December 2019 - Page 3 of 8 - 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 Florida, Vertek Partners, Video Posts, Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Alabama, Geotechnical Connecticut|0 Comments

Using a Compaction Test to Determine Site Safety Standards

Compaction is an engineering term used to describe the ability of a soil type to be treated with mechanical energy and compressed such that air voids are removed. With individual grains compressed to remove air voids, it becomes more difficult for the soil being compressed to 'settle' further on its own. The strength of the soil in loads other than compression can be increased because the individual particles within the soil become interlocked and friction can become a more important function of the soil behavior. Compacted soil, because air spaces between the particles are reduced has lower hydraulic conductivity (passes water less easily under a given pressure). Why do a Compaction Test? Compaction can be important when high loads such as building foundations may cause a soil to settle over time causing shifting or even collapse. It can be valuable for soil that you want to retain in place, such as along an embankment or behind a retaining wall to be compacted. The compaction process, by increasing the friction in the compacted soil helps to maintain against horizontal slippage which can either result in a landslide off from an embankment or in higher pressure behind a retaining wall, causing it to bow outwards. Because compaction lowers hydraulic conductivity, it can be useful, or even essential in the functioning of earthen dams, drainage ditches and levees. A measurement of compaction is the change in density, or weight per unit volume increase after the soil in question is compacted. That's why sometimes 'compaction' is also called 'densification'. This is actually not a correct designation as 'densification' actually includes both 'compaction' which is described above as well as 'consolidation'. Consolidation involves fluid flow out of the soil being densified, such as when you are treating clay heavy soils. Water is squeezed out from [...]

By smadi66|December 5th, 2019|Geotechnical Kansas, Introductory, Soil Testing, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Louisiana, Geotechnical Maine, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Massachusetts, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Maryland, Geotechnical Iowa|0 Comments

Land Concierge of Japan Visits Vertek CPT Facility

Japanese CPT Services Built by Vertek Land Concierge Inc.’s subsurface technology manager Hideyuki Sato and colleague Yoshihiro Imai visited Vertek CPT's manufacturing facility for a demonstration of our S4 Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT) push system and Data Acquisition Systems (DAS). Land Concierge Inc. has been a customer of Vertek since 2009 and is our sales agent in Japan. Contact Mr. Sato with your Japanese soil testing equipment needs and questions. Vertek personnel demonstrated the versatility of the S4 and provided an interactive tour of our CPT fabrication facilities. Mr. Sato indicated that requests for CPT testing in Japan has increased since 2011 and many of his customers that are interested in incorporating Verteks’ S4 and CPT equipment into their business. Land Concierge's clients focus on: Contaminted sites Site characterization Bio-remediation Geothechnical in-situ testing Soil and groundwater sampling If your organization would like to send a representative to our Vermont facility to learn more about the CPT business and technologies, contact us today.

By smadi66|December 4th, 2019|Vertek Partners, Geotechnical Montana, Geotechnical Nevada, Geotechnical New Hampshire, Geotechnical New Jersey, Geotechnical New Mexico, Geotechnical Michigan, Geotechnical Missouri, Geotechnical Minnesota, Geotechnical Mississippi, Geotechnical Nebraska|0 Comments

Cone Penetration Test (CPT) Overview 101

Are you new to the Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) business? Or maybe you're looking to convert your operation to CPT? Wherever your interest is surfacing from, we have everything you need to know about expanding into the CPT business with confidence. What do I get from a Cone Penetration Test (CPT)? In case you're new to the Cone Penetration Testing business, CPT will collect important subsurface information from standard tests and then from there determine important business factors, such as, how to design foundations for structures or the composition of subsurface soils. The difference between this type of data collection and other competitors is the benefit CPT has for businesses. CPT can provide immediate, onsite information that is quick and accurate. Above all, onsite results can improve your business productivity; ultimately leading to a more efficient business process. If you had the chance to take a look at our Solutions Brief: Enter the Cone Penetration Business with Confidence, then you may have already taken a deep dive into the advantages of collecting subsurface information with a process that is more quick and efficient than other options. Businesses are choosing to use a CPT solution for many different reasons; whether for construction or government purposes, they all benefit from the same advantage: speedy collection and interpretation of data, a safe solution for operators and the environment, and the ability to adapt to different weather and soil conditions. We understand how intimidating it can be to enter a new business; large or small. That's why we are focused on delivering educational content that addresses all of your CPT needs and concerns. From topics on 'What is a Cone Test' to 'Mud Rotary Drilling vs. CPT,' it's important to consider pros and cons and different scenarios in order to make the right choice [...]

