Measuring the strength profile through ballast on Aurizon rail trackbed to understand ballast fouling (coal dust and other) and base / sub grade strength using PANDA Instrumented DCP.
PANDA Instrumented Variable Energy DCP - Very suited for Tunnels, Slope Stability, Cuttings and Embankment work (as well as conventional applications and Mine Tailings)
The PANDA or PANDA probe is a fully instrumented Variable Energy Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) used for ground investigation and compaction control and is a widely accepted portable method for evaluating strength and density of soil. The PANDA DCP provides immediate repeatable results so that on-site decisions can be made straight away. It can be used in confined spaces and difficult to access locations, with no support equipment required. Tests orientation can be anywhere from vertical to horizontal (e.g. for slope stability).
We describe the PANDA as a DCP on steroids. It has so much more capability than a standard DCP and overcomes the safety issues. To minimise rod friction, cones larger than the diameter of the rods are used, enabling meaningful data to be collected below the 1-2m limitation of the conventional DCP. Several studies have shown that the PANDA measurements correlate well with cone penetration test (CPT) results. The benefit is that the PANDA equipment can be used where the CPT vehicles are not suitable.
Variable energy means the operator can change the force applied so more data points can be taken, for example, in weak materials.
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