User manual

CPT Soil Classification Module

in program UNIPLOT
version 05.30.00
Fugro Engineers B.V.
September 2015

Page 1 of 67

CONTENTS

Page
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

SOIL LAYER DESCRIPTION IN UNIPLOT

2.1

SOIL LAYER PARAMETERS IN UNIPLOT

2.2

SOIL LAYER DESCRIPTION SCREEN

SOIL CLASSIFICATION MODULE

3.1

INTRODUCTION

3.2

THE SOIL CLASSIFICATION FORM

3.3

3.4

SOIL CLASSIFICATION METHODS

3.3.1
Start
3.3.2
Selection of classification method
3.3.3
Robertson (1990) method
3.3.4
Ramsey (2002) method
3.3.5
Robertson (1986) method
3.3.6
Robertson (1986) method with Density chart
3.3.7
Robertson (2009) method
3.3.8
Robertson (2010) method
3.3.9
Schneider (2008) method

10
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

THE GAMMA DETERMINATION METHOD

21

3.5

DERIVED DATA CALCULATIONS

3.5.1
Selection of the calculation parameters
3.5.2
Selection of the formula for the Relative Density calculation
3.5.3
Selection of the formula for the Shear Wave Velocity calculation
3.5.4
Selection of the formula for the Fines Content calculation
3.5.5
Drained / undrained behaviour
3.5.6
Indication of Fugro preferred calculation methods

22
23
23
23
24
25
26

3.6

DISPLAYING THE RESULTS IN THE GUI

3.6.1
Results of the various analysis methods
3.6.2
Selecting which Graphs to display
3.6.3
Changing Scales

26
26
27
28

3.7
3.8

CONVERSION U1

U2*, CALCULATION OF THE K-FACTOR

29

SOIL LAYERS
3.8.1
Defining layer boundaries
3.8.2
Soil layer properties

33
33
34

PRESENTING DERIVED DATA ON PAPER

35

4.1

INTRODUCTION

35

4.2

DERIVED DATA FROM PARAMETERS IN THE CPT FILE

35

4.3

4.4

DERIVED DATA CALCULATED BY THE CLASSIFICATION MODULE

4.3.1
Defining the analysis parameters
4.3.2
Window names for presenting Classification Module data
4.3.3
Plot commands for presenting u1 u2* converted data
4.3.4
Annotating the plate
DERIVED DATA PER LAYER

37
37
39
45
46
48

Page 2 of 67

4.4.1
4.4.2
5

New window names

Examples of plots per layer

48
49

SOIL CLASSIFICATION FORMULAE

54

5.1

BASIC PARAMETERS

54

5.2

CLASSIFICATION PARAMETERS

54

5.3

CLASSIFICATION METHODS

55

5.4

UNIT WEIGHT FORMULAE

55

5.5

DERIVED PARAMETERS
5.5.1
Soil behaviour Type Index (SBT)
5.5.2
Relative Density
5.5.3
Shear wave velocity
5.5.4
Fines Content
5.5.5
SPT N60
5.5.6
Constrained Modulus M and Volume Compressibility mv
5.5.7
Permeability

57
57
58
61
63
64
65
65

APPENDIX 1 FORMULAE AND REFERENCES

67

Page 3 of 67

INTRODUCTION

Starting from version 03.00.nl UNIPLOT contains a Classification Module that enables the user to
interactively determine the soil layer description. The description is saved in the soil layer description
block in the CPT data file.
The Classification Module plots the data from the selected CPT file(s) in a number of soil type
interpretation charts. These charts help the user in determining layer boundaries and in defining the
type of soil in the layer.
The classification charts are sometimes based on "normalised" data that depend on the vertical
stresses. For the calculation of these stresses it is very important to use a proper unit weight profile.
Therefore the program allows for several methods for assessing this profile.
Results of the classification can be presented in plots on paper and ASCII format (in tabular form).
The Classification Module allows for calculating a series of derived parameters, like Classification zone,
phi', Ic, SPT60, etc. These parameters may be calculated for different calculation methods.
In the Graphical User Interface (GUI) the user may choose the calculation methods from parameter
selection dialogues. When presenting data on paper the output (and calculation method) is defined by
the contents of a plot command file.

Up till version 05.23.00 UNIPLOT allowed for classification of the soil in four different classification
schemes: Robertson (1990), Nick Ramsey (2002), Robertson (1986) and Robertson (1986)+Density.
In version 05.24.00 two more methods were added: Robertson (2009) and Robertson (2010). These
methods are more or less updates of the 1990 and 1986 methods. The original methods are still
available for backwards compatibility.
In version 05.25 the Schneider 2008 method has been added.

The rest of this manual contains the following main sections:

Chapter 2 describes the soil description parameters.
Chapter 3 describes the soil Classification Module in which the user may analyse the CPT test, define
layers and other properties of the soil.
Chapter 4 describes the plot commands that allow presenting the soil layer parameters and the
interpretation graphs on paper or in ASCII files.
The formulae used in the various calculations are presented in Chapter 5 and 6.

Warning:
The possibility to define how the various derived parameters will be calculated makes the program very
versatile, but may also make it difficult to understand the differences between various versions of the
same derived parameter. Different calculation methods will produce different results. The user should
check very carefully whether the right calculation/interpretation method was selected.

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SOIL LAYER DESCRIPTION IN UNIPLOT

Once a CPT file is processed the data file contains a soil layer description block. This block allows the
user to define up to 50 soil layers each having its own properties like unit wet weight, K0-factor, Nkfactor etc.
The Classification Module was developed to assist the processor in determining the properties of the
various soil layers.

2.1

SOIL LAYER PARAMETERS IN UNIPLOT

The parameters that can assigned to a soil layer are:

Depth
Type
Behaviour
Description
Gamma
K0
Nk
Ns
K

: Top depth of the layer

: Sand / Silt / Clay / Peat / Gravel / Rock
: Drained / Undrained
: Soil layer description (max 180 characters)
: Wet Unit Weight of the layer
: K0 value for the layer
: Nk factor for the layer
: Ns factor for the layer
: K factor (for U1 piezo cones)

The Type parameter (Sand / Silt / Clay / Peat / Gravel) will be used during plotting of the soil profile to
indicate the soil type. The Behaviour parameter (Drained / Undrained) determines what type of derived
parameters can be calculated (i.e. Dr for drained and Cu for undrained).
Notes:
1) Uncoupling the behaviour from the soil description allows the user to enter exactly the description
needed, even a description in another language. This does not influence the plotting of the soil profile,
etc.
2) The "Type" parameter is the basis for the plotting of the soil profile.
3) The "Behaviour" parameter defines whether a layer should be seen as a drained or undrained
ground mass. This is not the same as the Soil Behaviour Type Index (Ic or Isbt) that can be calculated
for each data record.
4) Starting with UNIPLOT vs 05.12.03 the maximum number of soil layers is extended to 50.
5) Starting with UNIPLOT vs 05.22.00 the soil layer description is extended from 80 to 180 characters.
6) See also section 3.7 for the automatic calculation of the K-factor.

2.2

SOIL LAYER DESCRIPTION SCREEN

An overview of the soil layers defined in a CPT file can be seen in the Soil Layers Description dialogue
(Figure 1). Although this dialogue is a part of the "basic" UNIPLOT, not of the Classification Module, it is
shown here. One of the purposes of the Classification Module is to define the various soil layers and
their properties.

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Figure 1: Soil Layer Description Dialogue

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3
3.1

SOIL CLASSIFICATION MODULE

INTRODUCTION

The soil Classification Module in UNIPLOT is meant to help the user in defining soil layers in a CPT
profile and to derive soil layer properties, like Type, Behaviour and Description. Results of the
classification are saved in the CPT file and can be presented on a Plate.
Classification of CPT data is done by plotting (for each record in the data set) derived data on top of 2
"classification charts". Each chart shows coloured areas that indicate a specific soil type.
The user may search for depth ranges that plot their data in the same area on (one of the) charts and
subsequently define that area as a soil layer.
The first (and most important) chart is based on recorded cone resistance and friction ratio or
interpreted versions of these parameters. The second chart is generally based on (interpreted) cone
resistance and the calculated Bq value. This chart is seen as less important.
In time several types of classification charts have been developed, some of them as improvements of
already existing methods.
UNIPLOTs Classification Module allows the user to classify the CPT file(s) using various soil
interpretation methods, like Robertson (1990), Nick Ramsey (2002), Robertson (1986) , Robertson
(2009), Robertson (2010) and Schneider 2008. See section 3.3

Input to the Classification Module is a data array containing (per cm penetration) the Cone Resistance
qc, Friction fs, Pore pressure u2 or u1, Friction ratio Rf and Total Cone resistance qt. This dataset is
generated by the central part of UNIPLOT at the moment the Classification Module is started.
For some of the calculations the Classification Module may need data like AlphaFactor,
AlphaFactorSleeve, CPT-number (in case of WISON down hole data).
The Classification Module calculates for each record in the dataset the Normalised Cone Resistance
1
2
(nQc or Qt ), Normalised Friction Ratio (nRf or Fr ) and Bq value.
These results are shown as dots per data record in the selected soil interpretation charts. The
Robertson (1986) and Robertson (2010) charts do not use these normalised signals but the basic qc, Rf
and qt data. The Robertson (2009) method uses Qtn rather than Qt. See section 3.3.7.
The user may select groups of adjacent data points that classify in (nearly) the same area on the chart
and define that group to be a layer. Depending on the behaviour of that layer (drained/undrained, see
3.5.4) a number of derived parameters can be calculated and shown on the screen. These parameters,
i.e. Undrained Shear Strength (Cu) or Relative Density (Dr) may help in further classification of the
layer. Other parameters like Phi', OCR, Cv, Shear wave velocity, etc. can be calculated as well. See
also chapter 3.

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows the user to manipulate the position of the layers. The GUI
also allows for selecting the type of data to be presented.

The calculation of the nQc and nRf value of a data record requires knowledge of the vertical (effective)
pressure. This pressure depends on the Unit Weight of the soil above the selected record. UNIPLOT
presents several methods for calculating the Unit Weight. The calculation of the Unit Weight is often
dependent on the classification of the soil.
That means that selecting another unit weight calculation method may result in another vertical
(effective) pressure and hence another soil classification type.

1
2

This manual uses "nQc" as indication for the Normalised Cone Resistance. This may also be referenced by "Qt".
This manual uses "nRf" as indication for the Normalised Friction Ratio. This may also be referenced by "Fr".

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Note: This does not apply to the Robertson (1986) and (2010) methods. These methods do not use
normalised data for the classification. Hence the classification in the Robertson (1986 / 2010) charts
does not change when a different unit weight calculation formula is selected.

The Classification Module allows for comparing the results obtained by three different methods for the
Unit Weight calculation. Basic method, that is always presented, is the Unit Weight using the
parameters per layer as entered in the Soil Layer Description table (see also chapter 2).
The user may select up to two other methods for the Unit Weight calculation and use the results for
adjusting the unit weight in the Soil Layer Description table.
For each of these methods the series of derived parameters can be shown. These parameters can also
be presented on paper or in ASCII files. This is done by preparing a plot command file with the required
settings. See chapter 4.
Important:
The contents of a Report Ready Plot on paper (or a PlotAscii file) are determined by the contents
of the plot command file. There is NO relation with the settings in the GUI of the Classification
Module.

3.2 THE SOIL CLASSIFICATION FORM

The Classification Module will be started after selecting the menu item Classification of the Analyse
menu or by clicking the Classification button in the toolbar. (Figure 3)

Figure 3: Starting the Classification Module

This will show the classification form on the screen (Figure 4).
The form consists of 4 areas:

Data area. This area is located at the right hand side of the form.
It shows the measured data (Cone Resistance, Friction, Pore pressure and Friction Ratio) and a
number of derived signals. The measured data will always be shown; the user may select what derived
signals will be displayed (see section 3.6.2). At start-up these will be the classification of the CPTrecords in the Robertson (1990) nQc-nRf and nQc-Bq charts, the Wet Unit Weight (from the soil
description in the CPT file), Dr and Cu.
The setting of the Behaviour parameter in the CPT soil description determines whether the Dr or the Cu
will be plotted.

Classification charts area. This area is located at the left hand side of the form.
It shows the classification charts used for the CPT classification. The various classification regions are
show in different colors.
For the Robertson (1990) or Ramsey (2003) soil classification methods the top graph (chart 1) is the
nQc-nRf chart; the bottom graph (chart 2) is the nQc-Bq chart. For the Robertson (1986) method the
graph at the top is the qc-Rf chart, the bottom graph may be the qt-Bq or Density chart.
The Robertson (2009) chart is a modified version of the Robertson (1990) chart using Qtn rather than
Qt along the y-axes. Similar the Robertson (2010) chart is a modified version of Robertson (1986),
based on 9 zones rather than 12 and plotting the Rf on a logarithmic scale in stead of a linear scale.
The user may select what type of classification method will be used (see section 3.3.2).
For each record in the data set the corresponding data values are displayed as dots on the charts.

