Alternate Analysis of Pressuremeter Test

Abstract

An improved interpretation method of the pressuremeter test is presented. The geometric nonlinearity of soil behavior is accounted for by adopting a nonlinear strain‐displacement relationship (Eulerian form). Also, the volume changes of the soil surrounding the pressuremeter occurring during the expansion are incorporated according to actual experimentally observed patterns. The method does not require an a priori constitutive model. Using the proposed method, the stressstrain curve and deformation characteristics can be derived knowing the measured soil response from a self‐boring pressuremeter test, provided that adequate information on volume change behavior is secured. The analysis indicates the importance of the nonlinear geometric behavior and volume change characteristics.