Standard Penetration Test

This test also is used to collect soil samples. When a borehole is extended to a
given depth, the drill tools are removed and a standard split-spoon sampler is
lowered to the bottom of the borehole. The sampler is driven into the soil by a
140-lb (623-N) hammer with a 30-in. (0.76-m) drop. The number of blows required
for the spoon to penetrate three 6-in. (152-mm) intervals is recorded. The standard
penetration number, generally referred to as the N -value, is obtained by
adding the blow counts for the last two intervals. The sampler then is removed,
and the soil sample is recovered, placed in a glass jar, and shipped to the laboratory.
The method is specifi ed by ASTM D1586 “Standard Test Method for Penetration
Test and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils” (ASTM 2010 ).
For sands, Fig. 3-1 gives a relationship between effective friction angle, ϕ ′ ,
and N -value based on the effective overburden pressure, vo , during the fi eld
test. If there is no water table, the effective overburden pressure is equal to the
depth below the ground surface multiplied by the total unit weight of the soil.
If part of the overburden is below the water table, the submerged unit weight
should be used for the overburden below the water table.
Geologic structure is frequently a major factor in landslides. Although this topic
includes major large-scale structural features, such as folds and faults, the minor
structural details, including joints, small faults, and local shear zones, may be
even more important. The landslide and the surrounding area should be mapped
geologically in detail. On the map, the shape of the head scarp and the area of
accumulation, outcrops of beds, offsets in strata, changes in joint orientation,
dips, and strikes should be identifi ed.
An important characteristic of the sliding slope is the shape of the cross
section. If the slope was sculpted by erosion and covered with waste deposited
by rainwash, the profi le forms a gentle curve at its transition into the fl ood plain.
Even a very ancient landslide is recognized from the curved, bulged shape of
the toe.