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Results area. The area in between the data graphs and the classification charts.
This area shows an overview of the results of the classification.
First of all a Soil Profile is displayed. The soil profile will be derived from the setting of the SoilType
parameter in the soil description (see also section 2.2). Initially the soil profile will be empty since no soil
layers are defined and no Soil Type is known.
Next to the Soil Profile a a series of vertical bars show results of the analysis:
The colored bars "Chart1" and "Chart 2" show in color the classification of the CPT according to the two
classification charts.
The Compare bar shows how well the 2 classifications compare to each other. If both methods result
into the same classification area the Compare graph shows a green line, if they differ only one
classification area the graph shows a yellow line, if they differ completely the graph shows a red line.
The Drained graph consists of 2 bars that show the behaviour type of the soil (drained/undrained). The
bar at the left shows the behaviour as entered by the user in the layer description (see section 2.2 and
3.5.4), the bar at the right the behaviour as derived from the classification area into which a data record
falls. The bars show yellow for drained, brown for undrained and grey for unknown behaviour.

Table area. The area at the bottom of the form shows a table with all measured and derived data for the
presently selected data record.

Figure 4: Classification form at start-up for not yet interpreted data.

The user may scroll though the graphs in the data area. Derived data of the selected record will be
shown in all GUI areas.

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3.3

SOIL CLASSIFICATION METHODS

3.3.1

Start

Upon starting the Classification Module UNIPLOT performs a series of calculations before showing the
classification form on the screen.
UNIPLOT checks whether the currently selected CPT files originate from the same location (down hole,
WISON tests). In that case the data of the selected CPT files need to be combined to one data set.
Therefore the program checks whether the depth ranges of the selected files overlap. If they overlap
the files will be processed by the Classification Module one by one. The program assumes the CPTs
are land" or "Wheel drive" CPTs. Each CPT will get its own soil profile.
If they do not overlap the program assumes the files are a series of WISON tests, all belonging to the
same location (borehole). The whole group of CPTs will get the same soil profile.
Hereafter UNIPLOT converts the measured data to interpolated data per 1 cm penetration. The
program corrects for the depth offset between the various transducers in the cone string.
For illustration: The calculations are the same as will be performed after selecting in the Main Form:
Files -> ASCII File of CPT Contents -> ASCII File of Measured Signals -> Fixed 1.0 cm
The program calculates for each record in the dataset the values for qc, fr, PorePressure, Rf and qt. If
both a Pore 1 and a Pore 2 signal are present, the program will use Pore 2 in the calculations. If no
Pore signal is present the qt data will be the same as the qc data.
For WISON tests it may be that for certain depth ranges no data were measured. In that case UNIPLOT
will use interpolated data between the last record of the CPT file above and the first record of the CPT
file below the empty depth range. The user may select whether these data will be displayed on the
screen.
Notes:

1) In case of WISON data it is not possible to use the file selection arrow buttons in
the toolbar to change the displayed file, since the data of all files are handled as one
dataset.
2) The user may define the first record of the CPT to be used for the classification in
the Manual Processing Form:

This record does not need to be the same as the start record of the CPT, but may be
a record from a later moment. This may help in removing the initial part of a WISON
test where the cone resistance is still building up.
UNIPLOT will use the data of these 5 basic signals to derive the normalised cone resistance,
normalised friction ratio and Bq data as needed for some of the classification charts. For calculating
these signals the program needs to know the (effective) vertical pressure at each record in the data set.
This pressure depends on the unit weight of the soil above. The unit weight is unknown and depends
on the soil classification. This circular relation makes it difficult to automatically determine the soil
classification.

Initially UNIPLOT takes the average wet unit weight as defined in the Test Description Screen of the
program. If no value was entered the program assumes an average wet unit weight of 18.0 kN/m3. The
soil is considered to be one single layer. Default interpretation method is Robertson (1990).

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Based upon these settings the program calculates nQc, nRf and Bq (see 5.1) and plots the
classification results with black lines or dots on the classification form.
Notes:

When using the Robertson (1986) or Robertson (2010) method the classification
does not depend on the normalised data. The selected unit weight derivation method
has no influence on the classification.
Data presented in black lines or dots on the form are the results of calculations based
upon the layer description in the CPT data file.

Now it is possible to change the interpretation method or to use other algorithms to assess the wet unit
weight.

3.3.2

Selection of classification method

Default classification method is Robertson (1990). Besides this method other classification methods are
available: Ramsey(2002), Robertson (1986), Robertson (2009) and Robertson (2010). It is possible to
select for the 2nd (lower) chart the Schneider 2008 classification method.
The user may change the interpretation method by selecting:
Methods -> Classification Method -> .. (Figure 5)

Figure 5: Selection of the classification method

Changing the classification method results in a recalculation of the classification data.
The next chapters show the various ways these methods classify the same CPT.

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3.3.3

Robertson (1990) method

The default classification method for UNIPLOT is Robertson (1990).

This method classifies the data using nQc-nRf and nQc-Bq charts.
The nQc scale of these charts has been extended to 10000 (instead of 1000) to accommodate for some
land CPT tests in which the nQc sometimes may become rather high (see Figure 4)
Figure 6a shows the classification screen for this method.

Figure 6a: Robertson (1990) method.

The zone description for Robertson (1990) is:

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3.3.4

Ramsey (2002) method

The Ramsey (2002) method uses charts that reference the same axis-types as the Robertson (1990)
method (nQc-nRf and nQc-Bq charts).
However the division in soil types and corresponding description is different.
The method was developed by Fugro for dense North sea sands.
The classification module screen for the Ramsey (2002) method is shown in Figure 6b.

Figure 6b: Ramsey (2002) method.

Ramsey uses the following zone description:

Note:

The scales of the interpretation charts differ for the Robertson (1990) and Ramsey
(2002) method. The nQc scale runs from 1 to 10000 for Robertson (1990) and from 1
to 6000 for Ramsey (2002). The Bq scale runs from 0.2 to 1.4 for Robertson (1990)
and from 0.6 to 1.4 for Ramsey.

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3.3.5

Robertson (1986) method

The Robertson (1986) method is based on the recorded cone resistance and friction ratio.
Unlike the two methods described above the Robertson (1986) classification is not based upon
normalised data. The recorded (non-normalised) CPT data is analysed using qc-Rf and qt-Bq charts.
The classification charts define 12 classification zones.
The qc-Rf chart plots the cone resistance along the y-axis (logarithmic scale) and the friction ratio along
the x-axis (linear scale). The qt-Bq chart plots the cone resistance along the y-axis (logarithmic scale)
and the Bq along the x-axis (linear scale).
Figure 6c shows the classification module screen for this method.

Figure 6c: Robertson (1986) method.

The description for the 12 zones is:

Classification according to the Robertson (1986) method does not depend on the selection of the
gamma determination method. For all gamma determination methods as described in chapter 4 the
Robertson (1986) classification will give the same results.

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3.3.6

Robertson (1986) method with Density chart

The fourth classification method uses the qc-Rf relation of Robertson (1986) and a Density chart as
used by FCGmbH in some Geodin plates.
The Density chart is also based on the qc-Rf relation:

Figure 6d the Classification Module for Robertson (1986) with Density chart.

The density description is:

Generally this method will not often be used. It may give extra information on the properties of the sand
(density) or clay (stiffness).
The method is added for ease of interfacing the data to Geodin.

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3.3.7

Robertson (2009) method

This is a modified version of Robertson (1990), also using a chart with 9 zones and based on
normalised data.
The method plots Qtn rather than Qt along the vertical axis of the classification chart.
Where:
Qtn
nFac
Ic
Pa

=
=
=
=

((qt - sigmaV0) / Pa) * (Pa / sigmaV0_Eff) ^ nFac

0.381 * Ic + 0.05 * (sigmaV0_Eff / Pa) - 0.15
<= 1.0
Sqr((3.47 - log10(Qtn)) ^ 2 + (log10(nRf) + 1.22) ^ 2)
100.0 [kPa]

This calculation requires an iterative approach.

As the above equations show: Qtn is a function of nFac, nFac is a function of Ic, Ic is a function of Qtn.
The charts are the same as the Robertson (1990) charts. However, the Qtn scale ranges to 1000 rather
than 10000.

Figure 6e the Classification Module for Robertson (2009)

The zone description for Robertson (2009) is:

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3.3.8

Robertson (2010) method

The Robertson (2010) method is a modified version of the Robertson (1986) method.
The method is also based on non-normalised cone resistance (qc) and friction ratio (Rf).
The number of zones is reduced from 12 to 9.
The x-axis (Rf) is now also a logarithmic axis, allowing for a more blown up presentation for low Rf
values.
This is more in line with the 1990 and 2009 methods.

Figure 6f the Classification Module for Robertson (2010)

The zone description for Robertson (2010) is the same as for the 2009 method:

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3.3.9

Schneider (2008) method

The Schneider (2008) method is based on a relation between normalised cone resistance and the
excess pore pressure. See: Schneider 2008 - Analysis of Factors Influencing Soil Classification Using
Normalized Piezocone Tip Resistance and Pore Pressure Parameters.
Unlike the Robertson and Ramsey classification methods there is no chart based on a relation between
the recorded cone resistance and friction (as is normally shown in the top most chart).
The Schneider method can be selected in the lower chart of the classification module GUI. For the
upper chart the Qt-Fr chart of Robertson 2009 or Ramsey 2002 can be selected. See fig 5.

Figure 6g the Classification Module for Ramsey (2002) with Schneider (2008).
The description of the zones is:

Note: the upmost chart needs to be a Robertson or Ramsey chart, showing a classification based on
the (normalised) cone resistance and (normalised) friction. The classification from this chart may
determine for some of the derived parameters (like the unit weight, see 3.4) the way they are
calculated.

The colors of the Schneider 2008 zones have been chosen different from the Robertson colors since
there is no real relation between the zones for these methods.

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The Schneider 2008 method uses 3 classification charts, all based on the normalised cone resistance
Qt and the excess pore pressure u2 (= u2-u0). The 3 classification charts are essentially the same, they
only differ in the way the data is presented along the x-axis. This can either be as: log(u2/'v0) or
u2/'v0 or Bq = u2 / qn
In all three case the y-axis presents the normalised cone resistance Qt:

The relation between the x-axis parameters u2/'v0 and Bq can be written as:

Note:
UNIPLOT uses in the determination of the classification zone the Bq data, not the excess pore pressure
u2.
In the Classification Module the Bq value is always known (for piezo probes). The value can be based
on the recorded u2, u1 or the calculated u2* (see section 3.7 about the conversion of a recorded u1 to a
calculated u2*).
By doing so the Schneider classification zones can be calculated irrespective whether a u2 or u1 signal
was recorded.

The user may select which of the 3 Schneider charts to display through a combo box above the
Schneider chart:

What will result in the classification shown like:

Note: in all three charts data from the same CPT test were plotted.

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Schneider advices when to select a specific chart:

Chart
Soil type
log(Qt) - log(u2/'v0)
clays, clayey silts, silts, sandy silts, and sands with no negative
penetration pore pressures;
log(Qt) - u2/'v0
sands and transitional soils with small negative excess
penetration pore pressures; and _3_ clay soils with large negative
log(Qt) - Bq
clay soils with large negative excess penetration pore pressures

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3.4

THE GAMMA DETERMINATION METHOD

Most of the classification methods described above depend on a unit weight profile for the soil in which
the CPT is performed. UNIPLOT presents several calculation methods to help the user in the
assessment of the wet unit weight. Results of these methods will be shown on the screen in red or
green colors, together with the results from the calculations based upon the layer description
parameters in the CPT file (in black).
The user may select the unit weight calculation method from: Methods -> calculation Methods. (Fig. 7)

Figure 7: Selection of the calculation method(s).

This opens a selection dialog in which the user may define what method(s) to use for the Unit Weight
assessment (see figure 8). In this dialog the processor may also decide what formulae to use for the
calculation of some derived quantities.

Figure 8: Selection of the Unit Weight calculation method and formulae for some derived signals.
The dialog allows the user to set up 3 different methods for the unit weight calculation. The first method
is fixed. This method uses the soil description as listed in the CPT file. Results of this method are
printed in black in the various graphs.
The other two methods may be set up by the user. They allow for selecting the analysis algorithm and
how the algorithm will use some required parameters. The results obtained from these methods are
shown in red and green curves.

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The algorithms are:

Gamma derivation method

Description

None

No algorithm selected. No data will be presented.

Layer Description CPT file

Use the gamma value(s) as entered in the soil layer description of

the CPT file

Powel 1990

Use gamma values based upon the classification number in the

interpretation chart

Mayne 2002 Automatic

Derive gamma from shear wave velocity using both the sand and
clay equation. Let program decide which result is the most
appropriate

Mayne 2002 Sand Model

Derive gamma from shear wave velocity using the sand equation

Mayne 2002 Clay Model

Derive gamma from shear wave velocity using the clay equation

Kolk 1999

Gamma for sand based upon Dr and grain size

Gamma for clay based upon Qc value.

Mayne 2010

Derive the wet unit weight as a function of w, v0 and fs.

The formulae for the various calculations are given in Chapters 5 and 6.
Figure 9 shows how to select the algorithms presently available in UNIPLOT.

Figure 9: Selecting the Gamma determination method.

3.5

DERIVED DATA CALCULATIONS

The Classification Module allows for the calculation of a series of derived data, like Relative Density,
phi', Gmax, etc.
In some cases the results depend on a previously made selection of calculation parameters. This may
be the unit weight (see above), but also parameters like K0, Nk, etc.
For some of the derived data items the program offers the possibility to calculate the results using
different formulae.
This all results in a wide variety of possible ways the (derived) data can be calculated. The
Classification Module allows for the presentation of up to 3 different combinations of user defined
parameter selections on the screen.

Page 22 of 67

3.5.1

Selection of the calculation parameters

Some of the derived signals in UNIPLOT depend on the value of the K0, Nk or Ns factor. UNIPLOT
allows the user to select what value to use. This may be either: The value in the soil layer description,
the value calculated per data record (K0 only) or a fixed value for the whole data set. Figure 10a shows
the selection of the K0 value.

