Miniature Cone Penetration Testing in a Calibration Chamber on a Silica Sand

Publication Title
Miniature Cone Penetration Testing in a Calibration Chamber on a Silica Sand

Abstract

This study evaluates the performance of a reducedscale Miniature Cone Penetration Testing (MCPT) system for characterizing a silica sand within a controlled calibration chamber designed to replicate insitu stress conditions. Reconstituted Boler sand specimens were anisotropically consolidated across a range of effective stresses and relative densities to measure cone tip resistance (q_c) and sleeve friction (f_s). The upgraded MCPT apparatus at Western University was optimized for highprecision data acquisition, mitigating scale and boundary effects. Results demonstrate strong correlations between q_c, f_s and key geotechnical parameters including unit weight, relative density, and modulus. The MCPT system consistently reproduced fieldlike responses and delivered realistic outcomes from loose to dense states. The findings establish MCPT as a costeffective and efficient alternative to conventional CPT for laboratory studies of silica sands and provide empirical relationships to improve predesign analyses for applications such as foundation design and soilstructure interaction. The work also underscores MCPTs value for physical modelling programmes by offering a scalable, adaptable approach that bridges laboratory testing and field performance.

Authors
Abouzar Sadrekarimi; Ronit Ganguly

Published In

11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)

Theme

Special Session 1: Physical modelling – from Practice/Industry to Academia