Dynamic Penetration Tests are included in the EN ISO Standard (22476-2:2005) and in accordance with EN 1997-1 and EN 1997-2.
The test deals with the determination of the resistance of soils and soft rocks in situ to the dynamic penetration of a cone. A hammer of a given mass and a
given drop height is used to propel the cone. Penetration resistance is defined as the number of blows required to drive the cone over a defined distance.
A continuous log is provided with respect to depth but no samples are retrieved.
Four procedures are included, covering a wide range of blow-specific jobs:
• (DPL): test representing the lower end of the equipment mass range.
• (DPM): test that represents the range of average masses of the dynamic equipment.
• (DPH): test that represents the range of medium to very heavy mass of dynamic equipment.
• (DPSH): test that represents the upper end of the mass range of dynamic equipment.
Test execution:
The drive rods and cone will drive vertically.
Range between 15 and 30 strokes per minute.
The number of hits will be recorded every 100 mm of penetration for the DPL, DPM and DPH and every 100 mm or 200 mm for the DPSH-A and DPSH-B.
The normal range of shock operation should be between N10 = 3 and 50 for DPL, DPM and DPH and between N2a = 5 and 100 for DPSH-A and DPSH-B.
In general, the test should be stopped if the number of blows exceeds twice the maximum values stated above or if the maximum value is continuously
exceeded for 1 m penetration.
