Using the Results of CPTu to Identify the Subsurface Sediment Layers in Urmia Lake Bridge Site, NW Iran

Specifying the soil types and profiling the subsurface soil layers are the excellent examples of CPTu test potentials. In this research, the capability of CPTu test for specifying subsurface soil layers and classification of the sediments in Urmia Lake is investigated. According to previous studies, the sediments of Urmia Lake are commonly fine grained and soft deposits with organic materials. To evaluate the geotechnical parameters of these sediments in Urmia Lake Bridge site, CPTu test was performed and soils were classified applying the results of this test. The results showed that the sediments are mostly composed of clay and silt. To verify the results of CPTu tests for soil classification, the outcomes were compared with the logs of the boreholes and the results of laboratory tests. Comparisons and analysis of findings showed high consistency between the three groups of results; CPTu, boreholes logs, and laboratory tests. Thus, CPTu test can be used, with sufficient confidence and accuracy, to specify and classify the soft soil in lacustrine environments.