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Information presented in site investigation reports has a strong influence in design, project costs and safety. For this reason, both the quality and the reliability of site investigation reports are important. However in our country, geotechnical engineering is relegated to second place and site investigation studies, especially parcel-basis ground investigation works / do not receive the attention they deserve. In this study, site investigation reports, that are required for the license of design projects, are examined and the missing/incorrect site investigations, laboratory tests, geotechnical evaluations and geotechnical suggestions that occur in the reports are catalogued. Also, frequency of each mistake is statistically examined / for geotechnical engineers, recommendations and solutions are presented to help them avoid frequent problems.

The purpose of this study is to improve site investigation in geotechnical engineering via the evaluation and development of statistical approaches for characterizing the spatial variability of soil properties and the development of site investigation simulation software for educational use. This study consists of four components: statistical characteristics, data measurement, simulation, and educational training. Statistical measures of spatial variability of soil properties were examined for three different geographical areas where soil formation processes differ to assess the influence on the spatial variability of soils. Statistical measures of spatial variability were also calculated for a case history where blasting was used as a method of soil improvement to evaluate the effects of man-made changes to soil structure. The concept of spatial aliasing was employed to estimate the maximum allowable sampling interval for field data as a function of the spatial correlation properties. Once a maximum statistically allowable sampling interval is determined for a specific soil property, the minimum statistically required number of soundings / borings is calculated to perform an economical site investigation at a specific site. A simple and efficient simulation technique was proposed to generate correlated, multi-dimensional simulations of soil properties. Based on limited data, the proposed simulation technique generated accurate and correlated simulations of soil properties that are consistent with the observed or proposed correlation structures of soil properties. Lastly, a geotechnical site investigation simulation program with a wide variety of in situ and laboratory tests was developed to allow students to plan and perform a comprehensive site investigation program. The simulation generates an input file based partly on the statistical characteristics of the spatial variability of soil properties analyzed in this study and partly on traditional values. Spatial variability in soil properties is modeled via correlated random fields, interpolation, and a decomposition method to yield realistic geotechnical data. Via the simulation, students are able to obtain experience and judgment in an essential component of geotechnical engineering practice. The four components of this research (statistical characteristics, data measurement, simulation, and educational training) focus on the improvement of site investigation performance in geotechnical engineering, thereby improving reliability analysis in geotechnical practice.

Portable Free Fall Penetrometers (PFFPs) are lightweight tools used for rapid and economic characterization of surficial subaqueous sediments. PFFPs vary in weight, shape and size with options for using add-on units. The different configurations enable deployments in various environments and water depths, including the nearshore zone where conventional methods are challenged by energetic hydrodynamics and limited navigable depth. Moreover, PFFPs offer an opportunity to reduce the high site investigation costs associated with conventional offshore geotechnical site investigation methods. These costs are often a major obstacle for small projects serving remote communities or testing novel renewable energy harvesting machines. However, PFFPs still face issues regarding data analysis and interpretation, particularly in energetic sandy nearshore areas. This includes a lack of data and accepted analysis methods for such environments. Therefore, the goal of this research was to advance data interpretation and sediments characterization methods using PFFPs with emphasis on deployments in energetic nearshore environments. PFFP tests were conducted in the nearshore areas of: Yakutat Bay, AK; Cannon Beach, AK; and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Field Research Facility's beach, Duck, NC. From the measurements, the research goal was addressed by: (1) introducing a methodology to create a regional sediment classification scheme utilizing the PFFP deceleration and pore pressure measurements, sediment traces on the probe upon retrieval, and previous literature; (2) investigating the effect of wave forcing on the sediments' behavior through correlating variations in sediment strength to wave climate, sandbar migration, and depth of closure, as well as identifying areas of significant sediment mobilization processes; and (3) estimating the relative density and friction angle of sand in energetic nearshore areas from PFFP measurements. For the latter, the field data was supported by vacuum triaxial tests and PFFP deployments under controlled laboratory conditions on sand samples prepared at different relative densities. The research outcomes address gaps in knowledge with regard to the limited studies available that investigate the sand geotechnical properties in energetic nearshore areas. More specifically, the research contributes to the understanding of surficial sediment geotechnical properties in energetic nearshore areas and the enhancement of sediment characterization and interpretation methods. / PHD / The increasing demand for energy, fluctuations of oil prices, and the expected reduction in the world’s oil production in addition to concerns associated to the global climate change drive the search for renewable energy sources. Out of the different sources of renewable energy, the reliable availability of waves is an advantage over other sources like solar and wind. However, different challenges are still facing the advancement of generating energy from waves. One important challenge is the reliability of the anchoring or foundation system, and the associated site characterization and data collection. The stability of the systems depends on the sediment strength (ability accommodate loads), sediments susceptibility to scour (removal of the sediments around the foundations), and local morphodynamics (changes in the seabed shape). In fact, the stability of the foundations in the seabed represents a major concern for many nearshore and offshore structures. Accordingly, the site characterization stage of any project is essential to mitigate the risks of failures, as well as to achieve cost-effective designs. Portable Free fall penetrometers (PFFPs) are rapid and economical tools used to characterize uppermost seabed sediments. The variability of such devices in weight, shape and size enables the use in different environments and water depths. However, data of PFFPs in sandy sediments is still limited which contradicts the fact that sand represents the most common soil type on the beaches worldwide. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to investigate the sediment behavior in energetic wave areas, and to advance the methods of interpreting the PFFP data in sandy nearshore zones. A PFFP was used to characterize the sediments in three main areas: Yakutat Bay, AK, Cannon Beach, AK and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Field Research Facility’s beach, Duck, NC. The results were utilized to introduce a sediment classification scheme and complete an existing sediment distribution map for Yakutat Bay, AK; study the effect of storms on the seabed sediment strength; and to determine sand strength parameters using PFFP measurements. The results of this research will contribute to improve the sediment characterization methods and to understand topmost sediment layers’ properties.

