Laboratory Simulator for Geotechnical Penetration Tests

Abstract

The most widely used methods for the in situ investigation of the mechanical characteristics of soil are field penetration tests such as the standard and cone penetration tests, which apply several empirical correlations. Many geotechnical researchers have tried to improve the empirical correlations by analyzing comparisons of field penetration tests and laboratory simulations, as well as virtual numerical simulations. However, geotechnical parameters such as relative density, void ratio range, grain size distribution, angularity, mean particle size, uniformity coefficient, effective overburden stress, and mean confinement stress have interlocking effects. Consequently, the use of calibration chambers, which can simulate ideal conditions for the soil in the laboratory, are essential. The authors have developed an axisymmetric innovative simulator system, not only to perform parametric studies on the aforementioned parameters but also to simulate a range of field conditions under substantially controlled boundary conditions. This article also presents results for a series of calibration tests to prove its applicability on nonplastic silts, sands, and granular materials. Repetitive tests, under identical testing circumstances, verified the accuracy, efficiency, and durability of the system. The current work also correlates with the results of comparative studies to investigate the effectiveness of the simulations.