Geotechnical Delaware Archives - Page 2 of 3 - GEOTILL provides geotechnical, construction testing and Environmental services Indianapolis Indiana

Testing Pavement Sections at Ohio University

Ohio Unversity Accelerated Pavement Tester in Action! In 1997 Vertek delivered our first of many Accelerated Transportation Loading Systems (ATLaS). Ohio University published this video, dated in 2012 of the pavement load tester in use at their Accelerated Pavement Load Facility. Common pavement tests include: Pavement coating lifetime analysis Experimental pavement fatigue estimation Pavement rutting Impact of temperature cycling on pavement Effects of wheel wander on pavement lifespan [/fusion_youtube] Though our designs have evolved since 1997 to better handle environmental and energy useage factors, many components of the above are still present on our current deliveries of pavement and bridge deck testers. These testers are designed to deliver actionable data regarding the lifespan and limits of road surfaces and pavement composition in shortened timespans. While this website is primary dedicated to our CPT business, Vertek's wealth of geotechnical manufacturing experience has led to additional focus on structural integrity fields such as load testing. See our ATLaS pavement and bridge load testing page for more information or to inquire.

By smadi66|December 5th, 2019|Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Alabama, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Vertek Partners, Video Posts, Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado|0 Comments

CPT Rigs: Types, Uses & Applications

If you're familiar with the CPT University then you may have had the chance to see our article: Why Are There So Many Kinds of CPT Rigs? As you may have read, there are many different rigs available; but depending upon the types of surface conditions or the terrain, one option may be more suitable for your project over another. Read on to take a deeper dive into a few different examples of CPT rigs, uses and applications. S4 CPT Push System The S4 is a robust and affordable push system that can be attached to many types of heavy equipment including ski steers, trailers, backhoes, and more. The S4 is revolutionary in many respects, for instance it provides 20 tons of CPT push capacity in a compact and affordable package. This agile, lightweight rig is only available from Vertek CPT and is one of the most inexpensive alternatives to the traditional rig. The system is equipped with full-systtem hydraulics giving you full operating control, as well as the ability to drive 2 Motorized Anchor Heads and all of the CPT system features you need to eliminate the need for external cylinders. There is no alternative to the S4 Push System that lets you enter the CPT business with confidence that you can prove out your business model before going 'all in'. CPT Track Rigs With fully equipped features and capabilities, CPT Track Rigs are available in light, medium and heavy configurations. These CPT rigs are designed to meet rigorous requirements and the demanding range of foundation work you are likely to encounter as your business grows. For certain geographical areas soft soils, boggy areas and changing environments demand a track rig. This means that you can immediately differentiate your services from the competition. CPT Track Rigs are super-pro. Track [...]

By smadi66|December 4th, 2019|Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Introductory, Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Illinois|0 Comments

Terracon Consulting Engineers Takes Delivery of 20 Ton CPT Track Rig

Cone penetration test rig leaves Vertek CPT's Randolph, VT facility. It can be a bit somber watching one of our CPT track rigs head out the door after spending a few months building the rig here in Vermont, but thankfully we get to work with our partners long after the sale to make sure they're successful in the field. This 20 ton cone pentration test track rig is headed to Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists of Olathe, Kansas. [/fusion_youtube]

By smadi66|December 4th, 2019|Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Geotechnical Iowa, Vertek Partners, Video Posts, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Illinois|0 Comments

Towable CPT Trailer – Push System on Wheels!

New - Mount an S4 CPT Push System on equipment or a trailer! Customer response to our new S4 Push System has been very impressive. The most affordable and flexible 20 ton push system available has made CPT newly accessible to a variety of service providers around the world without the need for large dedicated vehicles. In keeping with our history of cone penetration innovation we'd proud to show off our latest improvement to the S4 Push System: Towability. That's right, the S4 can now be purchased attached to our custom trailer enabling it to be driven from job site to job site behind any full size pick-up truck. [/fusion_youtube]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Geotechnical Iowa, Geotechnical Kansas, Introductory, Cone Penetration, Video Posts, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia|0 Comments