Figure 10a: Selecting the K0 value to be used in the calculation of the derived signals.
In a similar way the Nk and Ns can be changed.

3.5.2

Selection of the formula for the Relative Density calculation

UNIPLOT allows for 4 methods for calculating the Relative Density:

Jamiolkowski et al. (1998) (Baldi method)
Jamiolkowski et al. (2003) for dry sands
Jamiolkowski et al. (2003) for saturated sands
Emerson et al. (2008)
The calculation method for the Relative Density can be selected from:

Figure 10b: Selecting the calculation method for the Relative Density
The formulae for these methods are given in section 5.5.2.
The advised method in UNIPLOT is Jamiolkowski et al. (2003) for saturated sands

3.5.3

Selection of the formula for the Shear Wave Velocity calculation

Starting with version 05.23.00 the program presents 2 extra methods for calculating the shear wave
velocity. Apart from the already existing:
Mayne and Rix (1995) / Baldi (1989)

Page 23 of 67

it is now also possible to use:

Hegazy and Mayne (2006)
Robertson and Cabal (2010)

Figure 10c: Selecting the calculation method for the Shear Wave Velocity
See also 5.5.3.

3.5.4

Selection of the formula for the Fines Content calculation

Starting with version 05.25.03 the program allows for 2 methods for assessing the Fines Content from
the CPT data. These are:
Idriss And Boulanger (2008)
Robertson and Wride 1998
The method to use can be selected from:

Figure 10e: Selecting the calculation method for the Fines Content.
See also Section 5.5.4

Page 24 of 67

3.5.5

Drained / undrained behaviour

Many formulae for derived signals are split up in 2 versions: one version for data records that are typed
as "drained" and another version for data records that are typed as "undrained". Some derived signals
will only be calculated for a drained or undrained behaviour type, not for both.
(Example: Dr will only be calculated for drained records, cu only for undrained records).
An important factor in the way the behaviour type of a record will be determined is the unit weight
(gamma) determination method (see also section 3.3.7). If the gamma is taken from the Layer
Description in the CPT file the behaviour type (Drained/Undrained/Unknown) of a layer will determine
how all data records belonging to this layer will behave:

Figure 10e: defining drained / undrained behaviour of a layer

For other gamma determination methods the behaviour depends on the zone in which the data record
is classified or the behaviour is fixed (either drained or undrained).
The table below summarizes how the behaviour type will be determined:
Gamma determination method

Behaviour type

Layer Description CPT file

"Behaviour" property of the soil layer

Mayne 2002 Sand

Fixed: Drained

Mayne 2002 Clay

Fixed: Undrained

Mayne 2002 Automatic

Calculate the classification zones (in the 2 classification

charts) for both the drained and undrained method. Check
for these zones whether the zone behaviour type (see the
list below) corresponds best with the method used.

Other methods

Depending on the classification zone:

Robertson
Undrained: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9,10
1990/2009/2010
Drained : 5, 6, 7, 8
Robertson 1986
Undrained: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11
Drained : 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
Ramsey 2002
Undrained: 1, 2, 3, 4
Drained : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

This differs from the way the selection is made for the Dr and cu calculations made in the basic
UNIPLOT (without using the Classification Module). See also section 4.2 note 1.

Page 25 of 67

3.5.6

Indication of Fugro preferred calculation methods

The bottom of the dialog shows a series of warnings/remarks about the possible selections. If the user
made a selection that conflicts with the Fugro preferred settings a remark an
icon will be displayed
besides the item concerned:

Figure 10f: Warnings after selection of non-standard less favourable parameter settings

3.6

DISPLAYING THE RESULTS IN THE GUI

3.6.1

Results of the various analysis methods

Basic selection of an analysis method is the Gamma determination method (see section 3.4).
Besides this selection the user may also choose what parameters/formula to use in the calculation of
some of the derived parameters.
The user may select up to 3 combinations of gamma determination and parameter selection.
The data calculated using these various analysis methods will be displayed in different colors (black,
red and green) in the Data area. This allows for easy comparing of the results.

The user may select for which analysis method the classification data will be plotted in the classification
charts and results area. Figure 11 shows the selection. In this example the data in the classification
charts and in the results area are from the 2nd analysis set. The data are presented in red. See also the
descriptive text in the status bar at the bottom of the form (Figure 11b).

Page 26 of 67

Figure 11a: Selection which analysis method will be presented in the classification charts

FiFigur
e 11b: Presentation of results for a specific analysis method.

3.6.2

Selecting which Graphs to display

At start up of the Classification Module UNIPLOT shows 7 graphs displaying:

- Cone Resistance and Friction, qc and fs (fixed)
- Pore Pressure and Friction Ratio, pore 1 or 2 and Rf (fixed)
- Classification zones Qt-Fr classification (chart 1)
- Classification zones Qt-Bq classification (chart 2)
- Unit wet weight,
- Relative Density, Dr
- Undrained shear strength, cu
The first 2 graphs are fixed. The user may select up to 6 graphs with other derived parameters to be
shown. Clicking the ShowResults
Select Graphs menu results in displaying the Graph Selection
dialog (Figure 12).
This dialog allows the user to select up to 6 graphs from:
- Classification zones Qt-Fr classification (chart 1)
- Classification zones Qt-Bq classification (chart 2)

Page 27 of 67

- Unit wet weight,

- Relative Density, Dr
- Undrained shear strength, cu
- Vertical pressure and vertical effective pressure, v0 and v0
- Friction angle, '
- K0 value, K0
- Over Consolidation Ratio, OCR
- Constrained Modulus, M
- Shear Modulus, Gmax
- Void Ratio, e0
- Coeff. of vertical consolidation, cv
- Nk value, Nk
- Shear wave velocity
- Shear strength ratio
- Sensitivity
- Cu_remoulded
- Soil behaviour type index, Ic_rw
- K_active and K_passive
- SPT N60
- Fines
- Normalised Cone Resistance, nQc (also called Qt or Qtn)
- Normalised Friction Ratio, nRf
(also called Fr)
- K-factor
(only when the u1 u2* conversion is allowed and an u1 signal is present)
- Pore 2 derv.
(idem)
The arrow buttons allow for selecting/deselecting or moving a selected item up- or downwards in the
list.

Figure 12: Graph Selection

See section 6 for a summary of the formulae for the various derived signals.

3.6.3

Changing Scales

For each new CPT (or group of WISONs) to be processed the Classification Module will start with the
default setting of the scales.
The user may adjust the scales of the graphs from the ShowResults -> Change Scales menu.
This will display the Scales dialog (Figure 13).

Page 28 of 67

Figure 13: Change Plot Scales

The new scales will take effect after clicking the OK-button. Adjusted scales may be saved on your PC
by clicking the Save-button. They can be retrieved in the next run using the Get-button. The default
scales may be recalled from the Reset-button.

3.7

CONVERSION U1

U2*, CALCULATION OF THE K-FACTOR

Data interpretation routines are often based on measured u2 data (the Pore 2 channel in the CPT files).
Whenever u1 data (Pore 1) are measured these data are related to u2 by means of the K-factor:

The K-factor is often given in tabular form as a function of the Soil behaviour type. The factor is defined
per layer and can be entered by means of the Soil Layer Description form (Figure 1).
Starting with version 05.11 UNIPLOT allows for an analytical determination of the K-factor and a
subsequent conversion of the measured u1 to a derived u2*.
The derived u2* signal will be used in all calculations of derived Classification Module parameters.

Page 29 of 67

The formula used for the K-factor calculation (Peuchen et al, 2010) is:

The K-factor needs to be determined in an iteration loop, since the factor is a function of Fr and Qt,
which are functions of the derived pore pressure u2* which is a function of the K-factor.
The K-factor will be calculated for each data record in the data set. Subsequently the u2* will be
calculated. This pore pressure and the Fr and Qt values obtained at the end of the iteration loop will be
used throughout the rest of the calculations of the Classification Module. All derived parameters that are
a function of the pore pressure will be based upon the u2*.
The automatic u1 u2* conversion is still experimental and will not be used (yet) by all other Fugro
OPCOs. The user may select whether or not to use this conversion method.
In order to be able to use this feature an extra text line should be added to the program configuration
file UNIPLOT.CFG. (This file is located in the same folder as the executable).
U1ToU2Conversion

: <mode>

! convert a measured u1 to a derived u2*

Where <mode> may be:

0 : do not automatically convert, but allow the user to select the conversion at run time
1 : automatically convert, but allow the user to switch the conversion off during run time.

The presence of a line with the keyword U1ToU2Conversion sets the program in a mode in which
the u2* can be calculated. If this line is missing the u1 u2* conversion cannot be used. This will be the
case for most other Fugro OPCOs.
The <mode> parameter determines whether by default the conversion is switched on (1) or off (0).
At run time the user may overrule this setting through the Preferences dialog:

Figure 12: Selecting at run time of the u1 u2* conversion mode.

The Graph selection dialog allows for selecting whether to display the K-fact and u2* data in the
Classification Module (see also section 3.6.2):

Page 30 of 67

Figure 13: Selection to present the K-factor and u2* data in the graphs.
With the conversion switched on it is possible to present the calculated K-factor and u2* in the GUI:

Figure 14a: Classification Module when u1 u2* conversion is switched on.

The table at the bottom of the screen shows the calculated values for K-fact and u2*. Since the u2* is
now used as input signal for the classification the table will also show values for qt* and qn* (column 14
and 15). The Qt, Fr and Bq values (columns 19, 20 and 21) are based on the derived u2*. The same
applies for all other derived signals, for so far they depend on a pore pressure.
Note: the original values of qt and qn, calculated using the u1 signal, are shown as well (column 6 and
7).
If the u1 u2* conversion is switched off the program will not calculate an u2*. So all results displayed
in the GUI are based upon the measured u1. Consequently the K-fact and u2* graphs cannot be made.
Neither will there any data be presented for the qt* and qn*:

Page 31 of 67

Figure 14b: Classification Module when u1 u2* conversion is switched off.

In case the keyword U1ToU2Conversion text line is not present in UNIPLOT.CFG the table at the
bottom of the GUI will not contain any reference to u2* or one of its derived signals. This is the standard
setting for UNIPLOT runs up to now.

Figure 14c: Data table in the Classification Module when the u1 u2* conversion is not initialized in
UNIPLOT.CFG.

Example:
The example below explains how UNIPLOT handles the various pore pressure types. It shows the
st
(modified) data of 4 WISON files. These files were adjusted in such a way that the 1 file (0-2.5m) does
nd
rd
not contain a pore channel (in fact a situation often encountered with onshore CPT files), the 2 and 3
th
file are modified to have an u1 channel, while the 4 CPT (8.5-11.5m) contains an u2 channel.
st

The u2* and K-factor graphs do not show data for the 1 CPT.
nd
rd
For the 2 and 3 CPT the K-factor is calculated. The u2* graph shows both the u2* and the original u1
signal (thin line).
th
The 4 CPT contains already an u2 signal, so no K-factor and u2* are calculated. The pore pressure
summary graph show the u2 measured as a dashed line.

Page 32 of 67

Fig 14d: Example: u1

channels.

u2* conversion 4 WISON tests with different type of Pore pressure

3.8

SOIL LAYERS

3.8.1

Defining layer boundaries

Soil layer boundaries can be graphically defined in the data area:

Move the cursor to the depth where a new layer should start. Note the readings in the table and the
moving cross-hairs in the interpretation charts.

Click with the right hand side mouse button. This will display a context menu allowing you to modify the
layer properties (Figure 15).
Menu items are:
Select Layer
Select the layer underneath the current position of the cursor.
The presently selected layer is covered by a grey shaded area.
Note, there is always one layer. If no layers had been defined by the user, the first layer covers the
whole CPT depth.
Insert Layer Boundary
Split the presently selected layer into two layers. The new layer boundary coincides with the current
position of the cursor.
Delete layer
Delete the layer underneath the cursor.
Start of Layer
Set the top of the presently selected layer to the depth of the cursor.
End of layer
Set the bottom of the presently selected layer to the depth of the cursor.
Layer properties
This will open a layer properties dialog. The dialog enables the user to define the Type and Behaviour
of the layer and fill in a Soil Layer Description. See section 3.8.2.
Not all items will be enabled. This depends for example on the position of the cursor relative to the
selected layer. For instance: If the cursor position is shallower than the presently selected layer it is not
possible to set the current position as end depth of the selected layer.

Page 33 of 67

Figure 15: Context menu after right button click

A similar menu list is available under the Layers item of the main menu.

3.8.2

Soil layer properties

The soil layer properties dialog allows the user to define the soil parameters of the presently selected
layer (Figure 16). The dialog can be opened by clicking Layer Properties in the data area context menu
or the Layers menu item in the main menu.
To help the user in determining the soil type an histogram is displayed of the zones (bins) into which
the records of the selected layer were classified. The item with the highest frequency is highlighted
green; the second best item is highlighted yellow.
The Copy to Description button copies the description of the green item to the soil layer description. It
also derives the Behaviour and SoilType setting.
The user may override these settings using the list boxes that appear when clicking on the SoilType or
Behaviour descriptions.
A second histogram shows the Relative Density or the Undrained Shear Strength classification. The
setting of the Behaviour parameter determines what type of histogram will be displayed (Drained Dr or
Undrained Cu):

Figure 16: Layer properties dialog

The arrow buttons besides the OK button allow for scrolling through the various layers.

