Full-displacement pressuremeter testing in sand

Abstract

An alternative approach to pressuremeter testing in sand, where the pressuremeter is pushed closed-ended, is discussed. Observations from cone penetration testing in sands are used to provide a theoretical background to the expected stress conditions around a full-displacement pressuremeter probe pushed into sand. The anticipated stress paths followed during the pressure expansion phase of the test are discussed. Data from both self-boring and full-displacement pressuremeter tests in sand are presented to support some of the suggested theoretical background. Key words: pressuremeter testing, in situ testing, sand.