Our expert team at In Situ Site Investigation offers a comprehensive range of cone penetration testing services guaranteeing accurate and reliable results.
In Situ Site Investigation - Why CPTs?
There are many benefits to using CPTs for site investigation. Apart from being a proven soil investigation technique around the world, they are also cost effective, rapid and produce reliable data instantaneously for the client. Our variety of CPT rigs ensures tests can be carried out pretty much anywhere. With no boring, cuttings or spoils, the method is an environmentally-friendly technique causing minimal impact to the ground.
We pride ourselves on delivering a comprehensive cone penetration testing service using cutting-edge technology including a variety of CPT cones to best suit your project’s SI requirements.
DIGITAL PIEZO STATIC CONE PENETROMETER
The Digital Piezo Static Cone Penetrometer (PCPT) is a rugged and compact system; the analogue to digital conversion is performed downhole, with each cone possessing its own memory and identity that is automatically recognised when connected to the logging system.
This is a compression cone, meaning the tip resistance and sleeve friction load cells are decoupled and measured independently; this ensures that the readings from the cone penetration test are more accurate than other cones. Accurate temperature compensation assures reliable performance in soft soils and also in a situation where there is a considerable difference between air temperature and ground temperature.
CPT DISSIPATION TESTING
A dissipation test is used to calculate consolidation parameters such as the coefficient of consolidation in cohesive layers. This cone penetration test is carried out by stopping penetration in cohesive layers where the cone has generated an excess pore pressure. During the pause in penetration, any excess pore pressure generated around the cone will start to dissipate. The rate of dissipation depends upon the coefficient of consolidation, which in turn, depends on the compressibility and permeability of the soil.
We then measure the time it takes for this excess pore pressure to drop back down to the hydrostatic pore pressure. The rate of this dissipation allows us to calculate the coefficient of consolidation.
GAMMA CONE
A cone penetration test using the Gamma Cone measures variations in naturally occurring gamma radiation. The gamma sensor is mounted behind a standard CPT cone allowing us to obtain standard geotechnical data as well as gamma radiation simultaneously.
This probe is commonly used for chalk solution feature investigations. It can be hard to tell the difference between clay infill material and highly weathered chalk due to its similar properties when the cone is pushed through. By using the gamma cone, we can obtain high gamma readings in the clay material due to the presence of elements such as potassium and very low readings in the chalk. Using this probe during our cone penetration test in conjunction with other parameters such as pore pressure allows us to accurately determine the chalk interface.
SEISMIC CPT CONE
The seismic piezocone (SCPTU) is a probe that combines the standard cone penetration test with geophones to measure seismic velocity within the ground. The cone can be configured to measure S and P waves. The seismic cone is used to measure the seismic velocity of the ground from sources that are based on the surface. The measurements taken can be used for analysis of small strain stiffnesses of the ground.
INTRUSIVE MAGNETOMETER SYSTEM
Our cone penetration test service includes the Intrusive Magnetometer System which is used to survey UXB (unexploded bombs) across a range of environments including, Rivers (and Riverbanks), Land, Harbours, Railways, Tidal and Near Shore Marine.
The probe is a highly sensitive three-component Fluxgate Magnetometer System which can be deployed from a variety of platforms. The system has high detection capabilities, which in most environments can detect a 50kg WWII bomb at 2 metres from the probe. Surveys can be conducted to the maximum bomb penetration depth with high survey productivity rate.
The Computerised Intrusive Magnetometer Survey allows for the real-time control of survey data with excellent data quality and is CAD compatible.
COMBINED CPT AND MAGNETOMETER SYSTEM
We also have several combined magnetometers that we use to combine both the magnetometer readings for ferrous objects and the cone penetration test (CPT for geotechnical parameters). The advantage of this is that we use a single probe to carry out a single push for two activities.
During the use of our Magnetometer and combined Magnetometer and CPT cones, our operators are fully trained to identify potential abnormalities in the readings during a cone penetration test. When a UXO clearance report is required, we will engage with a third-party specialist UXO company to provide this.
VIDEO CONE PENETROMETER
The Video Cone Penetrometer has a miniature colour video camera, an LED light source, micro-optic components, and a durable scratch-resistance sapphire window integrated into a Digital Piezo Static Cone Penetrometer (PCPT) cone housing. This single cone will provide standard geotechnical measurements during our cone penetration test, such as tip resistance and sleeve friction, as well as a high-resolution view of the soil in real-time.
The video image is displayed on a portable display screen and recorded digitally onto a DVD or hard disk. A text inserter module allows the video of the cone penetration test to be stamped with the depth as it increases as well as the test identification number. Post-processing provides a picture log which is imposed next to the PCPT log, helping with the correlation of the soil type.
The Video Cone is a useful tool in both Contamination Detection and Soil Classification. For environmental work, the Video Cone allows the visual detection, or confirmation of the presence of non-aqueous phase liquid contaminants in the soil, such as creosote, tar, and gasoline. For Geotechnical work, the Video Cone shows soil texture, grain size, colour, and other soil features.
Advanced Cone Penetration Testing Technology
Established in 2008, In Situ Site Investigation provides comprehensive and rapid environmental screening services using advanced tools compatible with CPT rigs for quick and efficient deployment to site.
At In Situ Site Investigation, we use state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technology in conjunction with our years of experience and dedication to continuous improvement in order to provide the highest quality Cone Penetration Testing services in the industry.
Contact us for more information about our Cone Penetration Testing Services