Comparison between Panda Penetrometer Testing and traditional testing methods in NZ – a more bearable procedure

Lack of site investigation data is a common problem that geotechnical engineers face on a daily basis. Whilst typically permanent works would involve a scope and budget for site investigation, lack of information on subgrade geotechnical parameters is a common issue for temporary work designs such as crane platforms. Panda Penetrometer is a Variable Energy Dynamic Cone Penetrometer that has recently been used in New Zealand for geotechnical data collection. A study has been undertaken to evaluate Panda penetrometer application as a quick and cost effective site investigation method. Due to limited information available on Panda Penetrometer performance in New Zealand’s soil conditions, a series of locations have been selected and the tests were run to compare standard tests methods such as: CPT, drilled boreholes with SPTs and shear vanes against Panda Penetrometer results. This has been undertaken to confirm the accuracy of the recorded properties. Scope of works and the preliminary findings of the comparative study have been reported in this paper.