Page 34 of 67

4 PRESENTING DERIVED DATA ON PAPER

4.1

INTRODUCTION
UNIPLOT allows for presenting the derived data on report ready plates. Like all other plots made by
UNIPLOT: the contents of the plates is defined by window_names in a plot command file.
Important:
There is no relationship between a selection made in the GUI of the Soil Classification Module
(chapter 3) and the presentation of the data on report ready plates.
Part of these derived data can also be derived without calling the Classification Module. The commands
for presentation of this type of data are described in section 4.2.
Plotting the derived signals from the Classification Module is described in section 4.3.
Section 4.4 lists the plot commands that enable plotting the classification data per soil layer.

4.2

DERIVED DATA FROM PARAMETERS IN THE CPT FILE

UNIPLOT uses the following window_names for plotting soil parameters that can directly be derived
from the soil layer description in the CPT file, without the need to call the Classification Module.
Parameter Type

Window name
qt

Description / Calculation
Corrected cone resistance (also called
total cone resistance)

Units

qt
qn

qnet

qn = qt-vo = net cone resistance.

MPa

qe

qe

effective cone resistance, qe = (qt u2)

MPa

Bq

bq

pore pressure ratio

Gamma value
(user input)

wetunitweight

Gamma = value entered by user in soil layer

description

kN/m3

v0

sigmavertical

From gamma value in soil layer description

kPa

sigmavertical_effective

From gamma value in soil layer description

and average water density

kPa

K0 value
(user input)

K0

K0

= value entered by user

(in soil layer description)

Nk value
(user input)

nk

Nk

= value entered by user

(in soil layer description)

Qt (or nQc)

norm_cone

Normalised cone resistance

Qt
= (qt v0 ) / v0

Fr (or nRf)

norm_fric_ratio

Normalised friction ratio

Fr
= 100 * fs / (qt v0 )

Relative density
(Jamiolkowski
2003)

rel_density_k0

The formula contains:

sigm = sigv0' * ( 1.0 + 2.0 * Ko ) / 3.0
Ko = defined in the commandfile,
by command: K0_fac <value>

Notes

MPa

vertical pressure

'v0
vertical effective
pressure

1,3)

Page 35 of 67

Relative density
(Jamiolkowski
2003)

rel_density_k0_layer

As above, but K0 is taken from the soil

parameter list in the CPT file and may vary per
layer

1,3)

undrained shear
strength cu

cu

cu
Nk

= qn*1000./Nk
= defined in the commandfile,
by command: nk_fac <value>

kPa

1,2)

undrained shear
strength cu

cu_nk_layer

kPa

1,2)

undrained shear
strength ratio Cur

cu_ratio

As above, but Nk is taken from the soil

parameter list in the CPT file and may vary per
layer
Cur = cu/ 'v0
Nk = defined in the commandfile,
by command: nk_fac <value>

1,2)

undrained shear
strength ratio Cur

cu_ratio_nk_layer

1,2)

undrained shear
strength cu
derived from qc

cuqc

As above, but Nk is taken from the soil

parameter list in the CPT file and may vary per
layer
cu
= (qc- 'v0)*1000./Nk
Nk = defined in the commandfile,
by command: nk_fac <value>

kPa

1)

undrained shear
strength cu
derived from qc

cuqc_nk_layer

As above, but Nk is taken from the soil

parameter list in the CPT file and may vary per
layer

kPa

1)

undrained shear
strength ratio cur
derived from qc

cuqc_ratio

Cur
Nk

1)

undrained shear
strength ratio cur
derived from qc

cuqc_ratio_nk_layer

As above, but Nk is taken from the soil

parameter list in the CPT file and may vary per
layer

1)

M-modulus clay

m_clay

=200 * qc / nk_fac

MPa

1)

M-modulus sand

m_sand

= 4.0 * qc
(qc < 10.0)
= 2.0*qc+20.0 (10.0 < qc < 50)
= 120.0
( qc > 50)

MPa

1)

M-modulus clay
Seneset formula

m_clay_seneset

M
= alpha * qn
alpha = taken from command file
from command: real_value <..>

= cu/ 'v0
= defined in the commandfile,
by command: nk_fac <value>

MPa

Notes:
1) The user may select whether the data will be plotted for all data records of the CPT test or only for
records from layers that classify as drained (Dr, M-sand) or undrained (Cu, Cu_ratio, M-clay).
This is determined by the command: integer_value <mode>.
Mode = 0 : plot depending on the layer behaviour type
1 : plot for all data records.
2 : same functionality as mode = 0
Default value is 0
2) If UNIPLOT.CFG contains the line with the keyword U1ToU2Conversion (see section 3.7) no output
will be generated for CPT files containing a Pore 1 channel. In this case use a Classification Module
window_name, that generates the output using the derived u2* data (see section 4.3.2).

Page 36 of 67

3) The Relative Density is calculated according to the Jamiolkowski 2003 formulae. By default the
formula for wet sands will be used. The version for dry sands can be selected by adding the command
"method dry" to the commands for the relative density plot window:
select_window 13
window_name rel_density_k0
method dry
integer_value 0
k0_fac 0.5
...

!
!
!
!
!

window no
Dr using Jamiolkowski 2003
use the "dry" method
plot only if layer description = NON cohesive
calculate Dr with k0 = 0.5

This differs from the way the selection 'dry -- wet" is made for the relative density calculation
through the Classification Module, see section 4.3.2 note 3.

4.3

DERIVED DATA CALCULATED BY THE CLASSIFICATION MODULE

Plotting data calculated by the Classification Module requires - besides defining the plot windows setting up the classification type parameters.
Section 4.3.1 describes how the user may select these classification parameters. The presentation of
the derived data is listed in section 4.3.2.
Important:
If a plot command file contains one or more window_name(s) that require data from the Classification
Module, the program will automatically interpolate the results to data per 2 cm penetration. The reason
is that interpolation is needed for the calculations in the Classification Module (see section 3.3.1). Else
the program uses the interpolation mode as used for all other plots versus depth.

4.3.1

Defining the analysis parameters

As described in sections 3.4 and 3.5, UNIPLOT allows for calculating the classification data for 3
different settings of the analysis parameters. Each set may be defined as a combination of 7
parameters.
Such a classification dataset is defined by the command:
select_classification_dataset <iSet>

where <iSet> may range from 1 to 3.

This command should be followed by a series of commands defining the dataset properties. The
command consist of a keyword followed by a value. The table below lists the keywords and the valid
values of the commands. These are the same settings as can be selected for the interactive
processing module. See chapter 3.
Keyword

Value

Remarks

classification_method

robertson_1990
ramsey_2002
robertson_1986
robertson_1986_density
robertson_2009
robertson_2010
robertson_2009 and schneider_2008
ramsey_2002 and schneider_2008

This defines the classification method

to be used

gamma_derivation_method

layer_description
powell
mayne_automatic
mayne_sand
mayne_clay
kolk
mayne_2010

This defines how the unit weight profile

will be determinde.
The gamma_derivation_method also
defines the selection method for the
determination whether a record should
be treated as drained or undrained.

Page 37 of 67

k0_derivation_method

layer_description
fixed value, e.g.: 0.5
as_calculated

nk_derivation_method

layer_description
fixed value, e.g.: 20.0

ns_derivation_method

layer_description
fixed value, e.g.: 6.0

dr_derivation_method

jamiolkowski_2003
jamiolkowski_2003_dry
jamiolkowski_1998 (or baldi)
emerson

Default is Jamiolkowski_2003 for

saturated sands.
Use " jamiolkowski_2003_dry " if the
calculation for dry sands is required.

k_earth_pressure

fixed value, e.g.: 0.7

Only for emerson method

shear_wave_velocity_derivation_method

baldi_and_mayne_rix
hegazy_mayne
robertson_cabal
Idriss_and_Boulanger
Robertson_and_Wride

Default method is
baldi_and_mayne_rix

fines_content_derivation_method

There is no default value. No data will

be presented when no selection is
made.

UNIPLOT will calculate for each of the selected analysis parameter settings a results dataset containing
all possible derived classification signals. (These are the same signals that can be displayed on the
interactive processing screen). The user may define in the plot command file which derived signals will
be plotted.
The example below shows for 2 classification datasets how the analysis parameter section part in a plot
command file may be defined.
Example:
!
! ==============================================================================
!
Set up the analysis parameters for the classification data sets
! ==============================================================================
select_classification_dataset 1
classification_method robertson_1990
gamma_derivation_method layer_description
k0_derivation_method layer_description
nk_derivation_method layer_description
ns_derivation_method layer_description
dr_derivation_method jamiolkowski_2003
shear_wave_velocity_derivation_method hegazy_mayne
fines_content_derivation_method Idriss_and_Boulanger
!
!
select_classification_dataset 2
classification_method ramsey
gamma_derivation_method powell
k0_derivation_method 0.5
nk_derivation_method 18.0
nsk_derivation_method 7.5
dr_derivation_method emerson
k_earth_pressure 0.7
shear_wave_velocity_derivation_method robertson_cabal
fines_content_derivation_method Robertson_and_Wride
!
!
! ==============================================================================
! commands per window:
! ==============================================================================
select_window 1
! window no ..
...
...

etc.

Page 38 of 67

4.3.2

Window names for presenting Classification Module data

The plot window_names for plotting of the derived data are listed in the table below.
The names are made up of the data type to be plotted, followed by _classification.
All plots present the data versus depth.
Window name

Description

Units

Notes

nrf_number_classification

Classification area number in the nRf-nQc chart

1),
2), 9),
10)

Classification area number in the Bq-nQc chart

1),
2), 9) ,
10)

sigmavertical_classification

Vertical pressure

kPa

sigmavertical_effective_classification

Effective vertical pressure

kPa

gammawet_classification

Wet unit weight

kN/m3

gammasubmerged_classification

Submerged unit weight

kN/m3

nqc_value_classification

Normalised cone resistance

8)

nrf_value_classification

Normalised friction ratio

8)

bq_value_classification

Bq value

phi_classification

Friction angle

Deg

k0_classification

K0 value used in the calculations for this data

set

nk_classification

Nk value used in the calculations for this data

set

ns_classification

Ns value used in the calculations for this data

set

ocr_classification

Over consolidation ratio

12)

rel_density_classification

Relative density

3)

cu_classification

Cu

kPa

cu_ratio_classification

Cu_Ratio

m_classification

Constrained modulus M

MPa

moc_classification

Constrained modulus over consolidated sand

MPa

mv_classification or
volume_compressibility_classification

Volume compressibility = 1/M

m2/MN

12,13)

gmax_classification

Shear modulus

kPa

12)

e0_classification

Void ratio

cv_classification

Coefficient of vertical consolidation

m2/s

sensitivity_classification

Sensitivity St (= Ns/Rf)

or
chart1_number_classification
bq_number_classification

or
chart2_number_classification

12)

12)

Page 39 of 67

curem_classification

remoulded shear strength cu_rem (= Cu/St)

kPa

shearwavevelocity_classification

Shear wave velocity

m/s

4,12)

soilbehaviourtypeindex_classification

Ic or Isbt

6,8)

kactive_classification

Active Pressure Coefficient Ka

kpassive_classification

Passive Pressure Coefficient Kp

spt_n60_classification

SPT N60

7,8,12)

fines_content_classification

Fines Content

11)

permeability_classification

Permeability k

13,14,15)

kfact_classification

K-factor (u1--> u2 conversion)

5)

u2derived_classification

u2* signal derived from measured u1

MPa

5)

qtderived_classification

qt using u2*

Mpa

5)

qnetderived_classification

qnet using u2*

Mpa

5)

Apart from setting up the window_name, it is also necessary to define which classification dataset (see
4.3.1) should be plotted. This can be done using the command:
use_classification_dataset <iset>
where:
<iset> = number of the data set (1, 2 or 3)
UNIPLOT will give a warning when this command is missing.
Notes:
1) These two plot commands were developed in the time that the Classification Module only knew
classification methods based on normalised data (Robertson (1990) and Ramsey (2002) ). With the
introduction of classification methods based on non-normalised data (Robertson (1986) & (2010) ) these
window names may be a bit confusing. However, for reasons of backwards compatibility these names
have not been changed.
For the non-normalised methods these window names present the classification zones based on cone
resistance and friction.
2) Use the command real_value <xcm> to shift the results a bit (=xcm) to the right. This enables plotting
the results of several datasets together in one plot, while it is still possible to distinguish the results.
Here <xcm> is the distance to shift in [cm].
A negative value of <xcm> shifts the data to the left.
3) For Dr Jamiolkoswki 2003 by default the Dr for saturated sands will be presented. The Dr for dry sands
can be obtained by using the command dr_derivation_method amiolkowski_2003_dry in the definition
of the classification data set that is used for this window.
4) See section 5.5.3 for an explanation of the shear wave velocity calculation
5) See section 4.3.3
6) UNIPLOT presents two methods for the calculation of the Soil Behaviour Type Index (SBT): The
normalised (Ic) and since version 05.22.00 the non-normalised type (ISBT).
Which method will be used is determined by the selected classification method.
See further section 5.5.1.

