Strength and deformation characteristics of Lagoonal clay deposits in Lixia River area by seismic piezocone tests

The results of a site investigation on the soft, normally to slightly overconsolidated, Lixia River Lagoonal clay deposit underlying several expressway lines based on seismic piezocone penetration tests (SCPTUs), undisturbed soil sampling from an adjacent borehole, and laboratory tests, are reported here. SCPTU data were used both in the determination of soil profile and the interpretation of strength and deformation properties. The investigation demonstrated a close agreement between strength parameters derived from the field vane tests, and laboratory tests and interpreted SCPTU parameters with a cone factor of Nkt = 16.5. Comparison of the results reveals the validity of SCPTU tests to interpret the strength and deformation properties of Lixia River Lagoonal clay deposits.