BRITISH STANDARD BS EN ISO

22476-3:2005
+A1:2011
Incorporating
corrigendum
February 2007

Geotechnical
investigation and
testing-
Field testing -
Part 3: Standard penetration test

res 93.02o

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

-II
British Standards
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+Al:2011

National foreword

This British Standard is the UK implementation of

EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1:2011. It is identical to ISO 22476-3:2005,
incorporating amendment 1:2011. It supersedes BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005,
which is withdrawn.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is
indicated in the text by tags. Tags indicating changes to ISO text carry
the number of the ISO amendment. For example, text altered by ISO
amendment 1 is indicated by 15) (5].
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical
Committee B/526, Geotechnics, to Subcommittee B/526/3, Site
investigation and ground testing.
A list of organizations represented on this Subcommittee can be obtained
on request to its secretary.
The test in this standard is included in BS 1377-9:1990 (subclause 3.3)
which is now withdrawn. Its use is covered in BS 5930:1999, clause 25.2,
where there is reference to BS 1377-9:1990, clause 3.3.
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1:2011 should now be used instead.
It should be noted that the new test method r equir es a c alibration of th e
equipment for energy ratio (ratio of the actual energy to the theoretical
energy of the hammer).
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of
a contract. Users are responsible for its cor rect application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

This British Standard was Amd. No. Date Comme nts

published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee 169 31 28 February 2007 Revision of National for eword
on 30 January 2006 Corrigendum No. 1

3 1 January 2012 Implem entation of ISO amendmen t

© The British Standards
Institution 2012 1: 2011 with CE N endorsem ent
A1:2011

ISBN 978 0 580 74914 8

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1
NORME EUROPEENNE
EUROPAISCHE NORM November 2011

ICS 93.020

English version

Geotechnical investigation and testing - Field testing - Part 3:

Standard penetration test (ISO 22476-3:2005)

Reconnaissance et essais geotechniques - Essais en place Geotechnische Erl<undung und Untersuchung -

-Partie 3: Essais de penetration au carottier (ISO 22476- Felduntersuchungen - Teil 3: Standard penetration test
3:2005) (ISO 22476-3:2005)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 4 November 2004.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this Eu ropean
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bi bliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fi nland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden , Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

CO MITE EUROPEEN DE NORMA LISA T ION
EUROPA I SCHES KOMITEE FOR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1 050 Brussels

© 2005 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 22476-3:2005: E
w orldwide for CE N national Members.
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

Foreword

This document (EN ISO 22476-3:2005) has been prepared by Technical Committee CE N!TC 341 "Geotechnical
investigation and testing", the secretariat of which is held by DIN, in colla boration with Technical Committee
ISO!TC 182 "Geotechnics".

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by July 2005, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by
July 2005.

EN ISO 22476 Geotechnical investigation and testing- Field testing has the following parts:

Part 1: Electrical cone and piezocone penetration tests

Part 2: Dynamic probing

Part 3: Standard penetration test

Part 4: Menard pressuremeter test

Part 5: Flexible dilatometer test

Part 6: Self-boring pressuremeter test

Part 7: Borehole jack test

Part 8: Full displacement pressuremeter test

Part 9: Field vane test

Part 10: Weight sounding test

Part 11: Flat dilatome ter test

Part 12: Lefranc permeability test

Part 13: Water pressure tests in rock

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard : Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gree ce, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Ma lta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal , Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A 1 :2011 (E)

Foreword to amendment A1

This document (EN ISO 22476-3:2005/A 1 :2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee CENITC 341
"Geotechnical Investigation and Testing", the secretariat of which is held by ELOT, in collaboration with
Technical Committee ISOITC 182 "Geotechnics".

