Relating cone penetration resistance to sand state using the material point method

Cone penetration tests (CPTs) can quantitatively inform about the mechanical state of a sand. However, relating measured cone resistance values to sand state requires complex back-analysis of the processes occurring in the soil during the test. This paper provides new evidence of the value added in this area by modern large-deformation modelling based on the material point method (MPM). It is shown that accurate simulation of the relationship between cone resistance and sand state can be achieved, on condition that the constitutive behaviour of the soil – and especially its critical state features – is adequately modelled over a wide range of confining pressures. This study relies on the predictive capabilities of the critical state NorSand model, and shows how previous calibrations endeavours from the literature (based on triaxial test results) can support the MPM simulation of unrelated CPT results obtained through calibration chamber tests. MPM CPT simulations of ever-increasing quality will positively impact the state of the art of CPT interpretation procedures, to date still largely based on simplified cavity expansion theories.