A unified predictive approach for conical object penetration

Abstract

This paper investigates the penetration of conical objects with varying apex angles in clayey soils, drawing inspiration from biological adaptations observed in nature. Using large deformation numerical modelling, a systematic series of analyses were conducted to explore the effects of apex angle, soil rigidity, interface roughness, and penetration depth on the penetration resistance to the conical base. The results were characterised using a dimensionless bearing factor, N_c, which was decomposed into a normal component N_cⁿ and a shear component N_c^s. The study revealed that N_cⁿ is influenced by apex angle, interface roughness, soil rigidity and penetration depth while N_c^s is predominantly dependent on apex angle and interface roughness. A unified predictive approach for soil resistance to the conical base was developed from the comprehensive analyses. A series of application case studies were conducted, exploring soil resistance to different conical footings in geotechnical engineering, following a brief demonstration of an example from the natural domain. By deepening the understanding of conical object penetration, this study offers insights for practical engineering solutions including potential bioinspired design.