General Information: Instruction Manual Portable Static Cone Penetrometer

Instruction Manual
PORTABLE STATIC CONE PENETROMETER
1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
The DGSI double-rod Cone Penetrometer (models S-214 and S-212) offers an unparalleled device for measuring
soil consistency. It is specifically designed for use in fine grained, soft soils to depths as much as 30 feet.
It is totally self contained and weighs 5 lb. The basic unit is designed for depths of 4 ft.
It is intended to be operated by one person and requires no auxiliary equipment. The device is extremely rugged
and is built for day-in, day-out use.
2.0 PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
 Rapid selection of locations for field density  Earthwork control for embankments
tests  Muck and soft soil probes
 Evaluating backfills in trenches and behind  Probing shallow marine deposits
walls  Probing beneath existing shallow
 Light foundation investigations foundations
 For rapid correlation of field CBR tests  Pavement subgrade evaluation
3.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Dual rods enable the Cone Stress to be measured directly. Soil friction on the Outer Rod does not influence the
reading. Depending upon the application, either the maximum bearing for an increment of push or the least
bearing for an increment can be reported. If you were investigating for soft spots, you would take the least
reading. In typical use, you would force the Cone into the soil 6 inches, retract the Cone slightly until the gauge
reads zero, then advance an additional 6 inch increment. If you meet with refusal, the cone can be removed and
the hole opened with a hand auger to permit a continuation of measurements against depth.
The tool has been designed to allow a maximum force of 250 lbf to be applied, somewhat more than the average
weight of an operator. The unit can be operated in a vertical. The Cone tip has an included angle of 60". The
Cone has a section area of 1.5 cm². The maximum total bearing (Qc) is 70 kg/cm². There are two standard-length
Inner/Outer Rod combinations: The standard configuration provides a 4" Inner/Outer Rod. The part number of the
standard assembly is S-214. The S-212 penetrometer assembly has a 2.5-ft Inner/Outer rod. Both the 2.5 ft and
4 ft Inner/Outer Rod assemblies can be considered as 'starter" assemblies. The Inner Rod is longer than the
Outer on the 'starter" Rod assembly. If you wish to use extensions, it will be necessary to purchase either the
S-21014, 4-ft “extension” Inner/Outer Rod assembly or the S-21016, 2.5-ft “extension” Inner/Outer Rod assembly.
Extension assemblies have the identical length of Inner/Outer Rod.
Simple determination of approximate unconfined compression strength, standard penetration test “N” and CBR
values can be derived from the cone index.
4.0 HOW TO USE THE CONE INDEX
The reading (Qc) is in kg/cm² which is essentially equal to ton/ft².

The cone index (Qc) is read directly. The correlation between the cone index and soil constants is not absolute.
Generally, the following results have been determined through extensive field use of the unit. Further verification
of correlation in your local soil types is essential. DGSI accepts no liability for the accuracy of the suggested
correlations.
Instruction Manual (PN S-212M) rev 2011-09 Page 1 of 4

DURHAM GEO SLOPE INDICATOR
Standard Penetration Strength and Cohesion CBR Value (1%)

