Analysis of self-boring pressuremeter tests in overconsolidated clays

Abstract

The present paper describes an effective stress analysis of the self-boring pressuremeter test in undrained clay. The analysis is based on the assumption that the pressuremeter can be simulated by cylindrical cavity expansion process. The soil is modelled by a realistic critical state plasticity model. Application of the present effective analysis to London Clay suggests that although the total stress analysis may be adequately used to analyse undrained pressuremeter tests in normally consolidated and lightly overconsolidated clays, it is not suitable for interpreting the results of tests in heavily overconsolidated clays. Because of the significant effect of pressuremeter geometry, a most reliable interpretation method would need to take account of the pressuremeter geometry as well as to use an effective stress analysis with a realistic critical state soil model. (A)