Assessment of seismic cone penetration testing for small strain shear modulus

Reliable values of in situ shear modulus at small strain (G_max ) are important for foundation design, particularly for large investments in offshore wind energy. The seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) method is commonly considered as primary reference for providing G_max of soil. The SCPT data acquisition process covers a combination of cone penetration testing and seismic downhole testing. Values of shear wave velocity are correlated with G_max . This paper presents a complete inventory of SCPT standard uncertainty components for G_max . These components are ranked as Low, Medium or High, indicating relative impact on a combined standard uncertainty budget for derived values of G_max . Supplementary discussion is provided based on theory and practice, with suggestions on uncertainty reduction. The focus of the assessment is on conventional SCPT systems, with a hammer impact source at ground surface and a dual-receiver seismic cone penetrometer.