DIPLOMA IN CIVIL

ENGINEERING SCHOOL OF
CIVIL ENGINEERING COLLEGE
OF ENGINEERING UNIVERSITI
TEKNOLOGI MARA

ECG 263: SOIL ENGINEERING LABORATORY

OEL LEVEL: 0

LAB NO. : 12 GROUP : J4CEEC1104B1

LAB TITLE : MACKINTOSH PROBE TEST
PREPARED FOR :
DATE OF CONDUCTED LAB : 21 APRIL 2024
STUDENT ID GROUP MEMBER’S NAME
2022468934 MUHAMMAD RAZY JEFRY BIN AZHAR
2022477168 MUHAMMAD IDHAM BIN MOHD HAKIM
2022488894 KHAIRIL HAZIM BIN KHAIRUNNIZAM

CO-PO Description
CO3 Perform teamwork skills in task related to soil engineering
Function effectively as an individual, and as a member in diverse
PO9
technical teams.

AFFECTIVE DOMAIN
NO ELEMENTS TO ASSESS RUBRICS
Domain Mark
1 (RECEIVING) Punctuality A1 /4
2 (ORGANIZATION) Report Organization A4 /2
3 (VALUING) Analysis and Interpretation of Data A3 /4
4 (ORGANIZATION) Discussion A4 /4
5 (CHARACTERIZATION) Conclusion A5 /4
6 (VALUING) References A3 /2

TOTAL MARKS / 20

Note:
1. Only the group members who present during lab
session are qualified for evaluation (Group leader
is responsible to cancel absenter in the Group
Member Name section).
RECEIVED & CHECKED BY:
2. Fill up all the particulars clearly and correctly.
Marks will be deducted if the particulars are left
unfilled or wrongly filled.
3. Lab report will not be examined for late
submission.
4. No hand phone allowed during lab session.

DATE OF SUBMISSION:
©PKA, UiTM MARCH – AUGUST 24
 TABLE OF CONTENT

NO CONTENT
1 Introduction
2 Objective
3 Theoretical Background
4 Problem Statement
5 Apparatus and Procedure
6 Results and Analysis Data
7 Discussion
8 Conclusion
9 References
10 Appendix
1.0 Introduction

he applications of the Mackintosh probe are by assembling the equipment,

marked on each 0.3m on the rods, set up the equipment on the ground, pulled up the
hammer until maximum height, dropped freely to driven the rod and cone into the soil,
continued until the blow reach more than 400 blows per 0.3m penetration or the depth
reached 15m.

Under any circumstances of the soil conditions, the rate of driven must be from 15
to 30 blows per minute and the deviation from the vertical of the first extension rod shall
not be greater than 2%. The result from the Mackintosh probe test shall be recorded for
every blows per 0.3m.

Thus, the value of the bearing capacity will be referred to the standard bearing
capacity graph. Mackintosh probe have lots of disadvantages that can lead to misleading
test result that are contributed mostly from human error. To overcome this problem, this
study will mainly focusing on developing a mechanism that will improve the present
Mackintosh probe.

The mechanism is called the Nautical Gauge Mackintosh Probe (NGMP). From
the progress test result of this study, it shows the number of blows per 0.3m is exceed
the limitation of the standard bearing capacity graph. The recommendation for the
problem is to change the location of study to a more adequate location.
2.0 Objective

To determine the bearing capacity, which is the strength of the soil and soil profile
base on consistency or relative density.

3.0 Theoretical Background

JKR Probe and Mackintosh Probe consist of 4 components which are drop hammer, coupling,
guide rod and torpedo-shaped cone. The tool consists of rods which can be threaded together
with barrel connectors, and which are normally fitted with a driving point at their base, and a light
hand operated driving hammer at their top.
4.0 Problem statement

Before starting construction of a building, the only thing that needs to be done is
an investigation at the site. This is because, in order to determine the appropriate
use and suitability of the foundation for the building, it is necessary to identify the
soil condition at the site. As a group you are given a site location to achieve the
objectives. You are required to carry out the appropriate tests according to the
selected ground location

5.0 Apparatus and procedure

Apparatus :

● JKR / Mackintosh Probe Set

● Ruler
● Chalk
● Rod Lifting tool
● Lubricant/Grease oil

Procedure :

