Characterization of spatial variability of CPTU data in a liquefaction site improved by vibro-compaction method

Vibro-compaction is a ground improvement technique in which the weak or loose soil deposits are compacted by the vibrating probe or vibroflot penetration. The Piezocone Penetration Test (CPTU) has been found to be one of the best methods to assess the effect of ground improvement due to its continuous, reliable and repeatable data collected. The spatial variability of a liquefactionsusceptible site improved by vibro-compaction was assessed using random field theory. The CPTU soundings were conducted to characterize the variation of random field model parameters. Given the relatively high data frequency of the cone tip resistance in vertical direction, the vertical random field parameters are determined with the modified Bartlett random field estimation procedure. Due to the lack of data in horizontal direction, the horizontal random field parameters are evaluated using a less rigorous way of the autocorrelation. It is shown that the normalized cone resistance is a well estimator of spatial variability. The statistical results suggest that both Scale of Fluctuation (SOF) and the Coefficient of Variation (COV) varied in different way after vibro-compaction.