• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.207-218
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• 2013

One of the input parameters in the evaluation of seismic performance of rockfill dams is shear-wave velocity of rock debris and clay core. Reliable evaluation of shear-wave velocity by surface-wave methods requires overcoming the problems of rock-debris discontinuity, material inhomogeneity and sloping boundary. In this paper, for the shear-wave velocity investigation of rockfill dams, SBF (Short-Array Beamforming) technique was proposed using the principles of conventional beamforming technique and adopted to solve limitations of the conventional surface-wave techniques. SBF technique utilizes a 3- to 9-m long measurement array and a far-field source, which allowed the technique to eliminate problems of near-field effects and investigate local anomalies. This paper describes the procedure to investigate shear-wave velocity profile of rockfill dams by SBF technique and IRF (Impulse-response filtration) technique with accuracy and reliability. Validity of the proposed SBF technique was verified by comparisons with downhole tests and CapSASW (Common-Array-Profiling Spectral-Analysis-of-Surface-Waves) tests at a railroad embankment compacted with rock debris.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.36 no.9
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• pp.5-20
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• 2020

In 2017, after the Pohang earthquake, liquefaction phenomena were firstly observed after the observation of domestic earthquake by epicenter. In this study, various in-situ tests and laboratory tests were performed to determine the dynamic properties in (1) Songlim Park, (2) Heunghae-eup, Mangcheon-ri and (3) Heungan-ri, Pohang. As a site investigation, the standard penetration test (SPT), cone penetration test (CPT), multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW), density logging, downhole test, and electrical resistivity survey were performed. In addition, cyclic triaxial test against sampled sand from site was also conducted. Based on the result, high ground water level and loose sand layer in shallow depth were observed for all sites. In addition, liquefaction resistance ratio of soil sampled from Songlim park was lower than those of Jumunjin sand, Toyoura sand, and Ottawa sand.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.49-60
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• 2022

Underground urbanization appears to be a promising solution in response to the shortage of construction sites in the above-ground space. In this context, an accurate evaluation of a construction site ensures the long-term performance of geosystems. This study characterizes potential sites for complex plants built in underground space using geophysical methods (i.e., seismic refraction exploration and electrical resistivity survey) and in situ tests (i.e., standard penetration tests (SPTs) and downhole tests). SPTs are conducted in nine boreholes BH-1-BH-9 to estimate the groundwater level and vertical distribution of geological structures. The seismic refraction method enables us to obtain the elastic wave velocity and thickness of each soil layer for each cross-sectional area. An electrical resistivity survey conducted using the dipole array method provides the electrical resistivity profiles of the cross-sectional area. Data obtained using geophysical techniques are used to assess the classification of the soil layer and bedrock, particularly the fracture zone. This study suggests that geotechnical information using in situ tests and geophysical methods are useful references to design an underground complex plant construction.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.65-75
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• 2005

Maximum shear modulus of soil is a principal parameter for the design of earth structures under static and dynamic loads. In this study, the statistical data of maximum shear moduli of silty sands in Songdo area in the west coast of Korea evaluated by various field and laboratory tests - standard penetration test (SPT), cone penetration test (CPT), self-boring pressuremeter test (SBPT), downhole test (DH), seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) and resonant column test (RC) were analyzed. Based on the measurement of shear moduli using DH which is known as maximum value at very small strain, the new empirical correlations between shear moduli and SPT or CPT values were proposed. Predictions of maximum shear moduli using the proposed correlations were compared with the data obtained from DH. The good agreement confirmed that the proposed correlations reasonably predicted the maximum shear moduli of silty sands in the area.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.23-31
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• 2003

Over the past half century, borehole seismic surveys have been diversified into the three techniques such as crosshole, downhole, and suspension logging according to their devices and testing configurations. These field techniques have been improved, in terms of equipment and testing procedures, and are very valuable in the evaluation of ground characteristics for geotechnical and earthquake engineering problems. Yet, despite the importance and significance of the techniques as engineering tools, the techniques are not much used as standard penetration test (SPT) by practicing engineers. The possible explanations are cost and operational difficulties of the surveys as well as sophistication and complexity of the devices. An in-hole seismic method has been developed to meet the requirement of economical testing cost and practicality in engineering practice to measure dynamic soil properties. The prototype in-hole probe developed herein is small and light enough to be fit in three-inch boreholes and to be handled with bare hands. The performance of the source has been evaluated through extensive crosshole tests at various sites. The in-hole seismic method was adopted at three test sites and verified by comparing with crosshole results.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.77-86
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• 2020

In this study, the importance of implied strength correction for shallow depths at a region of moderate to low seismicity with primary focus on its effect upon site natural period and mean period of the ground motion is investigated. In addition to the most commonly used Modified Kondner-Zelasko (MKZ) model, this paper uses a quadratic/hyperbolic (GQ/H) model that can capture the stress - strain response at large strains as well as small strain stiffness dependence. A total of six site profiles by downhole tests are used and 1D site response analyses are performed using three input motions with contrasting mean periods. The difference between non-corrected and corrected analyses is conditional on the site period as well as mean ground motion period. The effect of periods is analyzed by correlating them with the effective peak ground acceleration, maximum shear strains and amplification factors. The comparative study reveals that the difference is more prominent in soft sites with long site periods. Insignificant differences are observed when soil profiles are subjected to ground motion with very short mean period.