ERDC TN-DOER-D1
August 2004
To estimate permeability (saturated hydraulic conductivity), Carrier and Beckman (1984) pro-
posed the following equation for remolded clays:
k = 0.0174 [e 0.027 (PL-0.242PI) / PI]4.29 / (1+e)
(18)
where
k = permeability, m/sec
e = void ratio
PL = plastic limit percent
PI = plasticity index
SUMMARY: Geotechnical parameters required for numerical models may be easily predicted or
estimated using material property correlations obtained from both standardized and innovative
geotechnical tests. Both published and experimental correlation equations are presented herein
for application to typical fine-grained remolded dredged materials (i.e., in a physically disturbed
state such as that imposed by mechanical or hydraulic dredging operations). The following geo-
technical parameters may be rapidly estimated based on dredged material test data, using one or
more of the approximately 18 equations listed heretofore:
Water content
Bulk wet unit weight (commonly referred to as bulk density)
Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, and liquidity index)
Specific gravity
Void ratio and porosity
Percent solids (by weight or volume)
Undrained shear strength
Effective stress
Compression index
Permeability
Obtaining geotechnical parameters using the above correlation equations does not substitute for
standardized laboratory testing requirements. All correlations and non-standardized test methods
presented herein are intended to be used as guidance for estimating purposes only, due to their
empirical origins.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Questions about this technical note can be addressed to
Mr. Landris T. Lee (601-634-2661, Fax 601-634-3453, e-mail: Landris.T.Lee@erdc.usace.army.
mil). This technical note and associated research work is funded by the Dredging Operations and
Environmental Research (DOER) Program 12B Nearshore Focus Area Work Unit 33292 titled
"Geotechnical Properties of Dredged Material." Program Manager of the DOER is Dr. Robert
M. Engler (601-634-3624, Robert.M.Engler@erdc.usace.army.mil), and the Nearshore Focus
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