ISO 22476-4:2021

Overview

ISO 22476-4:2021 - "Geotechnical investigation and testing - Field testing - Part 4: Prebored pressuremeter test by Ménard procedure" defines the requirements for performing the Ménard pressuremeter test in prebored holes on land and offshore. The standard covers equipment requirements, test execution, calibration/corrections, data recording and reporting for the Ménard pressuremeter, a commonly used in-situ test to obtain quantitative ground strength and deformation parameters.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Specifies how to conduct the prebored Ménard pressuremeter test to derive the Ménard pressuremeter modulus (EM), limit pressure (p_lM) and creep pressure (p_f).
• Equipment: Defines probe types (e.g., 58 mm “BX/G” probe, other diameters such as 32, 44, 76 mm), connecting lines, injected fluids, and pressure/volume control units, including data-logging options.
• Probe variants and features: Describes probes with flexible covers, protection sleeves, slotted tubes and guard cells (G-type), plus geometrical probe requirements (Annex A).
• Test procedure: Covers assembly, calibration and corrections, pocket preparation, probe placing (Annex C), loading programs, expansion sequences and safety measures.
• Measurements and data: Details pressure and volume/radius measurement, raw and corrected pressuremeter curves, calculation of parameters and uncertainty estimation (Annexes B, D, E).
• Reporting: Specifies field printouts, test logs and formal test reports with required data fields and interpretations (Sections 6–7, Annex F).

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Primary uses: Determination of in-situ ground stiffness (EM), limit and creep pressures for foundation design, retaining structures, slope stability, and soil improvement assessment.
• Integration: Results can be combined with sampling (ISO 22475-1), measuring-while-drilling logs (ISO 22476‑15), or compared with other in situ tests as referenced in EN 1997‑2 (Eurocode 7).
• Users:
  • Geotechnical engineers and consultants performing site characterization
  • Field testing teams and drilling contractors executing pressuremeter campaigns
  • Offshore geotechnical specialists assessing seabed conditions
  • Researchers validating constitutive models and stiffness parameters

Related standards

• ISO 22475-1 - Sampling by drilling and excavation
• ISO 22476-15 - Measuring while drilling
• ISO 14688-1 / ISO 14689 - Soil and rock identification/classification
• EN 1997-2 (Eurocode 7) - Geotechnical investigations and testing

ISO 22476-4:2021 is essential for standardized, reproducible Ménard pressuremeter testing and for producing reliable in-situ stiffness and strength data used across geotechnical design, site investigation and research.