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
INFRARED MOISTURE METER AZA0875
The AZA0875 Infrared Moisture Meter from Azalab is a high-precision analytical instrument designed for fast, accurate moisture content determination across a wide range of materials. Utilizing advanced infrared (halogen) heating technology, the AZA0875 significantly reduces analysis time compared to conventional oven-drying methods, delivering reliable results within minutes.
This instrument is ideally suited for geotechnical laboratories, construction quality control, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, food processing, and material testing laboratories, where rapid and repeatable moisture data is essential for process control and compliance.
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
SEMI AUTOMATIC CONE PENETROMETER AZA0852
Principle of Operation
A soil paste prepared at known moisture content is placed in the sample cup. The standardized cone, attached to a calibrated weight, is released using the semi-automatic clutch mechanism, allowing free fall penetration into the soil. After the specified time (typically 5 seconds), the penetration depth is measured using a high-precision dial gauge. The moisture content corresponding to a penetration of 20 mm is considered the liquid limit of the soil, as defined in IS and BS standards.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
SOIL CONE PENETROMETER AZA0851
Principle of Operation
A soil paste prepared at a known moisture content is placed in the sample cup. The stainless steel cone, of specified mass and angle, is allowed to penetrate the soil freely for 5 seconds. The depth of penetration (up to 20 mm) is measured using a precision depth gauge. The moisture content corresponding to 20 mm penetration is defined as the liquid limit of the soil.Standards Compliance
- IS 2720 (Part 5) – Determination of liquid and plastic limits
- ASTM D4318 – Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
STANDARD COMPACTION TEST AZA0863
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.
