Cone Penetration Testing in Geotechnical Practice

Join our comprehensive course on Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), one of the most widely used in situ tests for onshore and offshore site characterisation.
The course offers a thorough overview of CPT practice, including the latest equipment developments, soil classification procedures, parameter estimation, CPT-based design, and the emerging role of machine learning in data interpretation — plus much more!

The course is held in-person at NGI Oslo over a two day period. It is structured into 12 blocks, each combining lectures with practical exercises to promote hands-on learning. The latter exercises will further highlight the advantage of using Python for efficient and advanced CPT interpretation. Designed to actively engage attendees, the course is ideal for both newcomers and experienced professionals, providing a valuable refresher!

Course structure: 

1. Introduction to in situ testing: A look at the history and development of CPT internationally and in Norway, its role in site investigations, and an open discussion on participants’ experience with CPT.
2. CPT equipment and procedures for onshore and offshore site investigation: Overview of different cones, deployment methods, data acquisition, and typical results.
3. Available guidelines and standards: Overview of ISO 22476-1 and ISO 19901-8, including equipment and procedural requirements, correction of measurements, derived parameters, calibration requirements, cone penetrometer classes, and test categories.
4. Soil layering and unitisation: Various Soil Behaviour Type (SBT) charts used to identify soil types are explained using illustrative examples. In addition, the potential of additional sensors for soil classification is presented.
5. Parameter estimation: Discussion of correlations used to estimate soil parameters in (i) clay (including quick clay), (ii) sand, (iii) silty material, (iv) organic soils and peat, and (v) chalk. Example CPT profiles will be provided for participants to derive soil parameters.
6. Seismic CPT and other add-on sensors (e.g., electrical resistivity, cone pressuremeter, gamma cone, full-flow probes): Overview of equipment and procedures, data processing techniques, and practical applications of the results.
7. Geotechnical design based on CPT: Topics include pile bearing capacity, compaction control, liquefaction potential, and penetration resistance of skirts.
8. Evaluation of data soundness: Addressing issues such as pore pressure cavitation, temperature effects, and other factors affecting data reliability — illustrated with examples from NGI projects and literature.
9. Case histories: Selected examples from onshore and offshore projects where CPT played a key role in site investigation and design.
10. Potential of machine learning and statistical methods in CPT interpretation: Demonstrated through real-world use cases from research and consulting.
11. Demonstration of NGI Field Equipment and Laboratory Tour: Participants will be introduced to NGI’s field investigation equipment. In addition, a guided tour of NGI’s geotechnical laboratory facilities will be organized.
12. Q&A session: Participants are welcome to bring their own data and questions for group discussion during the course.

Content:

CPT equipment and procedures; guidelines and standards; soil layering und unitisation; parameter estimation; seismic CPT; add-on sensors; geotechnical design based on CPT; evaluation of data soundness; case histories; machine learning and statistical methods for CPT interpretation; Python for CPT interpretation.