Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Guide To Cone Penetration Testing For Geo-Enviromental Engineering PDF
Guide To Cone Penetration Testing For Geo-Enviromental Engineering PDF
Multiples
Micro (μ) = 10-6
Milli (m) = 10-3
Kilo (k) = 10+3
Mega (M) = 10+6
Imperial Units SI Units
Length feet (ft) meter (m)
Area square feet (ft2) square meter (m2)
Force pounds (p) Newton (N)
2
Pressure/Stress pounds/foot (psf) Pascal (Pa) = (N/m2)
Multiple Units
Length inches (in) millimeter (mm)
Area square feet (ft2) square millimeter (mm2)
Force ton (t) kilonewton (kN)
2 2
Pressure/Stress pounds/inch (psi) kilonewton/meter kPa)
tons/foot2 (tsf) meganewton/meter2 (MPa)
Conversion Factors
Force: 1 ton = 9.8 kN
1 kg = 9.8 N
Pressure/Stress 1kg/cm2 = 100 kPa = 100 kN/m2 = 1 bar
1 tsf = 96 kPa (~100 kPa = 0.1 MPa)
1 t/m2 ~ 10 kPa
14.5 psi = 100 kPa
2.31 foot of water = 1 psi 1 meter of water = 10 kPa
Derived Values from CPT
Friction ratio: Rf = (fs/qt) x 100%
Corrected cone resistance: qt = qc + u2(1-a)
Net cone resistance: qn = qt – σvo
Excess pore pressure: Δu = u2 – u0
Pore pressure ratio: Bq = Δu / qn
Normalized excess pore pressure: U = (ut – u0) / (ui – u0)
By
P. K. Robertson
and
K.L. Cabal (Robertson)
2nd Edition
September 2010
Gregg Drilling & Testing, Inc.
Corporate Headquarters
2726 Walnut Avenue
Signal Hill, California 90755
The publisher and the author make no warranties or representations of any kind concerning the accuracy or
suitability of the information contained in this guide for any purpose and cannot accept any legal
responsibility for any errors or omissions that may have been made.
Copyright © 2010 Gregg Drilling & Testing, Inc. All rights reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Summary 64
Appendix A 66
This glossary contains the most commonly used terms related to CPT and are
presented in alphabetical order.
CPT
Cone penetration test.
CPTu
Cone penetration test with pore pressure measurement – piezocone
test.
Cone
The part of the cone penetrometer on which the cone resistance is
measured.
Cone penetrometer
The assembly containing the cone, friction sleeve, and any other
sensors and measuring systems, as well as the connections to the push
rods.
Cone resistance, qc
The force acting on the cone, Qc, divided by the projected area of the
cone, Ac.
qc = Qc / Ac
Corrected cone resistance, qt
The cone resistance qc corrected for pore water effects.
qt = qc + u2(1- an) (an = net area ratio, typically 0.7 to 0.8)
Data acquisition system
The system used to record the measurements made by the cone
penetrometer.
Dissipation test
A test when the decay of the pore pressure is monitored during a pause
in penetration.
Filter element
The porous element inserted into the cone penetrometer to allow
transmission of pore water pressure to the pore pressure sensor, while
maintaining the correct dimensions of the cone penetrometer.
Friction ratio, Rf
The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the sleeve friction, fs, to the
cone resistance, qt, both measured at the same depth.
Rf = (fs/qt) x 100%
i
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Glossary
Friction reducer
A local enlargement on the push rods placed a short distance above the
cone penetrometer, to reduce the friction on the push rods.
Friction sleeve
The section of the cone penetrometer upon which the sleeve friction is
measured.
Normalized cone resistance, Qt
The cone resistance expressed in a non-dimensional form and taking
account of the in-situ vertical stresses.
Qt = (qt – vo) / 'vo
Normalized cone resistance, Qtn
The cone resistance expressed in a non-dimensional form taking
account of the in-situ vertical stresses and where the stress exponent
(n) varies with soil type. When n = 1, Qtn = Qt.
n
q vo Pa
Qtn = t
Pa 2 ' vo
Net cone resistance, qn
The corrected cone resistance minus the vertical total stress.
qn = qt – vo
Excess pore pressure (or net pore pressure), u
The measured pore pressure less the in-situ equilibrium pore pressure.
u = u2 – u0
Pore pressure
The pore pressure generated during cone penetration and measured by
a pore pressure sensor:
u1 when measured on the cone face
u2 when measured just behind the cone.
Pore pressure ratio, Bq
The net pore pressure normalized with respect to the net cone
resistance.
Bq = u / qn
Push rods
Thick-walled tubes used to advance the cone penetrometer
Sleeve friction, fs
The frictional force acting on the friction sleeve, Fs, divided by its
surface area, As.
fs = Fs / A s
ii
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Introduction
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to provide a concise resource for the application
of the CPT for geo-environmental projects. This guide is a supplement to the
book ‘CPT in Geotechnical Practice’ by Lunne, Robertson and Powell
(1997). This guide is applicable primarily to data obtained using a standard
electronic cone with a 60-degree apex angle and either a diameter of 35.7
mm or 43.7 mm (i.e. either 10 or 15 cm2 cross-sectional area).
1
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Risk Based Site Characterization
Risk and uncertainty are characteristics of the ground and are never fully
eliminated. The extent and level of an investigation should be based on the
risk of the project. Risk analysis answers three basic questions, namely:
2
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Expedited Site Assessment
3
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Expedited Site Assessment
The CPT and associated sampling equipment are ideal to collect and evaluate
on-site data in an ESA program.
4
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Role of the CPT
The contaminants can exist in vapor, liquid and solid forms. The above
requirements are a function of the proposed project and the associated risks.
The variety in geological conditions and range in project requirements make
the subject complex. There are many techniques available to meet the
objectives of a site investigation and these include both field and laboratory
testing. An ideal investigation program would likely include a mix of field
and laboratory tests depending on the risk of the project.
5
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Role of the CPT
The Cone Penetration Test (CPT) and its enhanced versions with additional
sensors have extensive applications in a wide range of soils. Although the
CPT is limited primarily to softer soils, with modern large pushing
equipment and more robust cones, the CPT can be performed in stiff to very
stiff soils, and in some cases soft rock.
Advantages of CPT:
Fast and continuous profiling
Repeatable and reliable data (operator-independent)
Economical and productive
Strong theoretical basis for interpretation
Additional sensors
Disadvantage of CPT:
High capital investment
Requires skilled operators
No soil sample
Penetration can be restricted in gravel/cemented layers
6
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Introduction
In the Cone Penetration Test (CPT), a cone on the end of a series of rods is
pushed into the ground at a constant rate and continuous measurements are
made of the resistance to penetration of the cone and of a surface sleeve.
Figure 2 illustrates the main terminology regarding cone penetrometers.
The total force acting on the cone, Qc, divided by the projected area of the
cone, Ac, produces the cone resistance, qc. The total force acting on the
friction sleeve, Fs, divided by the surface area of the friction sleeve, As,
produces the sleeve friction, fs. In a piezocone (CPTu), pore pressure is also
measured, typically behind the cone in the u2 location, as shown in Figure 2.
7
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
History
1932
The first cone penetrometer tests were made using a 35 mm outside diameter
gas pipe with a 15 mm steel inner push rod. A cone tip with a 10 cm2
projected area and a 60o apex angle was attached to the steel inner push rods,
as shown in Figure 3.
1935
Delf Soil Mechanics Laboratory designed the first manually operated 10 ton
(100 kN) cone penetration push machine, see Figure 4.
8
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
1948
The original Dutch mechanical cone was improved by adding a conical part
just above the cone. The purpose of the geometry was to prevent soil from
entering the gap between the casing and inner rods. The basic Dutch
mechanical cones, shown in Figure 5, are still in use in some parts of the
world.
1953
A friction sleeve (‘adhesion jacket’) was added behind the cone to include
measurement of the local sleeve friction (Begemann, 1953), see Figure 6.
Measurements were made every 8 inches (20 cm), and for the first time,
friction ratio was used to classify soil type (see Figure 7).
9
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
1965
Fugro developed an electric cone, of which the shape and dimensions formed
the basis for the modern cones and the International Reference Test and
ASTM procedures. The main improvements relative to the mechanical cone
penetrometers were:
1974
Cone penetrometers that could also measure pore pressure (piezocone) were
introduced. Early design had various shapes and pore pressure filter
locations. Gradually the practice has become more standardized so that the
recommended position of the filter element is close behind the cone at the u2
location. With the measurement of pore water pressure it became apparent
that it was necessary to correct the cone resistance for pore water pressure
effects (qt), especially in soft clay.
10
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Cone Penetrometers
Cone penetrometers come in a range of sizes with the 10 cm2 and 15 cm2
probes the most common and specified in most standards. Figure 8 shows a
range of cones from a mini-cone at 2 cm2 to a large cone at 40 cm2. The mini
cones are used for shallow investigations, whereas the large cones can be used
in gravely soils.
Figure 8 Range of CPT probes (from left: 2 cm2, 10 cm2, 15 cm2, 40 cm2)
11
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Pushing Equipment
Pushing equipment consists of push rods, a thrust mechanism and a reaction
frame.
On Land
Pushing equipment for land applications generally consist of specialty built
units that are either truck or track mounted. CPT’s can also be carried out
using an anchored drill-rig. Figures 9 to 12 show a range of on land pushing
equipment.
12
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
13
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
14
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Over Water
15
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Depth of Penetration
CPT’s can be performed to depths exceeding 300 feet (100m) in soft soils and
with large capacity pushing equipment. To improve the depth of penetration,
the friction along the push rods should be reduced. This is normally done by
placing an expanded coupling (friction reducer) a short distance (typically 3
feet, ~1m) behind the cone. Penetration will be limited if either very hard
soils, gravel layers or rock are encountered. It is common to use 15 cm2
cones to increase penetration depth, since 15 cm2 cones are more robust and
have a slightly larger diameter than the 10 cm2 push rods and do not require a
friction reducer.
Test Procedures
Pre-drilling
For penetration in fills or hard soils it may be necessary to pre-drill in order to
avoid damaging the cone. Pre-drilling, in certain cases, may be replaced by
first pre-punching a hole through the upper problem material with a solid steel
dummy probe with a diameter slightly larger than the cone. It is also common
to hand auger the first 5 feet (1.5m) in urban areas to avoid underground
utilities.
Verticality
The thrust machine should be set up so as to obtain a thrust direction as near
as possible to vertical. The deviation of the initial thrust direction from
vertical should not exceed 2 degrees and push rods should be checked for
straightness. Modern cones have simple slope sensors incorporated to enable
a measure of the non-verticality of the sounding. This is useful to avoid
damage to equipment and breaking of push rods. For depths less than 50 feet
(15m), significant non-verticality is unusual, provided the initial thrust
direction is vertical.
Reference Measurements
Modern cones have the potential for a high degree of accuracy and
repeatability (0.1% of full-scale output). Tests have shown that the zero load
16
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Rate of Penetration
The standard rate of penetration is 2 cm/sec (approximately 1 inch per
second). Hence, a 60 foot (20m) sounding can be completed (start to finish)
in about 30 minutes. The cone results are generally not sensitive to slight
variations in the rate of penetration.
Interval of readings
Electric cones typically produce continuous analogue data. Most systems
convert the data to digital form at selected intervals. Newer cones convert the
signal to digital form downhole in the cone for improved transmission quality.
Most standards require the data collection interval to be no more than 8 inches
(200mm). In general, most systems collect data at intervals of between 1 to 2
inches (25 - 50mm), with 2 inches (50 mm) being the most common.
Dissipation Tests
During a 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 both the
compressibility and permeability of the soil. The rate of dissipation also
depends on the diameter of the probe. A dissipation test can be performed at
any required depth by stopping the penetration and measuring the decay of
pore pressure with time. If equilibrium pore pressures are required, the
dissipation test should continue until no further dissipation is observed. This
can occur rapidly in sands, but may take many hours in plastic clays.
Dissipation rate increases as probe size decreases.
17
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Functional checks should include recording and evaluating the zero load
measurements (baseline) before and after every sounding.
With careful design, calibration, and maintenance, strain gauge load cells and
pressure transducers can have an accuracy and repeatability of better than +/-
0.1% of full scale reading.
Wear x x x
O-ring seals x x
Push-rods x x
Pore pressure- x x
filter
Calibration x
Computer x
Cone x
Zero-load x x
Cables x x
qt = qc + u2 (1 – an)
where an is the net area ratio determined from laboratory calibration with a
typical value of between 0.70 to 0.85. In sandy soils qc = qt.
18
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Groundwater
Groundwater is the water occurring beneath the earth’s surface that fills
(saturates) the void space of sediments. In a soil environment, coarse soils
such as sand and gravel deposits usually provide good flow of water and are
referred to as aquifers; whereas, the finer-grained clay and silt deposits
provide relatively poor flow of water and are referred to as aquitards.
n = e / (1+e)
19
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
that is tightly held in the small pore spaces and the bound water held by the
surface chemistry of clay particles.
Hydraulic conductivity (k), is a measure of a sediments ability to transmit
water. The size, shape, and interconnectedness of pore spaces affect
hydraulic conductivity. The presence of a small percentage of fines in a
coarse-grained soil results in a value of permeability significantly lower than
for the same soil without the fines. If a soil is stratified the permeability for
flow parallel to the direction of stratification is higher than that for flow
perpendicular to the direction of stratification. Hydraulic conductivity is
expressed in units of length/time: feet/day, meters/day, cm/sec, etc. The
values of k for different types of soil are typically within the range of 1 to 10-
10
m/s (i.e. ten orders of magnitude).
20
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
piezometric surfaces as defined from three CPT dissipation tests that show a
downward flow.
Below the water table the soil is assumed to be fully saturated although it is
likely that, due to the presence of small volumes of entrapped gas, the degree
of saturation will be slightly less than 100%, especially near to the water
table. The level of the water table changes according to climatic conditions
and human activity. A perched water table can occur locally, contained by
soil of low permeability, above the normal water table level. The region
immediately above the water table can be essentially saturated due to
capillary tension in the small pore spaces. The zone of saturated soil above
the water table can be large in fine-grained soils and small in coarse-grained
soils. Above the saturated zone the soil is unsaturated and is referred to as the
vadose zone, due to the vapor (gas) in the interconnected pore spaces.
21
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Below the water table the pore water may be static, with the hydrostatic
pressure increasing with depth below the water table, or the pore water could
be seeping through the soil under a hydraulic gradient. When the water is
moving (flowing) Bernoulli's theorem applies to the pore water. Since
seepage velocities in soil are normally small, the velocity head can be
neglected. Thus:
h = u /w + z
q=Aki
or
v = q /A = k i
22
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
i = h / L
where: h = total hydraulic head loss, and L = the length of flow over
which the hydraulic head loss occurs. The hydraulic head loss is the
difference in total hydraulic head over the zone of flow (h = h2 – h1).
Note that under hydrostatic conditions, where no flow is occurring, the total
hydraulic head is constant (i.e. the hydraulic head loss is zero, h = 0) but the
pore pressure increases with depth (i.e. elevation).
' = - u
where: ' = the effective normal stress, representing the stress transmitted
through the soil skeleton only
= the total normal stress, representing the force per unit area
transmitted in a normal direction across the soil imagined as a
solid material
u = the pore pressure, the pressure of the water filling the void space
between the solid particles. The pore pressure acts equally in
every direction.
23
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Consider a soil mass having a horizontal surface and with the water table at
the surface level. The total vertical stress (i.e. the total normal stress on a
horizontal plane) at depth z is equal to the weight of all material (solids +
water) per unit area above that depth, i.e.
v = sat z
The pore water pressure at any depth will be hydrostatic since the void space
between the solid particles is continuous, therefore at depth z:
u = w z
24
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
'v = v – u
When the water table is not at the ground surface, the vertical effective stress
is the difference between the total vertical stress and the pore pressure. The
total vertical stress is the weight of all the material (solid + water) per unit
area above the depth in question. The pore pressure is the equilibrium water
pressure corresponding to the depth below the water table. Typically this is
the hydrostatic pressure, however, depending on groundwater conditions, the
equilibrium water pressure may not be hydrostatic.
The principle of effective stress is very important, since all soil behavior is
controlled by the effective stress. The CPT responds to the mechanical
characteristics of the soil, which in turn, is controlled by the effective stress.
Hence, CPT data are often normalized using the vertical effective stress.
25
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
CPT Interpretation
Numerous semi-empirical correlations have been developed to estimate
geotechnical parameters from the CPT for a wide range of soils. These
correlations vary in their reliability and applicability. Because the CPT has
additional sensors (e.g. pore pressure-CPTu and seismic-SCPT), the
applicability to estimate soil parameters varies. Since CPT with pore pressure
measurements (CPTu) is commonly available, Table 3 shows an estimate of
the perceived applicability of the CPTu to estimate soil parameters. If seismic
is added, the ability to estimate soil stiffness (E, G & Go) improves further.
Soil Dr Ko OCR St su ' E,G* M G0* k ch
Type
1=high, 2=high to moderate, 3=moderate, 4=moderate to low, 5=low reliability, Blank=no applicability,
* improved with SCPT
Where:
Dr Relative density ' Friction angle
State Parameter K0 In-situ stress ratio
E, G Young’s and Shear moduli G0 Small strain shear moduli
OCR Over consolidation ratio M Compressibility
su Undrained shear strength St Sensitivity
ch Coefficient of consolidation k Permeability
26
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
The major application of the CPT is for soil profiling and soil type. Typically,
the cone resistance, (qt) is high in sands and low in clays, and the friction ratio
(Rf = fs/qt) is low in sands and high in clays. The CPT cannot be expected to
provide accurate predictions of soil type based on physical characteristics,
such as, grain size distribution but provide a guide to the mechanical
characteristics (i.e. strength and stiffness) of the soil, or the soil behavior type
(SBT). CPT data provides a repeatable index of the aggregate behavior of the
in-situ soil in the immediate area of the probe. Hence, prediction of soil type
based on CPT is often referred to as Soil Behavior Type (SBT).
Non-Normalized Charts
The most commonly used CPT soil behavior type method is the chart
suggested by Robertson et al. (1986) and an updated, dimensionless version
(Robertson, 2010) is shown in Figure 17. This chart uses the basic CPT
parameters of cone resistance, qt and friction ratio, Rf. The chart is global in
nature and can provide reasonable predictions of soil behavior type for CPT
soundings up to about 60ft (20m) in depth. Overlap in some zones should be
expected and the zones should be adjusted somewhat based on local
experience.
Normalized Charts
Since both the penetration resistance and sleeve friction increase with depth
due to the increase in effective overburden stress ('v), the CPT data requires
normalization for overburden stress for very shallow and/or very deep
soundings.
A popular CPT soil classification chart based on normalized CPT data is that
proposed by Robertson (1990) and shown in Figure 18. A zone has been
identified in which the CPT results for most young, un-cemented, insensitive,
normally consolidated soils will fall. Again the chart is global in nature and
provides only a guide to soil behavior type (SBT). Overlap in some zones
should be expected and the zones should be adjusted somewhat based on local
experience.
27
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
28
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
29
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
The full normalized SBTN charts suggested by Robertson (1990) also included
an additional chart based on normalized pore pressure parameter, Bq, as
shown on Figure 19, where;
Bq = u / qn
The Qt – Bq chart can aid in the identification of saturated fine grained soils
where the excess CPT penetration pore pressures can be large. In general, the
Qt - Bq chart is not commonly used due to the lack of repeatability of the pore
pressure results (e.g. poor saturation or loss of saturation of the filter element,
etc.)
30
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Soil type can be improved if pore pressure data is also collected, as shown on
Figure 19. In soft clay the penetration pore pressures can be very large,
whereas, in stiff heavily over-consolidated clays or dense silts and silty sands
the penetration pore pressures can be small and sometimes negative relative to
the equilibrium pore pressures (u0). The rate of pore pressure dissipation
during a pause in penetration can also guide in the soil type. In sandy soils
any excess pore pressures will dissipate very quickly, whereas, in clays the
rate of dissipation can be very slow.
To simplify the application of the CPT SBTN chart shown in Figure 18, the
normalized cone parameters Qt and Fr can be combined into one Soil
Behavior Type index, Ic, where Ic is the radius of the essentially concentric
circles that represent the boundaries between each SBT zone. Ic can be
defined as follows;
where:
Qt = the normalized cone penetration resistance (dimensionless)
= (qt – vo)/'vo
Fr = the normalized friction ratio, in %
= (fs/(qt – vo)) x 100%
The term Qt represents the simple stress normalization with a stress exponent
(n) of 1.0, which applies well to clay-like soils. Recently Robertson (2009)
suggested that the normalized SBTN charts shown in Figures 18 and 19 should
be used with the normalized cone resistance calculated by using a stress
exponent that varies with soil type via Ic (i.e. Qtn, see Glossary).
The boundaries of soil behavior types are then given in terms of the index, Ic,
as shown in Figure 18. The soil behavior type index does not apply to zones
1, 8 and 9. Profiles of Ic provide a simple guide to the continuous variation of
soil behavior type in a given soil profile based on CPT results. Independent
31
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
studies have shown that the normalized SBTN chart shown in Figure 18
typically has greater than 80% reliability when compared with samples.
In recent years, the SBT charts have been color coded to aid in the visual
presentation of SBT on a CPT profile. An example CPT profile is shown in
Figure 20, the location of soil and groundwater samples are also shown.
32
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Table 5 Estimated soil permeability (k) based on the CPT SBT chart by
Robertson (2010) and shown in Figures 17 and 18
The average relationship between soil permeability (k) and SBT Ic, shown in
Table 5, can be represented by:
33
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
The rate of dissipation of pore pressure during a CPT dissipation test can also
be used to estimate the horizontal coefficient of permeability (kh), typically
using the time to reach 50% dissipation (t50). The method to determine the
value of t50 from a dissipation test is illustrated in Figure 21.
Robertson et al. (1992) presented a summary of available data to estimate the
horizontal coefficient of permeability (kh) from dissipation tests. Since the
relationship is also a function of the soil stiffness, Robertson (2010) updated
the relationship as shown in Figure 22.
34
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Figure 22 Relationship between CPTu t50 (in minutes) and soil permeability
(kh) and normalized cone resistance, Qtn.
(After Robertson 2010).
(Note: increase values of kh by 1.5 when using a 15 cm2 cone)
35
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Temperature
One of the earliest sensors added to a cone was a temperature sensor.
Initially temperature sensors were used to aid in either calibration
corrections or to locate zones of different ground temperature, such as
frozen soil. Recently temperature sensors have been used to aid in the
identification of contaminants that generate heat due to biological and/or
chemical activity.
Electrical Conductivity/Resistivity
One method of detecting changes in groundwater and soil chemistry is by
measuring changes in the electrical bulk resistivity or conductivity. The
conductivity is the inverse of resistivity, with the following as a useful
guide;
36
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
The resistivity CPT (RCPT) works on the principle that the measured
voltage drop across two electrodes in the soil, at a given excitation current,
is proportional to the electrical resistivity of the soil. The resistivity
electrodes are typically steel rings from 5 mm to 15 mm wide that are set
apart by distances that vary from 10 mm to 150 mm. The larger the
spacing, the greater the depth of penetration for the electrical field into the
surrounding soil. Some probes have several electrode spacings so that
lateral penetration varies. Some devices use small circular electrodes
mounted around the circumference of the probe. The electrodes are
designed to be wear resistant and have high electrical conductivity. A
non-conducting plastic or other material is used as the insulator separating
the electrodes. Figure 23 shows a range of resistivity cones.
37
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
38
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Dielectric Measurements
The electrical measurements discussed above relate to resistivity.
However, electrical measurements can also be made to measure the
dielectric constant of the material surrounding a penetrometer. The
resistivity can be somewhat insensitive to contaminant type whereas, the
dielectric constant can be sensitive to contaminant type. The dielectric
constant is frequency dependent. However, above about 50 MHz the
dielectric constant is essentially constant. Contaminants such as light and
dense NAPL zones can be detected by low values of dielectric constant
and conductivity in relation to the background surrounding water saturated
soil.
39
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
pH
The acidity of a material can be measured using pH sensors mounted
either inside a cone or on the surface of the probe. The disadvantage of
sensors mounted inside the cone is that a sample of pore liquid must be
drawn into the measuring cell and then expelled. This process can be
difficult in low permeability soils such as clay and the cell and sensor must
be cleaned after each reading. More details about sampling techniques
will be given in a later section. Sensors mounted on the outside of the
cone have the advantage of direct exposure to the surrounding material,
however, abrasion and damage to the sensor can be a major problem. A
pH sensor can be located in a small recess a short distance behind the
friction sleeve. This recess is designed to produce a small vortex for pore
liquid to enter during cone penetration. The sensor is then well protected
from abrasion and damage from the surrounding solid material and can
measure continuous variations of the pH of the pore liquid. The pH
measurements are sensitive to temperature changes and generally a
temperature sensor is mounted adjacent to the pH sensor to allow for
automatic correction for temperature effects. The continuous
measurement of pH can be a useful guide for detecting certain
contaminants with significantly different pH values from that of the
background soil. A pH sensor can be used to identify either acidic or basic
materials.
40
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Radio-isotope
Gamma and neutron sources and sensors have been added to cone
penetrometers in the past in an effort to measure in-situ density and moisture
content. However, these devices have not become popular because they
contained active radiation sources which can present significant problems if
the probes should become lost in the ground and require expensive recovery.
Passive gamma-ray sensors have been added to the CPT in an effort to detect
radioactive contaminants. A variety of different passive sensors are available,
the selection of the appropriate sensor is based on efficiency, range of
gamma-ray energies expected, temperature dependence of the sensor and
sensor ruggedness. The application of gamma-ray sensors is clearly limited
to environments where specific gamma-ray emitting contaminants are present.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence is a property of many aromatic hydrocarbons where absorbed
light stimulates the release of photons (light) of a longer wavelength.
Fluorescence can be used to detect small amounts of poly-aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH) in soil.
The first CPT laser induced fluorescence (LIF) system was developed by
the U.S. Military and was called a Site Characterization and Analysis
Penetrometer System (SCAPS). This system was later licensed to the
private sector, modified and called a Rapid Optical Screening Tool
(ROST). Updated versions of fluorescence devices have been developed
that can be added to standard CPT equipment (e.g. UVOST). All CPT
41
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
The fluorescence of PAHs has both a spectral (wave length) and temporal
(time) component. Environmental samples typically contain several
different PAHs along with other fluorophores, and the PAH fluorescence
spectra overlap to form broad featureless spectral and temporal emission
(compared to pure PAH spectra). If the temporal decay waveforms
(intensity versus time) are recorded across the entire spectrum the resulting
wavelength-time-intensity matrix can describe the fluorescence emission
completely.
Typically, the ultra violet light exits trough a small (sapphire) window in
the side of the probe. As the probe is advanced, the soil is exposed to the
excitation light. If fluorescent compounds exist (i.e. PAH’s), fluorescence
light is emitted and the intensity is measured. Some devices measure the
fluorescence by transmitting the ‘signal’ light via a fiber back up the probe
to a data acquisition system at the surface (e.g. ROST, UVOST). Others
measure the intensity via a small photomultiplier tube in the probe and
avoid the use of fiber optic cables (e.g. UVIF).
42
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
43
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Common fuel contaminants, such as heating oil, jet fuels, gasoline and
diesel fuel can exhibit strong fluorescence signatures with the degree of
fluorescence depending on the excitation wavelength. However, common
chemical contaminants such as chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g. TCE, PCE)
do not fluoresce and are generally not suitable for the fluorescence
technique.
Research (Van Ree and Olie, 1993) has shown that the soil effectively
cleans the window on the surface of the cone and that the displacement
(smearing) of the detected layer does not exceed 5 cm (2 inches). An
example UVIF CPT profile is shown in Figure 26 and a schematic of a
UVIF CPT system is shown in Figure 27.
44
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
45
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
A range of gas detectors can be used with the most common being photo-
ionization detector (PID), electron capture detector (ECD) and a flame
ionization detector (FID). Each detector is designed for sensitivity to a
group or type of contaminate. The ECD is used for chlorinated (TCE,
PCE) contaminate detection, PID is best for aromatic hydrocarbons
(BTEX compounds) and the FID is best for straight chained hydrocarbons
(methane, butane). These detectors may be used in series with the least
destructive first. The detectors must be low dead volume gas
chromatography detectors and must be heated to avoid condensation of
any water vapor that crosses the membrane. These detectors provide a
qualitative evaluation of contaminates. The MIP can also be used with a
field portable Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) to obtain
a more quantitative analysis. Typically the detector signals are recorded
with time and the signals presented versus depth.
46
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
47
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
48
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Vision Cone
Several downhole video imaging systems have been developed for CPT
probes. These systems use miniature video cameras with magnification and
focusing systems integrated into the probe to obtain images of soil. Light-
emitting diodes provide illumination. The signal from the camera is sent to
the surface where it can be viewed in real-time on a video monitor, recorded
or digitized for further analysis. With 100x magnification, objects as small as
20 micrometers can be resolved on a standard monitor. Algorithms have been
developed to classify soils electronically from the video image. Figures 30
and 31 show vision cone equipment and an image of coal tar contamination,
respectively.
49
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Sampling Devices
The cone penetrometers described in the previous section are primarily
screening devices that log the stratigraphic profile for geotechnical and
chemical measurements. Based on these measurements it is often possible
to identify potentially critical zones or regions that may require more
selective testing to measure or monitor specific contaminants. Typically,
the results from a CPT screening investigation are used to develop a
specific sampling and/or monitoring program. A wide range of samplers
have been developed for use with direct push techniques for the sampling
of vapors, liquids and solids.
The Hydropunch and its variations is a simple sampling tool that is pushed
to the desired depth and the push rods withdrawn to expose the filter
screen. Figure 32 shows a schematic of a typical Hydropunch system.
The filter screen can be made from a range of materials (PVC, stainless
steel) although PVC is the most common. Screened intervals can vary in
length from 4 inches to 5 feet (100mm to 1500mm) depending on ground
conditions, required sample depth, contaminant type and hydraulic
conductivity of surrounding material. A small diameter sampler (bailer) is
lowered through the hollow push rods and body of the sampler to collect a
liquid sample. A peristaltic pump can also be used to pump larger
volumes of non-volatile liquids to the surface. This type of push-in liquid
sampler is very common, simple to use and can produce large sample
volumes. However, samples are considered less discrete in depth than
50
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
51
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
1. A sealed filter tip with retractable sleeve attached to the push rods.
2. Evacuated and sterilized glass sample vials, enclosed in a housing
and lowered to the filter tip via a wireline system.
3. A disposable, double-ended hypodermic needle which makes a
hydraulic connection with the pore fluid by puncturing the self-
sealing flexible septum in the filter tip.
The filling rate of the sample vials can be monitored using a pore pressure
transducer attached to the vial. The monitoring shows when the fluid
infiltration is complete, assuring that pressure inside the vial is equal to the
in-situ fluid pressure. These measurements can also be used to estimate
the hydraulic conductivity of the surrounding material.
