Site Exploration

CPT Geotechnical Services

Fugro

has

pioneered

the

development

of

Cone

Penetration Technology (CPT) for both geotechnical and

environmental studies.
The conventional approach to such studies usually involves
drilling for soil and groundwater samples. Samples are then
taken to a laboratory for testing and engineering analysis. Over
the years, CPT has become a preferred method for conducting
site investigations of subsurface conditions. The speed and
data quality of CPT systems surpass conventional methods of

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waste problems. Through the use of electronic strain gauges that

continuous, real-time stratigraphic record (or sounding). Five
minutes after the sounding is complete, the computer produces a
printout of the data complete with a stratigraphic column.
A 30-foot sounding can be completed in thirty minutes or less
compared to several hours with conventional drilling and continuous
sampling. The precision of the Fugro instruments eliminates much
of the subjectiveness of conventional soil logging, giving the
geotechnical engineers / hydrogeologists immediate information for
a realistic look at subsurface conditions. Further, the study can be
tailored in the field to identify geological trends and optimal locations
for soil borings and decisions for sampling intervals.

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4 ft, South

93C-15
29 ft, South

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Sample results from CPT studies.

measure physical soil properties, the acquired data produces a

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disposal of drill cuttings and fluids often poses significant hazardous

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drill fluids or drill cuttings. With conventional drilling methods,

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migration pathways. Because it is pushed, it does not produce

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depths in excess of 200 feet) to identify soil types and groundwater

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98-61
1 ft, South

94C-19
34 ft, South

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1 ft, North

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4 ft, South
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ELEVATION (FEET)

A cylindrical steel cone is pushed hydraulically into the soil (to

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How does the CPT system work?

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98C-17
16 ft, North

98-52
20 ft, North

98-51
19 ft, South
98C-16
4 ft, North

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resistance, pore pressure, resistivity and dynamic soil properties.

information obtained by CPT testing includes tip resistance, sleeve

98C-101
27 ft, North

Fugro has CPT equipment to access most environmental conditions.

properties including subsurface contamination. In addition, typical

field data acquisition. Technology now exists to measure soil

CPT Advantages

Geotechnical and environmental site investigations

Economical (typically the price of borings)

Continuous soil stratigraphy

Identification of thin seams and layers
Estimation of geotechnical and hydrogeological properties
Prompt collection and interpretation of field data (2 to 3
times faster than traditional methods)
Elimination of drill cuttings; site remains undisturbed
Environmentally friendly
Enhanced operational safety
Inclement weather operability
Terrain adaptability (land, marsh and open water)

CPT Geotechnical Services

TYPES OF CONE PROBES
The Piezo/Conductivity Cone
Penetrometer records the
dynamic pore pressure while
simultaneously measuring the
cone point resistance, sleeve
friction, and electrical conductivity
continuously during penetration.

The Push-In Groundwater

Sampler is a surface-activated
sampler that allows a sample
to be obtained at a discrete
depth with a teflon or stainless
steel bailer.

The Push-In-Soil Sampler can

be used to obtain a 1.5 in.
diameter soil sample with a
length up to 18 inches.

The Push-In Piezometer (monitor

well) can be permanently
installed with PVC casing
to collect data on depth to
groundwater, hydraulic gradients,
thickness of free product, and
groundwater flow direction.
Push
Rod

Electrodes

PVC
Riser

Sampling
Chamber

Sampling
Barrel

Friction
Sleeve

Porous
Elements

Stainless
Steel Screen
Water-tight
O-Rings
Retractable
Tip

Conical Tip

Cone Tip

Soil Parameters Using CPT Technology

Soil Classification
Undrained Shear Strength, Cu
Standard Penetration Resistance, (N)
Friction Angle,
In-Situ Relative Density, Dr
In-Situ Permeability, k
Constrained Modulus, M
Youngs Modulus, E
Dynamic Shear Modulus, G0

PVC
Screen

Conclusion
Excellent tool for site investigations (speed of data
collection, reliability and repeatability)

Close correlation between tip resistance and soil shear strength

Continuous record of soil stratigraphy and soil properties
Helpful guide in selecting samples for laboratory testing
and QA/QC testing

Effective interpolation of conditions between soil borings

(e.g., CPT every 1000 ft.; soil borings every 3,000 ft.)

Fast and economical

Useful instrument for identifying sensitive areas including

weak levees, bridge scour, and subsurface contamination

Complementary tool for construction QA/QC (e.g., levees,

bridges, facility expansion)

Fugro 2011