p-y curves from in-situ ROBOCONE tests: a similarity approach for laterally loaded piles in clay

py curves, key to offshore pile design, can be obtained from empirical correlations using insitu cone penetration test (CPT) data, saving on expensive laboratory testing. However, the loading applied to the soil by the CPT is notably different to that of a laterally loaded pile. Instead, the ROBOCONE project is developing a horizontal loading module within a cone penetrometer, that can directly obtain lateral load displacement curves. These are similar to py curves, but a correction factor is required. This work obtains an initial correction factor using a similarity approach, allowing the ROBOCONE test to be used directly in design.