DMT-predicted vs observed settlements: a review of the available experience

This paper presents a compilation of documented case histories including comparisons of DMT-predicted vs observed settlements, in order to review the available experience in the use of DMT for settlement calculations and to evaluate the accuracy of settlement predictions based on DMT. The available data indicate that, in general, the constrained modulus obtained by DMT (MDMT) can be considered a reasonable “operative modulus” (relevant to foundations under “working conditions”) for settlement predictions based on the traditional linear elasticity approach. Attention is also given to the determination of the strain range appropriate to MDMT, in view of the possible use of MDMT for settlement predictions based on non-linear methods taking into account the decay of soil stiffness with strain level.