Page 40 of 67

th

7) The SPT N60 data are calculated according to Robertson (2012) CPT guide, 5 Edition.
The calculation is based on the Soil Behaviour Type Index. This index is calculated by the Classification
Module. Therefore the SPT N60 can only be calculated by the Classification Module. Whether the Ic or
ISBT will be used depends on the selected classification method.
See further section 5.5.5.
8) In some cases it may be undesirable to present nQc, nRf or Ic values for CPTs performed without a
pore pressure transducer.
By default the Classification Module will use qc instead of qt in the relevant formulae if no pore pressure
is recorded. This means that internally the results will always be calculated.
If output of the derived data should be suppressed in case no pore pressure were recorded this can be
accomplished by adding the command mode piezo_only to the series of plot window commands:
Example:
select_window 1
! window no
window_name nqc_value_classification
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! suppress output for CPTs without a pore pressure channel:
mode piezo_only
linetype 0
! select a solid line

9) With the introduction of classification methods that are not based on a normalised cone resistance of
normalised friction ratio the original window names may become a bit confusing. Therefore new names
have been chosen indicating how the chart is displayed in the GUI of the Classification Module (Chart1 or
Chart2). The original names will remain valid (backwards compatibility).
10) It is possible to add an extra command to the list of commands for the nrf_number_classification or
bq_number_classification windows describing how the classification should be presented.
The command consists of the keyword mode followed by one of the values graph, color, description,
description+zonenumber, qc, fricratio or bars.
The command mode graph plots the number of the classification zone versus depth. This is the default
mode.
This is the way the classification numbers are presented in the Data Area of the Classification Module
(see section 3.2).
The command mode color displays the classification as a soil profile filled with colors that correspond
with the colors of the classification bitmap.
This is the colored bore log in the Results Area (see section 3.2).
The command mode description generates printing of the classification description. This command
requires a second command: minimum_interval <interval>. The value entered for <interval> is the
minimum thickness (in m) a layer should have in order to have the description be printed. This prevents
printing various descriptions over each other for very thin layers. A mode description window is often
plotted together with a mode color window to show both the colored bore log and the soil description.
The command mode description+zonenumber is similar to mode description but prints the number of the
zone in front of the classification description.
The command mode qc generates plotting the classification number in a qc-depth (cone resistance)
graph. The area between the y-axis and the cone resistance is filled with a color that corresponds with
the color of classification zone.
The command mode fricratio is similar to mode qc but here the fiction ratio curve is plotted, filled with the
classification colors.
The command mode bar draws the classification numbers as colored horizontal bars.
The following graph gives an example of the some of the mode types. The cone resistance is filled with

Page 41 of 67

the classification colors of the Bq classification, the friction ratio is filled with the colors of the nRf
classification. Since a part of the data does not classify in one of the zones of the Bq-nQc chart a part of
the cone resistance curve is not filled:
Example:

CPT data classification

10

Friction ratio,Rf [%]

6
4
2

0 .0
0

F xxxx

Sleeve friction, fs [MPa]

.2

.4

4
8
12
16
Cone resistance,qc [MPa]

.6
20

.8

24

28

32

1.0
36

40

Classification based upon

normalised cone resistance and friction ratio.
(Robertson 1990)

classification zone
0 2 4 6 810

gravelly sand to sand

very stiff sand to clayey sand

-1
Elevation related to GL [m]

SANDS - clean sand to silty sand

-2
SANDS - clean sand to silty sand
SAND mixtures - silty sand to sandy silt
-3
SAND mixtures - silty sand to sandy silt
-4
SAND mixtures - silty sand to sandy silt
-5

SAND mixtures - silty sand to sandy silt

silt mixtures - clayey SILT to silty CLAY

-6

CLAYS - clay to silty clay

-7

SANDS - clean sand to silty sand

gravelly sand to sand

-8

SANDS - clean sand to silty sand

-9

gravelly sand to sand

-10

SANDS - clean sand to silty sand

-11
SANDS - clean sand to silty sand
-12
SAND mixtures - silty sand to sandy silt
SAND mixtures - silty sand to sandy silt
SAND mixtures - silty sand to sandy silt

-13

SAND mixtures - silty sand to sandy silt

-14
dkmp9 - 1

-15
Rec. : owh
Proc. : HEUSDENS

d.d. 13-Sep-1996
d.d. 22-Nov-2013

Coord.: X=

0.0 m

Y=
0.0 m
Cone: F7.5CKEW 1/V

System: RD
828

Test in accordance with NEN-EN-ISO 22476-1

Class 3.
Test type TE1
Cone type: Ac = 1503 mm2 ; As = 20002mm2

PIEZO CONE PENETRATION TEST

Job Title
GRONDONDERZOEK VEURSCHE ACHTERWEG

Proj.
Cpt

F xxxx
dkmp9

Figure 19: example displaying the classification number in color and as text
The plot commands for these different versions of displaying the classification number are given below.
See the red text lines that define the way the classification type will be displayed:
! ============================================================================
! Bq-Classification colors in qc signal
select_window 1
! window no ..
window_name Bq_number_classification
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset 1
mode qc
! plot the classification as a colored cone resistance profile
x_or 7.52
! paper edge to x-axis start
xl 10.0
! x-axis length
xas 0.0,40,4
! user scale that corresponds with x-axis
fr

! ============================================================================
! The cone resistance curve as boundary of the window 1 curve
select_window 2
! window no ..
window_name cone! name of this window
use_settings_of_window 1
linetype 0
! select a solid line
color 15
! plot color = ..
pen 4
! line thickness
chrsiz 3
! character size of text
xt
plt_xas_bottom 18.9
! plot the cone x-axis

! ============================================================================
! The friction as a red dashed curve in the color filled cone resistance area

Page 42 of 67

select_window 3
! window no ..
window_name friction
! name of this window
linetype 1
! select a dashed line
x_or 7.52
! lefthand side of x-axis starts at .. cm
xl 10.00
! x-axis is .. cm long
xas 0.0,1.0,0.2
! user scale that corresponds with x-axis

! ============================================================================
! Qt-Classification colors in friction ratio signal
select_window 4
! window no ..
window_name nrf_number_classification ! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset 1
mode fric_ratio
! plot as colored friction ratio
x_or 2.52
! paper edge to x-axis start
xl 5
! x-axis length
xas 10.0,0.0,2.0
! user scale that corresponds with x-axis
fr

!================================================================
! the friction ratio curve as boundary of the window 4 curve
window_name fric_ratio
! name of this window
use_settings_of_window 4
linetype 0
! select a dashed line
color 15
! plot color = ..
pen 4
! line thickness
plt_xas_top 18.9
color 3

!================================================================
! colored soil profile
select_window 6
! window no ..
window_name nrf_number_classification
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset 1
mode color
! plot a colored soil profile
x_or 20.5
! left hand side of x-axis starts at cm
xl 1.0
! x-axis is .. cm long
xas 0,1,2
! user scale that corresponds with x-axis
fr! do not plot axes or a grid

box_cm 20.48,21.52, 2.98,18.05

! the box around the colored profile

!================================================================
! Classification description
select_window 7
! window no ..
window_name nrf_number_classification
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset 1
mode description+zonenumber
! plot the classification description
minimum_interval 0.2
! minimum size of a layer to be described
x_or 21.7
! lefthand side of x-axis starts at cm
xl 5.0
! x-axis is .. cm long
xas 0,10,2
! user scale that corresponds with x-axis
fr! do not plot axes or a grid

box_cm 21.52,27.0, 2.98,18.05

! the box around the description

!
! ============================================================================
! Classificatie beschrijving
select_window 8
! window no ..
window_name nrf_number_classification
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset 1
mode bars
! plot as colored horizontal bars
x_or 25.50
xl 2.0
xas 0,10,2
grid
xt classification zone
plt_xas_top
!

11) The program needs a proper selection of the Fines Content calculation method to use; else no Fines

Page 43 of 67

Content data will be presented. The dataset definition should contain one of the commands:
fines_content_derivation_method Robertson_and_Wride

or
fines_content_derivation_method Idriss_and_Boulanger

12) Normally these data will be presented for both drained and undrained soil type, but by adding one of
the commands: no_drained_results or no_undrained_results to the plot_window
commands list data of the corresponding soil type will not be presented.
This applies to the window_names:
phi_classification
ocr_classification
m_classification
moc_classification
mv_classification
gmax_classification
shearwavevelocity_classification
spt_n60_classification
13) Volume compressibility (mv) and permeability data are not presented in the Classification Module
GUI. These derived signals can only be presented on paper by using the right window_name.
14) See also the remarks of Robertson on the permeability calculation:
The above relationships can be used to provide an approximate estimate of soil
permeability (k) and to show the likely variation of soil permeability with depth
from a CPT sounding. Since the normalized CPT parameters (Qtn and Fr)
respond to the mechanical behavior of the soil and depend on many soil
variables, the suggested relationship between k and Ic is approximate and should
only be used as a guide.
15) Permeability results (kh) from dissipation tests can be plotted in the graph. Use as window_name:
Permeability_classification+
Example:
! ============================================================================
select_window 3
! window no
window_name permeability_classification+
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1

Page 44 of 67

4.3.3

Plot commands for presenting u1

u2* converted data

When the u1 u2* conversion is switched on the standard window_names qt, qnet, Bq and cu
will no longer produce any data for CPT files with an u1 signal. The u1 signal should first be converted
to an u2*. This conversion is done through the Classification Module (see also section 3.3.6).
To plot results based on the u1 u2 conversion window_names should be used that present data
calculated by the Classification Module. A set of new window_names allow for presenting the K-factor,
u2* and data calculated using the u2*.
These window_names are:
o kfact_classification
The K-factor calculated using the formula given in 3.3.6
o

u2derived_classification
The u2* data calculated using this K-factor

qtderived_classification
The total cone resistance qt*, calculated using qc and u2*

qnetderived_classification
The net cone resistance qn*, calculated using qt* (and hence u2*) and v0

The Bq data should be presented using window_name bq_value_classification. (see note 1)

Notes:
1) It is important to realize that if the u1 u2 conversion is switched off a
bq_value_classification plot_window will produce Bq data from the measured u1
channel. If the conversion is switched on this plot_window will produce data from the derived u2*
signal, since at the moment the Classification Module calculates the Bq value the original u1
signal is already replaced by the u2* signal. All other Classification Module signals are
calculated as if this artificial u2* is a really measured signal. There exists no longer a Bq (or Qt
or Fr or .) calculated from u1.
2) All window_names that present data calculated by the Classification Module should contain a
reference to a ClassificationDataSet. This set determines the method used to calculate the wet
unit weight. This is an input value for the calculation of the Normalised Cone Resistance (Qt),
Normalised Friction Ratio (Fr) and the Bq. Without a proper definition of a ClassificationDataSet
the Classification Module will not be able to calculate the data requested by the window_name.
UNIPLOT will give a warning when at the time of plotting no reference can be found.

A plot_window to produce qnet and Bq data for a standard u2 cone using the wet unit weight
from the soil layer description needs only to be set up like:
select_window 1
window_name qnet
..
..
select_window 2
window_name bq
..
..
etc

! window no 1
! name of this window

! window no 2

However to produce the same data using u1 u2 converted pore pressure data the plot
command file needs to be set up with a definition of the classification method/parameters, the
proper window names and for these window names a reference to one of the classification
methods.
! ============================================================================
! classification type

Page 45 of 67

! ============================================================================
select_classification_dataset 1
classification_method robertson_1990
gamma_derivation_method layer_description
k0_derivation_method layer_description
nk_derivation_method layer_description
..
..
! ============================================================================
! commands per window:
!=============================================================================
select_window 1
! window no 1
window_name qnetderived_classification
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! DO NOT FORGET !!!!!!!
..
..
select_window 2
! window no 2
window_name bq_value_classification
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! DO NOT FORGET !!!!!!!
..
..
etc

4.3.4

Annotating the plate

A plate can be annotated with text that shows what analysis parameters were used for the calculation of
the classification data.
Four plot command types are available. The number at the end of the command determines for which
dataset the parameter will be printed:
label_classification_method_1
label_gamma_determination_method_1
label_k0_selection_method_1
nk_selection_method_1
The following example plots the results at the bottom of a plate.
It is assumed that data of the 2 datasets are plotted using color 15 (=black), 10 (=green) resp.
The commands can be placed at the bottom of the command file, together with the other plate
annotation commands.
Example:
!
! -- show the classification method ----------------------move_cm 15.0,2.6
label Classification Method:
!
color 15
legend 13.0,2.3
move_cm 15.0,2.2
label_classification_method_1
!
color 10
legend 13.0,1.9
move_cm 15.0,1.8
label_classification_method_2
!
!
! -- show the Unit Wet Weight determination method --------move_cm 19.0,2.6
label Unit Wet Weight:
!
move_cm 19.0,2.2
label_gamma_determination_method_1
!
move_cm 19.0,1.8
label_gamma_determination_method_2
!
! show what type of K0 factor is used -------------------

Page 46 of 67

move_cm 22.0,2.6
label K0-factor:
!
move_cm 22.0,2.2
label_k0_selection_method_1
!
move_cm 22.0,1.8
label_k0_selection_method_2

Another type of annotation may be a group of rectangles in the color of a classification zone followed by
the description of that zone (see also the zone description for the various classification methods in
section 3.3) .
Example:
color_chart2 1
color_box_cm 11.8,12.4,7.5,7.85
color 15
box_cm 11.8,12.4,7.5,7.85
move_cm 12.8,7.55
label_classification_zone_name_chart2 1
!

!
!
!
!
!
!

use the color of chart 2, zone 1

draw a rectangle filled with this color
back to black color
a black rectangle around the colored area
shift a bit to the right
print the description for this zone

This will result in:

Page 47 of 67

4.4

DERIVED DATA PER LAYER

UNIPLOT also allows (apart from showing the classification data of the whole CPT) for presenting the
classification results per layer on the classification charts.
Plots of the results per layer may include the classification charts and quantities like qc and friction from
the selected layer versus depth.

