Proceedings of the Seventeenth

Sixteenth (2007)
(2007)
International
International
Offshore
Offshore
andand
Polar
Polar
Engineering
Engineering
Conference
Conference
Lisbon, Portugal, July 1-6, 2007
Copyright 2007 by The International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers(ISOPE)
ISBN 978-1-880653-68-5; ISBN 1-880653-68-0(Set); ISSN 1098-6189 (Set)

Determination of Shear Strength Parameters of Natural Masado Slopes

Rasika G. Athapaththu, Takashi Tsuchida, Kazuaki Suga
Social and Environmental Engineering, Hiroshima University
Higashi-hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan

the 32,000 natural slopes vulnerable to heavy rain are in peril situation.
The ultimate objective of this study is to enhance the present risk
assessment system in terms of proper geotechnical inputs for better
prediction of failures in the region.

ABSTRACT
Lightweight dynamic cone penetrometer was successfully applied to
investigate natural Masado slopes vulnerable to failure in Hiroshima
prefecture, Japan. Based on the laboratory calibration test results, a way
of determining void ratio, e from the data of cone resistance, qd was
established for different degrees of saturation. A process of
manipulating shear strength parameters from the data of qd was
proposed based on the correlations developed between void ratios with
qd and shear parameters. Finally, a method of determining the design
shear strength parameters was proposed based on the lower boundary of
cone resistance data.

Masado soils exhibit a complex degree of variability in space. In order

to accurately model the spatial variability of Masado profiles with
special reference to their in-situ strength variations, one must obtain a
large number of test data. Due to economic reasons and practical
constraints over conventional in-situ measuring devices, it is impossible
to get exhaustive values of data at every desired point. Also, carrying
out large number of laboratory tests for determination of strength
properties is practically uneconomical. One solution to overcome such
difficulties is to use a sound in-situ measuring instrument, which must
be cost effective, portable, and reliable. Recently, the use of in-situ
tests together with laboratory tests have become an expedient and cost
effective way to determine strength parameters of soils. In this study,
recently developed lightweight dynamic cone penetrometer (LWDCPT)
which facilitates continuous and simultaneous recording of closely
spaced data was used to investigate the strength properties of Masado
soils. This paper presents a methodology of determining shear
parameters from the data of LWDCPT at various stages of void ratios
and degrees of saturation.

KEY WORDS: Masado; void ratio; degree of saturation; direct shear

test; cone penetration test; spatial variability

INTRODUCTION
Shallow slope failures on Masado, a residual soil of heavily
decomposed granite, slopes are common during torrential rain all over
Hiroshima prefecture, Japan. At present, 22,000 natural slopes and
10,000 valleys are found to be susceptible to landslide disasters in
Hiroshima prefecture, the highest number of any prefecture in Japan
(Thi ha, 2005). Failure of unstable slopes in the region not only put the
lives and properties at risk, but also has adverse effects on day-to-day
activities. Although, occurrence of these failures cannot be prevented
completely, the loss of lives and properties can be lessened through
appropriate counter measures. That requires quantitative approaches,
and design of control or remedial measures. The current risk
assessment system, developed by prefectural government of Hiroshima,
is based on rain fall data and past records of failures. Sangrey and
Williams (1984) pointed out that slope failures do not occur direct
proposition to precipitation quantity and some years a given quantity
produces many landsides while in other years same quantity produces
few failures. Also, slope failures occur during heavy rainfall are due to
weakening of inbound shear strength of soils (Anderson and Sitar,
1995; Brand, 1981). Due to these facts, the use of existing risk
assessment system for accurate prediction of failures in the region is in
doubt. Moreover, the present system was found to be developed
without carrying out any reliable slope stability analyses and most of

GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF MASADO SOILS

Physical properties of Masado Soils
Masado is a sandy residual soil of decomposed granitic rocks of
igneous origin. Due to differential weathering process over the years,
Masado exhibits variable composition of secondary minerals and
unchanged primary minerals such as quartz result in variable material
properties even within the same weathering grade. The grading curves
of Masado soils, collected from different grid locations described later
in this paper, are shown in Fig. 1. Masado mainly consists of sand with
considerable amount of gravel particles interconnected with small
fraction of fine particles. Table 1 summarizes some of the physical
properties of Masado soils. It can be observed that the properties
varying in a wide range of values.

1205

80

different degrees of saturation. The graphical presentation of the

relationship is shown in Fig. 3. It appears that the apparent cohesion
decreases as the degree of saturation increases. It can be observed that
the apparent cohesion reduces more than 50% when the degree of
saturation varies from 40% to 80% in all range of void ratios.

