Cone penetration testing in cemented soils: Comparisons between field and laboratory chamber test results

This paper presents a field test program conducted on a loess cemented site near Vicksburg, Mississippi. Several friction cone penetrometer tests were conducted as a part of the testing program. In addition, laboratory strength tests were conducted on block samples taken from the same site. These test results are used to evaluate the correlations and conclusions developed from chamber tests conducted on cemented sands. Cementation has more influence on field cone test results than the confinement primarily due to low friction angles of silts. The evaluation of Janbu and Senneset's bearing capacity theory shows that the correlation developed from chamber studies appears to provide reasonable results. In addition to cementation, the partial saturation also influences the cohesion properties. More field data and calibration chamber tests on cemented soils at different saturation levels will provide further insight into the influence of cementation effects on cone test results.