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Cone Penetration Test (CPT) Overview 101

Vertek Team · April 25, 2020 ·

Learn the basics of a cone penetration test with this Cone Penetration Test overview 101

Are you new to the Cone Penetration Test (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.

It’s important to understand cone penetration testing for in geotechnical practice and understand the cone penetration testing equipment. CPT equipment like CPT rigs, CPT drilling rig, and other CPT testing equipment. Keep reading the cone penetration test overview to learn more.

What is Cone Penetration Testing?

The cone penetration test or cone penetrometer test (CPT) is used to determine the geotechnical engineering properties of soils and delineating soil stratigraphy.

The system consists of a sensored probe, or “cone,” with a conical tip that collects and measures three main measurements: tip resistance, sleeve friction, and pore pressure.

The probe is pushed at a specified ASTM rate to the desired depth by a hydraulic system. An example can be found in the video below.

What do I get from a CPT?

In case you’re new to the CPT 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 The Business of CPT, then you may have already taken a deep dive into the advantages of collecting subsurface information with a process that is quicker and more 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.

Ready for a quote or have more questions. Contact us today!


General FAQs on Cone Penetration Testing

What is a cone penetration test?

The cone penetration test or cone penetrometer test (CPT) determines soil’s geotechnical engineering properties and delineating soil.


What is a cone penetration testing?

The cone penetration test has become internationally one of the most widely used and accepted test methods for determining geotechnical soil properties.


How does cone test work?

The steel cone contains an electronic measuring system that records tip resistance and sleeve friction. As the cone is pushed into the ground, the soil responds with differing degrees of resistance. This resistance is recorded using force sensors in the tip.


What is the purpose of the cone penetration test?

A cone penetration test is used to determine the geotechnical properties of soils. The CPT has become internationally one of the most widely used and accepted test methods for determining geotechnical soil properties.

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CPT cone penetration test overview

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