Grid numbers as shown in Fig.8

c-10
e-2
d-9
c-5

60
40

44
Angle of internal friction d

.
Percentage passing (%)

100

20
0
0.01

0.1

10

Particle size (mm)

Fig. 1. Grading curves of natural Masado soils
Table 1 Physical properties of Masado soils(Thi ha, 2005)
Property
Range of values
Wet density g/cm3
1.38-1.79
Dry density g/cm3
1.19-1.52
Specific gravity
2.56-2.62
Void ratio
0.71-1.14
Saturated permeability cm/s *10-3
1.33-4.72

42
40
38

Sr=40%
Sr=50%
Sr=60%
Sr=70%
Sr=80%

36
34
32
30
0.6

0.7

0.8
0.9
Void ratio e

1.1

Fig. 2. Variation of internal angle friction with void ratios

16

Sr=40%
Sr=50%
Sr=60%
Sr=70%
Sr=80%

Apparent cohesion cd (kPa)

14

Laboratory direct shear tests

The laboratory testing program involved the use of conventional direct
shear apparatus was modified for measuring pore pressures. A ceramic
disk of 200 kPa air entry value sealed onto the bottom half of the shear
box facilitates the measuring of pore pressures. The lower part of shear
box is connected to a motor , through a gear box for the application of
horizontal force to the specimen while the upper part of the shear box is
connected to the loading ram.
Undisturbed soil samples, collected at Gagara Mountain, in Hiroshima
prefecture as shown in Fig. 8, were fairly air dried and pass through 2
mm sieve. Remoulded specimens were prepared applying small
compaction energy to ensure avoiding crushing of individual particles
and to achieve normally consolidated state in the specimens. The
testing program consisted of (i) consolidated drained direct shear tests
conducted at void ratios ranging from 0.7 to 1.0 in 0.1 increments at a
constant degree of saturation (ii) Repeat of (i) at different degrees of
saturation vary from 40% to 80%. Direct shear tests with the
measurement of pore water pressures were conducted at all cases
mentioned above except void ratio 1.0. All tests were conducted at 9.8,
19.6, 39.2, 78.4 kPa normal stresses. Shearing was achieved by
horizontally displacing the bottom half of the direct shear box relative
to the top half at constant rate of shear displacement 0.2 mm/min as
described in Japanese geotechnical standards. Pore pressure was
measured through the high air entry disk mounted below the sample by
transducer connected to the data logger at sample preparation,
consolidation, and shearing stages. The shearing process was conducted
until horizontal displacement is about 7 mm and the real time data was
recorded automatically in the data logger.

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0.6

0.7

0.8
0.9
Void ratio e

1.1

Fig. 3. Variation of apparent cohesion with void ratios

at different degrees of saturation

Effective stress analyses were carried out to examine the effect of

suction in determining the cohesion of Masado soils. As authors aware
of there are no clear records of quantifying the contribution of negative
pore pressures in determining the cohesion of Masado soils.
Shear strength of saturated soils had been addressed in terms of
effective stress concepts by many researchers and are readily available
in the literature. During the past few decades attempts have been made
to understand the shear strength of unsaturated soils. In 1959 Bishop
proposed shear strength equation for unsaturated soils by extending the
Terzaghis principle of effective stress for saturated soils. Bishops
original equation can be arranged as follows.

= c ' + ( n ua ) tan ' + (ua u w ) tan '

Interpretation of test data-Total and Effective stresses

(1)

where:

= shear strength of unsaturated soil,

c
= effective cohesion,

= angle of frictional resistance,

(n-ua) = net normal stress,
(ua uw) = matric suction, and

= a parameter depend on the degree of saturation of the soil.

The part of this work had been already discussed (Athapaththu,

Tsuchida, Sato, and Suga, 2006a) and the summary of those results
modified with more data are presented here. The gradient, moreover the
internal angle of friction, tends to be varied with the void ratios are
shown in Fig. 2. Further analyses of the data revealed that apparent
cohesion c can be developed as linear functions of void ratios at

1206

This disagreement is quite similar to that reported by Oberg and

Sallfors (1997) in presenting their results for non-clayey materials. It
was found that the, parameter cannot be replaced by degree of
saturation as stated in Eq. 2 for the degrees of saturation less than 50%.
It was found that the parameter should be less than the degree of
saturation in determining the actual cohesion of Masado soils when the
degree of saturation less than 50% for favorable results.

Oberg and Sallfors (1997) proposed a different form of equation by

replacing parameter into degree of saturation as shown in Eq. 2. They
stated that the proposed hypothesis can be successfully applied for nonclayey soils and for degrees of saturation larger than 50% where the
parameter proposed by Bishop (1959) can be roughly replaced by the
degree of saturation. Further, it has been shown that the shear strength
parameters calculated for silts and sands from Eq. 2 were in good
agreement with those found in the literature.

