ln situ testing and a footing loading test on a saprolitic soil from Porto granite

Abstract

An extensive site investigation has been made in a zone dominated by typical saprolitic soils of Porto region. This study included several types of in situ tests (SPT, CPT, DP, Cross-Hole seismic tests, SBPT and plate loading tests) and a large number a different laboratory tests and, still, a vertical loading test over a concrete footing carefully instrumented and observed. In this paper, special relevance is made on applications of the results of those different tests for classification purposes and assessment of engineering properties of these residual soils. Mechanical properties, shear strength and deformability, determined from methods are discussed and compared, in order to contribute to the establishment of evaluation criteria of those properties most adapted to residual soils particularities.