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4.2: Dynamic Cone Penetrometer

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    42718
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    Dynamic Cone Penetrometer

    A dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) is a tool used for evaluating the strength of soils on-site. It also helps with monitoring the condition of granular layers and subgrade soils in pavement sections over time. It can be used to determine the right solutions for the sites, especially when soft soils are involved.

    The DCP uses a 15-pound steel mass falling 20 inches to strike an anvil deeper into a hand-augured hole. Count the number of blows needed to drive the anvil down 6-inch increments.

    Sketch showing Dynamic Cone Penetrometer with handle, single mass or dual-mass hammer, upper rod, anvil with quick-connect pin, upper attachment, drive rod, vertical scale, foot, and tip (reusable hardened point or disposable cone).
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Dynamic cone penetrometer (Tensar)

     


    4.2: Dynamic Cone Penetrometer is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Erin Hansel (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College).

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