Geotechnical Ohio Archives - Page 3 of 4 - GEOTILL provides geotechnical, construction testing and Environmental services Indianapolis Indiana

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 South Dakota, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical Pennsylvania, Geotechnical North Carolina, Introductory, Geotechnical New York, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical Oklahoma, Geotechnical Oregon, Geotechnical Rhode Island, Geotechnical South Carolina|0 Comments

What Information Should you Include in a Geotechical Report?

It could be that you've learned everything there is to know about Cone Penetration Testing, but if you don't know about geotechnical reporting, you're missing out on a big step in the process. A geotechnical report is a tool used to communicate site conditions, as well as design and construction recommendations to be relayed to personnel. In other words, you're taking the results of your CPT testing and putting them into an easy-to-understand report along with relevant conclusions. Sound simple? There's more to it than you might think. Geotechnical Report Essentials Of course, you want to include specific information in your geotechnical report like the status of substrate soil, rock and water conditions. It also goes without saying that accuracy in all areas is crucial because the data in the report will be referred to often throughout the design and construction periods, as well as after the completion of the project, primarily for resolving claims. But let's get more specific. Here are some basic must have points that should be included in every geotechnical report; keeping in mind that final content will vary somewhat depending on the business and project: Location and surface conditions: specific address, current use, surface coverings, elevation, drainage, etc. Subsurface exploration data: soil profile, exploration logs, lab or in-situ test results, ground water conditions Interpretation and analysis of data Engineering recommendations for design Anticipated problems and discussed solutions: slope stability, seismic considerations, etc. Any recommended geotechnical special provisions Include other types of geotechnical reports: foundation report, centerline soil report, landslide study report, etc. With these points as a guideline, it's possible to create a geotechnical report that covers all the right points to satisfy all parties involved in a project. This includes any government agencies that require geotechnical reports. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation [...]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Geotechnical Texas, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical Pennsylvania, CPT Data, Experienced, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical Oklahoma, Geotechnical Oregon, Geotechnical Rhode Island, Geotechnical South Carolina, Geotechnical South Dakota, Geotechnical Tennessee|0 Comments

Grow your Business by Increasing your Geotechnical Services

If you're looking for ways to help grow your business, consider expanding your geotechnical services. By increasing the geotechnical services your company offers, you'll be able to expand your current client base and increase your workload. To realize these benefits, you'll first have to decide which geotechnical services you can offer, which you could offer more in-depth, how it would affect your current workload, and how it can increase your revenue. What Geotechnical Services Can your Business Offer? Rental and sales of equipment Field exploration (soil and rock sampling, test boring, core drilling, electro-magnetic surveying, etc.) Site evaluation (for pavement/ sub grades, alternative site and route studies, definition of critical geotechnical parameters) Engineering analysis and design (slope stability evaluation, hillside grading recommendations, earth retaining structure design, earthquake damage analysis) Laboratory testing services (soil classification, shear strength, permeability, consolidation characteristics, resistivity) Some of these services may be a more natural fit for your current business than others. However, it's worth considering the environment your business is located in, as well as the environmental factors that have an affect on construction. This will help you to hone in on the services that are in demand. Also research any potential competition in your area to see what they do or do not offer, and consider filling any void you discover. For example, if you notice a void in your area's laboratory testing services, consider hiring an expert internally. Between the equipment and manpower you already hold, adding an additional employee may prove profitable. If you're not sure how to gauge demand in your area, consider who you could be marketing your geotechnical services to. Potential customers include: Developers Realtors Architects Engineers Construction companies Utilities Manufacturing companies Financial institutions Federal, state and municipal organizations With a little research and a keen eye, you may [...]

