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1
Vane shear test (VST) and
dilatometer test (DMT)
Vane shear test (VST)
Introduction to VST
Interpretation
Results from VST
Flat dilatometer test (DMT)
Introduction to DMT
Devices and procedures
Calibration
Results from DMT
Interpretation of soil properties
ISSMGE Report: The Flat Dilatometer Test (DMT)
in Soil Investigations (Appendix)
CIVL576/Zhang
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References
GEO. 1987. Gouged 2-Guide to site investigation.
Geotechnical Engineering Office, Hong Kong SAR.
Mayne, P.W., Christopher, B.R., and DeJ ong, J . 2001.
Manual on Subsurface Investigations. National
Highway Institute Publication No. FHWA NHI-01-031,
Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC.
International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical
Engineering (ISSMGE), Technical Committee 16 on Ground
Property Characterisation from In-situ Testing (2001). The
Flat Dilatometer Test (DMT) in Soil Investigations.
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Introduction to VST
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Introduction to VST
The vane shear test (VST), or field vane (FV), is used to
evaluate the in-place undrained shear strength (s
uv
) of soft to
stiff clays & silts at regular depth intervals of 1 meter.
The test consists of inserting a four-bladed vane into the clay
and rotating the device about a vertical axis, per ASTM D 2573
guidelines.
Limit equilibrium analysis is used to relate the measured peak
torque to the calculated value of s
u
. Both the peak and remolded
strengths can be measured; their ratio is termed the sensitivity,
S
t
.
A selection of vanes is available in terms of size, shape, and
configuration, depending upon the consistency and strength
characteristics of the soil. The standard vane has a rectangular
geometry with a blade diameter D = 65 mm, height H = 130
mm (H/D =2), and blade thickness e = 2 mm.
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Selection of vane
shear blades,
pushing frames,
and torquemeter
devices
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Test procedure
ASTM D2573-01 Standard Test Method for Field Vane Shear Test in
Cohesive Soil
The test is best performed when the vane is pushed beneath the bottom
of an pre-drilled borehole. For a borehole of diameter B, the top of the
vane should pushed to a depth of insertion of at least d
f
= 4B.
Within 5 minutes after insertion, rotation should be made at a constant
rate of 6/minute (0.1/s) with measurements of torque taken frequently.
In very soft clays, a special protective housing that encases the vane is
also available where no borehole is required and the vane can be installed
by pushing the encasement to the desired test depth to deploy the vane.
An alternative approach is to push two side-by-side soundings (one with
the vane, the other with rods only). Then, the latter rod friction results
are subtracted from the former to obtain the vane readings. This alternate
should be discouraged as the rod friction readings are variable, depend
upon inclination and verticality of the rods, number of rotations, and thus
produce unreliable and questionable data.
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Pros and cons
ADVANTAGES of VST
Assessment of undrained
strength, s
uv
Simple test and equipment
Measure in-situ clay sensitivity
(S
t
)
Long history of use in practice
DISADVANTAGES of VST
Limited application to soft to
stiff clays with s
uv
< 200 kPa
Slow and time-consuming
Raw s
uv
needs (empirical)
correction
Can be affected by sand lenses
and seams
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Interpretation
Assume s
u
constant with radius and height
u u S
s
H D D
s DH T
2 2
2

= =
H
D
r
dr
T
T
S
T
B
T
T
8 3
2
2
3
2 /
0
D s
r s rdr T
u
u
D
B

= =

u B S
s
D
H D
T T T

= + =
3
1
2
2
3

+
=
3
1
2
3
D
H
D
T
s
u
2 /
7
6
3
=

= D H for
D
T
s
u
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The general expression for all types of vanes
including standard rectangular (Chandler, 1988), both
ends tapered (Geonor in Norway), bottom taper only
(Nilcon in Sweden), as well as rhomboidal shaped
vanes for any end angles is
where i
T
= angle of taper at top (with respect to
horizontal) and i
B
= angle of bottom taper.
For the commercial vanes in common use, the above
equation reduces to the following expressions for
vanes with blade heights that are twice their widths
(H/D = 2):
Rectangular (i
T
= 0 and i
B
= 0):
s
uv
= 0.273 T
max
/D
3
Nilcon (i
T
= 0 and i
B
= 45):
s
uv
= 0.265 T
max
/D
3
Geonor (i
T
= 45 and i
B
= 45):
s
uv
= 0.257 T
max
/D
3
( ) H i D i D D
T
s
B T
u
6 ) cos / ( ) cos / (
12
2
+ +
=
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Sensitivity
After the peak s
uv
is obtained, the vane is rotated quickly
through 10 complete revolutions and the remolded (or
"residual") value is recorded. The in-situ sensitivity of the
soil is defined by:
Sensitivity S
t
= s
u (peak)
/ s
u (remolded)
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Vane results
A representative set of shear strength profiles in San Francisco Bay Mud derived from vane
shear tests for the MUNI Metro Station Project. Peak strengths increase from s
uv
= 20 kPa
to 60 kPa with depth. The derived profile of sensitivity indicates 3 < St < 4.
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Vane correction factor
The mobilised shear strength for design
use is

mobilised
=
R
s
uv
where
R
= empirical correction factor
that has been related to plasticity index
PI and/or liquid limit (LI) based on back
calculation from failure case history
records of full-scale projects.
Chandler (1988) recommends:

