December 2019 - Page 5 of 8 - GEOTILL provides geotechnical, construction testing and Environmental services Indianapolis Indiana

Incotec Q&A: Cone Testing in Bolivia

CPT in South America Vertek's S4 Push System has made entry into the CPT market accessible for a growing list of geotechnical professionals. Here on our CPT U blog we often provide a closer look at some of these organizations and how their regional markets operate. One such company is a Bolivian construction and engineering group that's been in operation since 1968, but has just recently added CPT to their offerings thanks to a Vertek S4. Read on for our Q&A with Mario A. Teceros of Incotec. Provide a brief background on your company. How/when did it originate? It was established in 1968. Is one of the oldest operating construction companies in Bolivia. It was initially created to build urban infrastructure and housing. Rapidly entered to the civil works and the deep foundations market. Incotec also started with the first geotechnical equipment (SPT and DPM) in 1968. Since then, beside the experience in different type of projects (ranging from concrete structures to industrial constructions and dams), the speciality in deep and special foundations has been the main "stamp" of Incotec. Is family company and now the third generation is working. What is the scope and focus of Incotec today? More specialization in all the fields of its activities, mainly with the incorporation of cutting edge equipments for soil tests (SCPTu from Vertek), deep foundation construction (BG18, BG20 and BG 30 from Bauer, with tools for Full Displacement Piles, Cutter Soil Mixing, cased piles) and quality controls (From Pile Dynamics, PIT, Cross Hole and PDA). But the main product developed by Incotec during the last decade is the EXpander Body, a steel folded "balloon" that is installed at the tip of a pile or an anchor. The EB is then injected with grout to expand it, compacting the surrounding soil and [...]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Florida, Geotechnical Iowa, Geotechnical Kansas, Vertek Partners, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Louisiana, Geotechnical Maine|0 Comments

CPT Testing 101: Basic Concepts

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! [/fusion_youtube]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical Michigan, Geotechnical Missouri, Geotechnical Maryland, Geotechnical Minnesota, Geotechnical Mississippi, Geotechnical Nebraska, Introductory, Geotechnical Massachusetts, Geotechnical Montana, Geotechnical Nevada, Geotechnical New Hampshire|0 Comments

Building a CPT Truck in Less Than 3 Minutes (Video)

This short video compresses about a month of construction time on a 20 Ton CPT Truck built by Vertek CPT at our Vermont facility during the summer of 2014. CPT Trucks are popular for those looking for maximum push force and all-in-one mobility. This truck will be delivered to the customer upon completion of the internal components. Large trucks provide greater push force and improved working environs while smaller trucks provide greater mobility in tight spaces. Contact us to see which is best for you. Our new S4 Push System also provides a path to entering the CPT market with limited investment. [/fusion_youtube]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Cone Penetration, Vertek Partners, Video Posts, Geotechnical New Jersey, Geotechnical New Mexico, Geotechnical New York, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical Oklahoma, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical Oregon, Geotechnical Pennsylvania, Geotechnical Rhode Island, Geotechnical North Carolina|0 Comments

What to Consider Before Buying a Used CPT Rig

When faced with the prospect of a major purchase, it’s common to look into the possibility of buying used. In most circumstances, this is a perfectly valid option with a number of upsides, the most obvious of which being a lower upfront investment. However, when it comes to buying a used CPT Rig, you might be better off buying a new rig from a trusted vendor. Here’s why. Used Means Used First and foremost, Cone Penetration Testing is too important to leave up to chance. Sure, your used CPT Rig may appear in fine working order and you may have acquired it from a reputable seller, but there’s no getting around the simple fact that a used rig has a higher chance of failing than a brand new one. This point is further compounded when you consider the fact that even the best used CPT Rig dealer can’t match the expertise of a CPT Rig manufacturer. Expertise Straight from the Source When you buy a CPT Rig from Vertek CPT, you’re also getting access to our knowledgeable technical sales staff; something used CPT Rig sellers can’t offer. Additionally, in some instances, Vertek CPT will provide comprehensive training and will even accompany you to your first job site to maximize your chances of success. You can’t get that kind of service or expertise from a used CPT Rig dealer. Even if you think you have enough experience with CPT Rigs to ensure success with a used rig, though, it’s also worth noting that not every CPT Rig is right for every task. A Wide Variety of CPT Rigs If you have a broad enough knowledge base to feel comfortable buying and setting up a used CPT Rig, then you probably also know that there are many kinds of CPT Rigs. Cone [...]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Introductory, Geotechnical South Carolina, Geotechnical South Dakota, Geotechnical Texas, Geotechnical Utah, Geotechnical Vermont, Geotechnical Virginia, Geotechnical Washington, Geotechnical Tennessee, Geotechnical Wisconsin, Geotechnical West Virginia|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 Florida, Introductory, Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Wyoming, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Alabama, Geotechnical Connecticut|0 Comments

Geotechnical Investigation and CPT Papers Now Available From CPT ’14

Did you attend CPT '14 in Las Vegas, Nevada? If so then you know the wealth of geotechnical expertise that was shared, and if not, then be sure to examine the scope of professional papers published from the event available for review now on their website. FEATURED PAPERS Whether you are a seasoned CPT veteran or just considering entering the cone penetration profession, the topics covered at CPT '14 provide current geotechnical expertise that you can benefit from. Some of the topics covered include: The effect of sleeve diameter on fs measurements Axial and torsional axisymmetric laboratory interface shear tests for CPT attachment studies Geotechnical Offshore Seabed Tool (GOST): A new cone penetrometer Evaluating rolling dynamic compaction of fill using CPT Verification of compaction grouting program using CPT in liquefiable soils Use of CPT for stability and performance evaluation of Mississippi River Revetment slope in New Orleans Role of CPTu in design of large Atlantic port terminal in Costa Rica Use of CPT for design, monitoring, and performance verification of compaction projects Using piezocone to assess strength gain of gold tailings in semi-arid environment Interpretation of geotechnical parameters from seismic piezocone tests Novel applications of CPT for verification of ground improvement projects Fault study using CPT, drill and trenching data Shear strength evaluation of preloaded stabilized dredged sediments using CPT

