Dual Mass Penetrometer, Corps of Engineers

Dual Mass Penetrometer: Corps of Engineers Dual-Mass Cone Dynamic Cone Penetrometer

The Corps of Engineers Dual Mass Cone Penetrometer is built to the original specifications including the overall weight of the unit as specified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and ASTM D6951-03.

The Corps of Engineers Dual Mass Dynamic Cone Penetrometer has the exclusive easy-grip hammer with a finger perch machined into the back side of the hammer flange, which provides a non-slip lifting surface when performing a test. The dual mass dcp hammer has the easy grip and threaded or quick-connect options for added durability. Its exclusive threaded coupling system ensures long-life of drive rod and extensions by providing a tight, positive connection every time, which eliminates hammer blow energy loss through the connections. Although sold as a dual-mass model, the Corps of Engineers Dual-Mass Dynamic Cone Penetrometer can be converted to a single mass unit by removing the hexagonal set screw and removing the outer sleeve from the dual mass dcp kit. This can be done during a test since the outer sleeve is designed to slide over the DCP handle. The cone penetration caused by one blow of the 8 kg hammer is essentially twice that caused by one blow of the 4.6 kg hammer. Therefore the 4.6 kg hammer is more suitable for use and yields better test results in weaker soils with CBR of 10% or less.

Also use for soils in foundations for residential structures which require a bearing value of 2000 PSF (approximately CBR 6%). The 8 kg hammer is for high-strength soils which it penetrates faster than the 4.6 kg hammer. But the 4.6 kg hammer can be used on soils up to CBR 80%.

Includes: dual mass slide hammer assembly, 1-meter drive rod with hardened tip, disposable cone tip adapter and disposable cones, 25 disposable tips, vertical scale, go, no-go gauge, all necessary wrenches, user manual with spreadsheet software template and heavy-duty, crush-proof Pelican carrying case.

Meets Efficient Test Method: ASTM D 6951-03

Device Overview and Features

The Dual Mass Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) is a versatile and fast testing device to compute CBR values of in-situ pavement base, sub base and sub grades. This device has a dual-mass hammer which is efficient for testing stiffer soils and can be converted to single-mass unit for use in weaker soils or foundation testing. The Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) consists of a drive hammer and a steel extension shaft assembly with a 60° hardened cone tip at one end. The cone tip is driven into the pavement or sub grade by a sliding dual-mass hammer which ensures precise penetration. The diameter at the base of the cone is 20 mm which is 8 mm larger than the extension shaft, this optimizes the penetration process. Also includes a chart to compute CBR values and an Excel spreadsheet template to chart test results, makes data analysis easy and fast.

Applications and Technical Specifications

The Dual Mass Dynamic Cone Penetrometer is used in road construction to determine in-place soil shear strength and compute CBR values from 0.5% to 100%. This rugged device used for cbr values can be used to depths of 6 feet with optional drive rod and extensions, it’s suitable for many testing situations. It can test bearing values from 430 to 10,800 psf, provides data for many construction needs. The Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) meets ASTM D6951, it’s industry standard. Available with threaded connections or quick-connect, it’s easy to use. Ideal for applications such as pavement design, construction quality assurance and foundation testing, it’s a must have for engineers and construction professionals.

Operating Principle and Benefits

The Dual Mass Dynamic Cone Penetrometer works by driving a cone tip into the pavement or sub grade with a sliding dual-mass hammer. The hammer blow energy is transmitted to the cone tip which penetrates the soil to a depth of 6 feet. The device measures the penetration resistance in blows per mm and the results can be used to compute CBR values and bearing values. One of the advantage of using a Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) is it can provide quick and accurate field determination to compute cbr values of in-place soil shear strength. It’s easy to use and affordable, it’s a practical choice for many applications. The Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) is also versatile, suitable for pavement design, construction quality assurance and foundation testing, it’s reliable for many projects.