field testing to determine internal angle of friction

[joeskin]

I have a WONDERFUL retaining wall project that I need to determine both the bearing capacity and internal angle of friction for the native soil as well as the infill material. The infill is recycled concrete (RCA). Access to the site is limited so I can't use a drill rig of any size. Need to perform testing with portable equipment. I have some ideas, but am looking for more suggestions. Also have lab capabilities. Cheers.

Joe

 

[Sean2]

Do you know the particle size of the recycled concrete?

If not, can you make reasonably conservative assumptions which will eliminate the need for testing?

Failing that, dynamic probing may work if the overlying concrete particle size is not greater than about 25mm.

Geophysics is unlikely to help unless the recycled concrete has been compacted and is well-graded i.e. NOT single-sized. You would also have to do some intrusive testing to correlate with the geophysics, however.

Have you carried out a Desk Study of the site, to see if there is already some information on the native soil properties?

Without a little more information about the topography and assumed stratigraphy of your site, and details of the problem you are trying to solve, I have difficulty coming up with anything more definite.

I look forward to reading other suggestions!