Trial pits are considered more appropriate for recovering appropriate size samples and for observing the proportion of clasts to matrix and sizes of cobbles, boulders. Detailed and accurate field descriptions are therefore vital for cut areas and trial pits provide an opportunity to examine the soils on a larger scale than boreholes. Trial pits also provide an insight on trench stability and to observe water ingress and its effects.
A suitably experienced geotechnical engineer or engineering geologist should supervise the trial pitting works and recovery of samples. The characteristics of the soils during trial pit excavation should be closely observed as this provides information on soil sensitivity, especially if water from granular zones migrates into the fine matrix material. Very often, the condition of soil on the sides of an excavation provides a more accurate assessment of its in-situ condition.
3. SOIL CLASSIFICATION
Soil description and classification should be undertaken in accordance with BS 5930 (1999) and tested in accordance with BS 1377 (1990). The engineering description of a soil is based on its particle size grading, supplemented by plasticity for fine soils. For many of our glacial till, boulder clay soils (i.e. ‘mixed soils’) difficulties arise with descriptions and assessing engineering performance tests.
As outlined previously, Irish boulder clays usually comprise highly variable proportions of sands, gravels and cobbles in a silt or clay matrix. Low plasticity soils with fines contents of around 10 to 15% often present the most difficulties. BS 5930 (1999) now recognises these difficulties in describing ‘mixed soils’ – the fine soil constituents which govern the engineering behaviour now takes priority over particle size.
A key parameter (which is often underestimated) in classifying and understanding these soils is permeability (K). Inspection of the particle size gradings will indicate magnitude of permeability. Where possible, triaxial cell tests should be carried out on either undisturbed samples (U100’s) or good quality core samples to evaluate the drainage characteristics of the soils accurately.
Low plasticity boulder clay soils of intermediate permeability (i.e. K of the order of 10-5 to 10-7 m/s) can often be ‘conditioned’ by drainage measures. This usually entails the installation of perimeter drains and sumps at cut areas or borrow pits so as to reduce the moisture content. Hence, with small reduction in moisture content, difficult glacial till soils can become suitable as engineering fill.
4. ENGINEERING PERFORMANCE TESTING OF SOILS
Laboratory testing is very much dictated by the proposed end-use for the soils. The engineering parameters set out in Table 6.1 pf the NRA SRW include a combination of the following:
Moisture content
Particle size grading
Plastic Limit
CBR
Compaction (relating to optimum MC)
Remoulded undrained shear strength
A number of key factors should be borne in mind when scheduling laboratory testing:
Compaction / CBR / MCV tests are carried out on < 20mm size material.
Moisture content values should relate to < 20mm size material to provide a valid comparison.
Pore pressures are not taken into account during compaction and may vary considerably between laboratory and field.
Preparation methods for soil testing must be clearly stipulated and agreed with the designated laboratory.
Great care must be taken when determining moisture content of boulder clay soils. Ideally, the moisture content should be related to the particle size and have a corresponding grading analysis for direct comparison, although this is not always practical.
In the majority of cases, the MCV when used with compaction data is considered to offer the best method of establishing (and checking) the suitability characteristics of a boulder clay soil. MCV testing during trial pitting is strongly recommended as it provides a rapid assessment of the soil suitability directly after excavation. MCV calibration can then be carried out in the laboratory at various moisture content increments. Sample disturbance can occur during transportation to the laboratory and this can have a significant impact on the resultant MCV’s. 土方工程的地基勘察英文文献和中文翻译(2):http://www.751com.cn/fanyi/lunwen_13021.html