Abstract: The physical and mechanical properties of coral sand are significantly different from those of quartz sand and the current strength and deformation parameters for the foundation design are established based on the land origin quartz sand and might not be applicable to the foundations on coral sands. This paper presents the heavy dynamic penetration tests, plate load tests and standard penetration results on a construction project in coral sand soils in Hainan. The relationship between the heavy dynamic penetration test blow counts (N63.5) and the deformation modulus (E0) of foundation soils, standard penetration test blow count (N) and the deformation modulus are established.

Key words: Coral Reef Sand, In Situ Test, Heavy Dynamic Penetration Test, Plate Loading Test, Standard Penetration Test