Estimation of In Situ Lateral Stresses in Soils by Cone‐Penetration Test

Abstract

A simple method for the estimation of in situ lateral stress in soils using the results of a cone‐penetration test (CPT) is described and illustrated. The method is based on the dependence of cone‐penetration‐test sleeve friction on lateral stress. It recognizes that insertion of the cone causes soil disturbance, so the normal stress on the friction sleeve must differ from the initial in situ value. The lateral earth pressure on the sleeve during penetration is assumed equal to the Rankine passive pressure value. Field test results show that the method gives estimates of lateral stress that compare well with values determined by other procedures, such as the self‐boring pressuremeter, the flat‐plate dilatometer, laboratory tests on undisturbed samples, and the Brooker and Ireland correlations. The method in its present form requires separate assumption or determination of the overconsolidation ratio of the soil.