Estandar test method for mechanical cone penetration testing of soils- 3441-16

Scope:
This test method try to explain us the procedure for determine the resistance that has the soil
during the penetration of a conical-shaped penetrometer as a steady rate, also, for determine the
frictional resistance of a cylindrical sleeve.
The cone penetration data helps to interpret subsurface stratigraphy. With soil correlations,
engineers can design the foundations for structures and preset earthworks.
Significance and use:

 All the tests performed with this estándar test method provide us a detailed record of
cone resistance, this information is useful for identify the site stratigraphy, homogeneity
and Depth to firm layers, voids or cavities, and other discontinuities. In short, this
method provides a fast data for determining subsurface conditions.
 This test method is not focus to obtain soils examples. The results interpretation only
provides estimates of the soil´s types. Is necesary that engineers perform correlations
between parallel borings to obtain qualified information.
 Is very important verified the penetrometer components, carry out the permitted
tolerances and verified that the apparatus doesn´t has visible signs of non-symmetric
wear
Procedure:

 Ubicate the thrust machine over the location of the sounding as a well maner. The axis
of the push rods must coincide with the thrust direction.
 Adjust the hydraulic ram feed rate to advance the penetrometer a rate of 20 ±5 m/ s. Is
very important to maintain this rate form the begining to the end of the test
 For discontinuous penetration testing:
For this procedure the test has two steps:
1. Apply sufficient thrust on the push rods for advance the penetrometer test
2. Apply sufficient thrust on the inner rods to extend the penetrometer tip, with this
consideration, we can obtain the cone resistance (Qc) at a specific point during the
downward movement of the inner rods relative to the stationary push rods. The step 1
and 2 has to repeat until obtain cone resistance data at constant increments of Depth that
shall not ordinarily exceed 200 mm
3. For recording data about cone-resistance or cone and friction-resistance test whe used a
friction-cone tip, record only those thrust readings that occurs at a well- defined point
during the downward movement of the top of the innerods in relations to the top of the
push rods. By the elastic compresión of bars, the point is not les tan 25 mm apparent
relative movement of the inner rods. Obtain the read of cone plus friction-resistance as
son as posible after the jump for minimize the error. Is important to mentioned that, if
the operator suspects the cone resistance is changing abruptly not record this
infromation because is wrong.