What is a Cone Test? If you want to know the basics, start here

A Cone Penetration Test (CPT) also referred to more informally as a Cone Test.

A cone test is a way to get at subsurface information without having to directly sample the subsurface. 

Many organizations that order drilling services are also using CPT within their operations. CPT testing services is a good support option to well-drilling services since many of the potential customers and skills overlap.

What is Cone Penetration Testing?

Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) is the practice of using an ASTM standard hardened cone shape that is directly pushed into the ground to substantial depths. The cone is pushed using steel rods that are able to be connected to each other in 1 meter lengths as the depth increases.

A powerful hydraulic ram is used to generate a substantial amount of downward force to enable the cone to penetrate  soils, sand, clay and sometimes even soft rock.

In order to keep the surface equipment (truck) in place and not simply be lifted up by the ram force, the vehicles that the CPT equipment is mounted on or in are typically quite heavy.

Also, the use of anchor systems to the ground will increase the ability of any vehicle-mounted CPT system to push harder and therefore deeper.

There are a couple of different imperative goals to any subsurface investigation. The first one is the nature and sequence of strata or soil,sediments and other geological subsurface features. Using CPT for this is called geo-technical testing.

In addition, the groundwater conditions can be established during a sounding. CPT can be used to determine: the composition, strength, and distribution of subsurface soils. These can range from clay, sand, bedrock, groundwater table, hydrocarbons, contaminants, and more.

Advantages of CPT

There are many different advantages to Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), including, prompt collection and interpretation of field data – this is also up to three times faster than traditional methods, economical, eliminates drill cuttings, environmentally friendly, enhances operational safety, inclement weather operability and adaptive to many different terrains.

These are just a few examples of the advantages of CPT, proving its value for testing.

With the CPT business on the rise in the US and developing nations it takes many skills to be a part of this growing industry.

Drilling well technologies and CPT hydraulic rams have many similarities but will still require proper operator training for anyone new to the business. Additionally, you will need training on how to provide accurate, simplified information to your clients.