In-Situ Soil Testing 101: The Different Types of Tests

May 15, 2014 - Posted by VertekCPT

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In-situ soil testing is essential for

gaining soil property information,
measuring groundwater pressure,
gathering moisture content data and
other important data points, all in which
can be safety-critical in a number of
different instances. In today's post we
are going to take a deep dive into a
few different types of soil tests that can
be performed in-situ.
In-situ soil testing can be accomplished in a variety of different ways. Every
soil test has its own place and benefit; however, the most accurate
and thorough in-situ soil testing for determining a wide variety of technical
attributes is Cone Penetration Testing (CPT). Just like everything
else, determining what is best for your business is more efficient and effective
once you have determined the pros and cons for every possible solution; in
this case a testing solution.

Options for In-Situ Soil Testing Procedures

Here is a closer look at a few different options for performing an in-situ soil
test:
Standard Penetration Testing (SPT):
This option is dynamic, low in cost and has been widely recognized as a
simplified solution that provides useful information. While it's reasonably
consistent with it's results in fine-grained sands it's not as consistent with
coarse sands or clays; which can be difficult for gathering accurate data and
analysis of soil conditions. For even more on Standard Penetration Testing,
visit one of our previous posts that takes a closer look at SPT for your business.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP):

A DCP manually lifts it's weight and drops into a cone that will then penetrate
into the ground. It will record the number of mm per hit as well as gather an
estimate of different soil properties, however it doesn't have as many
capabilities as the CPT, and can onlyestimate certain properties.
Cone Penetration Testing (CPT):
This option collects important and accurate subsuface information from
standard tests and can determine important factors to your business or
project, enabling you to design foundations for structures. This type of testing
is not only accurate, but it can collect data at a speedy rate and from there will
interpret the data on the site, enabling you to gain a competitive advantage as
an engineer.
In addition to the testing methods listed above, your business can also
perform an in-situ soil test with a Flat Plate Dilatometer Test (DMT) in-situ gas
tests, etc.
By having an understanding of the different types of tests available to your
business, as well as the advantages and disadvantages will help you to better
understand the advantages of Cone Penetration Testing. Not only will you be
able to generate more accurate results, but you can do it at a faster and
inexpensive way. If you would like more information, subscribe to our blog for
future articles related to scaling your business.

A widely used soil testing procedure is the Standard

Penetration Test (SPT).
This test is still used because of it's simplicity and low cost. It can provide
useful information in very specific types of soil conditions, but is not as
accurate as a Cone Penetration Test. Here's more information about this
basic soil testing procedure.
For this test, a sample tube, which is thick walled to endure the test
environment is placed at the bottom of a borehole. A heavy slide hammer
(140 lbs) is dropped repeatedly 30 inches onto the top of the sample tube,
driving it into the soil being tested. The operation entails the operator counting
the number of hammer strikes it takes to drive the sample tube 6 inches at a

time. Each test drives the sample tube up to 18 inches deep. It is then
extracted and if desired a sample of the soil is pulled from the tube. The
borehole is drilled deeper and the test is repeated. Often soil recovery is poor
and counting errors per interval may occur.
The number of hammer strikes it takes for the tube to penetrate the second
and third 6 inch depth is called the 'standard penetration resistance', or
otherwise called the 'N-value'. The standard penetration resistance offers a
gauge of the soil density of soils which are hard to pull up with simply a
borehole sampling approach. You can imagine pushing a sample tube into
gravel, sand or silt and struggling to recover samples that are useful for
analysis. Coupling the standard penetration test with borehole drilling and
sampling can be an improvement for understanding certain soil types
underground.
This basic soil testing procedure gives reasonably consistent results in finegrained sands and is not as consistent in coarse sands or clays. It can be
useful in areas that are difficult to access with any vehicles for very
preliminary testing of near surface conditions. For more accurate data and
resulting analysis of soil conditions that will be more useful for engineering
purposes, a cone penetration test should be specified with minimal SPT field
verification.

