The Flat Dilatometer Test (DMT) is an in-situ testing method used to determine the strength and deformation characteristics of fine-grained soils. This method involves a stainless blade shaped probe with a thin circular steel membrane mounted on one side. The blade has a cutting edge to penetrate the soil and is inserted into the ground at the desired depth. It is connected to a control unit on the ground surface. After the penetration, pressure by a gas tank is applied to inflate the membrane. The pressure required to initiate the movement of the membrane against the soil is recorded and is called “A-pressure”. The inflation continues until the center of the membrane is moved 1.1 mm against the soil. The required pressure to achieve that is called “B-pressure”. If the required depth is below the water table, the membrane can be slowly deflated to record “C-pressure”, which represents the pore pressure acting on the membrane. The corrected DMT results are used to obtain information on soil stratigraphy, in situ state of stress, shear strength and deformation properties.
Suggested by Professor Marchetti S., Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, L' Aquila University, Italy. List compiled in January 2003.
Most of the following 10 papers (and of other relevant papers) are downloadable from the website: http://www.marchetti-dmt.it/
Site Characterization Site characterization is a systematic study conducted to collect data regar...
Cone penetration testing (CPT) is an in-situ test that is used to identify the soil type. In this t...
Introduction A standard penetration test (SPT) is one of the most popular in-situ tests carrie...
The pressuremeter test is an in-situ testing method used to determine the stress-strain response of...
Suggested by Dr. Kavazanjian, E., and Dr. Matasovic, N., Geosyntec Consultants, Huntington Beach, C...
Embankment Dams Embankment dams are mainly made from natural materials. They are suited to sites...
Laboratory testing is an integral part of geotechnical engineering research and practice. A well...
What is Soil Consolidation? Soil Consolidation refers to the process in which the volume of a satu...