By smadi66|December 4th, 2019|Geotechnical Oklahoma, Geotechnical Oregon, Geotechnical Rhode Island, Geotechnical South Carolina, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical South Dakota, Geotechnical Pennsylvania, Geotechnical North Carolina, Introductory, Cone Penetration, Geotechnical New York, Geotechnical North Dakota|0 Comments

CPT Case Study: GEI Consultants

30 years of Cone Penetration Testing with GEI We're proud of the relationship we have with our long time customers. We succeed together. One of these groups is GEI Consultants, which has been delivering engineering services around the globe since 1970. Sean Brady, Senior Instrumentation Specialist with GEI, provided CPT University with background on their operation as it pertains to their CPT efforts. Briefly describe GEI’s engineering focus. What do you do for whom? GEI is a medium size engineering firm with around 700 employees in the United States. Our business line within GEI is Geo-technical, non-destructive testing, and geophysics. Our engineering’s have designed over 75% of downtown Chicago’s foundations and most of the tallest buildings in the world. We often are part of the design team when difficult and challenging soils are encountered. We perform CPT’s on earthen dams/embankments, river sediment depths, USCOE projects from Ft. Peck Montana to New York, RR alignments, bridge embankments, and Power plants. A little of everything you can imagine from Water, RR bridges, Landfills, stability of tail basins for the mines. We also oversee other companies performing CPT. We just worked in Asantana, Kazahkstan overseeing a new energy exposition 2016 project for both SPT’s and CPT. Also have overseen CPT testing in Doha, Qatar. When did CPT first become of interest and why? We have over 30 years of CPT testing experience. In the late 80’s we purchased a 30T CPT truck and traveled around the US performing CPT on challenging geo-technical projects. In the mid-90’s we sold our truck and started to perform CPT testing behind drill rigs. At the time we had a fleet of 18 drill rigs from track mounted, ATV, truck mounted, Barge mounted, etc. We get involved with delicate soils all the time. In some cases even when [...]

By smadi66|December 4th, 2019|Geotechnical Vermont, Geotechnical Virginia, Geotechnical Washington, Geotechnical Wyoming, Geotechnical Tennessee, Geotechnical Wisconsin, Geotechnical Alabama, Geotechnical West Virginia, Vertek Partners, Geotechnical Texas, Geotechnical Utah|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 California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Introductory, Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas|0 Comments

A Short Introduction into CPT and the ASTM Standards

If you have been thinking about expanding into the Cone Penetration Testing business but still need some more information to feel confident with your decision; or need further details to bring to your employer, you have come to the right place. This post is an introduction to the basics of CPT and how it correlates with the ASTM Standards to meet your needs and better serve your business. If this is the first time you have really considered entering the CPT business; CPT is the use of a hardened cone shape that is pushed into the ground to substantial depths for the process of collecting immediate onsite data. CPT has proven to be an inexpensive option that not only is safe and efficient but delivers accurate data at a faster rate. Not only is CPT an effective and inexpensive option for your drilling assignments, but it also meets the ASTM Standards, ensuring that it meets the standard of excellence (safe, quality, etc). CPT Data & ASTM Standards "ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards. Today, some 12,000 ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance safety, facilitate market access and trade, and build consumer confidence" [ASTM]. To take a deeper dive into the value of ASTM Standards, take a look at this video: [/fusion_youtube]

By smadi66|December 4th, 2019|Geotechnical Louisiana, Geotechnical Maine, Geotechnical Massachusetts, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Michigan, Geotechnical Maryland, Geotechnical Minnesota, Geotechnical Iowa, Geotechnical Kansas, Introductory|0 Comments

In-Situ Soil Testing 101: The Different Types of Tests

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 [...]