[pt] A dissertação apresenta o levantamento hidrogeológico de um sítio experimental na Formação Barreiras. Neste sítio, localizado no município de São Sebastião do Passé (BA), foi realizado um levantamento de campo que compreendeu a execução de sondagens, construção dos poços de monitoramento, ensaios de condutividade hidráulica, coleta de amostras deformadas e pseudoindeformadas e levantamento geofísico por GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar). O programa experimental realizado em laboratório buscou caracterizar geotécnica e mineralogicamente os materiais coletados. Verificou-se que o perfil estratigráfico do sítio possui uma série de materiais dispostos em camadas pouco espessas. Embora os materiais apresentem constituição mineralógica semelhante, a sua distribuição granulométrica e os seus limites de consistência são díspares. Verificou-se a inexistência de uma relação direta entre a condutividade hidráulica e a porosidade, porém foram constatadas excelentes relações entre a condutividade hidráulica e o teor de finos, a fração argila, a fração grossa, o limite de liquidez e o índice de plasticidade. A modelagem geológica realizada através dos dados obtidos no decorrer da execução das sondagens a trado, dos poços de monitoramento e da sondagem geofísica revelou que a distribuição espacial dos distintos materiais não é uniforme, posto que a localização das camadas e a suas respectivas espessuras variam ao longo do perfil. / [en] The dissertation presents a hydrogeological survey of an experimental site from Barreiras Formation. On this site, located in the municipality of São Sebastião do Passé (BA), a site investigation was carried out consisting on auger drilling, construction of monitoring wells, hydraulic conductivity tests, sample collection a and a geophysical survey by GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar). The experimental program held at the Geotechnical Laboratory sought to characterize the mineralogical and geotechnical properties of the materials collected. It was found that the profile of the site has a series of materials arranged in thin layers. Although the materials present similar mineralogical constitution, its particle size distribution and its consistency limits are considerably different. No direct relationship was found between porosity and hydraulic conductivity, however excellent relationships were found between the hydraulic conductivity and the fines contents, the clay fraction, the coarse fraction, the liquid limit and plasticity index. A geological model was obtained from data obtained from the drillings, the monitoring wells and the geophysical survey. The model revealed that the spatial distribution of the different materials is not uniform since the location of the layers and their thickness varies along the profile.

A conceptual site model (CSM) is simply a description of the environmental conditions at a contaminated site and surrounding area, which provides all interested parties with a vision of the site. CSM mainly identifies the source-pathway&amp / #8208 / receptor linkage to guide for effective site characterization, risk assessment and remedial investigations. Development of CSM is complicated because it is &lsquo / case specific&rsquo / and there is no single route to follow during decision making concerning the contaminated site. Moreover, type and extent of information needed varies according to size and level of contamination and site heterogeneity. The objective of this study is to develop a decision support tool that guides the site assessors during identification of possible decision routes that can be encountered / the procedure to be followed / and the information and data to be collected at each stage. This tool also introduces interactions between CSM andsampling strategies designed for various purposes. Developed decision support tool adapts to each specific contaminated site. Furthermore, a detailed review of sampling strategies is presented as a guidance for site assessors. The decision support tool is equipped with standardized tools used for CSM development, i.e. information/data collection forms, illustrative tools and exposure pathway diagram. Information on site, geology, hydrogeology, contamination source, contaminants and receptors is collected via CSM form. Illustrative tools may vary from very simple site sketches to very complex 3D drawings depending on the needs of the specific contamination cases. Exposure pathway diagram (EPD) is used to identify all transport mechanisms and potential exposure pathways. EPD is embedded into a user&amp / #8208 / friendly decision assistance tool based on Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic for Applications. The applicability and utility of the decision support tool was tested using two case studies. Case study applications indicated that the developed methodology satisfies the objectives aimed in this study.

