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CPT Guide

Introduction

In the Cone Penetration Test (CPT), a cone on the end of a series of rods is pushed into the ground at a constant rate and continuous measurements are made of the resistance to penetration of the cone and of a surface sleeve. Figure 1 illustrates the main terminology regarding cone penetrometers.

The total force acting on the cone, Qc, divided by the projected area of the cone, Ac, produces the cone resistance, qc. The total force acting on the friction sleeve, Fs, divided by the surface area of the friction sleeve, As, produces the sleeve friction, fs. In a piezocone, pore pressure is also measured, as shown in Figure 1.

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