Dynamic Cone Penetrometers (DCP) provide quick field determinations of in-place soil shear strengths at depths up to 6ft (1.8m), with optional extensions. This accurate, portable geotechnical field equipment measures soil properties that readily correlate to field California Bearing Rations (CBR) values. Research studies have shown favorable findings for correlation to laboratory resilient modulus (R-value) results.
The dynamic cone penetrometer kit has an original design by the United States Army Corps of Engineers meets ASTM requirements. The DCP bridges the gap between laboratory pavement design and construction quality assurance.
The DCP devices consist of an upper drive assembly, either a single or dual-mass sliding drop hammer, lower drive rods, and multi-use or disposable single-use penetration cones. The upper drive assembly is made up of a rod with a handle at the upper end, the drop hammer, and a built-in anvil. A quick-connect pin connection attaches it to the 16mm (5/8in) diameter lower drive rod.
Hardened steel multi-use penetration cones are threaded into the lower drive rod, or disposable cones are attached using an adapter. Disposable Cones are often used when points would be difficult to extract and are abandoned in place after each test. Both cones have a maximum diameter of 0.79in (20mm) tapering at a 60° angle to a point.
Penetration resistance is measured in blows per millimeter from the drop hammer with a free fall of 22.6in (575mm). The 30in (762mm) lower rod advances to a depth of about 28in (711mm) before additional extension rods are needed.
The cone diameter of the point is larger than the rod to ensure driving energy is not lost to skin friction on the rods. Extension rods with threaded connections can be purchased separately for testing to greater depths. View our full line of soil penetrometers.
SF-20 Dual-Mass Hammer Dynamic Cone Penetrometer is effective in soils with CBR values from 0.5 to 100. The exclusive stainless steel dual-mass hammer allows efficient testing of stiffer soils when used in the full 8kg (17.6lb) configuration. For weaker soils with CBR values lower than 10, the surcharge weight can be detached, leaving a lighter 4.6kg (10.1lb) hammer.
The lighter hammer produces more repeatable results for soils with CBR values down to 0.5. It is also less physically demanding to operate but requires twice as many blows for the same penetration.
The dual-mass kit includes a crush-resistant Pelican carrying case with transport wheels, the dual-mass hammer driving assembly, 30in (762mm) lower drive rod, a hardened multi-use cone, and twenty-five disposable cones with an adapter. Also included is a separate vertical scale that attaches to the lower rod, a T-handled hex wrench, open-end wrenches, 3-in-1 oil, and Loctite. The user manual contains CD software with an Excel® template DCP index calculations. Additional disposable cones, cone adapters, and hardened points are available separately.
SF-10 Single Mass Hammer Dynamic Cone Penetrometer measures shear strength in soils with CBR values from 10 to 100. This economy set is ideal for occasional use in areas where weak soils are not common and is supplied with a single-mass 8kg (17.6lb) steel drop hammer.
The 2in (50.8mm) depth rings are engraved on the 37.75in (958.9mm) lower drive rod. A vertical scale is not included. The economy style DCP includes a hardened point, manual, CD software with an Excel® template, and 3-in-1 oil. The manual provides look-up tables to correlate blow counts with CBR and bearing values. The SF-10 is not supplied with a field carrying case. Disposable cones, Adapters, and additional Hardened Points are sold separately.
Features:
- Rapid determinations of soil shear strength in field up to 6ft (1.8m) depth
- Measured Soil properties can be correlated with CBR or Resilient Modulus lab values
- Meets ASTM standards
Included Items:
- Dynamic Cone Penetrometer with Dual Mass Hammer
- Pelican case with transport wheels
- 30in (762mm) drive rod
- (25) disposable cones and an adapter
- Vertical scale
- Hardened point
- T-handle hex wrench
- 3-in-1 Oil
- Loctite
- CD software with Excel Template
- Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
- Hardened point
- CD software with Excel template
- 3-in-1 Oil
Accessories:
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