Advanced Foundation Engineering

Topic:-Dynamic Cone Penetration Test

Submitted To:- Dr Chandrakant Gokhale

Submitted by:-
P2270209 Abhilasha Shinde
P2270223 Vishal Guli
P2270258 Deepak Gairola
P2270286 Santosh Shreekumar
Japanese Geotechnical
Society Special Publication

The 15th Asian Regional Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical

Engineering introduced a significant study on the application of dynamic and
static cone penetrometer for the characterization of railway substructure. This
research, led by Yong-Hoon Byun, Won-Taek Hong, and Jong-Sub Lee from
Korea University, delves into the evaluation of the strength in railway
substructures to prevent subgrade failure caused by excessive train loading.
# 1 INTRODUCTION:
Railway Substructure Components

Ballast Sub-ballast Subgrade

The ballast layer provides Acts as a stabilizing layer The foundation that supports
resistance to traffic loading but between the ballast and the entire track structure,
is prone to deterioration and subgrade, distributing the crucial for overall stability.
shear failure. load.
 Understanding Subgrade Failure
The paper discusses the risks of subgrade failure due to excessive train loading and the
subsequent geometric changes in the rail. It highlights the use of a dynamic and static
cone penetrometer (DSCP) designed to penetrate the ballast and subgrade for evaluating
the railway substructure's strength.

1 Progressive settlement 3 Volume change

The track structure, Moisture changes
2 Progressive can cause significant
4 Mud pumping
earth, and train can
settle excessively shear failure volume changes, Migration of fines, or mud pumping, can
due to repeated Wheel loading can such as swelling and contaminate the ballast and reduce
traffic loading. shrinkage. its ability to carry load. This can result in
cause progressive
the loss of track geometry and
shear failure.
the formation of wet spots.
# 2 DYNAMIC AND STATIC CONE
PENETROMETER (DSCP)
The DSCP is a key instrument in this study, consisting of an outer pipe and an inner cone. The outer pipe is
equipped with an accelerometer and strain gauges to measure transferred energy, while the inner cone
measures cone tip resistance.

Outer Pipe Inner Cone Data Acquisition

Designed with a 24 mm outer Features a 20 mm tip Strain gauges and
diameter and a 15 mm inner diameter to reduce friction accelerometer data are
diameter for effective and accurately measure crucial for analyzing the
penetration. resistance. DSCP's performance.
A guide for hammer is connected on the At the head of the outer pipe, an accelerometer and
head of the outer pipe four strain gauges are installed for measuring the
transferred energy.

Strain gauges in the inner cone

The strain gauges and accelerometer are installed to measure cone
are connected with the data tip resistance.
acquisition system
# 3 CALIBRATION: Ensuring Precision
Calibration of the DSCP is essential for accurate force and velocity estimation. Strain gauges and an
accelerometer are used to establish a high-reliability relationship between applied force and output
voltage.

1 Force Measurement
Strain gauges at the pipe head measure forces detected at each position.

2 Output Voltage
A linear relationship is established between the applied force and measured output
voltage.

3 High Reliability
The calibration process achieves a determinant coefficient greater than 0.99.
 Calibration of DCP for Force Parameter
Purpose: Establish relationship between applied force and
voltage output.
Data Collection
- Incrementally apply known forces.
- Record force and corresponding voltage.
Analysis
- Plot force vs. voltage.
- Derive calibration equation (y = mx + b).
Validation
- Check R^2 for reliability (R^2 > 0.99).
Taking the force parameter into account in a DCP provides
critical information for soil strength assessment, bearing
capacity estimation, compaction control, soil classification,
infrastructure design, quality control, foundation design, and
overall safety considerations in construction projects.
Calibration process for DCP for the Velocity Parameter
Purpose:
- Calibration aims to establish a relationship between the velocity
of the DCP penetration and the corresponding output measurements,
often voltage or displacement.
Velocity Measurement
- Use known velocity conditions or controlled penetrations.
- Incrementally vary velocities to cover expected range.
Data Collection
- Record voltage or displacement output for each velocity setting.
Analysis
- Graph recorded data with penetration velocity on x-axis and output
parameter on y-axis.
- Obtain equation representing the relationship (y = f(x)).
Validation
- Coefficient of Determination (R^2)
- Check goodness of fit with R^2 value.
- Higher R^2 (ideally > 0.99) indicates reliable calibration.
OBSERVATION FOR CALIBRATION

Matching Force and Velocity

- Investigated dynamic response by impacting the outer
pipe in free air.
Observations
- Before 2.97 ms: Force matches velocity at the pipe
head.
- After 2.97 ms: Peak velocity nearly doubles peak
force.

Wave Reflection
- During compressional wave reflections, force and
velocity are attenuated.
- 2.97 ms marks the arrival of the first reflection wave
from the outer pipe end.
 # 4 Dynamic Penetration Field Test Procedure
Introduction
Also known as the Dutch Cone test.
Standardized by ISI and given in IS: 4968 (Part III) 1976
Helps in determining the bearing capacity of soil at various levels and skin friction value for pile
depth.
Best Suited for Loose soils like silty sands, loose sand, Layered deposits of sand, silts, clay and clayey
deposits.
Up to a depth of 15 to 20 m can be completed in a day

Steps to Follow in Field Test

Step 1: The cone and friction jacket assembly is put vertically touching the ground.
Step 2: The cone is then pushed down at a constant speed of penetration ranging from 1.5 to
2.5cm/sec to a depth a (say 40 mm). Then, cone tip resistance (qc) is recorded.
Step 3: Now the sounding rod is pushed further to a depth b (say 40 mm). Then, sleeve friction (qf)
is recorded.
Step 4: Then, the mantle tube is pushed down to a+b=80mm depth. This brings the cone and
jacket assembly to step 1.
Step 5: Then the friction ratio is calculated using the formula:
 # 4.1 FIELD TESTS: Dynamic Penetration Result

Field tests using the DSCP were conducted at two railway positions. The dynamic cone penetration index
(DCPI) and transferred energy were measured to assess the substructure's in-situ strength.

Position DCPI (mm/blow) Energy Ratio (%)

1 602 50

2 Similar to Position 1 50
 # 5 CONCLUSIONS: DSCP's Effectiveness
The DSCP has proven to be an effective tool for evaluating the condition of railway substructures. The study
concludes that the DSCP can reliably characterize the variation of soil strength in the railway substructure, offering a
more dependable in-situ testing method.

Reliable Method In-situ Strength Independent Assessment

Dscp provides repeatable Dynamic and static tests The corrected DCPI is
profiles of soil strength, characterize the in-situ independent of the
proving its reliability. strength of the railway impact system, ensuring
substructure. unbiased results.
Thank you