Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is used to provide a rapid assessment of ground conditions.

Dynamic Penetration Testing (DPT) is carried by a wheeled- or track-mounted percussion hammer which drives a cone into the ground, providing a measurement of the relative density of the ground. DPTs can be carried out to a maximum depth of about 20m and more than 100m of testing is achievable in a day.

Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) involves hydraulically pushing a cone into the ground at a constant rate to provide geotechnical data that can be used directly in design. The technique is fast, with up to 150m of testing per day, with minimal soil disturbance.

A number of different cones are available, including those able to measure hydrocarbons, gamma rays and electrical conductivity, plus magnetometers for detecting buried UXO.