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 (φcrit ) = 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 3–8 34 36 38 Well graded

Med dense 8–25 20 2 32 34 36 Uniform

34 36 38 Moderate
36 38 40 Well graded

Dense 25–42 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 0–1 Cu = 0–12 kPa

Soft 1–2 Cu = 12–25 kPa
Firm 2–3 Cu = 25–50 kPa
Stiff 3–7 Cu = 50–100 kPa
V. Stiff 7–12 Cu = 100–200 kPa
Hard >12 Cu > 200 kPa

Sands V. Loose 0–1 φ < 30◦

Loose 1–3 φ = 30–35◦
Med dense 3–8 φ = 35–40◦
Dense 8–15 φ = 40–45◦
V. Dense >15 φ > 45◦

Gravels, Cobbles, Boulders* >10 φ = 35◦

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

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