1. The location of the test should be determined.

2. The JKR/Mackintosh probe components should be assembled.
3. 300 mm marks should be marked on the probing rod using chalk.
4. The tool should be set in a vertical position with the pointer/cone just touching the
ground.
5. The driving hammer should be raised to a fixed height along the guide rod and allowed
to drop freely.
6. The act should be repeated and the number of blows required for 300 mm penetration
should be recorded.
7. The probe test is terminated when 400 blows/300 mm is exceeded or a depth of 15 m
penetration is reached.
6.0 RESULT AND ANALYSIS

Depth (m) No of Blows

PT1 PT2 PT3

0 – 0.3 24 33 21
0.3 – 0.6 27 41 32
0.6 – 0.9 33 114 123
0.9 – 1.2 45 170 86
1.2 - n 27 154 63
 7.0 DISCUSSION

This table shows the number of blows at different depth for three penetrations test. For
penetration 1, our group obtain that the penetration is increase with the depth except for 1.2- n m
the penetration is decrease, it making the highest penetration at 0.9-1.2 m. Also that, for
penetration 2 the penetration are increase consistently but at the 0.6-0.9 m the penetration
suddenly peak and the penetration slightly decrease at 1.2-n m. Lastly, Penetration 3 and
penetration 2 both the penetration increase consistently and suddenly peak but at same depth
but for penetration 3, the penetration decrease first which is at 0.9-1.2 m. This can be seen the
penetration 1 is more consistent than penetration 2 and 3, it making our group can identify what
the soil type and denser material at different depth. This data would help engineering to analyze
the soil characteristic and prevent any problem in construction.
From the graph, our group obtain the relationship between JKR probe and Bearing Capacity
which is the graph shows it proportionally increase, it means the higher bearing capacity the
higher JKR probe. Here the formula for determining the Bearing Capacity:

Blows x Hammer Weight x Hammer Fall x cos(angle)

Rod Diameter 2

Soil type are the first things that can influence the data of the laboratory test. For example, there
are many types of soil which is clay and sand that have different density would affect when doing
JKR probe. Also that, moisture content in the soil might be influence the data because the
moisture content will impact the bearing capacity, when higher moisture content, it can reduce
the soil strength. Lastly, human error also one of the things would impact the result such as in
measurement and inaccurate data recordings.
8.0 CONCLUSION

The Mackintosh Probe Test is an essential instrument, especially for evaluating

concrete constructions. Its importance stems from its capacity to precisely gauge the
depth of surface imperfections in concrete, including cracks or delamination, which are
frequent problems endangering the structural integrity and safety of buildings. Engineers
can prolong the life of the structure and avert catastrophic collapses by proactively
repairing or reinforcing the relevant regions when these problems are discovered early.

There are multiple tactics involved in improving the Mackintosh Probe Test. First,
improving the probe's precision can result in measurements that are more precise. This
could entail improvements in the design of the probe or the use of materials that provide
higher reliability and sensitivity. Second, the people administering the tests need to be
well-trained and educated. Optimizing the test's efficacy requires careful execution and
evaluation of the findings. Last but not least, combining the Mackintosh Probe Test with
other non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques can offer a more thorough assessment of
the structure's state and enable a comprehensive maintenance and repair strategy.

For the Mackintosh Probe Test to produce accurate and trustworthy findings,
precautions are just as crucial. These safety measures include making sure the probe is
correctly calibrated before to use, choosing the right probe for the particular kind of
defect being assessed, and carrying out the test in a controlled environment to reduce
variables. It's also crucial to fully record the test results, including information on the
probe that was used, the test procedure, and the flaws that were found. For future
reference and to help with decision-making regarding repairs or reinforcements, this
documentation is essential.

ITo sum up, the Mackintosh Probe Test is essential to the upkeep and
conservation of concrete buildings. Its significance comes from its capacity to identify
surface flaws at an early stage, allowing for prompt interventions to preserve structural
integrity. Test improvements can be attained by improving training, integrating with other
NDT techniques, and using new developments in probe technology. Testing safety
measures are essential to guaranteeing accuracy and dependability; these include
appropriate calibration, regulated testing environments, and thorough documentation.
When engineers use the Mackintosh Probe Test in accordance with these guidelines, it
can be a very useful instrument that greatly enhances the longevity and safety of our built
environment.
9.0 References

1. https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/buckling (Buckling Calculator —

Column Buckling,2017)

2. https://calcresource.com/statics-buckling-load.html (Column Buckling |

calcresource 2020)

3. https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/euler-column-formula-d_1813.html (Euler's

Column Formula - The Engineering ToolBox, 2019)

10.0 Appendix