Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: a094549d-8685-4dad-b90f-c28c7d279a53
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Geologic and Geotechnical Site Characterization Investigations for Nuclear Power Plants + HISTORY – HISTORY 08/2021 – DG-1392 , Proposed Revision 3 07/2014 – Periodic Review of Revision 2 – Reviewed with no issues identified 02/2001 – DG-1101 , Proposed Revision 2 (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2119/ML21194A176.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-05
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.132
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
ranging from clays to finer gravel. Used to estimate static undrained shear strength of clays, liquefaction potential of cohesionless soils, and, if so instrumented, changes in pore water pressure in saturated soils. SCPT can measure compression wave velocity and shear wave velocity in soils. Experimental cone penetrometers are under development to detect various contaminants. Does not acquire soil samples unless use modified tools. Penetration depth may be limited due to push rig capacity in stiff soils, and the technique should not be applied to soils containing large amounts of cobbles. Field vane shear test Four-bladed vane is pushed into undisturbed soil, then rotated to cause shear failure on cylindrical surface. Torsional resistance versus angular deflection is recorded. Used to estimate in situ undrained shear strength and sensitivity of clays. Not suitable for use in silts, sands, or soils containing appreciable amounts of gravel or shells. May yield unconservative estimates of shear strength in fissured clay soils or where strength is strain-rate dependent. Drive point penetrometer Expandable steel cone is driven into soil by falling weight. Blow count versus penetration is recorded. Detection of gross changes in consistency or relative density. May be used in some coarse-grained soils. Provides no quantitative information on soil properties. Plate bearing test (soil) Steel loading plate is placed on horizontal surface and is statically loaded, usually by hydraulic jack. Settlement versus time is recorded for each load increment. Estimation of strength and moduli of soil. May be used at ground surface, in excavations, or in boreholes. Results can be extrapolated to loaded areas larger than bearing plate only if properties of soil are uniform laterally and with depth. Plate bearing test or Plate jacking test (rock) Bearing pad on rock surface is statically loaded by hydraulic jack. Deflection versus load is recorded. Estimation of elastic moduli of rock