P-y Curves for Rock and Intermediate Geomaterials Using Pressuremeter Tests

Abstract

This paper presents proposed modifications to the existing methods that were originally developed to derive in-situ p-y curves from pressuremeter tests in soils to apply for pressuremeter tests in rock and/or intermediate geomaterials. The derived in-situ p-y curves can be used for the design of laterally loaded drilled shafts in rock and/or intermediate geomaterials. The proposed methodology was validated against two full-scale field lateral load tests conducted by the authors and five conducted by others from literature with rock pressuremeter or dilatometer tests performed at the test sites. The pressuremeter or dilatometer tests were performed in prebored holes cored using double tube core barrels. The modified methods for p-y curves of rock and intermediate geomaterials derived from pressuremeter interpretation would improve current design practice of laterally loaded drilled shafts socket in rock or intermediate geomaterials.