Enhanced insitu testing at the Auburn National Geotechnical Experimentation Site

Abstract

With In-situ testing dating back to 1996, the Auburn University National Geotechnical Experimentation Site (AUNGES), located in the Piedmont geological region, manages a comprehensive Cone Penetration Test (CPT) database. However, little research has been conducted to show the reliability of portable CPT equipment. Therefore, this project aims to conduct CPT tests at the AUNGES site using the portable Geomil FOX-100. The reliability and consistency of the CPT and the FOX-100 equipment in the Piedmont region will be assessed.

The process of automating CPT plotting and assessments was implemented using a Python script. With this programming tool, a variety of cone equipment was compared to the portable CPT. The findings of this study highlight the accuracy of portable CPT devices in the characterization of soils in the Piedmont region.

Additionally, this research uncovers the learning curve associated with operating the Geomil FOX-100. It also incorporates the creation of a practical manual for conducting cone soundings and the execution of the inaugural laboratory demonstration on in situ testing at Auburn University.