This test method covers the determination of end bearing and side friction, the components of penetration resistance that are developed during the steady slow penetration of a pointed rod into soil.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, this test method was withdrawn in January 2014 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

This test method supplies data on selected engineering properties of soil intended to help with design and construction of earthworks and the foundations for structures.

This test method tests the soil in place and does not obtain soil samples. The interpretation of the results from this test method requires knowledge of the types of soil penetrated. Engineers usually obtain this soil information from parallel borings and soil sampling methods, but prior information or experience may preclude the need for borings.

Engineers often correlate the results of tests by this test method with laboratory or other types of field tests or directly with performance. The applicability and validity of such correlations will vary with the type of soil involved. In addition, engineers usually rely on local experience to judge the applicability and validity of such correlations.

Note 1—The quality of the results produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides means of evaluating some of these factors.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of end bearing and side friction, the components of penetration resistance that are developed during the steady slow penetration of a pointed rod into soil. This test method is sometimes referred to as the Dutch Cone Test or Cone Penetration Test and is often abbreviated as CPT.

1.2 This test method includes the use of mechanical cone and friction-cone penetrometers. It does not include the use of electric and electronic cones or data interpretation.

1.2.1 The use of electric and electronic cones is covered in Test Method D 5778.

1.3 Mechanical penetrometers of the type described in this test method operate incrementally, using a telescoping penetrometer tip, resulting in no movement of the push rods during the measurement of the resistance components. Design constraints for mechanical penetrometers preclude a complete separation of the end-bearing and side-friction components.

1.4 UnitsThe values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except as noted below. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, which are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.