USAGE OF DYNAMIC CONE PENETRATION TEST TO ASSESS THE ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF SAND

Saudi Arabia is witnessing unparalleled development for all types of construction, especially in eastern Saudi Arabia where the major oil and petrochemical industries are located. In this region, major projects are often located on sandy soils and it is difficult to assess the properties of sands using conventional methods. In this investigation, a laboratory program was conducted using the dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT) on sand samples with different relative densities (40%, 60% and 90%) that were compacted in a large scale mold (1600 mm diameter and 1500 mm height). The placement of sand was achieved through the pluviation and vibration techniques. Results of investigation indicated that the increase in the dry density was associated with a decrease in the dynamic cone penetration index (DCPI). Further, it was noted that the shear strength has a significant effect on the dynamic cone penetration test results. In summary, results of this investigation indicate that DCPT is an effective and reliable tool in the assessment of the properties of sand backfills.