In-situ soil testing is essential for gaining soil property information, measuring groundwater pressure, gathering moisture content data and other important data points, all in which can be safety-critical in a number of different instances. In today’s post we are going to take a deep dive into a few different types of soil tests that can be performed in-situ.

In-situ soil testing can be accomplished in a variety of different ways. Every soil test has its own place and benefit; however, the most accurate and thorough in-situ soil testing for determining a wide variety of technical attributes is Cone Penetration Testing (CPT). Just like everything else, determining what is best for your business is more efficient and effective once you have determined the pros and cons for every possible solution; in this case a testing solution.

Options for In-Situ Soil Testing Procedures

Here is a closer look at a few different options for performing an in-situ soil test:

Standard Penetration Testing (SPT):

This option is dynamic, low in cost and has been widely recognized as a simplified solution that provides useful information. While it’s reasonably consistent with it’s results in fine-grained sands it’s not as consistent with coarse sands or clays; which can be difficult for gathering accurate data and analysis of soil conditions. For even more on Standard Penetration Testing, visit one of our previous posts that takes a closer look at SPT for your business.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP):

A DCP manually lifts it’s weight and drops into a cone that will then penetrate into the ground. It will record the number of mm per hit as well as gather an estimate of different soil properties, however it doesn’t have as many capabilities as the CPT, and can only estimate certain properties.

Cone Penetration Testing (CPT):

This option collects important and accurate subsurface information from standard tests and can determine important factors to your business or project, enabling you to design foundations for structures. This type of testing is not only accurate, but it can collect data at a speedy rate and from there will interpret the data on the site, enabling you to gain a competitive advantage as an engineer.

In addition to the testing methods listed above, your business can also perform an in-situ soil test with a Flat Plate Dilatometer Test (DMT) in-situ gas tests, etc.

By having an understanding of the different types of tests available to your business, as well as the advantages and disadvantages will help you to better understand the advantages of Cone Penetration Testing. Not only will you be able to generate more accurate results, but you can do it at a faster and inexpensive way. If you would like more information, subscribe to our blog for future articles related to scaling your business.