CPT(u) materials (cones, rods and accessories)

The efficiency and reliability of static penetrometer tests lies both in the use of precision measuring equipment (cones and acquisition) and in the quality of the rods, friction reducers and other accessories used. Our equipment guarantees the best performance for your CPT tests while eliminating the risk of losing material during the tests.

Electrical CPT(u) Cones / Tips - Piezocone

Electrical CPT cones (tips), either compression or subtraction type (10 cm² or 15 cm² cross-section), represent the most advanced measurement method for CPT testing. Measurements are much more accurate than with mechanical cones, as the pressure cells are much more sensitive. In addition, the electrical method can record in-situ peak resistance (qc), lateral friction (fs) and tilt (i), and although optional, often required pore pressure (u). The cones can also measure other parameters such as temperature (T) or electrical conductivity, and can be fitted with adapters for environmental or seismic measurements. All cones are delivered in a special carrying case for optimal protection.
Data are measured with the dedicated data acquisition system, either portable or integrated in a CPT cabin.

Mechanical cones

Although piezocone measurements are much more accurate and can record other parameters, the mechanical method is still used because of its simplicity, robustness of the equipment, and low cost. Particularly in hard or heterogeneous soils (e.g. gravel or rock layers), the mechanical method is preferred simply because of the impossibility of using an electrical cone in such an environment.
A mechanical cone can be either a single sleeve cone (also called Dutch cone), allowing the measurement of peak and total resistance, or a friction sleeve cone (also called Begemann cone), used to measure peak resistance, lateral friction, and total resistance.
The data is measured with a hydraulic measuring head or optionally an electrical head connected to the same data acquisition system used for electrical cones.

Rods and accessories

Our CPT rods have standardised dimensions and the steel used ensures the highest quality and lowest manufacturing tolerances. During production, five quality checks are carried out to ensure that the material constantly conforms in terms of tolerance, hardness and dimensions to the relevant standards.
The rods can be offered with standard or HVY threads (less risk of unscrewing for near/offshore drilling) or with "Speedlock" threads designed for faster tightening/loosening to increase productivity on site. Only 2 ½ turns are required to tighten or loosen rods and fittings, compared to 7 turns with standard threads. In addition, the design of this thread greatly reduces the risk of fouling and damage and offers increased strength (approximately 20% more) compared to conventional threads, thus greatly minimising the risk of breakage under high loads. Standard lengths are 300, 500 and 1000 mm. Fittings and friction reducers are available with all these thread types. As with each thread type, a full range of equipment (fittings, friction reducers, lifting drums, etc.) can be offered for Speedlock rods.

THE BENEFITS

All types of CPT(u) tests feasible
Reliable and accurate data
Robustness of equipment.

APPLICATIONS

• Mechanical and electrical CPT tests
• SCPT (seismic) testing
• Specific CPT tests.

USEFUL LINKS

• 100kN on wheels FOX100
• 100kN on tracks LYNX100
• 150kN removable on wheels FOX150
• 200kN on FOX200 chassis
• 200kN on HUSKY200 demountable trailer
• 200kN on tracks LYNX200
• 200kN containerised COBRA200
• 100 to 200kN PANTHER tracked cabins
• 180kN tracked truck cab KODIAK
• 200kN Grizzly truck cab
• MANTA Submersible Penetrometer
• SHARK semi-submersible system