Pocket penetrometer recommendations

[Ingenuity]

I am in need of a pocket penetrometer for quick, field-based estimates of UCS (for mainly 2-level residential structures).

I have several Gilson brand test equipment for concrete testing so I went to their website to get some product range for penetrometers.

I have two choices from Gilson: the first for $55 and the second is $310.

Any experience with either one? Price a good indicator of quality/accuracy?

 

[LRJ]

I recall there was a thread on this topic not long ago. Here it is:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=412563

Hopefully that thread contains the information you are looking for.

 

[fattdad]

I'd get the cheap one. It's just for an index value. I see no value in thinking the expensive one is more precise.

f-d

ípapß gordo ainÆt no madre flaca!

 

[Ingenuity]

Thanks LRJ - I did not know there was a "Soil Testimg Engineering" sub-forum. Perfect.

fattdad - I am 'cheap' so the lowest price one works for me.

 

[PEinc]

The $55 penetrometer is practically indestructible. I have had mine for many, many years. I would not expect the $310 penetrometer to be as tough to break as the cheaper model.

See thread261-412563

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

Agree with the others, go with the cheaper version.

Mike Lambert

 

[Ron]

Same here..I have the cheap one as shown. Got it from Soiltest many years ago.

 

[oldestguy]

OG says "ditto". Keep in mind that all sorts of things can affect the readings such as side disturbance of split spoon samples, small gravel, etc. The higher the number read the less the accuracy.

 

[Ingenuity]

Thank you all. Going to purchase what all you "rock stars" recommend. Really appreciate your opinions.

 

[Okiryu]

Ingenuity, I am not part of the above "rock stars" but as Ron, I am still using a pocket penetrometer from Soiltest that I got from the father's of one of my mentors. It is almost a 30+ years old pocket penetrometer but for preliminary investigations/data it is still good...

 

[Ingenuity]

Okiryu - 30 + years is an amazing service life. Thanks for your comment.

 

[GoMizzou99]

I prefer the Humboldt version - with the tire-gauge design because it is a bit easier to read, $55 plus shipping, although the Gilson unit works fine.

https://www.humboldtmfg.com/humboldt-soil-penetrometer-tire-gauge-design.html

Now if you really want to get confused, take two hand penetrometers (Gilson or Humboldt or both) and push them together, point-to-point, and explain to me how there is so much variability between identical units that should be reading essentially identically.