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CPT Testing, the Piezocone and Measuring Soil Moisture

When you think of Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) you may tend to focus on the soil being tested, which makes sense since soil testing and analysis is largely what CPT is all about. But let’s not forget another equally important aspect of soil testing: moisture. While measuring soil moisture levels isn't necessarily important in every investigation, it is often valuable information to have for your data set. When designing underground electrical equipment or digging tunnels, for example, knowing soil moisture conditions at certain depths is crucial. Measuring Moisture with a ‘Piezocone’ Measuring the moisture content of soil is a crucial aspect of CPT that is performed by a type of cone known as a ‘Piezocone.’ The Piezocone is a core component of many CPT systems; in fact, it’s actually a type of CPT cone. Able to measure the presence of groundwater, the Piezocone is fitted with a device that measures in-situ pore pressure. As such, when the cone penetrates into soils, water pressure is exerted on and measured by the Piezocone. Pore pressure data is recorded automatically during the testing process. As with any standard Cone Penetration Test, the Piezocone also measures pore pressure tip resistance, sleeve friction to provide a picture of the soil behavior being tested. Due to its relatively specialized nature, the Piezocone is typically used when soil conditions are expected to be fairly wet. The Piezocone is a standard configuration of most CPT cones while adding the ability to measure a greater breadth of information. If you found today's post interesting, subscribe to our blog for even more on the CPT business!

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical Nebraska, Introductory, Geotechnical Montana, Geotechnical Nevada, Geotechnical New Hampshire, Geotechnical New Jersey, Geotechnical New Mexico, Geotechnical Michigan, Geotechnical Missouri, Geotechnical Minnesota, Geotechnical Mississippi|0 Comments

What is a CPT DataPack?

Your average Cone Penetration Testing Rig is a fairly complex piece of machinery, but it can’t do its job alone. Indeed, every CPT Rig needs a DataPack, or data acquisition and analysis package (DAS), to properly measure and document soil information gathered from digital CPT cones and other sensors. But what exactly is a DataPack? Typically, CPT DataPacks like the VTK DataPack offer a simple “all-in-one” solution to commercial CPT service providers. The DataPack is most often designed to be field portable as it operates onsite during the CPT Testing process. As such, most DataPacks are best used with any commercial, off-the-shelf laptop for optimal portability. The Benefits of Automated Data Collection While sensor-specific data, such as calibration factors, serial numbers and sensor type, are in fact stored in each sensor module in the cone, that data is also automatically transmitted to the DataPack with each penetration. This automated collection of data offers a number of advantages. For starters, with the DataPack handling all the data collection, even a technician with minimal training can operate the system with relative ease. Automated data collection and analysis also reduces operator error or bias, while further speeding up the CPT Testing process as reporting is instant. This in turn allows for increased productivity and profit for the operator as many more soundings can be performed in a shift. Perhaps most importantly, the DataPack can also present information immediately in the form of a client-ready visual report. Again, this saves field engineers time as they don’t have to crunch the data manually. Since CPT is still a fairly new field, this makes it easier for technicians to make the shift to CPT from related vocations. The added confidence the DataPack offers technicians in turn helps ease the way for new entrants into the CPT [...]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical New York, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical Oklahoma, Geotechnical Oregon, Geotechnical Rhode Island, Geotechnical South Carolina, Geotechnical South Dakota, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical Pennsylvania, Geotechnical North Carolina, Introductory|0 Comments

Cone Penetration Testing Glossary of Terms

This brief glossary contains some of the most frequently used terms related to CPT/CPTU. These are presented in alphabetical order. CPT: Cone Prenetration Test or the act of Cone Penetration Testing. CPTU: Cone Penetration Test with pore water pressure measurement - a piezocone test. Cone: The part of the Cone penetrometer on which the end bearing is developed. Cone penetrometer: The assembly containing the cone, friction sleeve, any other sensors and measuring systems, as well as the connections to the push rods. Cone resistance: The total force acting on the cone, divided by the projected area of the cone. Corrected cone resistance: The cone resistance corrected for pore water pressure effects. Corrected sleeve friction: The sleeve friction corrected for pore water pressure effects on the ends of the friction sleeve. Data acquisition system: The system used to measure and record the measurements made by the cone penetrometer. Dissipation test: A test when the decay of the pore water pressure is monitored during a pause in penetration. Filter element: The porous element inserted into the cone penetrometer to allow transmission of the pore water pressure to the pore pressure sensor, while maintaining the correct profile of the cone penetrometer. Friction ratio: The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the sleeve friction, to the cone resistance, both measured at the same depth. Friction reducer: A local enlargement on the push-rod surface, placed at a distance above the cone penetrometer, and provided to reduce the friction on the push rods. Friction sleeve: The section of the cone penetrometer upon which the sleeve friction is measured. Normalized cone resistance: The cone resistance expressed in a non dimensional form and taking account of stress changes in situ. Net cone resistance: The corrected cone resistance minus the vertical total stress. Net pore pressure: The meausured pore [...]

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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 [...]

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Monthly Archives: December 2019