The cone penetrometer is the central component of a cone penetration test (CPT). Our cone penetrometers are mounted to a series of steel rods, and pushed vertically from the rig to penetrate the ground.
Our most utilised cone is the CFIP cone which penetrates the ground at a constant rate of 2 cm/s whilst measuring cone tip resistance (qc), friction sleeve (fs) and inclination. We offer the option to incorporate a piezo filter element (u2) for piezocone testing, to measure excess pore water pressure.
We also offer a number of specialist cones that operate concurrently with our standard cone and can cope with varied geological environments. This specialist testing allows the evaluation of a vast range of soil parameters, and enables us to obtain samples and install geotechnical instrumentation.
Piezocone Test (CPTu)
The piezocone test (CPTu) is a refined cone penetration test that measures pore water pressure alongside cone tip and friction resistance. This enhanced data provides a more reliable assessment of soil stratification and soil type, making it a valuable tool for marine work and pile design.
Dissipation Testing
Dissipation tests measure the decay of pore water pressure over a specified amount of time and are useful in helping understand how the soil will behave with heavy surface loads. A dissipation test can be carried out during any CPTu sounding and does not require any additional set up. Furthermore the results are instantaneous allowing for quick decisions on site.
Lubrication System
Our innovative lubrication system reduces friction between the rods and soil, enabling deeper CPT penetrations in cohesive materials. It enables us to push to much greater depths, avoiding the need to use more expensive and time-consuming drilling techniques, enhancing efficiency and saving time. The pressurised water layer effectively lubricates the rods in very cohesive materials, allowing for deeper CPTs with minimal impact on data quality.
Magnetometer Cone
Our magnetometer probe precisely detects buried ferrous objects, such as unexploded ordnance (UXO), with real-time magnetic field analysis. We also have combination magnetometer cones that combine UXO detection with standard CPT readings, streamlining site investigation. Our operators are able to monitor the magnetometer readings on site, and are trained to stop testing should they detect any potential anomalies. For on-site clearance, the help of a third-party UXO specialist is required to generate a UXO clearance report.
Our in-house designed magnetometer probe allows us to simultaneously combine piezocone, magnetometer and seismic module in a single test.
Seismic Cone
The Seismic Cone Penetration Test (SCPT) is a combination of CPT and seismic testing, providing shear wave velocity measurements and small strain shear modulus. It’s quicker and more efficient than traditional methods, offering valuable insights for earthquake engineering, foundation design, and offshore structures.
Full Displacement Cone Pressuremeter
The cone pressuremeter uses an inflatable membrane to assess soil stiffness and strength in place. Unlike conventional pressuremeter tests, the cone pressuremeter integrates seamlessly with the CPT process making it an economic alternative to conventional self-boring and Menard type pressuremeter testing. The test can be carried out in a wide range of material types from soft to stiff clays and loose to medium dense sands.
Video Cone
Lankelma’s video cone penetrometer with a recording camera element allows both us and our clients to get a closer look at the geology. When used in combination with other CPT techniques, the video cone results can provide additional data to help build a ground model and better understand the ground.
Membrane Interface Probe (MIP)
The Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) is a fast, highly repeatable and cost-effective method for mapping contaminant plumes. It continuously samples gases and delivers real-time results for flexible investigation and verification. A heated trunk line enhances reliability, and MIP reports provide dual-scale VOC contamination representation and soil type indication.
UV Video Cone
Lankelma’s ultraviolet (UV) video cone is a means of Fuel Fluorescence Detection. The in-house development features UV-emitting LEDs that can detect cold light emission luminescence from fuels and oils, providing a more accurate picture of the ground in real-time. It can detect these emissions at low concentrations, with images streamed live to a monitor in the CPT rig. Results can be used to enable real-time ground characterisation and to help target additional sampling and testing.
Push-In Shear Vane
The GVT-100 shear vane system is a sophisticated, software-controlled device with high precision torque sensor and software control, providing accurate undrained shear strength measurements for cohesive soils. It features customisable vanes, adjustable rotational speed, real-time data visualisation, and logging capabilities. Corrected shear vane measurements are valuable for calibrating CPT cone and pore pressure data, and for assessing residual shear strength.
