ASSESSMENT OF THE SUITABILITY OF THE FALL CONE METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LIQUID LIMIT OF SOUTH AFRICAN SOILS
ASSESSMENT OF THE SUITABILITY OF THE FALL CONE METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LIQUID LIMIT OF SOUTH AFRICAN SOILS
The plasticity index (PI) is a critical factor in designing soil-related structures, often determined by commercial laboratories, which aim to provide cost-effective services. The liquid limit (LL), a key variable in PI calculation, is traditionally determined by two global standard methods the Casagrande percussion cup (used in South Africa and the USA) and the fall-cone (penetrometer) method (accepted in the UK). Sampson and Netterberg (1984) noted a correlation between the British Casagrande cup and fall-cone LL results, while the South African variant showed an offset of approximately 4 units. The indirect correlation would be corrected by adjust-ing the standard 20mm corresponding penetration. The 54mm diameter ring in the modified fall-cone tests showed a direct correlation with the SANS Casagrande cup when the corresponding penetration was adjusted from 20mm to 16mm.
P. Vosloo; E. Theron
18th African Regional Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ARCSMGE2024)
Soil characterization
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