Test “N” Value Qu - Unconfined compression (kg/cm²) Qc = (2.5 to 3.3) CBR
Qc = 4 “N” c – Cohesion (kg/cm²)
Uniform clay and silty clays: Q c = 5 Qu
Qc = IO c
Clayey Silts: Qc = (10 to 20) Qu
Qc = (20 to 40) c
5.0 ASSEMBLY — MAINTENANCE — REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS (S-212 - S-214)
5.1 Unpacking
As you unpack your Static Cone Penetrometer, check for the following items by referring to the enclosed parts list
and drawings:
Item 1 - Head Assembly ** Item 8 or 11 - Outer/Inner Rod Assembly Item 18 - Cone Assembly
Assembly and adjustment of your Penetrometer will require the above items, as well as a 7/16" open wrench and
a medium flat-blade screwdriver (not supplied). You will also need a small wooden block or board or a hard
rubber mat to check the instrument.
**The gauge installed in the Head Assembly is glycerin filled. The glycerin acts as a shock-absorber and may have a "bubble"
which is usually visible and is normal.
5.2 Assembly and Adjustment
To assemble your Penetrometer, screw the Cone Assembly (Item 18) into the Outer/Inner Rod Assembly (Item 8
or 11) and tighten with a wrench. Next, screw this sub-assembly into the Head Assembly (Item 1) and tighten with
a wrench. Check to be sure the system is properly adjusted by pressing the Penetrometer down onto a board or
rubber mat. The needle on the gauge should move as soon as pressure is applied. After pressure is removed, the
needle should return to zero.
If the gauge does not respond when force is applied to the Cone, turn the brass Adjustment Screw (Item 4) in the
Head Assembly (Item 1) clockwise until the needle moves. This is the zero point to the system.
If the gauge will not return to zero, turn the brass Adjustment Screw counter clockwise until the needle returns to
zero.
You should now be ready to use your Static Cone Penetrometer.
5.3 Maintenance
Your Cone Penetrometer is a ruggedly-designed device intended to tolerate a reasonable amount of field abuse.
The most critical requirement is keeping foreign matter outside the annulus between the Inner and Outer Rods. It
is recommended that a drop or two of lightweight machine oil be applied frequently to the annulus. (A schedule of
every 2-3 days is recommended if the unit is being used daily). The Inner Rod is a surface-ground stainless steel
rod which will not rust. The Outer Rod is made of a high-strength alloy steel tubing which is subject to rusting. The
machine oil will curb that tendency.
Always make an attempt to apply a normal (vertical or in-line) thrust on the assembly as it is pushed into the
ground. A severe horizontal thrust coupled to a normal, vertical thrust could produce a situation in which the rods
could be bent. It is infinitely easier to avoid bending the rod than to straighten the rod.
Periodically inspect the Cone Assembly. If the Cone Assembly has suffered excessive wear, it needs to be
replaced. The original diameter of the Cone is 0.544". When the outer diameter is reduced to a diameter of
0.52O”, it is recommended that the point be replaced.
Instruction Manual (PN S-212M) 2011-09 Page 2 of 4

5.4 Repair
If you notice that your penetrometer is leaking or will not hold pressure, you will need to replace the “O” ring (Item
5) on the Adjustment Screw (Item 4) and/or the piston (Item 6).
5.4.1 Adjustment Screw '0' Ring Replacement:

a) Remove the Outer Rod Assembly (Item 8 or 11) from the Head Assembly (Item 1).
b) Clamp the Head Assembly in a vise with the brass Adjustment Screw pointing up.
c) Remove the Adjusting Screw from the Head Assembly and discard the "0" ring.
d) Install the new '0" ring, being careful not to damage it.
e) Fill the reservoir with good quality hydraulic oil until flush with the top.
f) Drop in the Adjustment Screw and thread clockwise until flush with the top. (Note: Oil will run out
during this step preventing air from being trapped inside).
g) Screw the Outer Rod Assembly into the Head Assembly.
h) Continue to screw the brass Adjustment Screw clockwise until the needle on the gauge begins to
move. At this time, back off the screw until the gauge reads zero.
i) The Static Cone Penetrometer is now ready for use.
5.4.2 Piston '0' Ring Replacement:

