The Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) is a portable, hand-operated field testing device used to assess the in-situ strength and bearing capacity of soils and unbound pavement layers. It measures the rate of penetration of a cone into the ground under repeated hammer blows, providing a quick and cost-effective indication of soil compaction and an estimated California Bearing Ratio (CBR).
Key Features
- Lightweight and fully portable for field use
- Quick and simple operation with minimal training required
- Provides immediate on-site results
- Correlates penetration rate with CBR values
- Durable construction for repeated site use
- Suitable for a wide range of soil types (excluding very hard strata)
- Modular design for easy transport and storage
Technical Specifications
- Hammer Weight: Typically 8 kg
- Drop Height: 575 mm
- Cone Diameter: 20 mm (standard)
- Cone Angle: 60°
- Rod Diameter: ~16 mm
- Measurement Scale: mm per blow (penetration rate)
- Maximum Test Depth: Up to 1 metre (extendable with rods)
- Material: Hardened steel components for durability
Kit Includes
- Spanners
- Allen key
- Thread adhesive
- Tommy bar
- Spare cone
- Robust plastic case for convenient transport & storage
Available Options
- Standard DCP kit
- Extension rods for deeper testing
- Replacement cones (various wear-resistant grades)
Applications
- Road and pavement design
- Subgrade and sub-base evaluation
- Construction quality control
- Compaction verification
- Geotechnical site investigations
- Trench reinstatement assessment
Accessories/Spares
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SL970/2
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Spare hammer shaft upper - DCP fn1004
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SL970/3
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Spare hammer shaft low - DCP fn1005 910mm
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SL970/4
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Spare 60 deg. Cone for DCP fn1008
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SL970/5
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Extension kit to 1.6m deep for DCP
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SL970/6
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Spare upper extension 70mm - DCP fn1015
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SL970/7
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Spare lower extension 785mm - DCP fn1016
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SL970/8
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Extension shaft 400mm for DCP fn1017
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SL970/30
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DCP protection disc
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SL972
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DCP cone checker
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SL973
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Extractor for DCP rods 10-25mm
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Delivery & Lead Time
- Standard items available from stock
- Typical delivery: 2–5 working days (UK)
- Express shipping available on request (additional charges may apply)
- International delivery options available
Compliance & Quality
- Manufactured in accordance with relevant industry practices
- Quality-checked prior to dispatch
- Designed for repeatable and reliable field performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does a DCP measure?
A. It measures the penetration of a cone into soil per hammer blow, indicating soil strength.
Q. Can DCP results be converted to CBR?
A. Yes, penetration rate can be correlated to CBR using established empirical relationships.
Q. What soils is it suitable for?
A. Most granular and cohesive soils, though not ideal for very hard or cemented layers.
Q. Is calibration required?
A. Routine checks are recommended, but the device is mechanically simple and robust.
Q. How deep can it test?
A. Typically up to 1 metre, extendable with additional rods.
Q: Is there an option to extend the reach of the rods?
A: Yes, our extension kit (SL970/5) allows you to reach depths of up to 1.6 m, and this can be extended further by adding additional SL970/8 extensions.
Q: What type of cones are needed for the rods?
A: The rods have female connector threads, so they require cones with a male thread (SL970/4).
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