R
= 1.05 - b (PI)
0.5
where b is a rate factor that depends
upon the time-to-failure (t
f
in minutes):
b = 0.015 + 0.0075 log t
f
For guidance, embankments on soft
ground are normally associated with t
f
on the order of 10
4
minutes because of
the time involved in construction using
large equipment.
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Vane shear test (VST) and
dilatometer test (DMT)
Vane shear test (VST)
Introduction to VST
Interpretation
Results from VST
Flat dilatometer test (DMT)
Introduction to DMT
Devices and procedures
Calibration
Results from DMT
Interpretation of soil properties
ISSMGE Report: The Flat Dilatometer Test (DMT)
in Soil Investigations (Appendix)
CIVL576/Zhang
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Introduction to DMT
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Flat plate dilatometer test (DMT)
The flat dilatometer test (DMT) uses pressure readings from an inserted plate
to obtain stratigraphy and estimates of at-rest lateral stresses, elastic
modulus, and shear strength of sands, silts, and clays.
The device consists of a tapered stainless steel blade with 18 wedge tip that
is pushed vertically into the ground at 200 mm depth intervals (or alternative
300-mm intervals) at a rate of 20 mm/s. The blade (approximately 240 mm
long, 95 mm wide, and 15 mm thick) is connected to a readout pressure
gauge at the ground surface via a special wire-tubing through drill rods or
cone rods. A 60-mm diameter flexible steel membrane located on one side of
the blade is inflated pneumatically to give two pressures: A-reading that is a
lift-off or contact pressure where the membrane becomes flush with the blade
face ( = 0); and B-reading that is an expansion pressure corresponding to
= 1.1 mm outward deflection at center of membrane.
A tiny spring-loaded pin at the membrane center detects the movement and
relays to a buzzer/galvanometer at the readout gauge. Normally, nitrogen gas
is used for the test because of the low moisture content, although carbon
dioxide or air can also be used. Reading A is obtained about 15 seconds
after insertion and B is taken within 15 to 30 seconds later. Upon reaching
B, the membrane is quickly deflated and the blade is pushed to the next
test depth. If the device cannot be pushed because of limited hydraulic
pressure (such as dense sands), then it can be driven in-place, but this is not
normally recommended.
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Soils than can be tested by DMT
Suitable for SANDS, SILTS, CLAY (grains small vs.
membrane D=60 mm). But can cross through GRAVEL
layers 0.5 m
Very robust, can penetrate soft rocks (safe push on blade
25 ton)
Clays : c
u
= 2- 4 KPa to c
u
= 10 bar (marls)
Moduli : 5 to 4000 bar (0.5 to 400 MPa)
Penetrates fast and easily in hard soils PROVIDED
sufficient pushing capacity (e.g. 20 ton trucks).
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ADVANTAGES OF DMT
Simple and robust
Repeatable & operator-
independent
Quick and economical
DISADVANTAGES OF DMT
Difficult to push in dense and
hard materials
Primarily relies on correlative
relationships
Need calibrations for local
geologies
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Standards and specifications
Standards
ASTM Subcommittee D 18.02.10 - Schmertmann, J .H., Chairman (1986).
"Suggested Method for Performing the Flat Dilatometer Test". ASTM
Geotechnical Testing J ournal, Vol. 9, No. 2, J une.
Eurocode 7 (1997). Geotechnical design - Part 3: Design assisted by field
testing, Section 9: Flat dilatometer test (DMT).
ASTM (2001). D6635 "Standard Test Method for Performing the Flat Plate
Dilatometer ". Approved Draft, 2001.
Manuals
Marchetti, S. & Crapps, D.K. (1981). "Flat Dilatometer Manual". Internal
Report of G.P.E.
Schmertmann, J .H. (1988). Rept. No. FHWA-PA-87-022+84-24 to
PennDOT, Office of Research and Special Studies, Harrisburg, PA, in 4
volumes.
US DOT - Briaud, J .L. & Miran, J . (1992). "The Flat Dilatometer Test".
Department of Transportation - Fed. Highway Administr., Washington,
D.C., Publ. No. FHWA-SA-91-044, 102 pp.
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Devices
Flat Plate Dilatometer Equipment: (a) Modern Dual-Element Gauge System;
(b) Early Single-Gauge Readout; (c) Computerized Data Acquisition Model.
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Seismic dilatometer Flat dilatometer
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Pushed by truck
Pushed by a drill rig
Driven by
a drill rig
Pushed from
a fixed platform
Driven by
SPT Tripod
Driven or pushed by
a static/dynamic
penetrometer
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CIVL576/Zhang
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A-reading, B-reading and C-reading
p
0
p
