Figure 16. Variability between cumulative grain size distributions (weight vs. volume basis) for identical materials

ERDC TN-DOER-D2

September 2004

Figure 16. Variability between cumulative grain size distributions (weight vs. volume basis) for identical

materials

SUMMARY: Accurately predicting geotechnical property changes in the sediment and dredged

material cycle (pre-dredged, post-dredged, pre-placement, and post-placement) involves a degree

of uncertainty. Assigning parameters for sediment and dredged material properties may be chal-

lenging due to differences in reporting methods and lack of available information on material

characteristics during any given stage of the dredging operation.

Comparisons of material physical and engineering behavior properties before, during, and after

selected dredging operations show that quantifiable changes occur and those changes may

depend on unknown relationships in the dredging process. Acquiring better understanding of the

relationships between changed material properties and dredging operations will eventually

enable better predictions for economical project planning, permitting, design, construction,

operation, and management.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Questions about this technical note can be addressed to

Mr. Landris T. Lee (601-634-2661, Fax 601-634-3453, e-mail:

mil). This technical note and associated research work were 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, ), and the Near-

shore Focus Area Manager was Dr. Joseph Z. Gailani (601-634-4851,

usace.army.mil). This technical note should be cited as follows:

Lee, L. T. (2004). "Variability in dredged material geotechnical properties," DOER

Technical Notes Collection (ERDC TN-DOER-D-X), U.S. Army Engineer Research and

Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi. www.wes.army.mil/el/dots/doer/