1 AS 1289.6.3.3—1997

Australian Standard®

Methods of testing soils for engineeringpurposes

Method 6.3.3: Soil strength and consolidationtests—Determination of the penetrationresistance of a soil—Perth sand penetrometertest

1 SCOPE This method sets out the procedure for determining the resistance of a soil topenetration by a flat ended rod of 16 ±0.2 mm diameter driven with a 9 kg mass, dropping600 mm. Use of the method is limited to granular soils with a maximum particle size notexceeding 2 mm, and a layer thickness of at least of 450 mm. This Standard may involvehazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This Standard does not purport to addressall of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the userof this Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and determine theapplicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2 REFERENCED DOCUMENT The following document is referred to in this Standard:

AS1289 Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes1289.6.3.2 Method 6.3.2: Soil strength and consolidation tests—Determination of the

penetration resistance of a soil—9 kg dynamic cone penetrometer test

3 APPARATUS The required apparatus is a Perth sand penetrometer, conforming to thedimensions and masses given in Figure 1.

4 PROCEDURE The procedure shall be as follows:

(a) Excavate to the level to be tested (see Note 1). Remove material such as crushed rockor gravel, which will be too hard to penetrate with the penetrometer or could damagethe equipment.

Measure the depth from the surface level to the upper surface of the layer to be tested,to the nearest 10 mm, and record.

(b) Hold the penetrometer vertical with the tip on the surface of the layer to be tested andtap the hammer on the anvil until a penetration of 150 mm is achieved.

(c) Raise the hammer to the stop and allow it to fall freely onto the anvil. Count thenumber of blows required to drive the penetrometer a distance of 300 mm (totalpenetration 450 mm) (see Note 2).

5 CALCULATIONS The penetration resistance (Np) shall be calculated by totalling thenumber of blows to produce 300 mm further penetration after the initial penetrationof 150 mm.

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AS 1289.6.3.3 — 1997 2

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES

FIGURE 1 PERTH SAND PENETROMETER

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3 AS 1289.6.3.3 — 1997

6 TEST REPORT Report the following results and general information, as appropriate:

(a) Depth below surface at the commencement of penetration.

(b) The penetration resistance, Np, (blows per 300 mm penetration).

(c) Any variation to the normal testing procedure.

(d) Soil description.

(e) Moisture condition of soil, i.e. wet, dry or moisture content, if determined.

(f) Location of groundwater table.

(g) Date of test.

(h) Location of test.

(i) Reduced level of ground surface at test site.

(j) Reference to this Standard, i.e. AS 1289.6.3.3.

NOTES ON TEST:

1 The location of possible subsurface services such as gas, water and electricity should bedetermined before commencing this test.

2 If desired, the methods of test described in AS 1289.6.3.2 may be used. Any variationfrom the standard method should be noted when reporting results.

3 Results from this test are often used in the design of footings. Refer Paper No. 1920Glick, G. L. and Clegg, B. Use of a penetrometer for site investigation and compactioncontrol at Perth, W.A. Civil Engineering Transactions. Institution of Engineers, Australia.1965.

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AS 1289.6.3.3 — 1997 4

This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee CE/9, Testing of Soils for Engineering Purposes. It was approved onbehalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 28 February 1997 and published on 5 June 1997.

The following interests are represented on Committee CE/9:

Australian Geomechanics Society

AUSTROADS

Crushed Stone Association of Australia

Department of Administrative Services, Scientific Services Laboratory AGAL

Institution of Engineers, Australia

National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia

University of Sydney

Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to periodic reviewand are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important therefore that Standards usersensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue ofPublications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine ‘The Australian Standard’, which subscribingmembers receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia, are welcomed. Notificationof any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made without delay in order that the matter may beinvestigated and appropriate action taken.

Originated as AS 1289.F3.3—1984.Revised and redesignated AS 1289.6.3.3—1997.

Incorporating:Amdt 1—1999

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 95209.

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