Standard Test Method for Mechanical Cone Penetration Testing of Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Tests performed using this test method provide a detailed record of cone resistance that is useful for evaluation of site stratigraphy, homogeneity and depth to firm layers, voids or cavities, and other discontinuities. The use of a friction sleeve can provide an estimate of soil classification, and correlations with engineering properties of soils. When properly performed at suitable sites, the test provides a rapid means for determining subsurface conditions.  
4.2 This test method provides data used for estimating engineering properties of soil intended to help with the design and construction of earthworks, the foundations for structures, and the behavior of soils under static and dynamic loads.  
4.3 This method tests the soil in-situ and soil samples are not obtained. The interpretation of the results from this test method provides estimates of the types of soil penetrated. Engineers may obtain soil samples from parallel borings for correlation purposes, but prior information or experience may preclude the need for borings.  
4.4 Electronic cone data (D5778) is generally more reliable and reproducible. Mechanical cone equipment may prove useful when penetrating strong or rocky soils that might damage electronic cone equipment. Mechanical cone equipment typically requires less operator expertise to operate and to properly maintain than electronic cone equipment. However, mechanical cone equipment is not recommended for liquefaction investigations or investigations where a high level of quality assurance must be obtained.  
4.4.1 Cone test data from the mechanical cone (D3441) are generally comparable with the electronic cone (D5778) but there are differences because of the geometry of the cone and friction sleeve sections. Users of these test data are cautioned that engineering correlations from electronic cones should not be used for these mechanical cones. Users should verify that the application of empirical correlations such as those predicting soil...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the point resistance during penetration of a conical-shaped penetrometer as it is advanced into subsurface soils at a steady rate.  
1.2 This test method may also used to determine the frictional resistance of a cylindrical sleeve located behind the conical point as it is advanced through subsurface soils at a steady rate.  
1.3 This test method applies to mechanical-type penetrometers. Field tests using penetrometers of electronic type are covered elsewhere by Test Method D5778.  
1.4 Cone penetration test data can be used to interpret subsurface stratigraphy, and through use of site specific correlations, they can provide data on engineering properties of soils intended for use in design and construction of earthworks and foundations for structures.  
1.5 Mechanical penetrometers of the type described in this test method operate either continually (in which cone penetration resistance is measured while cone and push rods are moving continuously until stopped for the addition of a push rod) or discontinuously (in which cone penetration resistance and, optionally, sleeve friction are measured during a penetration stop of the push rods) using an inner rod system and a penetrometer tip (that must be telescoping in case of discontinuous operation).  
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered as requirements of the standard. The illustrations included in this standard are intended only for explanatory or advisory use.  
1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.  
1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and...

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ASTM D3441-16 - Standard Test Method for Mechanical Cone Penetration Testing of Soils
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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3441 − 16
Standard Test Method for
1
Mechanical Cone Penetration Testing of Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3441; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining
Practice D6026 unless superseded by this standard.
the point resistance during penetration of a conical-shaped
1.8.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
penetrometer as it is advanced into subsurface soils at a steady
recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the
rate.
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
1.2 This test method may also used to determine the
significant digits that should generally be retained. The proce-
frictional resistance of a cylindrical sleeve located behind the
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
conical point as it is advanced through subsurface soils at a
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
steady rate.
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
1.3 This test method applies to mechanical-type penetrom- increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to com-
mensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of
eters. Field tests using penetrometers of electronic type are
covered elsewhere by Test Method D5778. this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
methods for engineering design.
1.4 Cone penetration test data can be used to interpret
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
subsurface stratigraphy, and through use of site specific
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
correlations,theycanprovidedataonengineeringpropertiesof
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
soils intended for use in design and construction of earthworks
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
and foundations for structures.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 Mechanical penetrometers of the type described in this
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
test method operate either continually (in which cone penetra-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tion resistance is measured while cone and push rods are
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
moving continuously until stopped for the addition of a push
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
rod) or discontinuously (in which cone penetration resistance
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and, optionally, sleeve friction are measured during a penetra-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
tion stop of the push rods) using an inner rod system and a
penetrometer tip (that must be telescoping in case of discon-
2. Referenced Documents
tinuous operation). 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes Fluids
shall not be considered as requirements of the standard. The
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
illustrations included in this standard are intended only for Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
explanatory or advisory use.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D5778 Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone and Piezo-
1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
cone Penetration Testing of Soils
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall
Data
not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of Committee D18 on Soil and Rock
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and Related
2
Field Testing for Soil Evaluations. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2016. Published July 2016. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D34
...

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