An Experimental Study on the Detection of Loosened Areas in a Ground cavity Using a Micro Penetration Test

In this study, a model experiment that simulates the behaviour of the ground composed of several compacted layer was intended to measure the loosened area in the event of a ground cavity through a LAD (Loosened area detector). It was confirmed that the size of the cone diameter was affected by the ground composed of fine grain + granulated soil layered through the model soil. In order to select the appropriate cone type, a scale effect experiment was conducted. From the test results, a micro-cone was chosen for the most suitable indoor model experiment. In the case of applying LAD in this study, the loosening condition of the ground was determined by the rapid change in penetration resistance caused by the difference in the boundary surface and relative density due to the compaction of the ground for indoor model testing. The range of loosened area occurring in the cavity was estimated through the penetration resistance characteristics on the ground, and the failure area was identified through the reduction rate of penetration resistance in the loosening area.