The cone penetration or cone penetrometer test (CPT) is a method used to determine the geotechnical engineering properties of soils and delineating soil stratigraphy. It was initially developed in the 1950s at the Dutch Laboratory for Soil Mechanics in Delft to investigate soft soils. Based on this history it has also been called the "Dutch cone test". Today, the CPT is one of the most used and accepted soil methods for soil investigation worldwide.
A CPT truck operated by the USGS.
The result of a cone penetration test: resistance and friction on the left, friction ratio (%) on the right.
Geotechnical engineering, also known as geotechnics, is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. It uses the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to solve its engineering problems. It also relies on knowledge of geology, hydrology, geophysics, and other related sciences.
Boston's Big Dig presented geotechnical challenges in an urban environment.
A compactor/roller operated by U.S. Navy Seabees
Simple slope slip section.
A collage of geosynthetic products.