Soil Pocket Penetrometer
Soil Pocket Penetrometer also known as hand penetrometer is made of stainless steel. It is a simple, lightweight, handheld device to make instant estimates of compressive strength of cohesive sample. Although it doesn’t replace laboratory Compressive Strength Test Systems for determination of unconfined shear strengths, the Pocket Penetrometer is useful for quick estimates in both field and lab settings.
OSHA specifies it for strength test estimates when evaluating the stability and safety of trench excavations and mix design sample. Such evaluations can determine if you need to increase slope angles or to shore and reinforce excavations. You can purchase it in the Classification Set which includes various tools and instruments for field evaluation and classification.
0.25in (6.4mm) diameter penetration is pushed into the surface to a groove machined on the piston at 0.25in (6.4mm) depth. Penetration test resistance from the calibrated spring is registered on an integrated and engraved on the penetrometer barrel with a cast aluminum base. Scale units are in (tsf), kg/cm², or pounds per square inch (psi), and a sliding indicator ring retains the maximum reading until reset.
The soil pocket penetrometer features a heavy-duty stainless steel construction that guarantees a long, corrosion-free lifespan. Its calibrated spring and penetrometer body are plated for rust resistance, ensuring dependable performance in diverse environments. Additionally, an optional adapter foot can be attached to increase the diameter from 0.25 inches (6.4mm) to 1 inch (25mm), expanding the surface area by 16 times for testing.
Features:
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Instant compressive strength test of cohesive sample
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Scale engraved directly in tsf, kg/cm², or psi
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Indicator ring retains maximum reading
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Stainless steel
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Meets OSHA for trench stability evaluation
Included Items:
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Soil Pocket Penetrometer
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Pouch
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Weight 1 LB
Range 0–4.5tsf
Product Dimensions 0.75 x 6.6in (19 x 168mm), Dia.x L
Accessories:
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Adapter Foot Attachment increases the probe diameter to 1in (25mm) for 16 times the piston area
In stock.Soil measurement is an important part of geotechnical engineering, construction and agriculture. It involves testing the properties to determine its suitability for various applications. One of the key tool used in measurement is the pocket penetrometer. This handheld device provides instant estimates of unconfined compressive strength of cohesive soils, it’s a must have tool for field personnel. Whether you’re evaluating trench stability or determining the consistency of soils, the pocket penetrometer gives quick and reliable data to ensure the safety and stability of your projects. For more precise electronic displacement measurements, consider using the Digital Dial Indicator, which provides accurate data for reliable soil testing.
Soil Pocket Penetrometer Overview
Soil Pocket Penetrometer is a must have tool used in geotechnical engineering to test the compaction and bearing capacity of sample in situ. This tool is valuable because it gives immediate feedback on quality which is very important for construction, agricultural and environmental applications. This overview will cover the design, functionality and application of the soil pocket penetrometer in testing.
What is a Pocket Penetrometer?
A pocket penetrometer is a handheld device to test the compaction and bearing capacity. It’s a simple, lightweight tool that gives immediate feedback on quality, it’s an essential tool for geotechnical engineers, construction and agricultural professionals. The device is designed to assess the compressive strength of fine-grained cohesive samples, providing rapid estimates of strength.
The pocket penetrometer is a stainless steel unit with a diameter loading piston that is pushed into the soil to 0.25in (6.4mm) depth. The resistance from the loading spring is registered on a permanent scale on the piston barrel which reads approximate unconfined compressive strength in tons per square foot (tsf) or kg/cm². An indicator sleeve retains the reading when it is released for easy and accurate measurement. Measure in-place field infiltration rate of water into soils with the Double Ring Infiltrometer.
The pocket penetrometer is a must have tool for trench stability evaluation as it helps to determine if slope angle need to be modified or if shoring is required to support excavations. It is also used for visual classification to give quick and reliable method of determining density in tons/sq.
Penetrometer Design and Construction
Components and Materials:
Soil pocket penetrometer consists of cast aluminum base and stainless steel penetration needles for durability and rust resistance. It’s compact and portable with longer gear rack for deeper penetration. The penetrometer with longer gear rack, wooden block and has 6 needles that can be used to measure resistance at different points.
Needles:
The 6 stainless steel needles are used to do compaction test with a penetrometer with longer gear rack. These needles are designed to penetrate the with minimal friction to give a accurate measurement. The number and sharpness of the needles are critical to the accuracy of the measurement.
Functionality and Operation
Using the Penetrometer:
Using a pocket penetrometer is easy. The device is manually pushed into for resistance is measured by the depth the needle can penetrate under a standard force test. This is indicated on the device’s graduated scale, showing the resistance in pounds.
Calibration:
Accuracy of penetration is important for testing with mix design. The calibration is done by setting the device against known penetration such as a wooden block and recording the values and adjust as necessary to ensure accuracy. penetrometer
Applications in Testing
Assessment:
Quality is a big issue in construction and agriculture. The pocket penetrometer allows quick testing and assessment of compaction across construction sites, farms and other land areas. Compacted samples can affect the stability of structures and hinder plant growth by restricting root penetration.
