ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with theories of a pressuremeter test; that is, theories of expanding cavities for which there are numerous references. An ideal pressuremeter test is often modelled as an expanding cavity in an elastic plastic continuum, the theory of which is well documented. The practical interpretation of a pressuremeter test is more complicated because of the multiphase nature of soils and rocks and the method of installing the probe. Interpretation, which is discussed in Chapter 6, is often based on the more simple theories which are described in detail in this chapter.
