Interpretation of soil stratigraphy and geotechnical parameters from CPTu at Bhola, Bangladesh

Soils are very complex materials and characterization of soil behavior requires interpretation of many geotechnical parameters, such as soil stratigraphy, stress history and index properties. Piezocone Penetration Test (CPTu) is a proven tool for effective and reliable subsoil exploration and for evaluation of near continuous soil stratigraphy and interpretation of many geotechnical parameters. The CPTu measurements (q_c, f_s and u₂) can be interpreted by using theoretical, analytical, and statistical methods; or by using other in-situ tests techniques or laboratory investigations to evaluate suitable geotechnical parameters that can be used in engineering practice. This paper presents interpretation of soil stratigraphy and evaluation of geotechnical parameters from CPTu measurements using laboratory investigations and in-situ Standard Penetration Test (SPT). Three pairs of CPTu and SPT tests were performed on the coastal embankment located in southern part of Bangladesh. The assessed geotechnical parameters include Soil Behavior Type, Mean Grain Size and Fines content. It is expected that this paper will provide valuable insight of CPTu data interpretation of the studied geologic setting, at Bhola, Bangladesh.