The CPT crawler-truck is a CPT penetrometer rig based on a truck-chassis provided with a crawler undercarriage. The crawler-truck has been designed to execute soil mechanical research based on static Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) techniques in an efficient manner. By means of the penetrometer pusher, installed in the centre of gravity of the CPT crawler-truck, either an electrical or mechanical probe (called a cone) is pushed into the ground and the mechanical resistance and friction of the soil is recorded. The CPT crawler-truck itself has a relatively high own weight and serves as counterweight to provide the required penetrative force.
The CPT crawler-truck is normally used on badly accessible job-sites and will therefore be constructed on top of a 4×4 all-wheel drive truck chassis. In cases where weight is of the essence you can also opt for a truck with 4×2 drivetrain. Before the CPT crawler-truck can do a CPT test, it is to be levelled horizontally. This is done by means of the 4 hydraulic cylinders that actuate the up and down movement of the crawler undercarriage. With these the CPT crawler-truck can be levelled exactly horizontally and furthermore they assure also its stability during testing.
All functionalities of the CPT crawler-truck are driven hydraulically. The diesel engine of the truck drives the hydraulic pump that generates the required working pressure and volume for all hydraulic functions.
The CPT penetrometer pusher is located inside the working cabin of the crawler-truck. Next to it the operating lever for the up-and-down movement of the penetrometer pusher is located and the electrical cabinet housing all electronics, the engine control panel and control elements.