Subsurface Visualization of Peat and Soil by using GIS in Surfers Paradise, Southeast Queensland, Australia

Abstract

The subsurface conditions of Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast, Australia have been examined in terms of soil strength by using geographic information system (GIS). Spatial Analyst extension in the GIS ArcMap10 has been utilized to develop zonation maps for different depths in the study area. Depth classification scheme has been created to easily deal with each depth layer. Each depth has been interpolated as a surface to create Standard Penetration Test SPT-N value GIS-based zonation maps for each depth. Inverse Distance weighing (IDW) method in Spatial Analyst extension has been used to interpolate SPT-N values for each depth and up to R.L. - 0 m. SPT-N value parameters N60 and (N1)60 have been calculated for each depth class and for each soil type in the study area. Friction angle values and apparent preconsolidation stress values have been estimated for all the soil types. Relationships between estimated preconsolidation stress and energy-corrected SPT-N60 have been also performed. Further, a comparison between clean sands in eastern US and sands in Surfers Paradise is also provided.