1
p
2
1.1 mm
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Dissipation tests
In CLAYS AND SILTS (not feasible
in sandy silt, sand and gravel)
Stop the blade at a given depth
Monitor the decay of the total
contact horizontal stress
h
with
time
Infer the coeff. of consolidation
/ permeability (c
h
, k
h
) from the
rate of decay of
h
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Dissipation tests (cont.)
Recommended Method
Timed sequence of A-readings (only A is taken, avoiding expansion to B. For
other methods see TC16 (2001)
Procedure
Stop the blade at a given depth and start a stopwatch (t = 0 when
pushing is stopped). Slowly inflate the membrane to take the A-
reading. Vent the blade soon after A. Record A-value and stopwatch
time at the instant of A-reading.
Continue to take additional A-readings e.g. by a factor 2 increase in
time (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 etc. minutes after stopping the blade).
Plot in the field a preliminary Alog t diagram (usually S-shaped).
Stop the dissipation when the Alog t curve has flattened sufficiently
to clearly identify the time at contraflexure point t
flex
(used for the
interpretation).
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Calibration
Two calibrations are taken before the sounding to obtain corrections for
the membrane stiffness in air. These corrected A and B pressures
are respectively notated as p
0
and p
1
with the original calculations given
by (Marchetti 1980):
p
o
= A + A
p
1
= B - B
where A and B are calibration factors for the membrane stiffness in
air. The A calibration is obtained by applying suction to the membrane
and B obtained by pressurizing the membrane in air (Note: both are
recorded as positive values).
In stiff soils, the above two equations will normally suffice for calculating
the contact pressure p
0
and expansion pressure p
1
. However, in soft
clays & silts, a more accurate correction procedure is given by
(Schmertmann 1986):
p
o
= 1.05(A + A - z
m
) - 0.05(B - B - z
m
)
p
1
= B - B - z
m
where z
m
= pressure gage offset (i.e., zero reading of gage). Normally
for a new gage, z
m
= 0.
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Definitions of A & B
A = external pressure which must be applied to the membrane in
free air to collapse it against its seating (i.e. A-position)
B = internal pressure which in free air lifts the membrane center
1.1 mm from its seating (i.e. B-position)
A & B are used to correct the A & B readings into p
0
& p
1
A & B must be measured before and after each sounding
The calibration is a good indicator of equipment condition and
expected quality of data
A large difference between before/after A & B values should
prompt a membrane change (usually apparent)
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Calibration of membrane
(A & B) - Layout of connections
Positions of the
membrane
(free, A and B)
B
A
free
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Determination of A & B
To obtain A
Apply vacuumby pulling back the syringe piston (vacuum
causes an inward deflection of the membrane similar to that
due to external soil pressure at the start of the test) -
buzzer becomes active.
Slowly release the piston and read A on the low-range
gage when buzzer stops.
Note this negative pressure as a positive A value, e.g. A
= 15 kPa for a vacuum of 15 kPa (the correction formula for
p
0
takes into account that a positive A is a vacuum).
To obtain B
Push slowly the piston into the syringe and read B on the
low-range gage when buzzer reactivates.
Repeat several times
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31
Acceptance values of A & B (Eurocode7, 1997)
Initial A, B (before inserting the blade) must be in the
ranges
A = 5 to 30 kPa
B = 5 to 80 kPa
If not, replace the membrane before testing.
Final A, B
The change of A or B at the end of the sounding must be
25 kPa
In not, test results must be discarded.
Typical values Of A, B
A = 15 kPa
B = 40 kPa
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Vane shear test (VST) and
dilatometer test (DMT)
Vane shear test (VST)
Introduction to VST
Interpretation
Results from VST
Flat dilatometer test (DMT)
Introduction to DMT
Devices and procedures
Calibration
Results from DMT
Interpretation of soil properties
ISSMGE Report: The Flat Dilatometer Test (DMT)
in Soil Investigations (Appendix)
CIVL576/Zhang
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Results from DMT
The two DMT readings (p
o
and p
1
) are utilized to provide
three indices that can provide information on the
stratigraphy, soil types, and the evaluation of soil
parameters:
Material Index: I
D
= (p
1
- p
o
)/(p
o
- u
o
)
Dilatometer Modulus: E
D
= 34.7(p
1
- p
o
)
Horizontal Stress Index: K
D
= (p
o
- u
o
)/
v0

