This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D5778  −  12

Standard Test Method for

Electronic Friction Cone and Piezocone Penetration Testing
of Soils1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5778; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of 
original
original adoption or, in the case of revis
revision,
ion, the year of last revision.
revision. A number in paren
parenthese
thesess indicates the year of last reappr
reapproval.
oval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Sco
Scope*
pe* agreed
agreed to by ththee cli
clien
entt or us
user
er.. Co
Cone
ne tip projec
projected
ted area is
1.1 This test method covers the procedure
procedure for determ
determining
ining commonly referred to in square centimetres for convenience.
the poi
point
nt res
resista
istance
nce dur
during
ing pen
penetr
etratio
ation
n of a con
conical
ical-sh
-shape
aped
d The values stated in each system are not equivalents; therefore,
penetrometer as it is advanced into subsurface soils at a steady each system shall be used independently of the other.
rate. NOTE   1—This test method does not include hydraulic or pneumatic
penetrometers.
penetrometer s. Howev
However,
er, many of the proce
procedural
dural requirements
requirements herein
1.2 This test method is also used to determine
determine the frictional
could apply to those penetrometers. Also, offshore/marine CPT systems
resistance
resistance of a cyl
cylind
indrica
ricall slee
sleeve
ve loc
located
ated beh
behind
ind the con
conical
ical may have procedural differences because of the difficulties of testing in
point as it is advanced through subsurface soils at a steady rate. those environments
environments (for example, tidal variati
variations,
ons, salt water
water,, waves
waves).
).
Mechanical
Mecha nical CPT syste
systems
ms are covered under Test
Test Metho
Method d D3441
 D3441..
1.3 This test method applies to frictio
friction-con
n-conee penetr
penetrometer
ometerss
of th
thee el
elec
ectr
tric
ic an
and
d el
elec
ectr
tron
onic
ic ty
type
pe.. Fi
Fiel
eldd te
test
stss us
usin
ing
g 1.8   This standar
standardd doe
doess not purport
purport to add
addre
ress
ss all of the
mechanical-type penetrometers are covered elsewhere by Test safet
safetyy co
conc
ncern
erns,
s, if an
anyy, as
asso
socia
ciated
ted wit
withh its us
use.
e. It is th
thee
Method D3441
Method  D3441.. responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.4 Thi
Thiss test method
method can be useused
d to det
determ
ermine
ine porewater
porewater bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
pressures developed during the penetration, thus termed piezo-
cone. Porewater pressure dissipation, after a push, can also be 2. Referenc
Referenced
ed Documents
monitor
mon itored
ed for cor
correla
relatio
tion
n to time rat
ratee of con
consol
solida
idatio
tion
n and
2.1   ASTM Standards: 2
permeability.
D653 Termino
erminology
logy Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contain
Contained
ed
1.5 Addit
Additional
ional sensors,
sensors, such as inclin
inclinometer
ometer,, seismic geo- Fluids
phones
phon es (T(Test
est Me Metho
thodsds   D7400),
D7400 ), resi
resistiv
stivity
ity,, elec
electrica
tricall D3441 Test
D3441  Test Method for Mechanical Cone Penetration Tests
conduc
con ductiv
tivity
ity,, die
dielect
lectric
ric,, and tem
temper
peratu
ature
re sen
sensor
sors,
s, may be Soil  (Withdrawn 2014) 3
of Soil (Withdrawn
included
included in the penetr
penetrometer
ometer to prov
provide
ide usefu
usefull infor
information
mation.. D3740 Practic
Practicee for Minimu
Minimumm Requir
Requirements
ements for Agencies
The use of an inclinometer is highly recommended since it will Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
provide information on potentially damaging situations during Used in Engineering Design and Construction
the sound
sounding
ing proce
process.
ss. D7400 Test
D7400  Test Methods for Downhole Seismic Testing
1.6
1. 6 Co
Cone
ne pe
pene
netr
trati
ation
on tes
testt da
data
ta can be us
used
ed to in inter
terpr
pret
et E4   Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E4
subsur
subs urfa
face
ce str
strati
atigr
grap
aphy
hy,, an
andd th
thro
roug
ugh
h us
usee of sit
sitee sp
speci
ecific
fic
correlations, they can provide data on engineering properties of  3. Terminology
soils intended for use in design and construction of earthworks 3.1   Definitions:
and found
foundations
ations for struct
structures.
ures. 3.1.1 Definit
Definitions
ions are in accordance
accordance with Termino
Terminology
logy Con-
1.7 Th
1.7 Thee va
valu
lues
es sta
stated
ted in SI un
units
its are to be re
rega
gard
rded
ed as vention (D653
D653)).
standar
stan dard.
d. Wi
Within
thin Section
Section 13 on Calc
Calcula
ulation
tions,
s, SI uni
units
ts are 3.2  Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
considered the standard. Other commonly used units such as 3.2.1   apparent load transfer— apparent
apparent resistance measured
the inch-pound system are shown in brackets. The various data on either the con
conee or fri
frictio
ction
n sle
sleeve
eve of an elec
electro
tronic
nic cone
reported should be displayed in mutually compatible units as penetrometer while that element is in a no-load condition but

1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction
jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18
Committee D18 on
 on Soil and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee  D18.02   on Sampling and contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For  Annual Book of ASTM 
Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current
Current editio
edition
n approv
approved
ed Jan. 1, 2012. Published
Published Februa
February
ry 2012. Originally
Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved
approved in 1995. Last previous
previous edition approved in 2007 as D5778–
D5778–07.
07. DOI: The last app
approv
roved
ed ver
versio
sionn of this historica
historicall sta
standa
ndard
rd is ref
refere
erence
nced
d on
10.1520/D5778-12. www.astm.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D5778 − 12

the other element is loaded. Apparent load transfer is the sum 3.2.15 fri
fricti
ction
on ra
ratio
tio,, R f  — the
t he ra
rati
tio
o of fr
fric
icti
tion
on sl
slee
eeve
ve
of cross talk, subtraction error, and mechanical load transfer. resistance, f s, to con
conee res
resista nce,, qc, measured at where the
istance
3.2.2   baseline— a set of zer
zero
o loa
load
d read
reading
ings,
s, exp
expres
ressed
sed in middle of the friction sleeve and cone point are at the same
terms of apparent resistance, that are used as reference values depth, expressed as a percentage.
during performance of testing and calibration. NOTE 2—Some methods to interpret CPT data use friction ratio defined
as the ratio of sleeve friction, f s, to cone resistance corrected for pore
3.2.3   cone tip— the
the conical point of a cone penetrometer on pressure
pressure ef fects q t, (1). It is not wi
effects with
thin
in th
thee sc
scop
opee of this standa
standard
rd to
which the end bearing component of penetration resistance is recommend which methods of interpretation are to be used.
developed. The cone has a 60° apex angle, a diameter of 35.7 3.2.16   friction reducer— a narrow local protuberance on the
mm, and a corresponding projected (horizontal plane) surface outside of the push rod surface, placed at a certain distance
area or cone base area of 10 cm 2. Also, enlarged cones of 43.7 above the penetrometer tip, that is provided to reduce the total
mm diameter (base area = 15 cm2) are utilized. side friction on the push rods and allow for greater penetration
3.2.4   cone penetration test— a series of penetration readings depths for a given push capacity.
performed at one location over the entire vertical depth when 3.2.17   friction sleeve— an
an isolated cylindrical sleeve section
using a cone penetrometer.
penetrometer. Also referred
referred to as a cone sounding.
sounding. on a penetrometer tip upon which the friction component of 
3.2.5   cone penetrometer— a penetrometer
penetrometer in which the lead- penetra
pen etratio
tion
n res
resista
istance
nce dev
develo
elops.
ps. The fri
frictio
ction
n sle
sleeve
eve has a
ing end of the penetrometer tip is a conical point designed for surface area of 150 cm for 10-cm cone tips or 225 cm 2 for
2 2

penetrating soil and for measuring the end-bearing component 15-cm2 tips.
of penetr
penetration
ation resista
resistance.
nce. 3.2.18  friction sleeve resistance, f s — the
the friction component
3.2.6   cone resistance, q c — the
the measured end-bearing com- of penetration resistance developed on a friction sleeve, equal
ponent of penetration resistance. The resistance to penetration to the shear force applied to the friction sleeve divided by its
developed on the cone is equal to the vertical force applied to surface
surfa ce area.
the cone divided by the cone base area. 3.2.19   FSO— abbreviation
abbreviation for full-scale output. The output
3.2.7   corrected total cone resistance, q t  — tip
tip resistance cor- of an electronic force transducer when loaded to 100 % rated
rected for water pressure acting behind the tip (see   13.2.1).
13.2.1). capacity.
Correction for water pressure requires measuring water pres- 3.2.20 loc
local al sid
sidee fri
fricti
ction
on— 
— same
s ame as fr
fric
icti
tion
on sl
slee
eeve
ve
sures with a piezocone element positioned behind the tip at resistance, f s  (see
 (see 3.2.18
 3.2.18).
).
location u2   (See
(See sec
section
tion   3.2.26)
3.2.26). Th
Thee co
corrrrec
ectio
tion
n re
resu
sults
lts in 3.2.21   penetration resistance measuring system— a measur-
estimated total tip resistance, qt. ing system that provides the means for transmitting informa-
3.2.8   cross talk— anan apparent load transfer between the cone tion from the penetrometer tip and displaying the data at the
and the frifrictio
ction
n sle
sleeve
eve cau
caused
sed by inte
interfe
rferen
rence
ce bet
betwee
weenn the surface where it can be seen or recorded.
separate
separate signa
signall channe
channels.
ls. 3.2.22   penetrometer— an
an apparatus consisting of a series of 
3.2.9   electronic
electronic cone penetr
penetrometer
ometer— — a frfrict
ictio
ion
n co
cone
ne pe
pen-
n- cylindrical push rods with a terminal body (end section), called
etrometer that uses force transducers, such as strain gauge load the penetrometer
penetrometer tip, and measur
measuring
ing devices for determ
determinatio
ination
n
cells,
cel ls, bu
built
ilt in
into
to a no
non-
n-tel
teles
esco
copi
ping
ng pe penenetro
trome
meter
ter tip foforr of the components of penetration resistance.
measuri
meas uring,
ng, wit
within
hin the pen
penetro
etromete
meterr tip
tip,, the com
compon
ponent
entss of  3.2.23   penetrometer tip— the
the terminal body (end section) of 
penetration resistance. the penetrometer
penetrometer which contai
contains
ns the active elements that sense
the components of penetration resistance. The penetrometer tip
3.2.10 electro
electronic
nic piezocon
piezoconee penetr
penetrometer— 
ometer— an
an elec
electron
tronic
ic
may includ
includee additi
additional
onal electronic instru
instrumentat
mentation
ion for signal
cone penetrometer equipped with a low volume fluid chamber,
conditioning and amplification.
porous element, and pressure transducer for determination of 
porewater pressure at the porous element soil interface mea- 3.2.24   piezocone— same
same as   electronic piezocone penetrom-
sured simultaneously with end bearing and frictional compo- eter  (see 3.2.10
  (see  3.2.10).
).
nents of penetration resistance. 3.2.25   piezo
piezocone
cone por
porewate
ewaterr pr
pressu
essure
re,, u— fluid
fluid pres
pressure
sure
3.2.11  end bearing resistance— same
same as cone resistance or measured using the piezocone penetration test.
tip resistance, q c.
resistance, 3.2.26  piezocone porewater pressure measurement location:
u1 , u 2 , u 3 — fluid
fluid pressure measured by the piezocone penetrom-
3.2.12   equilibrium
equilibrium por
poree water pr
pressure, u0 — at
essure, at rest water
eter at specific locations on the penetrometer as follows  (  (2
2,  3
 3,,
pressure at depth of interest. 4
4) : u1—porous filter location on the midface or tip of the cone,
3.2.13   excess pore water pressure, ∆u— the
the dif
differen
ference
ce be- u2—porous filter location at the shoulder position behind the
tween porewater pressure measured as the penetration occurs conee tip (st
con (stand
andard
ard loc
locatio
ation)
n) and
and,, u3—poro
—porous
us filter locatio
location n
(u), and estimated equilibrium porewater pressure (u 0), or: ∆
or:  ∆u
u behind the friction sleeve.
= (u – u 0). Excess porewater pressure can either be positive or
3.2.27  porewater pressure— total
total porewater pressure magni-
negative for shoulder position filters.
tude measured during penetration (same as  3.2.25
 3.2.25 above).
 above).
3.2.14 frictio
friction
n cone penetr
penetrometer
ometer— 
— a con
conee pen
penetr
etrome
ometer
ter
with the cap
capabi
ability
lity of meas
measuri
uring
ng the fri
frictio
ction
n com
compon
ponent
ent of  4
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at the
penetration resistance. end of the text.

2
 D5778 − 12

3.2.28  porewater pressure ratio parameter, B q — the

the ratio of  5. Signi
Significanc
ficancee and Use
excess porewater pressure at the standard measurement loca- 5.1 Test
estss per
perfor
formed
med using this tes
testt met
method
hod provide
provide a de-
tion ∆u2, to corrected total cone resistance qt , minus the total tailed record of cone resistance which is useful for evaluation
vertical overburden stress,  σ vo  (see
 (see Eq
 Eq 10).
10). of site str
stratig
atigrap
raphy
hy,, hom
homoge
ogenei
neity
ty and dep
depth
th to firm lay
layers
ers,,
3.2.29   push rods— the
rods— the thick-wal
thick-walled
led tubes or rod
rodss use
used
d to voids or cavities, and other discontinuities. The use of a friction
advance the penetrometer tip. sleeve and porewater pressure element can provide an estimate
of soil classification, and correlations with engineering prop-
3.2.30 sleeve friction, sleeve, and friction resistance
resistance— 
— same
same erties of soils. When properly performed at suitable sites, the
as friction sleeve resistance. test provides a rapid means for determining subsurface condi-
3.2.31  subtraction error— an
an apparent load transfer from the tions.
cone to the friction sleeve of a subtra
subtraction
ction type electronic
electronic cone 5.2 Th
5.2 This
is tes
testt me
meth
thod
od pr
prov
ovidides
es da
data
ta us
used
ed fo
forr es
estim
timat
atin
ing
g
penetrometer
penetr ometer caused by minor voltage dif differen
ferences
ces in respo
response
nse engineering properties of soil intended to help with the design
to load between the two strain element cells. and construction of earthworks, the foundations for structures,
3.3   Abbreviations: and the behavior of soils under static and dynamic loads.
3.3.1   CPT— abbreviation
abbreviation for the cone penetration test. 5.3 Thi
Thiss meth
method
od tests the soi
soill in-
in-situ
situ and soil samples
samples are
3.3.2   PCPT  (2
 ( 2,  3
 3))  or CPTu  (
 (44) — abbreviation
abbreviation for piezocone not obtained. The interpretation of the results from this test
penetration test (note: symbol “u” added for porewater pressure method
meth od pro
provid
vides
es esti
estimate
matess of the typtypes
es of soi
soill pen
penetr
etrated
ated..
measurements). Engineers may obtain soil samples from parallel borings for
correlation purposes but prior information or experience may
3.3.3   CPTù— abbreviation
abbreviation for the piezocone penetration test preclude the need for borings.
with dissipation phases of porewater pressures (ù).
NOTE   3—The
3—The quaquality
lity of the res
result
ultss pro
produc
duced
ed by thi
thiss sta
standa
ndard
rd is
3.3.4   SCPTu— abbreviation
abbreviation for seismic piezocone test Test dependent on the competence of the perso
dependent personal
nal performing
performing the test, and the
Methods   D7400   (inclu
(includes
des one or mor
moree geo
geopho
phones
nes to allo
allow
w suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740
Practice D3740 are
 are generally considered capable of competent
downhole
downh ole geoph
geophysical
ysical wave velocit
velocity
y measur
measurements)
ements)..
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
3.3.5   RCPTu— abbrev
abbreviati
iation
on for res
resisti
istivity
vity pie
piezoc
zocone
one (in
(in-- cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740
Practice D3740  does not in itself assure
reliable
reliab le result
results.
s. Reliable results depend on many factors and Pract Practice
ice
cludes electrical conductivity or resistivity module).
D3740 provides
D3740  provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

