{"id":5546,"date":"2026-05-18T07:14:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T07:14:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/uncategorized-en-gb\/cone-penetration-test-cpt-understanding-the-subsoil-and-planning-foundations-safely\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T14:42:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:42:01","slug":"cone-penetration-test-cpt-understanding-the-subsoil-and-planning-foundations-safely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/en\/guide\/cone-penetration-test-cpt-understanding-the-subsoil-and-planning-foundations-safely\/","title":{"rendered":"Cone Penetration Test (CPT): Understanding the Subsoil and Planning Foundations Safely"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5546\" class=\"elementor elementor-5546 elementor-4169\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50947f0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"50947f0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8d06a6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f8d06a6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-219994a elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"219994a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;,&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;h4&quot;],&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_widescreen&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_laptop&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet_extra&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__219994a\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__219994a\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__219994a\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3d2708 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a3d2708\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before planning a foundation, it is essential to determine just how load-bearing the subsoil actually is. This is exactly where cone penetration testing comes into play. This method allows for a quick and precise assessment of how the soil behaves under load.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a pressure probe test, a measuring probe with a conical tip is pressed into the ground. This test records two key values: tip pressure and skin friction. These values indicate the resistance offered by the soil and the composition of the subsoil.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, you will learn how a cone penetration test (CPT) is conducted, how tip pressure and skin friction are generated, and how these measurements are analyzed. You will also see how these results are used to make specific decisions regarding shallow foundations or pile foundations. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-90ea75a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"90ea75a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Key Facts About Pressure Sounding at a Glance<\/b><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a cone penetration test (CPT), a probe with a conical tip is driven into the ground. The tip pressure and skin friction are measured to determine the properties of the subsoil. <\/span><p> <\/p><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuous measurement along the penetration depth produces a diagram of the subsoil structure. Changes in the measured values indicate layer transitions, soil types, and differences in compaction density. <\/span><p> <\/p><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important soil parameters can be determined from the analysis of the measurement data, such as bearing capacity, soil structure, or indications of sand, silt, or clay in the subsoil.<\/span><p> <\/p><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The results of the pressure sounding serve as the basis for evaluating the soil conditions and help in deciding between shallow foundations and pile foundations.<\/span><p> <\/p><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In practice, pressure probing is often combined with drilling to obtain as complete a picture as possible of the subsoil structure.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-90f2e5d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"90f2e5d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fca0ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4fca0ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. How a Cone Penetration Test (CPT) Is Conducted<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-312fbb0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"312fbb0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pressure probing method, known internationally as the Cone Penetration Test (CPT), is an indirect method of soil investigation\u2014that is, one that does not involve sampling. In this method, a probe with a conical tip is continuously pushed into the ground. As it penetrates, the probe records variations in soil resistance every 2 cm.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pressure probe consists of two main components: a cone at the tip and a cylindrical sleeve behind it. Both sections measure different forces in the soil. The probe is hydraulically pressed into the ground via a linkage. The penetration rate remains constant to ensure that comparable measurements are obtained.   <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the soil conditions, test drilling to a depth of about 30 meters is possible. During the driving process, all measurement data is recorded directly in the measurement head and displayed in real time on a laptop. This makes it<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immediately reveals how the subsoil changes at depth.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Tip Pressure: What the Measuring Tip Detects in the Soil<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tip pressure (qc) is measured directly at the tip of the probe. As the probe penetrates, the measuring tip encounters resistance from the ground. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The greater this resistance, the higher the measured peak pressure will be. High values indicate dense or load-bearing soil layers. Low values, on the other hand, indicate loose sand, soft soil, or organic layers.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The peak pressure thus provides key information about the bearing capacity of the subgrade and the compaction density of the soil.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Friction Between the Mantle and the Probe: What Forces Act Along the Probe?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the tip pressure, pressure probing also measures the shell friction (fs). This friction occurs along the cylindrical shell directly behind the tip of the cone. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This measurement range captures the friction between the soil and the probe during penetration. The magnitude of the skin friction depends heavily on the soil type and soil structure. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cohesive soils, such as clay or silt, typically produce higher skin friction. Pure sand, on the other hand, often results in lower friction values. As a result, skin friction provides important insights into the composition of the subsoil.  <\/span><\/p><h2><b>Soil Index: How Soil Types Are Determined from Measurement Data<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another parameter can be calculated from the ratio of tip pressure to skin friction: the ground index.