Traditional soil testing tools either cost too much or lack precision. The advanced Cone Penetration Test (CPT) gives highly accurate soil data but requires expensive machines, trained operators, and complex software—making it impractical for small projects like road repairs or housing developments. On the other hand, the more affordable Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) is manual and portable but gives only rough estimates of soil strength, often using outdated conversion tables. It also risks injuries from hammer use.
Core
Innovation
This new invention is a compact, affordable, and easy-to-use penetrometer system that combines the accuracy of advanced tools with the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of manual devices. It includes:
- A drive shaft with an attached cone that is pushed into the ground.
- A load cell that measures the exact force used.
- A depth sensor (rotary encoder) that tracks how deep the cone goes.
- A digital system (connected wirelessly to a phone or tablet) that shows real-time graphs of soil bearing capacity vs. depth.
Inventive
Step
What makes this system truly unique is its direct calculation of soil bearing capacity based on the cone’s surface area—eliminating the need for unreliable conversion tables and human guesswork. It uses live sensor data instead of blunt-force hammer strikes, ensuring both better accuracy and operator safety.
Tangible Benefits
- Greater testing precision than current manual methods
- Lightweight and portable—ideal for field use
- No need for expensive machinery or software
- Safer operation, reducing injury risk
- Results are available instantly via a smartphone or tablet
Broader
Impact
This invention bridges the gap between affordability and accuracy in soil testing. It empowers small contractors, builders, and field engineers with professional-level data—improving construction quality, reducing costs, and enhancing safety across global infrastructure and development projects.