Insights on cyclic cone penetration in sand from centrifuge and numerical modeling

The cone penetration test (CPT) is widely used to determine soil stratigraphy and soil characteristics. Moreover, correlations derived from CPT measurements are used increasingly in geotechnical design, for instance, to estimate the bearing capacity of foundations and soil liquefaction susceptibility. Correlations based on the results of cyclic CPTs may also be useful in predicting cyclic events such as vibro-driving of open-ended piles or suction bucket installation using pressure cycling. This is because the wall thickness of open-ended piles or suction buckets is similar to the cone diameter, such that similar mechanisms are likely to apply. Consequently, this study focuses on the mechanisms that occur during cyclic cone penetration in sand using a combination of centrifuge and numerical modeling. The results of this study highlight the importance of cyclic displacement amplitudes, gap formation below the tip, advancement per cycle and soil state change on the cone resistance.