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Dynamic Cone Penetrometer - User Guide by Elson Abraham
Copyright © 2021 Benchmark Engineering Pty Ltd, Perth
All Rights Reserved.
All information within this document was true and correct at time of publishing. Benchmark
Engineering is not liable for any failure of this device due to improper use and/or handling.
Second edition, October 2021
Cover Design by Elson Abraham
Printed in Western Australia.
Author: Elson Abraham
Product Development Engineer
Benchmark Engineering Pty Ltd, Perth
179 Mulgul Road, Malaga WA - 6090
www.benchmarkeng.com.au
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................ 2
1.INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 3
2.SAFETY NOTICE .............................................................................. 4
3.DESCRIPTION OF DEVICE ............................................................... 5
3.1.DYNAMIC CONE PENETRATOR (DCP).....................................................5
4.HARDWARE ................................................................................... 6
4.1.HAMMER ..........................................................................................6
4.2.UPPER SHAFT ....................................................................................6
4.3.ANVIL ...............................................................................................6
4.4.LOWER SHAFT....................................................................................6
4.5.CONE ...............................................................................................6
5.TEST PROCEDURE ........................................................................... 7
6.MAINTENANCE .............................................................................. 9
7.REFERENCES .................................................................................. 9
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1. INTRODUCTION
Benchmark Engineering has an excellent reputation for manufacturing high-precision, high-
quality machined products. From 2009-2011, the Benchmark Dynamic Cone penetrometer was
developed in collaboration with local and national geotechnical engineering firms. It is designed
and manufactured in Western Australia with the finest standards of precision, accuracy, and
reliability. We are confident that our penetrometers are tough, strong, and long-lasting.
The penetration test has a long history of use in geotechnical engineering. We only manufacture
penetrometers that are compliant with all relevant Australian Standards. Many engineers and
professionals have used Benchmark penetrometers in the field and found them to be high-
performing, durable, and resistant to wear. We supply a wide variety of configurations with
Penetrometer kits. Please see our website or contact us for more information.
Figure 1: Benchmark Engineering building in 2021
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2. SAFETY NOTICE
▪ Please strictly adhere to the instrument's guidelines for usage, care, and handling safetly. The
manufacturer cannot be held responsible for damages caused by inappropriate use of the
product.
▪ Do not tamper or modify the device for any reason.
▪ During transportation or storage, ensure the hammer is supported enough to reduce bending of
the penetrometer rod. We recommend using the carry case for transporting.
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3. DESCRIPTION OF DEVICE
The Penetrometer is a simple hand-held device that can be used to measure the strength and
density of soil. At Benchmark Engineering, we produce mainly 2 types of penetrometers. The
Dynamic Cone Penetrator (DCP) is described in detail in Australian Standard AS 1289.6.3.2.
The physical layout of DCP is summarized in this section and illustrated in Figure 1.
3.1. Dynamic Cone Penetrator (DCP)
The DCP is made up of a 9kg sliding weight that provides a defined amount of energy by falling
down a 510mm height into an anvil block. This energy is used to drive a 16mm steel rod with
a cone tip end into the ground. The steel rod is usually scribed in 50mm increments up to the
length of the rod. The device's gross mass is less than 20kg, making it quite portable. The
weight is lifted and released by hand, with some care necessary to ensure that:
• the weight is hoisted through the whole 510mm height,
• there is no impact on the upper stop at the top of the lift, and
• the weight is released cleanly and allowed to freefall without interference.
In order to extend the depth of testing, more rods can be attached after the hammer has been
driven. In some very loose condition, the greatest practicable depths are in the order of 5 or 6
m. Beyond these depths, recovery of the rods becomes difficult, and the danger of rod loss due
to damage becomes too significant.
Figure 2: Benchmark Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
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4. HARDWARE
4.1. Hammer
The 9kg hammer is manually lifted to the bottom of the stopper in the upper shaft, and then
dropped on the anvil to transmit energy to the lower shaft to penetrate dirt.
4.2. Upper Shaft
The upper shaft is a 16mm diameter steel shaft on which the hammer slides. The length of
upper shaft allows the hammer to drop a distance of 510mm.