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This value is used to classify the soil based on the measurement data. This makes it possible to determine whether the subsoil consists primarily of sand, silt, or clay. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The soil index thus combines both parameters from the pressure sounding and allows for an initial classification of the soil type directly from the measurement data.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-38197d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"38197d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. How a soil profile is created from measurement data<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97bbf18 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"97bbf18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-18-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5547\" alt=\"Conducting a CPT dynamic cone penetration test for site investigation in a mobile testing laboratory\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-18-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-18-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-18-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-18-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-18-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-18-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c1209e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7c1209e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the pressure probing test, the probe is continuously pressed into the ground. As this happens, the measuring probe continuously records values for peak pressure, skin friction, and other parameters. Any change in the subsurface directly affects these measurements.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The recorded measurement data is used to create a graph showing penetration depth. Depth is plotted on the vertical axis, while the measured resistances are plotted on the horizontal axis. This process gradually builds a profile of the subsoil.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the resistance in the soil changes, the curve on the graph also changes. Any significant change indicates a change in soil layer. In this way, the structure, thickness, and properties of the individual soil layers can be identified.  <\/span><\/p><h2><b>Identifying changes in soil layers<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in stratification are often indicated in the diagram by sudden changes in peak pressure. If the value rises sharply, this usually indicates a denser or more load-bearing soil layer. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the values remain consistently high over several meters, this often indicates a load-bearing layer in the subsoil. Such layers are particularly relevant for foundation design. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast, widely fluctuating measurement values may indicate inhomogeneous soils, backfill, or varying soil types. In such areas, the soil structure often changes at short intervals. <\/span><\/p><h2><b>Assess Bearing Density and Load Capacity<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The peak resistance provides important information about the soil&#8217;s compaction state. Especially in sandy soils, the compaction density can be accurately determined from the measured peak pressure. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High peak resistances usually indicate a compacted sand layer. Such layers generally have a higher bearing capacity and are better suited for supporting the load of a structure. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low peak resistances, on the other hand, indicate loose sand or soft soil. These layers are more sensitive to loading and may settle more significantly under certain conditions. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The relationship is clear: The denser the soil, the greater its bearing capacity tends to be. This information is crucial for planning the foundation. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f11f94 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6f11f94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Why Construction Site Observations Remain Important<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8999321 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8999321\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pressure sounding provides precise measurements of the subsoil. However, to ensure a reliable assessment of the subsoil, additional observations made directly at the construction site are also taken into account. These include, among other things, the results of visual inspections of soil samples taken from boreholes.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This supplementary information helps to better interpret the data from the pressure sounding and to obtain a complete picture of the subsoil structure.<\/span><\/p><p><b>Ground Contact During Drilling<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During drilling, the soil is brought directly to the surface. This makes it possible to identify different types of soil right on the construction site. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sand, silt, and clay differ significantly in grain size, color, and texture. These characteristics are used to make an initial assessment of the soil type. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This visual assessment of the soil is conducted prior to laboratory testing as part of what is known as a field assessment. The observations are then compared with the data obtained from the cone penetration test. This provides a reliable assessment of the soil structure.  <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44658f1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"44658f1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. What Pressure Sounding Means for Your Foundation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42b4e44 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"42b4e44\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The analysis of a pressure sounding does not end with the soil profile. What matters most is what conclusions can be drawn from it regarding the foundation of a structure. The measured values indicate whether the soil near the surface can support loads or whether load-bearing layers are found only at greater depths.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the soil conditions, there are two typical scenarios.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<b>When a Shallow Foundation Is Feasible<\/b>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A shallow foundation is an option when load-bearing soil layers are present even at shallow depths.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #333333;\">Typical notes on the CPT diagram:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 25px; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 40px; color: #333333;\">\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #333333;\">Consistently high peak resistances near the surface<\/span><\/li>\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #333333;\">only minor fluctuations in the measured values<\/span><\/li>\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #333333;\">several meters of homogeneous, load-bearing soil layers<\/span><\/li>\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #333333;\">a consistent, low floor index<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In such cases, a building&#8217;s load can be transferred directly to the subsoil via foundations or a floor slab.