[pt] O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar as potencialidades do método GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) em investigações de campo que englobam estudos hidrogeológicos, geotécnicos e ambientais. Para o alcance deste objetivo foram realizadas investigações de campo na região sudeste do Brasil procurando verificar a aplicabilidade deste método no conhecimento da subsuperfície. Os estudos englobaram a determinação da estratigrafia do solo identificando suas camadas e respectivas profundidades; a determinação da posição do lençol freático; a localização de estruturas enterradas e a detecção de possíveis anomalias decorrentes de contaminações. As seções obtidas com o GPR permitiram identificar com boa resolução os contrastes bruscos, como a posição do lençol freático e a localização das estruturas enterradas. A identificação dos contatos entre as camadas de solo foi possível quando as propriedades elétricas destes materiais se diferiam bastante. Já no que diz respeito ao mapeamento de regiões contaminadas, ainda se faz necessário à realização de uma maior quantidade de estudos para afirmar a eficiência do GPR para este objetivo. A utilização da técnica da reflectometria no domínio do tempo (TDR) foi muito útil para correlacionar a velocidade de propagação das ondas eletromagnéticas com a profundidade. O seu emprego permitiu aumentar a exatidão da determinação das profundidades dos alvos de interesse. / [en] The present work aims to assess the adequacy of the ground penetrating radar as a screening tool in site in site investigation practice in hydrogeological, geotechnical and environmental studies. An extensive site investigation program was carrid out in Southeast Brazil looking for characterizing the subsurface. Tests were performed to determine the statigraphy of soil profiles, the position of the water level, the detection of buried structures and contamination. The results have shown a great deal of success in identifying water levels and buried structures. Soil surface were only identified when abrupt changes in the dielectric constant of the porous media were observed. Howerer, the results so far do not enable to delineate contamination plumes with the accuracy desired. The accuracy of the target depths were greatly improved by using the result of the dielectric constant measured by the time domain reflectometry (TDR)

The dissertation be about use the opportunity of 3D modelling geological settings for definitions engineering geology zoning. The model area represents the map sheet 6 - 8 Kralupy nad Vltavou in scale 1:5 000, which is built by rocks (pre-Quaternary) and soils (Quaternary cover) divided into eleven engineering geology zones. The results of modelling are showing at the map appendices, which are engineering maps all of nine the individual roof (surface) of zones, including the 3D section in the direction of x axis and also five of the 2D maps of roof of selected zones with the 3D schematic models. The integral part is the map of documentation points and their database on DVD. Three dimensional modelling presents a benefit mainly therefore the solutions, where are visible the spatial geological settings including the thickness individual layers, respectively zones. These display options can have practically used at designing underground buildings, e.g. tunnels, where would it mean shortening time the preparation of the project. Modelling of the zones also shown a possibility of distinction the mistakes at some archive hole. For example, the mistakes in descriptions can relate to confusion of Neogene's sand layer for Quaternary's sand. In the description of new geological survey, when using appendix no....

Apresenta-se neste trabalho a aplicação de um método para a previsão da curva tensão-recalque de fundações diretas assentes em solos tropicais arenosos a partir de resultados de ensaios de cone sísmico (SCPT). Os locais estudados foram os campos experimentais de fundações da EESC/USP - São Carlos e da UNESP-Bauru, onde existem resultados de provas de carga realizados a diferentes profundidades, assim como resultados de ensaios SCPT. As previsões realizadas apresentaram bons resultados, após ajustes dos parâmetros f e g, pois as curvas tensão-recalque estimadas foram próximas a aquelas obtidas a partir de provas de carga em placa, para as profundidades maiores que 1,5 metros. Verifica-se assim a aplicabilidade do método, após seu ajuste, para reproduzir a curva tensão-recalque neste tipo de solo, empregando uma abordagem mais racional, com menor dependência de correlações empíricas. Destaca-se nesta pesquisa que existe uma variabilidade dos resultados de ensaios SCPT e de provas de carga que está relacionada com a mudança de sucção no solo. Para o campo experimental de São Carlos foi possível ainda fazer uma avaliação da variabilidade nas previsões realizadas, pois existe maior número de resultados de ensaios de campo e provas de cargas disponíveis. / It is presented in this dissertation the use of a method for predicting the stress-settlement curve of shallow foundations on tropical sandy soils based on seismic cone (SCPT) test results. The studied sites were the experimental research sites from USP - São Carlos, and UNESP - Bauru, Brazil, where there are results from plate load tests conducted at various depths, as well as SCPT test results. The stress-settlement curve predictions show good results, after adjusting the parameters f and g, because the estimated curves were close to those obtained from plate load tests, to depths greater than 1.5 meters. The applicability of the method, after its adjustment, to reproduce the stress-settlement curve for this type of soil, was verified employing a more rational approach with less reliance on empirical correlations. It is highlighted in this research that there is variability on SCPT and plate load test results, which is related to the change in soil suction. It was also possible to access the variability on the prediction for the USP São Carlos site, since there is a greater number of in situ and plate load tests in this site.

