Cone penetration testing is a high quality geotechnical exploration method that provides continuous data acquisition of subsurface profiles.

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Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) is performed by a cone on the end of a series of rods pushed into the ground at a constant rate to obtain continuous measurements of the resistance to penetration of the cone.  Parameters obtain include cone resistance (qc), sleeve friction (fs), and piezocone pore pressure (u).  CPT is performed with a single or dual point anchor system and pushed at a controlled speed of 2 cm/s with adjustable hydraulics and monitoring instrumentation capable of applying up to 17 tons of push force.  Results of the CPT penetration tests are interpreted to obtain soil type, water table, and soil parameters for engineering design. 

Advantages of CPT testing over test borings include continuous data for soil profiles, improved measurements of critical geotechnical design parameters, and ability to obtain site specific shear wave velocity data for improved seismic site design and evaluation of liquefaction potential. When desired, seismic testing can be performed at discrete intervals during the CPT test to be used for these analyses.

The Vertek VTK cone system includes a real-time data logging system with 5 ton and 10 ton seismic piezocones (SCPTu).  SCPTu cones are equipped with tri-axial seismic modules to provide downhole S and P shear wave velocity testing.