In-Situ
Testing
Geotechnical
Investigations
The GeoGroup has branches located
in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal,
Western Cape, Uganda, Botswana, and Sweden.
www.geogroup.co.za
Testing Methods
GeoGroup offers a variety of In-Situ testing services:
SEISMIC PIEZOCONE
PIEZOCONE PENETRATION MOSTAP SOIL SAMPLING
PENETRATION TESTING
TESTING (CPTu) (UNDISTURBED)
(S-CPTu)
SEISMIC DILATOMETER ELECTRONIC VANE SHEAR DYNAMIC PROBE SUPER
TESTING (SDMT) TESTING (eVST) HEAVY (DPSH)
PRESSUREMETER LUGEON
TESTING TESTING
Each of these methods provides unique information about the soil or rock being tested, such as its
strength, stiffness, and compressibility.
In-situ testing is particularly useful in situations where obtaining soil or rock samples are difficult or
nearly impossible, such as in deep foundations or underwater structures. By providing detailed data
about the site's properties, In-Situ testing allows engineers to design structures that are safe, stable,
and efficient. Overall, in-situ testing is an important tool for geotechnical engineers and plays a
critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of infrastructure projects.
GeoGroup currently has five CPT pusher rigs that can be utilised for a variety of in-situ testing
methodologies. Additionally, all in-situ testing methodologies can also be carried out using Sonic
rigs to advance the testing apparatus into the soil.
Testing Equipment
• 5 x Pagani CPT Pusher Rigs • 3 x DPSH Units
(1 x Trailer-mounted & 2 x Portable Units)
• 10 x Pagani Compression Type CPTu Cones
• 2 x A.P van den Berg eVST modules
• 2 x Pagani S3X Seismic Modules
• 2 x Geopro Lugeon testing equipment
• 2 x Marchetti DMT modules
• 2 x Apageo Menard Pressuremeter testing
• 1 x Marchetti SDMT module equipment
IN-SITU TESTING
CPTu Testing
Piezocone penetration testing (CPTu) is an in-situ soil testing method used to
measure a wide range of geotechnical parameters including strength, stiffness,
and soil behaviour. CPTu is preferred when testing sensitive environmental areas
as it does not require the use of drill cuttings or other invasive methods.
The CPTu test involves inserting a
cone-shaped probe into the soil
at a constant rate of penetration,
while recording the:
• cone tip resistance (qc),
• sleeve friction (fs) and
• dynamic pore water pressure
(u2).
This rapid testing method is employed in a variety of elds
including geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, and
construction projects, especially for the design and evaluation
of foundation structures and tailings storage facilities.
With over 5 years experience, the GeoGroup has successfully completed several CPT tests for various
clients.
S-CPTu Testing
Seismic Piezocone penetration testing (S-CPT) is a geophysical
investigation method used to measure the shear wave velocity of
soils. This method is widely used in the eld of engineering and
geology, particularly for the assessment of liquefaction potential
and the design of foundations for structures.
Data Processing
Data interpretation is done by using
Geologismiki's CPeT-IT & SPAS software to
interpret CPTu data and S-CPTu data
respectively. The software takes the CPTu
data and performs basic interpretation in
terms of soil behaviour type (SBT) and
various geotechnical parameters using
current published empirical correlations
based on the comprehensive review by
leading experts in the field such as Dr.
Peter K. Robertson.
DERIVABLE PARAMETERS
Ÿ Equivalent N60 Ÿ Friction angle
Ÿ Unit weight Ÿ Stiffness and modulus
Ÿ Undrained shear strength Ÿ Permeability
Ÿ Soil sensitivity Ÿ Consolidation characteristics from
Ÿ Stress history (OCR) dissipation data
Ÿ In-situ stress ratio Ÿ Shear wave velocities
Ÿ State parameter
The final CPTu digital log can be fully customised to show whatever correlations are required and to
allow any preferred changes to correlation factors e.g. Nkt
MOSTAP
First introduced as a service in 2017, MOSTAP soil sampling is
a fixed-piston sampler which minimises soil disturbance and
is able to obtain undisturbed samples of various diameters at
any given depth.
MOSTAP soil sampling involves driving a steel sampler into
the ground using a standard CPT pusher rig. Once at the
target depth, the MOSTAP is activated allowing the cone tip
to stay stationary as the MOSTAP is advanced by one meter.
The soil sample is captured in a sampling tube providing
the user with a one-meter undisturbed sample of either a
35mm or 65mm diameter.
IN-SITU TESTING
Dilatometer Testing (DMT)
Flat plate dilatometer testing (DMT) is a geotechnical method
used to determine the in-situ horizontal deformation and
strength characteristics of soils. The test involves inserting a at
p0 p1 plate probe, with a circular membrane, into the soil, which is then
in ated with a controlled pressure. The resulting membrane
1.1 mm expansion is measured and used to determine various
geotechnical properties of the soil.
One of the primary bene ts of DMT is its ability to provide
incremental measurements of soil properties over a large
depth range. This allows geotechnical engineers to accurately model the behaviour of the soil under
different loading conditions, and to design foundations and other structures accordingly. The test can also
be used to estimate the strength and stiffness of the soil, which is important for assessing the stability of
slopes, embankments and tailings storage facilities.
