Vertek CPT: What is Seismic Cone Penetration Testing? Sponsored

Get an introduction to Vertek's Seismic CPT in the following article and discover its unique capabilities!

Seismic CPT or SCPT is a method of calculating the small strain shear modulus of the soil by measuring shear wave velocity through the soil. The small strain modulus is an important quantity for determining the dynamic response of soil during earthquakes, explosive detonations, vibrations from machinery, as well as during wave loading for offshore structures. The wave speeds and moduli derived from seismic CPT measurements aid in the determination of soil liquefaction potential and improve the interpretation of surface seismic surveys by providing wave speed profiles as a function of depth. Seismic waves from SCPT tests have been detected at depths of up to 300 feet.

SCPT testing is performed as part of a normal CPT or CPTU test. Equipment consists of a CPT rig, push system, and:

• SCPT Cone: The SCPT cone is a CPT or CPTU cone that is equipped with one or more geophone sensors. These sensors measure the magnitude and arrival time of seismic shear and compression waves.
• Wave Generator: Seismic shear waves are generated at the soil surface.
• Data Acquisition System: As seismic waves are registered by the geophone sensors, data is transferred from the cone to the soil surface by wires that run though the push rods. The SCPT data acquisition system logs this data and analyzes it to determine the speed of the waves based on their arrival time and the distance between the wave generator and the sensors. Finally, the wave speed is used to calculate shear modulus, soil liquefaction risk and other parameters.

Read more about Seismic Cone Penetration Testing and explore Vertek's Equipment!