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standa rd, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2012, and conflicting national standa rds shall be withdrawn at the
latest by May 2012.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the foll owing
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Icela nd, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1:2011 (E)

This page d eliberately set blank

 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1:2011 (E)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 22476-3

Fi rst edition
2005-01-15

Geotechnical investigation and testing-

Field testing-
Part 3:
Standard penetration test
Reconnaissance et essais geotechniques - Essais en place -
Partie 3: Essai de penetration au carottier

Refe rence number

---~-
-- ISO 22476-3:2005(E)
- -

~ISO]
--=~=
--
- -
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

ii
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1:2011 (E)

Contents

page

Foreword .................................................................................................................................................................... iv
1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................1
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................1
3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................................................................1
4 Equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
5 Test Procedure ............................................................................................................................................... 4
6 Test results .....................................................................................................................................................5
7 Reporting ........................................................................................................................................................5
Annex A (informative) Correction factors ..............................................................................................................8
A.1 Energy delivered to the drive rods ...............................................................................................................8
A.2 Energy losses due to the length of rods .....................................................................................................8
A.3 Other correction factors ................................................................................................................................8
A.4 Effect of overburden pressure in sands ......................................................................................................9
A.5 Use of the correction factors ........................................................................................................................9
Annex B (informative) Recommended method to measure the actual energy ................................................11
8.1 Principle ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
8.2 Equipment .................................................................................................................................................... 11
8.3 Measurements ..............................................................................................................................................11
8.4 Calculation .................................................................................................................................................... 12
Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................. 14

iii
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide fede ration of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is no rmally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International orga nizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voti ng. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 %of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of pate nt
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

ISO 22476-3 was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in collaboration with
Technical Committee ISO/TC 182, Geotechnics, Subcommittee SC 1, Geotechnical investigation and testing,
in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).

ISO 22476 consists of the following parts, under the general title Geotechnical investigation and testing-
Field testing:

Part 1: Electrical cone and piezocone penetration tests

Part 2: Dynamic probing

Part 3: Standard penetration test

Part 4: Menard pressuremeter test

Part 5: Flexible dilatometer test

Part 6: Self-boring pressuremeter test

Part 7: Borehole jack test

Part 8: Full displacement pressuremeter test

Part 9: Field vane test

Part 10: Weight sounding test

Part 11: Flat dilatometer test

Part 12: Lefranc permeability test

Part 13: Water pressure test in rock

Part 14: Pum ping tests

iv
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1:2011 (E)

1 Scope
~This part of ISO 22476 deals with the equipment requirements for, execution of and reporting on the standard
penetration test to complement direct investigations (e.g. ISO 22475-1).
NOTE This part of ISO 22476 fulfils the requirements for standard penetration testing as part of geotechnical investigation
and testing in accordance with EN 1997-1 and EN 1997-2.<5]
The standard penetration test aims to determine the resistance of soils at the base of a borehole to the dynamic
penetration of a split barrel sampler and the recovering of disturbed samples for identification purposes (SPT). In
gravelly soils and in soft rocks a solid cone is also be used (SPT(C)).

The standard penetration test is used mainly to assess the strength and deform ation pa rameters of cohesionless
soils, but some valuable data may also be obtained in other soil types.

The basis of the test consists in driving a sampler by dropping a hammer of 63,5 kg mass on to an anvil or drive
head from a height of 760 mm. The number of blows (N) necessary to achieve a penetration of the sampler of
300 mm (after its penetration under gravity and below a seating drive) is the penetration resistance.

2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this docume nt. Fo r dated refe rences,
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (includi ng any
amendments) applies.

~ISO 22475-1:2006, Geotechnical investigation and testing- Sampling methods and groundwater measurements
-Part 1: Technical principles for execution <51

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1
anvil or drive head
that portion of the drive-weight assembly that the hammer strikes and through which the hammer energy passes into
the drive rods

3.2
hammer
portion of the drive-weight assembly consisting of the 63,5 kg impact weight which is successively lifted and
dropped to provide the energy that accomplishes the penetration and sam pling

3.3
height of fall
free fall of the hammer after be ing released

3.4
drive-weight assembly
device consisting of the hammer, the hammer fall guide, the anvil and the drop system

3.5
drive rods
rods that connect the drive-weight assembly to the sampler

3.6
actual energy
Emeas
energy delivered by the drive-weight assembly into the drive rod, immediately below the anvil, as measured

1
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

3.7
theoretical energy
Etheor
energy as calculated for the drive weight assembly:

Etheor = mx g X h

where

m is the mass of the hammer;

g is the acceleration due to gravity;

h is the falling height of the hammer.

