Comparative tests between Texam and Menard Pressuremeters

Abstract

Two testing programs were undertaken for comparing results of the Texam and Menard pressuremeters with regards to the deformation modulus (E) and limit pressure (Pl). Two configurations of the Texam pressuremeter were used; one with a probe fitted with metal rings, the other with a probe fitted with polymer (vulcolan) rings. The results of the first program carried out in laboratory and presented in a previous article, have been completed and are presented here. The second testing program have been undertaken in the field. A total of 41 tests were completed in three boreholes in silty and clay materials. The comparative tests produced excellent correlations in the laboratory, with regression coefficients (R2) of 0.99, and fairly good correlations in the field (R2 ranging fron 0.64 to 0.73). The main findings are that the Texam produces equivalent or conservative results. More specifically : (1) the Texam with metal-ring probe produces comparable moduli values, (2) the Texam with polymer-ring probe produces lower moduli values, and (3) the two configurations of Texam produce lower limit pressures. The observed differences range between 10 to 20 %. Equivalence factors have been proposed.

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