What is the standard cone base area specified by this code?

The cone must have a projected base area of 10 cm² (Clause 5.1.1).

What is the specified apex angle for the sounding cone?

The cone shall have an apex angle of 60 degrees (Clause 5.1.1).

What is the standard diameter of the sounding rods?

The sounding rods shall have an outer diameter of 36 mm (Clause 4.1).

Is this standard for the test procedure or the equipment?

This standard is a specification for the equipment. The test procedure is covered in IS 4968 (Part 3).

IS 10589

: 1983

equipment for subsurface sounding of soils

CurrentSpecializedSpecificationGeotechnical · Soil and Foundation Engineering

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This standard specifies the requirements for the equipment used in subsurface sounding of soils, specifically for the Static Cone Penetration Test (SCPT). It covers the material, dimensions, and manufacturing tolerances for components like the sounding cone, sounding rods, and friction jacket to ensure consistent and reliable geotechnical data collection.

equipment for subsurface sounding of soils

Quick Reference Values

Cone base area10 cm²

Cone apex angle60 degrees

Sounding rod outer diameter36 mm

Sounding rod length1 m

Practical Notes

This standard specifies the equipment itself ('the what'), while IS 4968 (Part 3) details the testing procedure ('the how'). They must be used together.

The cone dimensions (10 cm² base area, 60° apex angle) are critical for obtaining results comparable to international data and must be checked for wear.

Though this standard is old, its core specifications for the mechanical cone penetrometer are fundamental and still referenced.