ConeTec - Cones and Data Acquisition Systems

Shear waves have particle motion perpendicular to the direction of travel. A normally loaded beam is struck horizontally on each side to create polarized shear waves at regular depth increments. Manual, automatic, and vibratory sources are available depending on the application and rig used.

Compression waves have particle motion parallel to the direction of travel. A vertical impact source is typically used as the source.

• All ConeTec CPTu systems are seismic ready
• Up to 3 geophones per cone (XYZ) axis
• 16 bit data collection
• Multiple shear and compression wave source options
• Offshore ready (sea-bottom mechanical seismic sources)
• >175 m depth capability
• Typically 1m layers are measured and reported, other intervals possible

• Most efficient, accurate, and economical method to measure soil Vs and Vp
• Shear wave velocity is a fundamental geotechnical soil parameter collected independently of other CPTu data
• Two independent cyclic liquefaction evaluations may be conducted using a single SCPTu test
• Both Vp and Vs may be collected during a single SCPTu sounding
• Stacked wave arrivals are recorded to ensure repeatability and to increase velocity precision

• Earthquake engineering (ie - SHAKE analysis)
• Cyclic liquefaction evaluation (CRR-Vs and CRR-Qt1)
• Vibrating machine foundations
• Deep foundation design (soil-structure modulus)
• Shallow foundation design / settlement (soil modulus)
• Unusual soil identification (ie - cementation)

• Soil saturation; Vp drops dramatically when the soil is less than ~98.5% saturated.
• Poisson’s ratio determination
• Gaseous soils (marine silts, bituminous tailings, organics)
• Liquefaction potential is subdued in gaseous soils
• Detecting unsaturated zones