Geostatistical modeling of spatial variability of SPT data for a borax stockpile site

The major borax producer, Eti Mining Co. of Turkey, planned to construct an export stock site located near the Bandirma Harbor in the northwestern of Turkey. During this construction, some stability problems were encountered. To analyze the stability problems and to assess the engineering properties of soil in the stock site geotechnical investigations were started. As a part of geotechnical investigations one of the most common field tests, the standard penetration tests (SPT), was conducted for soil exploration. In this study, the field is geostatistically simulated to assess the uncertainty associated with the spatial variability of SPT results. Multiple probable realizations of SPT values are generated using sequential Gaussian simulation. Using 122 NSPT data in the borax stockpile site, the characteristics observed in the available data are reproduced in a manner that the heterogeneity of SPT within the field is honored. The estimated NSPT data can also be used for other purposes such as determination of bearing capacity, and estimation of soil strength parameters.