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 dierent grain size. Stress level eect and particle size eect on the cone resistance were analyzed. Geometry and particle size eects were found for cone penetration in coarse sand especially at a penetration less than the critical depth. The irregularities on the profile of the mini-cone penetration in coarse sand can be attributed to the particle size eect. The evidence of the geometry size eect was not very marked for the relatively narrow range of accelerations applied.