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GID Services Inc., Geotechnical Investigation & Design

Cone Penetration Testing

ASTM D5778-20

GID’s primary method for continuous, high-resolution ground characterization with real-time pore-water pressure measurement delivers the data foundation designers rely on.

What Is CPTu?

Cone Penetration Testing (CPTu) is performed by advancing an instrumented cone into the ground at a controlled rate of 2 cm/s. Rather than relying on isolated samples, integrated sensors continuously measure tip resistance, sleeve friction and pore-water pressure as the cone advances, producing a detailed record of changing ground conditions with a vertical resolution of approximately 1 cm, without the disturbance or interpretive gaps associated with sample-based investigation.

From CPTu data to design decisions: one continuous profile supporting foundation design, soil behaviour and stress history, liquefaction screening, settlement assessment, and groundwater profiling

Applications

  • Foundation design and bearing capacity assessment
  • Soil behaviour, classification and stress history evaluation
  • Liquefaction susceptibility screening
  • Settlement assessment and prediction
  • Groundwater profiling and pore-pressure dissipation testing

Our CPT Advantage

Integrated pore-water pressure measurement on every sounding

Real-time pore-water pressure measurement on every sounding, not an optional add-on.

Access to constrained sites

Track-mounted and modular rigs capable of testing along slopes, within trenches and other locations where site access is restricted.

Adaptable anchorage systems

Reaction force may be derived from both soil and concrete anchors to allow for testing on basements, runway and road pavements and natural/made ground.

Engineering-led interpretation

Actionable engineering recommendations, not just raw data.

GID's CPT rig set up on a demolition site
Sample GID CPTu deliverable: interpreted soil stratigraphy, soil behaviour type (SBTn) plot, and representative soil parameters table

Deliverables

Factual report section: qc, fs, Rf, and u2 logs with depth
Interpretive section: soil behaviour type classification and derived strength and stiffness parameters
Bearing capacity and settlement recommendations where commissioned
Dissipation testing: pore-pressure dissipation profiles, equilibrium groundwater levels and drainage characteristics

Request a CPT Quote

Tell us about your site and we'll recommend the most appropriate investigation approach.