Geotechnical Illinois Archives - Page 3 of 5 - GEOTILL provides geotechnical, construction testing and Environmental services Indianapolis Indiana

Presenting CPT Data to Owners & Engineers: an Important Role of CPT

If you are considering entering the CPT business from, let’s say, operating a well-drilling business, you’ll want to prepare yourself for a few adjustments. Depending upon the type of business you are used to running or being a part of, you’ll find that the customer interactions may be different. CPT testing is all about gathering data from field tests and quickly turning that into useful information for the site owner, an engineer, construction company, government agency etc. This blog is an introduction to the basics of CPT reporting. We’ll start with what we’re trying to measure, then we’ll discuss how a CPT system, and in particular the probe, gathers specific types of useful data. Then we’ll, look at some ways that this data is interpreted to make useful information for your customer to make decisions. In real life, you’ll want to use a software application that quickly and efficiently does this interpretation for you. However, Vertek CPT believes in training it’s customer partners from the ground up (so to speak) so that you are comfortable and confident in every conversation you’ll have. What are we trying to measure? CPT is the quickest and most cost-effective way to map out what the soil conditions are under your feet. If you imagine being able to look at the ground ‘from the side’, you’d see layers something like this: For people responsible for building highways through hilly territory, or building a heavy structure, it’s important to know what’s underground before they begin planning. This is where CPT comes in. CPT lets you draw a picture of what’s underground for folks who need it. How Does a CPT Probe Gather Useful Types of Data? So let’s start with the Cone, the ‘C’ in CPT. If you look at the picture below, you can imagine [...]

By smadi66|December 5th, 2019|Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Introductory|0 Comments

Why Are There So Many Kinds of CPT Rigs?

As you look through our website, you'll see that there are a number of different types of CPT Rigs. As you can imagine, they each have their purpose, or 'application'. In order to understand why different types of CPT Rigs exist, it's helpful to remember how CPT works in the first place. Cone Penetration Testing The goal of Cone Penetration Testing is to drive a hardened cone vertically into the the ground and to keep it moving at a specific rate of progress. The force that it takes to maintain the cone moving downward at a defined rate is an indicator of how hard the soil is at a given depth. The friction the cone sleeve encounters along the way gives us an indication of the make up of the soil. Deciding Between CPT Rigs As you can imagine, as the cone progresses further downward and encounters different types of soils, sands, clays and rocks it can take a substantial amount of pressure to keep it moving! One of the first factors that influences the design of CPT Rigs is the maximum amount of pressure that will be required to perform a specific test, to a specific depth in a given geological area. As much as 20 tons of downward force may be required to perform a broad enough range of tests to make a given rig viable for a market. For every ton of downward pressure on the test cone through the rod system, you have to have a reaction force equal to this to keep the Rig from lifting up. This means that either the Rig has to be heavier than the maximum push force, plus a safety margin, or it needs to be anchored down in some way as to reliably resist the upward force generated by [...]

By smadi66|December 5th, 2019|Cone Penetration, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Geotechnical Iowa, Geotechnical Kansas, Introductory|0 Comments

Why Are There So Many Kinds of CPT Rigs?

As you look through our website, you'll see that there are a number of different types of CPT Rigs. As you can imagine, they each have their purpose, or 'application'. In order to understand why different types of CPT Rigs exist, it's helpful to remember how CPT works in the first place. The goal of Cone Penetration Testing is to drive a hardened cone vertically into the the ground and to keep it moving at a specific rate of progress. The force that it takes to maintain the cone moving downward at a defined rate is an indicator of how hard the soil is at a given depth. The friction the cone sleeve encounters along the way gives us an indication of the make up of the soil. As you can imagine, as the cone progresses further downward and encounters different types of soils, sands, clays and rocks it can take a substantial amount of pressure to keep it moving! One of the first factors that influences the design of CPT Rigs is the maximum amount of pressure that will be required to perform a specific test, to a specific depth in a given geological area. As much as 20 tons of downward force may be required to perform a broad enough range of tests to make a given rig viable for a market. For every ton of downward pressure on the test cone through the rod system, you have to have a reaction force equal to this to keep the Rig from lifting up. This means that either the Rig has to be heavier than the maximum push force, plus a safety margin, or it needs to be anchored down in some way as to reliably resist the upward force generated by the test (or 'sounding'). Depending upon the [...]

By smadi66|December 5th, 2019|Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Louisiana, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Florida, Geotechnical Iowa, Geotechnical Kansas, Introductory, Cone Penetration|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 Maine, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Massachusetts, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Maryland, Geotechnical Iowa, Geotechnical Kansas, Introductory, Soil Testing, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Louisiana|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 Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Introductory, Geotechnical Arizona, Geotechnical Arkansas, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Idaho|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 Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia, Geotechnical Connecticut, Geotechnical Florida, Geotechnical Iowa, Vertek Partners, Video Posts, Geotechnical California, Geotechnical Colorado, Geotechnical Delaware, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Idaho|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

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 Florida, Geotechnical Iowa, Geotechnical Kansas, Vertek Partners, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Louisiana, Geotechnical Maine, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Georgia|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

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical Iowa, Geotechnical Kansas, Experienced, Geotechnical Idaho, Geotechnical Louisiana, Geotechnical Maine, Geotechnical Massachusetts, Geotechnical Indiana, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Maryland|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