The dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP), originally developed by George Sowers, uses a 15 lb steel mass falling 20" to strike an anvil to penetrate a 1.5" diameter 45° (vertex angle) cone that has been seated in the bottom of a hand-augered hole. The DCP can be used effectively in augered holes in nearly all types of soils to depths of 15 to 20 ft. (4.6 to 6.1m). Components are zinc-plated and cones are heat-treated. The cone can be replaced with a Drive Tube Assembly (H-4202.7A ) for collection of 3" x 10" (7.6 x 25.4 cm) tube samples from hand-augered holes.
This penetrometer is used to determine a penetration resistance relationship with the standard penetration resistance of virgin soils. As with all field tools used in foundation evaluations, this method should never be used as the sole means for determining foundation conditions. It should be used in conjunction with previously established field and laboratory data, wich as the split-spoon standard penetration test, density, shear stength or consolidation data.
The H-4202AS set includes; (1) Sleeved Drive Hammer assembly (H-4202.1A), (1) heat-treated 45° cone penetrometer point with a 1 ft. adapter rod (H-4202.3), (4) 2.5 ft. E drill rod extensions (H-4202.225), (1) auger head (H-4202.6), (1) auger T-handle (H-4202.4), (4) 36" auger extensions (H-4202.5).
The 4202 DCP test set is also available with a H-4202.1A sleeved drive hammer for easier and safer operation.