4.4.1

New window names

There are several window_names that generate plot output per layer.
Once the program encounters one of these window_names the program will create for each layer in the
file a separate plate. The cone_layer, etc window_names will only plot data vs depth from data
records inside the layer. The nrf_nqc and bq_nrc windows will display the corresponding
classification bitmap with the classification of the records in the layer.
The type of classification is determined by the use_classification_dataset command that
should be given for each of these window_names.
Layer window_names are:
Window name

Description

Units

cone_layer

Cone resistance

MPa

fric_layer

Sleeve friction

MPa

fric_ratio_layer

Friction ratio

qnet_layer

Qnet

MPa

nrf_nqc

Classification in nRf_nQc bitmap

1),
3),4)

Classification in Bq_nQc bitmap

1),
3),4)

Classification histogram (see Plate 13)

1), 2)

or

Note

chart1_datapoints
bq_nqc

or
chart2_datapoints
nrf_histogram_layer
nrf_histogram_layer-

Notes:

1) Classification according to the selected dataset

2) A "-" sign at the end suppresses plotting the classification type description.
Only the numerical results will be displayed.
3) If the plot command file does not contain any of the -layer window names the
nrf_nqc and bq_nrc windows will display the data of the whole CPT.
4) With the introduction of classification methods that are not based on a normalised
cone resistance of normalised friction ratio the original window names may become
a bit confusing. Therefore new names have been chosen indicating how the chart is
displayed in the GUI of the Classification Module. The original names will remain
valid (backwards compatibility).

A combination of the window_name cone with window_name cone_layer, where both windows have the
same scales and position on the plate, will result in a plot of the full cone resistance, with a highlighted
area over the depth range of the selected layer.

Page 48 of 67

4.4.2

Examples of plots per layer

The following examples show 2 plates from the same dataset.

The first plate shows the classification of a layer in both the nRf_nQc and Bq_nQc chart.
The second plate shows the classification of the layer in the nRf_nQc chart according to Robertson
(1990) and Ramsey (2002). In this case the Ramsey classification is in Dutch.
Also shown are (parts of) the plot command files.

Page 49 of 67

Figure 20: Classification per layer in Robertson 1990 chart

!
! ============================================================================
select_window 6
! window no
window_name qnet_layer
! name of this window
x_or 3.10
! paper edge to x-axis start
xl 4.0
! x-axis length
xas 0.0,40,10
! user scale that corresponds with x-axis
linetype 0
! select a single line
pen 2
! axes plotted using pen ..
color 9
! plot color = dark blue
frpen 6
! data plotted using pen ..
!
!
!================================================================
select_window 7
! window no
window_name fric_ratio_layer
! name of this window
linetype 1
! select a dashed line
color 15
! plot color = ..
pen 3
! line thickness
x_or 3.10
! paper edge to x-axis start
xl 4.00
! x-axis length
xas 0.0,8.0, 2
! user scale that corresponds with x-axis
frcolor 9
pen 6
!
!
!
! ============================================================================
select_window 8
! window no ..
window_name nrf_nqc
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset ..
pen 2
or 11.0,8.5
xl 6.0
yl 9.0
plot_classification_bitmap
xt <bld>normalised friction ratio
yt

Page 50 of 67

fr
!
move_cm 10.25 13.0
linrot 90
linpos 4
label normalised cone resistance
linrot 0
linpos 1
color 12
pen 6
!
!
! ============================================================================
select_window 9
! window no ..
window_name bq_nqc
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset ..
pen 2
or 17.5,8.5
xl 5
yl 9.0
plot_classification_bitmap
xt <bld>Bq
yt
grid
plt_xas_bottom 8.5
color 12
pen 6
!
!
! ============================================================================
! Histograms
! ============================================================================
select_window 10
! window no ..
window_name nrf_histogram_layer
or 11.0,6.0
! Start position of the text
!xl 0
! no need to define the axis length
!yl 0
! idem
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset ..
!
!
!
! ============================================================================
! Plot annotation
! ============================================================================
select_window 20
! window no 20
!
! the layer number and depth range
linpos 1
move_cm 11.0,18.4
label <bld>Classification of Layer<bld>
move_cm 14.5,18.4
label_layer_number_bold
move_cm 14.6,18.4
label :
move_cm 14.8,18.4
label_layer_classification
move_cm 11.0,18.0
label Depth Range
move_cm 14.6,18.0
!label :
move_cm 14.8,18.0
label_layer_depth_range
move_cm 16.4,18.0
label m

!
! ..

Page 51 of 67

A combination of the nRf-nQc classification according to different methods (like Robertson (1990) and
Ramsey (2002) ) can also be made:

Plate 21: nRf-nQc classification in Robertson (1990) and Ramsey (2002) bitmaps.
The relevant part of the plot command file is given below:
!
! ============================================================================
! The bitmap plots
! ============================================================================
select_window 8
! window no ..
window_name nrf_nqc
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset ..
pen 2
or 8.5,10.5
xl 6.0
yl 7.0
plot_classification_bitmap
xt <bld>normalised friction ratio
yt
fr
!
move_cm 7.75 13.0
linrot 90
linpos 4
label normalised cone resistance
linrot 0
linpos 1
color 12
pen 6
!
!
! ============================================================================
select_window 9
! window no ..
window_name nrf_nqc
! name of this window
use_classification_dataset 2
! use data from dataset ..
pen 2
or 8.5,2.5
xl 6
yl 7.0

Page 52 of 67

plot_classification_bitmap
xt <bld>normalised friction ratio
yt
fr
color 12
pen 6
!
!
! ============================================================================
! Histograms
! ============================================================================
select_window 10
! window no ..
window_name nrf_histogram_layer
or 15.0,13.5
!xl 0
!yl 0
use_classification_dataset 1
! use data from dataset ..
!
!
! ============================================================================
select_window 11
! window no ..
window_name nrf_histogram_layer
or 15.0,6.0
!xl 0
!yl 0
use_classification_dataset 2
! use data from dataset ..

Page 53 of 67

5 SOIL CLASSIFICATION FORMULAE

This chapter presents the formulae used in the calculations in the Classification Module.

5.1

BASIC PARAMETERS
Corrected cone resistance qt (also called total cone resistance).
Ground surface mode / seabed mode:
qt = qc+(1-a)u2 or
qt = qc+(1-a){K(u1-uo)+uo}

Downhole mode:
qt = qc+(1-a)u2+uoi or
qt = qc+(1-a){K(u1+uoi-uo)+uo}+auoi

Net cone resistance qn

qn = qt-vo
Effective cone resistance qe
qe = qt-u2
Pore pressure ratio Bq
Ground surface mode / seabed mode:
K(u1 u 0 )
or
Bq =
q t v0

Bq =

Downhole mode:
K(u1 + u oi u 0 )
Bq =
q t v0

u 2 u0
q t v0

Bq =

or

u 2 + u oi u 0
q t v0

The calculation depends on whether an u1 or u2 was measured and on whether (in case of an u1
signal) the u1 is converted to an u2* (see section 3.7).

5.2

CLASSIFICATION PARAMETERS
Normalised Cone Resistance (Qt or nQc)

The Robertson_2009 method uses:

where:

n = 0.381I cRW + 0.05( ' v 0 / 100) 0.15 1.0

and:
Pa= 100.0 [kPa]

This method requires an iterative approach to find the n-factor and finally the Qtn.

Normalised Friction Ratio (Fr or nRf)

Fr = nRf = 100 * fs / (qt v0 )

[-]

Page 54 of 67

5.3

CLASSIFICATION METHODS
Classification of CPT data is done by plotting (for each record in the data set) derived data on top of 2
"classification charts". Each chart shows coloured areas that indicate a specific soil type.
The user may search for depth ranges that plot their data in the same area on (one of the) charts and
subsequently define that area as a soil layer.
The first (and most important) chart is based on recorded cone resistance and friction ratio or
interpreted versions of these parameters. The second chart is generally based on (interpreted) cone
resistance and the calculated Bq value. This chart is seen as less important.

UNIPLOT allows for selecting various sets of 2 classification charts.

The table below shows the various classification methods currently available, and the parameters
shown along the x- and y- axis of the charts:

5.4

Method
Robertson 1986
Robertson 1986 + Density
Robertson 1990
Ramsey 2002
Robertson 2009
Robertson 2010
Robertson 2009 +
Schneider 2008

Chart 1
qc - Rf
qc - Rf
Qt - Fr
Qt - Fr
Qtn - Fr
qc - Rf
Qtn - Fr

Ramsey 2002 +
Schneider 2008

Qt - Fr

Chart 2
qt - Bq
Density chart
Qt - Bq
Qt - Bq
Qt - Bq
qt - Bq
Qt - Bq
u2/'v0
log(u2/'v0)
Qt - Bq
u2/'v0
log(u2/'v0)

Description
non normalised, 12 zones
non normalised, 12 zones
normalised, 9 zones
normalised, 9 zones
normalised, 9 zones
non normalised, 9 zones
normalised, 9 zones

Note

1), 2)

normalised, 9 zones

2)

1)
1)

Notes:
1) The Robertson 1990 method uses 10 zones when the FIBV analysis method is selected.
Differences between the standard method and the FIBV method are:
Assign classification type 2 (= peat) for qc < 0.5MPa and Rf > 5%
Assign classification type 10 (= peat or "potklei") for 0.5 < qc < 1.5MPa and Rf > 5%
This extra rule will only be applied when the unit weight is derived from the soil layer description
2) The user may select which of the 3 Schneider 2008 charts to display.

UNIT WEIGHT FORMULAE

UNIPLOT presents the following methods for assessment of the wet unit weight.
These are:
From Layer description in the file
Use the unit weight as defined in the layer description as stored in the CPT file.

POWELL 1990
Use gamma value of previous data record
Calculate the SigmaVertical
Classify in chart
Derive unit weight from chart 1 zone number:

Page 55 of 67

Robertson 1990, 2009, 2010

Zone
Description
Gamma
number
(kN/m3)
1
17.5
sensitive, fine grained
2
12.5
organic soils - PEATS
3
17.5
CLAYS - clay to silty clay
4
18.0
silt mixtures - clayey SILT to
silty CLAY
5
19.0
SAND mixtures - silty sand to
sandy silt
6
20.0
SANDS - clean sand to silty
sand
7
20.0
48, gravelly sand to sand
8
20.5
very stiff sand to clayey sand
9
20.5
very stiff, fine grained

Robertson 1986, see Lunne et al. 1997, page 56

Zone
Description
Gamma
number
(kN/m3)
1
17.5
sensitive, fine grained
2
12.5
organic soils, peat
3
17.5
clay
4
18.0
clay to silty clay
5

18.0

clayey SILT to silty CLAY

18.0

sandy silt to clayey silt

7
8
9
10
11
12

18.5
19.0
19.5
20.0
20.5
19.0

silty sand to sandy silt

Sand to silty sand
coarse to medium sand
gravel to gravelly sand
very stiff, fine grained
very stiff sand to clayey sand

Mayne (2002)
Sand

'vo

Clay

shear wave velocity vs

vs = 277 * (qc ) 0.13 (

unit weight

= 8.32 * log(vs ) 1.61log( z )

1000

) 0.27

vs = 1.75 * (1000 * qc ) 0.627

= 8.32 * log(vs ) 1.61log( z )

Notes:
Sand needs iteration since v depends on and depends on vs
See Appendix 1 for reference of the vs formulae
The user may select to:

apply the sand method only

apply the clay method only

calculate for both methods and check which method results in a unit weight that makes
the data record fall into a classification zone that corresponds with the selected behaviour.

KOLK (1999)
Classification chart 1 zone 5, 6, 7 and 8:
Effective Unit Weight versus Relative Density
13.0

12.0

]
3
/m11.0
N
[k
t
h
g
i 10.0
e
W
it
n 9.0
U
e
v
it
c 8.0
e
ff
E

clean uniform sand

silty sand

7.0

fine to coarse sand

6.0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

Relative Density [-]

Page 56 of 67

Classification chart 1 zone 1, 3, 4 and 9:

qt or qc = 0 to 0.8 MPa
unit weight = 14 to 16 kN/m3
qt or qc = 0.8 to 1.5 MPa
unit weight = 16.5 to 18.5 kN/m3
qt or qc = 1.5 to 4.0 MPa
unit weight = 18.5 to 20 kN/m3
qt or qc = > 4.0 MPa
unit weight = 20 kN/m3
Classification chart 1 zone 2:
qt or qc = 0 to 4.0 MPa
qt or qc = > 4.0 MPa

unit weight = 12 to 16 kN/m3

unit weight = 16 kN/m3

Not applicable to the 12-zones Robertson (1986) method.

Mayne et al. (2010)

Wet unit weight calculated according to:

'
= 1.95 w v 0
100

0.06

f t 1000

100

0.06

where:
ft = fs * u2
fs * HydrostaticPressurerelative to start test
fs

(if no u2 measured)
(before version 05.13.00 )

is also named alpha_sleeve, (see the Uniplot Updates manual, section 22.3)
3
w in kN/m , v0 in kPa, ft in MPa
Notes:
Standard Fugro practice is calculation of the unit weight according to Mayne 2010 or Mayne 2002. If
possible, cross-check with lab-test results or other in-situ test tools and decide which method fits the
test results best.
Submerged unit weight
The submerged unit weight is calculated as the wet unit weight minus the water density. The water
density (mostly 10 kN/m3) can be entered through the Test Description dialog.
sub = = w

5.5

DERIVED PARAMETERS
The formulae for the derived parameters are summarised in section 6 (appendix I).
The next section shows parameters that need a more elaborate description.

