Dynamic Cone Penetration Test

(DCPT)

LOVISA NAMPADHI

Introduction
The Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCPT) was originally

developed as an alternative for evaluating the properties of

flexible pavement or subgrade soils.
In road construction, there is a need to assess the adequacy
of the subgrade to behave satisfactorily beneath a
pavement. DCPT is used to evaluate the mechanical
properties of compacted subgrade soils. Mainly the stiffness.
Concept - Stiff material requires more drops. Weak material
requires fewer drops.
The Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) is recommended as
the most suitable method for use in the bottom of core
holes and test pits to indicate the strength and thickness of
the foundation layers. The equipment is simple, fast and low
cost.

In-situ Penetration Tests

Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
Cone Penetration Test (CPT)
Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCPT)
Vane Shear Test (VST)
Dilatometer Test (DMT)
Pressure meter Test (PMT)

Similarities
In-situ penetration tests have been widely used in

geotechnical and foundation engineering for site

investigation in support of analysis and design.
The standard penetration test (SPT) and the cone
penetration test (CPT) are two typical in-situ
penetration tests. The dynamic cone penetration
test shows features of both the CPT and the SPT.
DCPT x SPT - It is performed by dropping a hammer
from a certain fall height and measuring a
penetration depth per blow for each tested depth.
DCPT x CPT -The shape of the dynamic cone is
similar to that of the penetrometer used in the CPT.

Instrument
The DCPT is performed by dropping a hammer from a certain fall

height and measuring penetration depth per blow.

The DCPT is a quick test to set up, run, and evaluate on site. Due
to its economy and simplicity, better understanding of DCP results
can reduce efforts and cost for evaluation of pavement and
subgrade soils.
The DCP can be operated by two persons.
The DCP will penetrate most types of granular or lightly stabilised
materials fairly easily. However, in strongly stabilised layers, very
dense, high quality crushed stone and granular materials with
large particles progress will be much slower or negligible.
If there is no measurable penetration after 20 consecutive blows it
can be assumed that the DCP will not penetrate the material.
The cone must be replaced when its diameter is reduced by 10%.

Instrument cont..

Advantages
Determines Stiffness in mm/blow
Layer changes identification
Minimal surface disturbance
Non-nuclear
Design and strength information via

correlations (CBR, Mr, etc)

Simple, reliable, cost-effective tool for
shallow pavement applications

Disadvantages
The DCPT cannot be carried out on soil with

gravel, on large stone, shell, asphalt or

concrete
Unrealistic PI values could be obtained
DCP can break or bend under repetitive
drops in very stiff material or improper
removal
Does not measure moisture content or
density (only measures stiffness)

DCPT to CBR
Quality road construction requires an assessment

of the adequacy of a subgrade to behave

satisfactorily beneath a pavement.
The CBR and DCPT have similar testing
mechanisms. Thus, results from the tests may
reflect similar mechanical characteristics.
The penetration rate can be converted to a
nominal California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value
using the following relationship developed :
Log10(CBR) = 2.48 1.057 Log 10P
; where P = the penetration rate in mm per blow

DCPT to CBR cont..

The subgrade CBR value must be checked

on site before foundation construction

starts and must be equal to, or be greater
than, the Design CBR
ON THIS PROJECT, DESIGN CBR VALUE IS
8% FOR SUBGRADE
If the in-situ CBR is found to be less than
the Design CBR, then the subgrade must
either be improved to the Design CBR or
the foundation redesigned.

THE END