CONE PENETRATION TESTING

Part of our Data Acquisition Solution

Piezocone penetration testing (CPTu) has many advantages over traditional site investigation techniques. CPTu has a very high level of accuracy, taking readings from undisturbed, in-situ soil. With an average resolution of 2cm and capable of averaging over 100m of testing per day, it is not a surprise that CPTu is being used by the industry more than ever.

Our CPT Crawler Rig

Central Alliance’s cone penetration testing (CPT) crawler rig is capable of tracking through most terrains. Offering a 200 kN push from a stable platform and able to average over 100 m of data acquisition per day, its 1.7 m jack legs ensure good data control on undulating sites. The rig includes a wireless remote control, enabling the operator to safely track the rig from outside with maximum visibility.

Central Alliance has conducted cone penetration testing on a variety of sites across the UK and Europe, including work on projects with national significance such as HS2.

Central Alliance processes the CPT data in-house, producing bespoke reports to suit our clients needs. The processed results are provided in AGS and Excel formats.

Central Alliance cone penetration testing rig set up on grassy land, with buildings and the sky in the background
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Our CPT Capabilities

Piezocone (CPTu) Testing

Central Alliance offers testing with 15 cm² and 10 cm² piezocones to provide detailed data to understand soil composition, strength, and consolidation characteristics. By measuring tip resistance, sleeve friction, and pore water pressure, our piezocone testing delivers invaluable insights that support geotechnical assessments, foundation design, and construction planning.

Magnetometer for UXO Clearance – Available as Combined with CPTu

This can be performed independently or in combination with CPTu to detect subsurface metal objects, anomalies, buried structures, or unexploded ordnance (UXO). We can provide UXO clearance engineers to provide a watching brief and reporting, ensuring your site is compliant with UXO-related regulations.

Pore Pressure Dissipation Testing

CPTu dissipation testing measures excess pore pressure decay after stopping cone penetration. The results help determine soil consolidation, permeability, and drainage characteristics, particularly in fine-grained soils such as clays and silts.

Seismic CPT Testing

This can also be performed independently, or in combination with CPTu to measure shear and compressional wave velocities, providing information about soil stiffness, strength, and dynamic properties with increasing depth.

Gamma Cone – for Chalk/Clay Delineation

Combined with the CPTu cone, the gamma sensor measures subsurface gamma radiation. This method is primarily used to differentiate between chalk and clay, which can be difficult or impossible to distinguish based on material properties alone.

Other testing services can be provided upon request

Instrumentation & Four Main CPT Parameters

Central Alliance cone penetration testing rig set out on site, with the blue sky filled with clouds in the background, and a jet flying in the sky from the right.

We can provide a variety of probes so we can tailor site-specific testing suitable for a range of sites.

Our Current Range Includes:

  • 10 cm² CPT Piezocone (Subtraction type)
  •  15 cm² CPT Piezocone (Subtraction type)
  •  Ball-Shaped Tip for 10 cm² Piezocone
  • Magnetometer

Four Main CPT Parameters

  • Cone end resistance (qc)
  • Friction (fs)
  • Pore pressure (u2)
  • Inclination

Included with Standard CPTu Testing

Displaying Your CPT Data

Central Alliance can produce a range of report styles to provide data to suit your project.

Ground Investigation