Two new devices are being developed at the University of New Hampshire to measure the in-place lateral stresses and strength of soils, as well as the stiffness degradation of the soil under full cyclic stress reversal, simulating earthquake loading. Validation of these techniques requires that the results obtained using these devices be compared with the results from other field tests of soils. This will be achieved with the purchase of a vane borer and a flat dilatometer. The Mexico City earthquake of 1985 has emphasized once again the need to be able to characterize the in situ behavior of clays subjected to earthquake loading. However, no generally-accepted method exists for measuring such behavior in the field over the range of strains induced by a destructive earthquake. The self-boring pressuremeter and the cyclic pressuremeter being developed at the University of New Hampshire show great promise of being able to meet this need: the validation of these devices will be greatly assisted with the purchase of a vane borer and a flat dilatometer.
