Two Important Pocket Penetrometer Operating Tips For Soil Testing
For any land survey, excavation or engineer planning project, pocket penetrometers are convenient and important tools. Their design and function can inherently tell you a lot about the soil you are planning to work with; however, the unfortunate fact is that this is not a given. Proper use of the tool is required to gain the intended outcome. Whether you're new to these tools or consider yourself experienced, here are some key operating tips that can help you get more out of your usage.
Follow Field Capacity Guidelines
For the most accurate results from the penetrometer testing, it is often suggested that the soil be tested when it is at field capacity. Field capacity occurs after a rain, or soaking, when the moisture has had ample time to absorb into the surface and the soil is at its most natural state. Remember that this time frame varies between different soil types and even the time of the year so you will need to be flexible.
If the soil is tested too soon after the soaking, the compaction level may be underestimated as the soil will be closer to a liquid-like texture. If you wait for a period that is too long after the soaking, the compaction level may be overestimated. Simply keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and follow the field capacity guidelines that are appropriate for the specific type of soil that you plan to test.
Remember That Slow Application Is Best
It is critical to the outcome of the process that each testing application be completed slowly. Particularly for those who have experience with these units, the desire to hurry through can be common. Slow testing applications are critical because for accuracy, the psi reading needs to be recording at each depth milestone. Each of these figures are important to establish the cone from the top of the compaction zone to the bottom of the zone.
Even if one psi reading is missed, or even tallied incorrectly, the entire compaction zone will also be incorrect. Remember that this is the case with each subsequent test. The slower the testing application, the more accurate the results and the greater integrity with which you can offer your final report on the soil.
Keeping these operating tips in mind can ensure more accurate analysis across the board, which isn't just vital to your reporting, but also for the integrity of the projects you are provided this data for.
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