In-Situ Testing

Cone Penetration Testing

Fast, continuous soil data from the surface to depth. CPT and SCPT services delivered by specialists with direct experience across Western Canada.

The Most Efficient Way to Know Your Soils

The Cone Penetration Test (CPT) is one of the most efficient and reliable methods of in-situ soil investigation. By continuously measuring tip resistance, sleeve friction, and pore pressure as a cone is pushed into the ground, CPT produces a detailed, continuous profile of soil stratigraphy without the need for drilling.

Coast Geotechnical provides CPT services for project owners, contractors and other engineering consultants. Our team of highly skilled professionals have over 15+ years of combined experience using advanced in-situ testing equipment.

We have a Vancouver based CPT specialist, allowing us to deliver responsive service across the Lower Mainland, Interior BC and beyond, in addition to our Vancouver Island operations.

Scope of Services

  • Standard CPTu (tip, sleeve friction, pore pressure)
  • Seismic CPTu (shear and compression wave velocity measurements)
  • Nilcon Vane Shear Testing (M-1000 Vane Borer)
  • Seismic site classification (NBCC / BCBC)
  • Consolidation settlement analysis
  • Liquefaction potential assessments
  • Subcontract CPT services for other engineering consultants

How It Works

01

Planning & Scoping

We work with you to define testing locations, depths, and deliverables based on your project's geotechnical and design needs.

02

Field Testing

Our CPT specialist mobilises to site and completes testing efficiently, coordinating with geotech crews as needed.

03

Analysis & Reporting

We process results quickly and deliver sealed reports with interpreted data ready for foundation design, seismic analysis, and permitting.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How is CPT different from borehole drilling? +
CPT provides a continuous, real-time profile of soil properties as the cone is pushed into the ground without sampling or drilling. This makes it faster, more economical, and produces higher-resolution data than conventional borehole methods.
What is SCPT and why is it used? +
Seismic CPT adds downhole shear wave velocity (Vs) measurements to standard CPT data. This provides the soil stiffness information needed for seismic site classification, ground response analysis, and liquefaction assessment. All from a single push.
Can CPT be used for liquefaction assessment? +
Yes. CPT data is widely used for probabilistic and deterministic liquefaction assessment, including Robertson & Wride, Idriss & Boulanger, and other accepted methodologies used in BC practice.