3.8
energy ratio
Er
ratio of the actual energy Emeas and the theoretical energy Etheor of the hammer expressed in percentage

3.9
N-value
number of blows required to drive the sampler for a test drive of 300 mm following the seating drive

4 Equipment

4.1 Drilling equipment

T he drilling equipment shall be capable of providing a clean hole to ensure that the penetration test is performed on
essentially undisturbed soil.

The area that is exposed in the base of the borehole prior to testing can influence the results and consequently the
borehole diameter shall always be reported. A significant effect on the result can begi n to occur when the diameter
is 150 mm or more.

4.2 Sampler

The steel split barrel sampler shall have the dimensions indicated in Figure 1 and shall be provided with a non-
return valve with sufficient clearance to permit the free flow of water or mud du ring d riving.

The inner diameter of the sampler can be up to 3 mm larger than that of the shoe to allow for a liner. In gravelly
sand, a solid 60 ° cone instead of the standard shoe can be used. In this case the test shall be noted as SPT(C) .

2
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

1 3
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4 6
Key
1 Drive shoe
2 Split barrel
3 Coupling
4 Non return valve (ball diameter: recommended 25 mm; ball seating: recommended 22 mm)
5 Ball retaining pins
6 Four vent holes (min diameter 12 mm)
x Length of the drive shoe

Figure 1 - Longitudinal cross section of an SPT sampler without a provision for a liner (dimensions in
mm)
4.3 Drive rods
The drive rods shall have a stiffness that prevents buckling during driving. 15>The rod stiffness should be at least
that of an AW rod for tests less than 20 m depth, and of a BW rod for greater depth. For definitions of AW and
BW rods, see ISO 22475-1:2006 , Table C.1.<51 Rods with a mass of more than 10,0 kg/m shall not be used .
Only straight rods shall be used and periodic checks shall be made on site, including connections between
consecutive rods. When measured over the whole length of each rod the relative deflection shall not be greater
than 1 in 1 200.
15> The straightness shall be checked by applying one of the following procedures.
Holding the rod vertically and rotating it. If the rod appears to wobble, the straightness is not acceptable.
Rolling the rod on a plane surface. If the rod appears to wobble, the straightness is not acceptable.
Sliding a straight hollow tube which is slightly longer than the rod over the rod . If the rod can pass through the
tube without jamming, the straightness is acceptable.
At greater depth and/or with greater borehole diameters, the vertical alignment of the rod string should be ensured
by installing appropriate stabilizers. Also, a stabilizer should be used at the collar at the top of the borehole. Type
and number of stabilizers shall be reported. <51
4.4 Drive weight assembly
The drive weight assembly, of an overall mass not exceeding 115 kg , shall comprise:
a steel hammer of 63,5 kg± 0,5 kg conveniently guided to ensure minimal resistance during the drop;
an automatic release mechanism which will ensure a constant free fall of (760 ± 10) mm, a negligible speed of
the hammer when released , and no induced parasitic movements in the drive rods;
a steel drive head or anvil rigidly connected to the top of the drive rods. It may be an internal part of the
assembly, as with safety hammers.
4.5 Optional equipment
4.5.1 Blow counter
A device to measure mechanical or electric impulses can be placed on the system in order to count the number of
the blows of hammer.
4.5.2 Penetration length measuring device
The penetration length is measured either by counting on a scale on the rods or by recording sensors. In this latter
case resolution shall be less than 1/100 of the measured length.

