NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Improved Instrumentation for Conducting the Standard Penetration Test.
- File
- PB94147386.pdf
- Author(s)
- Rana, G. M.
- Source
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. Small Business Innovation Research Programs., September 26, 1990, 694 p.
- Abstract
- The standard penetration test is a method used by geotechnical engineers to obtain data regarding various properties of soil for use in foundation design and analysis. Researchers compared the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of a new hammer (the Accu-Hammer) with that of the hammer conventionally used to conduct the standard penetration test. Both hammers were tested at a total of ten separate sites where a series of closely spaced borings were advanced conducting the standard penetration test at five foot depth intervals. The results demonstrate that the Accu-Hammer provides a more efficient means of conducting the standard penenetration test. The time saved using the Accu-Hammer increases with the depth of the soil being tested. The Accu-Hammer also generally yield lower 'N' values than the conventional hammer, due to a decrease in the loss of hammer impact energy using the Accu-Hammer.
- Keywords
- ; Measuring instruments; Foundation engineering; Geotechnical engineering; Hammers; Rheological properties; Penetration tests; Soil tests