Piezocone dissipation testing of Singapore marine clay at Changi

• Main Authors: Arulrajah, A., Bo, M.W., Nikraz, H., Hashim, Roslan
• Format: Article
• Published: 2004
• Subjects: TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/8817/; http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-14644422238&partnerID=40&md5=df14d4523398f95b6fc10c15175367a8 http://trid.trb.org/view.aspx?id=754771
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

In-situ dissipation tests provide a means of evaluating the in-situ horizontal coefficient of consolidation and horizontal hydraulic conductivity of marine clays. Dissipation tests by means of piezocone were utilised in the characterisation of the horizontal coefficient of consolidation and horizontal hydraulic conductivity of Singapore marine clay at Changi in a land reclamation project. Piezocone dissipation tests were carried out prior to reclamation as well as after ground improvement with vertical drains to compare the changes in the horizontal coefficient of consolidation and horizontal hydraulic conductivity prior to and after ground improvement. The quasi-static piezometric pressures from the dissipation tests were compared with piezometric pressures from piezometers to determine their possibility of future use as an alternative to piezometers. Post-improvement CPTU dissipation tests were carried out in the treated "Vertical Drain Area" as well as in an adjacent untreated "Control Area" for comparison purposes. This study provides support for the use of piezocone dissipation testing methods for the determination of the horizontal coefficient of consolidation and horizontal hydraulic conductivity of marine clays in the region as well as an alternative to piezometer instrumentation for monitoring of piezometric pressure during consolidation.