By smadi66|December 3rd, 2019|Introductory, Geotechnical Services, Experienced, Geotechnical Montana, Geotechnical Nevada, Geotechnical New Hampshire, Geotechnical New Jersey, Geotechnical New Mexico, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical New York, Geotechnical Nebraska, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical North Carolina|0 Comments

How to Read a CPT Soil Behavior Type Chart

As you analyze your CPT data, you are likely to come across several different charts designed to classify soil type based on CPT results.If you are new to the field, these charts can be a bit confusing, so here’s a brief overview of one of the more common chart types. Soil behavior classification via CPT is fast, efficient, and frequently automated via software. Still, understanding the classification method is important, as it will help you to recognize and determine the cause of any errors or irregularities in the data. First of all, it is important to note that, since a traditional CPT test does not involve a soil sample, these charts are not designed to tell you the exact makeup of the soil. Instead, CPT tests indicate the soil’s physical and mechanical properties, or how it behaves. Hence, a CPT soil classification chart is technically referred to as a Soil Behavior Type (SBT) chart. Most CPT soil charts are derived from tip resistance (or normalized tip resistance, Qt) and friction ratio data. The tip resistance is measured in some unit of pressure (Bars, Pa, PSI, etc) and is usually plotted on the vertical axis. This axis is logarithmic, meaning it increases by orders of magnitude rather than linearly as it gets further from the origin. Thus you will see units of 10, 100 and 1000 marked an equal distance apart. The friction ratio is given on the horizontal axis. It is the ratio of the sleeve friction divided by the tip resistance: the two units of pressure cancel, so this unitless ratio is multiplied by 100 and given as a percent. This percentage is generally low: 10% would be considered a high friction ratio, since the CPT cone experiences greater pressure on its tip due to the shear strength of [...]

By smadi66|December 2nd, 2019|Geotechnical Nevada, Geotechnical New Hampshire, Geotechnical New Jersey, Geotechnical New Mexico, Geotechnical New York, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical North Carolina, Geotechnical Oklahoma, CPT Data, Geotechnical Oregon, Introductory, Cone Penetration, Soil Testing|0 Comments

Intro to Seismic CPT

What is Seismic Cone Penetration Testing? Seismic CPT or SCPT is a method of calculating the small strain shear modulus of the soil by measuring shear wave velocity through the soil. The small strain modulus is an important quantity for determining the dynamic response of soil during earthquakes, explosive detonations, vibrations from machinery, and during wave loading for offshore structures. The wave speeds and moduli derived from seismic CPT measurements aid in the determination of soil liquefaction potential and improve the interpretation of surface seismic surveys by providing wave speed profiles as a function of depth. Seismic waves from SCPT tests have been detected at depths of up to 300 feet. How does it work? SCPT testing is performed as part of a normal CPT or CPTU test. Equipment consists of a CPT rig, push system, and: SCPT Cone: The SCPT cone is a CPT or CPTU cone that is equipped with one or more geophone sensors. These sensors measure the magnitude and arrival time of seismic shear and compression waves. Wave Generator: Seismic shear waves are generated at the soil surface in one of two ways: The simplest method is to press a steel bar onto the ground lengthwise using the weight of the CPT rig, then strike the end of the bar with a large hammer. An electronic trigger attached either to the hammer or the bar records the exact time of the strike. Another method uses an electronic wave generator attached to the CPT rig. This method increases repeatability and reduces physical strain and testing time for the field team. The CPT test must be paused briefly at the desired intervals to perform the wave generation and data collection. These pauses may be used to conduct a pore pressure dissipation test as well. Data Acquisition System: As [...]

By smadi66|December 1st, 2019|Geotechnical New York, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical Oklahoma, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical Oregon, Geotechnical Pennsylvania, Geotechnical North Carolina, Introductory, Soil Testing, Geotechnical New Hampshire, Geotechnical New Jersey, Geotechnical New Mexico|0 Comments