3
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

5 Test Procedure
5.1 Equipment checks and calibration
Prior to each test series, the sampler shall be checked to ensure that it is in proper condition (dimensions). The
straightness of the rods shall be checked once on each new site and at least every 20 penetration tests at that site.
~The straightness shall be checked by applying one of the following procedures.
Holding the rod vertically and rotating it. If the rod appears to wobble, the straightness is not acceptable.
Rolling the rod on a plane surface. If the rod appears to wobble, the straightness is not acceptable.
Sliding a straight hollow tube which is slightly longer than the rod over the rod. If the rod can pass through the
tube without jamming , the straightness is acceptable. <51
After each test, a visual check of the straightness of the rods shall be made.
At the test site, the height of fall, the friction free fall of the hammer, the proper condition of the anvil and the
mechanical release devices shall be checked for satisfactory operation which is to be ensured for the whole test
series. In addition, the proper functioning of the recording device shall be checked when automatic recording
equipment is used.
The precision of the measuring instruments - if applicable -shall be checked after any damage, overloading or
repair but at least once every six months, unless the manufacturer's manual requires shorter inspection interva ls.
Faulty parts shall be replaced. Calibration records shall be kept together with the equipment.

Energy losses occur e.g. due to friction at the hammer (velocity loss compared to the free fall) or due to energy
losses during the hammer impact on the anvil. Therefore, the energy ratio Er of the equipment used has to be
known if the N-values are going to be used for the quantitative evaluation of foundations or for the comparisons of
results. A certificate of calibration of the Er-value immediately below the driving head or anvil shall be available.
NOTE A recommended method to determine the actual energy is given in Annex B.

~The calibration check shall be made annually and after all changes, repairs and modifications to the driving equipment. <51
5.2 Preparation of the borehole
The borehole shall be prepared for the specified test depth. The base of the borehole shall be clean and essentially
undisturbed at the test elevation and without an upward water pressure gradient.
When drilling bits are used, they shall be provided with side discharge and not w ith~ bottom discharge, from a
safe distance above the test elevation. <51
When testing below the groundwater table, particular care shall be taken to avoid any entry of wate r through the
bottom of the borehole, as this will tend to loosen the soil or even lead to piping. For this purpose, the level of the
water or drilling fluid in the borehole shall be maintained at a sufficient leve l above the groundwater level in the
layer with the highest pressure (potential) at all times, even during withdrawal of the boring tools. W ithdrawal shall
be performed slowly and with drilling tools providing enough clearance to prevent suction effects at the bottom.
When a casing is used, it shall not be driven below the level at which the test will start.
5.3 Test execution
T he sampler and the drive rods shall be lowered to the bottom of the borehole and then the hammer assembly
added. T he initial penetration shall be recorded. The sampler shall be penetrated over an initial or seating drive of
150 mm applying the 63,5 kg hammer free falling 760 mm and the number of blows N 0 shall be recorded. ~Then
the sampler shall be driven in the same manner over a test drive of 300 mm. This shall be done in at least two
increments (150 mm each) . Alternatively, four increments (75 mm each) may be used. <51 The number of blows
needed, shall be recorded during each of these increments (Nn). If a total of 50 blows for the test drive is reached,
the test may be finished (N = 50); in soft rocks it can be increased to 100 blows (N = 100). T he total number
of blows required for the 300 mm penetration after the seating drive is termed the penetration resistance of that
so il layer. ~ (N = Nn + Nn+1 for 150 mm increments ; N = Nn + Nn+ 1 + Nn+2 + Nn+3 for 75 mm increments). <51
~The seat ing drive shall be 150 mm or 25 blows, whichever is reached first. If the seating drive is terminated at 25
blows, the depth of penetration sha ll be hall be recorded and the sta rt of the test drive measured from that depth. <51
In hard soils or in soft rocks where the penetration resistance is very high, the penetration for a certain number of
blows may be recorded.
If the sampler advances below the bottom of the borehole under the static weight of the drive rods and hammer
assembly on top, the corresponding penetration shall not be included, as seating drive and this information should
be reported. In no case sha ll any material reach the level of the non return valve.

4
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1:2011 (E)

Samples recovered shall be recorded and handled in accordance with 15)180 22475-1{5].

5.4 Safety requirements

National safety regulations shall be followed; e.g. regulations for:

personal health and safety equipment;

clean air, if working in confined spaces;

ensuring the safety of the equipment.

