DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER AZA0872

The AZA0872 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) from Azalab is a robust, field-proven instrument designed for rapid in-situ evaluation of soil strength, stiffness, and compaction. It is extensively used by civil engineers, geotechnical consultants, and construction teams for pavement design, quality control, and site investigation works.

The DCP test provides a fast and economical method to assess the strength of subgrades, sub-bases, and granular base course layers, with results that can be directly correlated to California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values. This eliminates the need for time-consuming laboratory testing or undisturbed soil sampling, enabling immediate decision-making at site.

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Description

Description

Principle of Operation

The AZA0872 operates on a simple and well-established impact penetration principle. A hardened steel cone attached to a drive rod is driven into the ground by repeatedly dropping a standard weight hammer from a fixed height. The penetration per blow is measured and recorded, providing a direct indication of soil resistance.

By plotting penetration versus depth, a continuous strength profile of the pavement or soil layer is obtained, clearly identifying weak zones, variability, or insufficient compaction.


Key Features

  • Rapid in-situ evaluation of soil and pavement layers

  • Direct correlation of penetration data to CBR values

  • No power supply or boreholes required

  • Portable and suitable for single-operator field use

  • Immediate results for on-site quality control

  • Heavy-duty steel construction for long service life


Applications

  • Pavement evaluation (subgrade, sub-base, base course)

  • Compaction quality control during road construction

  • Shallow foundation investigations

  • Identification of weak or soft soil zones

  • General geotechnical site reconnaissance


Technical Specifications

Model Number: AZA0872
Apparatus Type: Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP)
Purpose: In-situ soil strength, stiffness, and compaction evaluation

Hammer

  • Weight: Typically 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

  • Drop Height: 575 mm (22.6 in), standardized free fall

Cone Tip

  • Material: Hardened steel

  • Cone Angle: 60° (standard)

  • Base Diameter: 20 mm (standard)

Drive Rod

  • Material: High-strength steel

  • Design: Sectional / quick-connect rods

Measuring Scale

  • Graduated rod, 1000 mm or 1500 mm length

  • Clear millimeter divisions

Anvil

  • Hardened steel impact anvil

Maximum Penetration Depth

  • Typically up to 2–3 meters (depending on soil conditions and rod length)

Components Supplied

  • Hammer

  • Anvil

  • Guide rod assembly

  • Drive rods

  • Hardened cone tip

  • Measuring scale

  • Rod puller (optional, recommended)

  • Carrying case

Compliance

  • Designed in accordance with ASTM D6951

  • AASHTO T 252 (principles)

Construction

  • Heavy-duty steel components

  • Designed for repetitive impact and harsh field use


Advantages

  • Fast, economical alternative to laboratory CBR testing

  • Continuous strength profiling with depth

  • Ideal for construction quality assurance

  • Minimal training required

  • Highly portable and field-ready


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the AZA0872 used for?
It is used for rapid in-situ testing of soil strength and compaction, especially in pavement layers such as subgrade, sub-base, and base course.

Q2: How does the DCP test indicate soil strength?
By measuring the penetration depth of a cone per hammer blow, which reflects soil resistance and density.

Q3: Can AZA0872 results be correlated to CBR values?
Yes. One of the main benefits of the DCP test is its established correlation with CBR values used in pavement design.

Q4: What soil types can be tested?
The AZA0872 is suitable for most granular and cohesive soils commonly encountered in road and pavement construction.

Q5: Is external power required?
No. The instrument is fully mechanical and ideal for remote field locations.

Q6: What standards does AZA0872 follow?
It is designed to meet the principles of ASTM D6951 and AASHTO T 252.

Q7: What is the typical depth of testing?
Depending on soil conditions and rod configuration, effective penetration is usually up to 2–3 meters.

Additional information

Additional information

Model Number

AZA 0872

Apparatus Type

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP)

Anvil

Hardened steel.

Portability

Designed for high portability and ease of field use.

Construction

Robust, heavy-duty steel components for durability.