Safari Group’s own Perth Sand Penetrometer is a heavy duty steel unit that boasts excellent workmanship and quality that is second to none. Manufactured to precision standards (AS 1289.6.3.3-1997) from the highest grade steel, these penetrometers are made to stand the test of time in harsh site environments.

What is a penetrometer, and what is it used for?

A penetrometre is an instrument for determining the consistency or hardness of a substance by measuring the depth or rate of penetration of a rod or needle driven into it by a known force. The Perth sand penetrometer is a tool that is unique to the area around Perth metropolitan area where the subsoil is predominantly sand with very little clay. The unique penetrometer for this area was developed to replace time-consuming field density testing. Slab construction requires uniform compaction of the whole site so vibratory equipment is normally brought in to compact the sandy soil sites. A reliable method of testing the compaction was then needed to ensure the sand pad was ready for construction of the building.

Safari Group’s Perth Sand Penetrometer (PSP) contains a 9kg weight that is dropped from a constant height onto the test soil so that the depth of the resulting hole can be measured. The measurements indicate whether the soil is compacted enough to build a house on. The moisture content of the soil can also be evaluated. If the soil passes the tests a compaction test certificate is issued so that building can commence.

We also sell the replacement tips which can become worn over time through constant sand abrasion. Our PSP penetrometers can also be supplied with an Australian Standards conformity certificate at time of purchase for your site requirements.

Click here to check out our alternative DCP Dynamic Cone Penetrometre - used for clay sites!

DID YOU KNOW BOTH SELL AND HIRE PERTH SAND PENETROMETERS? Call us on (08) 9455 1144 for your penetrometer hire or buy rates!