6 Test results

15>The test results shall be reported and interpreted as the seating dr ive, N 0 , and the penetration blow
resistance, N, or the test drive blow number, N They shall be reported without any corrections or adjustments.
adjustments. Corrections/adjustments may be considered for further interpretation. <&I

TheN-values can vary with test equipment and mode operation as well as geotechnical conditions (see Annex A) .
The corrections of Annex A shall be considered.

7 Reporting

7.1 Field report

7.1.1 General

At the project site, a field report shall be completed. This fi eld report shall consists of the fo llowing, if applicable:

a) summary log according toi5)1SO 22475-1<5];

b) record of measured values and test results.

All fi eld investigations shall be reported such that thi rd persons are able to check and understand the results.

7.1.2 Record of measured values and test results

At the project site, the following information shall be recorded for each test:

a) general information:

1) name of the client;

2) name of the contractor;

3) job or project number;

4) name and location of the project;

5) name and signature of test the equipment operator in charge;

b) informati on on the location of the test:

1) borehole number;

2) field sketch (to scale or not to scale);

3) ground elevation referred to a fixed point;

4) x, y, z-co-ordinates of the borehole;

5
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

5) operation on land or water;

c) information on the used test equipment:

1) method of drilling and borehole diameter at the test level;

2) manufacturer, model and number of the test equipment;
3) type and size of drive rod;
4) type and size of hammer and release mechanism and weight of the drive head;
5) split-spoon sampler with or without liner;
6) solid cone (SPT(C)), if used;
7) the energy ratio Er and the calibration report;
15>8) type and number of stabilizers, as applicable; <51

d) information on the test procedure:

1) date and number of test;

2) documentation of the equipment check and calibration conducted in accordance with 5.1;

3) test record with:

the uncorrected N-value for each test, the corresponding depth interval;
15) - the number and size of test increments (two, 150 mm or four, 75 mm) <51
15) - Nn, Nn+ 1 for two incremements, or Nn, Nn+ 1, Nn+2 , Nn+ 3 for four increments of penetration, if required; <51

15) - number of blows for the seating drive; <51

the corresponding penetration, if the drive is terminated at 50 blows (or 100 in soft rocks);

15) - drive penetration if seating drive is terminated at 25 blows; <51

penetration per blow in difficult ground conditions, if required;

penetration of the sampler under static weight;

4) record on recovered samples ;

5) groundwater or artesian conditions, if known;

6) level of water or flushing medium during the preparation and execution of each test;

7) depth of test and casing;

8) weather cond itions;

9) all unusual events or observations during the operation (e.g. low blow count, penetration without blows,
temporary obstructions, malfunction of the equipment);

10) observations on the recovered sampler and/or rods;

11) all interruptions during the work, with time duration and change of rod;

12) reasons for early end of the test;

13) back-fi Iling of penetration hole accord ing to 15) ISO 22475-1<5] , if required .

6
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1:2011 (E)

7.2 Test report

For checking the quality of the data, the test report shall include the following in addition to the informatio n given
in 7.1:

a) field report (in original and/or computerised form);

b) graphical presentation of the test results;

c) corrections applied, if any, and the corrected N-value;

d) graphical representation with respect to depth of Nand corrected N, if applicable;

e) any limitations of the data (e.g. irrelevant, insufficient, inaccurate or adverse test results);

f) name and signature of the field manager.

The test results shall be reported about in such a fashion that third persons are able to check and understand the
results.

7
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)
Annex A
(informative)

Correction factors

A.1 Energy delivered to the drive rods

Energy losses are induced by the hammer assembly due to frictional and other parasitic effects, wh ich cause the
hammer velocity at impact to be less than the free fall velocity. Further losses of ene rgy are originated by the
impact on the anvil, depending on its mass and other characteristics. The type of machine, skill of the operator and
other factors can also influence the energy delivered to the drive rods.

