Advanced Modelling of Piezocone Penetration Test Using Cavity Expansion Theory and Interpretation Simulator Development

2018PDFTech ReportChen, ShengliLiu, KaiLouisiana Transportation Research CenterLouisiana State University (Baton Rouge, La.)Louisiana State University. Louisiana Transportation Research CenterLouisianaUnited StatesClay soilsGeotechnical engineeringSoil penetration testTest proceduresDOTLT1000135Final reportThe piezocone penetration test (CPTu) is a well-established and efficient tool used in geotechnical engineering for measuring/interpreting the fundamental soil properties. However, the currently used interpretation methods for the CPTu test are largely empirical in nature and/or often based on over simplistic formulations, thus lacking the analytical rigor from the theoretical point of view. The report develops a rigorous analytical solution for the spherical cavity expansion in critical state clayey soils (i.e., modified Cam Clay soil model), which, in combination with the already existing solution for the cylindrical expansion, can and have been used here as the theoretical basis for relating the measured cone resistance, pore water pressure, and sleeve friction to the mechanical soil properties of clay deposits.131