Soil properties from low-velocity probe penetration

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Johnson, Jerome B. | Cargile, James D. | Smith, Donald M.

Affiliations: USA Engineer Research and Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, PO Box 35170, Ft. Wainwright, AK 99703, USA | USA Engineer Research and Development Center, Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 907 353 5179; Fax: +1 907 353 5142; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: A physical model of low-velocity probe penetration is developed to characterize soil by type, strength, maximum compaction, and initial density using Newton's second law to describe the processes controlling probe momentum loss. The probe loses momentum by causing soil failure (strength), accelerating and compacting soil around the probe (inertia), and through frictional sliding at the probe/soil interface (friction). Probe geometry, mass, and impact velocity influences are incorporated into the model. Model predictions of probe deceleration history and depth of penetration agree well with experiments, without the need for free variables or complex numerical simulations.

Keywords: Soil strength, soil density, soil compaction, impact penetrator deceleration, soil properties

Journal: Shock and Vibration, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 127-135, 2008