= c ' + ( n u a ) tan ' + (u a u w )[S tan ' ]

LABORATORY CALIBRATION TESTS

(2)

Lightweight dynamic cone penetrometer

Lightweight dynamic cone penetrometer (LWDCPT) has been designed
and developed in France since 1991. It was initially developed for the
purpose of quality control of embankments and proved its reliability in
some Europe countries as a field investigation tool (Langton, 1999).
The schematic diagram of a LWDCPT is shown in Fig. 5. LWDCPT
weighs 20 kg, and can be operated by one person at almost any location
to a depth of 6 m. It mainly consists of an anvil with a strain gauge
bridge, central acquisition unit (CAU), and a dialogue terminal (DT).
The hammer is a rebound type and weighs 2.0 kg. The stainless steel
rods are 14 mm in diameter and 0.5 m in length. Cones of 2, 4, and 10
cm2 in area are available, and a cone holder is used to fix the 2 cm2
cone to the rod.

Interpretation of results
The data collected under the measurements of pore pressures were
analyzed the hypothesis described in Eq. 2. Fig. 4 illustrates the
cohesion determined in effective stress state under different void ratios
and degrees of saturation. In calculating the cohesion, failure envelopes
were assumed to be linear. For the easiness of understanding
attenuation of cohesion due to pore pressures at effective stress state,
apparent cohesion recorded under total stress state were also drawn in
the Fig. 4.
Sr=50%

12

Effective stress
Total stress

8
4

16
Cohesion (kPa)

Cohesion (kPa)

16

Hammer with no rebound

(striking mass)

8
4
0

0.7

Sr=70%

12

0.8 0.9
Void ratio e

1.1

Effective stress
Total stress

8
4

0.6

16
Cohesion (kPa)

0.6

Cohesion (kPa)

Effective stress
Total stress

Anvil with Strain Gauge Bridge

16

Sr=60%

12

0.7

0.8 0.9
Void ratio e

1.1

Scale
Rod train

Dialogue Terminal
Sr=80%

12

Effective stress
Total stress

Central Acquisition Unit

Rod Guide

4
0

0
0.6

0.7

0.8 0.9
Void ratio e

1.1

0.6

0.7

0.8 0.9
Void ratio e

1.1

Cone

Fig. 5. Schematic view of LWDCPT

Fig. 4. Variation of cohesion with void ratios for total

stress state and effective stress state

The blow from the hammer to the anvil provides energy input, and a
unique microprocessor records the speed of the hammer and depth of
penetration. The dynamic cone resistance is calculated from a modified
form of the Dutch Formula, as shown in Eq. 3. It should be noted that
the expression for energy used in this formula (MV2) is for kinetic
energy, as the energy input is variable and is delivered manually by the
blow of the hammer. Dialogue terminal displays not only the real time
data but also the dynamic cone resistance and penetration depth
graphically and in tabular form.

The reduction of apparent cohesion due to decrease of pore pressures

can be clearly seen in Fig. 4. Close review of Fig. 4 indicates that
cohesion varies with void ratio under effective stress state are quite
similar in all cases. However, even in effective stress state Masado
exhibits considerable amount of cohesion though it mainly contains
coarser materials. This may be due to the crushing of individual
particles during the shearing process and the assumption made in
analyzing the data. That is assuming the linear failure envelops in
analyzing the data. Even though, negligible there may be slight
contribution in cohesion under effective stress state by small fine
fraction of Masado soils. Those reasons may affect to the existence of
cohesion in Masado soils.

qd =

2
1 1 2 M .V
1
.
.
P
A 1+
x90 0
M

where:
x900 = penetration due to one blow of the hammer (90 cone),

It should be noted here that the analyses conducted according to the

hypothesis described in Eq. 2 was not agreed well with the data
obtained in direct shear tests conducted at 40% degree of saturation.

1207

= area of the cone,

(3)

M
= weight of the striking mass,
P = weight of the struck mass, and
V = speed of the impact of the hammer.

calculating void ratios from Fig. 7.

Calibration tests and interpretation of data

where:
= bulk density of soil in kN/m3, and
Z = depth in m.

q d 5 = q d 0.01 (Z 5)

The main objective of this part in the study was to develop strength
correlations between qd (LWDCPT) and shear strength parameters and
there by use the correlations to predict the shear strength parameters
from the in-situ LWDCPT data. A series of LWDCPTs were performed
under void ratios ranging from 0.6 to 1.1, and degrees of saturation
ranging from 50% to 90% in the calibration chamber. A typical
calibration test arrangement is shown in Fig. 6.

