Combined TDR and P-Wave Velocity Measurements for the Determination of In Situ Soil Density—Experimental Study
Fratta, D
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Alshibli, KA
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University and Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA

Tanner, WM
Nova Geotechnical and Environmental, Kennesaw, GA

Roussel, L
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

(Received 17 January 2005; accepted 28 March 2005)

Abstract
This paper summarizes a new nondestructive approach for the evaluation of soil density and water content. This new measurement methodology involves evaluating the dielectric permittivity and the P-wave velocity in soils as the water content is increased. These values are then related to the volumetric water content, porosity, and skeleton shear stiffness, which are needed to back-calculate the density and water content of the tested soil specimens. Experimental laboratory results are briefly summarized. These test results show a potential for developing a new device. Electronic equipment and sensors for the proposed device include a TDR system, miniature piezoelectric accelerometers, signal conditioner system, and oscilloscope for data acquisition.

Keywords:
experimental testing, P-wave velocity, soil, soil density, time domain reflectometry, water content

Paper ID: GTJ12293
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ12293

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Author Fratta, D Affiliation Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI Author Alshibli, KA Affiliation Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University and Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA Author Tanner, WM Affiliation Nova Geotechnical and Environmental, Kennesaw, GA Author Roussel, L Affiliation Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA Author Fratta D, Alshibli KA, Tanner WM, Roussel L Title Combined TDR and P-Wave Velocity Measurements for the Determination of In Situ Soil Density—Experimental Study Symposium , Committee on