4. Summ
Summary
ary of Test
Test Method 6. Interfere
Interferences
nces
4.1 A penetro
penetromete
meterr tip with a con
conical
ical point
point hav
having
ing a 60° 6.1 Refusa
Refusal,
l, deflection, or damage to the penetrometer
penetrometer may
2
apex angle and a cone base area of 10 or 15 cm is advanced occur in coarse grained soil deposits with maximum particle
through the soil at a constant rate of 20 mm/s. The force on the sizes that approach or exceed the diameter of the cone.
conical point (cone) required to penetrate the soil is measured 6.2 Parti
Partiall
ally
y lit
lithi
hified
fied and lit
lithi
hified
fied de
depo
posit
sitss ma
may
y cau
cause
se
by ele
electr
ctrica
icall me
meth
thod
ods,
s, at a mi
mini
nimu
mumm of evever
ery
y 50 mm of  refusal, deflection, or damage to the penetrometer.
penetration.
penetr ation. Improved
Improved resolution may often be obtain
obtained
ed at 20-
6.3 Stan
Standar
dard
d pus
pushh rod
rodss can be dam
damage
aged
d or bro
broken
ken under
or 10-mm interval readings. Stress is calculated by dividing the extreme loadings. The amount of force that push rods are able
measure
meas ured
d for
force
ce (to
(total
tal cone for
force)
ce) by the cone basbasee area to to sustain is a function of the unrestrained length of the rods
obtain cone resistance, qc. and the weak links in the push rod-penetrometer tip string such
4.2 A friction
friction sleeve is presen
presentt on the penetrometer
penetrometer imme- as push rod joints and push rod-penetrometer tip connections.
diately behind the cone tip, and the force exerted on the friction Thee fo
Th forc
rcee at wh
whic
ich
h ro
rods
ds ma
mayy br
brea
eak
k is a fu
func
ncti
tion
on of th
thee
sleeve
sleeve is mea
measur
sured
ed by elec
electric
trical
al meth
methods
ods at a min
minimu
imum m of  equipment
equip ment config
configuratio
uration
n and groun
groundd condi
conditions
tions during pen-
every 50 mm of penetration. Stress is calculated by dividing etration. Excessive rod deflection is the most common cause
the measured axial force by the surface area of the friction for rod breakage.
sleeve to determine sleeve resistance, f s. 7. Appar
Apparatus
atus
4.3 Most modern penetrometer
penetrometerss are capable of regis
registering
tering 7.1   Frictio
Frictionn Cone Pene Penetr tromet
ometer— 
er— The
T he pepenet
netro
romet
meterer tip
pore water pressure induced during advancement of the pen- should meet requirements as given below and in   10.1. 10.1. In a
etrometer
etromet er tip using an electro
electronic
nic pressu
pressurere transd
transducer
ucer.. These conventional friction-type cone penetrometer, the forces at the
penetrometers are called “piezocones.” The piezocone is ad- cone tip and friction sleeve are measured by two load cells
vanc
va nced
ed at a rarate
te of 20 mmmm/s,
/s, and re
read
adin
ings
gs are tak
taken
en at a within
wit hin the penpenetr
etrome
ometer
ter.. Eith
Either
er ind
indepe
epende
ndent
nt loa
load
d cell
cellss or
minimum of every 50 mm of penetration. The dissipation of  subtraction-
subtr action-type
type penetrometers
penetrometers are accepta
acceptable
ble for use ( Fig. 1).1).
either positive or negative excess porewater pressure can be 7.1.1
7.1.1 In the sub subtra
tractio
ction-t
n-type
ype pen
penetro
etromete
meter,r, the con
conee and
monitored by stopping penetration, unloading the push rod, and sleeve both produce compressive forces on the load cells. The
recordi
reco rding
ng por
porewa
ewater
ter pre
pressu
ssure
re as a fun
functio
ction
n of time
time.. Whe
When n load cells are joined together in such a manner that the cell
pore
po rewa
water
ter pr
pres
essu
sure
re be
beco
come
mess co
cons
nstan
tantt it is me
measu
asuri
ring
ng th
thee near
ne ares
estt th
thee co
cone
ne (t(the
he “C
“C”” ce cell Fig. 1b) me
ll in   Fig. meas
asur
ures
es th thee
equilibrium value (designated u 0) or piezometric level at that comp
co mpre
ress
ssiv
ivee fo
forc
rcee on ththee co
cone
ne whwhile
ile th
thee se
seco
cond
nd cel
celll (t
(the
he
depth. “C + S” cell in Fig.
in  Fig. 1b) measures the sum of the compressive

3
 D5778 − 12

FIG. 1 Commo
Common
n Confi
Configurat
gurations
ions for Electri
Electric
c Frict
Friction-C
ion-Cone
one Penetrometers
Penetrometers  (
 (11)  Showing: (a) Compression-type Tip and Sleeve Load Cells,
(b) Tension-type Sleeve Design, and (c) Subtraction-type Penetrometer

forces on both the cone and friction sleeve. The compressive facturers. The need for a specific cone design depends on the
force
for ce fro
fromm the friction
friction sle
sleeve
eve portion
portion is comcomput
puteded then by design data requirements outlined in the exploration program.
subtraction. This cone design is common in industry because of  7.1.1.4
7.1.1.4 Regard
Regardless
less of penetr
penetrometer
ometer type, the friction sleeve
its rugged design. This design forms the basis for minimum load cell system must operate in such a way that the system is
performance requirements for electronic penetrometers. sensitive to only shear stresses applied to the friction sleeve
7.1.1
7.1.1.1.1 Alter
Alternat
native
ive de desig
signs
ns hahave
ve sep
separa
arate
te anandd nonon-
n- and not to normal stresses.
dependent load cells separate for tip and sleeve. For instance, 7.1.2   Cone— Nominal
Nominal dimensions, with manufacturing and
in  Fig. 1a, the cone penetrometer tip produces a compression
in Fig. operating tolerances, for the cone are shown on   Fig. 2. 2. The
force on the cone load cell (the “C” cell in  Fig. 1a) while the cone
co ne ha
hass a didiamamet
eter
er d = 35 35.7
.7 mm
mm,, pr
proj
ojec
ecte
tedd ba
base
se ar
area
ea
2
frictio
friction
n slee
sleeve
ve pro
produc
duces
es a tentensile
sile for
force
ce on the ind indepe
epende
ndentnt  Ac  = 100
1000 0 mm , + 2 %– %–5 5 % wi
with
th an apapex
ex an
angl
glee of 6060°.
°. A
fric
frictio
tion
n slslee
eeve
ve lo
load
ad cel
celll (t
(the
he “S“S”” ce
cell)
ll).. De
Desi
sign
gnss ar
aree als
alsoo cylindrical extension,  he, of 5 mm shoul
shouldd be located behind
behind the
available where both the tip and sleeve load cells are indepen- base of the cone to protect the outer edges of the cone base
dentt and ope
den operate
rate in comcomprepressi
ssion
on (1). TheThesese pen
penetr
etrome
ometerter from
from exexcecess
ssiv
ivee wewear Thee 10 cm2 con
ar.. Th conee is con
consid
sidere
ered
d the
designs result in a higher degree of accuracy in friction sleeve refere
ref erence
nce stan
standar
dard d for whi
which
ch res
results
ults of oth
other
er pen
penetro
etromete
meters
rs
measurement, however, may be more susceptible to damage with proportionally scaled dimensions can be compared.
under extreme loadin
loading g cond
conditions.
itions. 7.1.2.1
7.1.2.1 In certain cases,
cases, it may be desira
desirable
ble to increase the
7.1.1.
7.1.1.22 Typi
ypical
cal gen
genera
erall pur
purpos
posee con
conee pen
penetro
etromete
metersrs are cone diameter in order to add room for sensors or increase
manufa
man ufactu
ctured
red to ful
fulll sca
scalele out
output
putss (FS
(FSO)
O) equequiva
ivalen
lentt to net ruggedness of the penetrometer. The standard increase is to a
loads of 10 to 20 tons. Often, weak soils are the most critical base diameter of 43.7 mm which provides a projected cone
in an investigation program, and in some cases, very accurate base area of 1500 mm 2 while maintaining a 60° apex angle.
friction sleeve data may be required. To gain better resolution, Nominal
Nomin al dimens
dimensions,
ions, with manuf
manufacturin
acturing
g and opera
operating
ting toler-
the FSO can be lowered or the independent type penetrometer 2
ances for the 15 cm cone, are shown in  Fig. 2, 2,  based on the
desig
de sign
n cacann be sel
select
ected
ed.. A lo low
w FSFSO O su
subt
btra
ract
ctio
ionn co
cone
ne may guides  (5
international guides ( 5).
provide more accurate data than a standard FSO independent 7.1.2.2
7.1.2.2 The cone is made of high strength
strength steel of a type and
typee con
typ conee dep
depend
ending
ing on suc suchh fact
factors
ors as sys
system
tem desdesign
ign and hardness suitable to resist wear due to abrasion by soil. Cone
thermal compensation. If the FSO is lowered, this may place tips which have worn to the operating tolerance shown in  Fig.
electrical components at risk if overloaded in stronger soils. 2  should be replaced. Piezocone tips should be replaced when
Expensive preboring efforts may be required to avoid damage the tip has worn appreciably (as shown) and the height of the
in these cases. The selection of penetrometer type and resolu- cylindrical extension has reduced considerably (as shown).
tion should consider such factors as practicality, availability,
calibration requirements, cost, risk of damage, and preboring NOTE   4—In some applications it may be desirable to scale the cone
diameter down to a smaller projected area. Cone penetrometers with 5 cm2
requirements. projected area find use in the field applications and even smaller sizes (1
7.1.1.
7.1.1.33 The user or clie client
nt sho
should
uld select the con conee des
design
ign cm2) are used in the laboratory for research purposes. These cones should
requirements by consulting with experienced users or manu- be des
design
igned
ed wit
with
h dim
dimens
ension
ionss sca
scaled
led in dir
direct
ect pro
propor
portio
tion
n to sta
standa
ndard
rd

4
 D5778 − 12

FIG. 2 Manufacturing and Operating Tolerances of Cones  (

 (55)

10-cm2 penetrometers. In thinly layered soils, the diameter affects how Gap requirements
requirements apply to the gaps at either end of the frictio
friction
n
accurately the layers may be sensed. Smaller diameter cones may sense sleeve and to other elements of the penetrometer tip.
thinnerr layers more accurately than larger cones. If there are questi
thinne questions
ons as
to the effect of scaling the penetrometer to either larger or smaller size, 7.1.4.1
7.1.4.1 The gap between
between the cyl
cylind
indrica
ricall ext
extens
ension
ion of the
results can be compared in the field to the 10-cm2 penetrometer for soils cone base and other elements of the penetrometer tip,  e c, must
under consideration. This is because the 10-cm2 cone is considered the not be larger than 5 mm for the friction cone penetrometer.
reference
reference penetr
penetrometer
ometer for field testing.
7.1.4.2
7.1.4. 2 If a sea
seall is placed in the gap
gap,, it should
should be pro
proper
perly
ly
7.1.3   Friction Sleeve— The The outside diameter of the manu-
designed and manufactured to prevent entry of soil particles
factured
factur ed friction sleeve and the operating diameter
diameter are equal to
into the penetrometer tip. It must have a deformability at least
the diameter of the base of the cone with a tolerance of +0.35
two orders of magnitude greater than the material comprising
mm an andd −0
−0.0
.0 mm
mm.. Th Thee fr
frict
ictio
ion
n sl
sleev
eevee is ma made de fr from
om hi high
gh
stren
strengt
gth
h st
steel
eel of a tytype
pe an
and d ha
hard
rdne
nessss to re
resisist
st wewear ar duduee to the loa
load
d tra
transf
nsferr
erring
ing com
compon
ponents
ents of the sensensin
sing
g dev
devices
ices in
abrasion
abrasio n by soil. Chrom
Chrome-plate
e-plated d steel is not recommended
recommended due order to prevent load transfer from the tip to the sleeve.
to differing frictional behavior. The surface area of the friction 7.1.4.3   Filter Element in the Gap— If
If a filter element for a
sleeve is 150 cm2 6 2 %, for a 10-cm 2 cone. If the cone base piezocone is placed in the gap between cone and sleeve the
area is increased to 15 cm 2, as provided for in   7.1.2.1, 7.1.2.1, the sum of the height of cylindrical extension, he, plus element
surf
su rfac
acee ar
area
ea of th thee fr
fric
icti
tion
on sl
slee
eeveve sh
shou
ouldld be ad adjujust
sted
ed thickness filling the gap, ec, can range from 8 to 20 mm (see
proportionally, with the same length to diameter ratio as the 7.1.8   for explanation).
7.1.8
10-cm2 cone. With the 15-cm2 tip, a sleeve area of 225 cm 2 is 7.1.5   Diameter Requirements— The The fri
frictio
ction
n slee
sleeve
ve sho
should
uld
similar in scale. be situated within 5 to 15 mm behind the base of the cone tip.
7.1.3.1
7.1.3 .1 The top diameter of the sleeve must must not be smaller The annular spaces and seals between the friction sleeve and
than the bottom diameter or significantly lower sleeve resis- other
oth er por
portio
tions
ns of the pen
penetr
etrome
ometer
ter tip mus
mustt con
confor
form
m to the
tance will occur. During testing, the top and bottom of the
samee spe
sam specific
cificatio
ations
ns as desdescri
cribed
bed in   7.1.4.
7.1.4. Ch
Chan
ange
gess in th
thee
sleeve should be periodically checked for wear with a microm-
diameter of the penetrometer body above the friction sleeve
eter. Normally, the top of the sleeve will wear faster than the
shou
should
ld be su such
ch ththat
at ti
tip
p or sl slee
eeve
ve me
measasur
urem
emen
ents
ts ar
aree no
nott
bottom.
influenced by increases in diameter. International reference test
7.1.3.
7.1 .3.2
2 Fri
Frictio
ctionn sle
sleeve
evess mus
mustt be des
design
igned
ed with equal end
procedures require that the penetrometer body have the same
areas which are exposed to water pressures  (  (11,  5
 5,,  6
 6,,  7  8)). This
 7,,  8
diameter as the cone for the complete length of the penetrom-
will remove the tendency for unbalanced end forces to act on
the sleeve. Sleeve design must be checked in accordance with eter body (5, 9, 1010)).
A1.7 to
A1.7  to ensure proper response. 7.1.5.1
7.1.5.1 For some penetrometer
penetrometer designs,
designs, it may be desirable
7.1.4   Gap— The
The gap (annular space) between the cylindrical to inc
increa
rease
se the diameter
diameter of the pen
penetr
etrome
ometer
ter body to hou
house
se
exten
ex tensio
sion
n of ththee co
cone
ne babase
se an
andd th
thee ot
othe
herr ele
elemement ntss of th thee additional sensors or reduce friction along push rods. These
penetrometer tip should be kept to the minimum necessary for diameterr changes are accepta
diamete acceptable
ble if they do not have significant
operation of the sensing devices and should be designed and influence on tip and sleeve data. If there is question regarding
constructed in such a way to prevent the entry of soil particles. a specific design with diameter increases, comparison studies