(4)

2.5

Sr=40% A B
Sr=50%
Sr=60%
Sr=70%
Sr=80%
Sr=90 100%

Cone resistance q d5 (MPa)

40%

LWDCPT

2.0

50%

60%

1.5

70%
1.0

80%
0.5

90-100%
0.0

Weights

0.5

Acryl cylinder
Porous plate

Nut & bolt

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.1

1.2

Void ratio e

Base plate

Fig. 7 Variation of cone resistance with void ratios under

different degrees of saturation

Fig. 6. Typical arrangement of the calibration test

The low values of cone resistance at most of the test conditions may be
due to disregard of essential gravel fraction in Masado soils in carrying
out laboratory penetration tests. However, it is more important to
observe the materials have weak shear strength which initiates the slope
instability problems. The close investigation of the relationship
indicates that cone resistance is drastically decreased at higher void
ratios. These are clearly displayed in the curves drawn in Fig. 7. The
graphical correlations shown in Fig. 7 can be approximated to the
formula shown in Eq. 5. This facilitates to calculate void ratio from the
qd data for known degree of saturation. The proposed empirical
relationship can be further developed with the availability of more data
especially in higher degrees of saturation (>70%).

Acryl cylinders each 30 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height were

fastened through nuts and bolts and porous plate was sealed to the
bottom cylinder. A Number of acryl cylinders used for each test varies
from six to two and some tests were conducted by applying surcharge
weights. Prior to each test, water required for a single cylinder was
calculated based on the test conditions. Masado soils, which having
maximum particle sizes 2 mm, were mixed with the calculated amount
of water and immediately fill into four consecutive layers. Light
compaction was given to each layer and care was taken to avoid
crushing of individual particles. This procedure was repeated to make
the chamber in each test. Two to three trials of LWDCPTs were
performed at each preparation and specimens were taken at each
cylinder for water content and void ratio measurements in order to
compare the values before and after the tests.

S 100

e = {[7 + 0.1( S 50)] q d }

(5)

where:
qd = Cone resistance in Mpa, and
S = degree of saturation in percentage.

All data collected at different void ratios and degrees of saturation were
reanalyzed to examine the effect of overburden in determining the cone
resistance. It has been observed that the variation of cone resistance
with overburden stress is almost in similar rate irrespective of void
ratios and degrees of saturation. The linear ascent gradient
(0.01Mpa/1kPa) was observed the graphs drawn between cone
resistance with overburden stress (Athapaththu, Tsuchida, Suga, and
Kano, 2007)

SITE INVESTIGATION, RESULTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

In order to apply the laboratory findings to the natural slopes, a series
of in-situ LWDCPTs was conducted at Ikeno-ue situated on the
northern slope of Gagara Mountain in Hiroshima prefecture. Ikeno-ue
is a major failure site due to the heavy rainfall on June 29th, 1999.
Detailed site description, in-situ investigation, and their results were
presented in the previous literatures published by authors (Athapaththu,
Tsuchida, Sato, and Suga, 2006a; Athapaththu, Tsuchida, Suga, and
Kano, 2006). A summary of the results and additional analyses of the
data are presented here.

Relationship between cone resistance and void ratio at

different degrees of saturation
Fig. 7 shows the correlations developed between cone resistance and
data pertaining to all range of void ratios and degrees of saturation
calculated for 5 kPa overburden stress. The correction for overburden
stress has to be done using Eq. 4 and qd5 should be used when

1208

A primary grid as shown in Fig. 8 was established having 5 m intervals

spanning 20 m in width and 50 m in length at the site. Nodes were
numbered from a-1 to e-11. In-situ LWDCPTs were conducted at each
node. Additional in-situ tests were conducted at 1 m, and 0.25 m grids
points established within the main grid in order to find the variability of
cone resistance spatially.
a 1
b
2
N
c
3
d
4
e
5
Hiroshima prefecture
6
290 m
7
Japan
8
285 m
9
10
11
280 m

Mt. Gagara

275 m

Comparison with other site data

0.25 m mesh

270 m

1.0 m mesh

In-situ LWDCPTs were conducted at a site 220 m away from the pilot
site, Ikeno-ue, in Gagara Mountain. Topographically, the site is
identified as a first order valley approximately 200 m in length and 50
m in width running into northwestern direction. Lateral slopes of the
valley were covered with dense vegetation and in some places well
matured large trees were observed. Ground water was observed logged
in the middle of the main valley.

Hiroshima prefecture

Not in Scale
Fig. 8. Site location and grid arrangement for in-situ tests

Classification of profiles
Soundings of 55 grid points (a-1 to e-11) were statistically analyzed,
and the average cone resistance in 50 mm intervals was calculated. It
was observed that most of the soundings could be fitted into six
patterns based on the trend of variation in cone resistance with the
depth. Categories were numbered from A to F and graphically
presented in Fig. 9. The detailed characteristics of patterns can be found
in the previous literatures (Athapaththu, Tsuchida, Sato, and Suga,
2006a and 2006b) and an additional description in terms of degree of
weathering is presented below.
Penetration resistance (MPa)

Penetration resistance (MPa)

0

10

15

10

3
4
5

Pattern A

10

10

5
6

2
3
4

Pattern D

5
6

Pattern E

c-9
d-8
d-9
d-10
b-10

Depth (m) .

