ABSTRACT
The assessment of reliable strength and stiffness parameters from in situ tests (as well as laboratory tests) is a necessary and fundamental step in every geotechnical design process. In this process, the degree of sophistication with which a geomaterial is characterized varies considerably according to the selected investigation technique – SPT, CPT, DMT, PMT, SBMT and VFT, used alone or in combination. The background information supporting the interpretation of test data comprises a large number of methods including empirical, semi-empirical, analytical and numerical approaches, from which constitutive parameters are determined. At this stage it is appropriate to review the accumulated experience and strategies regarding the characterization of soils, in order to bridge the gap between geotechnical engineers and the design needs that emerge from complex soil behaviour and lack of experience with natural soil deposits.
