A Cone Penetration Test is used to collect key subsurface information from soil by pushing a hardened cone shape per ASTM International standards, deep into the ground with the help of steel rods, a hydraulic ram and, in most cases, a very heavy truck. CPT is typically used to determine the composition, distribution and strength of soil, sediment and other geological subsurface features like clay, sand, bedrock and even contaminants.
The information gathered by Cone Penetration Testing can be used to inform important business decisions, like how to design the foundations of a structure. This helps prevent any future issues that could arise from building a structure blind.
Of course, CPT testing isn’t the only method of soil investigation, but it is among the most commonly used and accepted, and for good reason. For starters, CPT testing offers quick collection and interpretation of field data; in fact, it is up to three times faster than traditional methods. In addition, CPT testing eliminates drill cuttings, while also being economical, environmentally friendly, safe and adaptive to various weather and soil conditions.
In other words, CPT is the clear, superior choice for soil testing in the majority of situations. Best of all, thanks to developments like Vertek’s S4 Push System, it’s possible to perform CPT testing with nothing more than the CPT System and a commercial skidsteer. For a closer look at how CPT stacks up against competing methods of soil investigation, check out our ‘Mud Rotary Drilling vs. CPT’ post.
If you’re still curious about what expanding into the CPT business can do you your business, subscribe to our blog, or take a closer look at the video below!

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