Consistency and Compaction:
The device is used to test the consistency of mixtures and compaction tests of subgrades and backfills in construction. It helps to determine if the soil has been compacted to the specification required to support structures such as buildings and roads, and to assess the potential of compacted soils for swelling.
Agricultural Applications:
In agriculture, a penetrometer helps farmers to determine the ideal time for planting and harvesting by giving insights to compaction levels. Since compaction can hinder root growth and reduce crop yields, timing and precision is crucial for optimal results.
Benefits of Pocket Penetrometer
Efficiency and Ease of Use:
One of the advantage of pocket penetrometer is its efficiency. It gives immediate feedback so you can adjust on the spot the soil handling or compaction process. The device is easy to use and doesn’t require extensive training, so it’s usable by engineers, construction workers and farmers.
Portability and Durability:
Because of its compact size and sturdy design, the penetrometer is highly portable and suitable for various field conditions. Its stainless steel and cast aluminum base materials ensure that the device will remain functional and reliable even in harsh environments. If you're also in need of soil testing equipment, consider the 3in Constant / Falling Head Test Set for accurate permeability measurements.
Soft Soils Issues
While pocket penetrometers are great, they have limitations. Measurement accuracy can be affected by soil moisture content and presence of stones or other foreign bodies. The device may not provide enough penetration depth for some applications and may require other methods or tools for deeper soil analysis.
Tips to Use
To get accurate reading with pocket penetrometer:
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Calibration: Before using the pocket penetrometer, calibrate it to measure soil compaction. Calibration is done by setting the device against known penetration resistance such as a wooden block and record values and adjust as necessary to ensure accuracy.
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Preparation: Clear the soil surface from debris or loose materials. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged as this can affect the measurement.
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Penetration: Hold the pocket penetrometer vertically and push the diameter loading piston into the soil to a depth of 0.25in (6.4mm). Apply gentle and consistent pressure to avoid compacting the soil further.
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Reading: Take note of the reading on the permanent scale on the piston barrel which indicates the penetration resistance in pounds.
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Adapter Foot Attachment: For testing soils or soft materials, use the optional adapter foot attachment which increases the piston area 16 times. This attachment is useful for testing soft materials that may not give accurate reading.
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Maintenance: Check the pocket penetrometer for any signs of wear or damage. Clean the device after each use and store it in dry place to ensure corrosion free service life.
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Training: Know how to operate and maintain the pocket penetrometer. While the device is easy to use, proper training is necessary for accuracy.
By following these tips to use, you will get accurate reading with your pocket penetrometer, perfect for soil compaction test, soil classification and other geotechnical applications.
Advantages and Limitations
The pocket penetrometer has many advantages that makes it a must have in the field. Its lightweight and compact design allows for easy portability, it’s functional and reliable even in harsh environments. The diameter loading piston is pushed into the soil to measure penetration resistance which is then used to estimate the unconfined compressive strength of the soil. This is very useful for testing very soft soils and an optional adapter foot attachment can increase the piston area for more accurate reading in such condition.
However the pocket penetrometer has some limitations. The reading accuracy can be affected by soil moisture content and presence of stones or other foreign bodies. The device may not provide enough penetration depth for some applications and may require other methods or tools for deeper soil analysis. Despite these limitations, the pocket penetrometer is a valuable tool for soil measurement, gives rapid and reliable estimate of soil properties.
The device is also useful for visual classification of soils, gives field personnel a quick and reliable way to determine soil density. The penetrometer is calibrated to ensure accurate reading and has a sliding indicator ring that retains the maximum reading after it is released. The scale units on the penetrometer barrel are in tons per square foot or kilograms per square centimeter, easy to interpret the results. For testing soft materials, the adapter foot attachment increases the piston area 16 times, for more precise reading.
In terms of safety, the pocket penetrometer is very useful for evaluating the stability of trench excavations and determine if shoring or reinforcing is needed. It also helps to assess the consistency of soils and determine the necessary slope angles for safe excavation. By giving rapid estimate of soil properties, the pocket penetrometer ensures safety and stability of construction sites, prevent accidents related to soil instability.
Overall the pocket penetrometer is a reliable and efficient tool for soil measurement. Its advantages, lightweight and compact design, corrosion free service life and can test very soft soils makes it a must have for field personnel. While it has some limitations, the pocket penetrometer is a valuable asset in construction and geotechnical engineering, gives rapid and reliable estimate of soil properties and ensures safety and stability of projects.
Conclusion
A must have for geotechnical engineers, construction and agriculture mixture proportions. Stainless steel penetration needles and durable frame for quick and reliable soil compaction and quality assessment. Get the data you need on penetration resistance to ensure soil meets the standards for different land uses, safer construction and better agricultural results. Simple and efficient, add it to your toolkit today.