Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP)

The DCP uses a 6.8 kg steel mass falling 50.8 cm that strikes the anvil to cause penetration of a 3.8 cm diameter cone (45° vertex angle) that has been seated in the bottom of a hand augered hole. The blows required to drive the embedded cone a depth of 1-3/4 in have been correlated by others to N values derived from the Standard Penetration Test (SPT).

  • The DPC results can be compared and interpreted with CBR (California Bearing Ratio) as per TRL report 587.
  • The test is performed with continuous penetrations at approx. 800 mm depth with max. depth of 2 m by using extension rods.

We can carry out DCP testing onsite to provide quick results for the assessment of sub grade materials to aid in pavement assessment or design.

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer