Determination of Properties of Soil with Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

In this paper, Ultrasonic pulse velocity testing meter is used for determination of different soil properties. Presently ultrasonic testing method is used for doing Non-destructive testing on concrete. Different soil samples were collected from nearby different locations of central India. Initially, the traditional test like dry density, water content and optimum moisture content was done on all the soil samples and results were tabulated. These samples were also tested by modern ultrasonic testing method here we call innovative testing method. Here we have done intensive testing by both methodologies. Results of experimental test on number of soil samples done by ultrasonic pulse velocity tests were analyzed, interpreted, compared and summarised. Ultrasonic pulse velocity tests provide compression and wave velocity information. After analyzing experimental results of pulse velocity test on soil sample and traditional test properties results the relationship is developed of each of these properties like dry density, water content and compacting effort with between pulse velocities were established. We can determine traditional properties results from the actual test results of pulse velocity test. Test sample was prepared by using proctor mould and dynamic compaction method for ultrasonic pulse velocity test. With each compacted specimen, the wave velocity was measured using the direct transmission method. Additionally UCS (unconfined compressive strength) tests and UPV test were also done on soil sample of 37mm diameter to develop the relation between UCS (unconfined compressive strength) and UPV(ultrasonic pulse velocity). All soils tested shows that ultrasonic pulse velocity and dry density are directly proportional to each other up to the optimum water content. Calibration curves have been developed for this purpose. Since the ultrasonic pulse velocity test on soil is very simple and fast. So as compared to traditional methods for calculating density, pulse velocity method is very fast & easy. By doing pulse velocity test on soil sample and using calibration curves of present study can determine density and unconfined compressive strength of soil very easily.