Evaluation of SPT N-Vs Model Considering Geological Attributes Using Geotechnical Database: Case Study at Busan, South Korea

Abstract

The Geotechnical Information DB System (called GeoInfo) in South Korea distributes a large volume of geotechnical survey results conducted at various construction sites. The geotechnical survey includes Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and collocated geophysical tests such as downhole and suspension logging tests. The previous study collected those test results and developed an N -Vs model based on regression, and it was confirmed that the developed model followed general trends of N -Vs well across wide range of N values. However, when compared to the N-Vs model proposed in Japan, the Korean model estimates a higher Vs than one from Japan model at the same N value. To figure out the reason of difference, this study conducted a residual analysis on the N-Vs models proposed in South Korea, centering on the geologically diverse Busan region, specifically the Nakdonggang delta and erosion basins. The findings emphasize the intrinsic correlation between geological attributes and the efficacy of N-Vs relations. A primary insight highlighted the importance of considering geological attri butes when enhancing N-Vs relations.