What does this research mean for the field?

A unified CSSM-SHANSEP framework provides a reliable, soil-mechanics-based method for interpreting undrained shear strength from piezocone data in clays, with the Nkt cone factor being the most robust for practical use. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Develop and validate a unified, soil-mechanics-based framework using critical state soil mechanics and SHANSEP concepts to reliably interpret undrained shear strength from piezocone test data.

September 5, 2026Géotechnique

A semi-empirical framework for interpreting undrained shear strength from piezocone data

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Authors

MDMarco D’IgnazioNorwegian Geotechnical Institute HEHarun Kürşat EnginNorwegian Geotechnical Institute TLTim LänsivaaraTampere University of Applied Sciences

Discussion

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Overview

Validation study demonstrates accurate undrained shear strength prediction in onshore and offshore clays using a critical-state framework, highlighting robust piezocone data interpretation.

Key Points

Develop and validate a unified, soil-mechanics-based framework using critical state soil mechanics and SHANSEP concepts to reliably interpret undrained shear strength from piezocone test data.
Derived analytical expressions for piezocone cone factors (Nkt, NΔu, and Nke) as functions of overconsolidation ratio and friction angle using the modified Cam Clay model.
Evaluated isotropic and anisotropic model formulations against a comprehensive database of onshore and offshore piezocone penetration tests in natural clays.
Demonstrated close agreement between measured and predicted values across diverse clay deposits, exhibiting low systematic bias and limited data scatter.
Identified that isotropic and anisotropic soil assumptions provide comparable predictive accuracy, with Nkt emerging as the most robust cone factor for engineering applications.

Cite This Study

D’Ignazio et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9bd4126b95aff0620eb5fb https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.25.00710

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September 5, 2026Géotechnique

A semi-empirical framework for interpreting undrained shear strength from piezocone data

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

MDMarco D’IgnazioNorwegian Geotechnical Institute HEHarun Kürşat EnginNorwegian Geotechnical Institute TLTim LänsivaaraTampere University of Applied Sciences

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Validation study demonstrates accurate undrained shear strength prediction in onshore and offshore clays using a critical-state framework, highlighting robust piezocone data interpretation.

Key Points

Develop and validate a unified, soil-mechanics-based framework using critical state soil mechanics and SHANSEP concepts to reliably interpret undrained shear strength from piezocone test data.
Derived analytical expressions for piezocone cone factors (Nkt, NΔu, and Nke) as functions of overconsolidation ratio and friction angle using the modified Cam Clay model.
Evaluated isotropic and anisotropic model formulations against a comprehensive database of onshore and offshore piezocone penetration tests in natural clays.
Demonstrated close agreement between measured and predicted values across diverse clay deposits, exhibiting low systematic bias and limited data scatter.
Identified that isotropic and anisotropic soil assumptions provide comparable predictive accuracy, with Nkt emerging as the most robust cone factor for engineering applications.

Cite This Study

D’Ignazio et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9bd4126b95aff0620eb5fb https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.25.00710

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark