ABSTRACT
Various rules exist to determine horizontal stress, stiffness and strength directly or indirectly from pressuremeter tests. The most common, practical methods assume linear or non-linear elastic perfectly plastic ground. The reference datum and stress and strain range, over which the strength and stiffness are determined, should be quoted. Non-linear average and incremental stiffness profiles can be evaluated from unload/reload cycles. An elastic modulus and limit pressure needed for Ménard design rules are selected from specific parts of an MPM test curve. Constant displacement or constant pressure tests can be interpreted to evaluate time-dependent parameters of consolidation and creep. Pressuremeter tests are used to validate numerical studies of geotechnical structures incorporating more complex constitutive models.