5
 D5778 − 12

can be made to a penetrometer with constant diameter. Infor- without porewater transducers can be used in soils with minor
mation on diameters of the complete penetrometer body should porewater pressure development, such as clean sands, granular
be repor
reported.
ted. soils,
soils, as well as soi soils
ls and fills wel
welll abo
aboveve the groundwa
groundwater ter
NOTE  5—The effects caused by diameter changes of the penetrometer
table. The type 1 with face filter element finds use in fissured
on tip and sleeve resistance are dependent on the magnitude of diameter geomaterials and materials prone to desaturation, as well as
increase and location on the penetrometer body. Most practitioners feel dissipation readings. Numerous design and configuration as-
that diameter increases equivalent to addition of a friction reducer with pects can affect the measurement of dynamic water pressures.
area increases of 15 to 20 % should be restricted to a location at least eight
to ten cone diameters behind the friction sleeve.
Variables such as the element location, design and volume of 
port
po rts,
s, an
and
d th
thee ty
type
pe anand
d de
degr
gree
ee of sa
satu
tura
ratio
tion n of th thee flu
fluid
ids,
s,
7.1.6 The axis of the cone, the friction sleeve
sleeve (if included),
cavitation of the element fluid system and resaturation lag time,
and the body of the penetrometer tip must be coincident.
dept
depthh anand
d sa
satu
tura
ratio
tion
n of so soil
il du
duri
ring
ng tes
testin
ting g all af affe
fect
ct th
thee
7.1.7   Force
Force Sen
Sensin
sing
g Dev
Devices
ices— 
— The
The typtypical
ical for
force
ce sen
sensin
sing
g
dynami
dyn amicc por
porewa
ewaterter pre
pressu
ssure
re mea
measur
sured
ed durduringing testtesting
ing and
device
dev ice is a str
strain
ain gauge load cell that con contain
tainss temp
temperaeratur
turee
dissipation tests of dynamic pressures  (  (2
2,  3
 3,,  4  8)). It is beyond
 4,,  8
compen
com pensat
sated
ed bon
bonded
ded str
strain
ain gag
gages.
es. The con configu
figurat
ration
ion and
the scope of the procedure to address all of these variables. As
location of strain gages should be such that measurements are
a minimum, complete information should be reported as to the
not influenced by possible eccentricity of loading.
7.1.8   Electro
Electronic
nic Piezo
Piezocone
cone Penet
Penetro meter— A pie
rometer—  piezoc
zocone
one design
des ign,, con
configu
figuratration
ion,, and the preprepar
paratio
ationn of the pie piezoco
zoconene
penetr
pen etrome
ometer
ter can con
contain
tain por
porous
ous filte
filterr elem
element
ent(s)
(s),, pre
pressu
ssure
re system that is used for the particular sounding.
transducer(s), and fluid filled ports connecting the elements to 7.1.8.1
7.1.8.1 Measu
Measurement
rement of hydr
hydrostatic
ostatic water pressures during
the transducer to measure pore water pressure.  Fig. 3 shows
3 shows the pauses in testing are more straig
pauses straightfor
htforward.
ward. The presence of air
common
com mon desdesign
ign typ
types
es use
usedd in pra
practic
cticee inc
includ
luding
ing:: 10- cm2
10-cm entrained
entrained in the system only affects
affects dynamic response. In high
friction-type, type 1 and type 2 piezocone, and 15-cm 2 size. permeability soils (that is, clean sands), hydrostatic pressures
The standard penetrometer should be the type 2 piezocone with will equalize within seconds or minutes. In low permeability
filter located at the shoulder (both 10-cm 2 and 15-cm 2) to allow materials such as high plasticity clays, equalization can take
correction of tip resistances. The electric friction penetrometer many hours. If the goal of the exploration program is only to

FIG. 3 Penetrometer Design Configurations: (a) Electronic Friction-type, (b) Type 1 Piezocone, (c) Standard 10-cm 2 Type 2 Piezocone,
and (d) 15-cm2 Type 2 Version (7 (7)

6
 D5778 − 12

acquire hydrostatic pressures in sands, some of the preparation effective pore size of the element mounting surfaces. Water can
procedures
proced ures for dyna dynamicmic pressu
pressure re measur
measuring ing can be relaxe
relaxed, d, be used for the fluid if the entire sounding will be submerged,
such as deairing fluids. or if dynamic response is not important. The fluids are deaired
7.1.8.2
7.1.8 .2 The porewater pressure measurement measurement locatiolocations ns of  using procedures described in  11.2
 11.2..
the porous element
element are limited to the face or tip of the cone, u 1,
7.2   Measuring System— The The signals from the penetrometer
directl
dir ectly
y beh
behindind the cyl cylind
indric
rical
al ext
extens
ension
ion of the bas basee of the transducers are to be displayed at the surface during testing as
cone,  u 2, or behind the sleeve,  u3. Some penetrometers used for
a continuously updated plot against depth. The data are also to
research purposes may have multiple measurement locations.
be record
recordeded electro
electronically
nically for subse
subsequent
quent processing.
processing. Elec-
7.1.8.3
7.1.8 .3 There are several advantages
advantages to locatinlocatingg the porou
porouss tronic recording
recording shall be digita
digitall and use at least twelve bit (one
element immediately behind the tip of the cone in location  u 2, partt in 409
par 4096)6) res
resolu
olution
tion in the anaanalog
log to dig
digital
ital con
conver
versio
sion,
n,
primarily the required correction of measured q c   to total tip although 16-bit resolution and higher may be preferable in very
extensively  (4-8
stress, qt, as detailed extensively ( 4-8)). Also, the
the element is lessless soft ground. Either magnetic (disk or tape) or optical (disk)
subject to damage and abrasion, as well as fewer compress- non-
no n-vo
volat
latile
ile ststor
orag
agee mamayy be us used
ed.. In an
analo
alogg sysyste
stems
ms,, th
thee
effects (4
ibility effects ( 4, 8
 8)). Elements located in the  u 2 location may be tempera
temp eratur
turee stab
stabilit
ility
y and accu
accuracracyy of the A-t
A-to-D
o-D conconver
verter
ter
subject to cavitation at shallow depths in dense sands because shall
sha ll be sucsuch h that the ove overal
ralll con
cone-tr
e-trans
ansmis
missio
sion-r
n-reco
ecordi
rding
ng
the zone behind the height of cylindrical extension is a zone of  system complies with calibration requirements set forth in the
dilatio
dila tion
n in dra drained
ined soils. Sim Similarilar response
response can occ occur ur in stif
stiff 
f  annex.
fissured clays and crusts  ( 4). Porewater pressure measurements
 (4
7.2.1
7.2 .1 Use of ana analog
log systems
systems is acceaccepta
ptable
ble but the system
obtained at the u1   face location are more effective for com-
resolution may be lower than requirements in the annex and
pressibility determinations and layer detection, particularly in
Section 10 10..   Use of an an analo
alogg rereco
cord
rder
er as a su supp
pple
lemen
mentt to
fissured soils, but are more subject to wear (3, 11 11)). At the u2
digital system is advantageous because it can provide system
location, a minimum 2-mm cylindrical extension of the cone
backup.
tip (he) should be maintained for protection of the cone. Typical
filter element thickness at all locations in the horizontal plane NOTE   6—Depen
6—Dependinding
g upo
upon
n the equ
equipm
ipment
ent,, dat
dataa sto
stored
red dig
digital
itally
ly on
ranges from 5 to 10 mm. magnetic drives, tapes, floppy disks, or other media are often used. The
dataa file
dat filess sho
should
uld inc
includ
ludee pro
projec
ject,
t, loc
locatio
ation,
n, ope
operat
rator
or,, and dat
dataa for
format
mat
7.1.8.4
7.1.8 .4 The miniatu
miniature re diaph
diaphragm-
ragm-type
type electro
electronic
nic pressu
pressure re
information (for example, channel, units, corrected or uncorrected, etc.) so
transducer is normally housed near the tip of the cone. For that the data can be understood when reading the file with a text editor.
dynamic pressure measurements, the filter and ports are filled
with dea
deaire
ired d flui
fluid d to meameasursuree dyndynamic
amic por porewa
ewater
ter pre
pressu
ssurere 7.3   Push
Push Rod
Rods— 
s— Steel
S teel ro
rods
ds ar
aree re
requ
quire
iredd ha
havi
ving
ng a crcros
osss
respon
res ponse.
se. The vol volume
ume of con connecnectin
ting
g por
portsts to the tran
transdu
sducer
cer sectional
section al area adequate to sustai
sustain,
n, without buckling, the thrus
thrustt
should be minimized to facilitate dynamic pressure response. required to advance the penetrometer tip. For penetrometers
These
The se eleelectr
ctron
onic
ic tratransd
nsduce
ucers rs are no norma
rmally
lly ver
very y rel
reliab
iable,
le, using electrical cables, the cable is prestrung through the rods
accurate, and linear in response. The transducer shall have a prior to testing. Push rods are supplied in 1-meter lengths. The
precision
precisi on of at least 614 kPa ( 62 psi). The porewater pressure push rods must be secured together to bear against each other
transducer must meet requirements given in  10.2  10.2.. at the joints and form a rigid-jointed string of push rods. The
deviation of push rod alignment from a straight axis should be
7.1.8.5   Element— The The element is a fine porous filter made
held
he ld to a mi mini
nimu
mum,m, esespe
peci
ciall
ally
y in ththee pu
pushsh ro
rods
ds ne
near
ar th
thee
from plastic, sintered steel or bronze, or cerami ceramic.c. Typical
Typical pore
penetrometer tip, to avoid excessive directional penetrometer
size is between 20 to 200 microns  (  (8 11)). Different materials
8, 11
drift. Generally, when a 1-m long push rod is subjected to a
have different advantages. Smearing of metallic element open-
permanent circular bending resulting in 1 to 2 mm of center
ings by hard soil grains may reduce dynamic response of the
axis rod shortening, the push rod should be discarded. This
system,
sys tem, thus nor normall
mally y not used for face elem element
entss but best
corr
co rres
espo
pondndss to a ho
hori
rizo
zont
ntal
al de
defle
flecti
ction
on of 2 to 3 mm at th thee
suited for shoulder filter positions. Ceramic elements are very
center
cen ter of ben
bendin
ding.
g. The loclocatio
ations
ns of push rod rodss in the string
string
brittle and may crack when loaded, but perform well on the
should be varied periodically to avoid permanent curvature.
cone face as they reduce compressibility concerns. Polypro-
pylene plastic elements are most commonly used in practice, 7.3.1
7.3 10-cm 2 penetr
.1 For the 10-cm penetrometer
ometer,, stand
standard
ard 20-m
20-metric
etric ton
particu
par ticular
larly
ly at the sho should
ulderer.. Plas
Plastic
tic filt
filters
ers (as highigh-d
h-dens
ensity
ity high
high tetens
nsile
ile st
stre
reng
ngth
th ststee
eell pu
push
sh ro
rods
ds araree 36
36-m
-mmm ou
outsi
tside
de
polyethylen
polyet hylene, e, HDPE, or high- high-densit
densityy polyp
polypropy
ropylene,
lene, HDPP) diameter, 16-mm inside diameter, and have a mass per unit
may be ina inappr
ppropr
opriate
iate for env enviroironme
nmenta
ntall typ
typee CPT
CPTss whewhere re length of 6.65 kg/m. For 15-cm 2 penetrometers, the test may be
contaminant detection is sought. Typically, the filter element is pushed with 44.5-mm outside diameter rods or with standard
wedged at the tip or midface ( u1) location, or located at the rods used for the 10-cm 2 penetrometer.
should
sho ulder
er in the gap imm immedia
ediately
tely above the con conee ext
extens
ension
ion 7.4  Friction Reducer— Friction
Friction reducers are normally used
(designated u2) location. At these locations, it is important to on the push rods to reduce rod friction. If a friction reducer is
design
des ign the pen penetr
etrome
ometerter suc
such h tha
thatt com
comprepressi
ssion
on of the filt filter
er used, it should be located on the push rods no closer than 0.5
elements is minimized. m behind the base of the cone. Friction reducers, that increase
7.1.8.6   Fluids
Fluids for Satur Saturation
ation—  — Glycerine,
Glycerine, or alterna
alternatively
tively push rod outside diameter by approximately 25 %, are typically
silico
silicone
ne oioil,
l, is mo most st of
often
ten us useded foforr de
deai
airin
ring
g el
elememenents
ts fo
forr used for 10-cm 2 cones. If a 15-cm 2 penetr
penetrometer
ometer is advan
advanced
ced
dynamic response. These stiff viscous oils have less tendency with
with 36
36-m
-mm
m pu
push
sh ro
rods
ds th
ther
eree ma
mayy be no ne need
ed fo
forr fr
frict
ictio
ion
n
to cav
cavita
itatete,, al
alth
thou
oughgh cav
cavita
itatition
on ma may y be co cont
ntro
rolle
lled
d by th thee reducers since the penetrometer itself will open a larger hole.

7
 D5778 − 12

The type, size, amount, and location of friction reducer(s) used 9.1.2 The application
application of thrust
thrust in excess of rated capacity of 
during testing must be reported. the equipment can result in damage to equipment (see Section
6).
7.5   Thrust Machine and Reaction— The The thrust machine will
provide a contin
provide continuous
uous stroke, preferably
preferably over a distan
distance
ce greater 9.1.3
9.1 .3 A cone sousoundi
nding
ng mus
mustt not be per
perfor
formed
med any clo closer
ser
than 1 m. The thrust machine should be capable of adjusting than 25 borehole diameters from any existing unbackfilled or
push direction through the use of a leveling system such that uncased bore hole.
push
pus h init
initiate
iatess in a ver
vertica
ticall ori
orient
entatio
ation.
n. The mach
machine
ine mus
mustt 9.1.4 When performing cone penetration testing in prebored
adva
ad vanc
ncee th
thee pe
pene
netr
trom
omete
eterr tip an
andd pu
pushsh ro
rods
ds at a sm
smoo
ooth
th,, holes, an estimate of the depth below the prebored depth which
constant rate (see   12.1.2)
12.1.2) while the magnitude of thrust can is di
dist
stur
urbe
bed
d by dr drill
illin
ing,
g, sh
shou
ould
ld be madmadee anandd pepene
netr
trat
atio
ionn
fluctuate. The thrust machine must be anchored or ballasted, or resistance data obtained in this zone should be noted. Usually,
both, so that it provides the necessary reaction for the pen- this depth of disturbance is assumed to be equal to at least three
etrometer and does not move relative to the soil surface during borehole diameters.
thrust. 9.1.5
9.1 .5 Sig
Signifi
nifican
cantt ben
bendin
ding
g of the puspushh rod
rodss can inflinfluen
uencece
penetration resistance data. The use of a tubular rod guide is
NOTE 7—Cone penetration soundings usually require thrust capabilities recommended at the base of the thrust machine and also in
ranging from 100 to 200 kN (11 to 22 tons) for full capacity. High mass
ballasted vehicles can cause soil surface deformations which may affect
prebored holes to help prevent push rod bending.
penetrometer resistance(s) measured in near surface layers. Anchored or 9.1.6 Push rods not meeting requireme
requirementsnts of  7.3
of  7.3  may result
ballas
ballasted
ted veh
vehicl
icles,
es, or bot
both,
h, may ind
induce
uce cha
change
ngess in gro
ground
und sur
surfac
facee in excessive directional penetrometer drift and possibly unre-
reference level. If these conditions are evident, they should be noted in liable penetr
penetration
ation resistance values
values..
reports.
9.1.7 Passin
Passingg through or alongside obstructions
obstructions may deflect
7.6   Other Sensing Devices— Other Other sensing devices can be the penetrometer and induce directional drift. Note any indi-
include
inclu ded d in ththee pe
pene
netrtrom
omete
eterr bo
body
dy to pr prov
ovid
idee ad
addiditi
tion
onal
al cations of encountering such obstructions, such as gravels, and
information during the sounding. These instruments are nor- be aler
alertt for pos
possib
sible
le sub
subseq
sequen
uentt imp
improp
roper
er pen
penetro
etromete
meterr tip
mally
mal ly reread
ad at th
thee sa
same
me cocontntin
inuo
uous
us ra
rate
te as ti
tip,
p, sl
slee
eeve
ve,, an
andd operation.
porewater pressure sensors, or alternatively, during pauses in 9.1.8 If the proper rate
rate of advance of the penetrometer
penetrometer is not
thee pu
th push sh (o
(oft
ften
en at 1- 1-mm rorodd br
brea
eaks
ks).
). Typ
ypica
icall sen
senso
sors
rs ar
aree maintain
main tained
ed for the ent entire
ire str
stroke
oke thr
throug
oughh the meameasur
suremen
ementt
inclinometer
inclino meter,, temper
temperature,
ature, resistivity (or its recipr
reciprocal,
ocal, electri- interval, penetration resistance data will be erroneous.
cal conductivity), or seismic sensors, such as geophones that
can be used to obtain downhole shear wave velocity. These 9.2   Technical Precautions—Electronic Friction Cone Pen-
senso
sen sors
rs shshou
ould
ld be ca calib
libra
rated
ted if th their
eir ususee is cr
criti
itica
call to ththee etrometer:
investi
inv estigat
gation
ion pro
progra
gram.
m. The use of an incl inclino
inomete
meterr is highighly
hly 9.2.
9.2.11 Fa
Failu
ilure
re of O-O-ri
ring
ng sea
seals
ls ca
cann re
resu
sult
lt in da
damamage
ge to or
recommended since it will provide information on potentially inaccurate
inaccu rate readin
readings gs from electronic transd transducers
ucers.. The O-rin
O-ringg
damaging situations during the sounding process. An inclinom- seals should be inspected regularly, after each sounding, for
eter can pro provid
videe a use
useful
ful depth reliabilit
reliabilityy che
checkck bec
becaus
ausee it overall
overa ll condi
condition,
tion, cleanli
cleanliness
ness and waterti
watertightne
ghtness.
ss.
provid
pro videses inf
inform
ormatio
ation
n on ververtica
ticality
lity.. The conconfigu
figurati
ration
on and 9.2.2 Soil ingress between differentdifferent elements of a penetrom-
methods of operating such sensors should be reported. eter tip can result in unreliable data. Specifically, soil ingress
will detrimentally affect sleeve resistance data. Seals should be
8. Reag
Reagents
ents and Materials
Materials inspected
inspec ted after each soundsounding,
ing, maintained regularly,
regularly, and re-
placed when necessary. If very accurate sleeve resistance data
8.1   O-Ring Compound— A petroleum or silicon compound
is req
requir
uired,
ed, it is recrecomm
ommend ended
ed to clea
cleann all seals aft after
er eac
eachh
for facilitating seals with O-rings. Use of silicon compounds
sounding.
may impede repair of strain gages if the strain gauge surface is
exposed to the compound. 9.2.3 Electro
Electronicnic cone penetrometer
penetrometer tips should be tempera-
ture compensated. If extreme temperatures outside of the range
8.2   Glycerine,   or CHOH(
CHOH(CHCH2OH)2, fo
forr us
usee in po
pore
rewa
water
ter established
establi shed in
in A1.3.3
 A1.3.3  are to be encountered, the penetrometer
pressu
pressure
re mea
measur
suremen
ementt sys
systems
tems.. App
Approx
roximat
imately
ely 95 % purpuree shou
sh ould
ld be ch chececke
kedd fo
forr th
thee re
requ
quir
ired
ed tem
tempepera
ratu
ture
re ra
rang
ngee to
glycerine can be procured from most drug stores. establi
esta blish
sh they can meet the cali calibra
bration
tion req
requir
uireme
ements
nts.. Als
Also,
o,
8.3   Silicone
Silicone Oil (or flui
fluid),
d),   for use in por
porewa
ewater
ter pre
pressu
ssure
re harsh environments
environments may severe severely ly af
affect
fect the data acquisition
measure
meas uremen
mentt sys
systems
tems.. Thi
Thiss mate
materiariall is ava
availab
ilable
le in var
varyin
ying
g system of power supplies, notebook or field computers, and
viscosities ranging from 1400 to 10 000 CP. other electronics.
9.2.4
9.2 .4 If the shift in bas baselin
elinee rea
readin
dingg afte
afterr ext
extrac
racting
ting the
NOTE   8—Detailed
8—Detailed comparisons
comparisons and discudiscussion
ssionss on the use of these penetrometer tip from the soil is so large that the conditions of 
fluids can be found elsewhere  (
 (88,  11
 11)).
accuracy as defined in 10.1.2.1
in  10.1.2.1 are are no longer met, penetration
resi
resista
stanc
ncee da
datata sh
shou
ould
ld be no noted
ted as un unre
relia
liabl
ble.
e. If babase
selin
linee
9. Haza
Hazards
rds
readin
rea dings
gs do not con confor
formm to alloallowab
wablele limi
limits
ts esta
establi
blishe
shedd by
9.1  Technical Precautions—General: accuracy requirements in  10.1.2.1 10.1.2.1,,   the penetrometer tip must
9.1.1
9.1.1 Use of pen
penetr
etrome
ometer
ter com
compon
ponents
ents that do not meet be repaired, and recalibrated or replaced.
required
required tolerances or show visible signs of non-
non-symmet
symmetric
ric 9.2.5 Electronic friction cone penetrometers having unequal
wear can result in erroneous penetration resistance data. end
en d ar
area
eass on th their
eir fr
fric
ictio
tionn sl
sleev
eeveses ca
cann yi
yield
eld er erro
rone
neououss f s

