Proctor Penetrometer for Soil Compaction Testing

The Proctor Penetrometer is designed to evaluate the penetration resistance of compacted fine-grained soils and establish the relationship between moisture content and soil strength during Proctor compaction testing.

This portable instrument is equipped with a calibrated spring dynamometer and interchangeable penetration needles, allowing engineers to quickly determine whether the soil has reached the proper moisture condition for optimum compaction. The BESMAK Proctor Penetrometer is ideal for routine geotechnical testing, quality control, and construction site investigations.

Key Features

• Designed for Proctor soil compaction testing
• Determines soil penetration resistance
• Evaluates the moisture-density relationship
• Suitable for fine-grained soils
• Precision calibrated spring dynamometer
• Nine interchangeable penetration needles
• Direct-reading measurement scale
• Lightweight and portable design
• Durable carrying case included
• Easy field and laboratory operation
• Reliable and repeatable measurements
• Long service life

Standards

• ASTM D1558

Technical Specifications

Standard Accessories

The Proctor Penetrometer is supplied complete with:

• Precision Spring Dynamometer
• Direct Reading Scale
• Carrying Case
• Nine Interchangeable Penetration Needles

Needle Contact Areas

• 6.45 cm²
• 4.84 cm²
• 3.22 cm²
• 2.15 cm²
• 1.29 cm²
• 0.65 cm²
• 0.32 cm²
• 0.22 cm²
• 0.16 cm²

Soil Penetration Testing

The Proctor Penetrometer measures the penetration resistance of compacted soils using interchangeable needles with different contact areas.

The measured penetration resistance provides valuable information about soil compaction quality and helps determine whether the specimen has reached the optimum moisture content required to achieve maximum dry density during Proctor compaction testing.

Precision Measurement System

The instrument incorporates a specially calibrated spring dynamometer with a direct-reading scale mounted on the handle.

This design enables fast, accurate, and repeatable penetration measurements while eliminating the need for complex calculations during testing, improving both efficiency and measurement reliability.

Applications

The Proctor Penetrometer is suitable for:

• Proctor compaction testing
• Soil penetration resistance testing
• Moisture-density relationship evaluation
• Soil compaction quality control
• Highway engineering
• Earthworks construction
• Geotechnical investigations
• Construction materials laboratories
• Soil mechanics laboratories
• Universities
• Research institutes
• Field soil testing

Why Choose the BESMAK Proctor Penetrometer?

The BESMAK Proctor Penetrometer offers a fast, reliable, and portable solution for evaluating soil penetration resistance and moisture-compaction relationships.

Its precision-calibrated spring dynamometer, interchangeable needle system, and rugged carrying case provide accurate and repeatable measurements, making it an essential instrument for geotechnical engineers, construction professionals, quality control laboratories, and research institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Proctor Penetrometer?

A Proctor Penetrometer is a laboratory and field instrument used to determine the penetration resistance of compacted fine-grained soils during Proctor compaction testing.

What is the Proctor Penetrometer used for?

The instrument is used to:

• Evaluate soil penetration resistance
• Determine optimum moisture content
• Assess soil compaction quality
• Support Proctor compaction testing
• Perform field quality control

Which standard does the Proctor Penetrometer comply with?

The Proctor Penetrometer complies with the following standard:

• ASTM D1558

How many penetration needles are included?

The standard set includes nine interchangeable penetration needles with different contact areas, allowing accurate testing under a wide range of soil conditions.

What is the maximum measuring capacity?

The Proctor Penetrometer has a maximum measuring capacity of 130 lbf (600 N).

Where is the Proctor Penetrometer commonly used?

The Proctor Penetrometer is widely used in:

• Geotechnical laboratories
• Construction quality control laboratories
• Highway engineering projects
• Earthworks projects
• Soil mechanics laboratories
• Universities
• Research institutes
• Field soil investigations