A Collection of Fluctuation Scale Values and Autocorrelation Functions of Fine Deposits in Emilia Romagna Plain, Italy

The spatial variability structure of soils strongly influences the shallow foundation designing when it is taken into account. As a matter of fact, in reliability-based design the estimated value of the scale of fluctuation θ and the choice of the autocorrelation function ρ(z) can lead to different estimations of the bearing capacity of shallow foundations. Many different methods and types of measurements can be used to estimate the preceding quantities. In this paper, seven cone penetration tests CPTs performed in the first 10m of the fluvial deposits located in the Emilia Romagna plain (Italy) have been analyzed. Different θ values have been drawn by using two numerical techniques and two ρ(z) have been assumed as the best fitting models to the sample autocorrelation functions. Results show that differences in θ values slightly affect the design values of the bearing capacity whereas they are mostly influenced by the shape of the ρ(z).