Cone Penetrometer Testing (CPT) Services

Geotechnical in-situ testing

Webinar with Geomil on CPTu fundamentals covering best practices in Cone Penetration Testing.

Cone Penetration Test (CPT): A Trusted Solution for Geotechnical Site Investigations

The Cone Penetration Test (CPT) is a widely used in-situ testing method for geotechnical site investigations, valued for its high production rates, repeatable measurements, and near-continuous profiling of critical geotechnical parameters. This reliable method is essential for understanding soil behavior and can be conducted from the ground surface using various rigs or over water from barges and platforms.

Legion Drilling: Leaders in CPTu Testing Across Australia

Legion Drilling provides Cone Penetration Testing with pore pressure measurement (CPTu) for geotech applications across Australia. Our advanced testing methods deliver comprehensive data on soil strength, soil type, and other critical geotechnical properties, supporting projects in diverse industries, including mining, construction, and infrastructure.

Geoprobe drilling rig completing CPT tests in a field in QLD Australia

Geoprobe tracked CPT rig completing Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) in QLD Australia. Our tracked all purpose rigs allow for in-situ testing (direct sensing, soil sampling and instrument installation in a single package.

Conducting Cone Penetration testing (CPT) on ash dam tailings storage facility in NSW Australia

CPTu testing ash dam tailings storage facility in NSW Australia with the Geoprobe 7822. Great platform for getting around soft tailing and difficult access cone penetration test sites.

CPTu and control unit for Cone Penetration Testing Australia
Geoprobe rig is perfect for near shore barge CPTu drilling projects

Key Features of CPTu Testing:

- High-Quality Subsurface Data: CPT systems use a cone penetrometer pushed into the ground at a standard rate, recording electronic measurements at regular intervals.

- Advanced Measurement Capabilities: Electric CPT probes measure cone resistance at the tip and sleeve friction during penetration, while CPTu (piezocone penetration testing) also records pore water pressure for enhanced analysis.

- Seismic Testing Modules Our SCPTu systems provide compression and shear wave velocity data, essential for seismic site characterization.

Sampling and Instrumentation Services

In addition to CPTu drilling and testing, Legion Drilling’s Geoprobe cone penetrometer test rigs offer:

Direct Push Sampling**: Rapidly collect soil samples from adjacent locations for further analysis.

- Drilling Capabilities**: Perform auger, direct push sampling, and rotary air drilling for the installation of:

- Geotechnical instruments

- Groundwater monitoring wells

- Inclinometers and other monitoring systems Why Choose Legion Drilling for Your CPT Needs?

With strategically located depots in Brisbane, Sydney, and Townsville, Legion Drilling delivers reliable and efficient CPT services across Australia. Our experienced team uses cutting-edge equipment to provide accurate, repeatable results, helping clients make informed decisions for their projects.

Whether you need geotechnical site investigations, mine tailings assessments, or seismic site characterization, Legion Drilling offers the expertise and technology to meet your needs.

MAJOR BENEFITS OF CPT (CONE PENETRATION TEST)

  • Near-continuous profiling of multiple geotechnical parameters.

  • Rapid data collection (20 mm/s).

  • Real-time visualisation.

  • Compatible with external modules (SCPTu).

  • Built-in inclinometer to identify any deviation from the vertical axis.

  • Universal quality standards and design codes. Repeatable and reliable.

  • Sensitive cones available especially designed for very soft soils and mine tailings.

  • Operable on light track-mounted machines for difficult access locations.

COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO STANDARD PENETRATION TESTING (SPT)

In general, CPT and CPTu are considerably more accurate and less time consuming than SPT. Furthermore, CPT and CPTu measure multiple geotechnical parameters (not just the N value) and are less expensive than SPT on a per data point basis.

BENEFITS OF GEOPROBE MOUNTED CONE PENETROMETER TEST

  • Difficult and limited access to almost any location with compact track-mounted machines. Go where others can’t.

  • High stability to traverse across rough terrain and on steep grades (e.g., dam embankments).

  • Ground pressure of only 0.27 kg/cm2 (which can be further decreased with track mats) enabling access to sites with very soft soils and tailings.

  • Save on costs by using the same rig to: (i) pre-dill through ballast and fill (augers/rotary air); (ii) collect near-continuous, high-integrity cores as well as discrete groundwater samples using direct push technology; (iii) case CPT locations, and (iv) complete installation of other geotechnical instruments in the same mobilisation.

  • Automatic rate control for steady probe advancement at 20 mm/s with up to 15 tons of static push.

  • Use any of Legion Drillings Geoprobe machines located in each office on the east coast.

TECHNICAL WEBINAR ON CPT

Ernst Wassenaar from Geomil presented this technical session on CPTu in May 2022. It is part of our series of webinars on advanced site characterisation and remediation.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Our field technicians will be happy to provide further information and discuss in detail any specific project requirements.

In the meantime, we recommend you consult the following documents: