Effects of pressuremeter geometry on the results of tests in sand

This paper describes an experimental study of the effect of pressuremeter geometry (i.e. length to diameter ratio) on the results of derived soil properties (i.e. soil strength, stiffness and state parameter). Recent numerical studies indicate that ignoring the finite pressuremeter length effects can lead to a non-conservative estimate of soil strength properties. Although some experimental studies have been carried out in the past on the pressuremeter geometry effect, they are not sufficiently comprehensive for reaching a definite conclusion on the effects of pressuremeter geometry on derived soil properties. In this study, a total of 44 self-boring pressuremeter tests with 4 different pressuremeter length to diameter ratios of 5, 10, 15 and 20 have been conducted in a large calibration chamber located at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Based on the results of these chamber tests, the effects of pressuremeter length to diameter ratios on the soil properties derived from pressuremeter loading curves are quantified.