⸺Thameside Groundworks⸺
TRL Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
Thameside Groundworks DCP Testing
What is DCP Testing?
The TRL Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) test is a quick and effective method of estimating the strength and thickness of unbound pavement layers.
Testing
TRL can undertake DCP testing in soft verges, in soft central reservation, at the base of cores or at the bottom of trial pits to the requirements of Design Manual for Roads and Bridges CS 229 Data for pavement assessment.
Penetration Rates
The in situ test measures the penetration rate for each drop or blow of the hammer weight. The resulting depth profile is particularly good for identifying anomalously weak layers.
CS 229
The TRL DCP was designed over several years in the 1980s based on our work in the UK and overseas. The equation for the relationship between mm/blow and Californian Bearing Ratio (CBR) for use in the UK was developed by TRL and is referenced in CS 229.
Benefits
We use a TRL to carry out DCP testing, which is hand-portable and can therefore be used in areas with limited access. The equipment is lightweight and can provide rapid in-situ measurements for the structural properties of the ground.
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Testing:
What is Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) Tests?
This method of in-situ testing measures the ground materials’ resistance to penetration. The process involves driving a metal cone into the ground by repeatedly striking it with a drop hammer. We record how far the cone moves with each blow to determine the soil properties at that level. This is repeated until refusal or the required depth has been reached.
HSV (Hand Share Vane and other hand held GEO Technical field tooling)
Handheld, portable and easily used piece of field equipment to enable geotechnical engineers and technicians to provide accurate and meaningful results of shear strength in kilopascals (kPa).
If used correctly it will also measure residual shear strength of cohesive soils (ie clays and silts).
Chapter 8 site barriers and heavy duty ground protection mats
We also supply and provide Plastic Road Barriers which are lightweight and stable, with non-trip feet, which means they are safe in use and easy and quick to install
Our DCP Testing Work:
