4.

Penetration Testing
 Raise and drop the hammer 0.76m successively by means of the rope and
cathead, using no more than two and one forth wraps around the cathead.
 The hammer should be operated between 40 and 60 blows per minute and
drop freely.
 Record the number of blows for each .15m of the penetration.
 The first .15m increment is the “seating” drive.
 The sum of the blows for second and third increment of 0.15m penetration
is termed “penetration resistance or N-value”.
 If the slip spoon sampler is driven less than 45cm (total), then the
penetration resistance shall be for the last 30 cm of penetration (if less than
30cm is penetrated, the logs should be state the number of blows and the
depth penetrated).
 If the number of blows for 15cm drive exceeds 50, it is taken as a refusal
and the test is discontinued.
 Tests shall be made at very change in stratum or intervals of not more than
1-5m whichever is less. Test may be made at lesser intervals if specified or
considered necessary.
 The intervals be increased to 3m if in between vane shear test id
performed.
 The entire sampler may sometimes sink under its own weight then very soft
sub-soil stratum is encountered.
 Under such conditions, it may not be necessary to give any blow to split
spoon sampler and SPT value should be indicated as zero.
5. Handling procedure
 Bring the sampler to the surface and open it. Remove any obvious
contamination from the ends or sides and drain excess water. Carefully
scrape or slice along one side to expose fresh material and any
stratification.
 Record the length, composition, color, stratification, and condition of
sample.
 Remove sample and wrap it or seal in a plastic bag to retain moisture. If the
sample can be removed relatively intact, wrap it in several layers od plastic
and seal ends with tape.