8
 D5778 − 12

readings because of dynamic porewater pressures acting un- baseline. The change in initial and final baseline values should
evenly on the sleeve (
sleeve  (1
1,  5
 5,,  6  8)). Friction sleeve design should
 6,,  8 not exceed 2 % FSO for the con conee tip
tip,, slee
sleeve,
ve, and pre pressu
ssurere
be ch
check
ecked
ed in acacco
cordrdan
ancece wi withth   A1.7   to ens
ensure
ure bal
balanc
anced
ed transducer.
response. The response is also dependent on location of water 10.1.2
10. 1.2.1
.1 Main
Maintain
tain a con
contintinuou
uouss rec
record
ord of ini initial
tial and fina finall
seals. If O-ring water seals are damaged during testing, and baselin
bas elines
es dur
during
ing pro
produc
duction
tion test
testing
ing.. Aft
After
er each sou soundi
nding,
ng,
sleeve data appear affected, the sounding data should be noted compare the final baseline to the initial baseline for agreement
as unreliable and the seals should be repaired. within the tolerances noted above. In some cases during heavy
produc
pro ductio
tionn test
testing
ing whe
wherere the con conee is not dis disass
assemb
embledled and
9.3   Piezocone
Piezocone Penetr
Penetromete
ometer— 
r— The
T he ele
electr
ctroni
onicc pie
piezoc
zocone
one cleaned after each sounding, the initial baseline for the next
penetrometer tip measures pore water pressures on the exterior soun
so undi
ding
ng ca cann se
serv
rvee as th thee fin
final al ba
basel
selin
inee to th thee pr
prev
evio
iousus
of the penetrometer tip by transferring the pressure through a sounding as long as agreement is within allowable limits.
de-aired fluid system to a pressure transducer in the interior of  10.1.2.2
10.1. 2.2 If the post sounding
sounding baseline shift exceeds above
the tip. For proper dynamic response, the measurement system criteria, inspect the cone for damage by inspecting the tip and
(consisting of fluid ports and porous element) must be com- checking to see that the sleeve can be rotated by hand. If there
pletely
pletely satu
saturate
rated
d pri
prior
or to test
testing
ing.. Ent
Entrai
rained
ned air mus
mustt be re- is apparent damage, replace parts as required. Clean the cone
moved
mov ed fro
from
m the flui
fluid-fi
d-filled
lled sys
system
tem or por
porewa
ewater
ter pre
pressu
ssure
re and allow temper
temperatures
atures to equaliz
equalizee to preso
presoundin
unding g condit
conditions,
ions,
fluctuation during penetrometer tip advancement will be incor- and obtain a new baseline. If this value agrees with the initial
rect due to response lag from compression of air bubbles (see baselin
bas elinee with
withinin the aboaboveve cri
criter
teria,
ia, a loa
loadd ran
rangege cali
calibra
bratio
tionn
11.2,,   12.3.2,
11.2 12.3.2, and   12.3.3)
12.3.3). Fo
Forr sosoun
undi
ding
ngss wh
wher
eree dy
dyna
nami
micc check is not required. If the pre and post baselines are still not
response is important, the prepared filter elements should be within the above criteria then it is likely that the shift was
replaced after every sounding. caused by an obstacle or obstruction and linearity should be
checked with a load range calibration.
10. Calibration and Standardizatio
Standardization
n 10.1.2.3
10.1. 2.3 If the baseline shift still exceeds exceeds the above criteria,
perform a load range calibration as described in  10.1.2.1  10.1.2.1.. If the
10.1   Electronic Friction Cone Penetrometers:
cone load cell baseline shift exceeds 2 % FSO, the cone is
10.1.1 The req
10.1.1 requir
uireme
ements
nts for new
newlyly man
manufaufactu
ctured
red or re- likely
likely dadamamagegedd an
andd wiwill
ll nonott me
meet et lo
load
ad rarangngee crcrite
iteri
riaa in
paired cone penetrometers are of importance. Newly manufac- 10.1.2.2..   Sleeve load cell baseline shifts for subtraction-type
10.1.2.2
ture
turedd or rerepa
pair
ired
ed el
elect
ectro
roni
nicc co
cone
ne pepene
netrtrom
omete
eters
rs ar
aree to be penetrometers usually can exceed 2 % FSO and still meet load
checke
che ckedd to mee
meett the min
minimu
imum m cal
calibr
ibratio
ation n req
requir
uireme
ements
nts de- range criteria.
scribed
scr ibed in the ann annex.
ex. These cali
calibra
bration
tionss inc
includ
ludee loa
loadd test
tests,
s, 10.1.2.4
10.1. 2.4 Report data for the sounding where unacceptable unacceptable
thermal tests, and mechanical tests for effects of imbalanced baseline shift occurs as unreliable. In some cases it may be
hydrostatic
hydro static force
forces.
s. Calibra
Calibration
tion proce
procedures
dures and requi
requirement
rementss obvious where the damage occurred and data prior to that point
given in the annex are for subtraction-type cone penetrometers. may
ma y be co cons
nsid
ider
ered
ed rerelia
liabl
ble.
e. ThThee loloca
catio
tionn wh whereree ob
obvi
viou
ouss
Calibration requirements for independent-type cone penetrom- damage occurred should be clearly noted in reports.
eters should equal or exceed those requirements. The calibra- 10.1.3   Penetrometer Wear and Usage
tion
tion rereco
cord
rdss mu
must
st be ce cert
rtifie
ified
d as co corr
rrec
ectt by a re regi
giste
stere
redd 10.1
10 .1.3
.3.1
.1 ForFor pe pene
netr
trom
omet eter
erss us used
ed re regu
gulalarl
rly
y du duriring
ng
prof
pr ofess
ession
ional
al eng
engine
ineer
er or othother
er re
resp
spononsib
sible
le eng
enginineer
eer wi
with
th production, periodic load range checks should be performed.
knowle
kno wledge
dge and exp experi
erienc
encee in mate
material
rialss test
testing
ing for quaquality
lity The inspection period can be based on production footage such
assuran
assu rance.
ce. Applied
Applied for forces
ces or masmasses
ses mus
mustt be tra traceab
ceable
le to as on
once
ce eveverery
y lin
lineal
eal 30
300000 m (a (app
ppro x. 104 lin
rox. linear
ear fee
feet)
t) of 
calibration standard forces or masses retained by the National soundings. If field load range equipment is not available, the
Institute
Institu te of Stand
Standards
ards and Technology
Technology (NIST), formerly the penetrometer may be checked in the laboratory at the end of a
National Bureau of Standards. For description of calibration project.
terms and methods for calibrating, refer to the annex. 10.1.3
10. 1.3.2
.2 For pen penetr
etrome
ometersters tha
thatt are useused d inf
infreq
requen
uently
tly,, a
10.1.2   Baseline Readin
Readings— gs— Baseline
Baseline or zero-load readings periodic check may be based on time period, such as once
for both conconee and friction
friction slee
sleeve
ve load cells and porewater
porewater every year. If a penetrometer has not been used for a long
pres
pr essu
sure
re tr
tran
ansd
sduc
ucer
erss mu
mustst be tak
taken
en bebefo
fore
re anandd af
after
ter ea
each
ch period of time, checking it before use is advisable.
sounding. The baseline reading is a reliable indicator of output 10.1
10.1.3
.3.3
.3 For pr proj
oject
ectss rerequ
quir
irin
ingg a hi high
gh levlevel
el of qu qualality
ity
stability
stabilit y, temper
temperature-
ature-induc
induceded appar
apparent
ent load, soil ingres
ingress,
s, in- assurance, it may be required to do load range checks before
ternal
tern al fri
frictio
ction,
n, thr
thresh
esholdold sen
sensiti
sitivit
vity
y, and unk
unknow
nown n loa
loadin
dingg and after the project.
during
dur ing zer
zeroo set
setting
ting.. Take the ini initial
tial bas
baselin
elinee rea
readin
dingg aft
after
er 10.1.3.4
10.1. 3.4 Load range calibrations
calibrations are requi requiredred if the initial
warming
warmin g electri
electrical
cal circuit
circuitss accord
according
ing to the manuf
manufacture
acturer’s
r’s and final baselines for a sounding do not meet requirements
instructions, generally for 15 to 30 min, and in a temperature given in  10.1.2.1
 10.1.2.1..
environment as close as possible to that of the material to be 10.1.3.5
10.1. 3.5 Record
Recordss docum
documenting
enting the history of an individualindividual
sounded. If temperature is of concern, immerse the penetrom- penetrometer should be maintained for evaluation of perfor-
eter tip in a bucket of fresh tap water, or insert the penetrometer mance.
tip in the ground while electrically warming circuits to stabilize 10.2   Porewa
Porewater
ter Pres
Pressure
sure Tr
Transdu
ansducer— 
cer— Calibrat
C alibratee new
newly
ly
its temperature and then extracted for rapid determination of  manufa
man ufactu
ctured
red or rep
repair
aired
ed tran
transdu
sducer
cerss in acco
accorda
rdance
nce wit
with
h
initial
initial bas
baselin
eline.
e. After a sou soundi
nding
ng is com
comple
pleted
ted,, tak
takee a fina
finall requirements in the annex. During production, the transducer

