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User GuideUser Guide

Mexe Penetrometer

SL137

Impact Test Equipment Ltdwww.impact-test.co.uk & www.impact-test.com

7/27/2019 MEXE Penetrometer User Guide

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Impact Test Equipment Ltd.Building 21 Stevenston Ind. Est.

StevenstonAyrshireKA20 3LR

T: 01294 602626F: 01294 461168

E: sales@impact-test.co.uk

Test Equipment Web Sitewww.impact-test.co.uk

Test Sieves & Accessories Web Sitewww.impact-test.com

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ASSEMBLY.Screw top rod into instrument head, tighten using spanner. Screw extensionrods together and into top rod. Screw cone into bottom of assembled rods.ENSURE all joints are tight.Fold handles down into operating position.

OPERATIONIn fine grain soils, for which the instrument is primarily intended, measurementscorrelate closely with in-situ CBR values. To allow for variations in therelationship between cone readings at different depths and in different soils,and those obtained for the same conditions using standard CBR procedures,the dial is graduated on the conservative side. The instrument can be used inloose dry sand, but in firm sand, penetration is difficult with the force availablefrom one man, and such conditions generally are beyond the range of the

instrument. The presence of stones in soil need not preclude the use of theinstrument provided measurements are rejected when it is obvious that thecone has come into contact with one. The instrument should not be used inpredominantly stony or gravelly soils.

Stand well balanced, grip the instrument firmly by its handles and steady theforearms against the thighs for full body weight advantage. Keeping theinstrument vertical, apply a force onto the handles until a steady downwardmovement occurs.

Read the dial, as the base (top) of the cone is flush with the surface of the test

area. Continue a steady downward movement at a rate of approx. 1 (25mm)per second, take successive readings at 3 (75mm) intervals, rods are markedin 3 increments. Penetration may be interrupted in order to record dialreadings.

Spacing of measurements will depend on the variability of the soil. Profiles arebest achieved by providing at least 3 readings, preferably 5 to 10 at each depth,in order to obtain a mean value. KEEPING THE INSTRUMENT VERTICALWHEN CBR TESTING IS VERY IMPORTANT AS RODS MAY INTRODUCEFALSE READINGS IF ALLOWED TO FOUL THE WALLS OF THE HOLE.

AFTER USEUnscrew cone, extension rods and top rod. Pull handles out and fold up toinstrument side. Wipe clean and dry all parts and replace in case.THE INSTRUMENT AND ACCESSORIES MUST BE KEPT FREE FROM DIRTAND CORROSION. DO NOT PUT DAMP OR WET ITEMS INTO CASE.

CALIBRATIONThe instrument is verified for accuracy at the time of manufacture and it isrecommended that it be returned to our works for re-verification and checkingonce every 12 months or prior to the start of a testing program.

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CARE AND MAINTENANCEUnder normal operating conditions no maintenance should be necessary. Ifmajor repairs or re-calibration are required, the complete instrument should bereturned to our works. Cones should be checked periodically for wear. CONESSHOULD BE REPLACED WHEN THEY PASS THROUGH THEAPPROPRIATE GAUGE HOLE IN THE SPANNER (The spanner has gaugingholes for each size of cone).

ZERO ADJUSTMENTThis should only be carried out when the operator is certain that no obviousfault is causing the error. Remove gaiter and using the hexagon wrench (item05) turn the screw clockwise to reduce indicated load, or anti-clockwise toincrease. Ensure gaiter is replaced correctly after adjustments.

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