where u
o
= hydrostatic pore-water pressure

v0
= effective vertical overburden stress.
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Example results from a DMT conducted in Piedmont residual soils, including the measured lift-off
(p
0
) and expansion (p
1
) pressures, material index (ID), dilatometer modulus (ED), and horizontal
stress index (KD) versus depth. The soils are fine sandy clays and sandy silts derived from the in-
place weathering of schistose and gneissic bedrock.
sg
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SHEAR WAVE
VELOCITY
Vs (m/s)
SHEAR WAVE
VELOCITY
Vs (m/s)
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CIVL576/Zhang
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Interpretation of soil properties
-soil classification
For soil behavioral classification, layers are interpreted as
clay when I
D
< 0.6,
silts within the range of 0.6 < I
D
< 1.8, and
sands when I
D
>1.8.
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Pre-consolidation stress in clays
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K
0
in soils
K
0
in clay
The original correlation for K
0
, relative to uncemented clays
(Marchetti 1980), is:
K
0
= (K
D
/1.5)0.47 - 0.6
K
0
in sand
Baldi et al. (1986) updated such K
0
-q
c
-K
D
chart (q
c
= CPT cone
resistance) by incorporating all subsequent calibration chamber
work. Moreover the chart was converted into simple algebraic
equations:
K
0
= 0.376 + 0.095 K
D
- 0.0017 q
c
/'
v0
(1)
K
0
= 0.376 + 0.095 K
D
- 0.0046 q
c
/'
v0
(2)
Eq. 1 was determined as the best fit of calibration chamber data,
obtained on artificial sand, while Eq. 2 was obtained by
modifying the last coefficient to predict "correctly" K
0
for the
natural river sand.
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41
Interpretation of soil properties
-Peak friction angle
Wedge plasticity solutions have
been developed for determining
of clean sands using DMT as
summarized by Marchetti
(1997), and these have been
calibrated with data from
different sand types as shown in
the rhs figure. Theoretical
curves are presented for the
active (K
A
case), at-rest (K
0
),
and passive earth pressure
conditions (K
P
case), with the
latter giving reasonable values
of compared with the
experimental data (Mayne
2001).
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Stiffness and deformation parameters
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44
Summary
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION BASIC DMT REDUCTION FORMULAE
p
0

Corrected First Reading p
0
=1.05 (A - Z
M
+A) - 0.05 (B - Z
M
- B)
p
1

Corrected Second Reading p
1
=B - Z
M
- B
Z
M
=Gage reading when vented to atm.
If A & B are measured with the same
gage used for current readings A & B,
set Z
M
=0 (Z
M
is compensated)
I
D

Material Index
I
D
=(p
1
- p
0
) / (p
0
- u
0
)
u
0
=pre-insertion pore pressure
K
D

Horizontal Stress Index K
D
=(p
0
- u
0
) / '
v0

'
v0
=pre-insertion overburden stress
E
D

Dilatometer Modulus
E
D
=34.7 (p
1
- p
0
)
E
D
is NOT a Young's modulus E. E
D

should be used only AFTER combining it
with K
D
(Stress History). First obtain
M
DMT
=R
M
E
D
, then e.g. E 0.8 M
DMT

K
0

Coeff. Earth Pressure in Situ
K
0,DMT
=(K
D
/ 1.5)
0.47
- 0.6
for I
D
<1.2
OCR
Overconsolidation Ratio
OCR
DMT
=(0.5 K
D
)
1.56

for I
D
<1.2
c
u

Undrained Shear Strength c
u,DMT
=0.22 '
v0
(0.5 K
D
)
1.25
for I
D
<1.2

Friction Angle
safe,DMT
=28 +14.6 log K
D
- 2.1 log
2
K
D
for I
D
>1.8
c
h

Coefficient of Consolidation c
h,DMTA
7 cm
2
/ t
flex
t
flex
from A-log t DMT-A decay curve
k
h

Coefficient of Permeability k
h
=c
h

w
/ M
h
(M
h
K
0
M
DMT
)

Unit Weight and Description
(see chart in Fig. 16)

M
DMT
=R
M
E
D

if I
D
0.6 R
M
=0.14 +2.36 log K
D

if I
D
3 R
M
=0.5 +2 log K
D

if 0.6 <I
D
<3 R
M
=R
M,0
+(2.5 - R
M,0
) log K
D

with R
M,0
=0.14 +0.15 (I
D
- 0.6)
if K
D
>10 R
M
=0.32 +2.18 log K
D

M
Vertical Drained Constrained
Modulus
if R
M
<0.85 set R
M
=0.85

u
0

Equilibrium Pore Pressure u
0
=p
2
=C - Z
M
+A
In free-draining soils