Toward a Unified Approach to Soil Property Characterization

This paper presents a review and analysis of a number of methods of correcting laboratory strength values to in-situ strengths. Methods presented are (1) utilization of an empirical correction factor, (2) use of an analytical model to extrapolate in-situ strength values from tests on disturbed laboratory samples, and (3) direct computation of strength values using residual pore-water pressures extrapolated from lab test data. Data indicate that the analytical and pore-water procedures are the most valid methodologies. The SHANSEP technique is discussed in relation to the analytical procedures.