Cavity expansion modeling of cone penetration mechanism in granular soils

Cavity expansion theoretical models have been used to analyze in situ cone penetration test results. This paper evaluates two of the existing model theories by comparing their cone test interpretations with the measured test results. The cavity models considered in this paper have adapted same soil behavior but different analysis types such as small strain and large strain analysis. The model limiting pressure are first computed and then correlated with measured cone tip resistances from calibration chamber tests. Both theories predicted similar correlations with tip resistances. Factors that influence the cavity model interpretations in granular soils are discussed. Future research directions to improve the model interpretations are noted.