AZA 0872 DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER

Description

AZA 0872: Dynamic Cone Penetrometer for Rapid In-Situ Soil and Pavement Evaluation

The AZA 0872 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) from Azalab is an indispensable field instrument for civil engineers, geotechnical professionals, and construction teams. It provides a quick, efficient, and cost-effective method for evaluating the in-situ strength and compaction characteristics of various soil layers, particularly critical for pavement design and construction quality control. The DCP test is widely used to assess the strength of subgrades, sub-bases, and granular base course layers, offering a direct correlation to California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values without the need for extensive laboratory work or undisturbed samples.

The principle of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer is straightforward: a steel cone of specific dimensions is driven into the ground by repeatedly dropping a standard weight hammer from a fixed height. The penetration depth of the cone per hammer blow is measured, providing a direct indication of the soil’s resistance to penetration, which can then be correlated to its strength and density. This method allows for the rapid creation of a continuous profile of soil strength with depth, identifying variations in subsurface conditions that might otherwise be missed by more discrete sampling techniques.

The AZA 0872 DCP typically comprises several key components:

• Drive Rod: A slender, high-strength steel rod connected to the cone.
• Cone Tip: A hardened steel cone with a specific angle (e.g., 60°) and diameter (e.g., 20mm), which is driven into the ground.
• Hammer: A standard weight hammer (e.g., 8 kg or 17.6 lbs).
• Anvil: A component on the drive rod that the hammer strikes.
• Guide Rod/Assembly: Ensures the hammer falls freely and consistently from a fixed height (e.g., 575 mm).
• Measuring Scale: A graduated rod or scale used to measure the penetration depth per blow.

The operational simplicity of the AZA 0872 makes it highly practical for field testing. It requires no external power, is easily portable, and can be operated by a single technician. The immediate results obtained from the DCP test enable quick decision-making on site, allowing for rapid adjustments to compaction efforts or identification of problematic zones before further construction proceeds. This contributes significantly to overall project efficiency and quality assurance in pavement construction, shallow foundation investigations, and general site reconnaissance. The depth of penetration can vary, but standard DCPs are effective up to several meters, depending on soil stiffness.

Azalab’s commitment to quality ensures that the AZA 0872 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer is manufactured from durable, high-strength materials, designed to withstand the repetitive impacts and demanding conditions of continuous field use. The apparatus is built to comply with relevant international standards, such as ASTM D6951 (Standard Test Method for Use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer in Shallow Pavement Applications) and similar standards by AASHTO. For further understanding of DCP test methodologies and their correlation with other soil properties, resources from organizations like ASTM International or textbooks on “Geotechnical Site Investigation” and “Pavement Design” are highly recommended.

By integrating the AZA 0872 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer into your geotechnical testing and construction quality control, you gain a powerful, rapid, and reliable tool for evaluating soil strength and compaction, ultimately contributing to safer, more durable infrastructure.

Specifications for the AZA 0872 DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER

• Model Number: AZA 0872
• Apparatus Type: Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP)
• Purpose: In-Situ Testing of soil strength, stiffness, and compaction; pavement layer evaluation (subgrade, sub-base, base).
• Hammer Weight: Typically 8 kg (17.6 lbs) or 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs) for lighter versions. (Specify standard weight for AZA 0872)
• Drop Height: Standardized fall height, e.g., 575 mm (22.6 in).
• Cone Tip:
  • Material: Hardened steel.
  • Angle: Typically 60° (or 30°).
  • Base Diameter: Typically 20 mm (0.79 in) or 25 mm (0.98 in).
• Drive Rod: High-strength steel, often with quick-connect sections.
• Measuring Scale: Graduated rod, typically 1000 mm (1 meter) or 1500 mm, with mm divisions.
• Anvil: Hardened steel.
• Components Included: Hammer, anvil, guide rods, cone tips, drive rods, measuring scale, puller (optional but highly recommended for extracting rods), carrying case.
• Maximum Penetration Depth: Up to 2-3 meters, depending on soil conditions and rod length.
• Compliance: Designed to meet principles of standards such as ASTM D6951, AASHTO T 252.
• Portability: Designed for high portability and ease of field use.
• Construction: Robust, heavy-duty steel components for durability.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) about the AZA 0872 DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER

Q1: What is the AZA 0872 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer used for? A1: The AZA 0872 is used for rapid in-situ testing to evaluate the soil strength and compaction of various layers, particularly in pavement construction (subgrade, sub-base, base course).

Q2: How does the DCP test work? A2: A standard hammer is repeatedly dropped from a fixed height onto a drive rod, pushing a cone tip into the ground. The depth of penetration per hammer blow is measured, which indicates the soil’s resistance and thus its strength.

Q3: What are the main advantages of using a DCP like the AZA 0872? A3: Key advantages include its portability, speed of operation, cost-effectiveness, no need for boreholes, and the ability to obtain immediate, continuous data on soil strength with depth.

Q4: Can the DCP test results be correlated to CBR values? A4: Yes, one of the significant benefits of the DCP test is that its penetration resistance values can be directly correlated to California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values, which are critical for pavement design.

Q5: What types of soil can be tested with the AZA 0872? A5: The AZA 0872 DCP is effective for a wide range of granular and cohesive soils, particularly those found in typical pavement structures. It can also be used for identifying soft spots or variations in uniformity.

Q6: What international standards does the AZA 0872 comply with? A6: The AZA 0872 is designed to meet the principles of international standards such as ASTM D6951 for the use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer in shallow pavement applications.

Q7: How deep can the AZA 0872 typically penetrate? A7: The maximum penetration depth can vary depending on soil conditions and rod length, but typical DCP tests can effectively penetrate up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) into the ground.