Services / CPT & in-situ testing

Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) in Florida

Continuous subsurface measurements for geotechnical and environmental project teams. Plan soundings around your locations, target depths and required data outputs.

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Florida field programs · Based in St. Petersburg

Track-mounted CPT equipment shown in Ambient's field photography — Cone penetration testing

A closer look at the field equipment

Methods matched to your work plan

What does cone penetration testing measure?

Cone penetration testing (CPT) measures cone-tip resistance and sleeve friction continuously with depth as an instrumented cone advances. Pore-pressure or seismic measurements depend on the approved configuration. Ambient Technologies’ geologists interpret the results and provide subsurface information to the client for evaluation.

Continuous in-situ profiles

The cone advances at a controlled rate, recording measurements continuously with depth and producing little to no soil cuttings. Test configuration and field conditions are reviewed before mobilization.

A complement to borings

Standard CPT does not recover soil or rock samples. Include borings and laboratory testing when the project needs physical samples.

A planned field program

Sounding locations, target depths, access, utility clearance, reaction needs and requested outputs are reviewed before mobilization.

Project-specific CPT data outputs

Depending on the measurements and correlations used, the responsible project professional may use CPT data to evaluate relative density, undrained shear strength, friction angle, pore pressure, hydraulic conductivity, consolidation behavior and modulus values. Interpretations take account of local geology, complementary boring or laboratory data and the project’s design requirements.

Interpreted results for the project team

Ambient geologists interpret CPT results and provide subsurface information and the agreed outputs to the client. Define the required profiles, reporting format and completion records before mobilization; the client’s responsible professional makes engineering recommendations.

Field setup and a CPT result from the published Avanti Way case.

Selected project / Avanti Way development, Orlando

CPT project experience in Orlando

Ambient’s published portfolio records ATI Geologica completing the Avanti Way CPT investigation in Orlando. The case connects the field setup, sounding depths and interpreted soil profile.

Read the Avanti Way CPT project →

5 CPT soundings Reported termination depths of about 43 ft.

2 Seismic soundings Seismic testing at CPT-01 and CPT-05.

TMG Documented field setup Track-mounted TMG CPT-223 rig and a Vertek electronic piezocone.

Prepare for mobilization

Plan the CPT scope and data outputs

Send the proposed test plan so access, feasibility and the requested data can be reviewed together. Include:

Sounding plan

Site location, test positions, quantities and target depths.
Access and ground conditions

Working space, overhead clearance, utilities and known obstructions.
Measurements, reports and permits

Specify the cone configuration, requested outputs, reporting requirements, complementary borings and schedule, and identify responsibility for any required site-specific permit or closeout.

Based in St. Petersburg

Florida project support

Ambient supports Florida CPT programs from its St. Petersburg base. Explore the service-area pages for local investigation and project context.

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Useful before you start

Questions before mobilization

Practical answers to help you plan the fieldwork.

What is the difference between CPT and SPT?

CPT records continuous in-situ resistance data while pushing a cone into the ground. SPT is performed in a borehole and provides blow counts and recovered split-spoon samples. Many investigations use both because the methods provide different, complementary information.

Does CPT collect soil samples?

Standard CPT does not recover a soil sample. If physical samples or direct visual classification are required, the project team should include borings or another sampling method in the investigation.

Can CPT be used everywhere?

No. CPT does not collect rock samples, and dense layers, rock, obstructions, shallow refusal, limited access, overhead clearance, utilities or reaction-force needs can affect feasibility and achievable depth. Conventional drilling should be included when rock or physical samples are required.

Who interprets the CPT results?

Ambient geologists interpret the CPT results and provide the subsurface information to the client for evaluation. The client’s responsible professional uses that information for project decisions and any engineering recommendations.

Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) in Florida