Depth (m) .

Pattern C

15

a-6
c-10
c-11
d-11
a-5

(a) Valley

Eight in-situ test spots each 5 m spacing were established close to the
valley crest as circled in the Fig. 10(a). It is believed that the initiation
of slope failure occurs within this area and a substantial number of tests
points were proposed within close proximity of the locality. Eight test
locations spacing 20 m parallel to the center line of the valley in either
side were established as shown in Fig. 10(a). LWDCPTs were
conducted at each point up to the hard layer. It was found that most of
the soundings (88%) could be classified into the proposed six patterns.
Fig.10 (b) illustrates the distribution of patterns of the site. Since nearly
half of the soundings (46%) show very low values at shallow depths
(>2.0 m), those profiles were identified as the trend of pattern D.
Patterns A and B occupied 29% and 12.5% of the total soundings while
some of the soundings (12.5%) couldnt be fitted well into the
proposed categories. None of the soundings was identified as patterns
C, E, and F. This analysis revealed that the six patterns identified at the
pilot site in Ikeno-ue, Gagara Mountain can be successfully applied to
other locations with a reasonable accuracy.

10

15

a-8
b-9
e-9

2
3
4

Pattern F
5
6

Variability of cone resistance in 5 m grid data

Fig. 9. Variation of cone resistance (qd) with depth

(b)

15

Penetration resistance (MPa)

Penetration resistance (MPa)

5

Pattern B
12.5%

Pattern D
46.0%

Test points

a-11
b-5
b-6
b-7
b-8
b-11
c-7
c-8
e-7
e-11

Center line

Fig. 10. Sketch of the test locations (a) and distribution of patterns (b)

Pattern A
29.0%

15

Gagara -Site I

Undesided
12.5%

Pattern B

Penetration resistance (MPa)

0

10

Depth (m)

Valley crest

Penetration resistance (MPa)

0

15

d-6
a-3
a-1
b-3
c-1
c-3
c-5
d-1
d-3
d-5
c-6

Depth (m)

.
Depth (m)

c-2
d-2
d-4
d-7
e-1
e-2
e-3
e-4

Depth (m) .

0
1

Pattern B: Due to the un-smoothed soundings in this

category, it can be expected inconsistent weathering
throughout the depth.
Pattern C: This class also shows unsmoothed soundings due
to the differential weathering processes of granites over the
years.
Pattern D: Unlike in patterns B and C, smoothed soundings
could be observed specially at shallow depths. Reviewing the
topographical conditions at the site, these profiles may be
composed of transported materials from the upper areas.
Pattern E: The trend of increase in cone resistance is similar
to that of pattern D. However, the weathering front is thinner
in comparison to pattern D.
Pattern F: This group shows the shallowest profiles and
exhibits a very small weathering front. The locations that
represent this category consisted of moderately weathered
outcrops in the vicinity

Pattern A: This class implicates comparatively thick

weathering front over the fresh rock and exhibits fairly
uniform weathering profiles.

Fig. 11 illustrates the variability of cone resistance within each pattern.

The coefficient of variance (COV) of pattern A is about 20% through
out the profile depth. Pattern B shows the highest variation of

1209

coefficient of variance (up to 40%), may be due to high variability of

cone resistance varies within the small range of depth. However, the
coefficient of variance at most of the depth of all patterns is about 20%
and the high variability at some depth levels may be due to encounter
of hard materials.
Coefficent of Variance (%)

Coefficent of Variance (%)

20

40

60

80 100

20

40

60

Coefficent of Variance (%)

0

80 100

20

Pattern A

60

80 100

Pattern C

Pattern B

40

varies less than those of patterns C and E. Pattern C illustrates

considerably scattered data at about 0.5 m depth, and less coefficient of
variance of other depths. The scatter of the cone resistance data is
higher (COV 40%) in Pattern E, and may be due to encountering gravel
or small cobbles in the soil profile. Hence, most of the soundings
implicate geotechnically reasonable variance, and the spatial variability
in 1 m proximity can be approximated to 20%, except for pattern E.

Variability analysis of close proximity - 0.25 m grid data

0.5

3
4

2.5

20

40

60

Coefficent of Variance (%)

80 100

40

60

Coefficent of Variance(%)

80 100

0.5

20 40 60

80 100

Pattern E

Pattern D

Pattern F

1.5

Depth (m)

0.5
1

Depth (m)

20

Fig.14 (a) illustrates the cone resistance

data collected on 0.25 m grid bounded by
d-3, d-4, e-3, and e-4 of the main grid
points. The statistical measure of the
scatter is graphically presented in Fig. 13.
The coefficient of variance is less than
20% through out the depth below 0.5 m,
which is less than the variance observed
within the pattern A of 5 m and 1 m grid
spacing. This implies that the cone
resistance can be presented with small
deviation from the observed value in a
particular depth of a location of Masado
profiles.

