Method Statement – Mackintosh Probe (JKR Probe)

Introduction
The Mackintosh Probe (or JKR probe) was developed from principles by Hvorslev
(1948) for drive rods in sampling and recommended methods for static and dynamic
sounding by European Group Subcommittee (1968). The tool provides a very
economical method of determining the thickness of soft deposits up to 15 metres depth.
For hard layers, the requirement to stop the probing can be specified as 400 blows
count per 300 mm penetration or earlier.

Equipment
1. A cased harden steel 60cone (JKR- 30 Cone).
2. Steel rods of 12 mm diameter by 120 cm length – 13 to 15 pieces.
3. 25 mm outer diameter couplings for connecting the steel rods and providing lateral
support to the rods so as to prevent buckling during driving – 13 to 15 pieces.
4. A steel hammer of 4 Kg weight (JKR Probe- 5 Kg) with a hollow centre for guide
rod.
5. Striker plate and guide rod for holding steel hammer with a stopper nut on top.
6. Adjustable spanners for connecting or dismantling cone, rods and couplings.
7. Grease for lubricating threads of cone, rod and couplings for connection.

Procedural Steps
1. Screw steel cone onto lower end of the initial rod.
2. Connect striker plate and guide rod to upper end of steel rod.
3. Slide hammer over guide rod to seat on striker plate and lock stopper nut on top of
guide rod.
4. To commence probing, drive hammer by lifting hammer along guide rod through a
fixed height of 28 cm and free falling vertically on to the striker plate.
5. The total number of blows required for the cone to penetrate a distance of 300 mm
is recorded and used as a measure of the consistency of cohesive soil and the
packing of granular soil.
6. The probing can continue further after about full penetration of the initial rod by the
dismantling the striker plate and guiding rod with hammer assembly by connecting
coupling and additional rod.
7. Re-assemble striker plate and guiding rod with hammer to continue probing.

Record and Reporting

1. All measurements of blow counts versus penetration are recorded in a tabulated
form and a graphical plot presented.
2. The relationship between Mackintosh Probe and Safe Pressure is as follows: -

P = (2860 + 550 (R - 40)1/2) x 0.04788 kN/m2 for blows > 40

P = Refer Chart for blows < 40

where,

P = Safe Pressure (kN/m2)

R = Mackintosh Probe (JKR Probe) Penetration resistance in blows/0.3 m
 4 Kg Hammer - Mackintosh
5 Kg Hammer - JKR

Rods,  12mm

1.2 m

30° Cone - Mackintosh

60° Cone - JKR