4.3. Anvil
The Anvil is the hammer's lower stopping
mechanism. It also serves as a link between
the top and lower shafts. This enables
disassembly, which decreases the size of the
instrument for transport. *
4.4. Lower Shaft
The lower shaft is a 16mm diameter steel
shaft, approximately 1m long and marked in
50mm increment for recording the
penetration.
4.5. Cone
The cone measures 20mm in diameter and
50mm in length. The other dimensions are
shown in Figure 1 and it is also available on
the Benchmark website.
Figure 3: Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (Australian Standard AS 1289.6.3.2)
*Applies to 2-piece models only
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5. TEST PROCEDURE
The Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) test is a relatively quick field test to determine the
penetration resistance of the soil. The density of soil is measured to evaluate its strength and
ability to resist settlements. The compactive effort and moisture content are the two most
essential factors in ensuring optimum density. By compacting the soil at or near optimal
moisture content, you create the ideal conditions for any kind of compactible soil to sustain
these strength properties. The following procedure is based on AS 1289.6.3.2-1997.
NOTE: Before initiating this test, the whereabouts of probable subsurface utilities
such as gas, water, and electricity should be identified.
Preparation of site: Unearth to the level to be tested. Remove any material, such as crushed
rock or gravel, that will be too difficult to penetrate with the penetrometer or that may cause
damage to the instrument. Check if the drop height is 510mm.
❖ Record the depth from the surface level to the top surface of the layer to be tested,
approximated to the closest 10mm.
❖ Hold the penetrometer vertically with the point of the cone on the surface of the layer to
be tested, and gently strike the anvil with the hammer until the broadest section of the
cone begins to penetrate the surface.
❖ Raise the hammer to the stop and let it drop freely onto the anvil. Count how many drops
it takes to drive the penetrometer and record either blows per mm or mm per blows
whichever is most applicable to your application.
❖ Material type, moisture condition and location of ground water should be recorded.
❖ Record the analysis readings to a tabular section similar as Table 1 to do further
calculations.
(Australian Standard AS 1289.6.3.2)
NOTE: Selection of the appropriate correlation is a matter of professional
judgment.
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Calculations: The results can be recorded as blows/100mm and soil density/consistency.
Calculations to determine California bearing ratio (CBR) are available online if required. Refer
to Australian Standards 1289.6.3.2 for more information.
Relation to correlation versus density is dependent on moisture and is unreliable if moisture is
not controlled well and a professional judgment is required.
NOTE: Stop the test when eight strikes create a penetration of less than 20mm
to avoid damage to the instrument.
Table 1: DCP Data Sheet
DCP DATA SHEET
Project: Date of Test:
Location: Personnel:
Material Classification: Weather condition:
Cumulative Penetration Penetration
No. of Blows DCP index Moisture
penetration between per Blow CBR %
(blows/100mm) (mm/blow) %
(mm) reading (mm) (mm)
Table 2:Density Correlation HB 160-2006 (Australian Standard AS 1726-1993)
Very Soft to Soft
Consistency Firm (F) Stiff (St) Very Stiff (VSt) Hard (H)
(VS-S)
No. of Blows <1 1 to 2 3 to 4 5 to 10 > 10
Medium Very Dense
Density Very Loose (VL) Loose (L) Dense (D)
Dense (MD) (VD)
No. of Blows <1 1 to 2 2 to 3 4 to 8 >8
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6. MAINTENANCE
• Testing with the penetrometer causes wear on the metal parts that make up the device.
• Periodic examinations of the penetrometer for fatigue or damage are suggested in order
to guarantee optimal service life.
• We will repair or replace any worn or broken parts with original Benchmark penetrometer
parts.
• Prior to each test, the drive rod and hardened point should be thoroughly cleaned.
Maintaining the drive rod's cleanliness and oil lubrication is essential.
We offer a one-year guarantee and have spare parts readily available for you in our workshop.
Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with exceptional customer and after-sales
service.
7. REFERENCES
Australian Standard AS 1289.6.3.2. (1997). Soil strength and consolidation tests—
Determination of the penetration resistance of a soil—9 kg dynamic cone penetrometer
test. Standards Association of Australia.
Australian Standard AS 1726-1993. (1981). Geotechnical site investigations. Standards
Association of Australia.
