"In situ characterization of stress, strength and hydraulic properties" by Jean Benoît

In situ characterization of soils remains a challenging task whether onshore or offshore. From a geotechnical standpoint the following "properties" are of interest: state of stress (namely horizontal stress and pore pressures), strength and deformation behavior (stiffness), hydraulic properties (permeability, consolidation). Various in situ tools have the ability to evaluate these properties but mostly through empirical processes. They include the piezocone, the pressuremeter, the Marchetti flat plate dilatometer and the field shear vane. At the workshop I will briefly present each tool and discuss their capabilities and applicabilities in unconsolidated soft sediments offshore.