By smadi66|December 4th, 2019|Geotechnical New Jersey, Geotechnical New Mexico, Geotechnical New York, Geotechnical Missouri, Geotechnical Mississippi, Geotechnical Nebraska, Geotechnical North Carolina, Introductory, Geotechnical Montana, Geotechnical Nevada, Geotechnical New Hampshire|0 Comments

Converting a Drilling Rig into a CPT Platform

If you're familiar with our CPT University blog then you may have had a chance to take a closer look into what CPT can do for your business. If you're yet to make the switch; it may be because you don't exactly have the means to support the transition into the CPT business. Fortunately, if you're still looking to reap the benefits of CPT rigs, the Vertek CPT Drill Rig Adapter may be the solution that you have been searching for. Read on to learn how you can start growing your drilling business. Converting a drill rig into a CPT platform using a Vertek CPT Drill Rig Adapter Businesses that transition out of SPT or Hollow Stem Auger Drilling are able to become more efficient and obtain a higher daily rate. How Does it Work? The drill rig CPT adapter kit enables drilling service providers to complete CPT testing with their existing equipment. So how does it work exactly? The simple adapter is first screwed onto the drill head. This enables the existing push and pull hydraulic system to advance and retract the CPT equipment to and from the subsurface. This is just a small snippet of what the drill rig CPT adapter kit can do, for even more on it's functionality, visit our drilling conversion page. A CPT Drilling Conversion Rig Kit Consists of: A Peizo-Cone Penetrometer A Data Acquisition System (DAS) and coaxial communication cable A Depth Marker for depth measurement A Drill Head Adapter for advancing and removal Rods or Rod Adapters Wear surface consumables and spares (tips, sleeves, pore pressure filters) Seismic shear wave equipment (optional) Converting a drilling rig can be a cost-effective entry into CPT. By following this route, you can enter the CPT business with a brand that offers exceptional domestic support and [...]

By smadi66|December 4th, 2019|Geotechnical South Carolina, Geotechnical Tennessee, Geotechnical South Dakota, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical Texas, Geotechnical Pennsylvania, Introductory, Cone Penetration, Video Posts, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical Oklahoma, Geotechnical Oregon, Geotechnical Rhode Island|0 Comments

Cone Penetrometer Testing via Speed Lock Rods

The strongest direct push rods in cone penetration testing. Unsurpassed Joint Strength Vertek manufactures a full line of CPT push rods with our proprietary Speed Lock dual-lead thread design. Speed Lock Rods provide unsurpassed joint strength, up to 50% stronger than industry standard V-threads. Our unique rope thread design uses less of the available wall thickness and balances the strength between the male and female thread ends. Speed Lock coupled joint achieves nearly 90% of the strength of the heat treated rod stock. Increase Speed, Reduce Operator Fatigue Our dual-lead thread provides fast coupling; 2.5 turns to couple or uncouple compared with 5-7 turns for competitor’s rods improving worksite productivity. Flexibility and Adaptability to Variety of Cones Speed Lock Rods are available in standard 1.44” and 1.75” diameters. Custom sizes include 2”, 2.25” and 2.5”. Vertek also manufactures custom adapters to permit use of our advanced thread design with your current inventory of CPT equipment. Make the most of your CPT rig and cone penetrometer testing equipment with Vertek Speed Lock Rods!

By smadi66|December 4th, 2019|Geotechnical Wisconsin, Geotechnical Alabama, Geotechnical West Virginia, Experienced, Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical Utah, Geotechnical Vermont, Geotechnical Virginia, Geotechnical Washington, Geotechnical Wyoming|0 Comments

Monthly Archives: December 2019