O principal objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a aplicação da técnica híbrida de SPT Sísmico (S-SPT), ou seja, a realização da sísmica up-hole em conjunto com a sondagem de simples reconhecimento com medida de SPT, para uma melhor caracterização de solos tropicais. O ensaio híbrido mais empregado para determinação de parâmetros dos solos, inclusive o módulo de cisalhamento máximo (Go) é o de cone sísmico (SCPT). No entanto, sua realização exige equipamentos especiais e de custo elevado. A possibilidade de medir a velocidade de propagação da onda S (VS) em conjunto com o ensaio SPT empregando o a técnica up-hole é uma alternativa interessante. Essa técnica combinada, pouco empregada no Brasil, foi recentemente desenvolvida e testada. Neste trabalho, a determinação ao mesmo tempo e no mesmo furo dos valores de N do SPT e velocidade de onda S (Vs) permitiu calcular o módulo de cisalhamento máximo (Go) e avaliar as vantagens de se obter a relação Go/N, similar a relação entre Go/qc, para investigação de solos tropicais colapsíveis. As áreas de estudo são os campos experimentais da UNESP-Bauru, USP-São Carlos e UNICAMP-Campinas, onde ensaios S-SPT foram realizados. Os resultados desses ensaios foram comparados com valores de VS referência, determinados através de ensaios sísmicos cross-hole, down-hole e SCPT. A diferença entre os valores de VS foram, em média, 8,5, 9,0% e 16,0% respectivamente para os campos experimentais da UNESP-Bauru, USP-São Carlos e UNICAMP-Campinas. Considera-se que a técnica híbrida do S-SPT pode ser empregada para obter o perfil de Go, em conjunto com o ensaio SPT, rapidamente e a um custo relativamente baixo. Constatou-se que a relação Go/N é maior na camada de solo laterítico, e que ela diminui quanto menos evoluído é o perfil do subsolo. Observou-se essa a mesma tendência nos ensaios S-SPT, porém com menor nitidez. Este fato pode estar associado a maior dificuldade de interpretar os registros de ondas sísmicas pela técnica up-hole bem como pela variabilidade do perfil dos subsolos. / The main objective of this work is to assess the applicability of the hybrid test, the Seismic SPT (S-SPT), i.e. the up-hole seismic test carried out together with SPT test, in order to achieve a better site characterization of tropical soils. The most used hybrid test to determine the soil parameters, including the maximum shear modulus (Go), is the seismic cone test (SCPT). The possibility of measuring the S wave velocity together with the SPT test using the up-hole technique is an interesting alternative. This combined technique was scarcely used in Brazil and it has been recently developed and tested. In this work, the concomitant measuring of the SPT N value together with the S wave velocity in the same test allowed calculating the maximum shear modulus (Go) and assessing the advantages of obtaining the Go/N ratio, similar to the Go/qc ratio, for the site characterization of tropical collapsible soils. The research areas are the experimental sites of UNESP-Bauru, USP-São Carlos and UNICAMP-Campinas, where SPT tests were carried out. The results of these tests were compared with reference values VS, which were determined via cross-hole, down-hole and SCPT tests. The differences between VS values were, in average, 8.5%, 9.0% and 16.0% respectively for UNESP-Bauru, USP-São Carlos and Campinas-UNICAMP research sites. The hybrid S-SPT test can be used to define the Go profile, together with the N SPT values, with a relatively low cost. It was found that the Go/N ratio is higher in the lateritic soil layer and it gets lower as the soil profile is less developed. The same tendency was observed with the S-SPT tests, however with less distinctness. This fact can be associated to a higher difficulty on the interpretation of seismic wave traces with the up-hole technique as well as to soil variability.