Applies to QEST Web App

Overview

This worksheet allows data entry for testing soils using a dynamic cone penetrometer per CS 229 Section 6.33.

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In-House Method

This worksheet is implemented to general processes and procedures followed in the UK jurisdiction as well as CS 229 Section 6.33 where dynamic cone penetrometer tests are carried out in the field. This test does not have an official method defined by a standards body that laboratories are accredited for and is, therefore, often documented as an in-house method.

The in-house method designation is appropriately overwritten per QEST Platform instance.

Preparation

The preparation section of the worksheet allows the user to record the preparation details for the test such as the weather, equipment used, time of the test, hole depth, DCP offset and the zero reading.

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There will be an error message displayed under the Cone diameter satisfactory checkbox if this field is unchecked. A check of the cone diameter is required for every test.

The hole depth is the start depth of the test with respect to the ground level. The value is defaulted to “0”.

The DCP offset is the first reading for the DCP equipment item at the start depth. This number will be subtracted from readings to get a true depth measurement. The value is defaulted to “0”.

The zero reading is the penetration achieved by the DCP equipment item while it stabilizes. This is the initial penetration reading prior to the test starting. The value is defaulted to “0”.

Equipment

The following equipment can be selected on the worksheet:

Data Entry - Measurements

This section allows for the recording of the number of blows taken to reach the specific depth (mm).

This section will default the number of available data entry rows to 20.

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If the Result not obtainable checkbox is checked prior to entering any readings:

• The Reason radio buttons will be displayed immediately below this field
  
  

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• Chart and all results section fields are hidden, and

• An informational message shows in the Results section stating that the result is not obtainable

• The report will be affected as described in the Reporting section below.

Once readings are entered, the Result not obtainable checkbox will be disabled.

If an extension is required, the technician can check the Extension Used checkbox next to the first depth reading taken with the extension in place. The user will need to enter an Offset value for the extension:

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This Offset value is the new “zero” reading for the extended rod. In the example above, the technician starts reading from 0 again after the extension is in place, so the first reading of 10 adds 10mm to the total depth since the offset is 0.

Rows to Add

Users will be able to add rows in two ways:

1. Add a single row to the end of the table by using the add row control (hatched box with a plus icon) located below the last data entry row.

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2. Add a larger number of blank rows to the end of the table by using the Rows to Add field and the Add Rows button underneath the grid. Clicking the button will add the number of rows entered in Rows to Add.

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Users can delete rows by clicking on the delete icon (minus icon) located at the end of a data entry row.

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Results

The chart in this section will plot the DCP results as Depth (m) versus Cumulative Blows. The chart has an aspect ratio of 1.5:1 with the depth axis (y) being 1.5 times longer than cumulative blows axis (x). This ratio allows for users to easily identify different soil layers presented it the chart, if any.

Users will also be able to manually enter, adjust, add or remove the red hatched soil layer lines.

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Clicking the Include Regression Lines checkbox will include extra lines that represents the least squares regression lines for the data set within the layer.

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Layer Boundaries

To add a layer boundary(s) to the chart the user will need click on the black plus icon.

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Then a row will appear that will allow the user to enter in the total number of blows it took to reach the end each layer.

The final blow reading that it took to complete or end the test is required to be entered in this section in order for this test worksheet to be marked complete. A blue notification message will appear at the bottom of the rows until the final blow reading has been enter.

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An equivalent CBR value is calculated for each layer.

Reporting

The results from this worksheet can be reporting on the following test reports.

Equivalent CBR by Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Test

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Properties

Reported Values

Aggregate/Soil Test Report

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Properties

Reported Values

Work Progress and Complete Status