Assessment of sandy soil variability based on CPT data

This paper presents a statistical analysis to characterize soil variability based on the cone penetration tests (CPTs) data obtained from a site near to Jijel port located in northern of Algeria. Ten CPTs were performed to a depth between 10 m and 13 m in sandy soils within an area of 120x86 m(2). Only the vertical variability of the cone tip resistance (probability density function, coefficient of variation and scale of fluctuation) is considered and the data are analysed within a homogenous layer using the random field theory. The results in terms of coefficient of variation and vertical scale of fluctuation are compared to the corresponding values available in the literature. The comparison showed different ranges of the vertical scale of fluctuation that may be due to the variation of the cone tip resistance in cohesionless soils. This variability will be integrated in a study of the potential liquefaction of the site. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.