Correlating Measured SPT-N, Shear Wave Velocity and Liquid Limit Values in Melekli Region, Igdır (Türkiye)

Abstract

Characterization of soil layers underneath or having interaction with structures is substantially critical for the overall stability of structures under static and dynamic conditions. The main objectives in characterizing soil are mainly to determine ultimate bearing capacity, settlement and liquefaction potential. Additionally, the dynamic behavior of soil during seismic excitation, as well as its interaction with structures, should be determined. In these regards, Standard Penetration Test blow counts (SPT-N) and shear wave velocity (Vs) values of soils obtained directly through field tests are known to reflect the soil characteristics, strongly. Therefore, any correlation between these two soil parameters is always in utmost interest. This study assesses the correlation between Vs and SPT-N values measured in Melekli region, Igdır (Türkiye). Moreover, four existing correlations in the literature are presented. The best-fit curve for the measured data is shown to divert from the existing correlation curves, which are also significantly different from each other, for all soils, sand and clay soils. This can be attributed to the uniqueness of correlation to the study site as geological conditions at one site differ extensively from another site. There seems to be valuable correlation between Vs and water content and liquid limit in the studied area.