Analysis of cone pressuremeter tests in sands

The design parameters in sands were determined using the cone pressuremeter. Results were interpreted by employing a theory that incorporates the major aspects of sand behavior around an expanding cavity. Results show that the cone pressuremeter and the theory may be effectively applied for friction angle and initial state parameter estimation. Additional efforts, however, should be conducted to ensure that test data differences are caused by soil behavior and not test procedures and equipment properties.