Fundamental Study of Pressuremeter Testing in Stiff Clay

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Traditionally, design and analysis parameters for stiff clays are selected more on the basis of educated guesswork and past experience than from direct test results. This is particularly true for values of modulus and coefficients of lateral earth pressure. In an attempt to reduce the subjectivity in the parameter definition process, there is a growing trend to use one or other forms of pressuremeter in characterizing stiff clays. This research is a multi-phased effort involving field, laboratory, and analytical approaches designed to provide insight into pressuremeter testing of stiff clays. A near ideal stiff clay medium has been located in Richmond, VA, for testing, and preliminary laboratory work has been performed. The results of the research should enhance the understanding of stiff clay response to pressuremeter loading and help define the proper techniques for pressuremeter testing in stiff clays.