Static penetration resistance of soils

• Main Author: Abdel-Gawad, Sameh
• Other Authors: Memorial University of Newfoundland. Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 1979
• Subjects: Soil penetration test; Penetrometers; Newfoundland studies; University of Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/theses2/id/52908

Thesis (M.Eng.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1979. Engineering and Applied Science Bibliography: leaves 189-193. In-situ tests play an important role in geotechnical investigations, particularly in situations where the problems of sample recovery and the consequent sample disturbance are severe limitations. -- This thesis is part of an ongoing research on penetrometers at Memorial University of Newfoundland. The results reported here are for two cone penetrometers, 35.6 mm and 76.2 mm diameter, which were used in a static mode. -- Different theoretical and experimental results are available in the literature to define the failure mechanism associated with the penetration resistance of cones into soils. -- Strength parameters and penetrometer interaction properties of fine sand and silty clay were determined using the conventional triaxial and direct shear tests. The results were then used as the basis for theoretical prediction of the penetration resistance after explicitly accounting for penetrometer base apex angle, penetrometer size and roughness. Comparison of unit penetration resistance values measured in controlled laboratory tests and predicted by theory subsequently permitted the suggestion of the most appropriate method for the penetration mechanism. -- Methods for evaluating in-situ shear strength of soils from measured cone penetration resistance are suggested. Values of shear strength parameters (C and o) are determined and compared with those of other investigators.