Analysis of Cone Resistance: Review of Methods

Abstract

Cone tip resistance is the most widely measured quantity in the cone penetration test. A brief review is made of presently available theories for the analysis of cone resistance. The theories are presented in forms that enable direct comparisons among them. The simplifying assumptions made in the analysis using various theories are emphasized. In the light of experimental evidence and the fundamental principles of mechanics, the limitations and advantages of each theory are assessed. Comparison with limited experimental data indicates that cavity expansion theories give the closest overall agreement between predicted and measured penetration resistance.