Cone Penetration Test Design Guide for State Geotechnical Engineers

Abstract

The objectives of this project are focused on a new cone penetration testing (CPT) geotechnical design manual for highway and transportation applications based on recent research and innovation covering the period from 2000 to 2018. A step-by-step procedure is outlined on how to use CPT data in the analysis and design of common geotechnical tasks. Previous manuals are either very outdated with information from 1970-1996, or not appropriately targeted to transportation works. This design document introduces modern and recent advancements in CPT research not otherwise captured in legacy manuals from the 1990's and earlier. Examples and case studies are provided for each topic interpreted using CPT measures. In the manual, a step-by-step procedure is outlined on how to use CPT data in analysis and design for typical geotechnical practices. These topics, which are applicable both to state highways and local roads, include bridge foundations (including shallow footings and deep foundations) and soil characterization (including determination of standard soil engineering properties).