Pocket penetrometers are used to provide accurate measurements of compressive soil strength, based on OSHA cohesive soil classification. This hand penetrometer is designed to measure consistency, shear strength and approximate unconfined shear strength. It has a direct-reading scale that offers readings in tons/sq.ft or kg/sq.cm.
Features:
- Constructed from anodised aluminium and compact in design
- Reduces human error in classification of cohesive soils
- Has a friction ring that offers maximum readings and easy-to-read results
- Can be used with torsional vane shear testers (TVST) that allow rapid estimation of the degree of internal friction of soil
- Comes with a belt-loop style carrying case and operating instructions
Compatible Accessories:
- AMS G 282 Adaptor Foot: This unit is ideal when testing extremely low-strength cohesive soils. It increases the effective area measured by 16 times. To obtain correct unconfined compressive strength when the reading (on the low-load side) is in tons per square foot or kilograms per square centimetre, divide the value obtained by 16.
Standards and Approvals:
- OSHA (Construction Standards for Excavation)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. When would you use a penetrometer?
A. A penetrometer, also known as a soil compaction tester, is a diagnostic tool used to determine the extent and depth of subsurface compaction. This tool can assist in determining whether subsoiling is beneficial and how deep the subsoiler should be set.
Q. How accurate is a pocket penetrometer?
A. There are no calibration certificates with pocket penetrometers since they are not individually calibrated. With AMS G 281, errors up to 1/2 division on the scale (equivalent to 0 to 0.124 TSF) are possible.