Standard Test Method for Mechanical Cone Penetration Tests of Soil

1.1 This test method covers the determination of end bearing and side friction, the components of penetration resistance which are developed during the steady slow penetration of a pointed rod into soil. This test method is sometimes referred to as the "Dutch Cone Test," or "Cone Penetration Test" and is often abbreviated as the "CPT."

1.2 This test method includes the use of both cone and friction-cone penetrometers, of both the mechanical and electric types. It does not include data interpretation. It also includes the penetrometer aspects of piezocone soundings, but does not include the details of piezometer construction, location, measurement, or data interpretation.

1.3 Mechanical penetrometers of the type described in this test method operate incrementally, using a telescoping penetrometer tip, resulting in no movement of the push rods during the measurement of the resistance components. Design constraints for mechanical penetrometers preclude a complete separation of the end-bearing and side-friction components. Electric penetrometers are advanced continuously and permit separate measurement of both components. Differences in shape and method of advance between cone penetrometer tips may result in significant differences in one or both resistance components.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.