CPT Dictionary: Soil Shear Strength

Shear strength is the ability of a material to resist shear forces—that is, forces that produce a sliding failure in the material parallel to the direction of the force. The diagram at right demonstrates shear stress, along with tensional and compressional stress. (What's the difference between a stress and a force? Stress is defined as force per area.) How is this relevant to soil testing? Well, consider a sliding failure in soil, such as occurs along a fault plane in an earthquake. Shear strength tells us a great deal about how the soil will behave under shear forces and during changes in stress, for example due to an earthquake or excavation. The in-situ shear strength of soil is difficult to measure, and many methodologies for doing so have been proposed. In general, estimating undrained shear strength--that is, the shear strength of the soil with in-situ moisture--using the CPT is accomplished via the relationship between overburden stress and cone resistance, as shown in the equation below. su = (qc – σvo)/Nk Where: su = undrained shear strength (unitless) qc = cone resistance (psi) σvo = overburden stress (psi) Nk = empirical cone factor (a unitless constant) Nk is determined in the lab, for example via triaxial compression tests. The exact value varies based on the type of reference test used, so it is important to be consistent in this regard. Most test methods return values between 10 and 30, varying with factors such as OCR (over-consolidation ratio), pore pressure, and soil plasticity. Several alternative methods may be used to estimate undrained shear strength via CPT, depending on the test conditions and available data. One such method uses pore pressure at u2 (directly behind the cone) in place of overburden stress: su = (qc – u2)/Nk The disadvantage of this method is [...]

By smadi66|November 29th, 2019|Geotechnical Rhode Island, Uncategorized, Geotechnical South Carolina, Geotechnical Ohio, CPT Dictionary, Geotechnical Pennsylvania, Geotechnical North Carolina, Soil Testing, Geotechnical New Mexico, Geotechnical New York, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical Oklahoma, Geotechnical Oregon|0 Comments

Seismic Averaging in SCPTu testing

Did you know that our CPTSND Data Acquisition program can average repeat seismic strikes? Once you have a strike on the screen, simply accept (retain) the strike and then add another strike of the same type ( A strike for example). This second strike will display below the first strike and when the second strike is accepted (retained) it will be averaged with the first strike and only the averaged strike will remain on the screen. If a third strike is added and then accepted (retained) it will be averaged with the result of the first two. (NOTE: Our software does not retain all the individual strikes- once they are averaged only the average is on file) Averaging strikes is recommended by some of the top GeoTechs in the nation!

By smadi66|November 29th, 2019|Geotechnical South Dakota, Uncategorized, Geotechnical Tennessee, Geotechnical Ohio, Geotechnical Pennsylvania, Geotechnical North Carolina, Geotechnical North Dakota, Geotechnical Oklahoma, Geotechnical Oregon, Geotechnical Rhode Island, Geotechnical South Carolina|0 Comments

Drilling in Southwest Indiana at a 15-year peak

Indiana State officials say Southwest Indiana is experiencing a boom in oil and gas exploration, with a peak number of wells drilled over the past 15 years. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas released a report earlier this week that says oil and gas wells are being drilled in Indiana "At a pace that hasn't been seen for at least 15 years," according to Herschel McDivitt, director of the DNR Division of Oil and Gas. DNR officials say the division issued more than 450 drilling permits in 2006, a number that McDivitt expects to steadily increase during the next several years, due to the anticipated higher prices for crude oil and natural gas. "This is an exciting time to be in the oil and gas business," McDivitt said in a press release announcing the news. "While much of the interest is in drilling for crude oil, a growing number of wells are being drilled for natural gas, especially in the southwestern part of Indiana where companies are actively developing wells." McDivitt acknowledged that along with the increase in drilling applications has come a significant number of questions from landowners who have been approached by companies seeking to obtain leases from the landowners allowing them to drill on their properties. "Many landowners are unfamiliar with the process of leasing their land for oil and gas and are seeking more information about oil and gas operations and looking to find answers to their questions," McDivitt said. DNR has also made some changes in the Division of Oil and Gas's organizational structure. Jim AmRhein will be responsible for all inspections and compliance- related functions within the division's program. Previously, AmRhein was in charge of all permitting functions, as well as inspections and enforcement duties in central and northern [...]

