Module 1 : Site Exploration and Geotechnical Investigation
Lecture 4 : In-situ tests [ Section 4.1: Penetrometer Tests ]
   
1. Standard penetration test
 

The standard penetration test is carried out in a borehole, while the DCPT and SCPT are carried out without a borehole. All the three tests measure the resistance of the soil strata to penetration by a penetrometer. Useful empirical correlations between penetration resistance and soil properties are available for use in foundation design.

This is the most extensively used penetrometer test and employs a split-spoon sampler, which consists of a driving shoe, a split-barrel of circular cross-section which is longitudinally split into two parts and a coupling. IS: 2131-1981 gives the standard for carrying out the test.

  Procedure
The borehole is advanced to the required depth and the bottom cleaned.
The split-spoon sampler, attached to standard drill rods of required length is lowered into the borehole and rested at the bottom.
 
The split-spoon sampler is driven into the soil for a distance of 450mm by blows of a drop hammer (monkey) of 65 kg falling vertically and freely from a height of 750 mm. The number of blows required to penetrate every 150 mm is recorded while driving the sampler. The number of blows required for the last 300 mm of penetration is added together and recorded as the N value at that particular depth of the borehole. The number of blows required to effect the first 150mm of penetration, called the seating drive, is disregarded.
 
The split-spoon sampler is then withdrawn and is detached from the drill rods. The split-barrel is disconnected from the cutting shoe and the coupling. The soil sample collected inside the split barrel is carefully collected so as to preserve the natural moisture content and transported to the laboratory for tests. Sometimes, a thin liner is inserted within the split-barrel so that at the end of the SPT, the liner containing the soil sample is sealed with molten wax at both its ends before it is taken away to the laboratory.
 
 
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