9
 D5778 − 12

should be cali
should calibra
brated
ted at reg
regula
ularly
rly sch
schedu
eduled
led int
interv
ervals
als and 11.2.3 Ele
11.2.3 Elemen
mentsts can be pre prepar
pared
ed in wate
waterr by boi
boilin
ling
g the
whenever linear performance is suspect. The reference gauge elements while submerged in water for at least 4 h, although
can be a Bourdon tube pressure gauge, or electronic pressure damage may result from prolongued exposure in this approach
transducer that is calibrated annually to NIST traceable loading (4).
device (dead weight testing apparatus). 11.2.4 Oth
Other
er Sui
Suitab
table
le Mea
Means— 
ns— Report
Report othother
er tech
techniq
niques,
ues,
10.2.1 Prior to testing, baseline
10.2.1 baseline values or initial zeroing
zeroing of  such as commercially-purchased pre-saturated filter elements
the transducer is performed on the porewater pressure trans- that are available, or grease-filled slot (1, 7).
ducer at ambient air pressures at the surface. Maintain records 11.2.5   Storage— Store
Store prepared elements submerged in the
as to the baseline values
values for the transd
transducer
ucer in similar fashion to prep
pr epar
ared
ed flufluid
id un
until
til re
read
ady y fo
forr us
use.
e. Fil
Filll th
thee co
cont
ntain
ainer
erss an
and
d
those for tip and sleeve resistance. If significant changes in evacuate
evacua te durin
during
g storag
storage.e. Allowable storage length dependependsds on
baseline values occur, normally 1 to 2 % FSO, perform load thee flu
th fluid
id.. If el
eleme
ement ntss ar
aree pr
prep
epar
ared
ed in wawater
ter th
they
ey mu
must st be
rang
rangee tes
tests
ts to ch
check
eck foforr po
poss
ssib
ible
le da
damag
magee anand
d nononl
nlin
inear
ear deaired again one day after containers are opened and exposed
response. to air. Elements stored in glycerine or silicone may be stored
for longer periods, up to severseveral
al month
months,
s, after storage contain-
10.3   Calibra
Calibratio
tions
ns of Oth
Other
er Sen
Sensin
sing
g Dev
Devices
ices— 
— Calibration
Calibration ers have been exposed to air.
data for other sensors in the penetrometer body may require
calibra
calibration
tionss usi
using
ng pro
proced
cedure
uress sim
similar
ilar to tho
thosese giv
given
en in the 12. Procedur
Proceduree
annex for load cells and pressure transducers. The need for
12.1   General Requirements:
calibra
calibration
tion dep
depend
endss on the reqrequir
uireme
ements
nts of the ind individ
ividual
ual
12.1.1
12.1. 1 Prior to beginning a sounding, perform perform site surve
surveysys
investigation
investigation program. For noncr
noncritical
itical prog
programs,
rams, the occur
occur--
to ensure hazards such as overhead and underground utilities
rence
rence of rea
reason
sonabl
ablee rea
readin
dings
gs may be suf suffficie
icient.
nt. In crit
critical
ical
will not be encountered. Position the thrust machine over the
programs, it may be necessary to load the sensor through the
location of the sounding, and lower leveling jacks to raise the
range of interest with reference standards to ensure accurate
machin
mac hinee mas
masss of
offf the sus
suspen
pensio
sion
n sys
system.
tem. Set the hyd hydrau
raulic
lic
readings. rams of the penetrometer thrust system to as near vertical as
possib
pos sible.
le. The axi
axiss of the push rods must coi coinci
ncide
de wit
withh the
11. Conditioning thrust direction.
11.1 Power electronic
11.1 electronic cone penetrometer
penetrometer and data acquisi- 12.1
12 .1.2
.2 Set ththee hyhydr
drau
aulic
lic ra
ram
m fe feed
ed rarate
te to adadva
vanc
ncee th
thee
tion systems for a minimum time period to stabilize electric penetrometer at a rate of 20 6 5 mm/s for all electronic cone
circuit
circuitss bef
before
ore per
perfor
formin
mingg sou
soundi
ndings
ngs.. Pow
Power
er the sys
system
tem to penetrometers. This rate must be maintained during the entire
manufacturer’s recommendations prior to obtaining reference stroke
stroke dur
during
ing dow
downwanwardrd adv
advanc
ancee of the rod rodss whi
while
le tak
taking
ing
baselines. For most electronic systems this time period is 15 to readings.
30 min. 12.1.3
12. 1.3 Check
Check puspush h rod
rodss for strstraigh
aightne
tnessss and per
perman
manent
ent
bendin
ben ding g (Se
(Seee Sect
Section
ion 7.3
7.3).
). Pu
Push
sh rorods
ds ar aree ass
assem
embl
bled
ed an
and d
11.2 Electro
11.2 Electronic
nic piezoc
piezocone
one penetr
penetrometer
ometer soundings require tightened by hand, but care must be taken and threads may
special
spe cial pre
prepar
paratio
ationn of the tran
transmit
smittin
ting
g flui
fluid
d and por
porous
ous ele- need cleaning to ensure that the shoulders are tightly butted to
ments such that entrained air is removed from the system. For preven
pre ventt dam
damage
age to the push rod rods.
s. For electroni
electronicc con
conee pen
pen--
soundings where dynamic response is important, replace the etrometers using cables, the cable is prestrung through the push
prep
prepar
ared
ed fil
filter
ter ele
eleme
ment
ntss an
andd th
thee po
port
rtss flu
flush
shed
ed af
after
ter ev
ever
ery
y rods. Add friction reducer to the string of push rods as required, required,
sounding. Some of the techniques discussed below have been usually the first push rod behind the penetrometer tip and other
success
suc cessful
ful for pre
prepar
paratio
ationn of ele
elemen
ments.
ts. Reg
Regard
ardles
lesss of the rods as required.
techniques used, report the equipment and methods. 12.1.4
12.1. 4 Inspe
Inspect
ct penetr
penetrometer
ometer tips before and after soundings
soundings
11.2.1 Field or laboratory tests can be performed
performed to evaluate for damage, soil ingress, and wear. In very soft and sensitive
assembled system response, if desired. Place the cone tip and soils where accurate sleeve data is required, dismantle elec-
element in a press
pressurized
urized chamber
chamber and subje
subject
ct to rapid pressure
pressure tronic cone penetrometer tips and friction sleeves after each
change
cha nge.. Com
Compar
paree the res
respon
ponse
se of the system to the applied
applied sounding to clean and lubricate as required. If damage is found
pressure changes and if responses match, the system is prop- after
after a sosoun
undi
ding
ng,, no
note
te an
andd re
reco
cord
rd ththis
is in
info
form
rmati
ation
on on ththee
erly prepared. sounding data record or report.
11.2.2
11.2.2 Place elements
elements in a pure glycerine
glycerine or silicone oil bath 12.2   Friction Cone Penetrometers:
under a vacuum of at least 90 % of one atmosphere (–90 kPa). 12.2.1
12.2. 1 Power up the penetrometer
penetrometer tip and data acquisition
acquisition
Maintain vacuum until air bubble generation is reduced to a system
system acco
accordi
rding
ng to the man
manufa
ufactu
cturer
rer’s
’s reco
recomme
mmendandatio
tions,
ns,
minimum. Application of ultrasonic vibration and low heat (T typically 15 to 30 min, prior to use.
< 50°C) will assist in removal of air. Generally with use of  12.2.2
12.2. 2 Obtain an initial baseline reading for the penetrom-
penetrom-
combin
com bined
ed vac
vacuum
uum,, ultr
ultraso
asonic
nic vib
vibrat
ration
ion,, and low hea
heat,
t, filt
filter
er eter in an unloaded
unloaded conditio
condition
n at a temp
tempera
eratur
turee as clo
close
se as
elements can be deaired in about 4 h, although it is best to possible to ground conditions. Obtain baseline readings with
allow for 24 h to ensur
ensuree best performance.
performance. Results will depend the penetrometer tip hanging freely in air or in water, out of 
upon
up on the vi
visco
scosit
sity
y of ththee flu
fluid
id an
and
d po
pore
re siz
sizee of th
thee fil
filter
ter direct sunlight. Compare baseline readings with the previous
element. baselin
bas elinee rea
readin
dingg for the req
requir
uireme
ements
nts giv
given
en in   10.1.2.1.
10.1.2.1. If 

10
 D5778 − 12

thermal stability needs to be assured, immerse the penetrom- 12.3.5 Follow procedure
12.3.5 proceduress similar to electric friction
friction cone in
eter tip in water at temperature close to ground; or perform an 12.2.4
12. 2.4 – 12.
12.2.6
2.6   with
with the add additio
ition
n of recrecord
ording
ing por
porewa
ewater
ter
initial short penetration test hole, stop penetration and allow pressure readings.
the penetrometer tip to reach soil temperature, and withdraw 12.3.6   Dissipation Tests— If If dissipation tests are to be con-
the penetrometer. ducted during progress of the sounding, penetration is tempo-
12.2.3
12.2. 3 Measu
Measure re the depth at which readings
readings were taken with rarily stopped at the location of interest. If porewater pressures
an accuracy of at least 6100 mm from the ground surface. are measured at the  u 2  or  u 3  locations
 locations,, it is common practice to
12.2.4
12. 2.4 Det
Determ
ermine
ine the con
conee res
resista
istance
nce and fri
frictio
ctionn sle
sleeve
eve release the force on the push rods. If porewater pressures are
resista
resistance
nce,, con
continu
tinuous
ously
ly wit
withh dep
depth,
th, and rec
record
ord the datdataa at measured at the midface location  u 1, maintain the force on the
intervals of depth not exceeding 50 mm. push
pus h rod
rods.
s. Reco
Recordrd por
porewa
ewaterter pre
pressu
ssure
re ver
versus
sus tim
timee dur
during
ing
12.2.5
12. 2.5 Dur
During
ing the proprogre
gress
ss of sou
soundi
nding,
ng, mon
monito
itorr tip and conduct of the dissipation test. Monitor pressures until equi-
sleeve forces continuously for signs of proper operations. It is librium porewater pressure is reached or 50 % of the initial
helpful
help ful to mon
monitor
itor other indicator
indicatorss suc
such
h as ram prepressu
ssure
re or excess porewater pressure has dissipated. In fine grained soils
inclina
incl ination
tion to ens
ensure
ure that dam
damageage may not occur if hig highly
hly of very low conductivity, very long times may be required to
resistant layers or obstructions are encountered. Inclination is a reach the 50 % dissipation. Depending on the requirements of 
particularly useful indicator of imminent danger to the system the program, and any concern of friction buildup on the push
(see 12.4
(see  12.4).
). rods, dissipation testing may be terminated prior to reaching
12.2.6
12. 2.6 At the end of a sou soundi
nding,
ng, extract
extract the penetrome
penetrometer ter thee 50 % le
th leve
vel.
l. Rep
Repor
ortt di
diss
ssip
ipat
atio
ion
n tes
testt da
data
ta as a re reco
cord
rd of 
tip, obtain a final set of baseline readings with the penetrometer porewater pressure versus time, or more commonly, u versus
tip hanging freely in air or in water, and check them against the logarithm of time.
initi
initial
al babase
selin
line.
e. Rec
Recor
ord
d ininiti
itial
al an
andd fin
final
al ba
base
selin
lines
es on all 12.3.7   Hydrostati
Hydrostaticc Por
Porewater
ewater Condit
Condition— 
ion— If
If ful
fulll dis
dissip
sipa-
a-
documents related to the sounding. tions
tio ns ar
aree ca
carr
rrie
ied
d ou
out,
t, th
then
en th thee po
pore
rewa
wateterr tr
tran
ansd
sduc
ucer
er wi
will
ll
eventually record the hydrostatic condition, thus providing an
12.3   Electronic Piezocone Penetrometers:
evaluation of the position of the groundwater table or phreatic
12.3.1
12.3. 1 Power up the penetrometerpenetrometer tip and data acquisition acquisition
surface.
system
sys tem acco
accordirding
ng to the man manufaufactu
cturer
rer’s
’s rec
recommommendendatio
ations,
ns,
typically 15 to 30 min, prior to use. 12.4 Pene
Penetro
trometer
meter Oper
Operatio
ation n and Data Inte Interpr
rpretati
etation-
on-
12.3.2
12.3. 2 Assemb
Assemble le the piezo elements with all fluid chambers Guidelines:
submerged in the de-aired medium used to prepare the ele- 12.4.1  Directional Drift of Penetrometer:
ments.
men ts. Fl
Flus
ush h alalll coconfinfine
ned d ararea
eass wiwithth flufluid
id to re remo
move ve air 12.4.1
12. 4.1.1
.1 The pen penetro
etromete
meterr may dri drift
ft dir
directi
ectiona
onally
lly frofrom
m
bubb
bu bble
les.
s. Tig ight
hten
en th thee co
conene tip to ef effe
fect
ctiv
ively
ely seseal
al ththee flaflatt vertical alignment. Large deviations in inclination can create
surfaces. For water fluid systems, protect the assembled system nonuniform loading and result in unreliable penetration resis-
from
from eva
evapor
poratio
ation n by enc enclos
losing
ing the por porous
ous elem
elementent ins
inside
ide a tance data. Reduce drift by accurately setting thrust alignment
fluid-filled plastic bag or cap sealed to the penetrometer tip. and using push rods which meet tolerances given in 7.3 7.3..
12.3.3
12.3. 3 If unsaturated
unsaturated soil is first penetrated and it is desired 12.4.1.2
12.4. 1.2 Passin
Passing g throu
throughgh or alongs
alongsideide obstructions
obstructions such as
to obtain accurate dynamic porewater pressure response once boulders,
bould ers, cobbles, coarse gravel, soil concretions,
concretions, thin rock 
below the ground water, it may be necessary to prebore or layers, or inclined dense layers will deflect the penetrometer tip
soun
so undd a pipilolott ho
hole le to th thee wa
water
ter table.
table. In ma manyny cacaseses,
s, th
thee and induce drifting. Note and record any indication of encoun-
piezoc
pie zocone
one flui fluidd sys system
tem may cav cavitat
itatee durduring
ing pen
penetretratio
ationn tering such obstructions, and be alert for possible subsequent
through unsaturated soil or in dilating sand layers below the improp
imp roper
er pen
penetr
etrome
ometer
ter tip ope
operat
ration
ionss as a sig sign
n of serseriou
iouss
water table and this can adversely affect dynamic response. As directional drift.
the cone is advanced deeper, the saturation levels may recover 12.4.1.3
12.4. 1.3 Penetr
Penetrometer
ometer inclination
inclination is typica
typically lly monitored in
as air bubbles are driven back into solution according to Boyles cone penetrometers. Impose limitations on inclination in the
Law. Evaluation of proper interpretation of dynamic response system
sys tem to prepreven
ventt dam
damage
age to pus
push h rod
rodss and non-symm
non-symmetr etric
ic
requires experience (4, 5, 8, 12 12)). Pre-punching or pre-boring loadin
loa dingg of the penpenetro
etromete
meterr tip
tip.. Gen
Genera
erally
lly,, a 5° chachange
nge in
with
wit h a tw two-o-lev
level
el ph phasasee ap
apprproa
oach
ch to so soun
undiding
ngss ma
may y hehelp
lp inclina
inc linatio
tionn ove
overr 1 m of pen penetra
etratio
tion
n can imp imposeose det
detrim
rimentental
al
alleviate desaturation problems. push rod bending. Total drift of over 12° in 10 m of penetration
12.3.4
12.3. 4 Record baselinebaseline readin
readingsgs with the penetrometer
penetrometer tip imposes non-symetric loading and possible unreliable penetra-
hang
ha ngin
ing
g frfreel
eely y in air air,, or in wa water
ter,, ou
outt of di dire
rect
ct susunl
nlig
ight
ht.. tion resistance data.
Compare baseline readings with reference baseline readings for 12.4.2   Push
Push Rod Add Additio
ition
n Int
Interr
errupt
uption
ions— 
s— Short
Short durat
durationion
requirements
requir ements given in   10.1.2.1 and   10.2. 10.2.   A baseline for the interr
interrupt
uption
ionss in the pen
penetr
etratio
ation
n rate durduring
ing add
additio
ition
n of eaceachh
porewater
porew ater pressu
pressure re trans
transducer
ducer is obtain
obtained ed immedia
immediately tely after new push rod can affect initial cone and friction sleeve readings
assembl
asse mbly y to avo avoidid evaevapor
poratio
ationn ef
effec
fects.
ts. If eva
evapor
poratio
ation n is a at the beginning of the next push. If necessary, note and record
problem, temporarily immerse the penetrometer in a bucket of  the depths at which push rods are added and where long pauses
water
wa ter un
unti
till re
read
ady y fo forr babasel
selin
ine.
e. Do no nott ob
obtatain
in trtran
ansdsduc
ucer
er may have affected initial startup resistances.
baselines with protective caps or covers in place as these may 12.4.3 PiePiezo
zocon
conee PorPorewa
ewater
ter Pr Press
essururee Dis Dissip
sipati
ationon
induce
ind uce pre
pressu
ssurere in the sys system.
tem. Note the pre pressu
ssure
re fro
fromm the  Interruptions— 
 Interrupti ons— Porewa
P orewater
ter pr
press
essure
ure dis
dissip
sipati
ation
on stu
studie
dies,
s, foforr
pressure transducer to see if it is a reasonable value for the which
whi ch sou
soundi
ndings
ngs are stostoppe
ppedd and rod loa loadd is relreleas
easeded for
equipment and assembly technique used. varyin
var yingg tim
timee dur
duratio
ations,
ns, can af affec
fectt the iniinitial
tial con
cone,e, fri
frictio
ctionn

