We have a wide variety of equipment for geotechnical testing
Rotary sounding, DPSH (Dynamic Probing Super Heavy) test, SPT (Standard Penetration Test)
Our exclusive Rolatec-brand adapted machine has been specifically designed for lifting photovoltaic power lines, substations and HV.
Its small size coupled with the movement of the tracker and its multiple testing capabilities allow this device to offer flexible and fast operations. It is not necessary to mobilize large trucks for transport, but you can ride on a simple and light truck.
Its powerful motor and double mast enable soundings up to 10m in depth under standard conditions. That makes the typical 6m lifting depth on power lines and substations easily achievable.
It is suitable for any type of soil, including rocky soils, as it is equipped with water pipes and a pump during operation.
Purpose and use:
- Performing rotary soundings with extraction of continuous soil samples, both altered and unaltered.
- DPSH (Super Heavy Penetrometer) type tests
- Carrying out SPT tests (Standard Penetration Test)
- It allows the use of piezometers or other tests inside the borehole.
DPL10
The Light Dynamic Penetration Test (DPL10) is a continuous test consisting of counting the number of strokes, N, required to drive a 10 cm length of 22 mm metal rod (N10). It is controlled according to ISO 22476-2.
Purpose and use:
Ideal for surface studies on solar farm projects in remote locations with difficult access for heavy DPSH equipment or borehole drilling machines. It is a fast, cheap, high-performance, and reliable technique that easily correlates with NSPT (Standard Penetration Resistance Value).
- Calculation of resistance to soil penetration (qu) up to a 10m depth in soft soils
- Calculation of geomechanical soil parameters correlating with NSPT
- Relative density and internal friction angle in granular soils
- Load capacity of shallow and semi-deep foundations
- Calculation of settlements by empirical methods
- Quality control of embankments, fill and the like.
Panda2 Variable Energy Dynamic Penetrometer
The Panda2 device is an extremely light and portable penetrometer in accordance with French regulations NF XP 94-105, which is used to measure the resistance of the ground against penetration. This is a variable energy tool, which means that regardless of the energy of the strike impact, the transducer converts that energy into a standard force (in MPa, Kg / cm2, etc.).
Purpose and use:
It is mainly used for the quality control of the compaction of embankments and pavements, as well as for surface geotechnical reconnaissance. With this equipment, it is possible to determine both the CBR (Californian Bearing Ratio) index in situ (% CBR) and the tip resistance (kN / m2).
- Calculation of resistance to soil penetration (qu) up to 5m depth in soft soils
- Calculation of geomechanical soil parameters correlating with NSPT
- Determination of the CBR index in situ
- Relative density and angle of internal friction in granular soils
- Load capacity of shallow and semi-deep foundations
- Calculation of settlements as allowed by empirical methods
- Quality control of embankments, fill, pavements, and the like
DCP (Dynamic Cone Penetrometer) – CBR
This equipment was designed by the US Corps of Engineers for on-site measurement of the CBR index. It is therefore a piece of equipment specifically designed to obtain this index.
- Manually operated hammer: 8 kg
- Fall height: 575 mm
- Linkage diameter: 16 mm
- Diameter of the conical tip: 20 mm
- Opening angle: 60º
Purpose and use:
DCP tests are performed according to the procedure established in ASTM-D6951-3 (2003). The apparatus consists of a 16mm diameter steel rod onto which a tempered steel cone is attached with a 20mm diameter base and a 60 degree tip angle. The DCP is pushed to the ground by an 8kg hammer with a 575mm free fall. The hammer correction factor is the unit for an 8 kg hammer. The DCP index or reading is defined as the depth of penetration (D) in mm for a single drop of the hammer. The cone is driven to the ground to the desired depth and the average DCP index for a single hit is calculated.
The following equations are used depending on the type of soil:
- All types of soils: CBR = 292 / DCP1.12
- CL soils: CBR = 1 / (0.017019 · DCP)2
- CH soils: CBR = 1 / 0.002871 · DCP2
