Size Effect in Centrifuge Cone Penetration Tests

In-flight penetration tests with 12 mm mini-cone, were performed in the centrifuge of L.C.P.C. in Nantes, in two uniform quartz sands of different grain size. Stress level effect and particle size effect on the cone resistance were analyzed. Geometry and particle size effects were found for cone penetration in coarse sand especially at a penetration less than the critical depth. The irregularities on the profile of mini-cone penetration in coarse sand can be attributed to particle size effect. The evidence of geometry size effect was not very marked for the relatively narrow range of acceleration applied.