Abstract:
A unique look at the O-cell developed by Professor Osterberg involves the application of seismic piezocone penetration testing (SCPTU) towards the evaluation of geoparameters for assessing the behavior of the actual full-scale load test setup and conduct of the test. The SCPTU provides up to five readings on soil behavior with depth from a single sounding: (a) cone tip resistance; (b) sleeve friction; (c) porewater pressure; (d) time rate of dissipation; and (e) shear wave velocity. Several case studies involving O-cell load tests on drilled shaft foundations in soils located in Calgary/AB, Atlanta/GA, Charleston/SC, and Vancouver/BC are presented. For all cases, data obtained by SCPTU soundings during the geotechnical site investigation are utilized to estimate the capacities and bi-directional axial movements of the staged loading of drilled shaft segments via elastic continuum solutions.