Correlations between PENCEL Pressuremeter, Cone Penetrometer, and Dilatometer Parameters

Abstract

PENCEL pressuremeter (PPMT), cone penetrometer (CPT), and dilatometer (DMT) tests were performed at three Florida sites. Two were sands and the third was clay. The PENCEL was pushed to the test depth using CPT equipment. During PPMT testing, both a smooth cone tip and a cone tip with a friction reducer were evaluated. Standardized testing procedures were followed for all tests. Initial or lift-off pressures (po), elastic moduli (E), and limit pressures (pL) were determined from the PPMT, whereas po and E values were determined from the DMT. CPT testing produced friction and tip resistances. Manual plus digital pressures and volumes were recorded during pressuremeter testing. Correlations were developed within the engineering parameters obtained from the PENCEL and between the PENCEL, cone, and dilatometer engineering parameters. All correlations matched published values. The PENCEL produced excellent correlations between the initial E and pL as well as the initial E and the reload E. Correlations based on digital elastic and reload moduli, from software called APMT, were higher than those based on the other recorded data. From the comparisons, promising correlations were developed between PPMT initial E values and CPT tip resistances. Promising correlations were also developed between PPMT pL and CPT tip resistances. Consistent ratios existed between PPMT and DMT po values as well as PPMT and DMT initial E values. Smooth and friction reducer cone tips evaluation indicated that soil disturbance, associated with the friction reducer, decreases the engineering parameters, and the friction reducer is not recommended.