Table 1.1 Commercial in situ testing techniques (modified from Schnaid et al.

, 2004)

Category Test Designation Measurements Common applications

Non-destructive Geophysical tests:

or semi-destructive tests seismic refraction SR P waves from surface Ground characterization
surface waves SASW R waves from surface Small strain stiffness, G0
crosshole test CHT P and S waves in boreholes
downhole test DHT P and S waves with depth
Pressuremeter test Shear modulus, G
pre-bored PMT G, ( ) curve Shear strength
self-boring SBPM G, ( ) curve In situ horizontal stress
Consolidation properties

Plate loading test PLT (L ) curve Stiffness and strength

Invasive penetration tests Cone penetration test Soil profiling
electric CPT qc, fs Shear strength
piezocone CPTU qc, fs, u Relative density
Consolidation properties
Standard penetration test SPT Penetration (N value) Soil profiling
(energy control) Internal friction angle,
Flat dilatometer test DMT p0, p1 Stiffness
Shear strength
Vane shear test VST Torque Undrained shear strength, su
Combined tests Cone pressuremeter CPMT qc, fs, (+ u), G, ( ) Soil profiling
(invasive + Shear modulus, G
non-destructive) Shear strength
Consolidation properties
Seismic cone SCPT qc, fs, vp, vs, (+ u) Soil profiling
Shear strength
Small strain stiffness, G0
Consolidation properties
Resistivity cone RCPT qc, fs, Soil profiling
Shear strength
Soil porosity
Seismic dilatometer p0, p1, vp, vs Stiffness (G and G0)
Shear strength