Abstract
The identification and characterization of weak layers, potentially acting as detachment planes, are key elements in submarine landslide research. In this study, the MARUM Free-Fall Piezocone Penetrometer (FF-CPTU) was used to characterize soft and sensitive clays at Finneidfjord, a site with historical landslide events. The FF-CPTU measurements are compared with standard, industry Cone Penetration Testing (pushed CPTU) data in order to verify and validate the penetration rate effect by using an empirical closed-form solution to convert dynamic properties to quasi-static ones. The quasi-static properties and sedimentological/laboratory results across the weak layers show significantly lower values for the CPTU parameters (qt and fs) and undrained shear-strength (su), build-up of excess pore-water pressure (∆u) as well as a normally-consolidated behavior in comparison with the surrounding sediment. These findings allow us to develop a 2D model of the sub-surface in which the weak horizon is mapped, and to demonstrate that the light-weight FF-CPTU instrument is a powerful, versatile device for the geotechnical evaluation of submarine mass movements and their consequences.
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Acknowledgments
We thank the SEABED project with the Norwegian Deepwater Program (www.ndwp.org) for financial support. We also thank Arild Sleipnes and the Norwegian road authorities for access to the push CPTU data as well as John Anders Dahl for the field assistance. This is publication no. 355 of the International Centre for Geohazards (ICG). The manuscript benefited from the criticism and suggestions from reviewers and editor Drs. T. Lunne, C. Baxter and J. Chaytor.
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Steiner, A. et al. (2012). An In-Situ Free-Fall Piezocone Penetrometer for Characterizing Soft and Sensitive Clays at Finneidfjord (Northern Norway). In: Yamada, Y., et al. Submarine Mass Movements and Their Consequences. Advances in Natural and Technological Hazards Research, vol 31. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2162-3_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2162-3_9
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