a) Remove the Inner/Outer Rod Assembly (Item 8 or 11) from the Head Assembly (Item 1).
b) Remove the Insert (Item 7) from the Head Assembly. (Note: For this procedure, you will need a 3/8"-
16 x 2" long bolt and nut. Screw the bolt and nut into the insert and use the nut to jam the bolt; this
will prevent the bolt from backing out of the Insert. Now, use the bolt to screw the Insert out of the
Head. This procedure can be made easier if the Head Assembly is slightly heated at the Insert.
(Leaving the nut and bolt in the Insert will facilitate reassembly).
c) Remove the Adjustment Screw (Item 4) and drain the oil from the unit.
d) Using a long screw driver, or similar tool, press the Piston (Item 6) out of the bottom of the Head.
e) Replace the "0" ring (Item 5), being careful not to damage it.
f) Replace the Piston from the bottom of the Head, with the drilled hole facing outward.
CAUTION: The Piston must be inserted from the BOTTOM of the Head to prevent damage to the "0"
ring and should not be pushed above the Gauge opening.
g) Reinstall the Insert in the bottom of the Head Assembly, using the bolt and nut.
NOTE: Loctite® thread fastener is recommended to insure the Insert does not unthread during use.
h) Using a long screw driver or similar tool, press the Piston from the top (or Adjustment Screw end) of
the Head down against the Insert, being careful not to damage the bore.
i) Refill the Head with good quality hydraulic oil until flush with the top.
j) Drop in the brass Adjustment Screw and thread clockwise until flush with the top. NOTE: Oil will run
out during this step, preventing air from being trapped inside.
k) Screw the Outer Rod Assembly into the Head Assembly, watching the needle of the Gauge. If the
Gauge needle begins t o move, back out the Adjustment Screw to allow the excess oil to escape.
CAUTION: Failure to allow excess oil to escape will over-pressurize and damage the Gauge.
l) 0nce the Outer Rod Assembly is tight, the Adjustment Screw is turned clockwise until the needle on
the Gauge begins to move. At this time, back off the Screw until the Gauge reads zero.

6.0 STATIC CONE PENETROMETER PARTS LIST
Item Part No. Description

1 S-21001 Head Assembly
(includes items 2-7, 19 & 20)
2 S-21002 Handle (2 required)
3 S-21003 Body
4 S-21004 Adjustment Screw
5 S-21005 “O” Ring (2 required)
6 S-21006 Piston
7 S-21007 Insert
8 S-21008 4-ft Starter Rod Assembly
(includes items 9 & 10)
9 S-21009 4-ft Starter Inner Rod
10 S-21010 4-ft Outer Rod
11 S-21011 2.5-ft Starter Rod Assembly
12 S-21012 2.5-ft Starter Inner Rod
13 S-21013 2.5-ft Outer Rod
14 S-21014 4-ft Extension Rod Assembly
15 S-21015 4-ft Extension Inner Rod
16 S-21016 2.5-ft Extension Rod Assembly
17 S-21017 2.5-ft Extension Inner Rod
18 S-21018 Cone Assembly
19 S-21019 Gauge Guard (not shown)
20 S-21020 Gauge Assembly (not shown)
21 S-21021 “O” ring Packing Kit (not shown)
(includes 2 each of item 5)
Helpful Hint: Starter Inner Rods are 0.875” longer
than the similar-looking Extension Inner Rods (i.e., 2.5-
ft Starter Inner Rods are 30.875” OAL. The Extension
Inner Rods are 30” OAL).

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Instruction Manual

PORTABLE STATIC CONE PENETROMETER

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.0 PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

3.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

4.0 HOW TO USE THE CONE INDEX

The reading (Qc) is in kg/cm² which is essentially equal to ton/ft².

Instruction Manual (PN S-212M) rev 2011-09 Page 1 of 4

Standard Penetration Strength and Cohesion CBR Value (1%)

5.0 ASSEMBLY — MAINTENANCE — REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS (S-212 - S-214)

5.2 Assembly and Adjustment

Instruction Manual (PN S-212M) 2011-09 Page 2 of 4

5.4.1 Adjustment Screw '0' Ring Replacement:

5.4.2 Piston '0' Ring Replacement:

Instruction Manual (PN S-212M) 2011-09 Page 3 of 4

6.0 STATIC CONE PENETROMETER PARTS LIST

Item Part No. Description

Instruction Manual (PN S-212M) 2011-09 Page 4 of 4

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