Correlation between DPL, triaxial strength and CBR for the geotechnical evaluation of soils in the design of shallow foundations

Elder Rudecindo Calua Carrasco C.; Alejandra Rodriguez Cardenas G. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.2484

Resumen

Mechanical characterization of soil constitutes a fundamental aspect in the design of shallow foundations, particularly in areas with high geotechnical variability such as Baños del Inca. The objective of this researh was to establish quantitative correlations between the Dynamic Probing Light (DPL) test, the strength parameters obtained through triaxial tests, and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values in medium- to high-plasticity clay soils (CL-CH). A field and laboratory study was conducted, including the execution of DPL tests to representative foundation depths, the collection of samples for consolidated undrained triaxial testing, and the determination of CBR under controlled compaction conditions. The results showed significant linear correlations between the blow count and CBR (R2 = 0.83), between the blow count and the internal friction angle (R2 = 0.79), and between the blow count and undrained shear strength (R2 = 0.76). The incorporation of state variables such as moisture content and dry density improved the statistical fit up to R2 = 0.87. It was observed that for blow count values greater than 15 blows/10 cm, the soils exhibited CBR values higher than 20% and undrained shear strengths greater than 118 kPa, indicating favorable conditions for conventional shallow foundations under the safety criteria established by Peruvian regulations. The results confirmed that the DPL test can be used as a reliable preliminary tool for estimating strength parameters and bearing capacity in local clays, provided that the correlations are specifically calibrated for the geotechnical conditions of the site.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte