Fundamental Study of Pressuremeter Testing in Stiff Clay

传统上，硬粘土的设计和分析参数的选择更多地是基于有根据的猜测和过去的经验，而不是直接的试验结果。对于侧向土压力的模量值和系数来说尤其如此。为了减少参数定义过程中的主观性，越来越多的人倾向于使用一种或其他形式的压力计来表征硬粘土。这项研究是一项多阶段的工作，涉及现场、实验室和分析方法，旨在为硬粘土的压力计测试提供洞察力。一种近乎理想的硬粘土介质已经在弗吉尼亚州里士满进行了测试，并进行了初步的实验室工作。研究结果将加深对硬粘土对压力计加载响应的理解，并有助于确定在硬粘土中进行压力计测试的适当技术。

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.