11
 D5778 − 12

sleeve, and dynamic porewater pressure readings at resump- hole clo

hole closur
suree sho
should
uld be mad
madee to protect
protect the wate
waterr aqu
aquife
iferr.
tions of cone penetration.
penetration. If dissip
dissipation
ation tests are perfo
performed,
rmed, be Details
Det ails on var
variou
iouss meth
methods
ods for hol
holee closur
closuree are pro
provid
vided
ed
aware of possible rebound effects on initial excess porewater elsewhere (13
13)).
pressures. Note and record the depth and duration for which
dissipation values are taken. 13. Calc
Calculat
ulation
ion
12.4.4   Interruptio
Interruptions ns Due to Obstru
Obstructions
ctions— — IfIf obstr
obstruction
uctionss 13.1   Friction Cone Penetr
Penetrometer s— Most
ometers—  Most elec
electro
tronic
nic con
conee
are encountered and normal advance of the sounding is stopped penetrometers in use at the present time measure a change in
to bor
boree thr
throug
ough h the obs
obstru
tructio
ctions,
ns, obt
obtain
ain fur
furthe
therr pen
penetr
etratio
ation
n voltage across a strain gauge element to determine change in
resista
res istance
nce dat dataa onl
only
y aft
after
er the penpenetr
etrome
ometer
ter tip has pas passed
sed length of the strain element. Using known constitutive rela-
through the estimated zone of disturbance due to drilling. drilling. As an tionships between stress and strain for the strain element, the
alternative, readings may be continued without first making the applied force may be determined for the cone or friction sleeve.
additional penetration and the disturbed zone evaluated from The applied force may then be converted to stresses using the
thes
thesee dadatata.. No
Notete an
andd re
recocord
rd th
thee de
dept
pth
h anand d th
thic
ickn
knes
esss of  basic equations given in 13.2
in  13.2 and
 and  13.3
 13.3..  Since there are a wide
obstructions and disturbed zones in areas where obstructions variety of additional, optional measurements currently being
are drilled through. obtaine
obt ainedd with ele
electro
ctronic
nic con
conee pen
penetro
etromete
meters
rs and new oneoness
being
bei ng con
continu
tinually
ally developed
developed,, it is bey
beyond ond the sco
scope
pe of this
12.4.5   Excessive Thrust Capacity— If If excessive thrust pres-
procedure to detail the makeup, adjustments, and calculations
sure begins to impede the progress of the sounding, it may be
for these optional measurements.
necess
nec essary
ary to wit withd
hdraw
raw an and d ch
chang
angee fr frict
ictioionn red
reduce
ucers.
rs.
Alternately, sometimes friction may be reduced by withdraw- 13.2   Cone Resistance, qc —Required:
ing the penetrometer and rods up to one third to one half of the q c 5 Q c /  A c (1 )
penetration depth and then repushing to depth at which the
friction caused stopping. Continue collection of sounding data where:
from the point of stopping. Note and record the delay time and qc = cone resistan
resistance
ce MPa (for examp
example, ton/ft2, kgf  /cm2, or
le, ton/ft
depths to which the penetrometer was moved. Long delays and bar),
pauses may cause buildup of friction on the rods. Hold delays Qc = for
force
ce on cone
cone kN (for
(for example,
example, ton,
ton, or kgf ), and
to ththee mi
mininimu
mum m re
requ
quir
ired
ed to pe perf
rfor
orm
m di diss
ssip
ipat
atio
ion
n tetests
sts or  Ac = con
conee base
base area,
area, typica
typically 10 cm2, or 15 cm 2.
lly 10
equipment repairs. 13.2.1 Corr
Corrected
ected Total Cone Resis Resistanc
tancee (Req
(Requir
uired)— 
ed)— 
12.4.5
12. 4.5.1
.1 If a highigh
h res
resista
istance
nce layer is encencoun
ountertered,
ed, and the Calculation of corrected total cone resistance requires measure-
hydr
hy drau
aulic
lic thrthrust
ust mac
machin
hinee is ph phys
ysica
ically
lly mo moved
ved du durin
ring
g ment of porewater pressures measured at the shoulder in the  u 2
penetr
pen etratio
ation,
n, ter
termin
minate
ate the sou soundi
nding.
ng. Ano
Another
ther indindicat
icatoror of  position.
reaching thrust capacity is the rebound of rods after they are q t  5 q c 1 u 2 ~ 1 2 a n ! (2 )
released. The magnitude of rebound depends on the flexibility
of the thrust machine and the push rods. An operator must where:
become
bec ome familiar
familiar with the saf safee defl
deflecti
ection
on of the system and qt  = corrected
corrected total
total cone
cone resistanc
resistance, (ton/ftt2, kgf  /cm2,
e, MPa (ton/f
decide when excessive deflections are being reached. bar, or suitable units for stress),
u 2 = porew
porewater
ater pressure
pressure generated
generated immediately
immediately behind
behind the
12.4.6   Unusual Occurrences— As A s da
data
ta ar
aree re
reco
cord
rded
ed,, it is 2
cone tip, kPa (for example, tsf, kg f  /cm , bar, or suitable
important to note unusual occurrences in testing. When pen-
units for pressure), and
etrating gravels, it is important to note “crunching” sounds that
an = net are
areaa ratio
ratio (se
(seee  A1.7
 A1.7)).
may occur when particle size and percentage of coarse particles
begin to influe
influence nce penetration.
penetration. Note and repor reportt all occur
occurrences
rences 13.2.1.1 The correction
13.2.1.1 correction to total cone resistance is particu-
of coarse gravels. larly important when porewater pressures are generated during
penetration (for example, saturated clays, silts, and soils with
12.5   Withdrawal: appreciable fines). Generally, the correction is not so signifi-
12.5.1 Withdraw the push rods and penetrometer tip as soon cant for CPTs in clean sands, dense to hard geomaterials, and
as possible after attaining complete sounding depth. dry soils. The correction is due to porewater pressures acting
12.5.2 Upon
12.5.2 Upon com
comple
plete
te with
withdra
drawal
wal of the pen
penetr
etrome
ometer
ter,, on opposing sides of both the face and joint annulus of the cone
inspect the penetrometer tip for proper operation. The friction tip (4, 1, 6, 8).
sleev
sleevee sh
shou
ould
ld be ab
able
le to be ro
rotat
tated
ed th
thro
roug
ugh
h 36
360°
0° by ha
hand
nd NOTE  9—In all cases, the total value q t  should be used, substituted for
withoutt detecta
withou detectable
ble bindi
binding.
ng. (or both) qc, wherever possible. In no cases should q c  be backdetermined
12.5.3
12.5.3 Record baseline
baseline readin
readings
gs with the penetrometer
penetrometer tip from qt   for use in equations, charts, formulae, or other purposes. It is
always a forward procedure with corrected total qt  to be preferred.
hangin
hangingg fr
freel
eely
y in air
air,, or in wa
water
ter,, ou
outt of di
dire
rect
ct su
sunl
nlig
ight
ht..
Compar
Com paree bas
baselin
elinee rea
readin
dings
gs with ini
initial
tial bas
baselin
elinee rea
readin
ding
g for 13.2.1.2
13.2. 1.2 Empiri
Empirical
cal adjustment factors based on select soil
requirements given in  10.1.2.1
 10.1.2.1.. types have been developed for some pressure elements in the
u1   position, however these are not reliable. On a site-by-site
12.6   Hole Closure— In
In certain cases, it may be prudent or basis, a relationship between u 1  and u 2  may be possible.
required by state law or specificiations, that the cone hole be
filled
filled,, se
seale
aled,
d, or gr
grou
oute
tedd an
andd cl
clos
osed
ed af
after
ter th
thee so
soun
undi
ding
ng is 13.3  Friction Sleeve Resistance, f s —Required:
comple
com pleted.
ted. For exa
exampl
mple,
e, in com
comple
plex
x gro
ground
undwate
waterr reg
regimes
imes,,  f s 5 Q s /  A s (3 )

12
 D5778 − 12

where: u o 5 ~ z 2  z w !  γ w (6 )
 f s = friction
friction sleeve
sleeve resista
resistance
nce kPa (ton/ft2, kgf  /cm2, bar, or
kPa (ton/ft For soils above the groundwater table that are saturated due
suitable units for stress), to full capillarity, Eq 6  is also applicable. For dry soils above
Qs = for
force
ce on frictio
friction
n sleeve
sleeve kN (ton,
(ton, kgf , or suitable units the groundwater table, it is commonly adopted that u o  = 0. In
for force), and partial
par tially-
ly-sat
satura
urated
ted soi
soils
ls (va
(vados
dosee zon
zone),
e), the
there
re can be gregreat
at
 As = are
areaa of friction
friction sleeve
sleeve,, typically 150 cm2 for 10-cm 2
typically 150
transient variations and variability in the u o  profile.
tip, or 200 to 300 cm for larger 15-cm 2 cones.
2

NOTE  10—A corrected sleeve friction resistance may also be obtained where:
(f t), yet this requires both u2  and u3  measurements simulaneously (  (2
2,  3
 3,,  1
 1,, hw = heig
height
ht of wa wate
terr, m (o (orr fe
feet
et),
), ev
eval
alua
uate
te fr
from
om si site
te
5, 6, 8). Thus, the raw f s   has bee beenn acc
accept
epted
ed for pra
practi
ctical
cal rea
reason
sons.s. A
conditions,
simplified
simpli fied correction has been adopted by select selected
ed orga
organizati
nizations
ons (for
example,  (  (8
8)  ). γw = ununit
it we
weigight
ht of (f (fre
resh
sh)) wa
wate
terr = 9.
9.8
8 kN /m3 (or 62.
kN/m 62.44
lbs/ft3),
13.4   Friction Ratio, R f  —(Optional):  z = dep
depth
th of
of inter
interest
est (m
(m or fee
feet),
t), and
 R f  5 ~ f  s / q c ! · 100 (4)  zw = depth to the groundwa
groundwater ter table (phre
(phreatic
atic surface).
surface).
In layered soils with multiple perched aquifers the assump-
where:
tion of a single height of water may be in error.
 R f  = frictio
friction
n rati
ratio,
o, %,
 f s = frictio
friction
n sleeve resista
resistance (ton/ftt2, kg f  /cm2, bar, or
nce kPa (ton/f 13.6   Normalized CPT Measurments  In the latest soil behav-
suitable units for stress), ioral clas
ioral classifi
sificati
cation
on cha
charts
rts and CPT inteinterpr
rpretat
etation
ion meth
methods
ods,,
qc = cone resista
resistance (ton/ftt2, kgf  /cm2, bar, or suitable
nce kPa (ton/f normalized readings for cone tip resistance, sleeve friction, and
units for stress) (See  Note 2 for
2  for use of q t), and porewater pressure are utilized (1, 6, 14
14)), as defined below.
100 = con
conver
versio
sion
n from
from dec
decimal
imal to per
percen
cent.
t. 13.6.1
13.6.1 Normal
Normalized
ized cone tip resista
resistance:
nce:
13.4.1 Determ
13.4.1 Determination
ination of the frictio
friction
n ratio requi
requires
res obtaining Q 5 ~ q t  2 σ vo! / σ vo' (7)
a con
conee res
resista
istance
nce and friction
friction sleeve resistanc
resistancee at the same 13.6.2   Normal
Normalized
ized Por
Porewa
ewater
ter Pr
Press
essur
uree Par
Parame
ameter
ter,, B q — 
point in the soil mass. The point of the cone is taken as the This pa
This para
rame
meter
ter is no
norm
rmall
ally
y ca
calcu
lcula
lated
ted wiwith
th th
thee sh
shouould
lder
er
refere
reference
nce dep
depth.
th. Typi
ypicall
cally
y, a pre
previo
vious
us con
conee tip res
resista
istance
nce porewater pressure measurement (location immediately behind
read
readin
ing
g at fr
fric
ictio
tion
n sl
sleev
eevee mi
midp
dpoi
oint
nt de
dept
pthh is us
used
ed fo
forr th
thee the cone tip), designated  u 2.
calculations. For the 10-cm2 penetrometer, the standard offset
 B q 5 ∆ u / ~ q t  2 σ vo! (8 )
is 100 mm. If an offset other than midheight is used it must be
reported. 13.6.3
13.6.3 Normal
Normalized
ized friction ratio:
NOTE 11—In some cases, if readings are compared at the same point in F  5  f s / ~ q t  2 σ vo! (9 )
a soil mass which has alternating layers of soft and hard materials erratic
friction ratio data will be generated. This is because cone resistance is where:
sensed, to varying degrees, ahead of the cone. The erratic data may not be  ∆u
 ∆ u = excess
excess pore
pore wate
waterr pressu
pressure
re (u
(u 2  − uo) (see 3.2.13
(see  3.2.13)),
representati
repres entative
ve of soils actually presen
present.
t. uo = estimate
estimated d equilibriu
equilibrium
m water pressu
pressure,
re, or hydro
hydrostatic
static
NOTE   12—The
12—The fricti
friction
on sleev
sleevee resis
resistance
tance and fricti
friction
on ratio obtained porewater (see  13.5.3
 13.5.3)),
from the mechan
mechanical
ical frictio
friction
n cone penetrometers
penetrometers will dif
differ
fer consid
considerably
erably σ vo = total vertic
vertical
al overbur
overburden
den stress
stress,, and
from values obtained from electronic friction cone penetrometers. When
σ vo'  = ef
effectiv
fectivee overburd
overburden
en stress
stress = σvo – uo
using soil classification charts that use R f  and qc, it is important to use
charts based on correlations for the type of penetrometer being used. The total overburden stress is calculated:
13.5   Porewater Pressure Data: σ vo 5 (  ~ γ  ∆ ∆ z z !
ti i   (10)
13.5.1
13.5. 1 SI metric units for reporting porewater
porewater pressure
pressure data
where:
are kPa.
 ∆ zi = layer
layer thic
thickne
kness,
ss, and
13.5.2   Conve
Conversi
rsion
on of Mea
Measursured
ed Por
Porewa
ewaterter PrPress
essur
ures
es to
γti = tot
total
al so
soil
il unit
unit weigh
weightt for laye
layerr.
 Equivalent Height of Water—Optional— If I f it is dedesi
sire
red
d to
display
dis play por
porewa
ewater
ter pre
pressu
ssure
re in equ
equiva
ivalen
lentt hei
height
ght of watwater
er,,
conver
con vertt the dyn
dynamic
amic or stat
static
ic wat
water
er pre
pressu
ssuresres to hei
height
ght by 14. Repo
Report
rt
dividing pressure by the unit weight of freshwater, γw   = 9.8 14.1 Repor
Reportt the follow
following
ing information:
information:
kN/m3 (62.4 lbf  /ft3). For salt water, use γ
use  γ w  = 10.0 kN/m3 (64.0 14.1.1
14.1.1 General—Ea
General—Each ch sou
soundi
nding
ng log sho
should
uld pro
provid
videe as a
lbf/ft3). minimum:
13.5.3 Estim
Estimate
ate of Equ
Equilibr
ilibrium
ium Por
Porewate
ewaterr Pr Pressu
essure
re— 
—  14.1.1.1
14.1. 1.1 Operat
Operator or name,
Excess porewater pressure can only be calculated by knowing 14.1.1.2
14.1. 1.2 Projec
Projectt infor
information
mation,,
equilibrium pore water pressure, uo  (see (see 3.2.14
 3.2.14)). The equilib- 14.1.1.3
14.1. 1.3 Featur
Featuree notes,
rium
rium wat
waterer pre
pressu
ssure
re can be meameasur
sured
ed by dis dissip
sipatio
ation
n test or 14.1.1.4
14.1. 1.4 Groun
Ground d surface elevation and water surfac
surfacee eleva-
estimated by calculation as follows: tion (if available),
14.1.1.5
14.1. 1.5 Sound
Soundinging locatio
location,
n, includ
including
ing coord
coordinates
inates
u o 5 estimated equilibrium water pressure 5 h w · γ w (5 )
14.1.1.6
14.1. 1.6 Sound
Soundinging number,
number, and
In saturated soils below the groundwater level, the hydro- 14.1.1.7
14.1. 1.7 Sound
Soundinging date.
static case is obtained from: 14.1.2
14.1. 2 Report
Reportss shoul
shouldd contain information
information concerning:
concerning:

13
 D5778 − 12

14.1.2.1   Equipment Used— Design Design drawings and data on all 14.2.7 Method used to prov
14.2.7 provide
ide reaction force—with
force—with notes
sensors, as to possible surface deformations,
14.1.2.2
14.1. 2.2 Graph
Graphical
ical data, 14.2.8
14. 2.8 Loc
Locatio
ation
n and typ
typee of fri
frictio
ction
n red
reduct
uction
ion sys
system
tem (if 
14.1.2.3
14.1. 2.3 Electro
Electronic
nic digital data or tabula
tabularr data (opti
(optional),
onal), any),
14.1.2.4
14.1. 2.4 Proce
Procedures
dures followed,
followed, and 14.2.9
14.2. 9 Method of recording
recording data,
14.1.2.5   Calibration Information— For For all sensors, informa- 14.2.10
14.2. 10 Condit
Condition
ion of push rods and penetrometer
penetrometer tip after
tion required in Section 10 10.. withdrawal,
14.1.3
14.1. 3 The report should
should contain a text that discusses
discusses items 14.2.11
14.2. 11 Any special dif
diffficulties or other observations
observations con-
required
requir ed in   14.2 and   14.3.
14.3.   Each sou
soundi
nding
ng sho
should
uld be doc
docu-
u- cerning performance of the equipment,
mented with: 14.2.1
14. 2.12
2 Det
Details
ails on pie
piezoc
zocone
one des
design
ign,, filte
filterr elem
element
ents,
s, and
14.1.3.1
14.1. 3.1 Soun
Sounding
ding plot.
fluid conditioning procedures, and
14.1.3.2   Accompanying Tabular Output— Tabular Tabular output is
14.2.13
14.2. 13 Info
Information
rmation on other sensing devices used durin during
g
considered optional due to its bulk. It is optional as long as
the sounding.
computer data files are preserved and archived for later use.
14.1.3.3   Computer
Computer Data Files— Provide Provide in ASCII formformat,
at, 14.3   Calibration Certifications— For
For each project the report
spreadsheet file, or text, or other common file format. Com- should include the load range calibrations of the cones used
pute
pu terr da
data
ta file
filess mu
mustst co
cont
ntaiain
n he
head
ader
er as rerequ
quir
ired
ed in   14.1,
14.1, that were performed in accordance with Section 10
Section  10.. The report
soundi
sou ndingng log inf
inform
ormatio
ation.
n. Cer
Certain
tain int
interp
erpret
retatio
ationn pro
progra
grams
ms should include the initial and final baseline readings for each
require data to be in a particular format. It is the responsibility sounding. Calibration records for the porewater pressure trans-
of the user to determine acceptable formats. ducers are required as given in   10.2.
10.2.  If the project requires
14.1.3.4
14.1. 3.4 The comments should contain notes on equipment calibrations of other sensors they should also be submitted in
and procedures, particular to the individual sounding. final reports.
14.2   Equipment— TheThe report should include notes concern- 14.4   Graphs— EveryEvery repreport
ort of fri frictio
ction
n con
conee penpenetra
etratio
tionn
ing: sounding is to include a cone tip resistance plot, qc   MPa, or
14.2.1 Penetrometer manufacturer,
manufacturer, preferably total cone tip resistance, q t MPa (or ton/ft 2, kgf  /cm2,
14.2.2
14.2. 2 Types of penetr
penetrometer
ometer tips used, bar, or other acceptable unit of stress) with depth below ground
14.2.3
14.2. 3 Penetr
Penetrometer
ometer details such as net area ratio, friction
friction surfac
sur facee m (ft(ft),
), fri
frictio
ction
n slee
sleeve
ve res
resista nce,, f s, kP
istance kPaa (t
(ton /ftt2,
on/f
sleeve end areas, location and types of sensors, location and kgf  /cm2, bar, or other acceptable units of stress), and friction
type of friction reducers, ratio, R f   (%), on the same plot. (See   Fig. 4 and   Fig. 5 for
14.2.4
14. 2.4 Of
Offse
fsett bet
betwee
ween
n tip and slee
sleeve
ve res
resista
istance
nce use
usedd for example
examp le plots.) As a minimu
minimum, m, the plot shoul
shouldd provide general
general
friction ratio determination, inform
inf ormatio
ation
n as outoutline
linedd in   14.1.
14.1.   Electronic
Electronic piezoc
piezoconeone pen-
14.2.5
14.2. 5 Serial numbers
numbers of penetr
penetrometer
ometer tips, etrome
etrometer ter sou
soundi
ndings
ngs sho
should
uld pro
provid
videe an add additio
itional
nal plo
plott of 
2 2
14.2.6
14.2. 6 Type of thrust machine, porewa
por ewaterter pre
pressu
ssure
re kPa (or lbf  /in. , kgf  /cm , ba barr, or ot
othe
herr

FIG. 4 Exampl
Example
e Graph Presentation
Presentation Results
Results from a Conve
Convention
ntional
al Piezocone Penetration
Penetration Test

14
 D5778 − 12

FIG. 5 Illust
Illustrative
rative Piezocone
Piezocone Graph Showi
Showing
ng Tip Resist
Resistance,
ance, Sleeve Friction, Penetration
Penetration Porewater
Porewater Pressure, and Fricti
Friction
on Ratio

acceptable units of pressure) versus depth, m (ft). Porewater 15.1.2   Sleeve Frictio
Friction—Su
n—Subtract
btraction
ion Cones— Standard
Standard de-
reading
read ingss can be ploplotted
tted as pre pressu
ssures
res,, or alte
alterna
rnative
tively
ly,, the viation of 15 % FSO.
pressure may be converted to equivalent heights of water (that 15.1.3   Sleeve Frictio
Friction—In
n—Indepen
dependent
dent Cones— Standard
Standard de-
is, hw = u2 / γw). viation of 5 % FSO.
14.4.1
14.4. 1 Symbo
Symbols ls qt  and f s  for tip and sleeve resistance are
15.1.4   Dynamic PorPorewater
ewater Pres
Pressur e— Strongly
sure—  Strongly depen
dependent
dent
accepted by the International Society for Soil Mechanics and
upon
upo n ope
operat
ration
ional
al pro
proced
cedure
uress and ade
adequa
quacy
cy of satu
saturati
ration
on as
Geotechnical Engineering  (  (4
4,  1  9)).
 1,, 5,  9
descri
described
bed in   11.2.
11.2.   When
When car
caref
eful
ully
ly ca
carr
rried
ied ou
outt a st
stan
anda
dard
rd
14.4.2
14. 4.2 For uni
unifor
form
m pre
presen
sentati
tation
on of datdata,
a, the ver
vertica
ticall axi
axiss
deviation of 2 % FSO can be obtained.
(ordinate)
(ordi nate) should display depth and the horizontal horizontal axis (ab-
scissa) should display the test values. There are many prefer- 15.2   Bias— This
This test method has no bias because the values
ences in plotting such that uniform plotting scales and presen- determined can be defined only in terms of this test method.
tation will not be required.
NOTE   13—Jefferies and Davies (1414))  report qt  repeatability of the two
15. Pre
Precisi
cision
on and Bias different soundings in compact clean sand using two different cones by the
same manufacturer. Approximately 50 % of the data lay within 8 % of the
15.1   Precision— There
There are little direct data on the precision average of the two tests, and 90 % of the data lay within 15 % of the
of th
this
is tes
testt me
meth
thod
od,, in pa
part
rtic
icul
ular
ar be
beca
caus
usee of th
thee nanatu
tura
rall average. In this trial the transducers (that conformed to the requirements
variability of the ground. Committee D-18 is actively seeking in A1.5
in  A1.5)) were loaded to between one tenth and one fifth of their rated FSO,
so confirming a standard deviation of better than 2 % FSO.
comparative
compar ative studies. Judgi
Judging
ng from observed repeatability
repeatability in
approximate uniform deposits, persons familiar with this test
16. Keyw
Keywords
ords
estimate its precision as follows:
15.1.1   Cone
Cone Resista
Resistance— 
nce— Provid
Provideded tha
thatt com
compen
pensati
sation
on is 16.1 cone penetration test; cone penetrometer; explorations;
explorations;
made for unequal area effects as described in  13.2.1
 13.2.1,, a standa
standard
rd field test; friction resistance; geotechnical test; in-situ testing;
deviation of approximately 2 % FSO (that is, comparable to the penetration
penetr ation tests; penetr
penetrometer
ometer;; piezoco
piezocone;
ne; point resist
resistance;
ance;
basic electromechanical combined accuracy, nonlinearity, and porewater
porew ater pressu
pressures;
res; resist
resistance;
ance; sleeve friction; soil invest
investiga-
iga-
hysteresis). tions

15
 D5778 − 12

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. CALIBRA
CALIBRATION
TION REQUIREMENTS ON NEWLY
NEWLY MANUFACTURED
MANUFACTURED OR REP
REPAIRED
AIRED ELECTRONIC FRICTION CONE AND
PIEZOCONE PENETROME
PENETROMETERS
TERS

A1.1   Introduction:
A1.1.1 This annex descr
A1.1.1 describes
ibes procedures
procedures and requirements
requirements
for calibrating electronic cone penetrometers. The evaluation
of cone penetrometer calibration as described in this annex is
a qua
quality
lity ass
assura
urance
nce sta
standa
ndardrd for new
newlyly man
manufaufactu
ctured
red and
repair
repaired
ed pen
penetr
etrome
ometer
ter tips
tips.. Man
Many y of the stan
standar
dards
ds may be
imprac
imp ractic
tical
al to evaevalu
luate
ate unundederr fiel
field
d opopera
eratin
ting
g co
cond
nditi
ition
ons.
s.
Theref
The refore
ore,, dete
determi
rminat
nation
ion of thethese
se cali
calibra
bratio
tion
n err
errors
ors for any
individual penetrometer tip should be performed in a labora-
tory environment under ideal conditions by the manufacturer or
other
oth er ququali
alified
fied peperso
rsonn
nnel
el witwithh nec
necess
essary
ary kn know
owled
ledge,
ge,
experience,
experi ence, and facilitie
facilities.
s.
A1.1.2
A1. 1.2 The electronic
electronic con conee pen
penetr
etrome
ometer
ter is a deli
delicate
cate in-
strumentt sub
strumen subject
jected
ed to sev severe
ere fiel
field
d con
condit
dition
ions.
s. Pro
Proper
per use of 
such an instrument requires detailed calibration after manufac-
ture and continuous field calibrations. Years of cone penetrom-
eterr de
ete desi
sign
gn an
andd peperfrfor
orman
mancece exexpe
peri
rien
ence
ce hahave
ve re
resu
sulte
lted
d in
refined cone designs and calibration procedures which make
the electronic cone penetrometer a highly reliable instrument.
Reports of these experiences form the basis for requirements in
this annex (3,  4
 4,, 1,  5
 5,, 11
11,, 12
12)).
FIG. A1.1 Defini
Definition
tion of Calibration
Calibration Terms
Terms for Load Cells and
A1.1.3 The required calibration tolerances developed in this Transducers (
Transducers  (1
1,  10
 10))
annex are based on subtra
subtraction
ction type electronic cone penetr
penetrom-
om-
eters.
eter s. The
These
se pen
penetro
etromete
meters
rs are mor
moree rob
robust
ust tha
than
n elec
electro
tronic
nic
cone penetrometers with independent tip and sleeve load cells Cone pe
Cone pene
netr
trom
omete
eterr tip
tipss us
usua
ually
lly ar
aree av
avail
ailab
able
le in no
nomin
minal
al
and are the most widwidely
ely use
usedd des
design
ign.. The subtractio
subtraction
n typ
typee capacities of 2, 5, 10, and 15 metric tons. Typical full-scale
penetrometer, however, has less precision due to the subtrac- outputs for these penetrometer tip ranges as follows:
tion process (5, 11
11)). As a result, calibration tolerances given Nominal Full-Scale Output Full-Scale Output
heree are con
her consid
sidere
eredd max
maximu
imumm valu
values
es and req
requir
uireme
ements
nts for Capacity of Cone, q 
Cone,  q 
c 
of
more sensitive cone penetr
penetrometer
ometerss imply smaller tolera
tolerances
nces Friction Sleeve, f 
Sleeve, f 
s 

metric tons to n /   MPa ton/ft2 kPa

having greater precision.
precision. The calibr
calibration
ation process consists of  ft2
loading the penetrometer tip with reference forces and pres- 2 2 00 20 2 20 0
sures and then comparing measured output to the reference. 5 5 00 50 5 50 0
10 1 0 00 100 10 10 0 0
A1.1.4 Calibrations in the laboratory environment should be be 15 1 0 00 100 10 10 0 0
performed with the complete penetrometer system to be used in A1.2.3 It is important to check with the manufacture
manufacturerr on the
the field. The same make and model computer, cable, signal full scale output of electronic cone penetrometer tips to avoid
conditioning system, and penetrometer to be used in the field overloading
overl oading and damag
damaging
ing penetr
penetrometer
ometer tips.
shall be calibrated in the laboratory. Depending on the com-
ponents of the system some components may be substituted A1.3 Zero Load Baseline Values:
Values:
with accepta
acceptable
ble replace
replacements.
ments. Each indiv
individual
idual penetr
penetrometer
ometer A1.3.1 Zero-
Zero-load
load output variation
variation of the cone penetrometer
penetrometer
must
mu st be tes
teste
ted
d ov
over
er a ra
rang
ngee of lo
load
adss to as
assu
sure
re ad
adeq
equa
uate
te during testing and calibration is a reliable indicator of output
performance. stabilit
stab ility
y, inte
interna
rnall O-r
O-ring
ing frifrictio
ction,
n, and temp
tempera
eratur
ture-i
e-indu
nduced
ced
apparent load. The variation in zero load output is affected by
A1.2 Terms Related to Force Transducer
Transducer Calibrations:
temperat
temp erature
ure fluct
fluctuati
uationon beca
becauseuse temp
temperatu
erature
re comp
compensa
ensated
ted
A1.2.1  Fig. A1.1 is
A1.1  is a graphical depiction of terms related to strain gages do not compensate for material effects and system
transducer calibrations and defines the concepts of zero-load component effects  (  (3
3,  4
 4,, 1,  5 10)).
 5,, 10
error, nonlinearity, hysteresis, and calibration error  (
 (3 10)).
3, 1, 10 A1.3.2 Systems with microp
microprocess
rocessors
ors prov
provide
ide “refer
“reference
ence
A1.2.2 To eva
A1.2.2 evalua
luate
te sev
severa
erall of the
these
se val
values
ues,, the FSO (full baseline” values for the transducers that are not equal to zero
scale output) of the penetrometer tip is needed. The manufac- but are measured positive or negative values depending on the
turer shall provide full scale output information for the system. electronics of the system. For the particular penetrometer and

16
 D5778 − 12

penetrometer system used, the baseline values should remain same lev
same levelel of app
applied
lied force in loaloadin
ding
g and unloadin
unloading g and
relativ
relatively
ely con
constan
stantt thr
throug
ough
h the liflifee of the pen
penetro
etromete
meterr. As dividing by cone FSO. Calculate calibration error by taking the
testing is performed in the field, the baseline resistances are difference between the best-fit-straight line cone resistance and
monitor
mon itored
ed for changes.
changes. If lar large
ge cha
change
ngess are not
noted
ed the pen- actual cone resistance and dividing by the actual cone resis-
etrometer should be loaded to check for linearity and possible tance. Calibration error can become larger with smaller mea-
damage. Evaluate the zero-load error during load range cali- sured
sured out
output
putss and
and,, the
theref
refore
ore,, it is not evaluated
evaluated at loa
loadin
dings
gs
brat
bratio
ionn by tak
takin
ing
g th
thee di
difffe
fere
renc
ncee be betw
tween
een ininiti
itial
al an
andd fin
final
al equivalent to less than 20 % of cone FSO.
baselinee values
baselin values.. A1.4.3.1
A1.4.3 .1 When calibrating the penetr penetrometer
ometer,, monito
monitorr the
A1.3.3   Thermal
Thermal StabStability
ility— 
— For
F or ens
ensur
uranc
ancee of the
therma
rmall friction
friction sleeve resistance to evalua evaluate
te appar
apparent
ent load transf
transfer
er..
stability, evaluate a particular design of a newly manufactured With a subtraction-type electronic cone penetrometer tip, the
cone under a range of temperature conditions. Newly manu- appare
app arent
nt frifrictio
ction
n sle
sleeve
eve res
resista
istance
nce is cau
caused
sed by elec
electri
trical
cal
factured penetrometer tips are first cycled to a minimum of  subtraction error, crosstalk, and any load transferred mechani-
80 % of FSO five times at room temperature, to remove any cally to the sleeve. With a cone, that provides for independent
residual nonlinearity. After cycling, establish an initial refer- cone and sleeve measurements, apparent friction sleeve resis-
encee bas
enc baselin
elinee val
value
ue at roo
roomm tem
temper
peratu
ature
re aft
after
er the cone has tances are caused by electrical crosstalk and mechanical load
been
be en ele
electr
ctrica
ically
lly po
powe
werered
d fo
forr ab
abou
outt 30 min
min.. To ev
evalu
aluate
ate transfer
transf er.. Appar
Apparent
ent load transfer must be less than 1.5 % of FSO
thermal stability, stabilize the penetrometer tip at temperatures of the friction sleeve (1000 kPa).
of 10 and 30°C and new baseline values are obtained. The A1.4.3
A1. 4.3.2.2 Max
Maximu
imum m non
nonlin
linear
earity
ity sho
should
uld be 0.2 %, maxmaxi-i-
change in baseline values must be  ≤  1.0 % FSO of either cone mum calibration error should be 0.5 %, and maximum apparent
or friction sleeve resistances. load transfer should be 1.2 %. For this calibration, the zero load
error was zero. Hysteresis was not evaluated in this example
A1.4 Load Range
Range Calibration: because the testing machine was incapable of producing the
A1.4.1
A1.4. 1 Calibra
Calibratete newly manufactured
manufactured or repaired cone pen- exact same force on the loading and unloading steps.
etrometers over a range of loads after production or repair. A1.4.4 For calibration
calibration of the frictio
friction
n sleeve element, apply
Load test the cone penetrometer system in a universal testing the forces in seven increments at 0, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 75 %
machine or specially designed cone penetrometer calibration of FSO
FSO.. Non
Nonlin
lineari
earity
ty,, hys
hyster
teresis
esis,, and cali
calibra
bratio
tion
n err
error
or are
device capable of independently loading the cone and friction evaluated in the same manner as calibrations for the cone tip
sleeve.
sleeve. If a uni
univer
versal
sal tes
testing
ting machine
machine is useused,
d, a cali
calibra
bration
tion reading.
readin g. Durin
Duringg frictio
frictionn sleeve calibration,
calibration, monito
monitorr cone tip
certifica
certificate
te (cu
(curre
rrent
nt with
within
in the last yea
year)
r) in acc
accord
ordanc
ancee with resista
resistance
nce to eva
evalua
luate
te app
appare
arent
nt load transfer
transfer tha
thatt was not
Practice E4
Practice  E4 must
 must be available. If a cone calibration apparatus is apparent in this calibration.
used, it shoul
shouldd also have a calibra
calibration
tion document
document curre
current
nt within
the last yea
yearr. The cali
calibra
bratio
tion
n doc
docume
umentnt sho
shows
ws that app
applied
lied A1.5 Force Transducer
Transducer Calibration Requirements:
Requirements:
forces
forces or mass
masseses are traceable
traceable to stastanda
ndard
rd for
forces
ces or mas
masses
ses A1.5.1 Calibration
Calibration requi
requirement
rementss develo
developed
ped for electro
electronic
nic
retained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. cone
cone pepene
netr
trom
omete
eters
rs ar
aree ba
based
sed on pa past
st ex
expe
perie
rienc
ncee wi
with
th
The universal testing machine or cone calibration devices must subtraction-
subtraction-type
type electronic cone penetr
penetrometer
ometerss and, as a result
be capable of loading the penetrometer tip to 100 % FSO. of this experience, represent the minimum precision require-
A1.4.2 Sele
A1.4.2 Selectio
ction
n of loa
loadin
dingg step
stepss and max
maximu
imum m loa
loadin
ding
g ment of electronic cone penetrometers. In cases where a higher
varies depending on need and application. Select the load steps level of precision is required, stricter calibration requirements
and
an d ma
maxiximu
mumm lo
load
ad to co
cove
verr th
thee ra
rang
ngee of in
inte
tere
rest
st an
and
d no
nott would be required. Newly manufactured or repaired electronic
necessarily the maximum capacity of the cone. Some calibra- cone penetrometers are required to meet the following require-
tions stress more frequent load steps at lower loads to evaluate ments:
weaker materials. Selection of more frequent lower load steps Calibration
may result in highe
higherr levels of calibra
calibration
tion error since the best fit Parameter El em e nt Requirement
Zero
Zero-l
-loa
oadd er
erro
rorr Tip an
andd slslee
eeve
ve # ± 0.5 % FSO
line is more influenced by the low range data. Zero-load thermal Cone tip and sleeve # ± 1.0 % FSO

