Interpretation of Pressuremeter Test in Fractured and Weathered Phyllite for Back-Analysis of Pipe Jacking Forces

Abstract Characterisation of highly fractured and weathered rock masses within the young Tuang Formation in Sarawak, Malaysia is challenging, mainly due to the difficulties in extracting intact samples for conventional rock testing. Pressuremeter test was used as a viable alternative since it is performed in-situ, hence eliminating the need for sample extraction. A methodology was developed to interpret pressuremeter test results in highly fractured and weathered phyllite using an analytical approach, from which useful strength and stiffness parameters can be obtained. The interpretation method was based on the fundamental theory of cylindrical cavity expansion, which was originally established for soils. The results of the interpretation were in terms of commonly known Mohr–Coulomb strength parameters, which were subsequently used for assessment of frictional pipe jacking forces through back-analysis method. The results of the back-analysis showed the reliability of the developed methodology in analysing pressuremeter test results within highly fractured and weathered phyllite.