Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) uses a cylindrical cone pushed vertically into the ground at a constant rate of penetration of 20mm per second.
During penetration, measurements are made of the cone resistance, the side friction against the cylindrical shaft, and in Piezocone Tests, the pore water pressure generated at penetration by the cone.
The measurements are made and recorded using strain gauges over load cells. The 16-bit resolution of the cone provides a very detailed and accurate picture of the variation of the measured parameters with penetration depth.
Cone penetration testing (CPT) is used to:
- Determine types of soil
- Identify materials present
- Estimate geotechnical parameters
- Provide results for direct geotechnical design