Ensure Properties are Accurate Using Sediment Cone Testing

Obtaining a representative and undisturbed sample of cohesive sedimentary soil, such as sand, is very difficult and often times impossible. Because of this, determining the properties of sandy or fine grained soils is best done in-situ, making Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) one of the best testing methods for measuring mechanical properties of sediment. Sediment Cone Testing When conducting cone testing of sediment the horizontal stress and sediment density are the most influential parameters on the cone tip resistance. The cone penetration tip resistance is influenced by the soil properties ahead and below the tip. If you're dealing with a sand layer that is less than 70 cm., it's important to consider what types of stratification it is located between. For example, if it's located between deposits of soft clay the CPT may not reach it's full value within the sand layer, meaning the relative density of the sand may be underestimated. By monitoring the CPT pore pressures, these influencers can be identified. The substantial effects of soil compressibility on CPT measurements are considered to be an advantage if they are identified correctly. Compressibility is one of the key factors to successfully determining soil properties and classifying soil types. Using CPT, relative density and friction measurements soils can be broken up into high, medium and low compressibility. By classifying sediment compressibility during cone testing you can better measure the particular sediment properties. Sand for example, originates from quartz or silica; it contains hard materials, does not have cleavage planes and is resistant to weathering. Certain sands, for example siliceous sand, contain trace portions of other minerals, like chlorite. Compared to other types of soil, the compressibility of sand is most complicated because it is dependent on several different factors, including: grain size and shape, particle crush-ability, angularity, grain mineralogy, void ratio, [...]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Wyoming, Geotechnical Wisconsin, Geotechnical Alabama, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical West Virginia, Experienced|0 Comments

When Should You Consider SPT Testing Over CPT?

If you’ve been following the CPT University, you likely already know that Cone Penetration Testing isn’t the only method of testing soil. Mud rotary drilling, for example, has come up in the past along with one of the best known soil testing procedures out there: the Standard Penetration Test (SPT). Like Cone Penetration Testing, SPT Testing is widely used. But can it outperform CPT Testing? Read on to find out. What is SPT Testing? SPT Testing uses a thick sample tube to determine the relative density of granular deposits, typically sand and gravel. The sample tube is placed at the bottom of a borehole and struck with a heavy slide hammer repeatedly. The number of hammer strikes is important; the test operator must track how many strikes it takes to drive the sample tube 6 inches into the soil. The test is completed when the sample tube reaches 18 inches deep. As you might imagine, a test that requires only a sample tube and a hammer offers a few notable benefits, namely that it is simple and inexpensive to perform. It is also the best solution for testing soil in areas that are difficult to access with vehicles. In other words, if you need to perform a soil test quickly, easily and at minimal cost, SPT Testing is hard to beat. SPT Testing does have its drawbacks, though. Most notably, it’s inaccurate compared to more advanced methods, especially when sampling coarse sands or clay. As such, it’s rare to encounter a scenario in which SPT Testing is preferable to Cone Penetration Testing. Not only is CPT far more accurate than the standard penetration test, it also manages to be relatively inexpensive compared to other testing methods. CPT is also a fast, safe and versatile option. Sure, it can’t match the [...]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Wyoming, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Alabama, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Introductory|0 Comments

10 Essentials of Construction Testing and Engineering

Testing construction material is an important step in the building process, as the outcome of testing, as well as the processes used, will ultimately affect the safety and longevity of the final building site. While the reality on most building sites is that the accuracy of testing and cost effectiveness are often balanced, these days it's pretty easy to ensure a high degree of accuracy while still keeping costs at a minimum. Regardless, the overall goal is to establish the foundation for assisting design engineers in making good, informed decisions while meeting building code requirements. By testing construction materials, along with ensuring proper geotechnical analysis, it's possible to guarantee buildings will meet regulatory requirements and last over time. Overall, construction materials, engineering and testing (CoMET) are used to ensure quality control and construction quality assurance. However, construction testing and engineering can only go so far without some key essentials. 10 Essentials of Construction Testing and Engineering: Observation, testing and evaluation of building materials Observation, testing and evaluation of quality construction methods and processes Observation, testing and evaluation of building outcomes Meeting building code compliance Site grading and subsurface prep Soil testing and analysis; evaluation of subsurface materials Cost-effective geotechnical sliutions and materials used Safe application of contaminated subsurface materials Proper recycling of excavated materials and debris Assurance of ground stability, especially in areas common to environmental disaster such as earthquakes, flooding, etc. By making sure to follow each of these 10 essential steps, you're ensuring that every aspect of inspection is covered, in turn ensuring a stable, up-to-code building for the long run. That said, there are a couple more important points to note: CoMET services must be performed during the early stages of a project and processes must be hands-on to ensure each step is given complete attention. Getting [...]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Introductory|0 Comments

Should you Use a Sand Cone Test in Construction?

