The Proctor Penetrometer Set can be used to establish the moisture-penetration resistance relations of fine-grained soils per ASTMD1558.
The Proctor Penetrometer Kit consists of a special spring dynamometer, with a pressure indicating scale on the stem of the handle, which is graduated from 10130lbf (45580N) in increments of 2lbf (9N). A sliding ring on the stem indicates the shear strength obtained with the test. The kit includes these interchangeable needles (area in in.
2
or cm
2
): 1 (6.45), 3/4 (4.84), 1/2 (3.22), 1/3 (2.15), 1/5 (1.29), 1/10 (.65), 1/20 (0.32) 1/30 (0.22) and 1/40 (0.16). Replacement needles are available, see accessories below. The kit comes with a foam-lined, wooden box that provides storage for the penetrometer and the interchangeableneedles.
Before using the Proctor Penetrometer soil samples should be prepared in accordance with either method A or method B of ASTM D698. After preparation, the fraction passing the #4 sieve (4.75mm) must have at least 20% passing the 3/8" (9.5mm) sieve to comply with the ASTM D1558standard.
Note: Penetration resistance determinations are not reliable for very dry molded soil specimens or very granularsoils.
