Insitu Test recently completed PANDOSCOPE® training for our WA Implementation Partners, STATS Australia and 4DGeotechnics.
The PANDOSCOPE® is a coupling of the PANDA® Instrumented Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) (which provides tip resistance vs. depth profile) and Geoendoscopy (down-the-hole imagery).
For rail applications, the PANDOSCOPE® is used as a non-destructive rail track ballast and formation condition assessment method when planning track maintenance and renewal. It measures geotechnical aspects of the track bed and can provide the following outcomes:
- Layer characterisation for ballast and formation (identification, thickness, qualitative water content, estimation of soil grain size distribution, and ballast condition/fouling assessment)
- Mechanical information: cone resistance (direct measurement), or CBR and other parameters via correlation
The PANDOSCOPE® data helps asset owners optimise track maintenance and renewal strategies. Sometimes, PANDOSCOPE® testing is combined with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data to provide greater insight into problem areas. It also provides engineering teams with reliable geotechnical data for track design. Understanding the mechanical and physical properties of the existing formation (subgrade and sub-ballast layers) is critical for future track design. The PANDOSCOPE® overcomes many limitations of traditional geotechnical methods like drilling rigs and potholing.
To facilitate the training, we flew in Younes Haddani, Head of Innovation Projects & International at Sol Solution. For more than 15 years, Younes led the Sol Solution PANDOSCOPE® Implementation team, drawing on extensive experience from projects across France (SNCF), Belgium, USA, Canada, Singapore, and Australia.
STATS Australia is a specialist in testing and technical services, providing tailored and economical engineering solutions to support their clients’ design and construction needs.
4DGeotechnics are consultants in engineering geology, geomorphology, and geotechnical engineering. They specialise in locating, describing, and understanding geo materials and landforms, current ground morphology, and the natural processes shaping the site historically and in the present.
If you would like to know more about the PANDOSCOPE®, please visit our website: https://www.insitutek.com/services/pandoscope-ballast-formation-condition-assessment/
