Sticking a pocket penetrometer into a bottom of a footing excavation as a test for bearing capacity is not reasonable, yet I have seen it done. The zone of influence is not even going to extend beyond the limit of backhoe teeth.
Testing the density of foundation soils through the nuclear...
One of our labs is attempting to perform a standard proctor test on a highly weathered shale material from central PA. Although the material is clearly above optimum moisture, the density is continuing to increase (even after dropping slightly on one point). Has anyone had this experience...
