soil compressive strength 1

[falcon4]

Does anyone have a simple process to test compressive strength of soils in the bottom of a post hole, dug for an attached deck. Building codes are dictating a 20" minimum hole size unless comrpessive stregth of the soil is determined.

Thanks

Gary

 

[techmaximus]

If not a lot of holes just go 20". If a lot of holes find yourself a dynamic cone penetrometer and someone to interpret the results of its use.

Techmaximus

 

[dirtsqueezer]

I would have to agree with the 20". A DCP or a pocket penetrometer, as mentioned by techmaximus, will be enough for whoever is requiring the alternate testing. The problem is, it'll cost you somewhere on the order of $500 for the simple fact that a geotech firm is involved. That's cheap for most construction projects, but it sounds like you're a little smaller scale. For the small amount of extra concrete and time it'll take, it might be worth the money just to dig.

Don't tell my boss I told you this.



Cheers.

 

[falcon4]

thanks for the replies.
I agree, boring the 20" and pouring will be the most sensible, since there are only 8 piers to pour.

Thanks again