Interpretation of pressuremeter test by finite-element method

Abstract

A pressuremeter test is a useful tool to explore geomechanical properties by comparing the in situ measured stress–strain relationship with proposed soil behaviour. In this paper, a coupled hydro-mechanical finite-element model is developed to interpret pressuremeter test data, considering non-linear elasticity, tensile fracturing and consolidation of soil. The one-dimensional finite-element model reduced the total number of elements and hence saved computational time without losing accuracy. It is found that tensile fracturing plays an important role for cohesive clay, which would lead to overestimation of the stiffness and strength if the tensile failure is not considered. In addition, consolidation needs to be considered when the permeability coefficient is between 10−10 m/s and 10−8 m/s, and the errors of derived stiffness constant and friction angle can reach a maximum of 21% and 35·5%, respectively, if neglecting consolidation.