By smadi66|April 16th, 2016|Drilling Ohio, Drilling Kentucky, Drilling, Drilling Michigan, Geotechnical Ohio, Drilling Missouri, Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Michigan, Geotechnical Missouri, St. Louis, Drilling, Drilling Indiana, Drilling Illinois|0 Comments

Upcoming Tunneling Projects – Tunnel

2/10/2016 Upcoming Tunneling Projects CALIFORNIA Laguna Beach Tunnel Stabilization and Sewer Pipeline Replacement Approved by the South Coast Water District Board of Directors in 2010 and the City of Laguna Beach in late 2013, the Tunnel Stabilization & Sewer Pipeline Replacement Project (Tunnel Project) is a 100-year solution to protect the environment, local economies and neighboring communities. The project comprises two key components: Tunnel Stabilization: The District will enlarge the size of the tunnel from an average of 6 to 9 ft. This will ensure safer working conditions and greater access for future pipeline maintenance and repair. Permanent shotcrete lining and steel supports will be installed at several locations where required, replacing rotten timber supports and removal of loose rock that currently exist. Pipeline Replacement: The District will install a new 24-in. pipeline throughout the tunnel. The current pipeline – also 24 in. in diameter – will be encased in concrete, but preserved for redundancy and emergency use. The cost to repair the tunnel is estimated at approximately $90 million and will be funded through low-interest state loans, grants and the District’s general fund. Shortlisted tunnel contractors announcement was anticipated for 2014-2015 with request for bids expected in 2015 and NTP in 2015-2016. Los Angeles The North East Interceptor Sewer (NEIS) Phase 2A The North East Interceptor Sewer (NEIS) Phase 2A project is currently the northern extension of the NEIS Phase 1 project. The project will construct approximately 3.03 miles of 8-ft diameter sewer in tunnel and associated structures. The sewer will be constructed from the Division St. Shaft site, near the intersection of San Fernando Road and Cazador Street and terminate at the northern overflow parking lot for the Pony and Train Rides in Griffith Park, just north of the I-5 Griffith Park On/Off Ramps (I-5 Shaft Site) east [...]

World Tunnelling News

Jan 05, 2016 - Helsinki-Tallinn fixed link seems feasible Yle Uutiset Jan 04, 2016 - India awards large $1.5 billion road link contract India Times Jan 01, 2016 - Bangladesh to improve infrastructure BD News 24 Dec 30, 2015 - India's longest road link to open in July NDTV Dec 29, 2015 - India envisages first underwater link India Times - India Today Dec 29, 2015 - China opens longest lake crossing GB Times Dec 28, 2015 - Japanese court ruling on fatal ceiling collapse The Yomiuri Shimbun - Japan News Dec 28, 2015 - Shanghai completes 13th river link Shanghai Daily Dec 26, 2015 - Bids placed for Istanbul mega-project Daily Sabah Dec 25, 2015 - Complex Singapore road link delayed Straits Times Dec 25, 2015 - Ottawa LRT enters final phase Ottawa Sun Dec 22, 2015 - Rio Metro Line 4 needs more funding The Rio Times Dec 20, 2015 - Work starts on Auckland's City Rail Link Stuff.co.nz Dec 18, 2015 - Study looks at replacing old Baltimore rail link The Baltimore Sun Dec 14, 2015 - US transportation bill boosts Hudson rail project New York Times Dec 14, 2015 - Cost of Mumbai Metro Line 3 underestimated The Indian Express Dec 14, 2015 - Cologne LRT opens phase III Railway Gazette Dec 14, 2015 - Qatar progresses with rail infrastructure Doha News Dec 10, 2015 - Tunnelling to start on Shinkansen maglev line The Asahi Shimbun Dec 09, 2015 - Sweden opens its longest rail tunnel International Railway Journal Dec 04, 2015 - Barge launches Thames Tideway construction Tideway news release Dec 03, 2015 - Memorial ceremony for Sasago tunnel collapse Japan Today Dec 02, 2015 - TT2 recognised for work with the disabled Shield's Gazette Nov 30, 2015 - Group to lobby for Malta-Gozo fixed [...]

By smadi66|January 17th, 2016|Geotechnical Illinois, Geotechnical Michigan, Geotechnical Missouri, St. Louis, Geotechnical Indiana, Tunneling, Geotechnical Kentucky, Geotechnical Tennessee, Geotechnical Ohio|0 Comments