Pocket Penetrometer Measurements

[Okiryu]

Hi, during field investigations, where do you think that is the best place to take pocket penetrometer readings?
I used to push it against the split spoon samples but I was thinking that it may not be accurate since the soil has some disturbance. Also, I pushed it against the walls and bottom of an open excavation. Considering the crudeness of the measurements I think that both locations are acceptable. Anyway, we are taking undisturbed samples for unconfined compression and triaxial tests, however the client wants to see pocket penetrometer readings in our daily reports which is good thing since it gives you a preliminary idea of the soil strength.

Any other ideas are welcome, Thanks !!

 

[BigH]

I've used it and the torvane in the tips of the split spoon samples. While most would say "But the sample is disturbed!" my response would be - yeah, but, it gives a piece of lower bound data. The undisturbed would be somewhat higher (depending of course on the sensitivity of the sample) - but for a "back of the envelop" quick assessment, it gives one a feeling of what the strength conditions are - and yes, you are correct in that the accuracy (of the readings themselves due to the scale on which you read) is "rough".