Pressuremeter Test and Design Applications

Jean-Louis Briaud

An overview of the pressuremeter test (PMT) will be presented by one of the world leading authorities. The presentation is aimed at end-users of PMT results, and will include a summary on the capabilities and limitations of the pressuremeter equipment, the typical test methodology itself, and discuss best-practice techniques that directly influence the effectiveness of the implementation of the PMT in the field.  With the PMT not widely used in Australia, the anticipated outcome of the presentation is to increase the awareness of geomechanics practioners of its potential usefulness and identify potential pitfalls relating to its use. Included in the presentation will be a section dedicated to subgrade evaluation of linear transport project alignments.

About the speaker

Jean-Louis Briaud President of ASCE
University Distinguished Professor and Buchanan Chair Holder
Zachry Dpt. of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University

Professor Jean-Louis Briaud is a Distinguished Professor and Holder of the Spencer J. Buchanan Chair in the Zachry Department of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University, a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a Professional Engineer. He received his Bachelor degree in France in 1972 and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada in 1979. His expertise is in foundation engineering and more generally geotechnical engineering. He has served as President of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, and is President of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Among other awards, he has received the ASCE Ralph Peck Award from the USA, the CGS Geoffrey Meyerhof Foundation Engineering Award from Canada, the Honorable Aitalyev Medal from Kazakhstan, and is a member of the National Academy of Natural Sciences in Russia. Over the last 30 years, Dr. Briaud has conducted about 10 million dollars of research most of which was on foundations and retaining walls. He has supervised 50 PhD students and 90 Master students. He is the author of a book entitled Geotechnical Engineering and one entitled The Pressuremeter; he has published about 300 articles and reports. He enjoys tennis, soccer, and rugby, and plays jazz piano at the amateur level.

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