5.5.1

Soil behaviour Type Index (SBT)

UNIPLOT presents two methods for the calculation of the Soil Behaviour Type Index (SBT): The
normalised (Ic) and - since version 05.22.00 - the non-normalised type (ISBT).

The formula for the normalised method is:

Page 57 of 67

The non-normalised method uses the formula:

The selected classification method determines which method will be used.

The Soil Behaviour Type Index will be calculated using to the non-normalised method when the
Robertson_1986 / 2010 classification is selected. The normalised method will be used for the
Robertson_1990 / 2009 classification. This makes the SBT in line with the data presented in the
classification charts.
For 9-zones Robertson analyses Ic will only be calculated for data records that classify in zones 2 7.
For the 12-zones Robertson 1986 analysis ISBT will only be calculated for data records that classify in
zones 2 - 10.
The SBT value is an extra check and an extra help to determine soil layers. With the Ic-method you
can check the drainage behaviour of a soil layer.
This could for example be helpful in case of silts where it is difficult to assess whether this layer shows
drained or undrained behaviour. If Ic > 2.6 then the soil behaves undrained. If Ic 2.6 then the soil
behaves drained.
Comparing the results with the table below gives an extra tool to determine the soil type and the
drainage behaviour.

5.5.2

Relative Density

The Classification Module presents several methods for calculating the Relative Density.
These are:
Jamiolkowski et al. (1998) (Baldi method)
Jamiolkowski et al. (2003) for dry sands
Jamiolkowski et al. (2003) for saturated sands
Emerson et al. (2008)
Sections 3.5.2 and 4.3.1 show how to select one of these methods in the GUI or in a plot command file.
The Relative Density according to one of the first three methods can be easily calculated using
straightforward formulae; the Emerson method is more complicated.
Advised method is: Jamiolkowski et al. (2003) for saturated sands.

5.5.2.1

Relative Density Jamiolkowski 1998

Page 58 of 67

This method (sometimes called the Baldi method) is based on qc and v0.
0.51

1
1 + 2 Ko
Dr =
ln q c 0.205' v 0

0.0293
3

For downhole tests the qc is the recorded cone resistance corrected for the hydrostatic pressure
between seafloor and start of the test:
qc_corrected = qc + . u0i
The v0 value is determined by the method selected for the unit weight calculation (see section 3.4).
5.5.2.2

Relative Density Jamiolkowski 2003 for dry sands

The formula for Dry Jamiolkowski 2003 calculation is:

0.46

1 + 2 K 0

' v 0

3

D r (dry ) =
ln q c
2.494

0.0296
100

Again the cone resistance used is the qc_corrected (see 5.5.2.1).

The K0 value is determined by the method defined for this calculation.
5.5.2.3

Relative Density Jamiolkowski 2003 for saturated sands

The Saturated version of the Jamiolkowski 2003 method is based on the Dry result, but uses an
extra term based on qc_corrected and v0 :

1000qc

1.87 + 2.32 ln

0.5
(100 ' v 0 )
D r ( sat ) =
+ 1 Dr ( dry )

100

Notes:
The term: 1.87 + 2.32 ln 1000qc 0.5 should remain positive, else the Saturated density would become less
(100 'v 0 )

than the Dry density. For some combinations of qc and v0 no Saturated density data will be calculated
It is not possible to describe the inverse calculation for a qc value based on a certain Dr value in an
explicit formula.

5.5.2.4

Relative Density Emerson 2008

The Emerson method is aimed at the calculation of the relative density for the shallow part of the CPT.
The method converges to Jamiolkowski 2003 for the deeper part of the CPT.
The Dr_Emerson method calculates a qc as function of the Dr as:
Ksin '

' v 0 N q 1 + L z ,

q c = min
0.46

'
2.96 I
F 2.494 m e d
100

Where:

Page 59 of 67

Id = Dr_emerson
F = Transition function to get a smooth transition between the two parts of the equation.

The upper function does not show explicitly the Relative Density. However the in the formula is
determined through:
= 20.41 Id + 25.0
(Note: this is a different formula for the as used in the rest of the program)
Further:
(6.168 tan )

N q = 1.058 e
(tan ./2)
L = dc .e
. tan(/4 + /2)
dc = diameter cone
The lower part of the function is the inverse of the Jamiolkowski_2003 Dry method.
The Dr_Emerson cannot be determined by means of an explicit formula. Instead a root solving routine
is used to find a Dr value that results in a qc_calculated that corresponds with the qc_recorded.
The transition function F is defined as:

Where:

Zcrit = the critical depth, defined by the diameter of the cone and the , defined by:

For a further explanation see:

Emerson, M., Foray, P., Puech, A.A. and Palix - Suchon, E. (2008), "A global model for accurately
interpreting CPT data in sands from shallow to greater depth".
Internal FEBV memo (2009): Interpretation and Implementation of Relative Density in Upper 3m of
Soil Profile.

Restrictions on the presentation of Dr_Emerson in UNIPLOT are:

The Dr_Emerson is only calculated for the first part of the CPT, till a depth of 7.5m.
The result are only presented for records where Dr_Emerson/Dr_Jamiokolwski >= 0.95
Recently (UNIPLOT 05.27.00) the calculations have been updated:
The Jamiolkowski_2003_Dry formula is replaced by Jamiolkowski_2003_Saturated.
This requires a root finding routine since the inverse of the Dr_Jamiolkowski_Saturated formula
cannot be explicitly described as qc = f(Dr)
The Dr_Emerson is calculated for the whole CPT length.
The restriction Dr_Emerson/Dr_Jamiokolwski >= 0.95 is skipped.
The F-factor is set to 1.

The example below shows the Relative Density calculated for various calculation methods:

Page 60 of 67

 Black line : Jamiolkowski_2003_Saturated

Red line : Jamiolkowski_2003_Dry
Green line : Emerson_2003
At a depth of approx. 1.2m the green Emerson line converges with the black
Jamiolkowski_2003_Saturated line.

5.5.3Shear wave velocity

UNIPLOT allows for 3 methods to calculate the shear wave velocity.
The sections 3.5.3 and 4.3.1 describe how these methods can be selected for a specific presentation.
5.5.3.1

Shear wave velocity Mayne and Rix (1995) / Baldi (1989)

A combination of 2 different methods, for drained (sand) and undrained (clay) situation:
The Mayne and Rix(1995) method for the shear wave calculation in sand is:

v s = 1.75(1000 q c )

0.627

The Baldi (1989) method for the shear wave calculation in clay is:

v s = 277(q c )

0.13

' vo

1000

0.27

The different formulae for a drained or undrained situation may result in sudden jumps in the calculated
result at the transition from one type to the other.
5.5.3.2

Shear wave velocity Hegazy and Mayne, 2006

The Hegazy and Mayne method for calculating the shear wave velocity uses slightly different formulae
for the normalised cone resistance and soil behaviour type index. The sequence of calculations is:
Calculate:

qc1N _ initial = ( qc v 0 ) / ' v 0

Fr _ hm = fs * 100 / ( qc v 0 )

Page 61 of 67

I c _ initial =
Check:
If ( I c _ initial

{3.47 log(q

)} + {1.22 + log( Fr _ hm )}
2

c1 N _ initial

< 2 .6 )
0.5

qc1N _ hm = ( qc / Pa ) * ( Pa / ' v 0)
else

0.75

qc1N _ hm = ( qc / Pa ) * ( Pa / ' v 0)
where
Pa = 100.0
calculate:

I c _ hm =

{3.47 log(q

)} + {1.22 + log( Fr _ hm )}
2

c1 N _ hm

Finally:

Please note: until UNIPLOT version 05.25.01 the formula for this method was not properly applied. The
original specifications did not completely follow the description in the paper.
The next two graphs show examples of the difference between the old and new formulae for drained
and undrained situations.
The old (wrong) method is drawn in black, the new method in red. For comparison the results from the
Mayne_Rix and Baldi method are plotted in green.

Example undrained test.

Page 62 of 67

Example Drained test

Note: the intermediate parameters Ic_initial and Ic_hm cannot be exported to a graph or an ASCII output
file.

5.5.3.3

Shear wave velocity Robertson and Cabal, 2010

The Robertson and Cabal method for calculating the shear wave velocity is based on the Soil
Behaviour Type Index (Ic or Isbt):

v s = 10 (0.55*I c +1.68 ) * ((q t vo ) Pa )

0. 5

The formula for the calculation of the index depends on whether the classification is based on
normalised data (Robertson 1990/2009) or non-normalised data (Robertson 1986/2010)
Note: the Soil Behaviour Type Index will not always be calculated (see 4.3.2 note 6). For those
situations the shear wave velocity cannot be calculated as well.

5.5.4

Fines Content

The Fines Content can be calculated according to one of the methods:

Idriss and Boulanger (2008)
Robertson and Wride (1998)
Note: Plot command files require a specific selection of the method to use. There is no default method
defined in the program.
See also sections 3.5.4 and 4.3.1.

Page 63 of 67

5.5.4.1

Fines Content Idriss And Boulanger, 2008

The Idriss and Boulanger method for calculating the Fines Content is based on the Soil Behaviour Type
Index (Ic or Isbt):

FC = 2.8 I c

2.6

The formula for the calculation of the index depends on whether the classification is based on
normalised data (Robertson 1990/2009) or non-normalised data (Robertson 1986/2010).
This method is used for classification datasets containing the command:
fines_content_derivation_method Idriss_and_Boulanger

Note: the Soil Behaviour Type Index will not always be calculated (see 4.3.2 note 6). For those
situations the shear wave velocity cannot be calculated as well.
5.5.4.2

Fines Content Robertson and Wride, 1998

The Robertson and Wride method for calculating the Fines Content is based on the Soil Behaviour
Type Index (Ic or Isbt):
If

Ic < 1.26 then FC = 0%

If 1.26 Ic 3.5
If

Ic > 3.5

then FC

= 1.75I c

3.25

3.7 %

then FC = 100%

This method is used for classification datasets containing the command:

fines_content_derivation_method Robertson_and_Wride

Caution must be taken in applying the above equations to sands that plot in the region defined
by 1.64 < Ic < 2.36 and Fr < 0.5%. In order not to confuse very loose clean sands with denser sands
containing fines, it is suggested by Robertson and Wride that the apparent fines content in this zone is
set equal to 5%:
If Fr < 0.5% and (1.64 < Ic 2.36) then FC = 5%
The formula for the calculation of the index depends on whether the classification is based on
normalised data (Robertson 1990/2009) or non-normalised data (Robertson 1986/2010)
Note: the Soil Behaviour Type Index will not always be calculated (see 5.5.1). For those situations the
shear wave velocity cannot be calculated as well.

5.5.5

SPT N60

The SPT N60 data are calculated according to Robertson (2012) "CPT guide, 5th Edition":

The calculation is based on the Soil Behaviour Type Index. This index is calculated by the Classification
Module. Therefore the SPT N60 can only be calculated by the Classification Module.
Whether the Ic or ISBT will be used depends on the selected classification method. See 5.5.1.

Page 64 of 67

5.5.6

Constrained Modulus M and Volume Compressibility mv

The Constrained Modulus M is calculated using different formulae for drained and undrained soils.
Sand - Normally consolidated (Kulhawy and Mayne, 1990):

Sand - Overconsolidated:

Clay (Kulhawy and Mayne, 1990):

The Constrained Modulus M and the Volume Compressibility mv are related to each other by:
mv = 1/M
For drained situations the normally consolidated M is used.
The Volume Compressibility data are not shown in the Classification Module GUI. It is only possible to
plot this data on Plates.
The plot window name is volume_compressibility_classification or mv_classification.

5.5.7

Permeability

Permeability k can be assessed using the relation between Ic and k suggested by Robertson (2010):
If 1.0 < Ic < 3.27, then k = 10^(0.952 3.04 * Ic), units m/s
If 3.27 < Ic < 4.0, then k = 10^(-4.52 1.37 * Ic) , units m/s

Page 65 of 67

The above method only gives an indication of the permeability. Please note the remarks made by
Robertson about the calculation of the permeability from the Soil Behaviour Type Index:
The above relationships can be used to provide an approximate estimate of soil
permeability (k) and to show the likely variation of soil permeability with depth
from a CPT sounding. Since the normalized CPT parameters (Qtn and Fr)
respond to the mechanical behavior of the soil and depend on many soil
variables, the suggested relationship between k and Ic is approximate and should
only be used as a guide.
Permeability data are not shown in the Classification Module GUI. The data can only be presented on
Plates using the window_name permeability_classification.
UNIPLOT allows for deriving the horizontal coefficient of permeability kh from the results of pore
pressure dissipation tests. If PPDT are present in the selected CPT test(s) the resulting kh values can
be presented in the graphs by using the plot window name: permeability_classification+.
(note the + character at the end of the window name).

Page 66 of 67

APPENDIX 1 FORMULAE AND REFERENCES

The table below shows a summary of the formulae used throughout the Classification Module and the
references to the corresponding publications.

Page 67 of 67

UNIPLOT

(Update document December 2014)

Note 1: For limitations per equation like soil type (silica, carbonate, ...), applicable for which area(s) in the world, applicable for shallow and/ or deep soils, etc.: check FEBV/CDE/APP/012
Note 2: Always check the methods used by checking the contents of your classification plot command file. Not all equations below are used in each plot command file!

