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POCKET PENTROMETER AZA0869
The AZA0869 Compact Pocket Penetrometer from Azalab is a field-ready instrument designed for rapid estimation of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and shear strength of cohesive soils. Fully compliant with ASTM D1558 and ASTM D2573, it enables engineers, geologists, and site inspectors to quickly assess soil consistency and short-term stability without the need for laboratory equipment.
Widely used in foundation evaluation, trench wall inspection, and field soil classification, the AZA0869 delivers immediate, reliable results for clays and silts during preliminary geotechnical assessments.
Applications
- Estimation of UCS and shear strength of soft to stiff cohesive soils
- Field classification of soil consistency
- Pre-construction soil stability checks
- Trench safety and shallow foundation planning
- Geotechnical education and field research
Description
Operating Principle
- Press the loading piston vertically into a freshly exposed soil surface.
- The engraved barrel scale displays the applied pressure directly in kg/cm².
- A sliding maximum load indicator ring retains the peak reading achieved.
- The measured value is used to estimate UCS or corresponding shear strength.
This simple, mechanical method provides instant results and is widely accepted for preliminary and comparative field evaluations.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AZA0869 |
| Standard Compliance | ASTM D1558, ASTM D2573 |
| Measurement Range | 0 to 4.5 kg/cm² (typical) |
| Barrel Diameter | 20 mm |
| Barrel Length | 150 mm |
| Scale Type | Engraved, direct reading |
| Spring | Heat-treated, corrosion-resistant plated spring |
| Plunger Tip | Polished, ground steel |
| Max Load Indicator | Sliding ring on plunger |
| Weight | < 0.5 kg |
| Carrying Case | Protective case included |
What’s Included
- Compact pocket penetrometer with calibrated spring
- Maximum load indicator ring
- Protective carrying case
- Instruction leaflet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What soil types is the AZA0869 suitable for?
It is designed for cohesive soils such as clays and silts. It is not suitable for gravelly or dry, non-cohesive sandy soils.
Q2: What does the scale measure?
The scale directly measures penetration resistance in kg/cm², correlating to unconfined compressive strength.
Q3: Does the penetrometer require calibration?
The instrument is factory-calibrated. Periodic verification using known loads is recommended for critical applications.
Q4: Is it suitable for outdoor and site conditions?
Yes. The plated spring and robust construction provide good resistance to corrosion and rough field handling.
Q5: Is it portable?
Yes. The AZA0869 is lightweight, compact, and supplied with a protective carrying case for easy transport.
Related products
LINEAR SHRINKAGE MOULD AZA0850
The AZA0850 Precision Linear Shrinkage Mould from AZALAB is a compact and highly accurate laboratory instrument designed for determining the linear shrinkage of fine-grained cohesive soils in accordance with BS 1377-2. This test is a key component of soil classification and is especially important in identifying shrink–swell behavior of clays and expansive soils.
Linear shrinkage testing measures the reduction in length of a soil specimen upon drying, expressed as a percentage of its original length. The results provide valuable insight into soil expansiveness, volume stability, and suitability for foundations, pavements, and earthworks.
Manufactured from high-quality brass or stainless steel, the AZA0850 mould offers precise internal dimensions, excellent corrosion resistance, and a smooth polished finish for easy sample preparation and removal. Its robust construction ensures repeatable, reliable results even under high-frequency laboratory use.
LIQUID LIMIT DEVICE WITH COUNTER AZA0853
The AZA0853 Liquid Limit Device with Counter from AZALAB is a precision-engineered instrument used for determining the liquid limit of soils in accordance with the Casagrande method. This test is a fundamental component of soil classification and geotechnical investigation, providing critical insight into the plasticity, compressibility, and shear strength of fine-grained soils.
Designed for reliable, repeatable, and standardized testing, the AZA0853 is widely used in geotechnical laboratories, civil engineering departments, construction quality control labs, and academic institutions.
Principle of Liquid Limit Test (Casagrande Method)
The liquid limit is defined as the water content at which soil transitions from a plastic state to a liquid state. In practice, it is determined as the moisture content at which a standard groove cut in the soil sample closes over a length of 12.5 mm under 25 blows of the liquid limit apparatus.
The AZA0853 consists of a polished brass cup mounted on an adjustable bracket. The cup is repeatedly raised and dropped from a fixed height of 1 cm onto a hard rubber base by means of a manually operated cam mechanism. A built-in mechanical counter accurately records the number of blows, ensuring compliance with testing standards and reducing operator error.
PARTICLE SIZE SEDIMENTATION (HYDROMETER METHOD) AZA0857
SAND EQUIVALENT TEST SET AZA0859
SHRINKAGE LIMIT SET AZA0849
Standards Compliance
The AZA0849 Shrinkage Limit Set conforms to major national and international testing standards, ensuring reliable and universally accepted test results:- IS 2720 (Part VII)
- ASTM D427
- BS 1377
- AASHTO T 92
SPEEDY MOISTURE ZI 3027 METER (D2 LARGE) AZA0873
The AZA0873 Speedy Moisture ZI 3027 Meter (D2 Large) from Azalab is a high-performance field instrument designed for rapid and accurate determination of moisture content in soils, aggregates, sand, and similar materials. Based on the proven calcium carbide gas pressure method, this instrument is widely used in earthwork compaction control, road construction, geotechnical investigations, and concrete production, where immediate moisture data is critical for quality assurance.
The D2 Large configuration distinguishes the AZA0873 by allowing a larger sample size, providing more representative and reliable results, especially for heterogeneous materials and aggregates with larger particle sizes. Its rugged ZI 3027 construction ensures dependable performance under demanding site conditions.
STANDARD COMPACTION TEST AZA0864
The AZA0864 Standard Compaction Test Apparatus from Azalab is precision-engineered to perform the British Standard Proctor (Light Compaction) Test, as specified in BS 1377-4 and BS 1924-2. This apparatus is used to determine the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of soils subjected to light compactive effort.
The test simulates field compaction achieved by light rollers and rammers and is essential for quality control of subgrades, embankments, road bases, and foundation soils. The AZA0864 is widely used in geotechnical laboratories, site investigation works, and academic institutions following British Standards.
VICKSBERG PENTROMETER (PROVING RING TYPE) AZA0870
The Vicksberg Penetrometer (Proving Ring Type) – AZA0870 by Azalab is a precision-engineered field instrument designed to determine the bearing capacity of subgrades, assess soil compaction levels, and conduct rapid shallow soil investigations. It is widely used in road construction, foundation assessment, and infrastructure site inspections where quick, reliable field results are required.
Designed for efficient single-person operation, the instrument incorporates a 100 kg (1 kN) proving ring combined with a high-sensitivity dial gauge of 0.002 mm least count, ensuring accurate and repeatable load measurements. An optical viewer is provided for clear dial visibility, even under bright outdoor conditions, making the unit ideal for on-site testing.
Whether for routine site investigations or quality control of compacted layers, the AZA0870 delivers fast, dependable, and field-ready performance.