- Layer by layer density based compaction control device
- Used for pavement investigation for layers up to a max of 50 cm thickness
- Simple to use – suitable for Level 1 supervision or self control
- Immediate repeatable results so that on-site decisions can be made straight away
The PANDITO® Ultra-light Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) is a density based layer by layer compaction control device, used for pavement layers up to a max of 50 cm thickness. It’s simple to use and is suitable for Level 1 supervision or self control. On-site decisions can be made straight away, rather than waiting for the final test using a normalised technique like the nuclear density gauge to identify and rectify compaction issues.
Data is captured (blows per 10cm) and presented using the SolSolution DCP app for results entry, calculation and printing / reports. The results are presented as Number of Blows, Cone Tip Resistance qd (MPa) or California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The PANDITO® is suitable for use on fine or coarse soils (clay, silt, sand, gravels etc) with a grain size up to 50 mm. The resistances to cone penetration (qd) are limited to 30 to 40 MPa (from 35 to 45 blows per 10 cm).
To interpret the results into a density requirement, the number of blows required to drive the cone in by 10 cm is compared to a reference value that takes into account the type of soil (soil classification), its water content related to optimum moisture and the required compaction quality (% Optimum Proctor Standard (%OPN) or % Optimum Proctor Modified (%OPM)).
This density / compaction self control test can be done by onsite field staff as the PANDITO® Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) is extremely simple to use and interpret. This mean that on-site decisions can be made immediately, rather than waiting for the final test using a normalised technique like the nuclear gauge / densitometer to identify and rectify compaction issues.



















