6 Test results

The test results shall be reported and interpreted based on values of N₁₀ for DPL, DPM, DPH and N₁₀ or N₂₀ for DPSH-A and DPSH-B.

Another possibility for the interpretation of test results is the use of the dynamic point resistance (see Annex E).

Consideration shall be given to the influence on recorded N_xy-values such as rod friction due to soil adhesion or bending (see e.g. Annex D).

Because of hammer fall energy losses, it is recommended to know by calibration the actual energy E_meas transmitted to the drive rods when this test is used for quantitative evaluation purposes.

7 Reporting

7.1 Field report

7.1.1 General

At the project site, a field report shall be completed. This field report shall consist of the following, if applicable:

• a) summary log, e.g. according to Annex A;
• b) record of measured values and test results.

All field investigations shall be reported such that third persons are able to check and understand the results.

7.1.2 Record of measured values and test results

At the project site, the following information shall be recorded for each test:

• a) general information:
  • 1) name of the client;
  • 2) name of the contractor;
  • 3) job or project number;
  • 4) name and location of the project;
  • 5) name and signature of the test equipment operator in charge;
• b) information on the location of the test:
  • 1) date and number of test;
  • 2) field sketch (to scale or not to scale) including direct investigations (e.g. boreholes};
  • 3) place within or which is nearest to the location of the penetration test;
  • 4) ground elevation referred to a fixed point;
  • 5) x, y, z coordinates of the location of the penetration test;
  • 6) operation on land or water;
• c) information on the used test equipment:
  • 1) type of dynamic probing (DPL, DPM, DPH, DPSH-A or DPSH-B);
  • 2) manufacturer, model and number of the test equipment;
  • 3) type of cone (disposable or fixed);
  • 4) type of anvil (fixed or loose);
  • 5) use of dampers or cushions;
• d) information on the test procedure:
  • 1) weather condition;
  • 2) documentation of the equipment check and calibration conducted in accordance with 5.1;
  • 3) test record with:
    • N₁₀/N₂₀ — values at each measured depth of the tip of the cone;
    • maximum torque at each measured depth;
  • 4) separate precautions against rod friction (e.g. use of casing, drilling mud or water);
  • 5) pre-drilling, if used;
  • 6) blow count frequency when operating the equipment;
  • 7) groundwater level, artesian conditions, if known;
  • 8) all unusual events or observations during the operation (e.g. low blow count, penetration without blows, temporary obstructions, malfunction of the equipment);
  • 9) observations on the recovered cone and/or rods;
  • 10) all interruptions during the work, with time duration and change of rod;
  • 11) reasons for early end of the test;
  • 12) back-filling of penetration hole, if required.

NOTE Annexes A and B give examples of field report documents.

7.2 Test report

For checking the quality of the data, the test report shall include the following in addition to the information given in 7.1:

• a) field report (in original and/or computerised form};
• b) graphical representation with respect to depth of the following data:
  • recorded number of blows to drive the cone 100 mm for the DPL, DPM and DPH or 100 mm or 200 mm for the DPSH-A and DPSH-B, as step diagram with the number of blows on the horizontal axis and the depth on the vertical axis;
  • maximum torque required to rotate the penetrometer at each test level (in Nm);
  • all interruptions during the work, longer than 5 minutes;
• c) any corrections in the presented data;
• d) any limitations of the data (e.g. irrelevant, insufficient, inaccurate or adverse test results);
• e) name and signature of the field manager.

The test results shall be reported about in such a fashion that third persons are able to check and understand the results.