Probe Mackintosh test

Objective
• Collecting a disturbed soil sample for grain-size analysis and soil classification
• Determine sub-surface stratigraphy and identity materials present
• Evaluate soil density and in-situ stress conditions
• Estimate geotechnical parameters

Theory

The main purpose of the test is to provide an indication of the relative density
of granular deposit, such as sands and gravels from which it is virtually impossible
to obtain undisturbed samples. The great merit of the test and the main reason for
its widespread use is that it is simple and inexpensive. The soil strength parameters
which can be inferred are approximate, but may give a useful guide in ground
conditions where it may not be possible to obtain borehole samples of adequate
quality like gravels, sands, silts, clay containing sand or gravel and weak rock.

The usefulness of SPT results depends on the soil type, with fine-grained
sands giving the most useful results, with coarser sands and silty sands giving
reasonably useful results, and clay and gravelly soils yielding results which may be
very poorly representative of the true soil conditions.

This test method provides a disturbed soil sample for moisture content
determination, for identification and classification purposes, and for laboratory tests
appropriate for soil obtained from a sampler that will produce a large shear strain
disturbance in the sample. Soil deposits contained gravels, cobbles or boulders
typically result in penetration refusal and damage to equipment.

This test method is used extensively in a great variety of geotechnical

exploration projects. Many local correlations and widely published correlation which
relate blow count, or N-value, and the engineering behavior of earthworks and
foundations are available.

Apparatus
• Boring Rods
• Rod Couplings
• Lifting tools
• Penetration Cone
• Hammer
• Wrench
• Ruler
• Marking tools
Procedure
1. Equipments for the test are assembled. The cone diameter is measured in SI
unit.
2. The boring rods and hammer are joint using the rod coupling. Grease is
sweep up for an easy dissembles later.
3. Distance of 0.3 m is measured and marked on the rod start from the tip of
the cone.
4. The equipment is set up on the ground.
5. The hammer is pulled until it reached the maximum. The hammer is dropped
freely to driven the cone into the soils.
6. The sum of the number of blows for penetration of 0.3 m is recorded in the
data sheet.
7. The hammer is taken off on the last 0.3 m of each rod and joined the existing
rod with another rod and lastly the hammer. The blow is continued and
stopped when:
• The blow is more than 400 for 0.3 m penetration
• The depth reached 15 m
8. Pull the rods using lifting tools after the penetration reached the requirement.
9. The equipment is dissembled and cleaned before storing.