Cone Penetration Test (CPT) Overview 101

April 25, 2014 - Posted by VertekCPT
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Are you new to the Cone Penetration

Testing (CPT) business? Or
maybe you're looking to convert your
operation to CPT? Wherever
your interest is surfacing from, we have
everything you need to know about
expanding into the CPT business with
confidence.
What do I get from a Cone

Penetration Test (CPT)?

In case you're new to the Cone Penetration Testing business, CPT will collect
important subsurface information from standard tests and then from there
determine important business factors, such as, how to design foundations for
structures or the composition of subsurface soils. The difference between this
type of data collection and other competitors is the benefit CPT has for
businesses. CPT can provide immediate, onsite information that is quick and
accurate. Above all, onsite results can improve your business productivity;
ultimately leading to a more efficient business process.
If you had the chance to take a look at our Solutions Brief: Enter the
Cone Penetration Business with Confidence, then you may have already taken
a deep dive into the advantages of collecting subsurface information with a
process that is more quick and efficient than other options.
Businesses are choosing to use a CPT solution for many different reasons;
whether for construction or government purposes, they all benefit from the
same advantage: speedy collection and interpretation of data, a safe
solution for operators and the environment, and the ability to adapt to different
weather and soil conditions.
We understand how intimidating it can be to enter a new business; large or
small. That's why we are focused on delivering educational content that
addresses all of your CPT needs and concerns. From topics on 'What is a
Cone Test' to 'Mud Rotary Drilling vs. CPT,' it's important to consider pros and
cons and different scenarios in order to make the right choice for your
business.
For more on expanding into the CPT business, subscribe to our blog or take a
look at the video below to see just how easy it is to transition into the CPT
business and start maximizing your profit.

What is a Cone Test? If you want to know the basics,

start here
January 16, 2014 - Posted by VertekCPT
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A Cone Penetration Test (CPT) also

referred to more informally as a Cone
Test, is a way to get at subsurface
information without having to directly
sample the subsurface. Many
organizations that order drilling services
are also using CPT within their
operations. CPT testing services is a
good support option to well drilling
services, since many of the potential
customers and skills overlap.
What is Cone Penetration Testing?
Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) is the practice of using an ASTM standard
hardened cone shape that is directly pushed into the ground to substantial
depths. The cone is pushed using steel rods that are able to be connected to
each other in 1 meter lengths as the depth increases. A powerful hydraulic
ram is used to generate a substantial amount of downward force to enable the
cone to penetrate soils, sand, clay and sometimes even soft rock. In order to
keep the surface equipment (truck) in place and not simply be lifted up by the
ram force, the vehicles that the CPT equipment is mounted on or in are
typically quite heavy. Also, the use of anchor systems to the ground will
increase the ability of any vehicle mounted CPT system to push harder and
therefore deeper.
There are a couple of different imperative goals to any subsurface
investigation. The first one is the nature and sequence of strata or
soil,sediments and other geological subsurface features. Using CPT for this is
called geo-technical testing. In addition, the groundwater conditions can be
established during a sounding. CPT can be used to determine: the
composition, strength and distribution of subsurface soils. These can range
from clay, sand, bedrock, groundwater table, hydrocarbons, contaminants and
more.
Advantages of CPT
There are many different advantages to Cone Penetration Testing (CPT),
including, prompt collection and interpretation of field data this is also up to
three times faster than traditional methods, economical, eliminates drill

cuttings, environmentally friendly, enhances operational safety, inclement

weather operability and adaptive to many different terrains. These are just a
few examples of the advantages to CPT, proving its value for testing.
With the CPT business on the rise in the US and developing nations it takes
many skills to be a part of this growing industry. Drilling well technologies and
CPT hydraulic rams have many similarities but will still require proper operator
training for anyone new to the business. Additionally, you will need training on
how to provide accurate, simplified information to your clients.