SOIL BEHAVIOUR IDENTIFICATION/ SOIL CLASSIFICATION

(Robertson, 2010 / 2009 / 1990 / 1986, Ramsey, 2002)
CLASSIFICATION PARAMETERS
Normalised Cone Resistance nQc or Qt

Qt = nQc = (1000qt vo ) / 'v 0

(Robertson, 2010 / 1990 / 1986, Ramsey, 2002)

(Robertson, 2009)
Qt no units. qt in MPa. v0 and v0 in kPa.
Normalised Friction Ratio nRf or Fr

Fr = nRf = 100 f s /(qt ( v 0 / 100))

(Robertson, 2010 / 2009 / 1990 / 1986, Ramsey, 2002)

Fr no units. fs and qt in MPa. v0 in kPa.
Pore Pressure Ratio Bq
Ground surface mode/ seabed mode:

Bq =

K (u1 u 0 )
u2 u0
or Bq =
qt ( v 0 / 100)
qt ( v 0 / 100)

Downhole mode:

Bq =

K (u1 + u oi u 0 )
u 2 + u oi u 0
or Bq =
qt ( v 0 / 100)
qt ( v 0 / 100)

(Robertson, 1990, Ramsey, 2002 and Robertson 1986)

Bq no units. u0, u1, u2 and uoi and qt in MPa. v0 in kPa.
The calculation depends on whether an u1 or u2 was measured and on whether (in case of an u1 signal) the u1 is converted to an u2*. (see Section 3.7)

A1

SOIL PARAMETER INTERPRETATION

CLAY

SAND

Unit Weight

= 8.32 log(v s ) 1.61log(z)

= 8.32 log(v s ) 1.61log(z)

(Mayne et al., 2002)

(Mayne et al., 2002)

'
= 1.95 w v 0
100

0.06

(10 f t )0.06

'
= 1.95 w v 0
100

0.06

(10 f t )0.06

(Mayne et al., 2010)

(Mayne et al., 2010)
Classification zones (Powel, 1990)
Classification zones (Powel, 1990 => reference cannot be found)
Classification zones (Kolk, 1999)
Classification zones (Kolk, 1999 => reference cannot be found)
3
and w in kN/m . vs in m/s. z in m. v0 in kPa. ft in MPa.
Note 1: Standard Fugro practice is calculation of unit weight according to Mayne 2002 or Mayne 2010. If possible, cross-check with lab-test results or other in-situ test tools
and decide which method fits the test results best.
Note 2: Unit weights calculated with above mentioned equations are saturated unit weights (all voids filled with water)
Note 3: Mayne, 2002: Three methods available to derive vs in UW-equations: 1) vs automatically derived, 2) from vs-sand equation for UW-sand, 3) from vs-clay equation for
UW clay.
Note 4: In Mayne 2010 is stated fs instead of ft. DB/LJP discussed this with Mayne (in Spring 2010). Mayne agreed fs should be ft.
Submerged Unit Weight
sub = = w
sub = = w
3
sub, and w in kN/m .
Note 1: s is derived according to the Unit Weight equations of the previous page.
3
Note 2: w is the theoretical value inserted in the Test Description screen in Uniplot, usually 10 kN/m
Relative Density Dr
Not applicable

0.46

1 + 2 K 0

' v 0

3

D r (dry ) =
ln q c
2.494

0.0296
100

1000q c

1.87 + 2.32 ln

0.5
(100 ' v 0 )

D r ( sat ) =
+ 1 D r (dry )
100

(Jamiolkowski et al. 2003)

A2

CLAY
Not applicable

SAND
0.51

1
1 + 2 Ko
Dr =
ln q c 0.205' v 0

0.0293
3

(Jamiolkowski, 1988)

Ksin '

' zN q 1 + L z ,

q c = min
0.46

'
F 2.494 m e 2.96 I d

100

(Emerson, 2008)
qc in MPa. v0 in kPa. Dr in %. Dr (dry) is
Note 1: Standard Fugro practice offshore is calculation of Dr(sat) according to Jamiolkowski, 2003.
Note 2: The 2 equations from Jamiolkowski et al. 2003 describe Dr for dry, Dr(dry) and saturated, Dr(sat) silica sands.
0.5
Note 3: Dr(sat) should only be used if: 1000qc/(100v0) > 2.24. If Dr(sat) is lower or equal to 2.24 Uniplot will present no Dr(sat) value.
Note 4: Emerson 2008 equation for Dr is too comprehensive to display here. This calculation is presented in a separate Mathcad sheet.
Undrained Shear Strength cu

cu =

1000 q n
Nk

Not applicable

(Rad en Lunne, 1988)

cu =

1000 q c vo
Nc

(Battaglio et al., 1986)

cu and v0 in kPa. qn and qc in MPa.
Note 1: The equation from Battaglio 1986 is used if pore pressure measurements are not available.
Note 2: Nk is a correlation factor typically ranging between 8 and 30. FEBV and Uniplot default values are 15 and 20 for cones. For T-bar/ Ball-probe: check Standard App.
Note 3: Nc is a correlation factor typically ranging between 10 and 25. FEBV and Uniplot default values are 15 and 20 for cones. For T-bar/ Ball-probe check Standard App.
Undrained Shear Strength Ratio cu,ratio

c u ratio =

cu
1000 q n
=
' vo
N k ' vo

Not applicable

cu and v0 in kPa. qn in MPa. cu ratio unitless.

Note: Nk is a correlation factor typically ranging between 8 and 30. FEBV and Uniplot default values are 15 and 20 for cones.

A3

CLAY
Sensitivity St and Remoulded Undrained Shear Strength cur
c
N
St = s
c u :r = u
Rft
St

SAND

Not applicable

(Radd and Lunne, 1988)

St and Rf in %. cu and cur in kPa.
Note 1: Ns is a correlation factor typically ranging between 5 and 10, with an average value of 7.5. In Uniplot a default value of 7.5 is applied.
Note 2: The remolded shear strength determined from in-situ test results can best be compared with test results from the remoulded laboratory undrained triaxial test. It can
differ from other laboratory test results, like results from laboratory miniature vane test.
Angle of Internal Friction

1000 f s
' vo

' = 30.8log

+ 1.26

10 q t

0.5
(

'
/
100)
v
0

' = 17.6 + 11.0 log

(Mayne, 2007)

(Mayne, 2001)

Coefficient of Earth Pressure at Rest K0

K 0 = (1 sin ' ) OCR sin '

K0 =

(Mayne and Kulhawy, 1982)

(' v 0 )(1.15 sin ') / (13.7 sin ') (1 sin ')1 / (13.7 sin ')
2.876 (sin ' ) / (13.7 sin ' ) q c

(0.815 sin ' ) /(13.7 sin ')

(Mayne, 1995)

qc in MPa. v0 in kPa. K0 no units.

Note: K0 sand: do not use K0 as calculated unless cross-checked with lab-test results or other in-situ test tools! Preferably use K0 user defined values ranging typically
from 0.5 to 2.0.
Active Pressure Coefficient and Passive Pressure Coefficient Ka and Kp

Ka =

1 sin
1 + sin

Kp =

(Craigs Soil Mechanics, 2004)

Ka and Kp no units.

1 + sin
1 sin

Ka =

1 sin
1 + sin

Kp =

1 + sin
1 sin

(Craigs Soil Mechanics, 2004)

A4

CLAY

SAND

OverConsolidation Ratio OCR

OCR =

0.317(1000 q t vo )
= 0.317Qt
' vo

OCR =

(Chen and Mayne, 1996)

(' vo )1.15
0.815
2.876(q c )
K0

3.7

(Mayne, 1995)

qt and qc in MPa. v0 and v0 in kPa. OCR no units.

Constrained Modulus M

M = 8.25(q t

M = q c 101.090.0075 D r for NC sands

vo
) = 8.25q n
1000

M = q c 101.780.0122 D r for OC sands

(Kulhawy and Mayne, 1990)

(Kulhawy and Mayne, 1990)

M, qc, qt and qn in MPa. v0 in kPa. Dr in %.
Shear Modulus Gmax

G max = 0.00287(1000 q c )1.335

G max = 1.634(1000 q c )0.25 (' vo )0.375

(Mayne and Rix, 1993)

Gmax and qc in MPa. v0 in kPa.

(Rix and Stokoe, 1991)

Coefficient of Vertical Consolidation cv

c v = 1.03 OCR1.5 0.0000001
cv no units.

Not applicable

Note: Reference can not be found. Seems to work okay though.

Shear Wave Velocity vs

v s = 277(q c )

v s = 1.75(1000 q c )

0.13

0.627

(Mayne and Rix, 1995)

' vo

1000

0.27

(Baldi, 1989)

vs in m/s. qc in MPa. v0 in kPa.

0.5

where: qc1N _ hm = ( qc / Pa ) * ( Pa / ' v 0)

or qc1N _ hm = ( qc / Pa ) * Pa / ' v 0

0.75

depending on Ic

(Hegazy and Mayne,2006)

vs in m/s. qc in kPa. v0 in kPa.

v s = 10 (0.55*I c +1.68 ) * ((q t vo ) Pa )

0. 5

(Robertson and Cabal, 2010)

vs in m/s. qt in kPa. v0 in kPa.
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CLAY

SAND

Void Ratio e0
Not applicable

e 0 = 1.152 0.233 log10 q c

' vo
100

+ 0.043 logOCR

(Mayne, 1995)
qc in MPa. v0 in kPa. e0 no units.
Note: Do not use this equation, unless cross-checked with lab-test results or other in-situ test tools!
K-factor
0.47

1
e 2 Fr
K = 0.91e 0.09Qt
1/ 3
1 + Fr (0.17 + 0.061(Qt 21.6) )

(Peuchen et al., 2010)

Qt, Fr and K no units.

0.47

1
e 2 Fr
K = 0.91e 0.09Qt
1/ 3
1 + Fr (0.17 + 0.061(Qt 21.6) )

(Peuchen et al., 2010)

Qt, Fr and K no units.

Soil Behaviour Type Index Ic / Isbt

n

I c = I cRW =

{3.47 log(Qtn )} + {1.22 + log( Fr )}

2

(1000q t v 0 ) 100
(1000q t v 0 )
=
Q = Qtn =
*
100
(100 ' v 0 ) n
'v0

(Robertson and Wride, 1998)

(Robertson, 2004)
Ic, Qtn and Fr no units. qt in MPa. v0 and v0 in kPa.
Only for classification method Robertson 1990, zones 2 - 7.

I SBT =

n = 0.381I cRW + 0.05( ' v 0 / 100) 0.15 1.0

(Robertson, 2009)

{3.47 log(qc / pa )}2 + {log( R f ) + 1.22}2

(Robertson, 2010)
qc or qt in kPa, pa = 100 kPa, Rf in %
Only for classification method Robertson 1986, zones 2 - 10 or Robertson 2010, zones 2 - 7
SPT N60

(Robertson 2012)
qt in kPa, pa = 100 kPa,
Selection Ic or ISBT depends on type of classification method: normalised or non-normalised, for instance Robertson 1990 or Robertson 1986

A6

Fines Content
If
Ic < 1.26 then FC = 0%
If 1.26 Ic 3.5
If

Ic > 1.26

then FC

= 1.75I c

3.25

3.7 %

then FC = 100%

But, if Fr < 0.5% and (1.64 < Ic 2.36) then FC = 5%

(Robertson and Wride, 1998)
Selection Ic or ISBT depends on classification method: normalised or non-normalised, for instance Robertson 1990 or Robertson 1986

FC = 2.8 I c

2.6

(Idriss and Boulanger, 2008)

Selection Ic or ISBT depends on classification method: normalised or non-normalised, for instance Robertson 1990 or Robertson 1986
Permeability
If 1.0 < Ic < 3.27, then k = 10^(0.952 3.04 * Ic), units m/s
If 3.27 < Ic < 4.0, then k = 10^(-4.52 1.37 * Ic) , units m/s
(Robertson 2010)
Please note the remarks made by Robertson::
The above relationships can be used to provide an approximate estimate of soil
permeability (k) and to show the likely variation of soil permeability with depth
from a CPT sounding. Since the normalized CPT parameters (Qtn and Fr)
respond to the mechanical behavior of the soil and depend on many soil
variables, the suggested relationship between k and Ic is approximate and should
only be used as a guide

Selection Ic or ISBT depends on classification method: Robertson 1990 or Robertson 1986

A7

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Baldi, G., Bellotti, R., Ghionna, V.N., Jamiolkowski, M. and Lo Presti, D.C.F. (1989), "Modulus of Sands from CPT's and DMT's", in Proceedings of the Twelfth International
Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, 13-18 August 1989, Vol. 1, A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam, pp. 165-170.
Battaglio, M., Bruzzi, D., Jamiolkowski, M. and Lancellotta, R. (1986), "Interpretation of CPT's and CPTU's, 1st Part: Undrained Penetration of Saturated Clays", in Field
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Cone Penetration Data, in Puppala, A.J. et al. (Eds.), Site and Geomaterial Characterization: Proceedings
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Engineering Properties of Natural Soils Volume 3", Taylor & Francis, London, pp. 1601-1652.
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National Highway Institute, Washington, Report / Federal Highway Administration, No. FHWA-NHI-01-031.

Mayne, P.W. and Kulhawy, F.H. (1982), "Ko-OCR relationships in soil", Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 108, No.
GT6, pp. 851-872.
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Penetration Testing, Huntington Beach, CA: Conference Proceedings.
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351-362.
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