Numerical Validation of an Elastoplastic Formulation of the Conventional Limit Pressure Measured with the Pressuremeter Test in Cohesive Soil
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 9
Abstract
An elastoplastic pressuremeter theory for cohesive soil has been used in the design of construction, such as retaining walls, slope stability, or foundation engineering. This theory takes into account the plasticity along the vertical and horizontal planes and allows for the determination of the conventional limit pressure. We compute here the conventional limit pressure using the Plaxis program to check the validity of the theoretical results. First, we present the theory used for the interpretation of the pressuremeter test in cohesive soil and its extension to the conventional limit pressure, which is defined as the pressure at the borehole wall for a volume increase equal to the initial volume of the borehole. One of the main results is the theoretical expression of the conventional limit pressure. This volume variation is linked to a radial strain of . This conventional limit pressure can be directly measured with the pressuremeter, whereas the theoretical limit pressure is expressed as an infinite expansion and cannot be directly measured. Then, we validate this theory by using finite elements, and determine the conventional limit pressure with the Tresca standard model of Plaxis, which is compared to the theoretical expression. Conclusions are drawn on the validity of this new theory which allows the measurement and the control of the shearing modulus and shear strength of the natural soil.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 133 • Issue 9 • September 2007
Pages: 1119 - 1127
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 27, 2004
Accepted: Feb 4, 2006
Published online: Sep 1, 2007
Published in print: Sep 2007
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