The light touch probe serves as an in-situ testing method to evaluate soil properties by employing a specific drop hammer energy to drive a cone-shaped probe of a particular size into the soil (penetration depth). This technique provides valuable insights into the soil's characteristics and behavior.
### Range and Usage Considerations of Light Touch Probes
#### (1) Applications of Light Touch Probes
Light touch probes are suitable for testing various types of soils, including sand, cohesive soils (such as loess), artificially filled materials, and loose granular substances. These probes are particularly effective for assessing soils that are not too compact or dense.
#### (2) Operating Procedures for Light Touch Probes
1. Begin by drilling with a lightweight drill to reach the desired soil level for testing.
2. Prior to installation, ensure the probe is placed smoothly into the drilled hole and maintain its vertical alignment to prevent any deviation.
3. During the testing process, allow the striking hammer to fall freely from a height of 50 cm. Record the penetration depth after each stroke, noting the penetration amount per stroke and the corresponding number of hammer blows (typically five blows constitute a single cycle). Additionally, calculate the number N of hammer blows required for every 10 cm of penetration.
4. If the probe’s length exceeds 2 meters, adjustments to the hammer count must be made following relevant guidelines to ensure accuracy.
#### (3) Precautions for Using Light Touch Probes
When utilizing light touch probes, it is crucial to ensure that the striking hammer falls freely from a height of 50 cm. The number of hammer blows per 30 cm of penetration into the soil layer should be recorded as N100. This data helps in accurately interpreting the soil conditions and ensuring reliable results.
In practice, maintaining consistent conditions during the testing process is essential. Any deviation from these standards could lead to inaccurate readings, which might affect the overall assessment of the soil's properties. Therefore, operators should pay close attention to environmental factors such as moisture levels and temperature, as these can influence the probe's performance and the resulting data.
By adhering to these procedures and precautions, users can maximize the effectiveness of light touch probes, making them a reliable tool for geotechnical investigations. This method offers a practical and efficient way to gather essential information about soil behavior, aiding in construction planning and soil management strategies.
1.27mm Pitch
1.27mm Pitch
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