It may seem at times that there are almost too many soil testing methods, but many are developed to fit certain scenarios or address issues with other testing methods. This is the case with the sand cone test, which is used to determine soil compaction and is an alternative to using a nuclear density gauge. But does this mean the sand cone test is worth using when working on construction sites? The Pros and Cons of the Sand Cone Test There are many benefits to performing a sand cone test, especially for those relying on a nuclear density gauge. With a sand cone test, you can get similar results at a much lower cost, without the need for radioactive material. The cost of the sand cone test apparatus is also fairly low, making sand cone testing relatively inexpensive. The apparatus consists of a plastic container, a metal cone with a valve and a high density base plate. Its also relatively small and portable, making testing possible pretty much anywhere. The sand cone test has its fair share of negatives as well, including: Easy to compromise samples during testing. Soil samples are sensitive to vibrations, shifting of particles, and any errors in set up of the test site Samples that contain mixed particles can be less accurate Samples that contain too much moisture content can be less accurate Long result time: 20 minutes (vs. nuclear gauge which only takes 1 minute for results) Technicians, of course, should be aware of the limitations of the sand cone test as many factors can skew its results. In other words, the sand cone test may not be worth using when working on construction sites, except to confirm observations and inform opinions about soil moisture and density. This is especially true when you consider that [...]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Soil Testing, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Geotechnical Iowa, Introductory|0 Comments

CPT Mini Track Rig – Our Most Compact Self-Powered Rig

New – The Mini-Track Rig provides all-terrain performance at an affordable capital cost! The latest addition to Vertek's robust line of self-propelled CPT rigs harnesses the popular 20-ton S4 Push System in a small but versatile package. This rubber-tracked rig is easy to maneuver, ideal for limited access areas, and maintains a low ground pressure of 4.5 psi. The S4 Mini-Track Rig provides a powerful carrier at an affordable price when compared to the cost of new construction equipment. Is the Mini-Track Rig right for your application? The Mini-Track Rig is ideal for situations where agility and low ground pressure are important At only 10.5 feet long, it can be transported to job sites with a pick-up and trailer The S4 CPT system's tilt mount increases stability on uneven terrain and provides a low profile during transport The S4 can be removed and attached to construction equipment or custom trailers, allowing for any number of configurations The Mini-Track Rig is available with many options to meet all your testing needs. Though small and light, the Mini-Track Rig provides convenience and functionality similar to Vertek's larger purpose-built CPT rigs. Optional features include: Mechanical or Hydraulic Clamp Diesel or Gas Engine 300,350,400, or 500 mm Anchor Decontamination System Remote Operation 120V AC Inverter Rod Rack For a full list of features, specifications and technical data, visit vertekcpt.com or download our full catalog of Geotechnical and Environmental products.

By smadi66|December 2nd, 2019|Geotechnical Kansas, S4 Push System, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Geotechnical Iowa|0 Comments

What is DCP testing, and how does it compare to CPT?

Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) testing is used to measure the strength of in-situ soil and the thickness and location of subsurface soil layers. It is similar to CPT in that a metal cone is advanced into the ground to continuously characterize soil behavior. However, unlike in CPT, where the cone is driven into the ground at a constant rate by varying amounts of force, in DCP, the cone is driven by a standard amount of force from a hammer, and how far the cone moves with each blow is used to determine the soil density and properties at that level. In DCP testing, the pushing force is applied by manually dropping a single or dual mass weight (called the hammer) from a fixed height onto the push cone unit. The resulting downward movement is then measured. Unlike CPT systems, basic DCP equipment is hand-portable and may be limited to test depths of 3-4 feet: this makes it a good choice for shallow testing applications such as road bed construction and maintenance. Since DCP is essentially hand-powered, it is cheaper and more portable than CPT equipment, but the possibility of human error makes it trickier to obtain consistent and accurate data. Historically, one of the largest difficulties associated with DCP has been obtaining accurate depth difference measurements with a hand rule after each blow of the hammer. As you can imagine, taking these measurements by sight and recording them by hand can be slow, finicky work. Plus, to measure the total depth, the sum of these measurements is calculated, so it is easy to accumulate a troublesome amount of error if each measurement is even slightly off. Fortunately, handheld electronics technology has alleviated these issues to a great extent. Vertek’s Handheld DCP System uses a smartphone app and a laser rangefinder [...]

By smadi66|December 2nd, 2019|Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Wisconsin, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Alabama, Geotechnical Wyoming, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical West Virginia, DCP, Introductory, Cone Penetration, Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas|0 Comments