ISO 22476-12-2009 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 22476-12:2009 — Geotechnical investigation and testing — Field testing — Part 12: Mechanical cone penetration test (CPTM). This International Standard specifies requirements for mechanical cone penetration testing (CPTM), covering equipment, tolerances, execution, measurement and reporting for in‑situ cone penetration used in geotechnical site characterization.

Abstract

ISO 22476-12:2009 defines the mechanical cone penetration test (CPTM) — equipment (cone penetrometer, cone, friction sleeve, push rods, measuring system and thrust machine), test procedures (selection of test type, pushing, logging frequency, discontinuous/continuous modes), calibration and reporting requirements. The standard explains which parameters are measured and calculated (cone resistance, sleeve friction, total penetration force and derived parameters) and describes typical applications for stratification, soil type, density, shear strength and deformation/consolidation assessments.

General information

• Status: Published — International Standard (confirmed on review).
• Publication date: May 2009 (first edition published 15 May 2009).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 93.020 (Geotechnical engineering).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 — 2009.
• Number of pages: 23 (ISO published document length).

Scope

This part of ISO 22476 specifies the mechanical cone penetration test (CPTM) as an in‑situ method for obtaining continuous or discontinuous records of resistance to penetration. It sets out equipment design and tolerances, procedural rules for test selection and execution, calibration and verification practices, measurement and logging requirements, and minimum reporting information. The standard is intended to support qualitative and quantitative description of soil profiles and provide data for assessment of soil density, shear strength and deformation characteristics, and for comparison with other in‑situ tests.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and classification of CPTM types and application classes (continuous and discontinuous modes).
• Detailed equipment requirements: cone penetrometer load sensors, cone geometry and tolerances, friction sleeve, push and inner rods, measuring system and thrust machine.
• Tolerances, surface finish and calibration/verification procedures for sensors and thrust apparatus.
• Test procedures: selection of test type, site preparation, pushing procedures, use of friction reducer, logging frequency, measurement of cone resistance, sleeve friction and total penetration force, and completion criteria.
• Data handling and results: measured and calculated parameters, presentation of profiles, and minimum reporting content (location, datum/elevation, penetration depth, instrumentation details and calibration).
• Guidance on use of CPTM data for stratification, soil classification, estimation of density, shear‑strength parameters and deformation/consolidation properties.

Typical use and users

Common users include geotechnical engineers, site investigation contractors, consultants, research laboratories and regulatory bodies. CPTM is used for routine site investigations, foundation design inputs, ground improvement assessment, and comparative in‑situ testing where electrical cone or piezocone equipment is unavailable or where mechanical cone tests are preferred.

Related standards

ISO 22476-12 is one part of the ISO 22476 series covering field testing in geotechnical investigation (other parts include dynamic probing, standard penetration test, Ménard pressuremeter, dilatometer tests, borehole jack, weight sounding, flat dilatometer, etc.). It is also used alongside sampling standards such as ISO 22475‑1 (soil sampling and handling) and national/adopted EN versions (EN ISO 22476‑12).

Keywords

mechanical cone penetration test, CPTM, cone penetrometer, in‑situ testing, geotechnical investigation, cone resistance, sleeve friction, penetration test, site characterization.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 22476-12:2009 is an International Standard that specifies the mechanical cone penetration test (CPTM) method for geotechnical field testing, covering equipment, procedures and reporting.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers equipment requirements and tolerances (cone, friction sleeve, rods, sensors, thrust machine), test execution (selection, pushing, logging), calibration, measured and calculated parameters, and minimum reporting content for CPTM. The results support interpretation of stratigraphy, soil type, density and mechanical properties.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, site investigation contractors, consultants, test equipment manufacturers and research organisations use ISO 22476-12 when planning or conducting mechanical cone penetration tests for site characterization and design input.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was published in May 2009 (first edition) and has been subject to periodic systematic review; the ISO record indicates the 2009 edition has been confirmed in subsequent reviews, remaining current as of the latest ISO confirmation. Users should check national adoption or newer parts of the ISO 22476 series for updates in practice.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 22476 is a multi‑part series on geotechnical field testing; Part 12 (CPTM) sits alongside other parts such as dynamic probing, SPT, pressuremeter and dilatometer tests.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Mechanical cone penetration test, CPTM, cone resistance, sleeve friction, penetrometer, in‑situ geotechnical testing, site investigation.