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<b>When Pile Foundations Are Necessary<\/b>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every type of subsoil has sufficient bearing capacity in the upper layers. Measurements often initially show low peak resistances before stable layers are reached at greater depths. <\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #333333;\">Typical notes in the measurement profile:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 25px; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 40px; color: #333333;\">\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #333333;\">soft or loose soil layers in the upper section<\/span><\/li>\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #333333;\">Bearing layers are found several meters below the surface<\/span><\/li>\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #333333;\">A significant increase in peak resistance at depth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this case, piles are used to transfer the structure&#8217;s loads to these deeper layers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressure probing determines whether pile foundations are necessary and at what depth the stable subsoil begins. This information plays a key role in determining the required pile length and the foundation design. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad520ae elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ad520ae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">5. Characteristics of Northern German Soils<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-773c7c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"773c7c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The soil conditions in northern Germany regularly present planners with unique challenges. Large parts of the landscape consist of marsh, bog, or coastal soils, whose properties differ significantly from those of typical sand or gravel soils. It is precisely here that dynamic probing provides important information about bearing capacity and soil structure.  <\/span><\/p><p><b>Marshes and bogs: soft soils with low bearing capacity<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many regions of northern Germany, marsh and peat soils predominate. These soils often contain a high proportion of organic matter and have a very soft texture. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the pressure sounding diagram, such soils are usually indicated by very low peak resistances. The probe can penetrate the subsurface relatively easily because the soil offers little resistance. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For construction projects, this often means that the soil near the surface has limited bearing capacity. Layers with sufficient bearing capacity are often found only at greater depths. <\/span><\/p><p><b>Sandy coastal areas and groundwater<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sandy soils are also found in coastal regions. Sand can generally have good bearing capacity, especially when it is compacted. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, groundwater is a crucial factor. When water is present in the soil\u2019s pore space, the load-bearing behavior changes. Loose, water-saturated sands are more sensitive to loading and can deform more significantly.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressure probing helps to reveal these differences. By analyzing the peak resistance and other measured values, it is possible to determine how densely the sand is packed and how the subsoil behaves under load. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3a5bed elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a3a5bed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">6. Pressure Sounding in the Project: From Measurement Data to Foundation Design<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2159b3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2159b3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressure probing provides precise measurements of the subsoil. However, its full significance can only be realized through expert interpretation within the context of the project. A diagram alone is not sufficient to make informed decisions about the future foundation.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In practice, the results of pressure probing are therefore combined with additional tests. These often include boreholes that provide direct information about the soil conditions at the construction site. Only the combination of these methods can reliably reveal the actual composition of the subsoil.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, the analysis is always conducted with the planned structure in mind. Whether it involves crane sites, infrastructure projects, or pile foundations, the requirements for the subsoil vary significantly from project to project. Subsoil composition, groundwater, and bearing capacity also play a key role in construction projects in coastal areas or offshore.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of the site investigation is therefore to produce both a measurement diagram and a precise basis for foundation design. Specific conclusions regarding bearing capacity, soil density, and possible foundation systems are derived from the measured values. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Particularly for construction projects in northern Germany\u2014both on land and at sea\u2014pressure probing is often combined with supplementary investigation methods. This provides a reliable overall picture of the subsoil, which is directly incorporated into the foundation design. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thade Gerdes conducts such investigations as part of site investigations and deep foundation projects. In this process, CPT tests, supplementary boreholes, and on-site observations are evaluated together to design stable foundations. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you planning a construction project and need reliable data on the building site? Then contact a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/en\/contact\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">load test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it turns out that load-bearing soil layers are found only at greater depths, special foundation methods are used. Learn more here <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/en\/deep-foundations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more about deep foundations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/en\/services\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">services in special civil engineering<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><b>Your Benefits with Thade Gerdes<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b3438b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5b3438b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-38-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5548\" alt=\"ThadeGerdes, Cone Penetration Test (CPT) for Precise Soil Investigation in a Container\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-38-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-38-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-38-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-38-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-38-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Carolinensiel-05-08-38-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d34dd23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d34dd23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In construction projects, the outcome depends not only on the site investigation but also on the experience of the contractor. Thade Gerdes combines site investigation, cone penetration testing, and specialized civil engineering with decades of practical experience and structured processes. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>More than a century of experience in specialized civil engineering<\/b><b><br\/><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more than 125 years, Thade Gerdes has been working with building sites, foundation systems, and technical concepts in civil engineering. This expertise is incorporated into every project, from the initial site analysis to the implementation of the appropriate foundation.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>Gentle Methods for Sensitive Construction Environments<\/b><b><br\/><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The drilling and foundation methods used are vibration-free and produce minimal noise. This is particularly important in densely built-up areas, near existing buildings, or for projects with strict environmental protection requirements.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>Foundations on Land and in Water<\/b><b><br\/><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether conducting soil investigations on conventional construction sites or working along shorelines and in bodies of water, the teams at Thade Gerdes reliably install foundations under a wide range of conditions in accordance with applicable standards.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>Structured Processes for a Quick Project Start<\/b><b><br\/><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The work steps are organized from planning through site investigation to the provision of equipment. This ensures that your construction project can begin without unnecessary delays.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>Clear Quotes and Predictable Investments<\/b><b><br\/><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All services are listed in a structured manner. You\u2019ll receive a transparent cost estimate and know early on which tasks are included in the project scope.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>Reliable Scheduling<\/b><b><br\/><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coordinating all phases of construction ensures that your project stays on schedule. This applies to both individual site investigations and complex deep foundation projects.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>Work in Accordance with Certified Environmental Standards<\/b><b><br\/><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With its DVGW W120-1 certification, Thade Gerdes meets the requirements for working in water-bearing soil layers. This ensures that the soil and groundwater are protected as effectively as possible during construction work.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>A Dedicated Point of Contact Throughout the Project<\/b><b><br\/><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll have a direct point of contact throughout the entire project phase. This ensures that agreements remain clear and that project progress is transparent at all times.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>Experience with Private and Public Construction Projects<\/b><b><br\/><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether it\u2019s an infrastructure project, commercial construction, or a private construction project: Thade Gerdes carries out foundation work under a wide variety of conditions and delivers reliable results for planning and construction.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you planning a construction project and want to have the building site reliably surveyed? Then <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/en\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">request a dynamic load test directly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and let Thade Gerdes advise you on the appropriate testing methods.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0aef136 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0aef136\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">7. Conclusion: Why Pressure Sounding Supports Construction Decisions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42a1e9e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"42a1e9e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conus Penetration Testing (CPT) is one of the most important methods of geotechnical investigation. By measuring tip pressure and side friction, it is possible to reliably determine soil structure, compaction, and bearing capacity. The continuous measurement data is used to create a detailed soil profile that shows the composition of the subsoil at depth.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This information forms the basis for key decisions in the construction project. It helps determine whether a shallow foundation is sufficient or whether a pile foundation is necessary. Combined with additional investigations, such as boreholes, it provides a complete picture of the subsoil.  <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you planning a construction project and would like to have the building site reliably assessed early on? If so, you can request a<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/en\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">request a cone penetration test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and get advice on the appropriate soil investigation. Thade Gerdes supports you with his experience in specialized civil engineering, from soil investigation to the implementation of the appropriate foundation.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c5d772e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c5d772e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96fce2f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"96fce2f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">8. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Pressure Sounding<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c2d0ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"0c2d0ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;all_collapsed&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1270\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1270\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What is a cone penetration test? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.0945 8.00344L19.0945 -2.742e-06L-8.07685e-08 19.1522L0.251212 19.3858L24.7999 19.3858L24.7999 15.8719L30.6203 21L40 21L40 20.8131L20.5077 1.5052L20.5077 13.8788L12.7611 13.8788L19.0945 8.00344Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M20.9055 12.9966L20.9055 21L40 1.84777L39.7488 1.61421L15.2001 1.61421L15.2001 5.12807L9.37967 -1.33846e-06L0 -1.74846e-06L-8.1706e-09 0.18692L19.4923 19.4948L19.4923 7.12118L27.2389 7.12118L20.9055 12.9966Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1270\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d19418 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5d19418\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5f8730 p-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d5f8730\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pressure probing test, known internationally as the Cone Penetration Test (CPT), is an indirect geotechnical investigation method used to assess the subsoil. In this test, a probe with a conical tip is continuously pressed into the ground. During penetration, the probe measures various parameters such as tip pressure, skin friction, and other data points. This data provides important information about the soil profile, soil structure, and the bearing capacity of the subsoil.   <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1271\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1271\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What measurements are recorded during a pressure sounding? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.0945 8.00344L19.0945 -2.742e-06L-8.07685e-08 19.1522L0.251212 19.3858L24.7999 19.3858L24.7999 15.8719L30.6203 21L40 21L40 20.8131L20.5077 1.5052L20.5077 13.8788L12.7611 13.8788L19.0945 8.00344Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M20.9055 12.9966L20.9055 21L40 1.84777L39.7488 1.61421L15.2001 1.61421L15.2001 5.12807L9.37967 -1.33846e-06L0 -1.74846e-06L-8.1706e-09 0.18692L19.4923 19.4948L19.4923 7.12118L27.2389 7.12118L20.9055 12.9966Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1271\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab283c4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ab283c4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b542e8 p-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b542e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a pressure sounding, the measuring probe records several important values:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peak pressure (qc) at the measuring tip of the pressure probe<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleeve friction (fs) along the friction sleeve behind the tip<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in some cases, additional parameters such as pore water pressure<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These measurement data show the resistance the soil offers as the probe penetrates it. By combining these values, it is possible to determine the soil type, compaction density, and other soil parameters. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1272\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1272\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> How is a CPT test conducted? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.0945 8.00344L19.0945 -2.742e-06L-8.07685e-08 19.1522L0.251212 19.3858L24.7999 19.3858L24.7999 15.8719L30.6203 21L40 21L40 20.8131L20.5077 1.5052L20.5077 13.8788L12.7611 13.8788L19.0945 8.00344Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M20.9055 12.9966L20.9055 21L40 1.84777L39.7488 1.61421L15.2001 1.61421L15.2001 5.12807L9.37967 -1.33846e-06L0 -1.74846e-06L-8.1706e-09 0.18692L19.4923 19.4948L19.4923 7.12118L27.2389 7.12118L20.9055 12.9966Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1272\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b717e5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4b717e5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b441a9f p-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b441a9f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a pressure sounding test, the probe is pressed into the ground using a hydraulic system via a linkage. The penetration rate is standardized and is usually about 2 centimeters per second. <\/span><\/p><p> <\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The probe is often driven into the ground by a special probing vehicle or a truck equipped with a counterweight. During the penetration (the \u201cpushing\u201d phase), a measuring head continuously records the data. This data is displayed directly as a graph and forms the basis for the subsequent pressure sounding report.  <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1273\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1273\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Which standard governs pressure probing? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.0945 8.00344L19.0945 -2.742e-06L-8.07685e-08 19.1522L0.251212 19.3858L24.7999 19.3858L24.7999 15.8719L30.6203 21L40 21L40 20.8131L20.5077 1.5052L20.5077 13.8788L12.7611 13.8788L19.0945 8.00344Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M20.9055 12.9966L20.9055 21L40 1.84777L39.7488 1.61421L15.2001 1.61421L15.2001 5.12807L9.37967 -1.33846e-06L0 -1.74846e-06L-8.1706e-09 0.18692L19.4923 19.4948L19.4923 7.12118L27.2389 7.12118L20.9055 12.9966Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1273\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7f9492 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e7f9492\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03ec432 p-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"03ec432\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The performance of CPT tests is governed by the DIN EN ISO 22476-1 standard. This standard specifies the requirements for equipment, measurement procedures, speed, measurement parameters, and documentation. <\/span><\/p><p> <\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These standards ensure that the results of pressure soundings are comparable, traceable, and technically reliable.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1274\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1274\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What types of soil can be identified using a cone penetration test? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.0945 8.00344L19.0945 -2.742e-06L-8.07685e-08 19.1522L0.251212 19.3858L24.7999 19.3858L24.7999 15.8719L30.6203 21L40 21L40 20.8131L20.5077 1.5052L20.5077 13.8788L12.7611 13.8788L19.0945 8.00344Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M20.9055 12.9966L20.9055 21L40 1.84777L39.7488 1.61421L15.2001 1.61421L15.2001 5.12807L9.37967 -1.33846e-06L0 -1.74846e-06L-8.1706e-09 0.18692L19.4923 19.4948L19.4923 7.12118L27.2389 7.12118L20.9055 12.9966Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1274\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96f1781 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"96f1781\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-632f07e p-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"632f07e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressure probing provides information about different soil types. Typical examples include: <\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sand with varying bulk densities<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Silt<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clay or other cohesive soils<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p> <\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By analyzing peak pressure and skin friction, conclusions can be drawn about soil structure, angle of friction, shear strength, and bearing capacity.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1275\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1275\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> How deep can a pressure sounding be performed? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.0945 8.00344L19.0945 -2.742e-06L-8.07685e-08 19.1522L0.251212 19.3858L24.7999 19.3858L24.7999 15.8719L30.6203 21L40 21L40 20.8131L20.5077 1.5052L20.5077 13.8788L12.7611 13.8788L19.0945 8.00344Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M20.9055 12.9966L20.9055 21L40 1.84777L39.7488 1.61421L15.2001 1.61421L15.2001 5.12807L9.37967 -1.33846e-06L0 -1.74846e-06L-8.1706e-09 0.18692L19.4923 19.4948L19.4923 7.12118L27.2389 7.12118L20.9055 12.9966Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1275\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9decd9 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b9decd9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05e80ee p-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"05e80ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The achievable penetration depth depends on the soil conditions and the technique used. In many projects, cone penetration tests reach depths of up to about 30 meters. <\/span><\/p><p> <\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In very firm soil, the penetration depth may be shallower, while in softer soil, greater depths are possible.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1276\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"7\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1276\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What are the results of the pressure sounding used for? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.0945 8.00344L19.0945 -2.742e-06L-8.07685e-08 19.1522L0.251212 19.3858L24.7999 19.3858L24.7999 15.8719L30.6203 21L40 21L40 20.8131L20.5077 1.5052L20.5077 13.8788L12.7611 13.8788L19.0945 8.00344Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M20.9055 12.9966L20.9055 21L40 1.84777L39.7488 1.61421L15.2001 1.61421L15.2001 5.12807L9.37967 -1.33846e-06L0 -1.74846e-06L-8.1706e-09 0.18692L19.4923 19.4948L19.4923 7.12118L27.2389 7.12118L20.9055 12.9966Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1276\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4812ba e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d4812ba\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-809ec32 p-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"809ec32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The results of pressure testing provide important insights for construction projects. Among other things, they are used for: <\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the assessment of the bearing capacity of the foundation soil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the design of shallow foundations or pile foundations<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Analysis of the Subsoil Structure<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Analysis of Soil Parameters in Soil Mechanics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><br><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The measurement data help planners and engineers realistically assess the subsoil and select the appropriate foundation for a structure.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1277\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"8\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1277\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What role does pressure probing play in geotechnical investigations? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M19.0945 8.00344L19.0945 -2.742e-06L-8.07685e-08 19.1522L0.251212 19.3858L24.7999 19.3858L24.7999 15.8719L30.6203 21L40 21L40 20.8131L20.5077 1.5052L20.5077 13.8788L12.7611 13.8788L19.0945 8.00344Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"40\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 21\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M20.9055 12.9966L20.9055 21L40 1.84777L39.7488 1.61421L15.2001 1.61421L15.2001 5.12807L9.37967 -1.33846e-06L0 -1.74846e-06L-8.1706e-09 0.18692L19.4923 19.4948L19.4923 7.12118L27.2389 7.12118L20.9055 12.9966Z\" fill=\"#0E1D29\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1277\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4560dd e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e4560dd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28d74a1 p-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"28d74a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressure probing is an important method of soil investigation. It is often used in conjunction with boreholes and laboratory tests. <\/span><\/p><p> <\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combining these investigations provides a comprehensive picture of the building site. The results serve as the basis for a well-founded assessment of the subsoil and the subsequent foundation. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ef092c elementor-absolute elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0ef092c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_position&quot;:&quot;absolute&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateY_effect&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateY_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:4,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;motion_fx_translateY_affectedRange&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:{&quot;start&quot;:0,&quot;end&quot;:100}},&quot;motion_fx_devices&quot;:[&quot;widescreen&quot;,&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;laptop&quot;,&quot;tablet_extra&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;]}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"111\" height=\"851\" src=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BG-L.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-4545\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BG-L.png 111w, https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BG-L-39x300.png 39w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 111px) 100vw, 111px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e1948d elementor-absolute elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-hidden-laptop elementor-hidden-tablet_extra elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5e1948d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_position&quot;:&quot;absolute&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateY_effect&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateY_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:4,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;motion_fx_translateY_affectedRange&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:{&quot;start&quot;:0,&quot;end&quot;:100}},&quot;motion_fx_devices&quot;:[&quot;widescreen&quot;,&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;laptop&quot;,&quot;tablet_extra&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;]}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"111\" height=\"860\" src=\"https:\/\/thade-gerdes.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BG-R.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-4546\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Before planning a foundation, it is essential to determine just how load-bearing the subsoil actually is. This is exactly where cone penetration testing comes into play. This method allows for a quick and precise assessment of how the soil behaves under load. In a pressure probe test, a measuring probe with a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5549,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5546","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guide"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cone Penetration Test (CPT): Planning Foundations Safely<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how tip resistance and skin friction are evaluated during cone penetration testing and how this information is used to make informed foundation design decisions.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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