EXPERIMENT-2

OBJECTIVE :-
To determine the geotechnical engineering properties of subsurface soils
using Standard Penetration Test(SPT).

EQUIPMENTS USED :-
Drilling Rig , Split Spoon Sampler , Drop Hammer , Driving head (anvil) ,
Tripod , Extension rods , Guiding rod.

THEORY :-
The standard penetration test, commonly known as ‘SPT’, was developed to
provide geotechnical engineering properties for foundation design purposes.
The test is carried out within a borehole. The results can be used to determine
the relative density, bearing capacity, and settlement of granular soil. The
results can also be used to correlate the approximate strength of cohesive soil.
PROCEDURE :-

1. Erect the tripod over the test hole and assemble the unit.
2. Allow the spoon to rest on the bottom of the hole.
3. Drive the spoon with blows from the hammer falling 75 cm (30 inches),
until either 45 cm (18 inches) have been penetrated or 100 blows have
been applied.
4. Record the number of blows required to affect each 15 cm (6 inches) of
penetration. The first 6 inches is considered a seating drive.
5. The number of blows required for the second and third 15 cm (6
inches) of drive added is recorded as the penetration resistance value N
of the soil.
6. If the N-value exceeds 50 then the test is discontinued and is called a
“refusal”.
7. The interpreted results, with several corrections, are used to estimate
the geotechnical engineering properties of the soil.

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS :-

Formula: q= 3.5 (N-3) [B+0.3/2B]Rw2Rd.

q= Allowable net pressure in T/m2.

N = Standard penetration number.

B = Breadth of footing in meters.

Rw2 = Water reduction factor= 0.5 [ 1+Z/B] .

Rd = Depth factor = l+D/B C or C= 2.0.

Z = Depth of water table below foundation level.

PRECAUTIONS :-

1. If the test is to be carried out in gravelly soils, then the driving shoe is
replaced by a solid 60-degree cone.

2. Below the water table, care should be taken to avoid entry of water through
the bottom of the bore due to which loosening of soil happens.

3. Water should be added as necessary to maintain the water table level in the
bore hole.

4. If the test is carried out in very fine sand or silty sand below the water table
the measured “N” value if greater than 15, should be corrected for the
increased resistance and excess more water pressure set up during driving and
unable to lose immediately.

5. Drilling mud can be used to support the sides of the hole.

6. Stop dropping weight, when the sample penetrates less than 25 mm under
50 blows.
SOURCES OF ERRORS :-

1. The results may vary due to any mechanical or operator variability or

drilling disturbances.
2. The samples retrieved for testing could be disturbed.
3. The test results from SPT cannot be reproduced
4. The application of SPT in gravels, cobbles and cohesive soils are
limited

CONCLUSION :-

Standard Penetration Test(SPT) cannot not be used where continuous

samples are required. The test results are not reproducible, in view of the fact
that the results are subject to significant variations due to drilling
disturbances, mechanical variabilities as well as operator variabilities.
Further, use of SPT method requires very close observations and supervisions
with detailed loggings during the process of operation. For this reason, any
old data on record should be used with extreme caution. The results of SPT
are also influenced by many factors such as overburden stress, soil density,
soil type, particle size, soil age and stress history of the soil deposits. This
makes the choice of SPT for soil testing a bit more selective for certain
applications.

REFERENCES :-

Video Link : https://youtu.be/9cUOBSF8bMg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjWDOqQjsyQ

● https://civilseek.com/standard-penetration-test/
● https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/standard-penetration-test-pr
ocedure-precautions-advantages/4657/
● https://www.rsa-geotechnics.co.uk/site-investigation/standard-pene
tration-testing-spt/