Cone penetration testing in geotechnical practice

The static cone penetrometer (CPT) and the piezocone (CPTU) represent the most versatile tools currently available for in-situ soil exploration.

Since 1970 there has been significant growth and development in the use of CPT and this is reflected in the impressive growth of the theoretical and experimental knowledge on the cone penetrometer and piezocone as well as in the several applications of the test to highly specialized measurements, e.g. seismic, environmental and electrical resistivity measurements.

The purpose of this text is to provide guidance on the specification, performance, use and interpretation of the Electric Cone Penetration Test (CPU), and in particular the Cone Penetration Test with pore pressure measurement (CPTU) commonly referred to as the "piezocone test".

Recommendation guidelines interpret a full range of geotechnical parameters from cone penetration data and examples and case histories are given throughout the text.