Global semi-empirical relationships for correlating soil unit weight with shear wave velocity by void-ratio function

Abstract

Numerous studies have attempted to relate shear wave velocity (Vs) to the geotechnical properties of soils. However, most correlations were empirically developed only for a particular site or soil type. In this study, we propose a novel approach to incorporate a generalized void ratio function with analytical phase relations for estimating the total unit weight of soils. Based on an extensively compiled soil database, the validation of the semi-empirical model was carried out and its performance was also compared against existing Vs – total unit weight correlations. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis of the model input parameters was conducted to assess their significance on total unit weight estimates. It is demonstrated that the proposed semi-empirical model is successful in providing a first-order estimate of the total unit weight of soils based on the Vs, without consideration of the overburden stresses.