Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Mechanics Laboratory
OBJECT:

To determine penetration-resistance of Fine-grained soils.

APPARATUS:
Penetration Resistance Apparatus.
Specifications:
(i)

(ii)

Measurement:
Type

Spring Scale Type

Measuring Range

3-40 Kg

Minimum Graduation

1 Kg

Penetration Needles:

Size (area, in2) 1,3/4,1/2, 1/3, 1/5, 1/10, 1/20

Size (area, cm2) 6.45, 4.84, 3.22, 2.15, 1.29, 0.65, 0.32
End dia meter (mm) 28.55, 24.79, 20.22, 16.54, 12.83, 9.07, 6.40
(iii) Accessories:
Open End Spanner
Wooden Box

1
1

PROCEDURE:
1.
Loosen the nut of apparatus body with spanner, insert the needle (Ordinary ) and tighten
the nut to secure the needle.
2.

Set the sliding ring so as its lower end to bring zero position of penetration resistance

scale.
3.

Hold the handle of the apparatus in vertical position and penetrate the soil for distance of

not less than 3 inches.

4.

Record the graduations of the upper end of the sliding ring when attained more than 3

inch. Penetration using the smallest needle (Size 1/20), read its maximum sliding position as the
penetration resistance.
5.

Record the graduation of the upper end of the sliding ring when attained more than 3 inch.

Penetration with larger needle.

6.

Measure not less than three times spacing the individual penetration so as not to interfere

Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory
with one another, and use the average of readings.
7.

Calculate the Penetration resistance of soil as follows:

average of reading (sliding ring) (Kg)

end area of penetration needle corresponding to reading (cm2) (shown in specification)