The influence of particle shape on the (centrifuge) cone penetration test (CPT) end resistance in uniformly graded granular soils

Abstract

The paper examines the effect of particle shape on the end resistance measured in a series of centrifuge cone penetration tests (CPTs) conducted in four uniformly graded silica materials, each with its own distinctive particle-shape characteristic. The CPTs were performed at three different centrifuge g-levels and two different relative densities. A parallel series of shear-box tests allowed determination of the materials' shearing characteristics, and led to the development of an expression for peak friction angle that incorporates the influence of particle shape. A simple approach to predict the CPT end resistance employing this expression is shown to match the measured centrifuge CPT data and hence assist with quantification of the relative importance of particle shape on the CPT end resistance.