Standard: ASTM D 2573-94
Proctor Penetrometers For Soil
A Pocket Penetrometer is a handheld penetrometer used to measure the approximate shear strength of cohesive and semi-cohesive soils quickly to understand the load-bearing capacity and stability of soil. The penetrometer is pushed into the soil, and the force required to penetrate the soil to a certain depth is measured. This portable device consists of a slender rod metal rod with a calibrated spring-loaded mechanism and a graduated scale. By measuring the force required to penetrate the soil, engineers can gain insights into the soil's cohesion and internal friction.
This Pocket Penetrometer comes with a direct-reading scale in kgf/cm², which corresponds to equivalent unconfined compressive strength. The indicator sleeve retains the reading after the piston is released.
Features of Pocket Penetrometer
- Handheld and Portable: It is handheld and compact, making it easy to carry around and use in various locations. Enables rapid on-site evaluations of soil conditions, making it a valuable tool for preliminary investigations.
- Calibrated Spring-Loaded Mechanism: The spring-loaded mechanism ensures consistent and accurate measurements of soil penetration resistance.
- Graduated Scale: The graduated scale allows for direct reading of the force required to penetrate the soil, typically in units such as kgf/cm².
- Indicator Sleeve: The indicator sleeve retains the reading after the piston is released, ensuring ease of use and accurate recording of measurements.
- Quick Assessment: Easy-to-use manual operation, allowing quick assessments of soil strength. It provides a rapid assessment of the approximate shear strength of cohesive and semi-cohesive soils, aiding in understanding soil load-bearing capacity and stability.
Technical Specifications :
| Model Number |
NL 5014 X / 001 |
| Range |
0 - 5 kgf/cm² |
| Dimension (mm) |
20 mm Dia. x 173 mm lgth |
| Approx. Weight |
0.5 kg |
Standard
ASTM D2573-94 is a standard test method established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for measuring the penetration resistance of soil using a pocket penetrometer. This method outlines the procedure for determining the penetration resistance of soil samples.
Test Procedure of Pocket Penetrometer
- Select Test Location: Choose the location in the soil where you want to conduct the test. Ensure it represents the area you are interested in evaluating.
- Prepare Penetrometer: Take the Pocket Penetrometer and ensure it is clean and in good condition. Check the pointed metal rod or cone for any damage.
- Insert Penetrometer into Soil: Position the pointed end of the penetrometer at the selected spot on the soil surface. Press the penetrometer vertically into the soil by applying steady, even pressure. Avoid tilting the penetrometer.
- Continue Penetration: Keep pressing the penetrometer into the soil until you reach a specific depth or until it becomes difficult to penetrate further. Note the depth reached or the resistance encountered.
- Record Measurement: Read the measurement on the graduated scale or pressure gauge of the penetrometer. This reading indicates the force or pressure required to penetrate the soil to the chosen depth.
- Repeat if Necessary: If needed, repeat the test at different locations within the area of interest to obtain a representative assessment of soil consistency.
- Interpret Results: Use the recorded measurements to interpret the soil's consistency. Higher readings indicate firmer soil, while lower readings suggest softer or less compacted soil.
- Compare to Standards: If available, compare the results to any relevant standards or guidelines for soil consistency to understand the implications for construction or geotechnical purposes.
- Clean and Store: Clean the penetrometer after use to remove any soil residue. Store it in a suitable case or container.
