Finite element simulation of cone penetration with finite-sliding contact interface

Rigorous coupled displacement-pore pressure finite element calculations are performed to analyze the Cone Penetration Test (CPT) in sandy soil. The soil is simplified as an elastic-perfect-plastic material. The penetrometer is assumed to be rigid. With the capacity of modeling the large sliding on the penetrometer-soil interface the full penetration process from the surface of the ground to a certain depth is simulated. Parametric study for the influences of various factors to cone resistance is performed. Results are compared with empirical correlations based on the bearing capacity theory and the, cavity expansion theory.