When using any correlations for soil parameters from CPT/CPTU tests, it should

always be ensured that the correlations being used are appropriate for the
ground conditions being investigated. Ideally they should be validated by
correlation to site-specific laboratory test data (see also BS EN 1997-2:2007 and
NA to BS EN 1997-2). Any correlations used should be reported in the Ground
Investigation report.
NOTE 7 Some penetration test equipment can take piston samples in soft or loose
soils from specific horizons (e.g. Mostap sampling, see 25.5.3) and to operate the
Delft continuous sampler (see 25.6). The samples are used for strata descriptions and
conventional laboratory testing. The equipment can also be used to install
piezometers and to carry out various in-situ tests including the push-in
pressuremeter and sampling, and environmental tests (see Lunne et al., 1997 [74]).

39.3 Mechanical cone penetration test

COMMENTARY ON 39.3
The older type of mechanical cone penetrometer (known as CPTM) measures the
cone and friction resistance by means of a system of internal rods, which thrust
against an hydraulic load capsule set at ground surface. Its use is standardized in
BS EN ISO 22476-12. Mechanical penetrometers are occasionally used in very isolated
sites, where the more sophisticated electrical read-out systems are not readily
applicable, and for doing preliminary probing to assess whether the ground
conditions are suitable for the use of the more expensive electrical probe (the probe
can experience severe damage when penetrating some types of grounds).
Two types of probe may be used: the mantle cone, which measures only cone
resistance; and the friction jacket cone, which measures both cone resistance
and local friction.
Probing should be carried out in accordance with BS EN ISO 22476-12,
BS EN 1997-2 and NA to BS EN 1997-2.
NOTE 1 The probe is pushed to the required depth by thrust on the outer
penetrometer rods, the cone and friction sleeve having been tipped to make them
slide into the closed position. Thrust is then applied to the inner pressure rods and
measured, usually by a hydraulic load cell. The cone advances ahead of the body of
the probe and has sufficient travel to enable a measurement to be taken of its
ultimate cone resistance. In the friction jacket cone, further travel of the cone makes
it engage with the friction sleeve. Both cone and friction sleeve are now advanced
and have sufficient travel to give a measurement of the combined resistance of the
cone and friction sleeve. This procedure is repeated at regular intervals of depth,
which are normally 0.2 m.
NOTE 2 In the UK the mechanical cone is now almost completely superseded by the
electrical cone.