IROE early-career researcher, Dr Kai Wen, presents his work about the development of a new site investigation tool at 17th YGES at Cambridge

Dr Kai Wen recently participated in the 17th BGA Young Geotechnical Engineers Symposium hosted by the University of Cambridge from July 1-3, 2024.

This year’s event gathers a vibrant community of students, early-career researchers and industry professionals to discuss the latest advances and challenges in geotechnical engineering, covering topics from soil fundamental behaviour to offshore geotechnics, pile design, data-driven design etc.

On the second day of the symposium, Kai presented his latest research entitled ‘Modelling of a new CPT module for direct in-situ measurements of undrained shear strength in clay’. He introduces an innovative robotic ground characterisation tool, namely ROBOCONE p-y module, which integrates a cylindrical section capable of horizontal translation into an expanded standard cone penetrometer. The module allows users to probe the soil deformation under realistic whole-life stress paths, similar to the load-displacement response of laterally loaded pile elements. By incorporating both analytical upper bound analysis and finite element modelling, Kai demonstrated how the p-y module’s performance (bearing factors) varies with changes in the module’s aspect ratio and surface roughness. Research outcomes from this work can help optimise the geometry of p-y module prototype, manufactured in the University of Bristol’s Geotechnical and Robotics laboratory, and expedite the measurements of in-situ soil strength parameters alleviating the need for lab testing. Further details about this collaborative ROBOCONE project can be found here .

Apart from his academic engagements at the symposium, Kai also had a wonderful time visiting the Civil Engineering Building and enjoyed the culture and social opportunities provided by the symposium, including a formal dinner at Sidney Sussex College.