The Use of CPTU and DMT Methods to Determine Soil Deformation Moduli—Perspectives and Limitations

Abstract The article presents the concept of determining constrained modulus— M 0 , initial shear modulus— G 0 , Young modulus— E , and rigidity index— I R on the basis of parameters from static penetration tests CPTU (Piezocone Penetration Testing), SCPTU (Seismic Piezocone Penetration Testing) and dilatometer tests DMT (Flat Dilatometer Test), SDMT (Seismic Flat Dilatometer Test). The basis for constructing the empirical relationships between the mentioned modules and parameters from the CPTU and DMT studies was to determine the factors that affect these relationships. The article discusses the impact of the following factors; geological and geotechnical conditions, conditions of recording measurements in CPTU and DMT tests, factors relating to the CPTU and DMT testing methods, factors affecting reference parameters from laboratory tests, factors related to subsoil properties. The basis for obtaining the empirical relationships for determining the analyzed modules and rigidity index were extensive research of the soils of various origins, in Poland. Measurement uncertainties and factors influencing the recorded parameters in the CPTU study were documented by the studies of the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and the former Department of Geotechnics of the Agricultural University in Poznań. In these studies, penetrometers from several reputable manufacturers were used. The article summarizes the established empirical relationships for individual modules, taking into account the effect of overconsolidation. It also comments on the interrelationship between constrained modulus M 0 from CPTU and DMT test for soils in Poland.