inclinometer are located approximately 18-cm behind the tip. The 44-mm diameter cone has a 60o apex at the tip, 225-cm2 sleeve surface area, and a u2 porewater pressure element. A velocity geophone and a