Application of Cavity Expansion Theory in Predicting Centrifuge Cone Penetration Resistance

Abstract

In this paper, a simple model for the prediction of centrifuge cone penetration tip resistance in sand is presented. The proposed method, which relates the tip resistance to the pressure to expand a spherical cavity, refines and simplifies Greeuw’s original equations. The method assumed the failure mode of a spherical cavity expansion pressure given as a function of shear stiffness, angle of friction and compressibility of the soil. The proposed method provides a better prediction of tip resistance by taking into account soil compressibility and the decrease of angle of friction with increasing mean normal stress. The proposed approach is verified via the comparison of the predicted results with the results from a series of centrifuge cone penetration tests.