Manual penetrometer

• Product of

  Eijkelkamp

  The penetrometer basically consists of a measuring instrument, a probe rod and a probe cone. The instrument is pressed at a right angle into the soil by exercising pressure on both handles. Uneven pressing does not produce representative measured values which are exaggerated for specific soils. The resistance measured by the probe cone can be read off on the black pointer of the manometer. The maximum resistance recorded during the measurement is shown by the red pointer. The penetration resistance of the soil (kPa/cm2) can be determined by dividing the displayed value by the surface area of the probe cone. The value to be expected for the penetration resistance determines the surface of the probe cone to be used. For higher values, a smaller cone is used. 

  General principle: the larger the probe cone, the more precisely the penetration resistance may be determined.

  Penetrometers are used to determine the penetration resistance (load bearing capacity) of the soil. The Eijkelkamp penetrometer can be supplied in two different sets:

  • Set for a depth of up to one metre

  • Set for a depth of 3 metres

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• Uses

  In view of its depth of use, the instrument may be used for the following tasks:

  • general soil investigation

  • simple foundation appraisal

  • examination of the artificial compaction of the soil

  • examination of the growth conditions for plants to be expected

  • determination of compacted horizons