1.5

Coefficent of Variance (%)

Depth (m)

0.5

COV (%)
0

20

40 60

80 100

Depth (m)

Depth (m)

Depth (m)

Depth (m)

0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3

3.5

Fig. 13 Scatter of 0.25 m

grid data

1.5

Determination of design qd values

2.5

In general, slope failures occurred under heavy rain are due to the
saturation of fine particles. Therefore, determination of shear strength
of fine particles is essential for slope instability analyses. In-situ
recorded soundings are due to the different material encountered along
profiles. Authors proposed to use the lower boundary of a particular
sounding in order to determine the qd values of fine particles. The
redrawn penetrograms considering the lower boundary should be used
to decide the design qd value for a specific depth of a single profile. The
design penetrograms of 0.25 m grid considering the lower boundary
values of each sounding are shown in Fig.14 (b).

Fig. 11 Scatter of the data in 5 m grid

Variability analysis of 1m grid data

One location from each category, except from Pattern F, was selected
for carrying out 1 m spacing in-situ LWDCPTs. The selected locations
were e-2, b-3, b-7, c-10, and d-9 as shown in Fig. 8 are from patterns A
to E respectively. Fig. 12 illustrates the statistically treated soundings
and coefficient of variance of each location along the soil profiles. It
can be clearly seen that the cone resistance of patterns A, B, and D,
where the coefficient of variance is about 20% throughout the profiles,
20

40

60

80 100

40

60

80 100

Depth (m)

1
1.5

2.5

3.5

60

10

I-1
I-2
I-3
I-4
I-5
II-1
II-2
II-3
II-4
II-5
III-1
III-3
III-4
III-5
IV-1
IV-2
IV-3
IV-4
IV-5
V-1
V-2
V-3
V-4
V-5

0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5

(a)

Coefficent of Variance(%)
40

20

1.5

2.5

2.5

I-1
I-2
I-3
I-4
I-5
II-1
II-2
II-3
II-4
II-5
III-1
III-3
III-4
III-5
IV-1
IV-2
IV-3
IV-4
IV-5
V-1
V-2
V-3
V-4
V-5

1.5
4

Penetration resistance (MPa)

10

80 100

0.5

40 60

Pattern C
Depth (m)

0.5

20

Pattern B

Pattern A
Depth (m)

20

0.5

Depth (m) ..

0
0

0
0

Coefficent of Variance(%)

Coefficent of Variance (%)

Coefficent of Variance(%)

Penetration resistance (MPa)

Depth (m) ..

(b)

Coefficent of Variance (%)

0 20 40 60 80 100

80 100

Fig. 14 Soundings of 0.25 m grid data (a) and their lower limit curves

Pattern D

Variation of cone resistance before and after rainfall

Depth (m) .

Depth (m)

0.5
0.5

1
1.5

Lightweight dynamic cone penetration tests were conducted at selected

locations on 12th July 2005 immediately after the rainfall. Rainfall and
volumetric water content data collected at the site from 25th June to 15th
July, 2005 are shown in Fig. 15. The rainfall fell from 25th of June to 1st
of July is very small and can be assumed a fine climatic condition at the
site. Also, it can be observed that the volumetric water content has not

2
2.5

Pattern E
1.5

Fig. 12 Scatter of the data in 5 m grid

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been varied significantly during that period at a specific depth. The

average degree of saturation calculated during the fine weather
conditions at the site was found to be varied from 40% to 60%
depending on void ratios and the depth. Volumetric water contents
during the in-situ tests conducted on 12th July were approximately 30%,
45%, and 50% at 50 cm, 100 cm, and 195 cm depths respectively. The
average degrees of saturation during the in-situ tests conducted on 12th
July were calculated using the basic soil relationships and found to be
varied from 60% to 90% .
400

10

7/15

20

7/10

7/15

7/10

7/5

100

6/30

10

195cm

30

7/5

200

100cm

40

6/30

20

Reference to the Fig. 7 and Eq. 5, void ratios were calculated using the
data of qd for locations illustrated in Fig. 16. Apparent cohesion was
calculated thereafter referring to the Fig. 3. In predicting void ratios, the
average degree of saturation in a fine day was assumed to 40 %. The
assumed values of degree of saturation are well within those calculated
from volumetric water content variations shown in Fig. 15. Fig.17
illustrates the variation of predicted void ratios and predicted cohesion
at four grid points. Predicted void ratios, cohesion and internal angle of
friction from the lower boundary of qd values also shown in Fig. 17.