The value of the blow count, N, in sands is inversely proportional to the energy ratio Er so that:

(A.1)

For general design and comparison purposes in sands, theN-values should be adjusted to a refere nce energy ratio
of 60 % , by the following equation:

Er
Nso=- N (A. 2)
60

where

N is the blow count;

Er is the energy ratio of the specific test equipment.

If a design method for sands has been elaborated for a value of Er different from 60 %, the corresponding corrected
N-value should be determined based on equation A.1.

A.2 Energy losses due to the length of rods

If the length of rods is less than 10 m, the correction factors shown in T able A. 1 may be applied to the blow count
for sands; for rod lengths greater than 10 m, no correction should be applied.

Table A.1 -Correction factors in sands due to rod length

Rod length Correction factor

below the anvil it
m
>10 1,0

6 to 10 0,95

4 to 6 0,85

3 to 4 0,75

A.3 Other correction factors

If the inner diameter of the sampler is 3,0 mm larger than that of the shoe, as mentioned in 4.2 no co rrection is
necessary if a liner of appropri ate thickness is used, such that the inside of the whole sampler is practically flush to

8
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1:2011 (E)

a uniform diameter of 35 mm. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to the eventual damage of the liner during
driving and its influence on the corresponding blow count. If the liner is omitted, the additional clearance of the
inside of the barrel with reference to the shoe leads toN-values between 10 % and 20 % lower in sands.

A.4 Effect of overburden pressure in sands

The effect of the overburden pressure in theN-value in sands may be taken into account, for example, by applyi ng
to the measured N-value the correction factor eN given in Table A.2 with reference to the type of consolidation and
the density index 10 .

Table A.2- Correction factors CN for vertical stress ~· due to overburden of the soil in sands

Type of consolidation Density Index Correction factor

Io eN
%

200
40 to 60
Normally 100+o'v
consolidated
300
60 to 80
200+a-'v

170
Overconsolidated -
70 +a-' v
(a;,' in kPa)

Another example of the correction for normally consolidated sand is the use eN given in the following equation:

(A.3)

Values of the correction factor eNlarger than 2,0 and preferably 1,5 should not be applied.

The number of blows corrected to an energy ratio Er of 60 % and normalised for an effective verti cal stress
CJv = 100 kPa is then:

N) _ ErxNxeN
( 1 60 - 60 (A.4)

A.5 Use of the correction factors

Several correction factors have been mentioned in the previous paragraphs. As the existing design methods of
foundations based on the SPT are of an empirical nature, only the co rrespond ing correction facto rs should be
used, unless duly justifi ed .

If all the correction factors corresponding to this test procedure are applied for a design method based on an
energy ratio of 60 %, the following value for the final blow count would be obtained (without including the one
mentioned in A.3):

Er
N 60 = ~ x A. xeN xN (A.5)
60

where

9
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

2 is the correction factor for energy losses due to the rod length in sa nd;

eN is the correction factor for vertical stress due to overburden of the soil in sa nd.

10
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

Annex B
(informative)

Recommended method to measure the actual energy

8.1 Principle
The measurement of the energy transmitted to the drive rods can be made by means of an instrumented section of
rod positioned at a distance greater than 10 times the rod diameter below the point of hammer impact on the anvil
(see Figure 8.1 ).

For additional information see [1] to [6] of the bibliography.

2
Key 5
1 Anvil
2 Part of instrumented rod
3 Drive Rod
4 Strain gauge (measuring transducer)
5 Accelerometer I~ Ill
6 Ground 6
F
d,
Force
Diameter of the rod
0--3
Figure 8.1 -Instrumented rod (example)

8.2 Equipment
The measuring device consists of a removable instrumented rod fixed between the anvil and the head of rods. It
includes:

system for measurement of vertical acceleration having a linear response up to 5 000 g;

system for measurement giving the axial deformation induced in the rod;

apparatus, with a resolution better than 1 x 1o·5 s, for viewing, recording and pre-treatment of the signals;

data processing system (data logger and computer).

When strain gauges are used for the measurement of the axial deformation, they should be uniformly distributed
around the instrumented rod.

