ABSTRACT
A new in-situ soil testing method, called “The Sharp Cone Test” (SCT) is described. The method consists of pushing a truncated low-angle cone into a pilot hole, causing a continuous enlargement of that hole as the cone descends, which can be translated into a relationship between radial pressure and radial (or shear) strain. Both load- and penetration-rate-controlled tests can be performed, using either instrumented or plain truncated cones. The results make it possible to deduce from the test the mechanical (short and long-term deformability and strength) properties of a soil or a weak rock.
