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Multiple Choice

What do we call the relationship between the number of dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) blows and its depth of penetration?

In the dynamic cone penetrometer test, the key idea is how the soil resists penetration as the cone is driven downward. The relationship between the number of blows needed and the depth of penetration is captured by the DCP index. This single number summarizes penetration resistance: more blows per unit depth mean greater resistance and thus stronger soil, while fewer blows per unit depth indicate weaker soil. The DCP index is widely used to estimate bearing capacity and to relate soil strength to pavement design needs. Other terms like CBR-related measures come from a different test and describe different concepts, whereas the DCP index specifically describes the blows-versus-depth relationship in this test.

In the dynamic cone penetrometer test, the key idea is how the soil resists penetration as the cone is driven downward. The relationship between the number of blows needed and the depth of penetration is captured by the DCP index. This single number summarizes penetration resistance: more blows per unit depth mean greater resistance and thus stronger soil, while fewer blows per unit depth indicate weaker soil. The DCP index is widely used to estimate bearing capacity and to relate soil strength to pavement design needs. Other terms like CBR-related measures come from a different test and describe different concepts, whereas the DCP index specifically describes the blows-versus-depth relationship in this test.