Recognition of the Mechanical Properties for Soils in Complex Conditions: A Case Study

The aim of this paper is to discuss the shear resistance angle φ' of structurally complex formations in San Giuliano del Sannio (CB) for the construction of a strategic building. Large lithoid stones in a clayey-like matrix constitute the main soil formations. In this condition, it is doubtful how to evaluate φ' for geotechnical design, being very small the values obtained by conventional laboratory tests on the fine-graded matrix. Two alternative approaches could be suggested to detect the geotechnical parameters for design, specifically the φ' the angle: using the shear waves velocity and its empirical relationship with the soil resistance and through the back-analyses of an existing embedded retaining wall. It is shown that the two proposed pattern give more realistic values of the soil resistance for this kind of material, with respect to the ones obtained by conventional laboratory tests.