Corps of Engineers Dual-Mass Cone Penetrometer

The S-222 features the exclusive easy-grip hammer that provides a finger perch machined into the back side of the hammer flange, providing easy, non-slip lifting when performing a test. Its exclusive, threaded coupling system ensures the long life of drive rods and extensions by providing a tight, positive connection every time, eliminating the loss of hammer blow energy through the connections.

While sold as a dual-mass model, the S-222 can quickly be converted to a single-mass unit by removing the hexagonal set screw and removing the outer sleeve from the dual-mass hammer. This procedure can be accomplished during a test since the outer sleeve is designed to slide over the DCP handle. The cone penetration caused by one blow of the 8 kg hammer is essentially twice that caused by one blow of the 4.6 kg hammer.

As a result, the 4.6 kg hammer is more suitable for use and yields better test results in weaker soils having a CBR of 10% or less. It can also be used for evaluating soils in foundations for residential structures which require a bearing value of 2000 PSF (approximate CBR of 6%). The 8 kg hammer is preferable for high-strength soils, as it penetrates more quickly than the 4.6 kg hammer. However, the 4.6 kg hammer can be used on soils up to CBR 80%.