ETL 1110-1-171
31 Jan 96
4.
Background.
a. The cone penetrometer has been used extensively to
determine subsurface stratigraphy and geotechnical properties in
conventional geotechnical investigations. The electronic cone
has been in use since 1969. The cone penetrometer is fast,
economical, provides a continuous stratigraphic record and can
identify thin subsurface strata. These characteristics make the
cone penetrometer a useful investigative tool on HTRW sites.
b. HTRW site investigations including drilling, monitoring
well installation and sampling for laboratory analysis have been
time consuming and costly. An Army, Navy and Air Force Tri-
Service research and development effort focused on the use of the
cone penetrometer to decrease the time and money spent on HTRW
sites. The use of SCAPS as part of HTRW site investigations may
optimize the selection of boring locations and samples for
chemical analyses, identify preferential pathways of contaminant
migration, reduce or eliminate investigation-derived waste, and
reduce or eliminate worker exposure to environmental
c. The Army Environmental Center (AEC), formerly the US Army
Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency (USATHAMA), sponsored the US
Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES) to develop SCAPS
under a Tri-Service agreement. Development began in 1986;
initial sensor development was based on a fluorometric method of
detecting hydrocarbons developed in conjunction with the Naval
Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance, RDT&E Division (NRaD).
The first SCAPS technology demonstration was conducted by WES and
AEC in 1992 at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
d. The Corps of Engineers operates SCAPS vehicles in Kansas
City, Savannah, and Tulsa Districts. Refer to Appendix A for a
discussion of the areas of responsibility for each of the SCAPS
Districts.
Discussion.
5.
a.
General System:
(1) The SCAPS is mounted in a 18144 kilogram (kg) truck
equipped with two hydraulic rams capable of exerting 17237 kg of
force to make a direct push. The weight of the truck is
supported by hydraulic jacks while the penetrometer is pushed
into the ground with hydraulic rams. Pushes are made at the rate
of 20 millimeters (mm)/sec or about 1.2 meters/minute.
2
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