Description

The IML Penetrometer is a mechanical gauge to determine the density of the soil. A 2.0 kg heavy falling weight is mounted on a 8.0 mm thick rod. The falling weight is dropped and encounters resistance, causing the rod to penetrate the ground. The penetration depth can be read by means of a scale.

Determination of the soil density:

Trees on compacted soils are less able to absorb water and minerals. In addition, air exchange and mineralisation are reduced.

Application & evaluation:

The Penetrometer has to be set vertically on the ground. The drop weight falls on the sensor stick and drives it into the soil. The load is measured by the number of hits of the drop weight and is listed together with the penetration depth. Then it has to be compared with the values of a reference table.

Influencing variables:

• soil type
• bulk density
• compression, compaction
• soil humidity
• shearing resistance

Fields of application:

• evaluation of growth conditions for trees and plants
• detection of compacted subsoil layers and / or root plates
• analysis of the correlation between root intensity and penetration resistance of the existing soil layers
• general soil studies
• elementary foundation expertises
  (detection of the carrying force / evaluation of the soil)