In-Situ Determination of Tension Zone of Sediments by using Dynamic Light Cone Penetration Test: Tropical sediments in Tanzania

Dynamic probing of the light hammer (DPL) has been analysed by plotting the penetration index (blows per 10 cm penetration depth). The information obtained provides vital insight into ground profile variation. However, the results presentation and analysis have not been sufficiently investigated in ascertaining more information on the ground properties; therefore, focus on additional analysis techniques are needed to reveal further ground information. This paper aims at exposing the potential of using total penetration blows plots for examining the ground characteristics, narrating procedure for such graphical analysis. The analysis of the results, using total blows on linear and log scales, was performed to determine the tension zone, and the results were compared with the conventional theoretical analysis method using laboratory results from in-situ samples. Results indicate that plotting the DPL results of total blows provides the demarcation of the tension zone of the ground. The results may be applied to provide information on the analysis and design of soil retaining structures, guiding open excavation, soil nailing and assessing the suitable depth of buried structures such as pipelines, monuments, etc, without drilling, sampling and laboratory testing. Therefore, the serving cost and time for establishing such information.