Correlation of JKR Probe with Undrained Shear Strength

Abstract

The JKR probe test is a popular field test in Malaysia, and is especially used in soft soil areas to determine bearing capacity. However the correlation of undrained shear strength (Su) and the JKR probe test is not available at this moment. This study was performed to develop an empirical correlation of JKR probe and undrained shear strength of soft to stiff soil. In order to produce the correlation, the JKR probe test and the vane shear test have been performed at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Six JKR probe tests and 12 field vane shear tests were performed in close proximity to obtain good correlation. The results show that undrained shear strength and JKR probe can be correlated as Su=18J0.3. The proposed correlations will serve as a reference for engineers in estimating undrained shear strength, especially in low-risk construction design.