50cm
50

6/25

300

Volumetric water content (%)

30

Calculation of shear parameters from cone resistance data

60
Cumulative rainfall (mm).

Hourly rainfall
Cumulative rainfall

6/25

Hourly rainfall (mm) .

40

soundings recorded before the rainfall as shown in Fig. 16. This has to
be used for calculation of shear parameters. However, more data is
required to draw reliable outputs and to make solid relationships for the
reduction of cone resistance under different rainfall conditions.

Predicted void ratio

Predicted void ratio-LB
Measured void ratio

Date

Date

Predicted cohesion
Predicted cohesion-LB
LB- Lower Boundary

Fig. 15. Rainfall and volumetric water content

(a) e-2 (Pattern A)

Data collected from in-situ tests carried out after the rainfall were
statistically analyzed and plotted with respect to the location. In order
to examine the variation of penetration resistance, in-situ tests carried
out before and after the rainfall were plotted in the same penetrograms
as shown in Fig. 16.

0.5

1.5

2.5

2.5
Penetration resistance (Mpa)
4

10

0.5

Depth (m)

Depth (m)

0.5

1.0

40.5

2.0

2.0
0.6

0.8

1.0

0.6

1.2

Void ratio e

Cohesion (kPa)
0
5 10 15

Pattern D-(c-10)
1

1.5

1.0

1.2

(d) c-10 (Pattern D)

Cohesion (kPa)

20

0.0

Before rain
After rain

0.8

Void ratio e

(c) b-7 (Pattern C)

Before rain
After rain

39.5

0.5

1.5

Penetration resistance ( Mpa)

0
0.5
1
1.5
2

38.5

1.0
1.5

1.5

39.0

39.5

Pattern B-(c-5)

0.0

38.5
0.5

Cohesion (kPa)
5 10 15 20

10

15

0.0

Before rain
After rain

Depth (m) .

Depth (m)

Pattern A-(e-2)

Depth (m)

0.5

Depth (m) .

Penetration resistance (Mpa)

0
5
10

Before rain
After rain

20

0.5

Depth (m)

Cohesion (kPa)
5 10 15

0.0

Depth (m) .

Penetration resistance (Mpa)

0
1
2
3
4

(b) c-5 (Pattern B)

40.0
1.0

40.5

1.5

0.5
1.0

38.0
1.5

Pattern C-(b-7)
1.5

2.0

2.0

2.5

0.6

Fig. 16 Variation in cone resistance before and after rainfall

0.8

1.0

Void ratio e

Considerable variations of cone penetration resistance were noted in insitu tests conducted before and after rainfall. The deviation of cone
resistance is different with the depth. That may be due different
materials encountered along the soil strata. However, it is quite clear
that there may be clear reduction of penetration resistance due to partial
saturation of underneath materials. As suggested the design
penetrograms were drawn considering the lower boundary for the

1.2

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

Void ratio e

Fig. 17 Variation of void ratio and cohesion along profiles

As calculation of shear parameters thoroughly depends on the void
ratios predicted from cone resistance data from Fig. 7, the reliability of
outcomes more or less depends on the accuracy of predicting the void
ratios from the cone resistance data. The predicted void ratios from Eq.

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5 and Fig. 7 were compared with the in-situ samples taken at the depth
of 0.5 m. The measured values of void ratios are plotted in the Fig. 17.
It could be observed that the calculated void ratio is in good agreement
with the measured value in locations e-2 (pattern A). However, the
calculated void ratios were underestimated from the measured values in
locations c-5, b-7, and c-10 which belong to patterns B, C, and D
respectively. The reasons for these differences are explained below.

cone resistance can be presented as 20% throughout the depth

of Masado profiles at close proximity. This variance is almost
similar in presenting a typical geotechnical parameter.
6. Reduction in cone resistance was observed in in-situ tests
carried out after the rainfall. The variation of penetration
resistance is more or less depends on the different material
encountered along the profile.
7. A method of determining design shear strength parameters for
analysis of slopes were proposed based on the lower
boundary of cone resistance data.
8. The deviation of predicted and measured void ratios may be
mainly due to the difference between the reconstituted and
natural state of soils.

Pattern A shows fairly smoothed soundings up to the hard layer and

that results in uniform composition of subsurface materials. In-situ
samples from a particular depth of such profiles may show less
variability in their composition. This is clearly shown in the analyses
carried out at close proximity data shown in Fig. 13. In contrast,
patterns B and C, which show unsmoothed soundings due to contact of
cone in weathered particles, may be showed high variability of
properties even at same depth level. Unlike in pattern A, the in-situ
inbound structures of partially weathered particles are much stronger in
patterns B and C. Also, it should be noted here that the prediction of
void ratios were performed using reconstituted Masado soils. These
effects may affect to the similarities and differences in comparing
measured and predicted void ratios. The difference of measured and
predicted values of void ratio of location c-10 (pattern D) may be due
to the less sensitivity of low qd values in predicting void ratios from
Fig. 7. More test data and analyses are needed to clearly define the
values of void ratios for low cone resistance data. Also, the exact
degree of saturation was not known at the time of conducting in-situ
tests and carrying out sampling at the site. This has an effect of
predicting void ratios from Fig. 7 and there is a possibility of deviation
of predicted void ratios shown in Fig. 17.