8.3 Measurements
At each impact, check the correct operation of the measuring equipment and the sensors by displaying the results
of measurements.

It should be verified that the signals from the accelerometers and of the gauges are null before and after the
impact.

11
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

For the measurement of the acceleration and deformation, the precision should be better than 2 % of the measured
value.

8.4 Calculation

8.4.1 The force transmitted to the rods is calculated as follow:

(8.1)

where

sm(t) is the measured axial strain of the instrumented rod at time t;

Aa is the cross-sectional area of the instrumented rod;

Ea is the Young's modulus of the instrumented rod.

8.4.2 The particle velocity v(t) of the measurement section is calculated by the integration of the acceleration a(t)
with respect to time t.

8.4.3 The basic equation for the energy E which passes into the drive rods is:

t'

E(t') = f F(t) v(t)dt (8.2)

0

where

E(t') is the driving energy which passes into the instrumented drive rod up to time t' after the impact.

Various methods for developing the above equation and additional information can be fo und in the bibliography.

8.4.4 The hammer energy to take into account is the mean value obtained from at least five-measurements:

1 n
E meas =~
n
LE 1
(8.3)

8.4.5 The hammer energy ratio which characterises each dynamic penetrometer is given by:

E meas
s1 (8.4)
E th eor

where

Etheor = m X g X h

h is the falling height of the hammer;

m is the mass of the hammer;

g is the acceleration due to gravity.

12
 BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

Hammer Energy Measurement Report

~ F
Type of dynamic probing SPT
1 Job number

"1:::1'"
2 Date of the test
=
~
5
r--- Mass of the hammer m 63,5 kg
cf'
1--4
¢ d,
Falling height h 0,76 m

Etheor= mxgxh 473 J

1--
Characteristics of the instrumented rod
111=111=111 I~ Ill
'------'- 6 Diameter d,
G--3 Length of the instrumented rod
Area A
(Key see Figure 8.1)
Modulus Ea

Force Particle velocity

v (m / s)
-
~
F
I- -
-
I-

~
I- -

I- -

I- -
-
I-
A ,..._
I-

~~I
I- -
J -
~
I I I I I
I-
I I I I I I I I I I f ( 1-!S )
t (1-1 s)

Acceleration Axial deformation

-
N
(/)
s(mm)
....._ - I-
-E -
"' - I-
-

~-~~ 1-\
I-
- I-
.I
V" •·vv-"'V~ I-
- I-
- I-
- I-
- I-
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
f ( 1-LS) t ( 1-1 s)
Observations: Date

E meas = E theor = Name and signature of the equipment operator

Figure 8.2 - Example of a hammer energy measurement report

13
BS EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011
EN ISO 22476-3:2005+A1 :2011 (E)

Bibliography

[1] ASTM D 4633-86: Standard test method for stress wave energy measurements for dynamic penetrometer
testing systems. American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia 1986.

[2] Butler, J.J., Caliendo, J.A., Goble, G. G.: Comparison of SPT energy measurements methods. Proc. 1st Int.
Conf. on Site Characterization, Atlanta 1998, Vol. 2, 901-905.

[3] Farrar, J.A.: Summary of Standard Penetration Test (SPT) energy measurements experience. Proc. 1st Int.
Conf. on Site Characterization, Atlanta 1998, Vol. 2, 919-926.

[ 4] Gonin, H.: Ou P€metrometre dynamique au battage des pieux. - Revue Frangaise de Geotechnique No 76,
1996.

[5] Gonin, H.: La formule des Hollandais ou le conformisme dans l'enseignement. Revue Frangaise de
Geotechique No 87,1999.

[6] Matsumoto, T; Sekeguchi, H., Yoshida, H. & Kita, K.: Significance of two-point strain measurements in SPT.
-Soils and Foundations, JSSMFE, Vol. 32, 1992, No 2, pp. 67-82.

[7] EN 1997-1, Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design- Part 1: General rules.

[8] EN 1997-2, Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design- Part 2: Ground investigation and testing.

14
blank
BS EN ISO
22476-3:2005
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