stability
A1.4.3
A1. 4.3 Per
Perfor
form
m the loading
loading afte
afterr the cone is sub
subject
jected
ed to
Nonlinearity Cone tip # ± 0.5 % FSO
five cycles of compressive loading and reference baselines, or Sleeve # ± 1.0 % FSO
internal zeroing, have been obtained at room temperature. The Hysteresis Tip and sleeve # ± 1.0 % FSO

Cali
Calibr
brat
atio
ion
n er
erro
rorr Con
one
e ti
tip
p # ± 1.5 % MO at >20 %
penetr
pen etrome
ometer
ter is load
loaded
ed in a min
minimu
imum m of six incremen
incrementsts at
FSO
forces equivalent to 0, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 75 % FSO. At each Sleeve # ± 1.0 % MO at >20 %

increment of force, record both cone and sleeve resistances. FSO

Appa
Appare
rent
nt lo
load
ad Whil
Wh ile
e lo
load
adin
ing
g co
cone
ne # ± 1.5 % FSO of sleeve
Compute the actual cone tip resistance by dividing the applied tip transfer
force by the cone base area. The friction sleeve resistance is While loading sleeve # ± 0.5 % FSO of cone tip

taken as the corresponding axial force over the sleeve area.

Determine the “best fit straight line” by linear regression of  A1.6 Pressure Transdu
Transducer
cer Calibrations:
applied force and measured output. The linearity is the differ- A1.6.1 Newly manufactured
manufactured or repair
repaired
ed pressure transduc-
transduc-
ence between measured cone resistance and best-straight line ers shall be supplied with a load range calibration provided by
cone resistance divided by the cone FSO. Evaluate hysteresis the manufacturer. The load range calibration shall consist of a
by com
compar
paring
ing the dif
differ
ferenc
encee bet
betwee
ween n con
conee res
resista
istance
nce at the minimum of six points of loading to at least 75 % of FSO. The

17
 D5778 − 12

applied pressures shall be traceable to reference forces main- A1.7.3

A1.7 .3 In or
orde
derr to ca
calc
lcul
ulat
atee th
thee co
corr
rrec
ecte
ted
d to
tota
tall co
cone
ne
tained by NIST. The calibration shall meet the manufacturer’s resistance,
resista nce, qt, as shown
shown in   13.2.1,
13.2.1,   it wi
will
ll be ne
nece
cess
ssar
ary
y to
stated tolerances. Minimum requirements are linearity better determine the area ratio of the cone. The penetrometer can be
than 1 % of FSO and zero load error less than 67 kPa (61.0 enclosed in a sealed pressure vessel (for example, triaxial cell)
lb/in.2). and water pressures should be applied as shown in the example
A1.6.2 The transducer
A1.6.2 transducer shall be subjected to regular periodic
periodic in Fig.
in  Fig. A1.3.
A1.3.  The net area ratio is then used in computing the
inspection meeting requirements in A1.6.1
in  A1.6.1.. corrected total tip resistance.

A1.7 Correc
Correction
tion of Tip and Sleeve Areas: A1.8 Other Calibrations—Other sensorssensors such as inclination,
tempera
temp eratur
ture,
e, etc. may reqrequir
uiree cali
calibra
bration
tion dep
depend
ending
ing on the
A1.7.1 The conceptual
A1.7.1 conceptual regions where water pressures can requirement
requi rementss of the invest
investigation
igation.. Perfo
Performrm such calibrations
calibrations
act on the cone tip and sleeve elements are shown in  Fig  Fig.. A1.
A1.22. usin
using
g sisimil
milar
ar tec
techn
hniq
ique
uess gi
give
venn in ththis
is an
anne
nex
x or by otothe
herr
Wate
aterr pr
pres
essu
sure
re th
that
at act
actss bebehi
hind
nd ththee co
cone
ne tip wiwill
ll re
redu
duce
ce reference
reference proce
procedures
dures.. Report such calibr
calibrations
ations when requi
required.
red.
measured
measur ed cone resista nce, qc, by th
resistance, thee mamagn
gnit
itud
udee of wa wate
terr
pressu
pre ssure
re acti
acting
ng on unequal
unequal are areas
as of the tip geo geomet
metryry.. It is A1.9 Documentation of Calibrations:
therefore advantageous to use a penetrometer having a net area
A1.9.1 Lab
A1.9.1 Labora
orator
tory
y cali
calibra
bratio
tion
n doc
docume
uments
nts con
consis
sistin
ting
g of a
ratio  a n  = 0.80 in order to minimize the effect of the correction
short report on the equipment and methods of testing, along
 1)). Water pressure may also act on both ends of the sleeve,
(4,  1
with
with tab
tables
les an
andd fig
figurures
es si
simil
milar
ar to th
thos
osee in th
this
is an
anne
nex,
x, ar
aree
resulting
resulti ng in an imbalance of forces if the sleeve is not designed
required for the following occurrences:
with equal effective end areas. The water pressures acting on
A1.9.1.1
A1.9.1 .1 When new penetrometer
penetrometer tips are receiv
received,
ed, and
the ends of the sleeve are not just a function of geometry, they
A1.9.1.2
A1.9.1 .2 When damaged penetrometer
penetrometer tips are repaired.
aree al
ar also
so a fu func
nctio
tionn of th thee lo
loca
catio
tion
n of wa wate
terr se
seals
als.. Watater
er
pressures during penetration are not often measured at both A1.9.2 The report must be certified by a regis registered
tered profes-
profes-
ends
en ds of th thee sl
sleev
eevee (t
(tha
hatt is
is,, sim
simul
ultan
taneoeous
us u2   and
and u3) s o a sional engineer or other responsible engineer with knowledge
correction is not normally made for f s  ( 5).
 (5 and exp
experie
erience
nce in mate
materia
rials
ls test
testing
ing for qua
quality
lity ass
assura
urancence..
Calib
Cal ibra
ratio
tionn do
docu
cumen
ments
ts ar
aree re
reta
tain
ined
ed on fil
filee by th thee of
offfice
icess
A1.7.2
A1.7.2 Equal end area fricti
friction
on sleeves should be required
responsible for performing soundings and should be updated at
for use and should be designed by the manufacturer. The best
required
requi red interv
intervals.
als. For contr
contract
act sound
soundings,
ings, calibration docu-
method
meth od for eva
evalua
luatin
ting
g slee
sleeve
ve imb
imbalan
alance
ce is to seal the pen
pen--
ments should be obtained prior to contract acceptance and after
etrometer in a pressure chamber and apply forces to measure
testing on unaltered equipment.
the sleeve resistance after zeroing the system. Manufacturers
should
sho uld perform
perform this check for a par particu
ticular
lar des
design
ign to ass
assure
ure A1.9.3 If the electro
electronic
nic cone penetrometer
penetrometer meets the field
minimal imbalan
imbalance.
ce. calibration requirements given in 10.1.3
in  10.1.3,,  it is only necessary to

FIG. A1.2 Schematic of Net Area Ratio (a n) for Corrections of

Cone Tip Resistances (6 (6)

18
 D5778 − 12

FIG. A1.3 Illust

Illustrative
rative Example Determinatio
Determination
n of Unequal End Area for Correc
Correction
tion of Tip Resist
Resistances
ances Using Pressurized
Pressurized Triaxial Cell
Calibration

adjust the penetrometer tip to the laboratory requirements on a they do not need to meet calibration tolerances as required for
yearly basis. Cone penetrometers should be calibrated using newly manufactured cones.
laboratory procedures prior to use on each new project, but

REFERENCES

(1)  Lunne, T., Robertson, P.K. and Powell, J.J.M. (1997),  Cone Penetra- Proceedings,   11th
11th Intern
Internation
ational
al Confer
Conference
ence on Soil Mecha
Mechanics
nics &
tion Testing in Geotechnical Practice, Blackie Academic/Routledge Foundation Engineering, Vol. 1, San Francisco, 57–154.
Publishing, New York, 312 pages. (7)   Mayne, P.W .W.. (2007),   Synthesis Penetration Testing,
Synthesis 368 on Cone Penetration
(2)  Tumay, M.T., Boggess, R.L., Acar, Y. (1981). “Subsurface Investiga- NCHRP 20-05 (Task 37-14), National Academy Press, Washington,
tion with Piezocone Penetrometer,” ASCE GSP on Cone Penetration D.C., 162 p.
Testing and Experience, St Louis, MO., 325-342 (8)   Mulabdić, M., Eskilson, S., and Larsson, R. (1990), “Calibration of 
(3)   Zuidb
Zuidberg
erg,, H.M
H.M., ., Sch
Schaap
aap,, L.H
L.H.J.
.J.,, and Ber
Bering
ingen,
en, F.L (19(1982)
82).. “A piezocones for investigations in soft soils and demands for accuracy
Penetromete
Penet rometerr for Simult
Simultaneous
aneously
ly Measu
Measuring
ring of Cone Resis Resistance,
tance, of the equipment,” SGI Varia  No. 270, Swedish Geotechnical Insitute,
Sleevee Fricti
Sleev Friction
on and Dynam
Dynamic ic Pore Pressure,”
Pressure,”   Pr
Proceedi
oceedings
ngs of the Linköping, 62 p.
Second
Secon d Eur
European
opean Symp
Symposium
osium on Penetr
Penetration
ation Testing, Vol ol.. 2, (9) DeBeer, E.E., Goelen, E., Heynen, W.J. W.J. and Joustra, K. (1988). “Cone
Amsterdam, 963-970 penetration
penetr ation test: Intern
International
ational reference test proced ure,” Penetration
procedure,”
(4) Campanella, R. G., and Robertson, P. P. K. (1988), “Current status of the Testing 1988, (Proc
(Proceeding
eedings,
s, ISOP
ISOPT T-1, Orlan
Orlando),
do), Vol.
Vol. 1, Balke
Balkema,
ma,
piezocone
piezoc one test,”   Penetration
Penetration Testing 1988   (Proceedings, ISOPT ISOPT-1, -1, Rotterdam, 27–52.
Orlando), Vol. 1, Balkema, Rotterdam, 93–116. (10)   Schaap,
Schaap, L. H. J., and Zui Zuidbe
dberg,
rg, H. M. (19
(1982)
82),, “Me
“Mecha
chanic
nical
al and
(5)   Intern
Internati
ationa
onall Ref
Refererenc
encee Sta
Standa
ndard
rd for the Con Conee Pen
Penetr
etrati
ation
on Test  electrical aspects of the electric cone penetrometer tip,” Proceedings
(1999), Technical Committee TC 16, ISSMGE, Proceedings, 121th of the Second European Symposium on Penetration Testing , Vol. 2,
Europe
Eur opeanan Con
Conf.f. on Soi
Soill Mec
Mechan
hanicsics & Geo
Geotec
techni
hnical
cal Eng
Engine
ineeri
eringng Amsterdam, 841–851.
(Copenhagen), Vol. 3, Balkema, Rotterdam, 2195–2222. (11)   DeJong, J.T, Yafrate, N.J., and DeGroot, D.J. (2007), “Design of a
(6)   Jamiolkows
Jamiolkowski, ki, M., Ladd, C.C., Germaine, J.T. and Lancel Lancelotta,
otta, R. miniature
miniatu re piezop
piezoprobe
robe for high resolu
resolution
tion strati
stratigraphi
graphicc profi
profiling,”
ling,”
(198
(1 985)
5),, “N
“New
ew de deve
velo
lopm
pmenents
ts in fie field
ld an
and
d lalab
b te
test
stin
ing
g of sosoilils,
s,””  ASTM Geotechnical Testing Journal, Vol. 30 (4), 11 p.

19
 D5778 − 12
(12)   De Ruiter, J. (1982). “The Static Cone Penetration Test: State-of- (14)   Jefferies, M. G., and Davies, M. P. (1993), “Use of the CPTu to
the-Art Report,” Proceedings of the Second European Symposium on Estimate Equivalent SPT N60,”  Geotechnical Testing Journal , Vol.
Penetration Testing, Vol. 2, Amsterdam, 389-405. 16, No. 4, ASTM, 458–468.
(13)  Lutenegger, A.J. and DeGroot, D.J. (1995), “Techniques for sealing
cone penetrometer holes,”   Canadian Geotechnical Journal , Vol. 32
(5), 880–891.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee
Committ ee D18 has ide
identifi
ntified
ed the location
location of sel
selecte
ected
d cha
change
ngess to thi
thiss tes
testt meth
method
od sin
since
ce the las
lastt issu
issue,
e,
D5778–07 that may impact the use of test method. (Approved January 1, 2012)

(1) Added reference to Test Methods  D7400

 D7400.. (6 ) Added   Note 2 and   Note
Note 3   and renum
renumbered
bered subseq
subsequent
uent
(2) Clar
Clarific
ificatio
ation
n of defi
definit ion   3.2.10 electr
nition electronic
onic piezocone notes.
 penetrometer . (7 ) Added reference to  Note 2 in
in 13.4
 13.4..
(3) Added new references and corrected reference numbers in (8) Deleted terms  hydrostatic pressure,  hydrostatic porewater 
text for these changes.  pressuree, and reference to Termino
 pressur erminology
logy   D653 in   3.2.10 and
(4) Corrected Eq 8. 13.5.3..
13.5.3
(5) Corrected definition
definition of symbols used in  Eq 7,  Eq 8,  and
 and Eq
 Eq
9.

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20