Pressuremeter tests for geotechnical site investigation in Singapore

Site investigation for major construction projects may require pressuremeter testing for the evaluation of stiffness and deformation properties of subsoils. Three types of pressuremeter tests: pre-bored (PBP), self-boring (SBP) and push-in cone pressuremeter (PIP) have been used for important projects in Singapore. These tests can be applied to various types of soil, with the first two types have been tested in weak rocks as well. Theories of cavity expansion are often used to interpret the test results and to obtain relevant geotechnical parameters, including the stiffness of the subsoil and other relevant parameters such as the total horizontal stress at rest (sigma(h)), limit pressure (P-L), undrained shear strength (c(u)) of clays and angle of shearing resistance (phi') of sand. The usefulness of the derived parameters in foundation design is influenced by the type of pressuremeter used, method of installation, detailed test procedure and method of interpretation, as well as subsoil conditions. This paper aim to present the interpreted soil parameters deduced from pressuremeter test results from large scale site investigation projects carried out in residual soils of Bukit Timah Granite, Sedimentary Jurong Formation and Old Alluvium Formation in Singapore.