The simple approach presented here in determining the shear strength

parameters will be useful for the geotechnical engineers and researchers
involved in slope investigation activities. More investigations and
studies must be undertaken to further develop the proposed method to
firmly established correlations between cone resistances and shear
strength parameters under different conditions.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors gratefully acknowledge the valuable suggestions and
comments by Dr. Koji Ichii, Associate professor, Graduate School of
Engineering, Hiroshima University, Japan and the financial assistance
provided by the Ministry of Science and Education, Japan.

REFERENCES

As a whole, authors attempted to introduce an efficient methodology

for determination of shear strength parameters by establishing several
correlations between laboratory and field data. More in-situ samples of
soils should be taken to determine the void ratio and must be compared
with the predicted values at known degrees of saturation before this
method is reliably applied for determination of shear strength
parameters.

Anderson, SA, and Sitar, N (1995). Analysis of Rainfall Induced

Debris Flows, J. Geotech. Eng, Vol. 121, No 7, pp 544-552.
Athapaththu AMRG, Tsuchida, T, Sato, T, and Suga, K (2006a).
Evaluation of In-situ Shear Strength of Natural Masado Slopes,
Geotechnical Division, Int. Offshore and Polar Eng 2006, ISOPE,
San Francisco, Vol 2, pp 324-331.
Athapaththu, AMRG, Tsuchida, T, Suga, K, and Sato, T (2006b).
Investigation of Spatial Variability of Natural Masado Slopes, 5th
Int Conf on Civil and Env Eng, Hiroshima University, pp 67-78.
Athapaththu, AMRG, Tsuchida, T, Suga, K, and Kano, S (2006). Geostatistical Analysis of the Spatial Variability of Masado Formations,
Symposium of the Japanese Geotechnical Society, Kagoshima,
No139, pp 107-112.
Athapaththu A.M.R.G., Tsuchida, T., and Suga, K., and Kano, S
(2007). Lightweight Dynamic Cone Penetrometer for Evaluation of
Shear Strength of Unsaturated Masado Soils, JSCE, (Unpublished).
Bishop, AW, The Principle of Effective Stress, Publication 32,
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo, pp 1-4.
Brand, EW (1981). Some Thoughts on Rain Induced Slope Failures,
Proc 10th Int Conf Soil Mech & Found Eng, Stockholm, Vol 3, pp
373-376.
Langton, DD (1999). The PANDA-Lightweight Penetrometer for Soil
Investigation and Monitoring Material Compaction, Ground Eng.
September 1999, pp 33-37.
Oberg, AL, and Sallfors, G (1997). Determination of Shear Strength
Parameters of Unsaturated Silts and Sands Based on the Water
Retention Curve, Geotch Test J, ASTM, Vol 20, No 1, pp 40-48.
Sangrey, DA, and Williams KOH (1984). Prediction Ground Water
Response to Precipitation, J Geotech Eng, Vol 110, No 7, pp 957975.
Thi ha (2005). Study on the Mechanism of Slope Instability Induced by
Rainfall in Decomposed Granite Slope, PhD Thesis, Hiroshima
University, Japan (in Japanese).

CONCLUDING REMARKS
The primary objective of this paper was to present an efficient and
simple methodology to find the shear strength parameters of Masado
soils based on the cone penetration test data. On the basis of the content
of this paper following conclusions can be drawn.
1. The internal angle of friction of reconstituted Masado soils
was found to be linearly varying with void ratios
approximately. Fairly good linearly varying relations were
established between void ratios and apparent cohesion under
different degrees of saturation.
2. It was found that the pore pressure effect is quite significant in
determining the cohesion of Masado soils. The reduction of
apparent cohesion due to suction was found to be 10% to
60% depending on the degree of saturation.
3. Laboratory calibration tests revealed that there is fairly good
relations between qd with void ratios of reconstituted Masado
under different degrees of saturation. Empirical equation was
developed to calculate the void ratio from cone resistance
data at a known degree of saturation.
4. A method of determining shear strength parameters from the
data of qd was proposed based on the correlations developed
between void ratios with qd and shear parameters.
5. The scatter of the cone resistance at different grid spaces was
quantitatively analyzed by mean of COV. It was found that
COV varies 0% to 40% for all range of data. The variance of

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