Spatial correlation structures of CPT data in a liquefaction site

In this paper the spatial structures of cone penetration test parameters in a liquefaction site in Taiwan are estimated based on multiple CPTs conducted in-situ. The study area was divided into three sub-regions based on the geological condition of the study area. The results show that in the vertical profile, cone tip resistance (q(c)) has a larger scale of fluctuation (SOF) than that of sleeve friction (f(s)). The soil profile which is composed of various sources and complex process of deposition has a smaller SOF in q(c) parameter. However, the spatial structure in f(s) parameter is not sensitive to the geological formation. The analysis results of the CPT data in horizontal direction indicate that the correlation distances of q(c) and f(s) in horizontal direction are similar. The horizontal spatial structure is dominated by the anisotropy of the geological and river systems. in conclusion, this study demonstrates that a proper geological zonation is necessary for estimating the spatial structure in both the vertical and horizontal directions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.