Integrating Geo-Electrical and Geotechnical Data for Soil Characterization

Precise determination of engineering properties of soil is essential for proper design and successful construction of any structure. The conventional methods for determination of engineering properties are invasive, costly and time-consuming. Electrical resistivity survey is an attractive tool for delineating subsurface properties without soil disturbance. Reliable correlations between electrical resistivity and other soil properties will enable us to characterize the subsurface soil without borehole sampling. This paper presents the preliminary results of an ongoing research on correlations of electrical resistivity with strength properties of soil. Soil investigations, field electrical resistivity survey (VES) and laboratory electrical resistivity measurements were conducted. From the data analysis, significant correlations have been obtained between resistivity and moisture content and angle of internal friction. Weaker correlations have been observed for cohesion and unit weight of soil.