58 Soil strength parameters from classification and testing

Table 5.9 Peak friction angle (adapted from correlations in BS 8002, 1994).

Description Corrected SPT N
Critical state angle of soil (crit ) = 30 + A + B

(blows/300 mm)
Angularity/shape (A) Grading (B)
(No )60 N C
Rounded Sub Angular Angular

V. Loose 3 10 0 30 32 34 Uniform
32 34 36 Moderate

Loose 38 34 36 38 Well graded

Med dense 825 20 2 32 34 36 Uniform

34 36 38 Moderate
36 38 40 Well graded

Dense 2542 40 6 36 38 40 Uniform

38 40 42 Moderate
40 42 44 Well graded

V. Dense >42 60 9 39 41 43 Uniform

41 43 52 Moderate
43 45 47 Well graded

5.10 Strength parameters from DCP data

The Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) is 1/3 the energy of the SPT, but the shape
of the cone results in less friction than the Split Spoon of the SPT.
n 1/3 (No )60 used in the Table below.
The top 0.5 m to 1.0 m of most clay profiles can have a lower DCP value for a
given strength than shown in the Table, and is indicative of the depth of desiccation

Table 5.10 Soil and rock parameters from DCP data.

Material Description DCP n (Blows/100 mm) Strength

Clays V. Soft 01 Cu = 012 kPa

Soft 12 Cu = 1225 kPa
Firm 23 Cu = 2550 kPa
Stiff 37 Cu = 50100 kPa
V. Stiff 712 Cu = 100200 kPa
Hard >12 Cu > 200 kPa

Sands V. Loose 01 < 30

Loose 13 = 3035
Med dense 38 = 3540
Dense 815 = 4045
V. Dense >15 > 45

Gravels, Cobbles, Boulders* >10 = 35

>20 > 40
Rock >10 C
= 25 kPa, > 30
>20 C
> 50 kPa, > 30

* Lowest value applies, erratic and high values are common in this material.