Estimation of Atterberg Limits and Bulk Mass Density of Derince Expansive Soil from P-Wave Velocity Measurements

Undisturbed and disturbed soil samples were collected from tree boreholes drilled in expansive soil of Derince district of Kocaeli in Turkey to investigate the possibility of estimating some characteristics such as Atterberg limits and bulk mass density of the expansive soils from P-wave velocity measurements. Each soil type was classified according to the Unified Soil Classification System, and Atterberg limits, soil contents and bulk mass density of the soils were determined. P-wave velocity values were correlated with the corresponding values of Atterberg limits and bulk mass densities. Liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index decrease logarithmically with an increase in P-wave velocity and also with an increase in the ratio of P-wave velocity to water content, and bulk mass density increases logarithmically with an increase in P-wave velocity and also with an increase in the ratio of P-wave velocity to water content. It can be deduced that the Atterberg limits and bulk mass density of the expansive soils may be estimated reasonably from P-wave velocity measurements for prior knowledge. The equations determined after correlation are valid for Derince expansive soils. In order to generalize of these equations, numerous studies in different expansive soils are needed.