The Relevance of PMT - Ménard Pressuremeter Test in Geotechnical Investigation for Stability Analysis of Deep Foundations




The Relevance of PMT - Ménard Pressuremeter Test in Geotechnical Investigation for Stability Analysis of Deep Foundations


The Ménard Pressuremeter Test (PMT) is a versatile in situ geotechnical testing method that provides direct measurements of soil deformability and strength parameters that are essential for prediction soil behavior under load and designing stable deep foundations. This study explores the relevance and reliability of PMT data by comparing it with results from CPTu tests. A comprehensive dataset was compiled, analyzing the consistency of PMT- derived parameters with those obtained through alternative methods . The correlations focus on key geotechnical properties, such as shear strength, modulus of elasticity, and stress-strain behavior, while also evaluating the PMT's capacity to characterize layered soils. The results underline the benefits of PMT, including its ability to measure in situ deformability at stress levels comparable to field conditions, while also highlighting challenges such as equipment sensitivity and operator expertise. When integrated with CPTu and laboratory data, the PMT enhances geotechnical modeling, offering a robust framework for more reliable stability analyses of deep foundations. This study provides practical recommendations for combining PMT with complementary methods, optimizing geotechnical investigation programs for complex soil conditions.



Eduardo Fonseca; Carlos Silva; Ezequias Borges; Edgar Odebrecht; F. Mantaras


8th International Symposium on Pressuremeters (ISP2025)



Site Characterization and parameter determination