Using Cone Penetration Test to Determine Drained Friction Angle of Sands

Abstract

Existing relations that are commonly used for determining the drained friction angle (Φ’) of sands using tip resistance (q_c) from a cone penetration test are examined. Emphasis is placed on reducing the uncertainty associated with these q_c-Φ’ relations. A methodology is developed by which the uncertainty in these relations, called model uncertainty, may be reduced through the use of an aggregation technique based on characterization of sand compressibility. Case studies are presented to illustrate the entire methodology. Results of the case studies show that the uncertainty associated with these q_c-Φ’ relations may be reduced and the reliability of the estimated drained friction angle may be improved.