Correlations between P-wave velocity and Atterberg limits of cohesive soils

Undisturbed and disturbed samples of cohesive soils were collected from eight different locations to investigate the possibility of estimating the Atterberg limits of cohesive soils from P-wave velocity measurements. Each soil type was classified according to the Unified Soil Classification System, and then Atterberg limits of soils were determined and P-wave velocity measurements carried out on the undisturbed samples of each soil type. P-wave velocity values were correlated with the corresponding values of Atterberg limits. It was found that liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index exhibit good correlations with P-wave velocity. The relations follow a logarithmic function. Liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index decrease with an increase in P-wave velocity. In addition, liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index exhibit very good correlations with the ratio of P-wave velocity to water content. Liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index decrease logarithmically with an increase in the ratio of P-wave velocity to water content. It can be concluded that the Atterberg limits of cohesive soils can be predicted from P-wave velocity measurements for preliminary investigations. The developed equations have some limitations and further study is required in this area.Key words: Atterberg limits, cohesive soils, P-wave velocity, regression analysis.