Various modified versions of this concept are now in use for ground water
sampling. The system is most applicable for retrieving water samples
where limited volumes are sufficient (< 150 mL). The small filter size
allows for discrete sampling intervals, but can create longer sampling
times in less permeable materials. The protective sleeve and fine filter
screen produces water samples with low turbidity, however, sometimes the
needle can become blocked with fine material passing through the filter
resulting in incomplete filling of the vial.
52
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
53
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
54
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Vapor Samplers
Vapor (gas) samples can be obtained in a manner similar to that described
above for liquid samples. The most common direct-push, discrete depth,
in-situ gas sampler is the hydropunch-type sampler. The sampler is
pushed to the required depth, the filter element exposed and a vacuum
applied to draw a vapor sample to the surface. The volume of gas can be
monitored using special monitoring equipment and typical sample
containers are gas tight syringes and glass or steel sampling vessels.
Special disposable plastic tubing is used to draw the sample to the surface.
55
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Solid Samplers
A variety of push-in discrete depth soil (solid) samplers are available.
Most are based on designs similar to the original Gouda or MOSTAP soil
samplers from the Netherlands. The samplers are pushed to the required
depth in a closed position. The Gouda type samplers have an inner cone
tip that is retracted to the locked position leaving a hollow sampler with
small diameter (25mm/1 inch) stainless steel or brass sample tubes. The
hollow sampler is then pushed to collect a sample. The filled sampler and
push rods are then retrieved to the ground surface. The MOSTAP type
samplers contain a wire to fix the position of the inner cone tip before
pushing to obtain a sample. Modifications have also been made to include
a wireline system so that soil samples can be retrieved at multiple depths
rather than retrieving and re-deploying the sampler and rods at each
interval. The wireline systems tend to work better in soft soils. Figure 36
shows a schematic of typical (Gouda-type) CPT-based soil sampler.
56
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Continuous soil samplers are also available that can be installed using
either CPT equipment or other direct push equipment (e.g. Geoprobe).
Single and dual tube continuous soil samplers are available. The dual tube
configuration is more rapid because the outer tube remains in place while
the inner tube is removed to extract the sample. Sample size is typically 2
inch (50mm) diameter and up to 5ft (1.5m) in length. Figure 37 shows a
schematic of a single-tube continuous soil sampler.
57
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
58
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Similar soil gas sampling wells can be installed. Soil gas wells typically
have double woven stainless steel wire screens that can be inserted down
the push-rods and anchored at a desired depth. The screen and sampling
tube can be installed and rotated to attach to the anchor point used during
driving and then the push-rods removed. Screens are available in a variety
of lengths.
59
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
FLUTe Liners
60
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
Grouting during the advance of the push-rods can provide a seal during
penetration of the cone, i.e. while the test proceeds. Grout is contained in
an over-size pipe installed and sealed in the ground around the cone hole
(typically using a single flight of hollow-stem auger). The grout container
can be either open or pressurized to aid in the grout flow, as illustrated in
Figure 45. Grouting during probe advance is often simple, inexpensive
and allows greater control.
61
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 CPT
Figure 43 Post-grouting using re-entry with rigid rods and sacrificial tip
(Lutenegger and DeGroot, 1995)
62
CPT GeoEnviron Guide CPT
To clean the push rods and equipment after a sounding all downhole
equipment can be pulled through a rod-washing, decontamination chamber.
The chamber can be mounted at the base of the CPT hydraulic thrust
cylinders. The push rods are then steam cleaned as they pass through the
chamber, before being handled by field personnel. Rubber wipers at the entry
and exit of the chamber control water leakage. The waste water is collected
for later disposal. Many of the special CPT truck mounted systems also
include stainless steel sinks for decontamination of samplers and
penetrometers.
63
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Summary
Summary
To better characterize potentially environmentally hazardous sites,
improved investigation devices and methods have been developed
using CPT technology. The CPT gathers high quality in-situ
geotechnical information in a rapid cost effective manner. Sensors
have been adapted to CPT probes to enable mapping of subsurface
contamination in sufficient detail to reduce the quantity of more costly
subsurface sampling and monitoring points. Traditional drilling and
sampling methods, when compared to CPT methods, have high waste
management costs from handling and disposal of contaminated
materials. Also, CPT methods minimize exposure of field personnel to
hazardous substances.
64
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Summary
65
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
APPENDIX A
66
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Appendix A
The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is one of the most commonly used
in-situ tests in many parts of the world, especially North America.
Despite continued efforts to standardize the SPT procedure and equipment
there are still problems associated with its repeatability and reliability.
However, many geotechnical engineers have developed considerable
experience with design methods based on local SPT correlations. When
these engineers are first introduced to the CPT they initially prefer to see
CPT results in the form of equivalent SPT N-values. Hence, there is a
need for reliable CPT/SPT correlations so that CPT data can be used in
existing SPT-based design approaches.
There are many factors affecting the SPT results, such as borehole
preparation and size, sampler details, rod length and energy efficiency of
the hammer-anvil-operator system. One of the most significant factors is
the energy efficiency of the SPT system. This is normally expressed in
terms of the rod energy ratio (ERr). An energy ratio of about 60% has
generally been accepted as the reference value which represents the
approximate historical average SPT energy.
A number of studies have been presented over the years to relate the SPT
N value to the CPT cone penetration resistance, qc. Robertson et al.
(1983) reviewed these correlations and presented the relationship shown
in Figure A1 relating the ratio (qc/pa)/N60 with mean grain size, D50
(varying between 0.001mm to 1mm). Values of qc are made
dimensionless when dividing by the atmospheric pressure (pa) in the same
units as qc. It is observed that the ratio increases with increasing grain
size.
67
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
The above correlations require the soil grain size information to determine
the mean grain size (or fines content). Grain characteristics can be
estimated directly from CPT results using soil classification or soil
behavior type (SBT) charts. The CPT SBT charts show a clear trend of
increasing friction ratio with increasing fines content and decreasing grain
size. Robertson et al. (1986) suggested (qc/pa)/N60 ratios for each soil
behavior type zone using the non-normalized CPT chart. The suggested
ratio for each soil behavior type is given in Table A1.
These values provide a reasonable estimate of SPT N60 values from CPT
data. For simplicity the above correlations are given in terms of qc. For
fine grained soft soils the correlations should be applied to total cone
resistance, qt. Note that in sandy soils qc = qt.
