ABSTRACT
Swedish Weight Sounding Test (SWST) is one of the common in-situ penetration testing techniques. This is often utilized as a part of the geotechnical investigation for foundation, liquefaction, and landslide assessments. In the Philippines, this is typically conducted as a supplement to Standard Penetration Test (SPT), which is the most used in-situ test in the country. Empirical correlations between the SPT N-values and the number of half-turns (NSW) from SWST are developed from the data gathered on several soil exploration sites. Considering the portability of the equipment and the cost of the test, this offers a good supplement and/or alternative to SPT.
A case study of a solar power plant located in the Central Luzon Region is presented. A total of fifty-four (54) test points are located strategically for the subsurface investigation for the expansion of the said solar power plant. The correlation was found to be applicable to fine-grained or clayey soils, with conservative inherence. The verification and development of correlations based on the local/Philippine setting are needed to provide more accurate and consistent results.
