Cone-penetrometer exploration of sinkholes: Stratigraphy and soil properties

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02574794· OSTI ID:5967757

Bloomberg, D; Upchurch, S B; Hayden, M L ^[1]; Williams, R C ^[2]

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1. Univ. of South Florida, Tampa (United States)
2. Williams and Associates, Inc., Clearwater, FL (United States)

Four sinkholes with varying surficial expressions were subjected to detailed stratigraphic and soil analysis by means of Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and Electric Friction Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) in order to evaluate applications of CPT to sinkhole investigations. Although widely used, SPT data are of limited value and difficult to apply to sinkhole mapping. CPT is sensitive to minor lithologic variability and is superior to SPT as a cost-effective technique for determining geotechnical properties of sinkholes. The effectiveness of CPT data results from the force measurements made along the sleeve of the cone. The friction ratio (ratio of sleeve to tip resistance) is a good indicator of soil stratigraphy and properties. By smoothing the friction-ratio data, general stratigraphy and changes in soil properties are easily identified. Stratigraphy of the sinks has been complicated by intense weathering, karstification and marine transgressions. The resulting deposits include five stratigraphic units. 1 and 2 represent Plio-Pleistocene marine sediments with Unit 2 being the zone of soil clay accumulation. 3 and 4 are horizons residual from Miocene strata and indicate an episode of karstification prior to deposition of Units 1 and 2. CPT provides sufficient information for recognition of sinkhole stratigraphy and geotechnical properties. When coupled with laboratory soil analysis, CPT provides unique information about sinkhole geometry and dynamics. In contrast, SPT indicates general, inconclusive trends.

• OSTI ID: 5967757
• Journal Information: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States), Vol. 12:2; ISSN 0177-5146
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
58 GEOSCIENCES
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
SOIL MECHANICS
CAVES
EXPLORATION
FLORIDA
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
MAPPING
PENETROMETERS
SOILS
STRATIGRAPHY
SUBSURFACE ENVIRONMENTS
TERTIARY PERIOD
USES
CAVITIES
CENOZOIC ERA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FEDERAL REGION IV
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGY
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NORTH AMERICA
USA
540250* - Environment
Terrestrial- Site Resource & Use Studies- (1990-)
580000 - Geosciences