Seismic Dilatometer Testing (SDMT)
Seismic dilatometer testing, also known as SDMT, is a
geophysical method used to determine the mechanical and
dynamic properties of soils, by analysing the shear wave
velocity similar to the S-CPTu.
SDMT testing provides valuable data about the soil's dynamic
properties. This information is useful in a variety of
geotechnical applications, including foundation design,
earthquake engineering, and soil liquefaction potential.
Electronic Vane Shear Testing (eVST)
Electronic Vane Shear Testing (eVST) is a widely used method for
measuring the undrained shear strength and remoulded shear
Rotating
Mechanism
strength of soil. This technique involves pushing the apparatus
into the soil and rotating it, using an electronic motor situated
above the vanes, at a controlled rate while measuring the
torque required to cause shear failure. eVST is a quick, easy,
Soil Surface
and non-destructive way to measure soil shear strength.
Additionally, eVST is a relatively inexpensive testing method
Vane
that can be performed quickly on-site, reducing the need for
laboratory testing and associated costs.
Dynamic Probe Super Heavy (DPSH)
Dynamic Probe Super Heavy (DPSH) is a geotechnical
testing method that is used to evaluate the strength
and stiffness of soils. The DPSH test involves driving a
heavy cone-shaped probe into the ground, typically
using a hydraulic hammer or a drop hammer. As the
probe penetrates the soil or rock, it measures the
resistance it encounters, which is then used to
determine the soils properties.
The DPSH test is particularly useful in large-scale
construction projects, such as high-rise buildings,
bridges, and dams, where the soil must be able to
support significant weight and stress. The test
provides a quick and cost-effective way to assess
the site's properties, allowing engineers to
design the structure accordingly.
One of the major advantages of the DPSH test is
that it can be performed rapidly and efficiently,
with minimal disturbance to the surrounding
area. This makes it an ideal testing method for
sites with limited access or where drilling is
not feasible.
IN-SITU TESTING
The Pressuremeter test is a widely used geotechnical testing Pressuremeter Testing
method that is used to determine the in-situ stress-strain
characteristics of soil. This test involves the insertion of a cylindrical
probe, called a pressuremeter, into a borehole at a speci ed depth. The pressuremeter is then in ated with a
uid, such as water or oil, which exerts pressure on the surrounding soil. The pressuremeter measures the
pressure required to in ate the probe and the corresponding volume change of the soil.
The results of the Pressuremeter test can be used to determine
the compressibility, shear strength, and modulus of
deformation of the soil. These parameters are essential in the
design of foundations, tunnels, and other underground
structures. The test is particularly useful in evaluating the
strength and deformation characteristics of soft soils and clays.
PRESSUREMETER CASE STUDY
Pressuremeter Testing at Khanyisa Power Station
The Apageo Pressure Meter test and other In-Situ tests were
done to determine the soil characteristics to be used for
assessment of excavation methods and for detailed design
of foundations, ground improvement and earthworks.
185 Pressuremeter tests were done in 18 boreholes with test
depths ranging from 1 meter to 38.5 meters.
Lugeon Testing
Lugeon testing is a type of packer test that is commonly used to assess the permeability of
rock or soil. The lugeon test involves drilling a borehole into the rock or soil and inserting a
single packer or a double packer system, which is an in atable tube or sleeve, at a speci c
depth. The packer is then in ated to create a seal, and water is pumped into the borehole
at a known pressure. The rate at which
water ows into the borehole is measured,
and this ow rate is used to calculate the
lugeon value, which is a measure of the
permeability of the rock or soil.
Lugeon testing is widely used in the
construction industry to assess the
suitability of rock or soil for various types of
infrastructure, such as tunnels, dams, and
foundations. It can also be used to identify
potential sources of groundwater, as well
as to monitor the effectiveness of grouting
and other types of remediation work.
GeoGroup Companies
CONTACT US
The GeoGroup comprises of a group of companies,
each a leader in its own eld, that provide a range of
services to the Geotechnical, Civil, Exploration, and GeoGroup Head Office
Mining industries. 28 Central Road, Sunrella,
Lanseria, Gauteng,
South Africa
[email protected] +27 (0)11 966 7760
Eastern Cape Branch
East London
Branch Manager:
Barry Kruger
[email protected] +27 (0)83 616 0399
Western Cape Branch
19A Zonnekus Road,
Morning Star, Cape Town,
Western Cape, South Africa
Branch Manager:
Brett Mannix
[email protected] +27 (0)79 519 2629
KwaZulu-Natal Branch
Services Farm 22 D354,Camperdown,
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Geotechnical investigations Branch Manager:
Dries de Beer
CPTu & In-situ testing
Exploration drilling [email protected]
Sonic drilling +27 (0)82 578 0023
Water boreholes
Geotechnical monitoring and testing Uganda Branch
Metal welding and fabrication Plot no. 4, Lugogo Lane,
Naguru, Kampala, Uganda
Branch Manager:
Products Geoffrey Okello
geoff[email protected]
Geotechnical Instrumentation +256 776 959 454
Lighting towers
Botswana Branch
Say “Hi” on Whatsapp
Plot 151, Kopano Ward,
Enquiries Selibe Phikwe, Botswana
Branch Manager:
Khumo Dikupa
+267 71 304 612
[email protected] +27 (0)66 262 2929
/geogroup.co.za /geogroup
