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Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP)
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP)
Lab Testing: Std. Proctor Test (T-99) for Dry Density vs water
content curve.
Note:
No uniform compaction if the target number is not recognized.
Use of Dynamic Cone Penetrometer for Earthwork
(Recurring Spec’s.)
http://www.in.gov/dot/div/con
tracts/standards/rsp/sep11/20
0/203-R-562%20110901.pdf
Use of Dynamic Cone Penetrometer for Earthwork
(Recurring Spec’s.) (Con’t.)
Test Pad Construction
Lab Testing Requirements for borrow:
A-4
8 or 9 14.84 1832 96.1% 91.0%
(0 – 12 in.)
A-6, A-7
4 6.91 649 88.8% 88.8%
(0 – 6 in.)
SPR-3009 (JTRP)
Recommendations:
1. A-2, A-3, b-borrow or soils with sandy
behavior (PI < 8)
Cu = coefficient of uniformity
Select Granular
21 ----
Aggregate
Select Granular
---- 4
Subgrade
Class 3 Special Gradation
6 3
Granular Base Materials
DCP – Dynamic
Cone Penetrometer
1-17.6 lb Drop hammer
2-22.6 in Drop Height
3-60o angle
Disposable DCP
cone slides on
end of
attachment
If using a non-disposable cone penetrate the cone to the
top of the cone apex
15
Record
the drops
14 from 6 in.
to 14 in.
Conclusions:
1. The DCP is portable, easy to operate, and requires
no electronics. It takes only a couple of minutes to
learn how to use the DCP.
2. It is an effective tool to identify weak layers when
penetration rates are plotted vs. depth.
3. DCPs can take deeper measurements.
4. DCP readings are not affected by minor shrinkage
cracks in soils.
5. CBR and resilient modulus values can be reliably
predicted using DCP test results. Hence, the
stiffness of the materials can be represented by
blow counts or DCP penetration rates.
Conclusions, Con't.
6. Improve inspector safety
7. Directly related to Design
8. Very sensitive to water content
9. Increase compaction uniformity
10. Increase productivity due to less time per test
11. DCP is a good indicator of strength and moisture
conditions.
12. Reduce the reliance of the Nuclear Gauge
13. Improve documentation and reporting.
Conclusions, Con't.
DCP is suitable for:
Cohesive Soils