One disadvantage of this simplified approach is the somewhat
discontinuous nature of the conversion. Often a soil will have CPT data
that crosses different soil behavior type zones and hence produces
discontinuous changes in predicted SPT N60 values.
68
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Appendix A
(q c /p a )
Zone Soil Behavior Type N 60
1 Sensitive fine grained 2.0
2 Organic soils – clay 1.0
3 Clays: clay to silty clay 1.5
4 Silt mixtures: clayey silt & silty clay 2.0
5 Sand mixtures: silty sand to sandy silt 3.0
6 Sands: clean sands to silty sands 5.0
7 Dense sand to gravelly sand 6.0
8 Very stiff sand to clayey sand* 5.0
9 Very stiff fine-grained* 1.0
(q t /p a ) I
= 8.5 1 c
N 60 4.6
Jefferies and Davies (1993) suggested that the above approach can
provide a better estimate of the SPT N-values than the actual SPT test due
to the poor repeatability of the SPT. The above relationship applies to Ic <
4.06. The above relationship based on Ic does not work well in stiff clays
where Ic maybe small due to the high OCR.
In very loose soils ((N1)60 < 10) the weight of the rods and hammer can
dominate the SPT penetration resistance and produce very low N-values,
which can result in high (qc/pa)/N60 ratios due to the low SPT N-values
measured.
69
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
70
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Appendix A
Since anisotropy and strain rate will inevitably influence the results of all
in-situ tests, their interpretation will necessarily require some empirical
content to account for these factors, as well as possible effects of sample
disturbance.
Recent theoretical solutions have provided some valuable insight into the
form of the relationship between cone resistance and su. All theories
result in a relationship between cone resistance and su of the form:
q t v
su =
N kt
For deposits where little experience is available, estimate su using the total
cone resistance (qt) and preliminary cone factor values (Nkt) from 14 - 16.
For a more conservative estimate, select a value close to the upper limit.
In very soft clays where there may be some uncertainty with the accuracy
in qt, estimates of su can be made from the excess pore pressure (u)
measured behind the cone (u2) using the following:
u
su =
N u
71
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
Where Nu varies from 4 to 10. For a more conservative estimate, select
a value close to the upper limit. Note that Nu is linked to Nkt, via Bq,
where:
Nu = Bq Nkt
For larger, moderate to high risk projects, where high quality field and
laboratory data may be available, site specific correlations should be
developed based on appropriate and reliable values of su.
Soil Sensitivity
su q t v
St = = (1 / fs)
su (Rem) N kt
For relatively sensitive clays (St > 10), the value of fs can be very low
with inherent difficulties in accuracy. Hence, the estimate of sensitivity
should be used as a guide only.
72
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Appendix A
For mechanically overconsolidated soils where the only change has been
the removal of overburden stress, this definition is appropriate. However,
for cemented and/or aged soils the OCR may represent the ratio of the
yield stress and the present effective overburden stress. The yield stress
will depend on the direction and type of loading.
q t vo
OCR = k = k Qt
' vo
or 'p = k (qt – vo)
73
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
q t vo
Ko = 0.1
' vo
74
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Appendix A
Numerous studies have been published for assessing ' from the CPT in
clean sands and basically the methods fall into one of three categories:
1 qc
tan ' = log 0.29
2.68 ' vo
75
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
50
Yodo River Natori River Tone River Edo River
Mildred Lake Massey Kidd J-Pit
LL-Dam Highmont Holmen W. Kowloon
Gioia Tauro Duncan Dam Hibernia K&M'90
45
Triaxial ' (deg.)
40
35
qt vo
' (deg) 17.6 11 log
'
vo atm
30
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Figure A4 Friction angle, ', from CPT for unaged, uncemented, clean
quartz to siliceous sand (After Mayne, 2006)
For fine-grained soils, the best means for defining the effective stress
friction angle is from consolidated triaxial tests on high quality samples.
An assumed value of ' of 28° for clays and 32° for silts is often sufficient
for many small to medium projects. Alternatively, an effective stress limit
plasticity solution for undrained cone penetration developed at the
Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH: Senneset et al., 1989) allows
the approximate evaluation of effective stress parameters (c' and ') from
piezocone measurements. In a simplified approach for normally- to
lightly-overconsolidated clays and silts (c' = 0), the NTH solution can be
approximated for the following ranges of parameters: 20º ≤ ' ≤ 45º and
0.1 ≤ Bq ≤ 1.0 (Mayne 2006):
76
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Appendix A
77
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
e max e
ID = Dr =
e max e min
where:
emax and emin are the maximum and minimum void ratios and e is
the in-situ void ratio.
The problems associated with the determination of emax and emin are well
known. Also, research has shown that the stress strain and strength
behavior of cohesionless soils is too complicated to be represented by
only the relative density of the soil. However, for many years relative
density has been used by engineers as a parameter to describe sand
deposits.
1 Q cn
Dr = ln
C
2 0 C
78
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Appendix A
where:
2
Q cn
Dr =
305 Q C Q OCR Q A
where:
Qcn and pa are as defined above
QC = Compressibility factor ranges from 0.91 (low compress.) to
1.10 (high compress.)
QOCR = Overconsolidation factor = OCR0.18
QA = Aging factor = 1.2 + 0.05log(t/100)
The relationship can then be simplified for most young, uncemented silica
sands to:
79
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
80
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Appendix A
Consolidation Characteristics
kM
c=
w
The parameters c and k vary over many orders of magnitude and are some
of the most difficult parameters to measure in geotechnical engineering.
It is often considered that accuracy within one order of magnitude is
acceptable. Due to soil anisotropy, both c and k have different values in
the horizontal (ch, kh) and vertical (cv, kv) direction. The relevant design
values depend on drainage and loading direction.
T
c = 50 ro2
t 50
where:
81
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
82
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Appendix A
kv
cv = ch
kh
For short dissipations in sandy soils, the dissipation results can be plotted
on a square-root time scale. The gradient of the initial straight line is m,
where;
ch = (m/MT)2 r2 (Ir)0.5
83
CPT GeoEnviron Guide – 2010 Appendix A
Constrained Modulus
M = 1/ mv = v / e'voCc
M = M (qt - vo)
Sangrelat (1970) suggested that M varies with soil plasticity and natural
water content for a wide range of fine grained soils and organic soils,
although the data were based on qc. Meigh (1987) suggested that M lies
in the range 2 – 8, whereas Mayne (2001) suggested a general value of 8.
Robertson (2009) suggested that M varies with Qt, such that;
M = Qt when Qt < 14
M = 14 when Qt > 14
84
CPT GeoEnviron Guide Main References
Main References
Lunne, T., Robertson, P.K., and Powell, J.J.M 1997. Cone penetration testing in
geotechnical practice, E & FN Spon Routledge, 352 p, ISBN 0-7514-0393-8.
Jefferies, M.G. and Davies, M.P. 1993. Estimation of SPT N values from the CPT,
ASTM.
Robertson, P.K. 1990. Soil classification using the cone penetration test. Canadian
Geotechnical Journal, 27 (1), 151-8.
Robertson, P.K., 2010. Soil Behaviour Type from CPT: an update. Proceedings of the
2nd International Symposium on Cone Penetration Testing, CPT’10. Huntington
Beach, CA. www.cpt10.com
Baligh, M.M. and Levadoux, J.N. 1986. Consolidation after undrained piezocone
penetration, II: Interpretation, J. of Geotech. Engineering, ASCE, 112(7): 727-
745.
Jamiolkowski, M., Ladd, C.C., Germaine, J.T. and Lancellotta, R. 1985. New
developments in field and laboratory testing of soils, State-of-the-art report,
Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and
Foundation Engineering, San Francisco, 1, 57-153, Balkema.
Robertson, P.K., Sully, J.P., Woeller, D.J., Lunne, T., Powell, J.J.M. and Gillespie,
D.G. 1992. Estimating coefficient of consolidation from piezocone tests,
Canadian Geotechnical J., 29(4): 551-557.
Teh, C.I. and Houlsby, G.T. 1991. An analytical study of the cone penetration test in
clay, Geotechnique, 41(1): 17-34.
Olie, J.J., Van Ree, C.C.D.F., and Bremmer, C., 1992. In-Situ Measurement by
Chemoprobe of Groundwater from In-Situ Sanitation of Versatic Acid Spill,
Geotechnique 42, No. 1, pp.13-21.
85
GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
G regg Drilling & Testing, Inc. has been conducting geotechnical site investigations used to determine
ground conditions, underlying geology and hydrology for over two decades. We employ a wide range of drilling,
soil sampling, and in-situ programs to provide data for engineering and design. Our highly trained staff can provide
you with the technical support necessary to accurately interpret the data we provide and assist you in the design
of your site investigation program. The Gregg professionals have the training and experience to fully understand
the needs of each client, identify the unique job requirements, and provide the highest quality services.
Geotechnical Capabilities:
▪ Drilling & sampling with auger, mud
and air rotary methods
▪ Cone Penetration Testing (CPT),
Seismic CPT
▪ Soil, rock and diamond coring
▪ Vertical, angled, horizontal drilling
▪ Remote access and heliportable
drilling and coring
▪ Vane Shear Test (VST)
▪ Pressuremeter and dilatometer testing
▪ SPT Energy calibration
▪ Instumentation installation
▪ Packer and permeability testing
Q uality isn’t something we test for after the job is done. It’s a way of doing business, an integral
part of our daily activities that we instill in our personnel, something we build into our technologies, a guarantee
of value that we deliver with all our services.
Environmental Capabilities:
▪ CPT and hydrocarbon screening with UVOST®
▪ CPT with Membrane Interface Probe (MIP)
▪ Direct-push soil, groundwater and vapor sampling
▪ Air vacuum excavation
▪ Well Installation, development & abandonment
▪ Groundwater extraction, monitoring wells
▪ Vapor extraction, sparge, bio-vent wells
▪ Well rehabilitation (submersible & turbine)
▪ Pump installation and repair
▪ Video logging
▪ Injection of remediation compounds
P rotecting our workforce, our clients, and the general public from injuries and hazardous incidents that may
be harmful and disruptive is a core element of our corporate culture. Because of this we have dedicated ourselves to
a “safety first” philosophy which applies to all areas of operation and is put into practice by all Gregg personnel on a
daily basis. This philosophy has allowed us to effectively manage the risks inherent in our industry and consistently
provide a safe, sensible, and productive work environment.
Marine Capabilities:
▪ Mud rotary drilling
▪ Cone Penetration Testing (CPT)
▪ Mini-Cone penetration testing
▪ Seismic CPT
▪ Downhole Vane Shear Testing (VST)
▪ Micropile Installation
▪ Vibracore sampling
▪ Piston and jumbo core sampling
▪ Gravity Coring
Platforms Offered:
▪ Quin Delta Drill Ship ▪ Tugboats
▪ Jack-up Boats & Barges ▪ Vessels of Opportunity
▪ Modular Barges
Testing Equipment:
▪ Mobile B-80/22 and B80/14 Mud Rotary Drill Rig
▪ Seabed CPT System (15 cm2 cone) - depths of up to 10,000 feet
▪ Miniature CPT System (2 cm2 cone) - depths of up to 10,000 feet
▪ CPT Portable System (10 cm2 & 15 cm2 cone - drill rig deployed)
▪ Vibracore Sampling System - up to 5-40 feet of core
▪ Gravity Core Sampling System - up to 5 feet of core
G regg acquires geotechnical and environmental data using a variety of unique in-house
equipment, tools, sensors, and techniques ranging from cone penetration testing and geophysical methods
to conventional drilling procedures and borehole tests. In addition we offer an array of highly specialized
services including:
Capabilities:
▪ CPT with UVOST & Resistivity
▪ Seismic CPT
▪ SPT Energy Calibration
▪ Vane Shear Testing
▪ Pressuremeter Testing
▪ Dilatometer Testing - Flat & Rock
▪ Instrumentation Installation
▪ Goodman Jack Testing
▪ CPT Data Cross Sections
O ur advanced data collection techniques, equipment, and monitoring systems combined with
the expertise of our personnel enables us to provide exceptional performance and value time after time.
COMMUNICATION
CATV
GREGG DRILLING & TESTING, INC.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
2726 WALNUT AVENUE; SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA 90755
Tel: (562) 427-6899 Fax: (562) 427-3314
www.greggdrilling.com
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Signal Hill, California
(Corporate Headquarters)
(562) 427-6899
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Martinez, California
(925) 313-5800
GULF COAST
Livingston, Texas
(936) 327-4004